Amy

Soul 15:

Amy and Soren

Hey Brooke,

I've been thinking on this a lot.  As you noted, it's a rather heavy question.  But I think I have a reasonable answer.

I believe my soul's purpose is to be the best "me" that I can.  To be dependable, hardworking, and patient (I struggle most with the patience thing).  To be a good mom to my kids, a good wife to my husband, a good writer to all my employers, a good citizen in the community, and a good me to me!  I think being good to yourself is often the hardest to do and the easiest to let go by the wayside.  But to be the best me, I have to take that time for myself or everything starts falling apart.  

I feel very lucky that I am naturally an optimistic, lighthearted, silly person.  Considering that life can be very challenging, having a positive outlook certainly helps me go through life and meet those challenges with a sense of humor.  

So, since my soul is me and I am my soul, my soul's purpose is to fulfill its destiny of being me.

I hope that makes sense!

Amy

Annie

Soul 14:
Alrighty, here it is:

I believe my soul's purpose is to be a caretaker. To care for my children, my friends, my family, my clients, my pets, my garden and whatever life presents to me. Whether it is cooking a meal, watering my plants, nursing my animals when they are sick, or photographing a wedding... I'm fulfilling my soul's purpose.  I even believe that my artwork is a fulfillment of being a caretaker. When I make art, I'm taking care of myself by expressing my creativity. And sometimes, it results in bringing joy to others. When I photograph a baby, a family, a couple getting married and even a boudoir session, I capturing their memories, I'm the guardian of those memories. I take that very seriously and I give myself over to them, emotionally and psychically. It took me a very long time to come to this realization, and honestly, this is the first time I've actually pinpointed it. But unconsciously, I've been following this path for the past 6 years I would say.  I am not perfect, but all I can do is try my best. 

xo~ Annie

http://www.myannie.com/

http://www.skyartdesign.com/

Gene

Soul 12:

I finally have found more brave soul's to shed some more light as to what various people believe to be their soul's purpose! Today is Gene's turn... 

"What is your soul's Purpose?", I asked. Gene responded with,  I understand the question to mean “What is your life’s purpose?”

Gene said, "My answer is referenced to scripture, which is the foundation of my beliefs…"

Ephesians 2:2-5, 10

…in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience… fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us (made alive) together with Christ…(and we become)…his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Romans 12:2

(now our life takes on a new purpose/direction)  …be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Gene said, "Brooke, this only scratches the surface.  I hope it is of some help."

So exciting to hear others thoughts!  It does help.   

Brooke

My 4 yr old took this pic! I think he may have a future in Photography!

Soul 11:
As I attempt to organize my blog, and give you things to count on each week. Wednesday's are now going to be devoted to the soulful people who are willing to tell me about their "Soul's Purpose."

Monday: My Ah ha's
Wednesday: Soulful
Friday: Fresh and New Experiences

I decided to get brave and start asking people the question yet again, "What is your soul's purpose?"  I stopped asking after my tenth person because it just got too embarrassing seeing people look at me like I was a little cuckoo! The thing is I have decided I don't mind people thinking I am a little silly.  I am willing to own it.  If that means people will start answering my dang question!! I love hearing the responses people have given me.  Even if it is "I have no idea what my soul's purpose it!".  Actually I am shocked by the number of people who simply say I haven't ever given it any thought, but that is OK! Just tell me why you haven't given it much thought.

The lights of my life!

I have always felt like I was put on this earth for a significant reason, and have always felt a lot of curiosity to what I was created for.  Certain things that I know I was put here to do like being a mom is obvious to me.  I wanted to be a mom from the time I was a little girl.  I envisioned what my family would look like.  I thought I would have 2 boys and a girl, and I did!  I feel incredibly blessed to have that be part of my purpose.  My children teach me about myself everyday.  They push me to be a better person.

I know I was here to be Andrew's wife.  He shows me how to be the type of person I want to be.  I love that he teaches me how to be thoughtful, tender,giving and in touch with my emotions.  I have seen the value of forgiveness through him. I feel unconditional love for him and he for me. 

Lately, I have been blogging about my issues I have with Premature Ovarian Failure. It dawned on my that one of my soul purposes could be to help others navigate here in Hormonal Ville. I figure it is something that I have to deal with on a daily bases, and I would start doing some reflecting on the topic.  It may help someone along the way, and at the very least give me something to help me keep track of the experience.  If everyone shared their unique lives we would all benefit where we needed to.  Not, many won't have POF, but every woman will go through menopause.  That is essentially what POF does to your body.  So while many can't relate yet, it is something all women have in common. So why not be open and help each other out? Check it out: www.hormonesos.blogspot.com

For now I wait for The Soulful to step forward and share with me their thoughts on soul purpose...
Don't make me wait too long! Pretty Please! Pretty please with sugar on top!  I will bake you cookies.  Does that help?

