Jane Chin asks do you believe that each of us has 'a' (as in 'one') life purpose? i used to think so and spent much effort looking; now i'm not sure.

317 responses to this plurk.

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  August 10, 2008 at 20:16 ThoughtWrong thinks that we actually have many. I have a kid and family and I know that is one of mine for sure
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:16 ThoughtWrong however I know that there is more that I must be doing and growing upon in order to achieve a higher understanding of the things that be
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:17 ThoughtWrong If in fact we do only have one life purpose then that purpose would have to be "our entire life"
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:17 Jane Chin thoughtwrong I think we have many as well, but often we are led to believe there is 'ONE calling', therefore attempt to find what this is
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:18 rosasay says I agree w/thoughtwrong that we have many. Human beings have amazing capacity and abundance
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:19 rosasay says janechin I give people "calling coaching" but w/intention to help them focus and enjoy their current passions, not to restrict them
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:20 AbleReach says I've had a few, & right now have lost track. Maybe that means I'm between "one" purposes, or maybe my meaning of life gene is on sabbatical
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:20 Jane Chin rosasay i used to provide "core essence coaching", which i learned from someone who created process to identify a person's "core essence"
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:21 AbleReach says I do think we're generally healthier when we have a guiding center
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:21 Jane Chin it sounds similar to your aim as well, to focus on current passions
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:21 sonnygill i don't think we have one purpose in life. i dont expect to have one sole purpose in life but many that can effect myself and others equally
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:22 rosasay says kinda connected to that other talk-story we had about remaining present vs eternally onto the next thing
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:21 Jane Chin ok guys then help me understand this: why are we conditioned to ask this question "what should I do with my life and how do I get there?"
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:22 Jane Chin don't you think implicit in this question is "the one thing to do that is RIGHT" if not doing it, then you're not living your potential?
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:24 ThoughtWrong well what you should do with your life is a great question because if you do nothing with it then was it not a waste
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:23 ThoughtWrong however "What should I do with my life never implies that there is only one thing you should be doiung
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:24 ThoughtWrong ex: What should I do with my life. Well I want to have kids, get married move to california have a great job as a computer guru, etc
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:26 rosasay says thestrangers Aloha. Your "cultural thing" comment is interesting to me: Can you share more?
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:26 ThoughtWrong thinks "What should I do with my life" translates to "What are my short, medium, and longterm goals" thats GOAL**S** with a plural
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:27 Glyphrunner says we're raised from birth to be better and more advanced than our parents. They demand that we find our way and calling to be better than they
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:26 Jane Chin thoughtwrong, did you come to this multi-goal conclusion for yourself, or did you understand that the question is about multiple goals?
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:27 Glyphrunner says personally, I have been searching for my purpose beyond raising my daughter. I don't seem to really have one. I don't impact the world.
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:27 Jane Chin rosasay i was also curious about the cultural aspect, because that can be very influential.
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:29 Jane Chin glyphrunner you don't think that raising your child is a critical and extremely importance purpose in itself? (i'm asking also as a new mom
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:29 Jane Chin dealing with a transitioning identity from career/bizwoman to new mom)
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:30 Jane Chin sonnygill I agree with your take on it as well - many purpose
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:30 rosasay says glyphrunner I think you probably impact the world more than you realize, e.g. as Jane says about child-raising, & so many more ways
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:30 Glyphrunner says oh no, I definitely think that's extremely important, but it has really become my one and only purpose: provide for and raise daughter.
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:30 sonnygill agrees with thestrangers - its a part of the 'plan' and what we're 'supposed' to do
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:30 Jane Chin thestrangers thank you for bringing this point! US is indeed very identity focused. Can you give some examples of other cultures and how
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:29 Jane Chin they may answer this question (or if they even need to ask the question)
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:30 Jane Chin rosasay but I understand where glyphrunner is coming from. it has been ridiculous for me when my identity suddenly changed from
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:31 Jane Chin "head of corp" to "mom 1.0"
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:31 sonnygill doesnt mean you're not living to your potential if you don't follow a specific plan but you're just taking your own route.
