You’re Looking At The Newest Editor on Positive Feelings Rule! (And are you living in choice?)

Posted on January 21, 2011 by LacyKirkland

I seriously couldn’t be more excited to be a Contributing Editor to Positive Feelings Rule, a website I’ve admired for well over 2 years. I have to share because I can’t stop looking at my little home on the site (I even have my own space in the front page slider! Watch for it…) I know, I know I’m bragging, but that’s what I tell friends, family, clients, and perfect strangers to do all of the time. Brag on your damn self, you’re doing something that is brave, courageous, and wonderfully awesome. Every one of ya.

Positive Feelings Rule is all about keepin’ it positive while also keepin’ it real. The site provide helpful tips for navigating all sorts of challenges while celebrating goodness in the world, and helping people to refocus and see the world in a more positive way. That’s certainly something I can stand behind.

Now it’s not all cotton candy and hugs here, folks (although I love them both!), studies reveal that promoting the positive actually boosts our energy level, tightens our connection to those most supportive in our lives, and yes, it even allows us to manage everything life throws our way. People who choose to see challenge, disappointment, or hurt, as an opportunity to grow, are able to process, learn, and recover in a healthier way than others. How we cope with the unplanned, the disappointing, and the just plain maddening also directly correlates to how we view the world… Try it on yourself.

Ask yourself how you manage change. Once you have your answer, think back to a time when something didn’t work out. How did you handle it? Were you in choice –  acknowledging your feelings, aware of your options, and still in the pilot’s seat, or had you already become one of the screaming, unhelpful, flailing passengers in the cabin just making your job harder? I admit, I’ve had moments of both hysterics and cool and collected. We all do, but the point is, we can have a lot more of the good if we want it — if we only pay attention to it.

So, the next time things don’t pan out as you’d hoped, decide how you want to feel going through it and at the end of it. As for me, I happen to want to feel in control, in faith, and allowing the good to come from my experience. And in the end I desire to know I handled (at least most things) with grace, understanding, and positively. From there I move about my world in a way that will help me to promote those feelings of goodness.

Remember: We are not our circumstances, but we can learn from them.

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A Letter To My Younger Self :: Lacy Kirkland

Posted on January 20, 2011 by LacyKirkland

Lacy Circa 1985

It occurs to me that in my 28 years on this planet, I’ve never written myself a letter — If you haven’t written yourself a letter to your younger self, I highly recommend it. In fact, I think it should be a life requirement for those over 20 years old. Not only does it help to process, I allows us to learn from our experiences, comfort ourselves, discover change as a good thing, and understand who we are a bit more. Have at it, friends.

I guarantee you’ll be a lot nicer to yourself when you realize what a rockstar you’ve become. Bask in the goodness of you. Okay, lets see those Letters to Your Younger Self!

I’ll start … So, here it is — A letter to my younger self.

Dear Lacy,

You sweet bouncy child with cherry bubble gum cheeks, eyes that illuminate the world, and a smile that runs to the core of the earth. You’ve mastered even the most complex motor skills like you were born to create, invent and explore. You were. You will do great things. Just look at what you’ve already created for yourself. You have a family who has rallied around you in support of your everyday existence and who constantly stand in amazement at everything you do. You are kind of a big deal, after all. Sure, you’re small, but you’ll grow big, tall, and strong. You surpass all expectations and wow everyone around you — you just have this special way of being in the world that captures the spirit of all who know you. You can’t help but smile — you’ll always be that way. See? Made you smile.

As you grow you’ll be challenged by physical, emotional, and mental experiences that will shape your spirit and deepen your soul. Remember, shape and deepen, not destroy. Sometimes you’ll want to give up, you’ll wonder why it’s happening and you’ll even question everything you know. It’s okay to feel that way. And someday years from now you’ll thank God that you dared ask the big life questions so early on. You had to, Lacy, and you’ll be better for it. I don’t mean for this to scare you, but you will face the paradox of life and death more than once before you’re 25 years old –  this will teach you acceptance, understanding, and help you to live out your purpose in this world. I know that doesn’t sound like lollipops and gumdrops, (and believe, me I know you love your candy) but I promise, you will be okay. It will get better and you will survive and live to create an even better life for yourself than you could have imagined. Let yourself be who you are, feel what you feel, and go where you must go. No questions asked.

