The most powerful weapon on Earth is the human soul on fire – Ferdinand Foch.
Pic copyrighted: www.nordicaphotography.com
This is an extension of summin’ I first wrote to 6,500 peeps on the Your Life YOUR Way Tuesday Inspiration email list. Today, I want to share it with you. Yes, it freaks me the eff out to be putting it out there in the world for millions of people to see … AND I’m going to do it anyway. – Tia Sparkles.
Hi Gorgeous.. may I tell you my innermost thoughts today?
I’m moved by a realisation I just had & am compelled to share with you. Intimate, raw straight from my soul. I’m not going to edit or cut it out. Tia uncensored, yo.
Okay, I am out assisting a coaching course all weekend and have been thinking about values, passion, purpose as I just launched Sparkle Flight Club a few days ago.
Know what came to me a few hours ago, after years of pondering these topics?
That we go on and on about wishing we could find our purpose and passion and make a great living doing what we love, but we put SO much energy into “finding”, that we forget a very.important.thing.
We forget that the thing we’re trying so hard to find, wasn’t lost to start with so no matter how hard you try, how in heck can you find something that isn’t even lost!?
What if your passion, purpose, path, reason for being, watchumacallit, is already here?
In you. Waiting to be discovered. Rediscovered. Set free?
What if, you don’t find your purpose or passion, you allow it. CREATE it. Lean into it.
Recognise it. Birth it. Embrace it.
Somewhere deep inside you, the truth is alive and you know it. You just can’t see it.. or may be afraid to acknowledge it.
Tell me if this is you – all the hopes and dreams and goals you have, are all leading you to the one thing you want most in your life.
Meaning.
Yes, you want to be happy. Fulfilled. Wake up feeling alive and excited about your life. Fill that aching void in your belly and soul that yearns for an unnamed ‘more’.
But more than anything, you want to feel like your life has a purpose.
You’re here for something bigger than yourself. To learn and grow and experience and make a difference in the world in only a way that you can. There’s more to it than your daily routine and you know it.
I know, I felt the same.
There was a yearning in me, an urgency to get out of my own way, move past my fears and excuses, get unstuck and make service, joy, and gratitude the biggest cornerstones of my life.
It took me 20 months – almost 2 YEARS of wanting to create this online space for a community close to my heart, before I finally stopped waiting and just DID it.
Stopped waiting to get it perfect, waiting for the right time, right topic, right people, right sign, right who-knows-what. In the meantime, my confidence + enthusiasm were waning, my energy flagging, my soul dying just a little with each day I ignored its call.
The answer is not found before something is made. It isn’t found before something is finished. The answer to a situation is to begin. – Michael Drebert.
Till one day, the call got so loud it was all in or bust. Turns out, the only thing I needed was to BELIEVE in my vision and ACT on it. Learn the basics, trust in myself, and go for Gold.
I was so scared on Monday that my heart beat faster all day at the thought of giving wings to this vision.
But I knew I had to either share it with the world or shelve it forever. And shelving? Is not an option. My commitment to love, joy, and making a positive difference in the world gives my life meaning and so I will act inspite of fear of failure or rejection.
When I took that leap of faith, I KNEW it was meant to be. And I wondered why I had let fear of the unknown stop me for so long. As will you, when you finally act on the idea that won’t leave you alone in your waking and sleeping moments.
When you stand tall, listen to your heart and soul and declare to the world “THIS IS ME, THIS IS WHAT I WANT, AND NOTHING / NO-ONE WILL STOP ME ANYMORE, LEAST OF ALL ME”!
THAT’S what happens when you live a life of purpose.
Nothing is too embarrassing or scary when you’re lit from within, when your soul is on fire burning with passion and a mission bigger than you!
Well okay, it’s scary as f**k but you feel the fear and do it anyway.
I got sick of talking about and trying to “manifest” my desire by sticking a toe out instead of diving into the water. Of hearing people say how amazing my life is, what a great community I have created, how adventurous, creative, and passionate I am… and cringing inside thinking “If only they knew…”
That I am scared a LOT and never feel like I am doing enough. I expect the world from myself and constantly feel like I let myself down. That I talk about getting out of your way and acting in spite of your fears, but was standing squarely like a DEMENTOR in front of my own vision!
I wake up every day and CHOOSE happiness. Faith. Belief. Joy.
