There was a time shortly after becoming a mother and being home with my child for a number of months that I went a little “stir crazy” we’ll say.
And this set me off to try and nail down that elusive “life’s purpose” question. You know trying to figure out what you uniquely have to offer the world…your super power- those gifts and talents that you are meant to share and bless others with.
I found an extremely simple way to get clarity around the gifts you are most suited to offer. I shot a quick video explaining the little secret to getting crystal clear and unearthing a key component of your life’s purpose- what gifts you are here to offer the world.
Like I promised, I’ll share with you one of my “super powers” if you’ll share with me about yours!Â
I not only personally feel alive on a stage and in front of an audience…but I get to see the women and mothers I speak to lift and shine and radiate themselves…it is a complete joy for me.Â
Incidentally, if you are part of a group, church or organization that is interested in having me come and speak or lead a workshop- shoot an email to my manager Bren at wellgroundedlife (at) gmail (dot) com. We’ll send you some more information.Â
Now it’s your turn…what is your superpower…what do you do that makes others around you shine? Let me know in the comments!
So good Lisa. I have experienced this for myself in the last 6 months with the direction my writing has taken. I also experience this in my homeschool coaching. To be in that place where other people light up (as well as yourself) – now that is, like you say, a sweet spot!
Love that- isn’t it amazing to see one of your talents grow into palpable blessings to those in your community?!
Lisa, I enjoyed your video. You have a lovely face, a sweet voice, and a great message.
I would say that my sweet spot is my smile. People compliment me on it often. I try to accompany it with encouraging words focusing on others rather than myself. I think everyone needs encouragement. It can come in so many sizes and shapes.
Thanks Janie! LOVE your sweet spot, isn’t it just so true that the WAY we do anything changes everything about it. Smiling, kindness, encouragement- such amazing gifts.
Hi Lisa,
thanks for your warm words what a wonderful way of introspecting on our life’s purpose, a way that values a touch or a word as much as any other thing we could be doing. I like the way you have taken life’s purpose and made it a non lofty everyday idea. Perhaps we also have to think about our secret goals that we have not yet shared and so have not yet lit anyone up or also the things that make us light up on our own. Those goals can get lost when we are helping other peoples light shine. It is indeed a sweet spot when we achieve both others ans we light up. I find that in my art.
Yes, Soma– absolutely agree. When we keep thinking of our “life’s purpose” in grandiose ideas they can be hard to actually put into practice everyday– and I’m a firm believer that any gift we have can only be sharpened and refined in practice- and specifically through using it to help and bless others…it’s a two way street!
I find myself a little lost in my stage of life. I have been a stay at home mom for many years and have dabbled in lots if things as the kids were growing up. I have been a Girl Scout Co-Leader, a MOPS core leader, a Sunday School Teacher. I participated in school activities for my children and even taught an after school activiity. Now that the kids are older last child is a junior in HS, I find myself lost. Ifind that I can not go back to those old things which at own time kept me busy and was a service to others. Things have changed and I find myself stuck just home. I tried going back to work which I felt was good for me because I thought it was itilizing my gifts of service and help to others but lost that job. Any recommendations ? Thanks.
Nereida,
Thanks so much for commenting. I can distinctly remember a conversation I had with an older mom when I was going to school at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She was remarking how wonderful she thought it was that I was pursuing this as a young mom and that she had a very hard time when her kids got older figuring out what her passions were, where she could use her gifts, what made her feel really alive.
I think we always have to take pause and reconnect along the way and sometimes the answers don’t come in a lightening bolt, sometimes it is in the exploration of who we are and what we are meant to be doing that surfaces them.
I do have a webinar called Creating a Life You Love Waking Up to Every Morning…I’m going to pop back in here later today and leave the link- it may be helpful to you and others who are seeking out your next steps.
You also may want to explore http://www.mappgathering.com The set of 9 interviews are free, you just have to sign up- and I’m also offering a paid guided workshop as well that explores some core issues around navigating motherhood and our passions.