Lacy Circa 1985-ish

Lacy, you’ll go through phases in your life where you feel you cannot relate to anyone. You’re more similar to others than you think, but it’s okay to be and feel different. We all do. You’ll grow to look different physically — oh, you’ll be beautiful, yes — and you’ll also have marks to share your life experience. Share it, allow others to appreciate it and use it to teach. This is your gift. Most of all Lacy, let others into your life. There’s nothing to hide.

Your parents will struggle to find themselves in their own relationship after the medical traumas have passed and you move on to college. Don’t blame yourself. They’ll be okay too — they just need to find themselves, maybe even reinvent themselves again. They really do love each other. Give them space and love to remember each other again.

You will learn, Lacy, that you love shinning the light. You always have — and now, you’ll own it as you move into adulthood. You’ll take the college route less traveled. You always had a way of trailblazing. You may not think it now, but you will finish college and you’ll be so happy you created your own degree, studied your favorite most curious subjects and followed your passion for studying why people do what they do. Your life’s work will consist of that. Soon you will see. But… not before extreme bouts of 20-something insecurity and identity crises. Again, you’ll survive and guess what you’ll learn? All those people who you thought “had it all figured out” really had no idea what they were doing. They just tried something — over and over and over again. You can do that too, in fact, you should. That’s what these years are for. Remember, you know just as much as anyone else. Don’t sell yourself short. Keep going and do what you love. Every single day, do what you love. It’ll work out. I promise. Life’s too short to live any other way.

Kirkland Family Circa 2007

So Little Lacy, as you grow stronger in your body and in yourself, remember that life takes care of you. There’s always something to receive from every experience and you will make it. You will. Trust yourself, make your own decisions and keep going — don’t let fear, scarcity or anyone stop you — and remember to love. Love a lot. Love openly and deeply.

Go forth little one, set this world on fire you little four wheeling, basketball playin, bike riding tomboy, you! Watch out world, here she comes!

To Authentic & Loving YOU,

Me

PS – you’ll grow up to become a beautiful woman… high heels and all. I know, hard to believe now, but you will. You just watch.

PPS – You have great legs.

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2011: The Year of Collaboration

Posted on January 15, 2011 by LacyKirkland

Although we are only halfway through the the first month, 2011 will certainly be one for the record books. While most years have a general theme when we look back, 2008 being the year of “shock and awe” 2009, the year of “reinvention” and 2010 the year of “competition”, 2011 has already come out swingin’!

2011 is the year of Collaboration.

The turn of this brand new decade brought a renewed sense of awareness and care and as the clock struck midnight, all the world shifted, never to be the same. Now, stories of homeless men getting big radio contracts, advocates rallying to fill a course in need of attendees to go on, a whole community raising funds to keep a beloved coffee shop in business, creative design companies investing in startups they believe in, and most prominent of all, people are getting more jobs (and clients) through their personal contacts, than any other form of job search. Why do you suppose this is? People everywhere are engaged and thinking again. And, even more importantly, we are choosing to think differently.

Yes, some of these stories we could chalk up to things that happen everyday when we look for them. However what we’re noticing is that a lot more of these things are happening. The sheer amount of people who have gone through the last 3 years together, (yes, that makes all of us), understand that nothing is for certain, change is inevitable, and all we really have is each other. And we’re beginning to understand that its a good thing and we are working together to leverage a win-win-win for all.

Plaza Cleaners | Portland, OR

While most of us can feel the shift, many of us aren’t able to articulate what it is. It seems as if we’ve taken our lessons from the last few years into account, studied them and realized that it would best serve us to rally together. And while things can change in an instant, at least we’ve got each other. That’s what big change does — it reminds us of the natural ebb and flow of the world when left alone. Now we are stepping out, standing up for ourselves and really owning our power on this planet. We’re understanding even more how deeply we’re all connected as we help our friend or colleague source a job — not just any job — a job they truly want. We get that as we help others, we gain these wonderful little good karma points and somehow it’s always returned. It just is, isn’t it? Beyond taking on our role as Superconnectors, Heroes, and Friends, we are more clear than ever about what we want and we’re utilizing the natural laws of the universe to connect like people with like companies, and talent with a particular need.

This is the year that those of us who band together to lift each other up, pay it forward, and do the things that matter will benefit tenfold.

