Let's Get Real

In the past few weeks I have found myself in an unfamiliar place…at home. No, I don’t mean I’m hardly ever home or my home has suddenly become unfamiliar. I am home recovering from a recent surgery. As most of my clients know, I work in the corporate world in a coaching position so I don’t find myself at home during the day very often. And, I most certainly do not find myself at home with restrictions that limit my activity and with time on my hands. Yet, that is how I have spent the last four weeks. Being at home and recovering from surgery and having restrictions would cause some to become insipid, dreary, and practically lifeless. I have found it quite the contrary…it has been a long time since I have felt this alive. Why? Freedom. Freedom to live, be, think, act, explore, and be curious in a way that I don’t normally do during the course of my corporate day. It’s like waking up your soul. It occurs to me just how draining living inauthentically can be. Yet, we easily let our external beings influence us to do it without even realizing it. Are you being real? First of all, what does it mean to live authentically? About the simplest way to put it is when your internal being – your feelings, your values, your purpose – are in sync with your external being – your job, your relationships, and your environment. When you’re living it – you’re energized and liberated. When you are not it can be emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausting. Years ago my own life coach took me through a series of exercises and visualizations that helped me understand what my core values and my purpose is. Through those exercises I was able to write a life purpose statement that would allow me to check in to ensure my internal being was harmonious with my external being. My statement – “I am the reflection of the sun that casts a warm light on a cold dawn.” Now chances are when you read that you are thinking – huh, what does that mean? It doesn’t mean anything to you; it’s MY life purpose statement. I know exactly what it means to me. Knowing your life purpose is crucial to ensuring an authentic life. Writing your life purpose statement will provide you a great source to keep it on track. The statement by itself will not guarantee your authentic life. Not writing one is like going through life throwing a dart at a dart board with a blindfold on and wondering why you’re not hitting the bulls-eye. Chances of hitting it with no assistance is slim. Here are some exercises to help you move closer to your life purpose statement: • Finish this sentence: “I feel most alive when I am using my strengths of __________ and ___________ by ___________ to add value to_________. (gifts or talents) (action) (who?) • What would you like to hear said about you at your retirement reception…behind your back? • When was the last time you woke up fully awake, with no external alarm? What did you have planned that day? • Ask three members of your family to describe a trait, strength, or a desire that has been true about you ever since you were a child. • When you’re entering the gates of Heaven and God says, “Well done my good and faithful servant”, what exactly would you like him to be referring to? Take time to sit down and think about your answers. Be still and listen to your internal being for a change. Have the courage to be honest with yourself and to listen to what others have to say. Take notes and journal your thoughts without filters. Being real isn't always easy. Take the time to write out a life purpose statement. It will give you a great start. Then have the courage to claim who you really are, authentically are. Prepare to wake up your soul! About the Author: Tina Biggs is a whole life coach specializing in "jazzed life" coaching and adoption coaching. She and her husband own their own travel company and she serves as coach to their business team. Check out their website at http://www.ccntctravel.com. Read more articles by: Tina Biggs Article Source: www.iSnare.com Share: Del.icio.us Digg Reddit