Dear Nereida I will be praying for you. I am an empty nester of about 10 years. I worked out of the home part of the time my kids were growing up, but as I became a grandmother decided to work from home because I had a hard time keeping life in balance and want to be available to be a grandmother and wife. When we are new Mom we learn that we don’t learn how to do that season over night. True of the new season we are in now. Its about the journey :} I have found a girlfriend to share this journey with and that has helped. I know because our world tells women.. when your kids are in school you can go conquer the world..that it is hard to find a friend who has time at our stage.. many are so tired trying to do it all which just gets harder as we get older. praying for you
I feel like I am in the same boat. Although I do have a young one at home still but my two oldest are in junior high. I know when my youngest enters school I want to do something but my problem is what??? I need to find my passion, something that fulfills my life and makes me feel alive. I wish you luck Nereida. And Lisa thank you for making me realize that I should be looking outward and try and find that spark. It is a great start for me.
Lisa, this is synchronicity. Your message comes at such a good time as I am redirecting myself in my life. I am one that considers the internal first and maybe it is time to focus on the external more. Thanks so much. Your video is very clear and your energy makes me want to work with you.
You’re welcome, Lise– So glad you enjoyed it!
Lisa, I loved your comments today! I’m a widow, mother of 7 and I’m packing to move by the end of the month into a much smaller home with 3 kids. As I sort I find a lot of STUFF I bought that I thought would make me happy. I never had time to open most of it. I have seen that light in others faces when I share their triumphs and sadness- thank you for reminding me to look outward! I’m definitely on a path of searching what to do now!!
Beautiful, Pam…wishing you a smooth and peace-filled move!
I think my sweet spot is encouraging others. I have several different venues and opportunities to do this. As a violin teacher, I can encourage my students. As a Compassion sponsor and advocate, I can encourage the children we sponsor through letters and I love encouraging other sponsors to be good sponsors. As a homeschooling mom, I can encourage others on this same journey. As a person pursuing a simple lifestyle, I can encourage family and friends to consume less and live more.
With the exception of teaching violin (which is done face to face), most of my encouragement goes out to others in writing. I have a couple different blogs, and I love write people notes.
When I get feedback along the lines of “you are such an encouragement to me”, it makes me soar and know I’m being who I was created to be.
Yes! Loved hearing your comment Jill- sounds like you really have found that sweet spot- what a blessing!
Playing the buzzing bee taking pollen from flower to flower
I have found that I see people shine when I take their idea and share it with someone and give that first person credit. The person with the great idea shines.. someone thought their idea was terrific.. the other person shines.. they got an answer.. I shine because my actions made two people feel wonderful:} The garden starts to bloom:}
Love it, Erin! Sounds like major ripple effect in motion!
Lisa,
This is so fantastic because I always look internally…and then end up doing things that do not make me come alive. And I end up burnt out and confused. I’m realizing the it’s writing! I love to write and when I’ve written my thoughts out to a friend, it’s made them come alive too. And this shouldn’t be a surprise to me as the words of others have always sustained me too!
Great insight, Kristi- beautiful!
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I came here tonight and was hoping for another video and there you were! Yay! Just lifted me right back up. Was having a blah day and now am equipped for tomorrow, looking up and listening to the feedback around me. Thanks!
Amazing…so needed this message. Been struggling to define what my life purpose might be…but after listening to your amazing message it became clear. I am at my best when I am sharing and teaching others. I go into a “mode” and I don’t even think about the words, they just flow. 🙂 Thanks so much for the nudge!!
Natalie
Hi Lisa, thank you for your post and video. I loved it. Mine is encouragement. Great way to find out our purpose.
What a nice quick way to think about what feeds our souls and the souls of others. I have spent many an hour with inward soul searching. I find some beauty and sweetness, but I also find a lot of needles and dust bunnies in there. It is not a nourishing place to abide for long periods of time.
I have always loved writing and have been surprised to have others respond to words I have put down. It is easy for me. That is another surprise: I expected my gift to be something that I had to work hard for. Hmmmm.
On that note, I remember when I was pregnant I marveled at the fact that my body could just take over and do what was right. I didn’t have to eat right, exercise, meditate, or pay to make that miracle of a baby grow. I think our gifts may be like that. And then not only a gift to others, but to ourselves.
I love this idea. And I’ve heard it twice in the last few days. To look and see what I am doing that is encouraging others. I will have to start paying attention 🙂