So this year…

  • May we look for opportunity — it is everywhere — if only we seek to notice it.
  • May we believe that good things happen for us and our belief will help to create it.
  • May we trust change.
  • May we accept that people are good, we are capable, and no matter our circumstance, things will get better.
  • May we create together ideas that at one time never existed and now may give the world something more to thrive.
  • May we express our gratitude for every person who has helped to move us forward in our journey. Gratitude is the best way to push the “reset” button and realign with the true you.
  • And may we gift ourselves with giving and receiving love fully, openly, and deeply.
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Live Your Dream And Wear Your Passion

Posted on January 6, 2011 by LacyKirkland

Live Your Dream | Wear Your Passion

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My 2011 Resolution: The Courage To Return Home | To Live In Love With Myself

Posted on January 3, 2011 by LacyKirkland

“i want to bravely acknowledge my own power, my unique capacity for leadership, for tenderness – and i want to do it without shying away, without reservation.” (Brave Girl – Kelly Rae Roberts)

It occurs to me after a ton of thought around what this year will be, what I want to focus on, and who I wish to become, that what I want most is to return home. Home to myself. To walk back in the front door of my heart, take a cozy seat in my favorite plush pink chair and live from there. Fully present, awake, and alive. I want to let go of the doubt behind saying, doing and being the “right thing”. I don’t know where I picked it up, but it’s a habit that eats away at hopes, dreams, and the ability to forge relationships in the present. It is the equivalent to insanity. I am certain. I have been there. I want to know that what I say is just what another needs to hear… or maybe not, but either way, it’s okay.

All the accolades, compliments, and love I give to others for their brilliance, I too, want to honor and notice in myself. It’s there. Sometimes we’re just so hard on ourselves that we forget to see it. We just expect it, and when it shows up, we glaze over it, but if it doesn’t we’re tempted to harbor it and hold it against ourselves for years. Whatever”it” is. No thank you. Not anymore. And while 2010 was a great year in learning and growing; full of moving, a new car, a trip to Arizona, relationships, writing in my book, new friends, business opportunities, and personal growth, I also lost a lot of myself along the way.

So instead of days spent externally focused, I will spend this year consciously living from within. I will let go of the false belief that I have to do things that reap a specific and measurable result thereby equating to “success” or “failure” and instead, take action on ideas, events, and opportunities that inspire and breathe life into me. This is what matters.

And on my journey home, I will remember the things in life that truly are important to me: Family. Friends. Love. Laughter. New Experiences. Adventure. Faith. Goodness. Happiness. Freedom. Self-Expression. Paying it Forward. This life is not a race, so I will stop sabotaging myself with unrealistic expectations and timelines. Instead, I will measure my success by my ability to give, to be present, to love, to let others in, and to live from “home”.

As I take my first few steps into 2011, I know I’ve got a year, even a lifetime of patterns behind me that may tell me to walk, run, or jump the other way. New things are scary, and even the best things for us can sometimes hurt. But I will keep going… Knowing that this is the way home. And all we ever want is to feel good, to be happy, and contribute uniquely to the world. We just want to know we matter.

This blog will also change… I started it without much direction 2 years ago, knowing only that I wanted to share as much as I could with everyone. Hoping you would pull from it what you needed and that everyone who ventured here, needed hope, a spark of inspiration, and understanding. This year, I will use this blog to document my journey home starting today. Our stories are our most powerful tools and it is my hope that my stories and those who I meet and write about will inspire you, and help you along your own journey. Most of all, I hope you feel understood. You are not alone.

Welcome home.

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2011 – The Year of YOU: New Year, New You & New Way of Being

Posted on January 1, 2011 by LacyKirkland

Cheers 2011!

I was nearly surprised by my lacking NYE post reflecting on the year and then it struck me just now, all at once. So here we go, gratitude to 2010 for what was and open arms to 2011 for what is…

Here’s what I took away from 2010:

We’re only human. And on certain days we rise to superhuman status. But mostly, we’re just doing the best we can. So, the next time the dip-shit who cut me off and neglected to share his gratitude by pulling out of the Chiropractor’s parking lot too slow, then flashes me a power play look, I won’t actually honk his little mini cooper brains out. I’ll chill out. Think about what his life must be like and understand that while I needed to be validated for my kind gesture that went unacknowledged and in fact, backhanded with a slow move and a shitty look, that maybe, just maybe he needed a little space after his adjustment at the chiropractor. I hope this is true of all of us this coming year… that we gain in our awareness and compassion. That instead of getting all sorts of pissed off at each other for being “the asshole at the grocery store” or the “dumb shit driver”, that we’ll just remember what matters and perhaps at least once think about what need we have that isn’t being met. A need so great that we’re willing to harm the well-being of another.

