"Listening to your heart is not simple. Finding out who you are is not simple. It takes a lot of hard work and courage to get to know who you are and what you want."
-- Sue Bender

How does a person find the time, space, inclination and direction to understand his or her self and unique purpose? What seems to stop the flow of true, natural, purposeful action?

Your purpose is your gift to the world. It is a sacred source for you to connect with and contribute to others at a deep and powerful level.

I have heard many times from clients in all walks of life, "Yeah, but how do I do it? How do I live aligned with my purpose?"

I believe it begins and ends with Courage -- the Courage to trust your heart, trust your values, and to trust yourself.

It takes courage to open up, to ask for what you want and courage to face your truth. Some say it takes courage to be real and to be authentically You.

So what stops us from being real, from living on purpose?

In my own life it has been fear. The fear of showing vulnerability. The fear of being judged. The fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of being alone, fear of the unknown, of uncertainty, and in the end, it seems to be the fear of losing my "life."

I have come to realize (and of course you must arrive at your own conclusions) that no one, no situation, no experience, can take away my purpose. Eventually, one way or another I will die. But, in the process of living, I am the one responsible for identifying, connecting to and living my own purposeful life. A life and a truth that belongs to this moment only, to this opportunity to live fully.

How can I live in this moment fully? What courage do I need to call on? I summon my courage to let go of perceived past wrongs, of regrets, hurts, and of old longings.

I work to own the memories, the true lessons learned, thoughts and images of joy and of love, of compassion and caring. I let go of blaming and anger; release jealousy, envy and any feelings of scarcity, helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness.

As humans, we heal and build at the same time. Both take courage. You decide when you are ready to move to the next step in your purposeful evolution. Look around. You'll find a book, a friend, a coach, a spiritual guide or teacher to help you uncover your own true connection to yourself, your truth and your purpose. Maybe you will be that friend, guide or teacher for another, which will be part of your healing journey to Authentic Purposefulness.

No matter where you are in this evolutionary process, there is room to grow. We all face our own challenges to live fulfilling, passionate and compassionate lives.

I am truly grateful for others who showed me through books, stories and in the way they live their life that I can live on purpose and be happy. The key ingredient, I have learned, is Courage.

It takes courage to accept responsibility for my own success and happiness. The courage to live on Purpose. The courage to be real.

About the Author:

Robert Knowlton is an Executive Success Coach.

Coaching in leadership development, communication strategies, and realizing your purpose and personal vision.

Contact me now if you are ready to move to the next level of success and fulfillment in your business and life.