LIVING YOUR POTENTIAL!
by: Shelly Aristizabal
Have you asked yourself the questions – “What on earth am I here for?” “What is my purpose in life?” Of all the great pursuits of life, to me this is the most important!! I believe every virtue, treasure and reward in life is obtained through the quest to live your Potential. Potential is what you can become, the Best possible version of yourself. When you know God’s purpose for your life and understand the big picture, then all the pieces of your life fit together. When you are doing something you feel is meaningful and makes you happy while you are doing it, then you are following your purpose and living your potential.
Some call it mojo or the positive spirit of what you are doing. Who are you? What are you good at? What do other people think you are good at? Dare to dream about what you can achieve. Many people lock their greatness away, afraid of their own vast potential. It is said that the greatest waste in the world is the difference between what we are and what we are capable of doing and becoming.
Marianne Williamson challenges us with her message; “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others”.
Where do you start? By realizing your greatness. You will only be truly happy when you are living up to your strengths, courage and capabilities. Listen to your heart. That is where God places your bundle of desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams and affections for you to discover.
I was always envious of people who “knew what they wanted to be when they grow up” - doctors, firefighters, teachers, inventors, etc. I was not raised in a home where we were encouraged to dream and follow our passions. Sometimes you discover what you do want by knowing what you don’t want!!!! That’s OK.
Today the average life span is 25,550 days. That is how long you will live if you are typical. It may be a good use of time to spend a few of those days reflecting, praying and reading to help you discover how to Live Your Potential. I recommend Rick Warren’s book “ The Purpose Driven Life.” It may be just what you need to Unlock the passion in side of you!
Take a few minutes now to do a few activities that may help you begin to discover your purpose. BE Honest! 1) Make a list of 10 things you would do for free - to discover your passions. (2) Make a list of 10 things you are good at - to discover your talents. 3) Make a list of 10 things you like to do now. (4) Make a list of 10 things you would like to do some day. Need help? Sit down with a friend or family member who you trust to be open and honest with you and ask them to give you feedback.
Still having trouble? Ponder this… If you were given all the money you ever wanted, what would you do with it? What would you do tomorrow if time and money were not an issue? What are you good at? What were your dreams as a little kid? Life Coach, Rex Crain, suggest you complete this statement “My name is ______, My life is about _________.”
You were put on earth to make a contribution. Discover your passion and live your potential. Invest in your passions. Follow that still small voice inside of you and be comforted in knowing God has a plan for your life. I know that when you ignite that flame of potential, it will set you afire to live the life you are meant to live.