Anna

Soul 11:

I wrote Anna awhile ago asking about her soul's purpose.  I asked her if she knew hers? I didn't hear back for quite some time.  I know it is a big question, and this girl is busy! I was super excited when she did respond. She had been through a lot in her life up until this point. Through her life lessons she offers an excellent example how to excel in life.  She is very strong mentally and physically.  She runs and owns a thriving workout business.  She has gone through a divorce, and has come out the other side I believe stronger. Yet, she maintains a good relationship with her ex which is an amazing gift she has given her kids. She just bought a house herself.  Not many people can say they have bought property alone.  She is an incredible runner.  She has ran in many races where she has come in 1st and 2nd.

I believe she has struck gold because she has found what she is passionate about which is running. Not everyone knows their natural born gifts.  This is one of hers.  It brings joy to her life, and she then shares it with others by helping them get in shape. That is the goal I believe? To take what we are good at, what makes us happy and then find a way to share it with others. Anna is somebody who I believe could do anything she puts her mind to doing, and would probably do it better than most as well! Here is her answer to soul purpose:

"Sorry I never replied to your email asking what drives me because I was trying to decide what does drive me. I think what I came up with is just to be a person that people (including my kids) admire. Be a role model for others in every day life. I'm by no means perfect and I make mistakes all the time, but I try to be good to people and help them to be a stronger person - physically and mentally. Sometimes that just by setting an example and other times it's through coaching. I want to be a person I can be proud of and others would want to emulate.   Not sure if that makes sense or if it's what you were looking for, but that's what I got for you!"

This quote wasn't part of Anna's response, but I thought it has everything to do with this blog and worth sharing. I heard it on TV and thought it was great! So I thought I would share it.  "The soul is the part of you seeking meaning and purpose. It is the part of you that is drawn to hope. The part that won't give in to despair and believes in goodness."

By Caroline Myss

Christy

Christy with her kiddos.

Soul: 10

Christy is probably one of the easiest going people I know.  She goes with the flow, never raises her voice, and usually says "whatever" in a good way if something doesn't go her way.  Not only is she easy breezy on the inside, but she is one of the most beautiful girls I know on the outside.  She won the genetic jackpot!  She is insightful, nurturing and happens to live in one of the most soulful places on earth. Maui! I swear whenever I gaze out over the ocean there my soul speaks to me! Anyway,  enough about me! Here are Christy's thoughts on her Soul's Purpose...

This is one of my favorite pictures of anyone I know, and it just happens to be of Christy and her daughter.

 "I believe my soul's purpose is to help and teach kids.  Try and pinpoint the ones who need extra help and love and give them guided support.  It warms my heart and soul every time I hear "Miss Christy" and get those great big bear hugs."

"Although, my passion is taking old stuff and turning it into beautiful new things.  Kinda like all my staining projects or junk yard finds.  Which I turn into masterpieces!"

One of her junk yard finds was a cool painting of Barbie. It was painted by someone who worked for Andy Warhol or was somehow connected to him! Can't remember the details?  I forget how much she got it for, but I think it was like $5 bucks!  It turned out to be worth a lot more than that!!

Exhibit A

  The girl has brains, beauty, and a great eye!

Update... I just found out the above painting is from Steve Kaufman.  He was an assistant to Mr. Warhal!  Here is a link on Ebay which shows how great a junk yard find can be!!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/270727792187
So cool!  Clearly your soul is pointing you in the right direction Miss Christy!

Erin

Soul:9

Erin is such an amazing soul.  She is an artist.  She is a nurturer.  

She is such a blessing to me. Here is her beautiful answer to her Soul's Purpose:

"To love the lord God with all my heart, mind and soul, then try and love others and myself. Without God intervening I would get this oh so wrong.  I believe we have many purposes in life; some are seasonal and some daily. But my main purpose is the above statement, "To love the lord God..." .  God gives us gifts in our charter that enables us in our purpose either to be a leader, teacher, a tender hearted person, good listener, loyal and many more. He may give them all to someone or just a few of these traits. He gives each of us these character gifts for us to give him glory if we use them for his purposes.  I read my bible and pray to him daily that I am getting his purpose and what he wants me to learn or do. I get it wrong a lot of the time, but I learn from my experiences. I learn when I get it right as well.  I am learning my purpose everyday.  So this is it for now!"

I see big things for Erin's future... I just love this girl!

