Doing What you Love to Do!

Just back from a giving a conference with my speaking partner Joyce O’Brien in Moncton, New Brunswick. I have been busy preparing for the conference for a few months so now I want to continue with the Why Café conversations. My talk in Moncton touched on many of the same subjects from the book like finding your life purpose, your journey and what you can learn from the roadblocks  along the way. 
 
Back at the Why Café John asks Casey what people do when they find out the reason they are here - their purpose. Casey answers with a question, as she does so often. ‘What would you do if you wanted to become an artist in your spare time, what type of art would you create?’ John says he would try all types of things and then pick the type of art that he really enjoyed creating, no matter what that was.  She encouraged him to apply that notion to the situation when people find their life purpose.  
 
John played back to Casey his understanding of the situation; 'so once people find out their purpose, they explore different ways of fulfilling it and then choose the one(s) they love to do?' As he said this is felt a physical reaction in his body, an excitement, like he had just uncovered a deep truth or insight. 
 
This is a great lesson in and of itself. Whenever we get a strong physical reaction to something we say, think or hear (like the chills, watery eyes, a wave of energy etc.) we should pay particular attention because something very meaningful has likely been touched on. In those situations, I would invite you to write down the insight because often these truths come and go like the wind. 
 
Next time we will hear about Casey’s story of the sea turtle that she claims taught her one of her most powerful life lessons!  Until then, stay alert to signs of your purpose by paying attention to the things you love to do and that give you great joy and satisfaction.

Jackie

WHY Not?

Mini recap... our main character John got stuck behind an accident and then proceeded to get lost and wound up at the Why Café...
 
After placing his order, Casey (his waitress) helps John read the question on the menu (why are you here?) from a different perspective and John starts to see its newfound significance.  As John is laughing to himself at the ridiculousness of the situation (he is lost and hungry, in the middle of nowhere and she is asking about his life purpose), Casey continues with the warning that once he truly asks himself the question – why am I here? a chain reaction may be set off.  For example, the question may be on his mind when he wakes up in the morning, it may keep popping up during the day and it may even be with him in his dreams. 
 
John starts to wonder if he really wants to go down this road.  He shares his thought with Casey and adds that his life is pretty good so why would he want to change things.  Casey gives him another smile and says ‘really?’.  Casey is referring to a situation many of us may feel on a daily basis but we don’t often take the time to really reflect on it.  She is challenging John, is he really happy, fulfilled and energized on a regular basis?  Is he satisfied with the important aspects of his life?  Upon further reflection John admits to having struggled, especially in his recent past, and that he is not that satisfied with things as they currently are.
 
She asks him – is that why you are really here?  John wants to object but he too is starting to wonder if his little side trip is more than just a weird set of circumstances, maybe it is the answer to his unexpressed desire to make changes in his life.
 
If you are somewhere you don’t want to be in life I invite you to ask yourself – why is am I in this situation?  What am I meant to learn from it?  What could I change for the better as a result of my struggle? Who is meant to help me on my journey?
 
Until next week, be on the lookout for weird coincidences that just may be bringing you the insights or answers you have been seeking.
Jackie

Are you sure about what you want in life?

We are back at The Why Café and John takes a look at the menu and sees a little message warning people that before ordering they may want to ask about the purpose of their passage at the café.  Seeing his confusion, the waitress explains that people who pass through The Why Café often leave as changed individuals and so they now help people through the learning process.  John is very perplexed and if not for being very hungry and out of gas (i.e. stuck in his current paradigm) he may have left then and there.
 
It is late in the evening when John placed his order but he chose the breakfast plate.  Casey, his waitress (and spiritual guide), asks him if he is sure.  He affirms his choice and she said that it should be possible.  Again seeing the metaphor in this scene the message becomes a very profound one.  When you are sure of what you want, the universe will help you make it possible.  On the other hand, if you are not sure and making decisions with little or no reflection, confusion will reign and you will not likely reach your ultimate destination.  
 
As our journey to The Why Café continues and the metaphor of John’s life deepens, you may want to ask yourself – do I feel stuck in some aspects of my life?  Am I facing roadblocks that have brought me to a halt? Am I really hungry for more of something in my life?  And finally, do I want to discover a GPS that can lead me down a new path that offers more clarity and fulfillment?
 
See you next time as the conversation at The Why Café takes on new twists! 
 
Jackie