This used to come naturally to me as a child but got buried as an adult, overtaken by doubt, insecurity, fear, a frustrated helplessness. I clearly SAW my ‘potential’ but never felt like I was stepping into it fully. 80% yes, but I want more. I want 110%!! Do you?
So why is living a life true to you VITAL to your wellbeing?
Who you become in the process, the risks you take, the self awareness, the stretching outside your comfort zone, the trust and faith needed to be in the moment, take action, and let the best laid plans go in directions you never imagined and trust that it will all work out, to become that person, THAT is the purpose of your life!
If you’re feeling that same sense of urgency I felt and are done waiting, resisting, and letting fear run your life, it’s time for you to take that step and explore your soul.
I believe that your heart knows. Your soul knows, even if you can’t see what it is exactly just yet.
Be quiet and listen. Get messy. Feel your way through. Be guided from within.
Will you promise yourself one thing?
Whether you do this on your own or with me, will you INVITE your calling to be revealed to you?
Be the master of your life and refuse to let circumstances define you or drag you down for even ONE MORE SECOND? Experiment with your passions, play with your ideas, trust in a bigger purpose, look for clues in your own life, do what makes you smile and laugh, choose love over fear?
This is important.
Pic copyrighted: www.nordicaphotography.com
We, the world, we NEED you to come alive.
As you go about your day, check in with yourself – are you living the life you truly want? Do you even know what that looks like? If so, how can you create it? What do you need to do next? How can you align with your values? What can you change? Let go of? Bring in? What do you want more of? Less of? How can you love and respect yourself more? What inspires you? What are you passionate about?
PLEASE do what you can to ensure that your time on Earth is well spent. So that you have no regrets at the end of your days.
If you feel drawn to do so, join me + a gorgeous community of sparkletastic beings for 30 days of soul searching + authentic conversations, as we drop the masks & get real about what matters to us.
Just like I did right now.
If not, commit to your calling anyway.
I don’t care how it happens for you, as long as it does. You deserve a life 100% true to yourself.
Don’t waste another day wishing you had taken more risks, followed your heart’s true desires, be who you wanted to be. Explore, challenge yourself, dare to follow the beat of your own drummer.
Say YES to courage + connection + living your life YOUR way. Say NO to restrictions + shoulds + living a life someone else wants for you!
Sh*t! I started off writing a few lines and have written a book now.. lol. Kinda overflowing with love and gratitude for you at the moment and sending you LOADS. Know that you are seen, heard, felt, adored.
Please leave me a comment and tell me, what’s coming up for you? Is there something you’re being called to do but haven’t taken the leap of faith yet? What’s it gonna take?
When you share, you give others permission to share as well AND inspire people who need to hear just what you have to say. Lives get touched, transformed, healed. And puppies frolic. Word.
Thanks for reading. You matter and I love you, you brave, passionate Sparklepants, you!
xoxo, Tia.
UPDATE: Today is Sept 27th, a day after I wrote this post here. At 4am, while I was approving forum registrations + checking out the first few posts by members, I was suddenly hit by this incredible feeling of OMG.. YES! This is finally happening! There were times I almost gave up, well, I quit for about a year, but I came back to it because it wouldn’t leave.me.alone. If there’s a dream you have that just.won’t.go.away, hang in there, have patience and don’t give up!! It’s only a matter of time, Darling. And if that time is now, take a leap of faith and come join us at Sparkle Flight Club.
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SPARKLE FLIGHT CLUB: Where your dreams take flight & fears get grounded.
30 day purpose + passion + inner self + gratitude journey in an online community experience. Starts October 1st, 2012. CLICK FOR DEETS + TO SIGN UP.
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Image source: google.com
Pictures: Me, shot by www.nordicaphotography.com
Your courage in sharing this moves me, and only makes you shine brighter. Thanks for getting out of your own way and letting that light illuminate so many!
Thank you for seeing me and holding that space for me, Sandi. I just had to, y’know! Gets tiring resisting your soul purpose.. xo
Tia, I so admire your incredible blend of courage and vulnerability. Yes, you are right! It’s not about finding our purpose, it’s always been there – buried beneath layers of fear and sef-doubt. It’s about commitment + taking action + taking risks. In 1 week, I’m picking up my dusty suitcase and heading off to Europe for one frigand month. I’m giving myself the permission to leave my business behind (I can’t believe I’m doing this!) and reconnecting with one of my Passions – travelling.