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:32 Glyphrunner says unless she or one of her descendants does something amazing or life/world altering, I can't see that I've done much for the world.
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:31 ThoughtWrong says well janechin, I just know that in the beginning you asked why we are set to chose only one life purpose
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:32 ThoughtWrong says then you say the comment of "what should I do with my life?" I see that as asking what are my goals in life
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:33 gwfrink3 says can we not seek to be "centered," yet practice acceptance, so that we may serve many purposes, as they emerge?
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:33 ThoughtWrong says and that in retrospectnever asks for only one. had you said "what one thing should I do with my life?" that would be a different story
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:32 Jane Chin sonnygill in the US society though, "having a plan" is almost expected. if you don't have a plan, then people will think you're lazy or
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:33 Jane Chin clueless
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:34 Jane Chin glyphrunner the challenge though, is that sometimes we are catalysts for other people doing amazing things, and we may never even know it.
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:34 ThoughtWrong says "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail"
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:33 ThoughtWrong says ^^true in most cases^^\
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:34 rosasay says thank you for the insight thestranger - I have Russian ancestors! It is true that the "American dream" pushes accomplishment
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:35 Jane Chin thoughtwrong I see how you're interpreting it. When I first saw the question, though, I thought about "one overarching thing in life"
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:35 Jane Chin versus many goals. perhaps up to individual interpretation of question?
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:36 Jane Chin gwfrink3 i have a feeling it's hard to be "centered" when we are conditioned in a society to be "self-centered"
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:36 Jane Chin thestrangers when you say there is less compartmentalization, do you mean people see their work=life?
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:38 rosasay says re identity change JaneChin tell me about it! Must say you have "worn it well" my friend
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:43 rosasay says gwfrink3 you have a good point about acceptance... it is an abundance and not scarcity mentality. "And" instead of "either/or"
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:45 Jane Chin says ablereach perhaps you are in transition and therefore "state of formlessness"
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:46 Jane Chin says rosasay the identity change was when I decided to spend 1 year and participate in bb's life. as result, made drastic cuts to biz life.
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:46 Jane Chin says although i chose, i quickly realized how ingrained my "biz/career" roles were a part of my identity, including $ earned.
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:47 Jane Chin says talk about the "western, objective form of thinking"; a philosopher I knew said I was a master of it.
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:48 Jane Chin says (the opposite would be the "eastern, subjective type of thinking")
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:49 rosasay says janechin One of the best gifts I ever got from my son was his statement that being a working mom made me the kind of mom he needed to have
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:51 rosasay says that work-family balance forces choices continually, and I think our kids watch how we make them versus what they end up to be
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:52 rosasay says versus what the choice ends up to be that is, not the child!
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:52 gassho says life purpose is on 1 level, more your external activity, production & contribution.
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:52 gassho says your gem is an essence, maybe a handful of qualities, with 1 or 2 that shine most.
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:53 gassho says how your gem looks externally may change thru life, thus you may or may not have 1 purpose. but the gem qualities remain.
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:56 rosasay says ah gassho you seem to be taking us into the strengths-mgt, innate talent discussion now, another fascinating one to have!
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:56 Jane Chin rosasay I agree. children watch adults and either directly or indirectly adopt their values
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:58 gassho says yes, don't know if it's mgmt. inborn qualities that certainly need to be owned. also more than strength or talent. more soul qualities.
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:58 Jane Chin interesting analogy with gems, gassho! i like it.
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  August 10, 2008 at 20:58 rosasay says that's what my son meant I think Jane: luckily, the work both I and their dad did gave my kids a healthy attitude about the workplace
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:01 rosasay says gassho agree, thus I have always liked the word "calling" that Jane somewhat started us talking here with. it implies you must listen
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:00 rosasay says ...listen to your own voice, own talent, own curiosity and imagination, own creative urge
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:02 rosasay says mahalo thestrangers Now back to the mom thing, have to step away for a moment to put a load of laundry in!
