I know I’m not the only one who’s asked the question, “What is my purpose?”
In fact, it seems to be one of the most commonly asked questions there is. Of course, this particular inquiry is usually followed up with some additional, but related ponderings.
Such as:
~ Why am I here?
~ What is the meaning of life?
~ Why did I choose to come to this crazy planet and endure all of this nonsense?
I know this is true because I’ve heard plenty of people inquire about these topics throughout my life.
I was one of them.
It wasn’t until last year that I’d finally received an answer to the question what is my purpose?
And I know my answer was real. I’ll tell you why I know this in just a moment.
What is My Purpose?
This is a question I’d been asking for at least half of my life, if not longer.
I was so lost.
I was frustrated because I knew there had to be a reason for my existence, and it certainly wasn’t to do what I had been doing day in and day out.
Which was surviving through life, working my job and trying to belong.
Somewhere.
I sooo didn’t fit in anywhere. I felt like the odd (wo)man out since I was a little kid.
I struggled with friendships, self-worth and an overall dissatisfaction with life in general.
I went through extreme bouts of depression because I honestly felt like everything I did worked against me.
It’s tough to wake up every day and not experience a sense of purpose. But that was the way I felt.
I won’t go on about all of that any longer because I think you get the point. And perhaps it’s possible you can relate to what I’m saying through all of this because I know I’ve heard many of you say a lot of the same things.
So what changed for me?
Well, I’ll be honest.
Nothing changed. And when I say that, what I mean is nothing, as in no thing changed.
Sure I switched occupations. But even that didn’t have the desired effect I was hoping for.
Things didn’t change because I hadn’t changed.
So even though I’d altered my body composition, earned a different career title and engaged in different activities, I was still the same, clueless person. Except I was getting a bit older. And with that, the pain of not understanding the reason for my existence intensified.
Why am I here?
I would ask this question every now and then and feel angry about the fact that it remained unanswered, even though I was pleading with life, with God to answer me already.
And then something happened.
Life woke my ass up.
And then things got interesting.
Life isn’t as it seems
When 2012 began, life as I knew it erupted.
I guess you could say that’s the year I finally woke up.
Of course, the awakening process itself is long and continuous. In January of that year, my ability to see things differently began, but it’s been a slow process of growth since then.
It wasn’t as though I’d somehow snapped out of this daydream, otherwise known as life, and I was suddenly all smart and everything.
Waking up from the dream has been a painful and destructive phenomenon because as I had mentioned in my most recent post about navigating through world chaos, when something new (and truly meaningful) occurs, it usually requires the deconstruction of the known – of the “what is” to occur.
A series of events took place that showed me life isn’t what I thought it was.
This included my personal life and the world as I had believed it to be.
Without getting into anything personal, I’ll just say things, apparently, aren’t as they appear.
The world we live in is like one giant illusion. That’s not to say things aren’t really happening, it’s just meant to relay to you that life as we know it is built on a foundation that’s shaky at best, and quite damaging.
When I found out that things like the financial system, the health care industry, politics, education, food production, the media and society in and of itself were controlled, manipulated and deceiving, I got scared.
Everything I had ever believed to be true turned out to be a lie.
In addition to all of that, I realized that part of my personal life included factors that turned out to not be true as well.
So to put it mildly, I had no clue what was real any longer.
And that was frightening, disturbing and just flat-out uncanny.
The turnaround
I lived with a feeling of being deeply unsettled for a long time.
~ What is this horrible place I exist in all about anyway?
~ Are there really individuals on this planet set out to do harm to the rest of us?
~ Is humanity about to taken over and punished just for existing?
~ Are we really the pawns of a control system?
I started seeking out information to help me understand what we humans are dealing with.
What I learned was deeply disturbing, but as far as I was concerned, better to know what I – what WE are dealing with instead of living in a state of willful ignorance.
It’s one thing to truly not know something. It’s quite different, though, to know there’s information out there that can open your mind, expand your perspective and still choose not to investigate further.
Well, as far as I was concerned, the cat was out of the bag. Never mind trying to deny what had become clear to me by this time. Now it was time to face this orchestrated world once and for all.
That required courage. Something I never imagined I had.
When I became brave enough to allow new information into my life, even if it contradicted the beliefs I’d already had in place, my life changed.
