How I Live On Purpose
In this fun interview, I’m sharing how I live on purpose in support of my friend Dr. Danielle Dowling and her new book The Soul Sessions, a 5-week guide to crafting greater joy and making big things happen. Get a free sample here !
How do you let go of the chase for perfection?
By remembering that there’s no such thing as perfect. And that once you get to that “perfect place” there’s always another “perfect” you want to get to. The cycle is never ending. It’s the same for happiness, and the “I’ll be happy when…” mindset. I’ll be happy when I get that job, make more money, lose 10 pounds, get engaged, make more friends…
And then when you finally get there (to your “when”) – there’s something else you want now, and you’re not happy. Or, not as happy as you thought you would have been.
Whether you’re chasing after perfection or happiness – you’re focused on the outcome – not the journey and that’s really the biggest block preventing us from being happy in the now. And when we’re not happy in the now, it’s hard to get to where we want to go and stay there.
How do you pinpoint what isn’t working?
I know something isn’t working when I dread doing it. If I feel no excitement, pride, joy or gratitude during the process or when it’s done, then something definitely needs to change.
Pay attention to your intuition and your heart. Really observe and tune-in. Because when you start to truly pay attention, you’ll know if something is or isn’t right for you. And most importantly, remember that it’s about what works for you. We’re all unique souls and something that works fabulously for your bff, may not work for you and that’s okay!
Tune-in, find teachers, mentors, coaches, books, lectures, programs and peers who inspire you and light you up. Experiment with their teachings and see what works for you. Take what you love and leave what you don’t. Life is our biggest teacher and it’s up to each of us to learn (and practice) what specifically works for us and to continually grow.
How do you identify your spark? Do you have any rituals that help you return to your truest, most centered self?
When something lights me up and makes me feel alive I’d say that’s my spark. During (and after) client coaching calls and talks, I feel that spark and am full of so much gratitude for it.
The three most powerful daily rituals that allow me to stay grounded, centered, and peaceful are my meditation practice, long nature walks with my pups, and my gratitude journal. These practices help you stay in the present – no worrying about the future or stressing about the past. The more we can live in the present, the more alive, calm, and peaceful we feel.
How do you not get caught up in “doing it all?”
Creating boundaries (in all areas of life) has been an overarching theme for me this year – and it’s been amazing. When you start to create boundaries for yourself, you’re saying (to the Universe) that you believe you’re worth it. And when you believe you’re worth it, others will too.
At this time in my life, I know myself well enough to recognize what I can handle and what I can’t. I also know that I need to live in peace, calm, and love instead of stress, chaos, and frantic energy – and if I start taking on more than I can handle, then I’m going to end up in living in a space that feels frantic. And in that frantic energy, I’m not serving others or myself.
You know yourself better than anyone else. If something doesn’t energize your soul, or you know that it’ll put you in a frantic space, create boundaries and don’t be afraid to decline with gratitude.
What does living a life of meaning mean to you? Paint us a picture.
I don’t know if I’ll be able to paint you a picture, but I do know that living a life of meaning means choosing love over fear – and sharing it. And, that we each have our own special meaning. Our own distinctive journey with our own lessons, challenges, and struggles that we’ve faced and overcome.
When we can show up, each day, willing to see others (and ourselves) with empathy and compassion, willing to give back, using our own unique gifts – in even the smallest of ways – we’re sharing what we’ve learned and what we’ve found meaningful in our journey for a greater purpose. And when that happens, we’re spreading light, love, and positive energy and that, to me, is what a life of meaning is all about – letting fear go and allowing love in.
I’d love to hear from you! What “hit home” for you here the most? How do you live with purpose? Tell me in the comments below!
With love,
Corinne