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:04 Jane Chin gassho perhaps we may confuse ourselves with what we're really looking for. gem qualities? or how the gem reflects in the outside world.
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:04 Jane Chin gassho the gem talk reminded of a workshop I took years ago, it seems to be based on the DISC theory but the person used gems
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:05 Jane Chin (like diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires etc)
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:04 Jane Chin oh wait, there are no diamonds (on purpose)
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:05 Jane Chin thestrangers it tries to describe your personal type based on a precious stone. for example if you are ruby then you would be this way,
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:07 Jane Chin but if you are an emerald then you would be that way.
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:07 gassho says your gem(s) is thematic, archetypal, part of your essence. you may have a gem quality that makes everyone very comfortable around you.
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:08 gassho says in the world that may translate as having a successful coffee house franchise. or you may end up a groundbreaking therapist. or both!
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:11 Glyphrunner wonders the same thing as thestrangers
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:12 gassho says there may be, don't know one, but it's part of info that grows out of inner work teachings...
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:13 gassho asks doesn't james hillman call it your daimon?
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:16 JohnnyRokkit says I don't believe anyone has any specific purpose intended for us. Circumstances, motivation, happenstance is all there is.
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:17 Jane Chin i think the one I attended was loosely based on this en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DiSC_assessment
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:19 Jane Chin (and not with a spiritual dimension as gassho may be talking about)
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:19 Jane Chin brb I need to feed bb!
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:25 rosasay thinks my gem is a lava rock Like the thought of my essence being the aloha spirit...a good goal for me to have, always
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:25 AsKatKnits thinks we have a purpose, but it is not always the same
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:52 Myrnaslist says Eckhart Tolle says are primary purpose is to be a shining light for the next person-doesn't matter what you 'do'(your everyday business is)
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:54 Myrnaslist says its the same no matter-be sharing, caring and loving with compassion to all peoples of the world.
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:54 Myrnaslist says probably more than Tolle says that
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:54 Jane Chin Tolle is a good representative for being present and with as little ego as humanly possible.
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:56 Jane Chin i loved what he said to someone asking him (via O's webcast when i was following it) how being present jives with having goals and planning
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:56 Jane Chin for the future (people tend to think one precludes the other)
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:56 Jane Chin and he said something like, to be able to plan for the future and be present while doing the planning, and without attachment to the future
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:57 Jane Chin (i'm totally butchering it, just how i interpreted the answer)
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:58 LindaZ says oh no... you ask this question... my niche when I am not around.-lol- oh well I promise to read later and respond to you all, xoxz
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:57 LindaZ says The Purpose Connector
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:57 Jane Chin lindazimmer i thought your coaching specialty was something along these lines!
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  August 10, 2008 at 21:58 Jane Chin the plurk will be around, some of us had life stuff to tend to so it's kind of like a revolving impromptu philosophy seminar LOL
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  August 10, 2008 at 22:09 LindaZ says I am a business coach whose niche is to take people through a process of 5 methods to find their life purpose, then I support them in...
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  August 10, 2008 at 22:10 LindaZ says bringing one of the 3 facets of purpose (which I call their purpose process) into their business and or their personal life.
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  August 10, 2008 at 22:11 LindaZ says This will make their business life easier, probably more profitable, they will be happier, in alignments with what they do everyday... and
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  August 10, 2008 at 22:12 LindaZ says most important they will feel freedom and totally self-espressed
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  August 10, 2008 at 22:13 gwfrink3 says yes rosasay, it is an abundance/acceptance centeredness, in some regards an activist approach to Myrnaslist "shining light."
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  August 10, 2008 at 22:14 LindaZ most people when they talk about purpose, are really talking about mission... while that is part of the equation there is more to it...
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  August 10, 2008 at 22:19 IamGay! says this plurk reminds me of that song from Avenue Q titled "Purpose"
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  August 10, 2008 at 22:23 LindaZ I need to go back and read what each of you have plurked here, will do that overnight ... this is a conversation I would love to play in w/U
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  August 11, 2008 at 01:57 DSN life exists. what happens happens.
