I sat down by the lake this morning, that’s Lake Atitlan in Guatemala for those of you who are just joining me and have no clue where in the world I am, and I looked around in immense awe. I absolutely positively still cannot believe I am here. I didn’t get here by magic either or luck.
Nope. I had to sit down and seriously ask myself 5 questions to find out what my purpose in life is.
So this whole being here in Guatemala is kinda unbelievable still to me, especially since 2 years ago it never even crossed my mind once to come here. It didn’t, at all, never, ever, no way, nope.
I was 100% certain this winter would have me back down in Costa Rica. I swore “I will return!”. I loved it so much I was sure I was to spend my winter down there. How that didn’t happen is a mystery really. But here I am in Guatemala… and how did THAT happen?
Was my life purpose to be fulfilled in a third world country?
So in one of my other blog posts I made reference to a tea leaf reader giving me guidance, and it’s true, she did. But I mean I had to give it some thought and do some research. Some. I checked out places with the best climates and the cheapest rent.
That’s how I landed in Panajachel.
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The Purpose Driven Life
If you’ve never heard of it, you may want to check out this book by Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life. I bought it years ago but wasn’t in the headspace to get through all of it. It’s a really powerful and eye opening book though. Click the image or link below to check it out and order it.
The Purpose Driven Life
Is this my purpose in life?
So Guatemala is crazy poor and dirty. So what am I doing here, why am I still here and why do I love it so much? Because I have a purpose. I am here to serve and it doesn’t matter how poor or dirty or gross.
My purpose doesn’t judge. My purpose doesn’t get picky and choosy. My life purpose speaks loud and clear.
I overlook the drunks sleeping on the side-walk in my neighbourhood, I carefully navigate around all the dog poop and the very sick and possibly dying dogs laying on the street. I nod, smile and say Hola to all the ladies sitting on the side of the streets selling their fruits and crafts.
I think I am used to the constant loud booming of nightly fireworks that go off for no apparent reason and the dogs barking ALL night long. I am now very well known as “Amiga amiga dulces dulces” to the kids in my alleyway. I make sure I have a never ending supply of candy in my pockets.
I make them hug me for candy ( I gotta get hugs somehow around here!! don’t judge). I am here because I am supposed to be here. I fit in, my heart loves it here, and I serve as I am meant to.
And it’s just so darn beautiful here. So beautiful.
Where to next?
Will I stay here? How long will I stay here for if I do decide to put a time limit on it? Where to next? So many questions and not one single answer. And right now, I won’t give them any thought. Right now is what is the most important to me. I am here.
With my two suitcases that contain my whole life, all 53 years of it and when I’m ready to leave, if I do, I’ll know. I’ll just know. I honestly don’t think my whole time will be spent in Guatemala but who knows. I may even meet the man of my dreams here. (hmmm) I have my eyes on Honduras and Nicaragua.
I will go wherever I am needed the most. No questions asked. I will just go.
But here I am. And it’s so imperfectly perfect for me.
Do you have your copy of my POWER-full and LIFE changing self help guide yet? Click the link below to download yours today!
From Hell to Happiness
How do you find your purpose in life?
The million dollar question:how do you find your purpose in life? Well, for starters, try asking yourself these 5 questions I have listed below. For me, I had to stop and ask myself this one burning question:
What on earth am I here for?
I sat and thought long and hard but the answer came to me. My purpose in life is to give, to love, to help, to inspire, to empower and to grow.
My life isn’t about me anymore. That was the first 50 years. The next 50 years is about changing the world, one smile at a time. When was the last time you stopped to ask yourself that exact same question.
5 Questions to ask yourself to help you find your life purpose
What on earth are you here for?
Do you ever wonder why you are here, really? What are you supposed to be doing here? Do you have a calling or a special gift that the world needs? (ok so there is more than 5 questions)
What sets your heart and soul on fire?
What things do you do, that when you do them, your heart comes alive and you are filled with extreme joy. Like it feels like your heart is going to explode. Those things.
What’s your passion?
Do you like to sing or paint? Maybe you like to play with animals or kids. Do you love spending time out in nature? Where is your passion? Find it. Embrace it. Do more of it
What drives you?
What is the one thing that when you know you get to do it, makes you ridiculously happy? What is that thing that fires you up when you think about it?
What on earth do you WANT to do with your time here?
What do you really want to do with your time? Are you wasting time or using your time wisely? Do you feel you wish you had more time to do the things you really want to do?
Discovering your purpose will require deep soul searching
It’s scary to do this. To sit deep in thought and try to figure out what on earth you are here for. It’s scary because many of us want to do things that we think are unattainable but they’re not.
The only one thing you will really need is deep faith and determination. Discovering your purpose requires honesty from you. You need to flick fear and keep an open mind and heart.
There are so many questions with no easy answers.
I didn’t start asking myself these things until I hit my 50’s. I imagine if I had done so sooner, well, wow I can’t even imagine how ridiculously crazy my life would have been sooner. But I didn’t and right now, my life is pretty fantastic. I found my why, my purpose, my passion.
Your turn.
Peace and Love
Iva
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