We’re all a little screwed up. You’re not alone… Most are trying to appear not to be, while some lay it all out there for what it is.
I spent last year disconnected from myself and striving to be the person I was supposed to be. This year I find myself journeying closer and closer back home. It sure feels good to be home.

We’re all hurting. We just are and it’s okay. I can be in your pain, yours or my own and we’ll survive. We’ll get through it as best we can, maybe not running or jumping, but slowly, processing it all. And one day we’ll wake up and realize that yes, yes we did make it through. I spent the last 7 years of my life burying my story saying, “It’s over now, nobody wants to hear it, it’s old news,” and yet that story is what makes me unique. It’s what makes me, me and to deny that, box it up, and hide does a real disservice to the world. The world needs who we truly are, not the sterile degrees we’ve earned.

We get clients in any field because we’ve got a story that our target market can relate to and wants help in navigating, not because we’ve got it all figured out or have a degree, but because we dared to live through it and share what worked for us. Life hurts and no matter how many psychology books we consult there are some things we just haven’t “gotten over”, processed, or come to terms with. That’s why we’re human, not robots. Remember who you are when you walk out the door and into the world. And when you forget, I hope someone is kind enough to remind you. And if you need a reminder right now, I say to you, “You’re brilliant. Thank you for shining your light.”

Declare it. To piggy back on my previous takeaway (we’re all hurting), I say own it, declare it and just let it be okay. So, more for me than for you, because I’ve promised myself that I’d be more real, true and authentic this year, I’m not over it. I’m not over my parents separating for a couple of years, I’m not over surgeries, I’m not over how unfair it was, I’m not over the trauma, the living and the dying and everything in between. It might be easier to keep everyone feeling less “awkward” to pretend that inside there isn’t a hole, that everyday I don’t pick up and drag baggage from the past with me… that I don’t cry during the most unplanned times because at some point we’ve all got to feel and let off steam. But I’d be pretending and pretending doesn’t help anyone. So instead, I’m owning it. Every bit of it. I don’t have to arrive. I don’t even have to be perfect.I don’t have to have it all figured out. And I don’t have pretend.

I. Don’t. Have. To. Pretend.

I don’t have to shield my friends and family from pain. They are strong, able, and supportive. Yes, I just have to do my best. Some days I’ll cry for me, for you, and for what is, what will be, and what could have been. Other days I’ll soar, loving every minute, never looking back, exclaiming “This is it!” I live for those moments. And maybe one day it won’t hurt as much. And if it does, it’s okay. It’s what makes us human. And if I never “get over it” that’s okay too. I can just be me. And that’s okay.

Sometimes all we need is permission to just be who we are so that we can finally stop running from ourselves. So, this is it. This me. I’m real and I am trying a new approach since pretending, ignoring, and playing games with myself actually didn’t work. I feel better already.

To Love another we must first fall in love with ourselves. Something was in the air last year. It was the year of deconstruction of self and I can only hope that from here I am moving forward to embrace who I am. Somewhere along the way I lost myself and yes, slowly I am picking myself back up, understanding that not everyone has to like me, I don’t always have to say the right thing and I’ve got a lot to offer this wild world. This year I continue to fall even more in love with myself.

Stop Playing Games. I’ve never much liked games. Mostly because I know how to play very few and they make me anxious. The same is true with life. Stop playing games. I’m tired of the bull-shit games we play with ourselves and the games we play in relationship with others. Cut the crap, get real and be genuine. I want to know that I am living fully and expressing myself honestly. As for the gossip, the games in relationships, I’m over what we’re all “supposed to say”. Just get real, be you, and share that. That’s all we want anyway. We’ve got enough drama, entertainment, etc. on TV.

Do What You Love. My top two core values are Freedom and Relationships. (thank God I know that now, because without that knowing, my life was even more confusing). If those two values are not being honored in any situation, I abandon ship either mentally or physically. So, as 2010 came to a close I evaluated where I am, and where I want to go with my work. I realized that I really miss collaboration, community, and interaction, but I wouldn’t be caught dead at a desk in an office from 8-5. I telecommute, but I needed more human in my day.

So, after a great conversation with a friend who encouraged me to get out and about more, I am going to set up shop at a coffee house a couple of days per week. I’m also going to reach out to local women’s resources centers in support of the women there – volunteering my time to help others grow. And yes, I am returning to my volunteer work with Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, supporting events and on-site nurturing of the kids and the hospital. I’ll continue writing my book… I’ll continue consulting and coaching and bring even more coaching in the realm I love (life purpose, dreams, career goals, and health).

