Scenario: You have been invited to a friend’s home two states away. You have a name and address but no directions, map, compass or GPS. As you start driving you think you know which way to go but keep questioning yourself. Hours pass and you begin to recognize your surroundings. Suddenly you realize you have just driven in a big circle – right back to your home town.

That is what life is like without a Life Purpose. Without direction, a map or plan and an internal compass, life can feel like we are drifting and living without meaning. In this state of being the problems and challenges in our life are handled the same way and keep producing the same results, over and over again. We feel stuck like a hamster in a wheel going round and round without an end in sight.

This feeling of being stuck can lead to stress, anxiety and depression. Physical problems can occur like high blood pressure and weight gain, among others symptoms. Motivation, enthusiasm and drive wane and can affect our job, family and relationships.

Getting off the treadmill of life begins with asking your self a few simple questions. Always remember that you possess all of the internal knowledge and wisdom to be happy, healthy, and prosperous. Whatever your goals or needs are, you have the answers within.

What do you truly believe in?

What defines you as a person?

What makes you smile and brings joy to your life?

Values guide our decisions and the course of direction we take in everything that happens in our life. They help establish priorities and our goals. They define our character. Our Life Purpose is grounded in our values.

Our values come from a number of sources, including our life experiences, parents and family, religious affiliation, friends and peers, education, reading, and more. Values also change or take on new meaning throughout our life.

Start by listing the values that define who and what you are as a person. There is a worksheet at: Balanced Life Coach and many others can be found on the internet.

Knowing what values are important to you enables you to gain deeper self-knowledge and awareness that can help you identify and develop your strengths and gifts. They become your internal compass that will help direct you on your journey – living a life with meaning and purpose.

If you need help defining your values and life purpose contact Diane J. Kaechele, Certified Life Coach at (866) 680-4809 toll free or visit www.balancedlifecoach.net for more information.

This is the recipe that makes the food and fellowship so fine at covered-dish dinners, family meals and gatherings.

1 c. of friendly words

2 heaping c. of understanding

4 tsp, of time and patience

Pinch of warm personality

Dash of humor

Blend together with empathy and thoughtfulness. Keep cool.

This makes a heart full. Serve generously.