Thank you Flo. It’s about having the courage and taking a leap of faith for sure! Way to go, Flo – way to model building a business around your life vs your life around your business. You’ll come back so energised and refreshed that I bet your business will prosper even more as a result. Happy travels!
Amazing post, thank you Tia!! I am definitely one of those people struggling to ‘find’ my purpose and start doing what I really love. I have things that hold me back, financial fears, and I am just not sure how to proceed. I’ve done soul searching and workshops and when I think I have it figured out, I become afraid to proceed or become interested in something else. I have a mind that’s always running! This post is a huge reason I love your site – you’re very authentic and I appreciate that. <3
Stop looking for it darling, and start listening to your intuition more – it KNOWs what your purpose is! You might want to check out The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, it’s all about upper limits and why we sabotage ourselves + how to stop doing it. Fear of getting stuck, making a mistake, getting what you want then losing it, etc .. sound familiar :)?
Thanks for the fab acknowledgement sweetie, I want to write a lot more, will get back to it when I have more time.
It does sound familiar, thank you Tia!!
Yes, yes, yes! We put SO much energy into “finding”, that we forget a very.important.thing :: What the world needs is more people who come alive.
This is so good, Tia. Love your vulnerability and openness here.
Thanks for your love and support, Amber! Truly appreciate it and you <3
“Don’t waste another day wishing you had taken more risks, followed your heart’s true desires, be who you wanted to be. Explore, challenge yourself, dare to follow the beat of your own drummer. ”
Yes! Tia this is gorgeous. The whole darn thing. Thank you for allowing us to see *you* in all your vulnerability and beauty. Your courage and open heart is inspiration for us all.
Thank you! You’ve been a real inspiration, Alana. Gratitude for all the info about Green Tara and reminding me to honour my Inner Child + reassure her that she’s safe!
True/Nice way letting out your feelings and passion. I suppose it will lead others because most people have some sort of a scrambled vision about purpose, meaning, greater good, related thoughts/passion, but they are not sure about it. They are not sure whether just a scrambled vision is good enough to start. They are not concrete about it. They feel vulnerable. I think your article helps them.
More so, I think your article helps you. I can relate to how you feel. I know how it builds you 🙂 It increases your experience in this passion. Anything true done out of full consciousness always helps.
I was one of those people, Rohan! Even now I have many contradicting feelings and thoughts and desires but knowing I am here to spread smiles, happiness, love, joy, and inspiration keeps me grounded and focused on creating value with my work.
And YES, writing about my process does help me get over my fears of being judged or seen as “less than” and if it inspires even one person to stand up and face their fears, my work is done. Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂 Tia.
Thank you for replying back to my comment, Tia 🙂 I am only just 26 and already I feel pretty strong about living a life of value.
Please continue what you are doing! It will create a revolution of better living 🙂 I believe that!
“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it”
–Henry David Thoreau
I will follow your postings, etc and share my knowledge base as and when I have something sensible to say 😉 This is the first time I have commented on a social community with regards to this subject!
I wish I had such awareness at 26 🙂 It’s all good though, we each have our own journeys and everything happens as it is meant to happen. I LOVE that quote, btw, it’s so damn true. You have no idea how much I appreciate you connecting and leaving a comment, thank you for taking the time to do so 🙂
Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
I’ve been searching for my purpose for a few months now. Jacob Sokol from Sensophy helped me a lot with it, he’s like the expert on purpose finding. 🙂 He always says to “make it your purpose to find your purpose” and that’s what I’m doing right now. I have a slight feeling what it might be, but I’m not sure yet. I’ll just have to dig a little deeper I guess 🙂
-Iris
Haha Jacob is awesome, did you see his interview here at YLYW? It was epic! http://www.yourlifeyourway.net/2011/10/07/ylyw-interview-15-jacob-sokol-on-living-on-purpose-free-97-product-giveway/
Ohhh do tell, what do you think it might be? Curious!! Thanks for dropping by, sista!
Yes yes and yes! It’s here, it needs to be created, and we have the power to do it! This is why I do the work I do 🙂
Thanks Tia for sharing!
Big hugs and thank you for being here, Emmanuelle 🙂 I’m all smiles!!
Oh, this is epic!