Helen

Soul 8:

Helen and Phoebe

Helen and some of her Grandchildren

Helen has an incredible amount of faith in God.  She is someone very involved with her church, and is probably one of the most dedicated Christian woman I know.  My kids are so lucky to have her as grandma.  She has a heart of gold, and her opinion on this subject was really important to me. 
Here are her thoughts on her Soul's Purpose...

   "Thank you for an excellent and thought provoking question.  I needed time to really process it in the light of God's Word because my response apart from it would merely be an opinion, nothing more...

Some people are very clear as to their purpose.  I spent my life fending off circumstances/people that crowded in on me so only had a vague feeling that there should/would be more...Years of frustration, some highs, some lows, but nothing more.  Even when I first accepted Jesus as my Savior, I felt this life had passed me by...but, now more and more I know that nothing is impossible with God. I have realized  that while I  missed some of the opportunities He had for me--with God it is never too late. The Bible has plenty to  say on the subject, so when you sent your question I decided to do a brief study and have attached a scriptural back story of His promises and plans regarding the following:

We were created for a spiritual purpose, with eternity programed into out hearts--that's why intrinsically we know that death is wrong and resist it.  It is why we "can't get no satisfaction"--though we try and we try... we sense that there is a void in our lives that no amount of stuff can fill.  We wonder "Is this all there is?"

Good news!  God's plan for our lives is so much greater than anything we can even imagine...( "To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations". Revelation 2:26) but, because we go through life separated from God most of us have no idea that there even is a plan.

At this point of my life, I feel as though I am on my way--His Way--and while a specific purpose has not presented itself--I consider each day a gift and a new beginning to move forward in confidence that God is able to "...do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to His power at work in us".  Ephesians 3:20"



 

Julie

Soul 7:

Julie and Graham

Julie is an energetic wife, mom, daughter, sister & friend. Not to mention chihuahua expert!  She has had more than her share of bumps in the road of life.  So when I asked her if she had any idea what her soul's purpose was, I thought she would have some important and thoughtful words to share.  I was right...  Here is her answer:

"Hmmmmmm...... I used to think that my mission in life or my souls purpose was like a "job"  or something fabulous that I was supposed to be doing.  I would drive myself crazy trying to think of what special talents I had to offer.  See, I thought I was supposed to be "doing" something wonderful, in order to justify my existence. I used to think helping people was something I was good at, so I joined LAPD and everyday while I worked there, I would do one "good" deed for someone. That felt right, I thought that was my mission in this world.

And then I got sick, and I got sick again, and again, and  again... Being sick caused me to slow down and reflect on my life. There was more urgency to find my mission in life, my real purpose. I had my "light bulb" moment while I was in the hospital getting chemo and this sweet looking older nun walked in my room and asked me what I was reading, I held up my book "The Purpose Driven Life" and tried to make a joke that I was searching for my purpose in life.  She kinda laughed and said, "Honey, your purpose is just to love yourself, like God loves you, and to see yourself through Gods eyes. He sees no flaws. And to love all man, as they are your brother. With that type of love, you will see your purpose". She sat and talked with me for awhile and when she left, I wrote down what she said because it made so much sense to me.

So to answer your question, I think my purpose in life is to unconditionally love myself, including all my flaws. I try to be kind to everyone I come into contact with. I believe there is a ripple effect, if I'm kind to someone, then they will be kind to someone else and so on and so on... What I got from that chance meeting with that nun, is if I truly love myself, that kind of "big" love takes on a life of its own and has the ability to affect more people than I could ever imagine.  And then in turn, someone else's love touches me and makes me do good; the ripple effect... Close your eyes and try to "feel" love for yourself, love for all beings and imagine everyone else doing the same thing. Hmmm, what a world that would be!"
 

Charles

Soul 6:

Charles had this to say about his "Soul's Purpose" thus far in life:

"Sole purpose or Soul's purpose. For me they are the same. I have always found great reward in life whenever I am making/crafting things with my own hands and when I am able to impart some knowledge, instruction, or skill to another person.

I definitely pursued my passion for making with my education, and am working hard to get my own business started so that I can continue to make and design beautiful things for people to enjoy on a daily basis. It is my hope to produce work that improves quality of life through encouraging stewardship, community, slowing down, and connecting to nature through both activity and leisure.

As far as educating goes, I found the time I worked as an assistant coach for my old high school track team, teaching swim lessons as a lifeguard and my role as a teacher's assistant at Otis to be very rewarding. I believe that I can continue to fill the role of an educator through my work as an interdisciplinary artist and designer."

I have a feeling his soul has a lot of plans for him as his life unfolds...

What a beautiful soul!