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  August 11, 2008 at 02:02 DebInDenver says I think we have multiple life purposes and that they may change with different phases of our lives.
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  August 11, 2008 at 02:46 Jane Chin darn if i had plurk years ago, i could have saved myself a ton of trouble and got my answers right here
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  August 11, 2008 at 02:46 Jane Chin DebInDenver i agree with you
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  August 11, 2008 at 17:06 LivSimpl.com says Yup.
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  August 11, 2008 at 17:05 LivSimpl.com says (As in, yes, I believe there is a single purpose.)
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  August 11, 2008 at 17:08 Abbreviated glorify God our Creator
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  August 11, 2008 at 17:13 Jane Chin livsimpl how did you find your single purpose?
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  August 11, 2008 at 17:13 Jane Chin Abbreviated glorify in what way?
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  August 11, 2008 at 17:30 Sir Proudgamer Nope to "be" that is what we are here for. Some people have driven themselves insane searching for more
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  August 11, 2008 at 17:46 Jane Chin i wonder where this drive comes from, sirproudgamer
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  August 11, 2008 at 18:45 Sir Proudgamer Jane, I think the desire to be important is as strong a desire as the desire to be loved. Even if it just means being important to a few
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  August 11, 2008 at 18:45 Sir Proudgamer The idea that someone was created with a goal would aid the feeling of importance
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  August 11, 2008 at 18:46 pritcharddesign hi Jane! you stole my question! Wasn't here, so now I have to read through another long janechin discussion!
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  August 11, 2008 at 19:16 LivSimpl.com says Similar to Abbreviated, I found it through my particular faith. I believe there is a God and he hasn't just left us down here...
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  August 11, 2008 at 19:17 LivSimpl.com says ... but has a plan for us. As we work toward fulfilling that plan, we find purpose, happiness and direction.
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  August 11, 2008 at 19:24 Sir Proudgamer This is interesting, I think that the answer is going to vary from religion to religion
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  August 11, 2008 at 19:52 Glyphrunner says I definitely do not see it as a religious question as I have no religion to speak of. I see it as a personal philosophy and priorities.
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  August 11, 2008 at 20:09 Sir Proudgamer Allow me to clarify I do not consider this a religious question, however I think some religions will have a specific answer to this
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  August 11, 2008 at 20:45 Jane Chin theresawhite you may be onto something re: me getting people to think
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  August 11, 2008 at 20:46 Jane Chin i also see it as a philosophical question, although given the nature of philosophy is to find the "truth" and religions claim to have the
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  August 11, 2008 at 20:46 Jane Chin "truth", they may be related and relevant depending on the individual.
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  August 11, 2008 at 21:34 Hope says You know, I've spent most of my life thinking/feeling that, and feeling like I'm chasing my tail and am clueless.
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  August 11, 2008 at 21:36 Hope says Could this be why I rarely feel great happiness?
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  August 11, 2008 at 21:36 Hope says I've always had this feeling like I don't know what my purpose in life is.
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  August 11, 2008 at 21:47 pritcharddesign I think purpose in life comes from within. What your core beliefs are, what do you want out of life, what is your nature. The job you get or
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  August 11, 2008 at 21:47 pritcharddesign whether you have children, take care of your parents, contribute to the world as a whole, is how you apply the purpose. Is your purpose to
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  August 11, 2008 at 21:50 pritcharddesign develop something that will affect the world, or that will keep your family healthy and whole? Do you thrive energy and conflict, or are you
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  August 11, 2008 at 21:51 pritcharddesign someone who is introspective and spiritual? How will you apply your nature? Purpose does not have to be one thing for now or forever.
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  August 11, 2008 at 21:52 pritcharddesign It can and probably will change and grow as you change and grow. I think frustration comes when someone is not fully in touch with who they
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  August 11, 2008 at 21:51 pritcharddesign are, what's important to them as an individual, where they fit into the world or their community. Or if they are transitioning due to
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  August 11, 2008 at 21:51 pritcharddesign growth, setback, internal or external change, or the end of a previous purpose.
