Vision, Purpose, and Love

Hi Friends and Readers,

It is helpful to think clearly about what you love and what the calling of your heart is.  I am uplifted when I think about what I love and how I can enthusiastically make a difference in the world.  I encourage you to discern if how you are spending your time, thoughts, and emotions, is how you want to be spending these precious commodities.  I had the opportunity to again put some of my vocational goals and loves into words when I applied for the Gaia Community Scholarship.  Thanks for the opportunity, Gaia. :-)  Here are my answers for whoever is interested in reading them.  Please feel free to post a comment if you want to share your own vision for your life.  I hope we can encourage one another!
 

What is your purpose in life?  My calling in life and passion is to inspire people to joyfully, intentionally co-create their lives and thus make ripples of difference in the world.

What do you love, and how do (or will) your actions demonstrate this? 
     I love to share the good news that when we follow the deep desires of our hearts, we thrive and help create wondrous things in our lives.  And not only that, but as we are all connected, we cannot help but make the world a better place when we follow the desires that come from deep within our hearts.  In this heart space, people find their best selves, where creativity and connection to others exist.  When people listen deeply, they find that their desires also align with where they can make a difference in the world.  As we live in this way, we radiate love, joy, and peace. 

     I am excited when I can inspire people in my job as a liberal religious educator, as a student, as a writer, as a public speaker.  I do "pulpit supply" (preaching and leading worship) at churches.  I was chosen student speaker for my 2006 Excelsior College graduation.  I joyfully used that opportunity to share my inspirational message of our ability to co-create our lives.  I look for opportunities to inspire people through speaking and writing.  Yesterday, I led a group of religious educators in a meditation and affirmation spiritual exercise to help them be more aware of their connection to the Universe.  Next week, I will give a speech for my local Toastmasters club where I will encourage my listeners to create more joy in their lives.  This is my vocation and my love.

Ideal job description: 
     My vision is to inspire a lot of people in a variety of venues.  I am already doing this as I teach, write, and speak.  My ideal job would be a continuation of what I am already doing as I seek a wider audience.  You are welcome to read some of my thoughts at inspiration4u.gaia.com.  In my ideal scenario, every day would include opportunities to spend time with loved ones including my seven wonderful children.  I would also enjoy spiritual practices such as meditations, visualizations, writing poetry, prayers, and affirmations, creating art, etc. 

     My major work would be inspiring people to engage in transformative spiritual and personal development.  I would minister in some capacity to individuals and groups.  I may lead workshops and/or meaningful interfaith worship services.   I undoubtedly would give inspirational sermons and speeches.  I would publish some of my writing. 

     I already am manifesting much of my vision.  I am a liberal religious educator, overseeing the spiritual education of children and youth at a church south of Boston.  I am a seminarian working toward my Master of Divinity degree, where I am honing my ministry skills.  I have completed a chaplain internship at a hospital.  I am a member of Toastmasters, where I practice my public speaking skills.  I touch people with my writing.  I have no doubt that the future will bring more wonderful opportunities to share the amazing news of how we can transform the world by living from our hearts.

Shine on,
Patricia :-)