How to Discover Your Destiny - Part 2

Last week we talked about finding our destiny and purpose in life. Some people just fall into theirs almost by accident early on but many of us have to be prepared to enter our destiny. In other words, we have to go through stuff, so today I'm sharing on how to use the power of Faith to find your purpose. First a personal story as an example. 

Personal Story

Although grateful for the job my step-dad and ex-husband helped me get in IT, it was not the job of my dreams nor was it suited to my personality and skills. I listened to other people - took courses in computers, etc - because I thought they knew more than I did since they were 1) older 2) more experienced 3) men. They guided me in what they thought was best, not in what was best for me. This is a key point - find a job that is BEST for YOU - your temperment, your lifestyle, your personality and only YOU know these things. 

Long story short, the stress of being a single parent coupled with trying to maintain my job and please a variety of difficult bosses in a male-oriented culture, (no offense intended) along with several major losses in one year, plus going through the change of life, led to exhaustion, illness, and burn-out. The mind and the body can only take so much stress and mine had been telling me enough is enough but I wasn't listening. I was too focused on getting to that retirement date. I had planned on retiring the following year and was excited about pursuing my book-writing as a side-hustle. Little did I know, I would be retiring that year instead. 

But God knew what was ahead for me. He prepared the way for me and whatever situation you find yourself in, He has prepared the way for you too. 

You Are Not Here By Accident
There is a grand plan and we each have a part in it. We will never be truly fulfilled until we find out what that part is. And we do that by listening to that still small voice inside. The same small voice that told me to become a writer and start blogging. 

                                

Discover Your Gifts 

What is it you enjoy doing? When do you get lost in the moment and lose track of time? What brings a sense of meaning and purpose to your life? How can I use my gifts to be of service to others? These are all questions to ask ourselves. In my case, people had been telling me for years to write a book because of all the stories I told about my life. 

Be fully committed. 

As in any successful endeavor, be it a marriage or a job, we must be fully committed to seeing it through. Sure there will be obstacles to overcome, but we must persevere if we want to see results. We cannot be double-minded or wishy-washy. We must be faithful to whatever we are called to do at the time. 

Learn the Lessons 

We each have lessons to learn at every season of life. I believe God does not move us to the next level until we have learned the lessons of a particular season. The lesson my last boss taught me was "Take care of yourself first". 

For some reason, it takes me a long time to learn my lessons. Perhaps it is because I had so much to heal from in my past. Only God knows. Often we are so caught up living life, we don't spend much time in reflection and so we fail to recognize the lessons before us. 

Let go of the outcome. 

There is one more thing we must - absolutely MUST do if we want to enjoy this journey. And that is to let go of the outcome. You know. Making a million dollars. Becoming a best-seller. Discovering the cure for cancer. Finding a mate. Saving the world. All we have to do is our part - however big or small it may be. 

Let go of the outcome. It is not up to us to determine the outcome. It is only up to us to show up and do our part. Day in and day out. Year in and year out. It's called being faithful. And above all, do it with joy. We must learn to be content, as author Iyanla Vanzant says, "in the meantime".

Keep the Faith 

This is where Faith comes in. You knew I'd fit this in somewhere, didn't you? Faith is the key to miracles, success, healing, joy and ultimately our destiny. We must be willing to step out of the boat and take that leap of Faith regardless of whether we see the path clearly in front of us or not. You better believe it was hard to step out of the boat I had been in for 33 years but I am so glad I did!

We do not have to have it all mapped out. Nor do we need a crystal ball. All we have to do is take that next step. God rewards Faith. Remember the story of Abraham and Isaac? Well, then. I rest my case.

For Reflection
What dream burns in your bosom? What gifts would you like to share with the world? What problem would you like to help solve? We are never too old to pursue our purpose so don't give me that "I'm too old to discover my destiny" baloney. You are reading this because this is exactly your time. Do comment below and share YOUR thoughts. I love hearing from you!

I hope something has stirred up in you. Find your passion. Find your purpose and most of all, find yourself! And if you enjoyed this article, join our community. Enter your email address in the box provided. You'll receive my weekly posts plus a copy of my free eguide "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path".

Stay tuned for more positive and practical wisdom to help you discover YOUR destiny!

Until next time, keep looking UP!

Ariel Paz 

How to Discover Your Destiny - Part 1

Do you ever wonder why you were put on this earth? What your purpose in life is? Perhaps you are stuck in a nowhere job like I was for years, working to pay the bills and support the family, but inside empty and unfulfilled. We each have a destiny and a purpose, but sometimes it takes years for us to figure out what it is. Today's post is about helping you find your destiny and living the fulfilling life you deserve. So let's dig in...

