Pointers on publishing - What's your purpose?

Corine La Font, Contributor

Many of us are asked that question, but do we really know the answer? How do you answer such a question anyway? All you know is that you're here on Earth doing what you were told to do all your life and you know no different than to think that there can be something else, something better or greater.

Are we so closed off from our purpose that we are blinded by what we have been socialised to think we should become that we suppress our true potential, worth and, most of all, purpose?

Why are you really here? Is it simply because a male and a female procreate and you are the end result? Or is there a masterful plan behind you being born? Have you even given thought to why certain things happen to you or for you? Or do you just see those situations as casual happenings?

There is a saying that we commonly use, 'everything happens for a reason'. Have you ever given serious thought to what that reason could be, or are we blinded or limited in some way as humans to 'see', or are we overwhelmed by so much information that we overanalyse and read more into the situation than necessary?

How many of us take the time to meditate or just take a few steps back, literally and figuratively, to think about who we are, why we are here and what's our real purpose, or are we so consumed by societal pressures of work, family, and expectations; that rat race, as it were, to become that which we know is not us but we conform anyway to the detriment of our existence.

You must be thinking right now, where is Corine going with this? But the truth is, I am not going anywhere. I don't want to be one of those taking you somewhere I want you to go, but rather to present to you some thought-provoking questions to help you to wake up from a slumber that we all seem to be in, especially at this time - the holy season of Easter, where no matter what denomination or religion you participate in, there is no argument that today is a day of renewal, readjustment, realignment, and rejection of the old.

Quality of humility

What is the 'old'? Only you can answer that. You must open yourself to being vulnerable, and by this I mean a humility that allows you to listen and learn when others evaluate and criticise you. Some words may be harsh, but there were no words harsher than those to Jesus, but He was clear on his purpose and stood His ground. How many of us are prepared to do the same?

As a member of Toastmasters International, it is one of the greatest qualities you will ever learn - the quality of humility. You must be willing to be evaluated by others, total strangers at first, until you decide to accept that they have your best interest at heart because their purpose is to help you to realise your full potential and purpose. While Toastmasters is meant to help you improve your speaking, as a member, you will quickly realise that you grow as an individual in all aspects of your life.

To start the process of knowing your purpose, you must be willing and open to see and hear beyond the words spoken by others, and meditate on them in the situational context with the added ingredient of spiritual guidance. The next step would be to make the decision today, take action and use this time to reflect on your past and chart a course for your future, using as examples those who have stood the test of time, ridicule, and sacrifice to make our lives what it is today. It is our responsibility to take the baton and make it better for those who follow.

Corine La Font is a self-publishing, online marketing and virtual events specialist and consultant. She is also an award-winning publishing resource in the 2013 Small Business Book Awards. Get a copy of her book at http://amzn.to/TFHQka and Tune in to her radio programme at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/helpdeskja. She can be reached at corine@helpdeskja.com.