Again, no thing changed. Same occupation. Same name. Same body. Same social awkwardness.
But my perspective changed. It expanded beyond anything I had ever thought possible. And that was everything.
The reason that happened was because I was willing to see the truth.
And once I made it a point to stay open to the onslaught of information that I didn’t enjoy receiving, something interesting happened.
I discovered my purpose
A funny thing happens when you become someone who doesn’t close themselves off to truth.
You become intuitive, insightful, and free.
Sure, we live in a world where bad people are in charge of things. I watch these silly politicians sling mud at each other and stand around as though they’re oh so powerful while they make life altering decisions for the rest of us – even though most of these clowns have no clue about the true meaning of life.
I watch people fight with one another over which “world leader” ought to lead humanity in a direction of safety, harmony, compassion, co-operation and genuine well-being – even though most of them wouldn’t know anything about real Intelligence or wisdom if these concepts fell on them.
But throughout it all, I AM FREE.
I may not be free in body, because as these asinine man-made laws, policies and restrictions, which go completely against the Laws of Nature continue to increase in time, my person (the physical identity I use during this life experience I’m having) will have to play the game.
My body will age, get sick and eventually die.
Maybe sooner, maybe later.
That’s fine by me. I’ve already died while I am still alive, so when my body goes, I’ll die knowing who I really was. I’ll have completed my mission because a big part of my job here was to wiggle myself free from the costume of my ego.
I wear the costume, but it no longer wears me.
To do this, I had to first understand the role of my ego to begin with.
I walk in two worlds. The real one, and this illusion – this construct we confuse for real life.
Yes, things are happening. Physical matter exists. Choosing to look away and deny the effects we’re experiencing in the world is not only irresponsible, but it also allows the corruption to grow because we create circumstances through our beliefs and our participation in these beliefs.
The reason I AM free is because I have freed my mind.
My mind is free because I allowed it to open. With this, the nonsense had a way out while the real insights finally had room to make their way in.
I realized I couldn’t possibly discover my purpose if I was too busy living through the will of others.
But I had to learn what all of that meant in order for me to clear the cobwebs of chaos that took up space within me.
I had heard once that when you discover your true purpose, you’ll cry.
Well, I don’t cry much these days, which is interesting in and of itself because I used to cry all the time. Everything pushed my buttons.
But now, not so much. Because I AM the observer of the “me” who thinks thoughts. I am not those thoughts. I just have them. And I watch them go by like I’d watch a shooting star.
So one day last year, while I was in the midst of receiving insight, something happened.
I discovered my purpose.
My purpose, as it turns out, was to awaken from the dream, to free my mind and use my natural abilities to be an individual who allows the expression of wisdom, truth, insight, and Divine guidance to flow through me.
It made me cry. I knew this was the reason I was born. I still do.
That’s not coming from a place of religion or new age nonsense. It’s just a simple, but powerful truth about who I am, who we are and why we’re here.
I feel we’re all here to wake up and discover who we are underneath the programming and conditioning of society, but for many of you, it’s taking a while. For others, your journey had already begun.
I am not here to be a good little soldier and obey the logic of a sick and corrupted society. I am here to play the character otherwise known as Dana while being able to look at the camera and say “I know this is a film, I am the actor and I see this performance for what it is.”
My purpose is to know that I am an individualized expression of the Intelligence that surrounds all of us.
I’m not special. We all have access to this. It’s just that I was willing to let go of the false idea of me, the illusion of life as it’s portrayed by our scripted and choreographed environment.
When you decide to open yourself up and allow new information into your life designed to help destroy the illusions you confuse with truth, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
And if/ when this happens for you, you’ll discover what YOUR purpose is because you’ll be in tune with who you really are as opposed to the story you’ve constructed for yourself.
How to Wake Up
The world has gotten quite loud. If you haven’t noticed this by now, then I sure hope you’re enjoying your slumber, because you’re in for a rude awakening, my friend.
And that brings me to my point.
How to wake up (and maybe discover your purpose as well).
First, you need to decide to keep an open mind.
Be willing to consider ideas, observations, and revelations about the world in which we live.
Stop believing your beliefs, at least until you’re reinvestigated them. Suspend what you think you know about life and approach things from a place of wonder.
Listen to the noise around you. It’s quite loud, isn’t it?