What makes you happy? Going on a nice trip or vacation? Engaging in your favorite hobby, pastime, or sport? Being recognized at work? Sure these all might be enjoyable for the moment, but what I'm asking is what really makes you happy down deep inside? Something that has ETERNAL value. Ever think about that?

Sadly, many never stop to think about such things until disaster strikes and gets their attention. When we realize that everything we have worked so hard for could be wiped out in a matter of minutes, the light bulb goes on and we stop and think. Is what I am doing really worthwhile?

Life is tenuous. It can be snuffed out in an instant. If your life is not making you happy, change it. You have the power and the ability to change whatever you wish. Life is too short to be miserable. Don't settle for the victim woe-is-me mentality.

Here in Maryland we had two tornedo threats this past week. Now tornedos are not something we usually see in Maryland, so it was "an event". As I watched the ominous dark clouds move like the pestilence over my house, I contemplated my life. Life as I know it could be taken out just like that except for the grace and mercy of God.

We all have gifts and talents to offer the world.
I came to the conclusion that what really makes me happy  is what I'm doing now - writing to encourage others. It is my way of giving back and contributing to the world. I hope many people are reading these posts and that I am impacting their lives, but if only one person is encouraged, inspired, or touched then it is worth all my time and effort. It is my offering, so to speak. We all have something we can offer to the world.

Sometimes, our destiny does not unroll like a tapestry before us. We have to be prepared to walk in our purpose. In other words, we have to be healed so we can then focus on being of service.

I think there is a progression to our lives. As I've said before, life is a school and we each have our lessons to learn. This lesson learning often causes our lives veer in another direction before circling back. Not to fret. Everything is for our good and for our growth. Our gifts, like my writing, may lie dormant for years, and then, suddenly appear. We develop a passion for something and it drives us forward. It is our time.

I never had a clue that I would become a writer, create a blog, and publish my own books. I remember getting a 'C' on an English paper in college and was mortified. Who would have thought I would become a writer years later? 

It really is quite magical how this process evolves. Yet God is still in the healing business. As we learn our lessons, we gain insight into what we would really like to do, what goals we would like to achieve, and who we would like to become. Put your gifts to use in some way and they will lead you to your purpose and your destiny.

We are meant to be of service. 

Becoming aware of our unique gifts is the beginning. The next step is to find a way to use them to help or serve others in some way. We are each put here for a purpose and that is to help heal our hurting world. We find a deep sense of connection, gratitude, and purpose which I believe are the ultimate keys to personal happiness and fulfillment.

For Reflection
So again, I ask you - are you happy now? If not, what would make you truly and deeply happy? What change could you make to be more in love with life? Leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you. 

If you would like to join our blog community, enter your email address in the box provided. You'll receive my weekly posts plus a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path".   always welcome your comments and feedback.

Stay tuned for more positive and practical insights to help us all find healing, wholeness, health, and harmony. Until next time, I wish you joy and happiness and as always,

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

How to Find Purpose in the Pandemic

The Covid-19 Virus really changed our lives. Our schedules have been disrupted. People are confined to their homes. No more sports to watch. No dining out. No going to the gym. It has added more stess and worry to our already harried lives. What to do now that life has finally slowed down? 

Today I would like to suggest this is an opportune time to reprioritize our lives. Stop and smell the roses, as my youngest would say. Just be. And think about your life. Most of us are on autopilot much of the day and then when our head hits the pillow we think "Where did the day go?" But there is another way. 

After 33 years of working in a demanding job that yes, brought in the paycheck to help me support my family as a single mom, yet I was not fulfilled. I did not feel my work was rewarding enough. Perhaps you are in a similiar situation. Do what I did - find fulfillment in a side gig. I taught ballroom dancing, yoga, and step aerobics. I facilitated Bible study groups. And finally, I started blogging. You don't have to quit your day job, but good for you if you can. The key is to find joy in something which will lead to finding your destiny. 

But we have to slow down first. And that is the gift of the Covid-19 virus. I know, you may think I am crazy calling it a gift, but honestly, everything in our lives is a gift - the good, the bad, and the ugly. It is up to us to find the gift. 

So today, friends, rather than fret about stuff that is out of our control, why not stop and ponder what is truly important to you right now, today. Our priorities change like the seasons of our lives so it is good to examine them from time to time. Have you found your destiny?

For Reflection

In times of crisis, we have time to think, to ponder, to reflect. And that is a good thing. Some questions to ask ourselves are:

- How am I spending my time?

- How often am I truly connecting with others?

- Does what I do bring me joy?

- Am I doing something of eternal value?

- Am I helping others in some way?

