Living on Purpose
We all know the Nike slogan, “Just Do It,” has become a mantra. Since 1988, it has challenged us to get fit no matter our present physical condition. To do more. To be more. To not overthink.
To just DO.
I was thrown for a loop when I was given my life sentence of cancer. I felt like I had no control over what was happening inside my body. I was scheduled for more doctors’ appointments and tests in three weeks than I had the previous five years! The fear of losing control was almost paralyzing. How could I possibly find new meaning in my life?
Cancer had taken over.
Now I realize—it only took over because I gave cancer the power to do that.
I had allowed circumstances to dictate my time and my energy.
As it turns out, there are so many ways to live life on purpose.
Buzzwords and Building Blocks
The word “intentional” has now been labeled a buzzword. It’s overused and overhyped to make it sound as if you’re not living an intentional life, or working intentionally on relationships, or approaching your job with intention, then you’re failing. At everything.
So what is the definition of “intention”? I’m glad you asked!
The dictionary definition is this: an act or instance of determining mentally upon some action or result; the end or object intended; purpose.
That’s it. So being intentional is acting ON PURPOSE.
Not randomly reacting to what is happening around us, because we can’t always control those things. Our intention is rooted in HOW we respond to those circumstances.
I choose to live my life sentence of metastatic breast cancer. I choose not to wait for a death sentence to be carried out. As long as I’m living and breathing—every day, every hour, and every minute—I am choosing to travel, to spend meaningful time with my friends, to advocate for Stage 4 cancer patients.
I am establishing goals—specific, measurable achievements that will guide what I choose to do daily. Meaningful experiences with the people that I love and value. Advocating for myself and others as we navigate the maze of insurance and medical issues.
I am practicing mindfulness—being present and focused in my daily activities. Eliminating as much “noise” as I can from my daily life. Doing things like not turning on the TV unless I need a break from my thoughts. Setting my phone on “do not disturb” before I start writing or when I am ready to sleep.
Almost everything I do these days is on purpose.
I wish I had learned how to do this before cancer. That’s why I’m here now, challenging you to live your life right now.
Like TODAY. Just do it!
THIS WEEK’S CHALLENGE
What are the personal goals you want to achieve? What is keeping you from living on purpose? Hint—take a look in the mirror, because it’s probably you. You are the one with the power to set boundaries and to respect them.
I can imagine some of you saying, “But I have set boundaries, and others keep crossing them!”
Why is that? Come back next week, and we will dig into that. Spoiler alert-it might be fear, disguised as stress.
Until then … go forth. Be exceptional!