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  August 11, 2008 at 21:53 LivSimpl.com says I believe the answers to life - Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? - have been answered. Then again, I'm religious.
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  August 11, 2008 at 23:11 LivSimpl.com says Re-reading that it may have come across as snooty - that wasn't my intention!
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  August 12, 2008 at 00:06 Hope says Very interesting conversation here, that's for sure. I needed this today, too.
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  August 12, 2008 at 00:09 Jane Chin HopeWilbanks part of the reason may be because you haven't yet decided what happiness means to you, or what purpose you will choose.
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  August 12, 2008 at 00:10 Jane Chin I think you raised a good point livsimpl - those who have a guiding principle via religion or spiritual belief free up that energy to do...
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  August 12, 2008 at 00:12 Jane Chin but if you do not have this,or if you feel that purpose is something you "find", then you spend energy looking for it, or determining it.
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  August 12, 2008 at 01:03 LivSimpl.com says So Jane, if I understand you correctly, those who have a guiding principle/religion/faith are able to act on that...
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  August 12, 2008 at 01:04 LivSimpl.com says ...while others are still seeking?
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  August 12, 2008 at 01:49 Jane Chin not exactly; i am not sure religion precludes the desire to search.
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  August 12, 2008 at 01:48 Jane Chin but it can reduce some anxiety and doubt during the search (i.e. god has a plan for me)
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  August 12, 2008 at 10:18 Hope says I agree with JaneChin. I am a deeply religious person, full of faith, but that hasn't stopped me from feeling like I'm missing something.
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  August 12, 2008 at 10:17 Hope says My faith in God definitely secures me, though.
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  August 12, 2008 at 10:19 Jane Chin HopeWilbanks not to put thoughts in god's mind but... god did give man the ability to invent the word, "Why"
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  August 12, 2008 at 10:24 DavidBridger says I believe God gives us free will and creativity, and encourages us to use them
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  August 12, 2008 at 10:30 Hope says I believe that, too, David. And I came back to say that I think a lot of my "issues" stem from the fact that I went from.....
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  August 12, 2008 at 10:32 Hope says Being a very independent, in control of my world, kind of gal, to married, with 2 kids and a stay at home mom
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  August 12, 2008 at 10:32 Hope says I lost my independence and lost myself in the process
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  August 12, 2008 at 10:32 Hope says Now both are in school, and I'm in school, working on earning my degree so I can teach.
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  August 12, 2008 at 10:31 Hope says In some ways, I feel like I am on the path to feeling like I have purpose again.
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  August 12, 2008 at 10:32 Hope says Does this even make any sense?
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  August 12, 2008 at 11:08 DavidBridger says makes sense to me, Hope
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  August 12, 2008 at 13:40 MatthewBennett says Really interesting Plurk guys. I've been thinking a lot about this topic for the last few days too (maybe it's the holidays) and came across
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  August 12, 2008 at 13:41 MatthewBennett says an American called Rick Warren who talks about a 'purpose driven life' which I think you all might find interesting given the conversation
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  August 12, 2008 at 13:41 MatthewBennett says Here at a TED talk: www.ted.com/index.php/talks/rick_warren_on_a_life_of_purpose.html
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:37 LivSimpl.com says Matt - That's an excellent talk.
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:43 LivSimpl.com says (aside - I'm getting a weird error)
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:42 LivSimpl.com says HopeWillbanks - my impression is that you see your identity as coming from your education/career...
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:42 LivSimpl.com says ...not as a wife/mother. Is that accurate?
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:45 Hope says Maybe so. I think I've felt like I've been defined by my motherhood for so long that I lost *ME*.
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:45 Hope says I love being a wife and mother, but I want more out of life than just that.
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:46 LivSimpl.com says Conversely, then, are you defined by your career? Your ed degrees? Or is that *the* question?
