Letter 47 - What If All The Gurus Are WRONG?

Hello Bregdan Woman!

You have Ginny today…

Several years ago I was approached by a very special young woman who asked me to be her mentor because, in her words, I am the most passionate, purposeful person she knows, and she is searching for her purpose. It was easy to say yes because Jody (not her real name) was already special to me.

I’ll never forget our first conversation after becoming her mentor. We talked about a lot of things before I brought the subject of “Purpose” up to her.

Her eyes clouded as she shook her head. “There is part of me that wants to have a true purpose, and then there is another part of me that just wants to live my life for myself. In many ways, I believe that is what my life is meant to be.”

“Can you elaborate on that?” I asked, truly wanting to understand her thought process.

“Well, I just have so many things to work on in myself,” Jody answered. “And, I’m a single, disabled mom with a five-year-old son who needs me.” She shook her head again, obviously struggling with her frustration. “But every book I read… every podcast I listen to… say I need a purpose much larger than myself that will change the world.” Her eyes filled with tears as she took a deep breath.

I reached out and took her hand. “So let’s just work on you for a while,” I said gently. “Perhaps Purpose will come knocking on your door – and perhaps not – but we won’t worry about that now.”

Jody and I have been meeting for the last 2 months. I’ve thought so often about what she said during our first meeting. And I’ve thought back over all the books I’ve read… all the personal development gurus I’ve heard speak… and all the audios I’ve listened to over the years. They do indeed impart the message that every single person needs to find their BIG purpose that will allow them to find their worth and impact the world.

What if they are wrong?

What if they are setting people up for frustration?

What if they are fueling a feeling of failure because people have yet to find that huge Purpose, and so they spend their life and energy wondering what is wrong with them?

Oh, I believe each of us has a purpose, but what is the definition of HUGE and Life Changing?

What if Jody’s purpose for this lifetime is to be the best mom she can be – loving and giving, and healing from the tough things life has thrown her way?

I’d say that is pretty huge purpose!

My purpose is to be an author who hopefully writes life changing books. Does that make me any more special than anyone else? I don’t believe so. I’m simply using the gift I was given the best I can. I get more public recognition, and I know lots of people think it is a big deal, but it really isn’t. It’s simply what I do.

Is my purpose more important than the person who picks up garbage every day, and then goes home to be with their children?

No.

If you disagree with me, wait and see how you feel after a garbage strike, when the streets are reeking with the smell of uncollected garbage. I believe you will change your mind quickly!

The truth is that EVERY single person has a purpose that is needed by the world. Garbage collector, scientist, waitress, financial planner, cashier, store manager…

We tend to attribute value based upon income or recognition, but I believe that is so wrong. We are all dependent upon each other. The financial planner can’t spend any of their large salary if there is no one to take their money at the store or serve them food at a restaurant. Unfortunately, too many times they look down on the very people who make their world go around.

Unfortunately, they think their Purpose is more important.

I’ve heard so many conversations that go like this:

“Why are you a waitress? Don’t you know you are meant for so much more than that? You need to discover your Purpose.”

“Don’t you know that every person has the ability to be wealthy? Why are you selling yourself short? You need to find your Purpose. Once you have found it, you will have all the money you dream of.”

“You’re satisfied with working at Walmart, and then going home to be with your family? What is wrong with you? Find your purpose, and life will hold so much more.”

Are they right?

I don’t believe so. I will also admit there were times when I was the one saying those things. Knowing that makes me so sad.

Here’s what I believe now…

I believe every person has a purpose they can be proud of if they choose to live their life with passion and love.

How differently people would feel about themselves if everyone was honored and appreciated for what they do.

Here’s another thought I’ve had since I started meeting with Jody – one that I shared with her yesterday…

Your purpose right now might not be your purpose in the future. Jody’s purpose right now might be to be the best mom she can be to her son. What happens when he is 12? Or 18? Or 25? Her purpose could definitely change. Her desires could change as she changes as a person.

I believe all of us go through seasons of our life – with our purpose changing as the seasons of our life change.

I know that has been so true for me.

As I’ve pondered this, I believe it boils down to something very simple: BE A BRIGHT LIGHT IN THE WORLD.

It doesn’t matter what you do… It doesn’t matter how much money you make… It doesn’t matter how much recognition you gain…

At the end of the day, all I want to know is if I was a bright light to someone today? Did I make someone else feel special? Did I do what I had to do with excellence and passion? Did I look for a way to make the world a better place?

If I can answer YES to that question, then I know I have fulfilled my PURPOSE for today.

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What will you do to be a Bregdan Woman?

What will you do today to impact history??

We’re on this journey with you… (and have 2 FREE Gifts for you below…)

Ginny & Suess

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