Remember What Matters. What actually matters tend to be the things we do the least. The things that fuel us, connect us with one another, and help us to thrive. Yet, these things that matter tend not to actually equate to the things we “must” do in our daily lives. They likely won’t show up looking like a check in the mail for 1 million dollars, or a raise, in fact it doesn’t even look like work that demands our every ounce of energy, yet we tend only to value these things when they take on that appearance… Instead, the things that truly matter are activities like Sunday evening family dinners, volunteering at the Children’s Hospital, coffee dates with friends, or writing a book. It is up to us to nurture those things that really, truly matter.

So cheers to you, to us, to the best year yet. Living fully in 2011.

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Is This My Purpose? How You Know When You’ve Found “It” (part 2)

Posted on December 24, 2010 by LacyKirkland

If your missed last week’s post, be sure to check out Part 1.

So this friend on a mission to fulfill his purpose reminded me many times in our conversation, “Lacy, it’s not easy.” I agreed and replied, “But it’s worth it?” “Absolutely” he confirmed. Good, that’s what I was looking for. Dreams, purpose, loving life… It never is. We’ve been conditioned to put up with, settle for, and get by in life. When we buck that current fueled by millions, it feels downright wrong and simultaneously so freeing.

While he came to me for support, I learned so much about myself and about life from him. Take it from a man on a mission…

Here’s what he did to  find, follow, and fulfill his passion (and you can too!)…

1. Listen to the push for something more
2. Look for opportunity… even in the most unexpected places.
3. Try it on for size – once you find something that feels right, try it on, research it, interview and gather all the important info!
4. Find solutions that support your dream/purpose – there will be challenges, but knowing and addressing them help us to move forward in hot pursuit of our totally awesome dreams.
5. Tell your biggest fans – sometimes few will support or see your point of view, but share your dream with someone you trust, who will seek to understand you. The rest of the judgement filled world can spare themselves on your dream. There’s a huge amount of energy that flows through us and when a dream is in its beginning stages of bloom, it can easily lose the energy and fall dead to the floor from just one totally unaware, “Are you crazy, you could never do that.”
6. Keep going. I don’t even know what more to say about this one… As you follow your dream, your purpose totally infused with the breath of life, keep going. Even in the smallest steps, keep going… People, even your biggest skeptics, will seeks to understand once they realize you’re serious and you’re doing it! You just watch and see for yourself. If, however, you realize it’s not quite “it”, listen to yourself, be brave and know that it’s still there just waiting to find you, and mostly, for you to find it! Go back to step 2…Look for opportunity. It is everywhere.
7. Smile at yourself in the mirror. You’re doing something 97% of the world is too scared to do... To know themselves, to know what matters, to tap into their own unique self-expression.
8. Celebrate! Drink wine, invite friends over, dance, sing, tell stories… You’re doiong it!

And to you, my friend who inspires me with you courage to know yourself, trust your intuition, and bravely move forward. You ARE a leader, my friend. There is no greater thing you can do for another and yourself than to do what you love. In doing what you love, others are inspired to do the same. Shine on!

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This Christmas: Don’t just bring a present, BE the present!

Posted on December 21, 2010 by LacyKirkland

Choose this Christmas to BE present. Focus on how you contribute uniquely to this world and how you can show up even greater for the people you love most in life. Don’t just bring a present, BE the present. You are the best gift anyone could receive. How can you be more present in people’s lives? Speaking of which, how could you be more present in your own?!

Choose today to look beyond what is. Treat the people you know and love as human beings, not tasks you check off your lists. Today, cut the crap, stop yourself from living on auto pilot, put first things first, and be more of who you really are. Decide that you will choose inspiration and spontaneity over rationality and “what is”.

Then, watch what happens… Yeah, I could go for a lot more of this lifestyle!

Merry Christmas!

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Singing Flash Mob Reminds Us How We Choose To Live & What Really Matters

Posted on December 19, 2010 by LacyKirkland

Flash Mob Sings Hallelujah Chorus - Washington Square Mall, Portland OregonInvited by a friend on Facebook, I waited two weeks to join in the incredible spirit of giving joy, providing hope, and connection this weekend.

