As I continue along my midlife path, I am meeting more and more people who, like me, are waking up to the awareness that life is half over. We are looking more closely at what we are doing with the precious time we have left. In this age of corporate down-sizing, many people are feeling stressed, burnt out or bored from a job that no longer fulfills them. Some face additional challenges of an empty nest, divorce, menopause, or death of a parent. These are all issues which inspire us to ask the question, “Why am I here?”

Sanctuary for Change has launched a weekly group to guide individuals to discover their life purpose and stay confidently focused on the path of living it. The group meets every Tuesday evening in San Rafael and Wednesday evenings in San Francisco. Both groups meet from 7pm to 9pm, with a cost of $20 per meeting. The meetings are open and drop-in participation is invited.

I have had the privilege of sharing many hours with dozens of people who are eager to show up for what they are really here to do. As they so honestly and genuinely open up their hearts, I am reminded of how much we really are the same. We all want to be happy and prosperous, and to feel supported by people we love. We all share many of the same insecurities and fears about reaching out to claim our purpose and the abundance that we so greatly hope will follow. Since this blog reaches far beyond the San Francisco Bay, I thought I would begin to share some of the key discoveries that come up from week to week so that Sanctuary for Change followers worldwide might benefit. Here are some questions and insights which were brought forward last night:

Question: I have a great job that provides me with a number of benefits on many levels. Yet given the chance, I would quit in a heartbeat if I could. What confuses me is the fact that I am very good at this job. Does being good at something mean it is related to my purpose?

Insight: Remember that purpose is a divine virtue that is a function of your heart. If you don’t love what you’re doing, chances are you’re not expressing your purpose. Your intelligence and work ethic are not tied to purpose.

Question: I am beginning to feel called to support people who struggle with issues that I have had to work very hard to overcome myself. How will my family and others take me seriously if I step out in this role?

Insight: Your journey through life has divinely prepared you for what you are to become. Your own growth has provided you with the ability to empathize and support others in ways that someone who hasn’t walked in their shoes can’t.

Question: I am very clear on my dream for my work, and my efforts are showing me that there is a chance that it can happen for me. My challenge is that I don’t want to put too much hope into my dream because I don’t want to be too disappointed if it doesn’t happen. How do I best manage my energy about this?

Insight: Focus your attention on showing up with your unique gifts and trusting that the universe knows best how to support you in living your purpose. Strive to not make any judgments about what does or does not happen and you won’t be disappointed.

Question: I know what my gift is, but it is not exactly mainstream, so I feel a bit uncomfortable with exposing it. What can I do to get beyond this?

Insight: Those who let go of secure jobs or established careers to step into their purpose are still very much in the minority. So consider yourself a pioneer of sorts, carving out new territory for others to follow. Remind yourself that you were given this gift with the intention that it be used to serve others.