I need to find purpose again.

Question

My significant other had been supporting me and he is more than fine with that. I feel worthless though. I'm bright, a great writer, and I'm attractive. I'm capable of making my own money. I just don't know what the next step would be for me career-wise. I want to enjoy life, even while working. I'd love to care for plants or animals. I want to do something meaningful that won't kill my body. Help?!

Debbie Runyon · Answer

Hello Gayleen, I wish you the best as you continue to work toward finding your purpose. I am trying to type this message with two cats sitting on me, I love animals as well. It would be great if you can find something working with animals. Almost every class or group I have been involved in recommended journaling. If you do journal, for part of your entry try focusing on what you have accomplished in the past. How did you feel when you accomplished certain tasks/activities? Did you feel invigorated, happy, or just okay? Reflecting on things that you have accomplished may help in determining what really brings you joy, peace, contentment, etc. That may help you to find your purpose. Journaling also allows you to write down those things that are bringing you down, as a sort of release. Journal what what is bringing you down, your negative thoughts, why you are having a rough day, etc. Then let those things go. One other thing that helps me immensely is exercise, walking for me. If I am stressed or feeling down, for me going out for a walk brings everything into perspective (most of the time) and is also a great time to be reflective. I wish you the best.

Akshata Sulebhavi · Answer

Hi Gayleen, I hope you find your purpose soon! and try not to be hard on yourself, give it some time. Consider investing time in the things you love such as writing, animal, plants, etc. Do some volunteering, and try to do writing and journaling.  Consider reading this book (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21548935-the-art-of-work ) It is a book called ' The Art of Work by Jeff Goins. It's about out finding your calling that special goal that brings you joy and gives your life with meaning.  Good luck Gayleen!

Wonder Russell · Answer

This is one of my favorite topics! A good way to think of purpose for me was that it's the sum of what I do, not what I wish I were doing. Are you familiar with Marie Forleo? She's one of my favorite coaches (with free materials) for this very topic! Maybe start here: https://www.marieforleo.com/category/find-clarity-passion-and-purpose/ 
I hope it serves you!

Anonymous · Answer

Hi Gayleen - It's been a tough year both physically and psychologically so I wanted to let you that you're not alone in this. I've been going through the same experience and recently quit my job so that I can do a bit of soul searching. I've been listening to Esther Perel's How's Work? podcast and find it extremely relevant. Some times it's just nice to know that you're not the only person feeling this way during these turbulent times.

I hope you find your purpose soon

Robin Ahnen-Cacciatore · Answer

Gayleen,
      I believe you already know what you need to do, after all you stated it yourself, 'I'm bright, a great writer.'  WRITE!  Write about what you know, what you love!  Write Write Write  
     Submit your work to Medium, Huffington Post,  or whatever channel best fits your experience, heart & interests.   A bestselling author friend reminds her students that if you love writing, then you must write.  Write at least 5 pages a day and build up.   If you stall, write about the ant crossing the pavement or whatever you see before you.  
    The world needs bright and insightful writers.... there is a market for you whether you want to freelance, work for a large corporation, or become a bestselling author. 
     You are worthy.   You are magnificent.  Now, write!
      Good luck Gayleen, I know you will succeed. When you state your intention and follow through, the heavens will open to assist you. You can do this!!!

Renata · Answer

First allow me to commend some amazing advice and input here - and it is well worth considering.This year has been particularly difficult both economically and psychologically. Feelings of hopelessness in the face of the adversities we  have had to deal with is not uncommon and in fact by all accounts quite normal.  So, please give yourself permission to feel this overwhelm, acknowledge it and then decide how it can serve you. 
We often correlate our margin of success with our ability to achieve and sustain our careers and this too is a normal association since this is how we are raised. 
You made three very important points about what you enjoy writing, working with animals and working with plants.
Have you considered combining these - e.g. writing about plants and animals either broadly or specifically. For example, which plants are preferred by which animals and why? Why some domestic animals develop allegic reactions to some grasess and what to do about it? For people living in apartments , which plants or herbs or similar can provide natural spaces for animals like cats for them to feel some of nature in their spaces to keep them from tearing up the place etc , etc. perhaps even provide some micro lessons for animal lovers on these topics.Perhaps even connect with vets so talk about supplementation and rehabilitation to help people caring for injured pets. Which plants can be used to manage pet odours in the home or other odours and keep the air in the home clean. Maybe even talk about companion planting for small home gardens. I think the list is endless and is a really good combination because often(though not always) pet lovers also love plants and this is a good way to inform and educate people about harmonising these two fun and generous aspects of their nature. #justathought.

Katrina Julia · Answer

Sending you so much love. Dig in and remember who you were as a child & what you love to be & do. I have a super helpful 5 part free series How Passion + Purpose = Profits on www.fitlifecreation.com I filmed in Cuba I think you will love & will help you a ton & lots more on blog & show & freebies

Antonette · Answer

Gayleen, I am so proud of you for taking the first step to ask for help, then to find a job to occupy your time. Along with all the other great suggestions given, I would like to suggest two others.  I have found that such slow periods in ones life is a great time to reflect and journal ones feelings and experience. Start a journal if you don't yet have one. Also, I am suggesting that you create a vision board of what success would look like for you in the short to medium term. Include all the positive feeling which would go along with that success. Then write a plan to cultivate those feelings in your everyday life.  Each day use positive self talk to remind yourself of those positives. Your positive attitude towards yourself will fuel your actions to accomplish all that is on your vision board.

Carmelita Ervin · Answer

Gayleen, you are not worthless! You are in a transitional period that takes time to complete.  Seems like you are following your passion of writing. It is a blessing to have the support of your significant other.  You are not alone in your feelings.  When I start to spiral with those feelings, I always look at ways to contribute to my community.  This can be a small gesture such as giving a complement and smiling at others.  I know with masks it impossible to know if anyone is smiling, but there is still a way to give a complement.  Giving back provides a sense of  purpose and connection. Also, I must remind myself to practice gratitude by thinking on the positive aspects of my life. At times I must record my daily accomplishments by replacing the negative thought of “I am worthless” with the positive one, “I’m a human being and I am worthy”. Constant positive self-talk is healthy for your mental state.  Confess positive things about yourself throughout the day. This journey of life is challenging and takes persistence but if you make small positive steps every day, you can become an overcomer.  I wish you all the best as you press forward.

Gellin Hughes · Answer

This is such a good question. If I were in a position where I were financially supported and had time to reformat my career on my own timeline, I'd launch my own business. Is that something you're interested in? Is there anything you do for fun that you could potentially craft into a side hustle or part-time work, just to explore? Maybe tending to houseplants or caring for animals could become a small business opportunity. I recommend the book Side Hustle by Chris Guillebeau and the podcast Side Hustle School as a place to start. They're geared towards people who are working full-time for someone else, but I think they provide accessible strategies to start small and see if you like something.

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