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Overwhelm & Clutter

By W. Bradford Swift

A couple of weeks ago I introduced 5 life challenges that many people face during their lifetime:

*   Work Dissatisfaction
*   Drifting through Life (See last week's issue of Purposeful Pondering)
*   Overwhelm & Clutter
*   Money & Financial Issues
*   Relationship Challenges

This week, we'll explore #3, Overwhelm & Clutter.

There's an important distinction between your true, divinely inspired life purpose which is based in and arises from the universal attractive force of unconditional love, and your inherited purpose, which is based in fear, lack and a need to struggle to survive.

Also, the Life On Purpose Perspective says your life purpose isn't what you do. It is, instead, the context, vessel or container into which you pour your life.  In other words, you life purpose is a powerful force that shapes your life and all that you do.

THE VICIOUS CIRCLE OF OVERWHELM & CLUTTER

When our lives are shaped by the fear and lack-based inherited purpose, many times we can get into a vicious circle of doing and having which leads to a life of overwhelm and clutter.  

We can get caught in this trap when we misidentify our true purpose as what we're meant to DO while we're alive. Going down this path can lead us to a life filled to over-flowing with doing, doing, doing, which can in many cases result in a lot of having, having, having but at the same time a true sense of satisfaction, fulfillment and joy continues to elude us.

To add fuel to the fire, we live in a culture where 'workaholism' is a socially sanctioned addiction, for which we get well rewarded with acknowledgement from our boss, overtime pay, and other perks until we finally burnout, still wondering, "Is this all there is to life?"

No one wins in this vicious circle.  The players lose, the playing field loses (our planet), and even the observers in the stands who may not be actively engaged in the game but watching it from the sidelines, even they lose.

In other words, even if you're not actively playing this game of doing, having, doing, having, you are probably a friend or family member of someone who is.  It's a game with no winners -- only losers.

THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF PURPOSE

How can clarity of purpose cut through this vicious circle?  Simplify.  Yes, that's the key.  Living on purpose simplifies life. When you are clear about your true reason for being on planet earth and you realize that it has more to do with the experience of living a life shaped by your vision for what's possible, your core values and the essence of who you are, then life becomes much more simple, even though it may not always be easier. 

Your true, divinely inspired life purpose becomes the truing mechanism that you can use to stay on course and on purpose.  You may choose to maintain a full life with many projects and a lot of activity, but along with that activity will come an abundance of satisfaction, fulfillment and joy because you realize that all the things you're doing are a pure expression of who you are and why you're here on earth.

My schedule is often as busy or even busier than it was when I was a harried veterinarian being driven to pursue the Great American Dream of acquisition by my inherited purpose, but I'm joyously experience a full and FULFILLING life on purpose.

I also make sure I schedule in time to recharge my body, mind and soul.  For me this is my life purpose shaping my life, particularly the part of my life purpose that says, "I live a life of mindful abundance, balanced with simplicity."

Are you trapped in the vicious circle of doing and having that has led you to a life of overwhelm and clutter?  Come on, don't avoid the question. Take a moment to answer it honestly for yourself.  If you know in your heart of hearts that the answer is 'yes,' then you've just gleaned a powerful insight from this article.

Now, the next questions are, "What are you going to do about it? What actions will you take to begin to escape the vicious circle?"  Because without action, you're insight will make little or no difference in your life.

Imagine with me for a moment what would be possible if you brought the following to bear the vicious circle of overwhelm and clutter:

Renewed Focus
Access to a Wellspring of Passion
Being Unstoppable
Greater Fulfillment
Living a Value-based Life
Expanded Levels of Fun
Integrity
Deeper Trust & Faith
Present to Grace
Be in the Flow of the Universe

Well, this and more is available to you when you're crystal clear about your life purpose.  These are the top benefits that people have reported they've received out of clarifying their life purpose.

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article from Purposeful Pondering Ezine, March 22, 2004

from the Life On Purpose Institute

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