Everyone’s fighting. People are nervous and they’re reacting out of fear.
Witness all of this, but remain in a state of curiosity.
Start asking questions about everything going on in the world. Realize these questions may be answered in the form of additional questions at first, but know that well-rounded answers expand our perspectives.
My new book
I had mentioned in another recent post that I have a new book coming out.
The title is Streetwise Philosophy (a bullshit-free approach to spiritual maturity).
In this book, I share my thoughts and observations about the world we live in, what it takes to wake up and how to free ourselves by freeing our minds.
To do this effectively, it requires a no-nonsense approach to spirituality.
You’ll find topics discussing how we view and interact with society, what we base our self-worth on, what authentic freedom is, how to connect with and use our creative natures with a sense of purpose, and more.
We create our lives through our belief systems. As we think and feel, we manifest through our actions.
It’s that simple.
But we need to see what we’re dealing with before knowing how to consciously respond to the events we face today. It helps to understand a problem before attempting to solve it. This book explains all of this using specific circumstances that we experience in our day to day lives.
You’ll see how your life has been dictating your state of being, your very existence instead of the other way around.
Streetwise Philosophy will be published within the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned.
In the meantime, I hope what I had to say here stirred something deep within you.
Just be willing to be courageous.
Open your mind.
Be someone who can remain grounded, yet allow themselves to float as well.
That’s called balance.
Until next time, take care.
Clay Smith says
Hi there Dana,
I’m great to be back here for a long time due to some things in my real life. It’s very glad to be here again and read this blog that has to do a lot of life. When I’m in trouble(not in good condition) I think that everyone makes this question to himself. What is my Purpose?
Cheers,
Clay Smith
Dana Gore says
Hi Clay,
Good to see you here.
Yes, I think a lot of us ask this question. I sure hope I’ve offered some insight into how to answer it.
Glad you got something valuable out of this. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Sherman Smith says
Hey Dana,
I can really relate to you and it’s great that you found your purpose and who you really are.
A lot of people walk around pretending to be something that they’re not based on their peers or society’s standards, which came to this question for me? Who’s image were we created under? Was it really God’s image or the people at the top who control our societies?
The one thing that made me realize who I am and bring me closer to balance was to focus on things that I personally enjoy and felt like a sense of accomplishment. Each time I do this, I feel more whole than anything.
And it all goes back to what you said of keeping an open mind. We are infinite beings and once we stray away from realizing this, that’s when we become lost, so why limit ourselves.
Thanks for the share Dana! This was definitely an insightful post!
Dana Gore says
Hey Sherman,
Great comment.
Yep, it’s important to ask ourselves questions about what we base our ideas off of.
Are we influenced by the people at the top who have a huge hand in the collective perspective of society? Or by the insights we receive through the infinite awareness that encompasses everything?
It’s cool you’ve given thought to this because it’s one of the best ways to free your mind. And we will never understand what true freedom looks like until we free our minds.
This, of course, leads to a greater understanding of our purpose because we gain access to truth when the constructs of our programmed imaginations are deconstructed.
We place so much value on achievements and successes…but what do these things really mean?
If we weren’t caught up in a corrupted financial system, would a person’s “purpose” change?
Things to think about.
I think it’s great you keep yourself aligned with joy. We’re here to experience that in addition to contrast.
Loved your contribution here, Sherman. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Mitch Mitchell says
This is an intriguing and honest post, Dana. I have to admit that I’ve never had the conversation with myself in wondering what my purpose was, believe it or not. I knew what my purpose was from the time I was 10 years old and I’ve never wavered from it. It was never a question; it thrust itself upon me and… well, there it was. Unfortunately, based on what I see these days, I’m also a dying breed; but I’m comfortable with my role in life. It just needs to pay more. 🙂
Dana Gore says
Hey Mitch,
I’m glad you enjoyed reading it. It’s easier for me to write when I’m able to be honest and transparent.
I think it’s great you’re aligned with purpose. I agree with you about the pay scale. It seems a lot of the hyped up nonsense pays well, other times it’s a marketing issue.
But there’s something to be said about genuine expression from the soul. Sometimes that pays in dividends that cannot be measured in dollars. Easy to say, but this is one of the many disturbing conditions we live with.
