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Rhonda Britten's avatar

Oh, such a good article. Yes, let's break the fluff of purpose and create a true grounding for those who are seeking meaning and light in a life that thrives.

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Rachel Lawlan's avatar

Brilliant article, thank you Maria.

I've spent much of my career as both consultant and coach focused on the knots we all tie ourselves in whenever it comes to 'defining', 'unlocking' or 'discovering' purpose - what you've written here is so spot-on.

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Maria Gamb-Lipari's avatar

Thank you for your kind comments @rachellawlan!

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Kat Nieh's avatar

I love how you broke all this down, Maria!

I fell into this same marketing trap, thinking “purpose” was something I needed to find, define, and passionately own or have. But the more I chased, the more it felt elusive… because it wasn’t just ONE thing. It is an accumulation of many facets... of me.

Once I started breaking down that stress and pressure to "find my purpose", I felt much more ease and allowed it to come find me.

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Maria Gamb-Lipari's avatar

Beautifully stated!If this article can give one person the permission they need to walk away from the hype and settle into themselves, then it's done it's job. One of the most "shame" based marketing I've ever seen has been around this concept that you may not have "wanted it enough" or "care enough to fulfill your purpose." It's so harsh on a soul level.

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Kat Nieh's avatar

Now that I've stepped off that bandwagon, I so agree!

"Not wanting it enough", "don't care enough" or "wasting your potential not chasing your purpose" all create such unnecessary pressure to perform or prove your worth... which is FAR from what fulfilling your purpose is intended to do.

When you're living your purpose, your worth naturally oozes out of you without trying because you're just being you

...but that isn't "sexy" or "profitable" marketing.

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Michelle L Smith's avatar

Wow. What an article - a powerful reminder. Purpose is oneness with ourselves. I wish every new graduate understood this - there's so much pressure on our young people these days!

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Maria Gamb-Lipari's avatar

Agreed.

In an effort to be of service, this purpose loop can become corrupted. It pains me to see it still happening. But, the lesson for all of us is to understand it’s within ourselves by just being ourselves.

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Jeanette Martin's avatar

I love the definition of purpose that includes alignment and happiness. That you feel enough and clear about what lights you up. And that you value your choices and how you live, on your own terms.

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Maria Gamb-Lipari's avatar

Excellent summation!

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Wendy Scott's avatar

What if we are enough, just as we are?

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Maria Gamb-Lipari's avatar

That is the magic - allowing ourselves to be ourselves.

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