Redefining Purpose. Embracing your True Self
Finding purpose on a journey of self-discovery
How do you define “Purpose”?
Purpose can mean different things to different people. It is something that a lot of us seek, especially when we reach a crossroads in life and we are not sure which way to go.
My Dad is almost seventy. He says he still doesn't know what his purpose is (with a mischievous glint in his eye).
In the Collins Dictionary it states “purpose is the feeling of having a definite aim and of being determined to achieve it”.
This certainly describes me up until my early-30’s. I always felt I knew what I wanted and off I went to get it. Like having three part-time jobs during my A-Levels so that I could pay for my driving lessons AND go on a post-exams holiday to Tenerife with my friends. Although, I guess these were more goals than a purpose.
After being in the corporate world for 10 years by this point, and losing a few close family members, I questioned my direction, what my purpose was, feeling like there was more I was here to do. Something different.
Which takes me to another definition of purpose being “the reason for which something exists”.
This is the purpose I refer to. Why am I here? What is my purpose?
Seeking answers externally
I have taken many personality tests over the years, hoping they would give me the answer to what my role is in the world. Some tests were helpful, I could certainly resonate with a lot of the outcomes:
MBTI = ENFJ: an inspiring optimist, warm and forthright, love helping others. Tend to have strong ideas and values, love to guide friends and loved ones to become their best selves. We can also talk a lot!
Enneagram = 7: enthusiastic about almost everything that catches their attention. Approach life with curiosity, optimism, and a sense of adventure.
SDI 2.0 = Blue (People): motivated by the protection, growth, and welfare of others. They have a strong desire to help others who can genuinely benefit.
DiSC = The Counsellor: inner need to develop and maintain friendships, at work and at play. Approachable and understanding. Their optimism encourages them to look for the best in others. They are a good listener and offer constructive advice.
I could go on! There are definite similarities across the tests - optimism and helping others seems to be a common theme, but I continued to seek answers. Hence, the 30+ personality tests I have done over the years. I always focused on the “ideal career for you” section of the tests. What was I here to do?
Then, I saw an Instagram post from astrologer, Kirsty Gallagher, saying that your purpose in this world is to be more you!
That’s it.
It is not about what you do, but who you are. Isn’t it funny how just one sentence can take you inward? No more searching externally for answers.
Getting to know me again
At around the same time as seeing that Instagram post, I stumbled across Human Design. It is the best system I have found to guide me back towards my true self, to understand my strengths and potential challenges, and my role in the world.
I had been interested in Astrology since I was 16. Creating birth charts for friends using pencil and paper (yes, it was the 90’s)! So, finding Human Design, which is a combination of Astrology, I-Ching, the Chakra system, Kabbalah and Quantum Physics, was next level fascination for me! Down into a wonderful rabbit hole I went.
No lengthy questions to answer, which are subject to how you feel at the time or the circumstances you find yourself in. The only information you need is your birth date, time and location, then out pops your unique energetic blueprint.
Human Design helped me to reconnect with my true self, the one before I shrunk to fit in, to please others, to be liked, to prove myself. I know my unique gifts, my challenges and strengths - all helping me to reach my potential and live a life authentically me. One I can navigate with more ease.
Human Design is an experiment, a permission slip to be all of you.
When I look back on the results of some of the personality tests I have done and compare them to my Human Design, there are some similarities, indicating I haven’t always been out of touch with my true self. But there are other areas that surprised me and they have been lovely to experiment with.
So, back to my original question. How do you define purpose?
I resonate with embracing the true you. To be authentically you. Because there is no one else like you. We are here to embrace our uniqueness.
Be you, all of you, embrace your unique essence. That is your purpose.
Perhaps it is the key to unlock harmony and ease in the world. It is a nice thought.
Over the next few weeks, I will write a series of posts sharing insights into my Human Design and how it has helped me reconnect to myself and redirect my path.
I would love for you to follow along. You can download your free Human Design chart below.
Let me know what you find!
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