Donna Merrill says
Hi Dana,
Wow.. Good for you finding your purpose…finding reality! Not many people do. They are like good little soldiers obeying the illusion they are told to do.
I found this all out in my early 30’s. It was like Wham…right between the eyes. I had inklings all through my life but when it hit it was eye opening.
So I live my life in my own little world…it is my truth. I observe what is going on that used to get me physically sick, and now just let it roll off my shoulders. I refuse to let any negative energy in any way interfere with my being.
Your book looks amazing…I have to give it a peek
-Donna
Dana Gore says
Hi Donna,
Yep, good little soldiers. We’re taught from an early age who we “should” be, what we should do and what success looks like – to the masses of course.
I feel that finding our purpose is an extremely personal endeavor. It’s possible it can’t be measured by the normal standards in which we measure things.
I’m glad you’ve discovered yours. You do express yourself authentically, and I know you see with a clear vision.
Cori Ramos says
Hey Dana,
I can so relate to you. I discovered my purpose about five years ago – not a coincidence that I started blogging at that time because they are connected.
Like you, I learned how to view life and all it’s challenges through human eyes and spiritual eyes. I learned when I see things through spiritual eyes, (I’m not blinded by what’s around me, I know the world is a mess) I take comfort in knowing there is something bigger than me that’s protecting me from all that madness.
I’m not a perfect person in any way, shape or form but I sure do try to be the best me, give it my all and serve others, which is my purpose.
I was really moved by your post and your experience, thank you for sharing that with us.
Have a great night gf. Thanks for the chat and the music today! I truly needed that little escape. 🙂
Love ya!
Cori
Dana Gore says
Hey Cori,
Yep, I know your story. You sort of stumbled into your passion. Just goes to show that sometimes, things that appear as adversity or challenging can lead to the biggest blessings.
I know how you feel about what you do, but more than that, I see who you are. I love that you have such an open mind. You’re someone who listens to things and isn;t afraid to discover concepts that expand your perspective. Not a popular trait, but much-needed.
Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂
Ravi Chahar says
Hey Dana,
We are living on a planet where bad people has the majority over good. But we can’t blame anyone for that. Live is our and we are the creators.
If you want to be happy then the best thing is to free yourself from all the burdens. Sometimes, I think the same thing. Why am I Here and What should I do?
The purpose of the life is different to every individual.
Thanks for bringing this into light.
~Ravi
Dana Gore says
Hey Ravi,
Yep, there are some pretty bad people out there. Some are that way to the core, but I think a lot act that way because they’re deeply wounded and heavily conditioned by belief systems and society’s mass brainwashing. I know that’s being blunt, but it seems to be the case.
I so agree with you about disconnecting. I’ve found that simplifying my life has made a positive impact. Clutter, in any form, leads to chaos.
I do feel that everyone has their unique purpose. It’s a personal discovery. The one that makes you cry, or that moves you to the core (in my humble opinion) is the one you were born to achieve.
Thanks so much for stopping by Ravi 🙂
Bren Pace says
Hey Dana,
Wow! Was this yet another eye-opening moment. I think we have many purposes on this earth, or at least, I do. It took me many years to figure it out and when I did, I was excited, happy, and feeling fulfilled. My one purpose is to give my furry children the best home and love possible. This I know to be true. I am good at this and no one can stop me. My second purpose is to help others. This I can achieve through my blogging. My third is networking people and building communities, whether online in or real-time life. The 4th I give to myself. My purpose is to challenge myself daily to be a better person. Sometimes I don’t always win but I push myself to do better.
When people open their mind to the truths is can be scary. This is why so many people like to live in their sugar-coated bubble of a world. I prefer to be dealt the straight up truths no matter how horrible they may be.
Truly a good read my friend. Thank you for always enlightening us.
Bren
Dana Gore says
Hey Bren,
I’m so glad you got something valuable out of this.
Yes, I sure know how important your family is to you. I also now how you feel about expressing your creative nature and connecting with others. You, regardless of how burnt out you get at times or what obstacles show up for you, always come back to the same things. It’s because they are natural extensions of who you are.
The truth behind everything that’s coming to the surface these days isn’t pleasant. But what’s the alternative? Things already suck, so why not at least choose clarity. With clarity, we have options. Without it, we’re stuck. Immovable.
It’s cool that you see this.
Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