Tia, you’re awesome for sharing this, it shows truly a warrior spirit by allowing yourself to be vulnerable but at the same time sharing your light with all of us. I know this is going to turn EPIC!
Oh YOU are epic, Alex! Wwarrior spirit – never thought of it like that but I LOVE it! It’s a delicate balance, it is. I’d rather err on the side of sharing too much than too little (after decades of trying to do it the other way). Being publicly transparent is scary AND exhilarating at the same time, almost a rush ;).
OMG I am soooo excited at the forum activity, had to stop for a moment in sheer gratitude to see this dream come true. Wow.. glad you’re on my side for the ride ahead. Woot wooty woot!
This was AWESOME!! Holy crap you have me totally energized!!
I have indeed found my passion – and you are right, it’s within us all along. It gets bogged down by all the muck of life over the years and can be so buried and so hard to dig up. For me… it took a major life tragedy to find it…
I lost my fiancé just over 3 months ago – he was a pilot and was in a fatal helicopter crash. Its been devastating… my life is far from happy right now, but many blessings have come through this loss. Both of my parents are also deceased… but I have found new parents in his. They have taken me in as one of their own, and are some of the most beautiful people I’ve ever known. A gift I am grateful for each day. He also believed in me more than anyone ever has, and always pushed me towards my goals – now with him gone, i feel these qualities instilled in me. I believe in myself more than I ever have before. I push myself to get up and get going, but i am also kind to myself while I heal.
Losing someone this close to you strips away everything, every single thing that does not matter… and you are left only with the vital parts of life. This is another blessing. In the midst of this painful loss, i rediscovered my passion and fell in love with it. My passion is simply “to make things that excite me and make a difference in people’s lives”. That’s it. So simple. It’s been there all along. I’ve been doing it all along, i just didn’t see it before.
So with that passion ignited, i have jumped in head-first. I quit my full-time cubicle job and moved in with family to take the time i need to heal and create. Out of the big city, I am living in the country now, with horses and cows and dogs and sunsets, and most importantly, family by my side. I have NO IDEA where any of this is going to take me!! But my goal now is to remember all the beauty he brought me, do only the things that excite me, and say “yes” only when I truly mean it. And that part of all of this process feels incredibly, amazingly, GOOD!
Thank you SO MUCH for writing this – i may just have to read over it again and again every time i need a jump start to get excited about making something!
Sarah! You have such beautiful writing! I just checked out your website and I’m totally inspired by you 12 months of creativity. Something I’ve been meaning to get back in touch with in myself <3
Thank you so much Mara!! =D
Holy sh*t, Sarah! I am BLOWN AWAY by your grace, courage, and willingness to share. I think I love you! Thank you, thank you, thank YOU for this gift. I’m crying and smiling reading your post. My dad was a chopper pilot too, retired last year. I cannot even begin to imagine your loss .. and I am awed and INSPIRED by your awareness and self love. Wow. Wow. Wow.
Can’t think of a better passion than doing what excites you and makes a difference 🙂 So similar to mine! Mine is to spread smiles, positivity, happiness, inspiration, self love and the idea of taking 100% responsibility for your life, mastering rather than being mastered by your circumstances!
I am honoured that my words inspired you and am TOTALLY following your journey as of this second. You have a new fan! Much love and sparkles to you, darling girl. Shine that light bright. xoxoxooxoxoxoxoxo, Tia.
ps: too funny how we’re both hailing the poopy spirits, LOL ;)!
TIA! Girlfriend, stop. This is amazing. Exactly what I needed to hear. I feel like I’ve been *searching* for something outside of me for sooo long. And just the other day it occurred to me that this search was setting an intention to never find it.
So, I just decided that I knew exactly what it was I help people with and what I want to do and seriously in a matter of a day, I felt totally clear. It’s crazy.
Thanks for reaffirming that for me. Loves you!! <3
Like the LOA peeps say – search implies lost, not there. Discover = it’s here, I know it, I can sense it, oh what fun to finally uncover it! Your experience just proves it 🙂 So what’s that thing you help people with, do tell us here. Thank you for your generous spirit and laser sharp clarity, Lady M! Mwah!
I help people get real about what they really want to accomplish through their business and give permission, encouragement and ideas of how to build their very own personality driven brand! <3
You look yummy. 🙂
Umm… thanks? LOL!