Purpose and Values

Another way of saying "leaving a legacy" would be "finding your purpose". If we are to have faith in God, we are to believe that He took delicate time in putting together the perfect "me". The person who is brought to life by God has already had a determined purpose to his/her life. We are put to the task to find out just what that purpose is to be. Some of us die before it is known. And if we don't pay close attention, we make walk right by it. I know I have been told that if I see a person more than 3 times in a short period of time, it is because God has put that person in front of me to connect with...in other words, I better say something to them to find out what.

Several years ago, I went through an exercise in values. I was instructed to list 10 of the things I felt were valuable. I found a whole list of values at www.creative-personal-development.com/list-of-values.html. I was then asked to put them in order. Then I had to narrow it down to 3. What I found myself doing is being very general in what I chose so that many of the values would fall under one bigger title. In the end, I ended up with God, Family, and Creativity. It was interesting because after this, I asked my husband and 2 boys to do the same. We each came up with the same things though with very different words...instead of God my boys would say "nature". We all said family. And though none of them used the word creativity, they each described something they liked to do...go hunting, play baseball, be with friends. Even looking back on it now 2 years later, I don't see what has changed with our values. We have them posted on our refrigerator.

God and family are constants. I like to define God as I in you and You in me and He in We. So for me, that is everything given to us by Him....nature, food, people. Family is my home family, extended, work, friend, and even stranger family. The third one for each of us seems to identify what makes us unique. For me, knowing my core values and reflecting on them daily allows me to be focused. I can easily say no to one thing and yes to the next if it fits with those values. It has given me a determination and resolve to move forward with all things creative. I feel such a positive energy when my creative ways are tapped.

I feel this. A day does not seem to be a full day unless I have given to another. Now with carrying out my purpose, leaving my legacy, sticking to my values (which all in a sense means the same thing), I know when I give, I do so creatively. I have felt the most enthusiastic with fundraising or speaking. One of the biggest successes I have ever been a part of was a fantastic fundraiser a few friends of mine had over the last several years that you can check out at www.dnrshoes.blogspot.com.

So what is my purpose of writing this blog and potentially growing "Creatively Give" in creative ways? To be honest, I am not sure myself. I think at this point I am just happy writing about how I have created and discovered my legacy and hope to help you do the same...and, if you need a creative idea, let me know!