When Purpose Feels Heavy
I had something else written for today’s mindful musing. It was ready to go, but something in me whispered, “Nope. Not this. This isn’t the ache that needs to breathe.”
So, I paused. I listened.
What came forward was the thread I’ve been quietly pulling at for years—sometimes gently, sometimes desperately.
Purpose.
It’s been with me for as long as I can remember, but over the past five years, it’s gotten louder.
Heavier. More tangled.
Some mornings, I wake up with a thick cloud of guilt—not because I’ve done something wrong, but because it feels like I’m wasting time. Like I should be doing more. Making more. Producing more. Figuring it all out.
And that guilt? It leads to waffling, spinning, scrolling.
I find myself searching for answers in all the wrong places—doom-scrolling, comparing, consuming carefully crafted content that only reinforces the old story:
"You’re behind. You’re not enough. You should be further by now."
It’s an exhausting loop. And I know I’m not alone in it.
But here’s what I’m remembering lately:
I’m not writing the old story anymore — I’m writing a new one.
It begins with stillness, peace, alignment, and listening to the whispers of my soul.
The truth is, maybe it’s not even about purpose anymore—at least not in the way we’ve been taught.
Not about the perfect title or the flawless platform or the six-figure calling.
Maybe it’s about something quieter.
Something slower.
Something simpler.
Purpose can look like:
Smiling at a stranger
Choosing peace over pressure
Making eye contact and saying hello to your neighbor
Praying in the morning light
Holding space for someone in need
Daydreaming about a vision that lights your soul
Being gentle with yourself on a low-energy day
Some days, I want big clarity, booming direction, and a firework show from the heavens. But most days, I’m learning to simply be where I am. To trust that purpose can be found in small moments of kindness, intention, and alignment.
I don’t need to earn it, force it or curate it.
I just need to live it—rooted in faith, peace, love, and a deep compassion for my becoming.
So, if you’re in a season of searching… I invite you to stop that search. Instead, come home to yourself, your alignment.
Come back to what’s simple, what’s sacred, and what helps you feel most like yourself.
Gentle Reminder
You are not behind.
You are right on time.
Your presence is your purpose.
Want to Reflect More Deeply?
Here are a few gentle journal prompts to explore your relationship with purpose, presence, and being enough:
What does “purpose” mean to me today—not what I’ve been told, but what feels true?
Where in my life do I feel most like myself?
What small moments (past or present) have brought me a sense of meaning or alignment?
Am I placing pressure on myself to “figure it all out”? What would it feel like to soften that?
What would it look like to trust that I am already walking in purpose, just by being who I am?
A Quote to Carry With You
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
— Mary Oliver
A beautiful reminder that your purpose doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful. It just has to be yours.
And for those of you who need a little spiritual grounding today:
Here are two scripture options — both rooted in the truth that your path is unfolding in divine timing:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you’ve been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t compare yourself with others... — Galatians 6:4-5 (MSG)
Choose whichever one feels most nourishing to you this week, or let both speak to different parts of your heart.
Truly, thank you for being here. My hope is that you gently step into your week with peace in your heart. Remember, you are not behind you are right on time my friend.
With love,
Angie
Holistic Life Coach