300+ people gathered at Washington Square Mall in Tigard, Oregon to wish unsuspecting shoppers a Merry Christmas. Organized by Lee Anne Krause who created the event on Facebook, people came together from local churches, Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree, along with friends and family December 18th, 2010.

The pure joy and love of ourselves and people all around was evident all throughout the mall. Though it only lasted four about 5 minutes, people talked about it for hours afterward. So I wondered, why did it effect all of us as it did and what is it that we can learn from a flash mob?

  • All it takes is one person to start a movement that in the end, brings 300 total strangers together and touches thousands.’
  • We can give hope, healing, and happiness to the world around us by sharing our passion, talent, and love.
  • It matters that you show up. You may think you’re only one person, but people count on us to commit and follow through.
  • The power of a clear purpose creates a power all its own and creates a magnetic effect on everyone around us
  • We were made to feel good, to help others to feel good and to remember the things that really do matter, all year around

May this Christmas remind you of just how much you matter. May you give the greatest gift of all this season – the gift of being present to those you love. I know that’s my biggest focus this Holiday Season. And may this coming year be the best yet! We’ve got it in us.

The question is… how will you choose to show up for yourself and the people who need you most? Lets help each other out. Share our ideas that help us to be more present, and learning the things that really do matter.

I’ll start… I’m going to be the rock, the leader for my parents as they make their move from Central Oregon to Portland this week. I will do everything I can to make it as comfortable and easy as possible.

As for Christmas? My parents will spend it with me at my place in Portland. I will cook dinner for them and provide them the kind of love and support that makes them feel most loved and cared for. Together we can do anything.

How about you… How will you show up this week?

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Is This My Purpose? How You Know When You’ve Found “It” (part 1)

Posted on December 17, 2010 by LacyKirkland

Live Your Purpose: Do What You Love, Love What You Do “it”, ya know, your purpose… that thing we’re in search of and are never quite complete without.

I found it day I fought at all costs to keep it. My purpose is to help people remember who they are and why they are here, learning what they were born to live and express in their lives and inspiring them to live the life of their dreams. I express that purpose through writing, coaching, and speaking.  The day my purpose and life expression were at stake, I rebelled, lashed out, and fought with everything in me to keep it.

“It’s just… It’s me! I can’t not to do! It’s how I can help. It’s how I maaaatterrrr! This is what I want people to remember about me!” I remember saying through my tear stained snot infused facial mask. And that’s when I realized… We know our passion and our purpose the moment we fight for it as if our lives depend on it… Because they do. It is who are. Whether we believe it now or 10 years from now, it’s true and every one of us will experience it in our own perfect time.

Last weekend I caught up with an old friend who recently got married and last we talked, he wanted to join the military. Now 1.5 years after he asked me to coffee to chat about his Big Beautiful Totally Outrageous Wonderful Dream, I asked him about it. I remember his emotion that day. He was filled with a mix of “I think I found it!” and “How in the world do I do this?!” along with “Will other people support me in this?” He said he came to me be I’ve always encouraged him to do what he loves and to keep believing. I asked what made him so excited about joining the military. He said something that proved to me what it meant to find one’s purpose. He replied,

“I have been searching for what I’ve been called here to do for the last 2 years. I’ve been in between and now I’ve done my research and I want to join because this is how I can help. This is how I feel I can protect my country, my family, and fight for what is right. This isn’t for everyone, but this is something I can do. I want to do it. I’ve been asking to be shown a sign or the way to my purpose for a while now and I feel called to it. Sometimes I lie awake at night and I have no idea why, but I just have to do it. I also hope to learn more about being a strong leader.”

Wow… I learned that his family thought it was just another idea that flew through the night… but a year and a half later, he taught them that it was farmore than that. It’s part of his journey. This is what he wants and needs. He knows something incredible is going to come of it, he said he could feel it. “There’s a reason for this.” And today, his family, including his wife who 4 months ago, he sat down with weeks before his wedding to remind, “I love you and I want to marry you. And I want to join the military… if that isn’t something you can support, then we shouldn’t get married.” That’s purpose. That’s when you know that you’ll risk everything you have to keep the self-expression of your life’s purpose.

What are you willing to risk everything for? What must you do or be to live fully in this life? We all think about this stuff, be it a fleeting thought or one that keeps us up at night. Now it’s time we answer. Stay tuned for part 2 of Is This My Purpose? How You Know You’ve Found It. Together we’ll walk through the steps it took my friend to move from “Is this it?” to “THIS IS IT!!!”

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