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:48 Hope says I'd have to say no, since I don't have any degrees just yet.
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:49 Hope says That's just it.....I don't know what defines me.
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:49 Jane Chin HopeWilbanks and livsimpl I've been dealing with this very topic this year; identity as wife/mother and where "career/biz" role fits
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:51 Jane Chin and I already KNOW that getting a degree doesn't make me get closer to life purpose
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:50 Jane Chin (much to my chagrin)
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:51 LivSimpl.com says
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:50 Hope says Oi. Don't tell me that janechin
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:51 Hope says I think that's what I'm counting on....a career making me feel important/with purpose again.
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:51 LivSimpl.com says "The most important work you will ever do is within the walls of your own home."
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:54 pritcharddesign I think a career can give your life purpose, depending on what it is and what it means to you.
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:53 Hope says True, LivSimple.com but sometimes you need more than that.
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:54 Jane Chin you know what the funny thing is, is that I already know the answer, but doesn't mean I know how to execute on the answers that I know!
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:55 Hope says What happens when my kids are grown and gone? I'm left an old, angry woman b/c I lived my life feeling like something was missing?
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:54 Teeg says Hope I have a degree, I am a wife and mother, and none of them made me content. My husband kept encouraging me to follow my heart...
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:55 Jane Chin I took this topic, wrote a speech in '07 and competed with it in a toastmasters competition, and the speech ended with my answers
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:56 Jane Chin (wanna see the speech transcript?)
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:56 Teeg and after trying writing (what everyone else wanted me to do), finally this year I decided to take my hobby and the one thing ...
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:57 Hope says I'd be very interested in hearing that speech Jane
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:57 Hope says YES, please!?
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:57 Hope says So what did you do Teeg?
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:57 Hope says My husband encourages me too. I just DON'T KNOW what will finally ever make me happy.
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:56 drb74 says new spiritualists would say you have one purpose: to experience the highest vision of the grandest version of you, that you can imagine.
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:57 drb74 says and then imagine higher
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:58 Teeg I couldn't give up, and turn it into a business. Friends say I'm doing what I was born to do, and they're right. I LOVE everything I do now.
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:57 Jane Chin it's called "That I Am" www.peerlessprofessionals.com/that-i-am
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:58 Hope says Most of the time I feel like I don't have any direction in life.
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:57 Hope says Thanks for sharing janechin
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:59 Jane Chin ... "I am That I believe I am. My self esteem does not sway to criticism or flattery.
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:59 Teeg laughs thought I mentioned (must have erased it) that the thing I couldn't give up was teaching about and studying social media.
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:59 Jane Chin " I have crystal clear vision of my true self even if I can’t see where life takes me.
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:59 Jane Chin I believe success and strength come from living in integrity. I am not here - as you are not here - to live up to expectations.
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:58 Jane Chin " I am here to experience and to enjoy life.
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  August 12, 2008 at 15:58 Jane Chin (skip a few stanzas)
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:00 Jane Chin "It took a decade for me to open my eyes and see my two selves. A false self that feeds in darkness,
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:00 Jane Chin "and a true self that gives the light of the heart.
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:03 Hope says I paused reading to come say that I don't think I have ever just sat down and wrote out my beliefs. Maybe that's a good place to start.
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:03 Jane Chin can be very helpful to do a self inventory HopeWilbanks
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:04 Hope says I also think I *really* need to first learn how to allow myself/what I do to be good enough.
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:04 Hope says I am VERY critical of myself and everything I do. And this came to light last week, when...
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:03 Hope says I made a 100 on a paper, but I still wasn't happy with it. My husband flipped out. "If you aren't happy with a PERFECT grade," he said....
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:03 Hope says "Then when will you ever be happy with your work?"
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:05 Hope says But even though I made a 100 on that paper, I felt like it wasn't good enough. I didn't feel like I earned or deserved the 100.
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:08 Teeg shares with Hope one of my favorite quotes: “What do you fear my lady?"
