Everyone, one day or another, sooner or later, asks questions like these:
Who was I born to be?
What is it I came here to do?
What is my purpose on this planet?
And lets face it; none of us wants to miss it. If there is a grand reason for our being here, it would be a major screw-up if we blithely danced through life without seeking the answer to this burning question:
What is my destiny?
When you think about it, the concept of destiny can be a bit confusing.
On one hand, we create our reality—100% of it—no exceptions. Therefore nothing can really be called predetermined.
On the other hand, we come here with a definite “set up” of energies—talents, strengths and gifts that are uniquely ours. We also have some “opportunities” built-in, such as living in a free country, or being born into a family with resources.
So what gives? Is our fate predestined? And if it is, then how can one say, “we create it all”?
The Real Deal About Destiny
The exciting news is: we do have a destiny. The only thing is, it’s not absolutely predetermined. It’s more like a beautiful, perfect (for you), deeply meaningful plan.
Destiny is your Soul’s dream for you.
Your destiny will help you be the happiest you can be. It is what you are best cut out for. It is what can give your life meaning, hope, joy and deep satisfaction.
Yeah, destiny rocks.
Not only that, but before you were born, you set yourself up for your destiny. You chose your parents, your country, your race, your sex, your gifts, your talents, your strengths and your challenges.
What? Challenges are a part of my destiny?
Sorry…yeah, those challenges that you think are just negative crap—things to move beyond—are actually the proving ground that give you what you really need to succeed at your destiny. But that doesn’t mean you should take ten years to move beyond what you could move beyond this week. Learn the lesson and let it go.
I think part of the reason we need “lessons” is because many of us operate under a few misconceptions about destiny. Lets look at a few common myths…
Myths About Destiny
- There is only one path to my destiny
Destiny is an energy—of fulfillment, satisfaction, expression, love and commitment, and that energy can manifest itself a number of different ways.Also, destiny looks different at different places along the path. It will take some time to prepare for your destiny, to hone your skills and mature into it. And yet every step on the way to that ultimate destiny is just as important as the destiny itself—even the “mistakes” along the way.One of the biggest “mistakes” I made was spending 3 years in graduate school, working towards and MBA and JD degree, before I realized it wasn’t my bliss.Yes, I could have focused on those three years and thousands of dollars “lost”. But the truth was, those years were more valuable to my self-esteem than anything else could have been at the time. That experience gave me the confidence I needed plus I learned valuable information that I later used in my businesses. - Once I figure destiny out—all my problems will be over – Destiny is not a panacea. But it is an opportunity to live and love life for all it’s worth.
- Destiny is always EPIC – Destiny will always be epic to you—not necessarily to everyone else. You may not win the Nobel Peace Prize or be the next famous whatever, but you will feel as if you’ve hit your own personal jackpot (if you don’t let your ego get in the way).
- Destiny is destined to happen – Destiny is a choice. You can choose to stay on the merry-go-round of “shoulds” and “ought tos” and never pursue your destiny at all—you are the one that decides.
- Destiny happens overnight – Destiny happens over a lifetime. It is an unfolding of who you really are. Destiny is a gift to be unwrapped over time.
So how do you discover your destiny? There is a surefire three-step process:
Discovering Your Destiny
- Own Everyone’s Destiny
Destiny is divided into two parts:- Everyone’s Destiny
- Your Personal Destiny
The first part of “destiny” is the same for everyone—to create a life they love.
Wait a minute—that seems selfish. What about the starving children? The wars? Homeless people? Global warming?
You cannot help others until you help yourself. Your empowerment must begin with your own life. Living in joy, creating success, loving your life…is your destiny. Once you’ve done that you can’t help but impact others positively. And to find your personal destiny…
- Follow Your Excitement
Your destiny isn’t “out there” it’s “in you”. It is what you are best suited for, what you have the ability to be absolute genius at, and what will bring you more joy (and money, should you allow it) than anything else on the planet.
And the way to uncover your destiny is by doing what excites you every minute you possibly can.
I’m not excited about anything…my life sucks.
Then start where you are. Accept your life sucks. Now, of all the sucky things you could do right now, what is most exciting? Give yourself the time and space to mentally list them.
Well, I could walk the dog, do the dishes, clean the toilets, watch TV, check my Facebook page, get a snack, or call my friend…
Good! Now try those things on…imagine them, one at a time. Which one is more exciting than the others? Do that.
And, when you are finished, ask yourself again, “What would be the most exciting thing to do right now?”
By consciously choosing the most exciting thing at every given moment you are:
- Loving yourself by prioritizing an enjoyable life.
- Drawing more exciting things to you by focusing on the exciting things.
- Giving yourself the freedom to allow your interests, talents and strengths to come to the surface.
OK, but what does this have to do with my destiny?
You were born to be the most authentic and whole version of “you” that you could possibly be. And the more truly “yourself” you are, the more you express your talents, strengths and unique gifts. You will also have more fun, be happier and create a more magnificent life.
And the cool part about that is, there is no greater gift you could give anyone around you. You will be gifting your presence, your example, and your light to everything and everyone on this planet. THAT is your Soul’s dream for you—THAT is your destiny.
But there is one more thing you will need to do to pull this off…
- Change the Beliefs that Keep You Stuck
It’s one thing to read these words and hope you can discover your destiny. It’s another to actually do it. Why the disconnect?Because some part of you won’t believe it is do-able. And you’ll stop yourself before you even get started. Or you’ll become disillusioned, disappointed and depressed that it didn’t turn out like you’d hoped.So ask yourself another question: When you read about discovering your destiny, what comes up for you? Here are some common responses:
- I’ve tried following my excitement and I still can’t discover my destiny.
- I am not good at anything—I missed out on those talents, gifts and strengths.
- I would love to follow my excitement but I can’t make a living at what I’m excited about.
- I am excited about traveling, starting a business, and horseback riding, but I don’t have the resources to follow my excitement.
- I’m too old/busy/tired to discover my destiny.
- I would love to, but what if I don’t have one?
What beliefs might these responses point to? Perhaps these:
- I can’t discover my destiny.
- I do not have unique talents, gifts and strengths.
- I cannot discover my unique talents, gifts and strengths.
- I cannot make a living at what excites me.
- I do not have the resources to follow my excitement.
- I am too old to discover and follow my destiny.
- I am too busy to discover and follow my destiny.
- I am too tired to discover and follow my destiny.
- I might not have a destiny.
And you can change these beliefs. If you aren’t familiar with changing beliefs, no worries, I explain it all here.
Something Else You Should Know…
Because your destiny is so connected to your spirituality, your destiny has the support of your Soul and higher self, and even God and Goddess. Yes, your destiny is über-supported. And that means every time you ask for help, honestly and without feeling like a victim, you’ll get it. Ask for direction, guidance, information about your beliefs…whatever can bring you closer to your Soul’s dream for you. And it’s as good as done.
Sounds great eh? Then go for it—make your Soul happy—start following your path of destiny today.
