Spreading Tips for Living a More Joyful Life

What is your mission?

Today’s prompt asks about my mission in life. It wasn’t always clear to me for most of my life. Major life changes helped me to reach within and work on myself until it came to me that I am here to help spread tips on living a more joyful life. By using the tools and techniques I’ve learned through various teachers, my journey as Barbara, The Spirited Strider, began over 14 years ago.

It started with a Memory Walk for the Alzheimer’s Association and I called my team of walkers “Team Spirited Strides.” That quickly led to my first blog and so many connections with new people. It led to learning many techniques from classes and workshops, to creating my website and a small business in coaching. While I no longer have my main website, having lost it earlier this year, I am appreciative of everything I learned while building it.

We often don’t realize the effect our words and actions can have on other people. It was through a powerful moment of inspiration that I knew that I am here to serve in love, one person at a time. I’m reminded of a sermon I gave once as a Certified Lay Speaker and a couple of years later, I returned to that church and an elderly woman came up to me to tell me how much that sermon affected her in a positive way. We often don’t get that kind of feedback about ourselves, but when we do, it’s such a good feeling to know that we made a difference in someone’s life.

For me, it was an affirmation that I’m doing something that is of value to others. I know my mission for myself and for others. Life is meant to be filled with joy and I appreciate that I can contribute to it in my own small way.

I Appreciate Following My Own Path – Day 16

Go Your Own Way Life presents us with choices in life and there are many! Society, family, friends and “experts” may tell us what we “should” do. Decisions are made: some with regret, but living a life of regret serves no real purpose than to make yourself unhappy. While others may mean well, these influences can guide us, but if we don’t follow what lights our fire, life won’t be a lot of fun. I don’t know about you, but I believe that life is supposed to be fun! If we’re not having much fun, then it’s time to follow a different path.

I haven’t always followed my own gut instincts, but when I do, I get a confirmation every time that this is the way that makes me happy. I appreciate today that I am following my own path. I appreciate my “knowing” that when I’m feeling passionate and “on fire” about something, that it’s a Divine message that I’m following my purpose in life.

I have to say that I am getting really good at this. Perhaps I am just listening more as I grow older, or perhaps it’s part of life’s cycle of maturity in that I don’t give a hoot what others think! 😉 I don’t really care to analyze it – just appreciate it!

I appreciate that my way is my way and most likely different from yours. It would get too crowded if we all went the same way! (hee hee). So go your own way and appreciate yourself for the wisdom in knowing that this way is the path of your purpose. If you’re not feeling it, then turn around and try a new way. You won’t get lost if you follow your passion in life.