Purpose is Presence: A Lesson From My Granny
The traits you embody. The light you carry. The way you show up. The kind of woman you choose to be no matter the circumstances.
Before we start talking about hearing your soul and follow your calling, let’s spend another day understanding your purpose.
Because, the more clear you are on the traits and characteristics you’re meant to exude and embody in the world, the easier it becomes to recognize and follow your calling when it shows up.
The new paradigm of purpose:
Your purpose is not a job title.
It’s not a business.
It’s not a role or an external achievement.
Your purpose is who you are when you’re being yourself.
It’s the way your presence moves through the world.
It’s the light that you bring naturally when you’re not operating from pain, shame or trauma.
Take my granny, for example.
She didn’t have a fancy job title or run a business.
But here’s what she DID do: She heard through the grapevine that her son got a woman pregnant and ran off to the Army.
Instead of judging, turning away, or being embarrassed by her son, she set out to find that woman and that baby.
Then she decided, “I’m going to be this little girl’s support person. I’m going to help raise her.” And she did.
If that’s not being a light in the world, I don’t know what is.
Your purpose isn’t about what you DO on the outside. It’s about WHO YOU ARE. And then bring that version of you into everything that you do.
The traits you embody. The light you carry. The way you show up. The kind of woman you choose to be no matter the circumstances.
My granny’s purpose was love. Support. Showing up for someone who needed her.
And I’m forever grateful for her light and the love she so generously gave me.
Just like her, you’re meant to be a light. You already know that.
On some level, you’ve always known it.
Now it’s about owning it or clearing whatever’s in the way of you owning it.
Before we dive into answering your souls calling later this week...Take some time to answer these contemplation’s about purpose and who you’re here to be.
Contemplation:
Who am I meant to be in the world, even if I never start a business or “do something big”?
(List the traits. The way you want people to feel around you.)
When have I been a light without trying?
Think: a moment you helped, softened, held space, protected, encouraged, or loved. What did that reveal about your purpose?
If my purpose is “the way my presence moves through the world”… what is my presence known for right now?
And what do I want it to be known for as I heal and grow?
What’s in the way of me owning my light?
Be honest. Is it shame about your past, fear of being seen, fear of being judged, fear of responsibility, fear of wanting “too much,” or something else?
If any questions arise as you journal, feel free to hit reply and ask.
Much love,
Essence
Me and my granny at my elementary school 1984
