Chapter 1: The Journey to Specificity

For a long time, I grappled with pinpointing my career aspirations. There was always this vague yearning to achieve more and a sense of purpose that felt just out of reach. Although I had diverse experiences, I struggled to establish a clear direction. I read numerous books and filled out countless questionnaires, trying to move beyond my ambiguous desire to “transform society.”

Even while guiding others in defining their career paths, I found myself facing my own hurdles. A mentor pointed out that my difficulties could be linked to a lack of self-confidence, worsened by poor boundaries and an overly critical inner voice that left me drained. She proposed that my energy might be hindered by unresolved trauma and boundary issues, suggesting I was still grappling with past battles.

When she inquired if I knew how to set boundaries without conflict, I realized I didn’t. Despite my extensive practice in boundary-setting, I recognized the need for deeper emotional healing. My nervous system, filled with ingrained survival instincts, was not yet ready to relinquish its defensive posture.

Thus, I embarked on the journey to heal my nervous system. This process was challenging and required assistance. There are various approaches to achieve the transformation I sought, including:

• Physical modalities: yoga, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, Tai Chi, Qigong, and exercise
• Psychological and emotional modalities: meditation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, The Completion Process, and hypnotherapy
• Nutritional and lifestyle strategies: a balanced diet, supplements, sufficient sleep, and hydration
• Integrative and holistic methods: Heilkunst homeopathy, Metaphysical Anatomy Technique, Ayurveda, Reiki, naturopathy, aromatherapy, and sound therapy

In addition to these methods, I found solace in nature, supportive relationships, art therapy, and journaling. Combining these approaches proved transformative, particularly the Metaphysical Anatomy Technique by Evette Rose. This practice allowed me to finally regulate my nervous system, enabling me to step back and think strategically in triggering situations rather than spiraling into panic.

“I was like a prisoner emerging from the dungeon into the sunlight. I expanded into the space of my own life.” — Tilda Swinton, 3000 Years of Longing

Freed from the cycle of fight, flight, freeze, and submission, I began to perceive what had always been in front of me. I recognized my desire to contribute to conscious evolution through my writing, coaching, and deep personal insights, ideally in a collaborative, non-corporate environment where authenticity and growth are prioritized.

Inspired by the work of Sarah Durham Wilson, I connected with her recommendations, such as surrounding myself with supportive, like-minded individuals and engaging with communities focused on conscious evolution and authentic living.

However, it was four specific questions that ultimately unlocked my potential:

1. What does your ideal contribution to the world look like?

   I aspire to pioneer innovative educational methods for children and advance healthcare. I also wish to help individuals overcome self-limiting beliefs and navigate significant life transitions, including end-of-life experiences.

2. What impact do you wish to create?

   I hope to foster a positive shift in humanity’s trajectory, cultivating a world where individuals recognize their power and our interconnectedness with the planet and all living beings.

3. Who do you want to assist?

   My goal is to support everyone, especially those eager for conscious growth. I aim to help those who struggle to make changes independently, such as animals, plants, individuals nearing the end of life, children, and those facing mental challenges.

4. How do you envision spending your days?

   I wish to spend most of my time at home writing, contributing to forums, and participating in working groups. While I welcome speaking engagements that can create an impact, I desire to wake up naturally, prioritize self-care, and enjoy quality moments with friends and family.

Interestingly, I knew that answering these questions would unlock something within me, but I had been hesitant for months. I was in the healing process. Eventually, I found the courage to write down my responses, illuminating the next steps in my journey.

I then engaged with ChatGPT, providing my entire career history and asking how my experiences uniquely equipped me to contribute meaningfully to the world. In an instant, it articulated how my life had prepared me for the path I wished to pursue.

The journey toward clarity and purpose is rarely straightforward. It often necessitates confronting deep-seated fears, healing old wounds, and exploring various forms of support. Throughout my process, I learned that specificity in our goals arises from a profound understanding of ourselves, including our needs, values, and boundaries.

Jacqueline Woodson's insight reminds us that details matter; they create the unique and universal narratives of our lives. Just as I discovered clarity through personal healing and reflection, you too can unveil the specifics that resonate with your own life.

Take a moment to reflect on your journey. Your contributions hold immense value, and the world is in need of your authentic voice and experiences. Consider these questions: What does your ideal contribution to the world look like? What impact do you hope to create? Who do you wish to assist? And how do you want to spend your days? Remember, the path to understanding and aligning with your true purpose is an ongoing journey. Embrace it with patience and openness, recognizing that each step is an integral part of your meaningful expedition.

If you found this engaging, you might also appreciate Embrace a Purposeful Life to Move From Anxiety to Absolute Authenticity, The Art of Learning to Have and Hold Boundaries Healthily When Healing From Trauma Responses, and Take the Quantum Leap: Nurture Your Creativity and Intuition to Craft a Life of Purpose. To be the first to receive my latest posts, consider subscribing to my blog.