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:08 Jane Chin HopeWilbanks i'm learning to be satisfied with 80%
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:07 Teeg "A cage. To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them and all chance of valor has gone beyond beyond recall or desire.”
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:07 Hope says I'm not sure I ever could be satisfied with less than 100% janechin
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:09 Hope says That's my problem. I need to learn to be satisfied. I need to learn that it's "enough," whether it is or isn't
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:09 Teeg It's something I hold on to when I start feeling the "justs": I'm just a wife, I'm just this, I'm just that. I refuse to live in a cage!
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:10 Hope says I think I've put myself in a cage, locked it, and tossed the key into the ocean, Teeg
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:10 LivSimpl.com says For what it's worth, I believe motherhood is a divine calling. I have the utmost respect for women who sacrifice their plans/careers...
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:11 LivSimpl.com says ... to raise a strong family.
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:12 Teeg says Hope have you ever looked at Flylady.net? She has some good stuff on perfectionism: www.flylady.net/pages/perfectionism_review.asp
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:11 LivSimpl.com says It takes a lot of courage and love to do it.
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:13 Teeg says LivSimpl If you feel like **just** a mom and wife, then you're sacrificing more than plans/career, you're sacrificing yourself.
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:16 Jane Chin HopeWilbanks I understand what you mean, and you may not need to "learn", satisfaction, this is something you get to choose.
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:17 LivSimpl.com says Teeg But would someone feel like *just* a doctor/lawyer/profession if that were the case? If so, I think it's more a matter...
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:19 LivSimpl.com says ...of self-esteem than direction/purpose.
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:19 Teeg LivSimpl.com Even the Proverbs 31 woman had a business. Your last plurk is on following your dreams. Shouldn't that be for everyone?
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:19 Jane Chin it's that word "just" that Teeg stated, implicit is a reduction, like "i'm just XYZ (aand not MORE)"
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:23 Teeg JaneChin, Ozegold used to lecture re being *just* anything. Recently he asked me again who I am, and I realized I'm not *just* anymore.
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:28 LivSimpl.com Teeg Everyone should be able to follow their dreams. But, to me, my dreams aren't synonymous with my purpose in life.
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:27 LivSimpl.com E.g. If I dream of running a marathon someday, or starting a multi-billion $ business, etc., that isn't my purpose in life. It's my dream.
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:29 LivSimpl.com I hope that's not getting down to semantics too much.
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:31 Teeg says Livsimpl.com Interesting! My dreams **are** my purpose in life. How do you accomplish your purpose if you don't dream about it?
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:32 Jane Chin hm... then we need to define dreams and purpose, for some it's synonymous for others mean diff things
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:32 Jane Chin livsimpl i think i know where you're coming from
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:33 Jane Chin purpose is like your "essence" and dreams are diff. ways you want to manifest or express your essence.
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:38 AnitaK says hope do you want your kids to grow up under such pressure, see you stressing, would you be happy if your kids got 90s, or 80s or only 100s?
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:41 Rec0gniz3 i think we are all born with one major purpose, but with assigned missions to get that purpose fulfilled
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  August 12, 2008 at 16:46 SharonHH says I think we have a purpose; sometimes it's clear, sometimes not, but I think it also evolves with you
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:12 Hope says I only expect my kids to do their best AnitaK. If my DD brings home 80, and I *know* that she knew the material, then it wouldn't be enough
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:10 Hope says But no, I would never want them to grow up feeling like I feel.
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:12 Hope says And that's what scares me, b/c I've felt like this my ENTIRE life b/c I was never good enough for my mother
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:12 Hope says (Sorry if I'm driving this Plurk off-topic....don't mean to)
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:15 Jane Chin HopeWilbanks not off topic at all, in fact, much of our self perception comes from relationships with parents.
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:17 Hope says That is my one and only fear....that I will inadvertently do to my daughter what my mom did to me.
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:20 Jane Chin HopeWilbanks then your priority is to give yourself the same kind of love that you want to give to your daughter.
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:20 Jane Chin let yourself off the hook sometime, allow yourself to not know the answer, aim to make a few mistakes on purpose.
