A Life that Matters

Transition is a wonderful time for musing, when one phase of your life intersects with the next. Each phase gains focus and purpose from the goals you set. Resting firm in a clear set of values brings continuity to the phases. Living on purpose is about living these values out loud.

As I enter the third quarter of my life, transition emerges as my children have successfully launched into adulthood and I have chosen to leave a business that was my vehicle for living out my values for eighteen years. Throughout the years I have collected a blend of notes, cards, recognitions and more from coworkers, friends and family. It’s my ‘up’ file. It’s a wonderful read when I am feeling insecure or lonely. I have read through it several times during this current transition phase. It’s a reflec tion of how I have lived my values out loud. Because it’s an ‘up’ file, it holds only the memories of the times I have done this well. It’s a definite esteem booster. It’s also a reflection of how I have impacted others.  A theme keeps emerging as I read; communicating my confident belief in other’s ability to achieve their dreams impacts their lives. My life matters because I help others discover how to make their lives matter.

A life matters differently for each of us. To one, leaving behind art, music or humor makes a difference. To another, it’s creating a home that loves and nurtures a family.  It might be sharing the message of salvation through Jesus or inventing something that no one has thought of before. It could be sharing a passion, like cooking, bicycling or prayer. It might be sharing knowledge as a teacher or mentor. A physical reminder of your life might matter, a building, a park or a legacy. The key is that the reason resonates with your core values and makes you feel whole. It might even change throughout your life.

Mine has. As a young wife and mother, my life mattered because I provided a home that welcomed others and encouraged growth for all the members of my family, including me. My life mattered because I shared the message of family mealtime with many people. My life mattered because I contributed financially to my family. My life mattered because I contributed to the family of faith in my church.

Several years ago I began a journey with a coach. I revisited my core values and gained great insight about why these things mattered to me. My values: Integrity, Faith, Personal Growth, Connecting and Balanced Living drive me. When my life feels like it matters, I am honoring these values. When it feels like it does not, I have lost focus on these core essences of who I am. As I learned to live my life rooted firmly in these values, I have learned to experience joy in all things. I am passionate about helping others learn to live this way, too.

I am honored to engage on another’s journey, whether it’s for a few minutes of conversation, in a lasting relationship, as an influence through speaking or training or in a partnership as a coach.

I believe that each person is on this earth to create a life that matters.

I believe that each person has a life purpose, designed by God, our creator.

I believe, without exception, that each person is capable of creating a life that matters, to them and to our world.

I believe the life God has given me, is to believe in others and help them discover how to create a life that matters.

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