[Angela]

Originally Posted by Rose of Cairo

But recently I've felt that I resonate much more with expressing Strength than with expressing Harmony. But Strength definitely is not my purpose. Now I'm curious to see what will come out of the "I'm useless" process (I'm about halfway through it). Maybe all this has nothing to do with my purpose...

That's great, and I look forward to hearing about what comes up for you.

Hmmmm... What about those saying that you decide about your purpose before being born, or that you'll be crying when you find it out eventually??

Well, some people believe that. Personally, I think it's a bunch of Hogwash Crapola. Maybe you set yourself up with some challenges before being born for the purpose of learning something, but any life lesson has an infinite number of ways of being lived out -- not just one. You can't get it wrong.

Oh, but I have to. Like I said above, without a purpose nothing makes sense for me.

Yes, I get that you are self-compelled to distinguish a life purpose. But did you understand that I was saying it is a choice, and people are not required to declare a life purpose? Most people never do, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It is a choice, and you are making your choice powerfully.

Hmmm... How so?He just thinks that with all my talent and pep and energy, "creating harmony" isn't spectacular enough for me.

Whenever anyone *shoulds* another, or himself for that matter, there is freedom that is being inhibited. The person is arguing with life, and demanding that it be other than what it is. Even when it's an apparently benevolent should ("you should be doing something that will make you happy!" "I should take better care of myself" etc.), shoulds are complaints, not inspired action.

You know, I get very angry when someone tells me how wonderful I am. Of course it makes me feel happy, it flatters my ego, plus I see it as a sign that the person loves me. But deep down, I always feel like shouting back "SO WHAT?? BIG DEAL!!! I'M NOT DOING ANYTHING MEANINGFUL WITH IT! AND I STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO! BARK BARK BARK!"

Hehe sorry...

Like I said, it wasn't a compliment, it was a challenge. I know you well enough to be wary of how you punish me for recognizing your magnificence. Down, girl, DOWN, girl!!

When you reject my assessment of the difference you make in the world, Rose, it's as if you were throwing a hairbrush at the mirror. You are rejecting the beauty in me that is recognizing your own beauty. The most generous thing you can do is to be gratefully accepting, because by doing that you honor and celebrate Who We Are.