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:37 LindaZ says I need help and it is totally in alignment with this thread, I am speaking on Thurs about my purpose coaching practice
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:42 LindaZ I don't want to hijack this thread so please go to www.plurk.com/p/2gjbx
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:42 LivSimpl.com wonders if there's a limit to the number of plurks per thread...
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:43 LindaZ You would really be helping me... if you answer the question I pose in that thread... I promise in the future to answer them...
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:44 LindaZ maybe a plurkshop
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:42 LindaZ ...
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:47 Jane Chin livsimpl i wonder if i can break 500 responses.
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:48 LivSimpl.com Teeg I see dreams as things that can be achieved and checked off, and a purpose as something that spans your life...
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:47 Jane Chin lindazimmer i added to your new plurk. i thought about that question and didn't want to add another one to this; too much ground cover.
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:48 LivSimpl.com ...otherwise when you build your billion $ company, or run your marathon, you're suddenly left without purpose.
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  August 12, 2008 at 18:00 Jane Chin livsimpl i believe we witness a degree of what you described in today's celebs.
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  August 12, 2008 at 18:00 Jane Chin these are people who have"made it" with their passion (ex. artists, actors, etc who followed their dreams and got the big break), but this
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  August 12, 2008 at 17:59 Jane Chin doesn't mean they are "centered" or "anchored". hence you see celebs like madonna getting into kabalah
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  August 12, 2008 at 18:01 Jane Chin looking for a "higher" purpose, a place beyond just their "ego" self.
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  August 12, 2008 at 18:04 LivSimpl.com Right. In general, I think people look for purpose/direction/happiness in places that can't truly give it to them.
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  August 12, 2008 at 18:05 LivSimpl.com Money, fame, work... not that those things are necessarily bad, but they shouldn't be the reason for anyone's existence.
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  August 12, 2008 at 18:10 raspberryfox wonders if looking for 'a life purpose' takes me away from actually doing and achieving something important.
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  August 12, 2008 at 18:55 MatthewBennett thinks no one can deny that social media sites are useless after this plurk
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  August 12, 2008 at 18:56 MatthewBennett says I meant useful, of course
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  August 12, 2008 at 19:23 Jane Chin raspberryfox yes, seeking can become a distraction from experiencing in some cases.
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  August 12, 2008 at 19:22 Jane Chin bulletz I believe similiarly; and as echoed by some here, that one has a "center" and from this can manifest differently per phase of life.
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  August 13, 2008 at 00:36 Jane Chin MatthewBennett hold that thought, we haven't solved the world's problems!
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  August 13, 2008 at 15:29 ForgeAus thinks we probably create our own purpose...
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  August 13, 2008 at 15:32 Jane Chin forgeagus it depends on how you define purpose but you're not alone in thinking it! Rudolf Steiner says once you connect with the highest
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  August 13, 2008 at 15:34 Jane Chin level of thinking, you become truly free, and therefore can choose your purpose in this "state" of freedom.
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  August 13, 2008 at 15:40 Jane Chin here: tinypaste.com/739d7
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  August 13, 2008 at 17:32 LivSimpl.com But what defines a "higher level of thinking"? Isn't there always a new trend/philosophy just around the corner?
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  August 13, 2008 at 17:56 Jane Chin this one has been around a while (anthroposophy); Steiner died in 1925.
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  September 10, 2008 at 19:48 pLoon joins the conversation very late. Reading what people wrote. Fascinating stuff. Definitely finding a higher purpose for Plurking!
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  September 10, 2008 at 19:49 pLoon wonders if perhaps the purpose of life is to find one's purpose in life and strive to fulfill that purpose.
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  September 10, 2008 at 19:48 pLoon says at the same time, I don't think humans are simple enough to really have just one purpose? Unless it is one purpose "theme" with many facets.
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  September 10, 2008 at 20:21 Jane Chin i agree ploon, in my case i suspect the act of seeking is the very thing i'm seeking, as it leads me to new directions.