Have you ever wondered what you’re supposed to do with your life?

Lots of people have. So many fellow humans have asked the question: “What’s my purpose?” It’s almost become the modern mantra.

And if I was going to answer that, I’d say: “Be happy, be healthy, help others.” But usually people wonder what their career should be, their “role” in life, their path.

I do see a lot of people who have questions about purpose. I work as an energy healer and an intuitive and it’s strange to get that question…but mostly because I used to ask it myself all the time.

So when someone comes to me, their face furrowed, and their mind filled with seeking and searching, I always think to myself: “Yup. I’ve been there.” And what I’ve found is that people are seldom off course. It can just feel that way.

Here are three myths that people get stuck in when it comes to purpose and finding your path.

1) Isn’t is supposed to be easier?

I was certain that what I was “meant” to be doing was something other than what I was doing. I thought that if I was doing “my purpose”, there’d never be a bump in the road, there would be a crystal clear path ahead of me, and I’d have wild success.

But I’ve learned it doesn’t really work like that. Falling down and getting back up will be a part of your path too. Being confused can lead you to feeling more sure. Going down a path that seems a waste of time is never really that. And often, what you’re most built to be doing in life isn’t going to come easily, otherwise, you wouldn’t keep doing it. We love a challenge! And we tend to overlook that which comes easily.

And when we’ve worked for something, honed our skills, and deepened our understanding of it, we feel a sense of accomplishment. That’s a great feeling.

Yes, you deserve ease. And there is a sense of ease when you’re connected to a path that is right for you. But that’s different than everything going your way. Doors will open and opportunities will appear and you’ll naturally gravitate toward that with which you’re aligned. But it will be work. You’ll fail. You’ll get confused. You’ll wonder if it’s worth it. But you’ll know when it’s time to try something else.

2) Aren’t I supposed to be just one thing?

I was under the impression that I was supposed to be one thing or another. I am so many things. I’m an actor, a singer, a writer, a stand-up comic, an energy healer, an intuitive, a spiritual teacher, and a meditation coach. I couldn’t believe that I was meant to be all of it. And at first, I kept waiting for a sign that I was meant to do one thing and abandon the others.

But what I’ve found is that I get to uniquely embody how I do all of these things. I’m not your average comedian. Or spiritual teacher. Or energy healer. I have my own style, my own way, and so do you.

I remember doing Reiki energy work on a client and afterward when she found out I’ve also been a working actor, she looked confused. “But you’re so gifted at this. How can you be good at that too?” I laughed. But if I’d been in my teens, that would have confused me. I would have thought that maybe she was right: that we are only allowed to have one talent or ability.

Don’t let others’ limiting beliefs limit you. If you do twenty things well, that’s great! You’ll figure out how it all comes together in a life path that feels fulfilling for you if you stay open, trust your gut, and drop the identities that you and society may place on you. We are all so many things. You get to be all of it.

3) Once I figure out what I’m doing for my life path, that’s it, right?

I’m so glad we don’t get just one chance in life to find our way. We get to reinvent ourselves all the time!

Many people change careers. Lots of people have discovered new interests and buried talents later in life. You are always changing, and so what you’re doing will probably change, too. Maybe a lot, maybe only a little. But if you’re breathing and alive, you can bet you’ll be changing.

When I was a teenager, I thought acting was the only thing I’d do the rest of my life. I am so happy I’ve found other passions and gifts. It has enriched my life, kept me on my toes, led me to explore fascinating territory, and deepened my connection to myself and others.

Whatever you’re doing will lead you to the next right thing if you listen and pay attention to your body, mind, and heart. Even if you don’t do the thing you’re currently into for the rest of your life, it will have given you experience, clarity, and perhaps a thousand other gifts before you’re meant to move on to something else, if, indeed, you do.

Whatever you’re drawn to, explore that. Dive in, give it your all, and really take your time to figure out if it’s a good fit. But don’t think you’re a failure if one day you are drawn to something else.

You are a vast canvas onto which the dance of life will express itself. Get out of the way and enjoy the play!

About the Author: Sarah TAYLOR is one of Your Monthly Mentors, a meditation teacher and a Master Level Reiki Practitioner, as well as an actor, comedian, and writer based in Los Angeles, CA. Drawing from a Buddhist background as well as the other non-dual spiritual traditions, her classes and talks are accessible and filled with humor. She was a series regular for three seasons on NBC’s “In Gayle We Trust”, can be seen in the comedy feature, “The Golden Scallop” and has made appearances on Hot In Cleveland, Bunheads, and numerous other TV shows and films. Read More… 

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