Purpose and Possibilities

We all think about possibilities at the beginning of each year.  New Year's Resolutions are a great way to have a chance for a "do-over".  During the rest of the year, however, most of us don't keep the thought of creating new beginnings in the forefront of our minds.  Getting stuck in our own personal histories can make it more difficult to implement positive changes.

Each day brings the potential of new and exciting possibilities.  Each breath gives us the energy for change.  If you weren't your current "story", would you choose differently?  That is the million dollar question.  As we mature, many people feel the chance of a life of purpose decreases.  That is just not true.  In fact, having a purpose is extremely important to aging well.  Patti Neighmond of NPR.org writes,

"To find out if having a sense of purpose has an effect on aging and adult development, Patrick Hill, an assistant professor of psychology at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, looked at data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, which is funded by the National Institute on Aging.

Hill and his colleague Nicholas Turiano of the University of Rochester Medical Center looked to see how more than 6,000 people answered questions like 'Some people wander aimlessly through life, but I am not one of them,' and other questions that gauged positive and negative emotions.

They found that 14 years after those questions were asked, people who had reported a greater sense of purpose and direction in life were more likely to outlive their peers."

The purpose can be big or small, outwardly or inwardly focused, it doesn't matter.  We all need to have our basic human needs met before we think about creating a life focused on purpose.  After that, though, it's never too late to reach for the stars.  There is no age limit to being an artist, an actor, a dancer, a karaoke "rock star" or making the world a better place.  We can't allow ourselves to be defined by our or others'  limitations.  When you think about your childhood dreams, do your circumstances reflect them?

If not, each breath gives us another chance to gently move toward our hearts' desires.  Gratitude for your current life is the foundation for a better life.  Each breath, each day, each year gives us the chance to move closer to a life filled with purpose and joy.  Once you begin to accept yourself enough to nurture your body, mind and soul, it's easier to create positive changes.  

Have a great day!!

Xo

Conni

Today's Mantra:  I will take a moment to think about my purpose.

Mantra for Every Day: I choose to send love to all; receiving love back multiplied in infinite proportions, creating and nurturing pathways of love.