When purpose and identity collide

 As a counseling professional, I am charged with identifying a theoretical orientation or framework.  A theoretical framework helps to guide my practice as a counselor when working with a client.  The reason I am sharing this with you is because I had another "a ha" moment about the importance of knowing your purpose and how purpose and identity intersect. 

Purpose is why you exist and identity is who you are.  When purpose and identity are aligned, you are living authentically.  So the question may be is why do I exist, you must look for themes that define who you are and what you do. My theoretical framework as a counselor is rooted in the humanistic school of thought. Halbur and Halbur (2011) says "the core belief of the humanistic school is that humans have a basic inclination to become fully functioning" (p.11). I realized how there is congruency in what I do and who I am are connected.

 Self-actualization is described as the "process of moving toward one's greatest potential" (Halbur & Halbur, 2011, p. 60). Self-actualization is a continuous process and it takes awareness and a willingness to develop and grow. Self-awareness is key to understanding who you are.  The connection of awareness and actualization moves you into purpose.

Begin your journey of self-awareness and self-actualization.

Congruence....Living in Agreement and Harmony.

Congruence....to be in agreement or harmony.  The word congruence has been resonating in my spirit over the course of this week.  This has led me to believe that I am out of agreement and harmony with who I have been called to be.  The desire to live my life  authentically and with congruency is at the top of my bucket list.

I can tell when I am out of agreement because I am more irritated, agitated and just not feeling life. It also taps into my energy level, regardless of how much rest I get, I am still tired. How many times have you felt like something is just not right and not knowing where to tap into it?  I know the first step for me  is to get back to a morning ritual of prayer and meditation.  I have been getting up early but I am forever running to get out the door.  Also, tapping into what is it that makes my heart sing.  I must ensure that I feed my heart with something that makes it sing through a daily activity.  Another thing for me is to make better decisions about what is going into my body and getting in some exercise especially during daylight hours.

Let's make a choice to live more congruently and authentically so that the world will be blessed by the uniqueness and goodness that you have to offer.

God's Strategic Plan

What a difference a phone call makes!  Last Tuesday, my mom received the phone call that has changed her life.  My mom has been on the kidney transplant list for almost five years.  She received the call to report to the hospital because there was a kidney for her.  You can only imagine how we felt because this is not the first time that she had gotten the call.  She has received the call before, once we went to the hospital and she was the second recipient.  Another time, we were not at home and the doctor stated it would not have been a match anyway.  In June, she got a call but she had been in the hospital the week prior and could not be tested. I have to say that my mom did not give up hope all those times nor did she become frustrated. 

God strategically planned this right time for her to get the right kidney for her.  The first time, I was not available to stay at  home with her.This last time, I am on Fall Break.  God knew that someone had to be at home with her while she is bouncing back. 

The lesson in this is that when God has a plan, it will work out in His time and the way that He wants it come to pass.  Also, we have to remain faithful to the promise.

We are so thankful to the family or person that made the decision to be an organ donor because they can continue to live on through my mom.