LIVE LIFE ON PURPOSE

Two years ago this month I began to live my life on purpose.
And like the reformed smoker who triumphantly climbs to the top of a hill without gasping for breath, I spread my arms wide and exclaim: "This is fantastic!"
Don't get me wrong -- it's not as though my life has been miserable; it hasn't. It's just that any growth (which always means change) was "other-directed." From the high school counselor who advised that instead of going to college, I should start working as a secretary, to God, who orchestrated my leaving a long-held administrative position, to my husband who pushed me toward getting my graduate degree in counseling, I've drifted along with what others thought was best for me. And, for the most part, they must have known me pretty well! (especially God and Jerry - thanks!) Good things have happened.

Aaah....but what a difference a purpose makes. Two years ago, I prayed, "God, use me. Take who you've made me to be, and what I want to do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself." And I began to live on purpose, a team player with God.

And now (hear the theme song to "The Jeffersons") I'm moving on up - to 5280 feet, to be the Director of Counseling Ministries at a megachurch in Denver, where thousands attend services each week. Like Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9) who wanted to be more and do more for God, I believe God granted my request. God did His part; what was my role in this team effort?
I implemented the steps of the GIFT teaching I've shared with so many clients and audiences. And this began to form a gradual change in the person I was -- the key.
It's an important key, because too often we want circumstances, people and events to change so we can be happy, so we can be purposeful, so we can succeed. "When things change at work, I will....." "When my spouse quits making our lives miserable, I'll be able to........." "When I win the lottery, life will be different!" No, it really begins inside. That's the key that helped me CHANGE MY LIFE WITH A GIFT.

In my "G" gratitude journal, I became so much more aware of appreciating my world and I also began to purposefully give more value. As I gave a little larger tip, took time to send a special note, and quit expecting others to change to make me happy, sure enough I then received more to be grateful for!

I began to focus on the "I" - my intention - what I wanted, vs. what I didn't want, didn't like or those things or people who irritated me. One of my big "I's" was to be a powerful public speaker, with my job description as one who "encourages, motivates, challenges and inspires." Another intention was to walk normally and treat my body well by eating healthily and exercising. I actually made quite a list of what I wanted -- that was pretty fun to look beyond how things were at the moment to what could be.

What was a little more scary, however, was the "F" - beginning to walk by faith. You wouldn't think so; after all, I'm a Preacher's Kid -- I can quote all the scriptures that encourage living by faith; I even know many songs with the same theme. However, I think the real definition of faith is kind of like courage; you're afraid but you do it anyway.

I decided to get ready, fire and aim vs the normal ready, aim, fire! and scheduled my first workshop. I was still relying on encouragement and support from others, but this felt different -- this was movement in the right direction - on purpose.

Another "F" was the great feeling of excitement and passion that came from doing something I had intentionally asked for, expected and began to make happen.

"T" - Train the Brain was both a deliberate action on my part and a state of being that began to happen more and more naturally. I deliberately immersed myself in different reading material, quite often it seemed I "zipped my lip," and I began making choices about what I watched on TV, who I spent quality time with, and what I chose to think about.

I'd hum instead of hurry in traffic; when I was impatient for the fulfilment of my speaking dream, I'd visualize thousands of people to whom I'd be speaking or I'd plan another workshop; I'd see my slim, healthy, flexible body in my mind's eye as I stretched my scarred leg and participated in tai-chi classes.

The bottom line? These principles work! Because they're God's principles about how to live our lives, use our God-given talents and strengths to make our own and others' lives more meaningful, joyous and abundant.

As I leave Pueblo, I experience bittersweet emotions; excitement about my new opportunity and of course sadness to leave friends who've been like family, clients whom I've learned from as we work together and green chili that's the best I've ever tasted!

My wish? That my climb will be inspirational to others, that there will be more "smokers" who decide to quit, and that all of us live our lives on purpose.