Quentin

Soul 5:

Today was Quent's turn with my question, "What is your soul's purpose? He totally shocked me with his answer.  This question is proving to be a tough one for people to answer thus far.  He gave me a kind of OMG look and a deep breath.  He went on to say, "Well a lot of scientific evidence leads to..." My mouth fell open.   He is about to tell me he doesn't believe in the soul, but I stop him mid-sentence.

Me- Oh my goodness you don't think you have a soul?
Quent- Well I don't know science proves...?
Me- Do you believe in God?
Quent- Yes.
Me- Phew!

So I went on to quiz him with questions like:
Me- Do you believe in heaven?
Quent- Yes.
Me- Do you believe in reincarnation?
Quent- I think that is Buddhism mom.
Me- If you believe in heaven, what goes to heaven?  This made him stop and think! Yea!
Me- I think we need to go to church more.
Quent- I think we could all benefit from that.

So I told him I would get back to him in regards to this question of his soul's purpose.  He is just 15.  He has time to figure it all out.  At this point I just hope he realizes that along with his very smart scientific mind is a wonderfully bright soul.  A beautiful, sensitive, giving soul.  One of the soul's I love most in this world.   

Andrew

Soul 4:
Andrew: My husband: My Soulmate: 

So Cute!

When I decided to start writing about my soul search Andrew my sexy hubby was the first person I talked to.  The conversation was short and sweet and went something like this:

I have to ask you a very important question I say to Andrew.  Ready?  What is your soul’s purpose?  His answer, “I don’t know!”  My response with a sigh, “That is highly disappointing!”  Come on I say you really don’t know?  His response, "No, why do you know your soul’s purpose?"  No I say, but that is beside the point.  I thought you would know yours!  So I start to tell him what some of his gifts are like he had just told me mine (Remember I am Mrs. Organized! Oh ya that is sexy!!). For example one of his many gifts is the gift of humor. He is seriously the funniest person I know! He has a wicked sense of humor.  It is such a "god-send" everyday.  He agrees that he is funny, but also doesn't believe that his humor has any bearing on his soul’s purpose.  So it would appear I am not the only person in my life lost.  Like attracts like?  I hope everyone I ask isn’t as clueless as my husband and I are!  OK wait clueless is kind of a crappy way to describe us huh?  Lets say we are spiritually challenged!

I can say that his soul has taught me about; Unconditional Love and Forgiveness. Those are some pretty big life lessons.  I feel like a very lucky girl to spend my days with my soulmate.  As I search for my soul's purpose I can at least check off the list find soulmate! Done.

xo

Kim

Soul 3:

Kim: Best Friend: 

Nothing Soul-less about that smile!

Kim tells me her views on this subject of "soul purpose": Starting with what her hubby might jokingly say about her soul! Kim says, "he might say I am soul-less, mainly because I don't want to keep an abundance of physical mementos ( football programmes, etc)." She went on to say,  "but yet I am deeply attached to some people,  and also a few things that hold deeply imbued symbolism for me.   As I sit here in an office restroom cubicle, I can tell you I have no clue what my souls purpose is, but my body's purpose seems to be to work itself to death!   I don't feel lost not having a defined purpose- in truth it doesn't bother me at all.  I think I am ok "knowing" I am a "good" person and feeling that it is obvious to most people. (I might be completely delusional all accounts!).  I do think I might be seriously missing out now if I later find out I should have been religious ( i.e. If heaven and angels do exist),  but I think I have a really good life and that's a really lucky and really rare thing. Lots of stuff sucks,sure, but I have the best friend in the world."

Ah I love this girl!   

She went on to say, "Even though I'm soul-less and too even keel?   Julie (Kim's good friend) says I'm lucky because I miss out on all the lows  (well, most of 'em),  but I tell her that also means I probably miss out on the highs, too!" 

I don't think you are the least bit soul-less!  You have one of the biggest hearts I know dear friend.  I am the blessed one to have you in my life.  Thank you for 26 years!

Phoebe

Soul 2:

Phoebe:

I asked my 11-year-old daughter what her soul’s purpose was?  She felt the question was deep, and thought about her answer quite a bit before she spoke. Phoebe told me her soul’s purpose was, "to have fun."  I actually thought it was a young, fresh, honest answer.  It was so simple yet so perfect. She didn't over think it like an adult might do.

I had a thought today about my own soul.  I have a vivid memory of being a little girl in my childhood home.  My mom told me that my grandma thought I was an "old soul".  I am not sure why my grandma thought this but I intend to ask my mom. At the time it felt like a compliment. I didn’t think to ask her why she said this.  It just felt good to hear.