Date : September, 01 , 2009 Publication : Shape Page Number: 18

SHAPE YOUR LIFE life coach

find your passion Expert advice to help you find a greater sense of purpose in life

"I AM CONVINCED THAT PEOPLE NEED THREE things to blossom in the world: self love, hope, and a raison d'etre or reason for being," says life coach Lisa Steingold. But for many women, finding their passion or sense of purpose in life can be a complicated, even stressful process.

We tend to define our life purpose by our vocation, and when people want to find out what their purpose is, they generally want to know what career path they should be following. "It is natural to want to change your passion into a career, but sometimes when you have to do the things you love, you stop loving them, so tread carefully before you turn your favourite hobby or past-time into a business," warns Steingold.

She advises that you find a way to include your interests in your day-to-day life without it feeling like work. For example, if you're passionate about writing,

"When you are really in the

moment you will

enjoy the process as much as the

outcome"

start up a blog in your free time. If you love reading, take a half-hour break at lunchtime to indulge yourself. If you like cooking, invite friends over for a gourmet meal once a month. And if you have a creative slant, sign up for an evening art class. By exploring various activities that stimulate and excite your interests, you may end up feeling happier and more productive in your work life too.

"In truth our essential life purpose is fulfilled no matter what choices we make; vocational or other­wise," says Steingold, but many women still feel the need to clearly define exactly what their life mission is. This is missing the point, since the search in itself should be a fun, exciting process, and there are many amazing opportunities that await you on the way.

Think about what activities make you feel most alive, happy and free during the process. "When you are really in the moment, you will enjoy the process as much as the outcome. You may even let go of the outcome altogether," says Steingold.

If you're struggling to remember the last time you did something that truly had you lost in the moment, it's time to explore some new interests. Make a list of all the activities you've wanted to try but never got around to, and start systematically ticking them off until you find something that really resonates with you.

KEY QUESTIONS To get a better idea of what really makes you tick, John Demartini, author of The Breakthrough Experience (Hay House), has developed a set of guestions to help you identify your hierarchy of values. "Think about the things you love to spend your time doing, the things you love in your home, and the things you always have energy to do no matter how tired you are," advises Demartini, as these provide vital clues to finding what it is you truly love. Answer the following guestions (list at least three items for each): ► How do you fill your space? Look around your home or office, noting which items are most important to you. ► How do you spend your time? What do you always find time for, no matter how busy your life is? ►• How do you spend your money? On travel, books, fashion or further study? ► Where are you most organised? ► Where are you most disciplined? ► What do you think about most? ► What do you envision or visualise most?

Pick out the things that stand out to be the most important in your life and make sure your job, daily routine and relationships are truly in line with your core values for a greater sense of purpose in life. ©

*These questions form part of a longer list. For more information, contact the Demartini Institute (www.drdemartini.co.za).

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