My Lifes Purpose

I just watched a TED talk (which I am completely addicted to, by the way) about finding your life's purpose in under 5 minutes. Now, if that isn't worth doing than nothing is! And seeing how it is 1 am and my children are asleep and my brain is not, I might as well tackle the meaning of my life. Ready?

1. Who are you?

Hi, my name is Gretchen. I am a daughter of a King, wife to Matt, mother of 4 beautiful children under the age of 8, a teacher, a friend, a sister and daughter. I am a seeker of truth and asker of questions. I am a ridiculously idealist cynic. I am passionately reserved and an extrovert who needs her space. I am a jack of all trades but master of none.

2. What do you (love to) do? (i.e. what are you supremely qualified to teach other people?)

I like to cook but I don't like to follow recipes and there is a good chance I like to cook because I REALLY like to eat. I like to sew but I don't really know how to use a pattern and I usually only sew random and not especially useful things. I enjoy writing but am just average at it. I do like helping other women. I like to help them develop the confidence and skills to be the mothers they picture in their heads. I like to see them thrive, to watch them enjoy there children. I like to connect them in community, to help them avoid feeling isolated I don't know that I am "supremely qualified" to do any of the above.

(The last three are about others, not about yourself. The most successful people are those who are outward facing).

3. Who do you do it for?

I cook and sew for myself and my family, for the friends who we do life with, the occasional other person who needs a meal. I love helping the new moms in the community figure out this whole motherhood thing. I like forming supportive communities of women who do life together in meaningful ways while encouraging and educating them to achieve there best selves. I guess I do this for whatever women who cross my path, sometimes intentionally, most the time just accidentally.

4. What do they want or need?

Honestly? I think women need each other. I think they need to be told it is OK to find meaning in motherhood and career, that they are not mutually exclusive. I think women need to have each others back, to love each others kids, to find joy in the simple things of life and know how to live simply.

5. How do they change (or transform) as a result of what you give them?

I believe that intentional community is transformation for everyone involved. It brings true joy, connection, and meaning. It give confidence. It provides support. Do I do any of this? I'm not sure, but maybe it could happen.


Huh. I am not sure I have any more direction than I did when I started the quiz, which was harder than I wanted it to be in the first place. So is my life's purpose play-dates?! Any insight is appreciated.