Myself - Can two simple letters reveal your purpose?
Keep reading to learn one very simple exercise that may help answer one of life's most complex questions - What is my purpose?
For the better listeners than readers out there, click play to hear me read this post. Remember, one of my life’s purpose is to simplify so here you go….
[Toronto - a few, very different weeks ago.] My dear friend and I enter the theater, quickly snag two crushed red velvet seats, ready pen, paper and a mostly open mind, and wait for Liz Gilbert to enlighten us. She energetically enters the stage and promptly tells us to find a seat away from your friends. My brows arch as I turn to Brooke, “Are we doing this?” We both knew the answer and quickly relocated ourselves next to complete strangers.
Several wise words later from Liz and we received our first assignment - write a letter to yourself from your fear. Huh? As someone who struggles to think deeply with light direction, I was grateful when Liz provided the formula for the task and even more grateful when she read us her brutally honest letter. Here’s a quick example.
Dear Liz,
I am your fear and this is what I want to tell you. I am afraid you will never be enough. I am afraid your addictions will overcome you once again.
Love,
Your Fear
After ten minutes of unleashing our deepest fears on paper, Liz provided our next directive, “Now, read it to your neighbor.” A collective ugh swept through the crowd.
I turned to approximately 60-year-old Vince, one of fifteen brave men in the audience, and poured my heart (and tears) out to him. His response - “Wow.” - told me he wasn’t quite ready for that level of honesty. Alas. Listening to reserved Vince revealed a recent career shift and maintaining a great relationship with his adult kids were his greatest fears.
After Liz blew our minds with her thoughts on the topic, we followed the same directions swapping fear for its opposite - enchantment. Enchantment can be defined as a feeling of great pleasure or delight. Liz read us her letter from her enchantment (slobbery dog kisses topped her list) and then, once again, it was our turn. Here’s an excerpt from my letter.
Dear Laura,
I am your enchantment and this is what I want to tell you. I love sitting around the firepit watching the stars with your family. I love when your phone goes to bed at 8:00. I love when you complete the workouts, especially the hikes. I love when you belly laugh with your sister. I love when your toddler neighbor says, “Adios, Wowa.” I love when you get to travel with families and make lasting memories. I love when you seek out opportunities to help…..
Love,
Your Enchantment
A quick reading sesh (more tears for me) with Vince (he secretly loves his at-home onsen ritual) and our focus went back to Liz. She asked…
“Could your enchantment list be your purpose?”
All heads went down and brains starting mulling over our letters. Within seconds, we started hearing a few individual ahas and ultimately, a collective yes.
For me, my list absolutely could be my purpose. My enchantments covered all things important to me: family, community, health, contributing, empowering self and others. They serve as a reminder of Who I Am and want to continue to be, especially during the craziest of times.
According to Liz, enchantments do not provide a craving or a quick feel good hit. They work together to create an overall feeling of wellness - a true feeling of being well. Looking back at my letter, that statement could not be more true.
Are you struggling to find your purpose, your passions, your combo to be well? Carve out forty-five minutes to make this Liz Gilbert exercise happen:
Write yourself a letter from your fear.
Review your letter and ask yourself, “Could the thing I fear the most be what fuels my soul the most?”
Write yourself a letter from your enchantment.
Review your letter and ask yourself, “Could this list be my purpose?”
Select your favorite enchantment and describe why you chose that particular one. Dig into the details to get an even better understanding of you and your way of being well.
Put your enchantment letter somewhere you can be reminded of your life’s delights often.
We’re entering a busy time of year when our attention will be pulled in a lot of directions, some more enchanting than others. Remembering what makes you feel well will help guide your decision making, create a meaningful holiday season for you and hopefully, a more enjoyable one, as well.
p.s. I give all credit to Liz Gilbert for creating this exercise. This process is not my original thought; however, I will proudly own my results.