I hope today's post has encouraged you and given you something to think about other than the daily newscast. If you would like to join our community, enter your email address in the box provided. You'll receive my weekly posts plus a copy of my free eguide "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". I encourage feedback and comments. 

Stay tuned for more positive and practical insight to help us all find healing, wholeness, and harmony and discover our destinies!

Until next time, 

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 

How to Discover Your Destiny in Life

Ever ask yourself what your purpose in life is? Wonder why you are here on this earth? Destiny and purpose are synonyms for the same idea all humans ponder. What is the ultimate reason for my existence on this earth?

I had a boss once who asked me this question. He was a single guy, not sure if he was ever married or not, but he said to me "Well, you have children. You know your purpose".  No, children are not one's "purpose" on earth. They may be part of our purpose. They may help us realize our purpose, but they are not "our purpose".

For most people, our job is not our purpose either unless we are a doctor or a scientist and we are meant to discover some vaccine or the cure for some disease.

Jer. 29:11 (AKJV) says this: "For I know the thoughts (plans) that I think (have) towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace (good, prosperity) and not of evil, to give you an expected end (hoped for, future)."

Author and speaker, Marianne Williamson, puts the answer to this question this way:
"You were an idea  in the mind of God". I love that!

God had a thought - an idea - for our life and so he created each of us. That idea you had, that desire in your heart, those came from God. He put them there for a reason - for you to fulfill your purpose here on earth.

Some people know what they want to do with their lives from an early age. Mozart is one of them. I see 5 and 8 year old kids on tv and they are already master chefs or have started their own business. How does that happen? They had an idea in their heart and they followed it.

Now some of us might not be so fortunate. Many of us have been wounded, emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. I think we cannot discover our destiny until we have worked through our soul issues - the woundedness of our personalities. It is only until we become whole that we get in touch with our true selves and feel bold enough to follow our dreams.

The road to healing is a tough one, but we must travel it we must if we want to be truly free from our past and our emotional wounds.  Check out my astonishing true story, "The Power of Faith" if you'd like to learn what all I have gone through to get to where I am today. The challenges we face are not meant to destroy us, but to strengthen us, to heal us, and to push us into our destinies.

God does indeed have a plan and a purpose for each of our lives but it is up to us to participate in the healing process if we want to fulfill our destiny. Sure, we can go off and do our own thing, enjoying life's pleasures with reckless abandon, pretending everything is hunky dory. Where will we be at the end of our lives? Will we have healed our souls? What will our lives have stood for? We get to choose.

If you enjoyed this post and would like to learn more, join our community by entering your email address in the box provided. You'll get my bi-weekly posts plus a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". 

Stay tuned for more practical and positive wisdom on how to ignite the power within and discover YOUR destiny!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 

All rights reserved. If you wish to use this material, please email me at arielpaz08@gmail.com. 

What's Your Story?

Everybody has a story. Like any good novel, each person's story has a central theme. If your life were a book, what would the theme be?

Recently I visited my aging parents and became acutely aware of my own mortality. How do I want to be remembered? What do I want written on my tombstone? Scripture says our lives are like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14) and reminds us that our days are numbered (Ps. 39:4). Heaven only knows how long each story will be.

The central theme of my life is the theme of faith. Mine has been a journey to learn to trust myself, others, and above all, God. This theme, like a brilliant golden thread, has been woven through the tapestry of my life. Every day presents opportunities to respond in either faith or fear. Will I trust? Will I step out in faith? Shall I believe in myself? Others? God? Will I continue to hope?

Each time I answer "yes", the needle weaves the thread once more and joins the fabric of my life to a much greater tapestry. This month, millions have been watching as "The Bible" mini-series airs on the History channel. As this true story unfolds, we have seen the thread of faith being woven into the life of many, beginning with the life of Abraham, then Moses, David, and ultimately, Jesus the Christ.




These people were all people of faith and each affected the course of history. Did you know that as the result of Abraham's failure to trust God by having a child, Ishmael,by his wife's servant, the world endures the Palestinian/Israeli conflict? Look it up. But the central figure in this story is Jesus, the Messiah. This one man's life, and even more so, his death and resurrection, continue to affect millions even to this day. His story gives us hope and strength to endure our circumstances. As I said to my mom, "Didn't Jesus suffer? Are we any better than he?" No, we are not Jesus, but we can, through his power and grace, overcome the trials and tribulations of life and write the next chapter in our lives.

Whatever the theme of your life, the next chapter is not yet written. What would you like it to say? How do you want to be remembered? What will your contribution be to this world? My prayer is that this post has encouraged you in some way. No matter what your age, you can write a new chapter.

Until next time, feel free to share your thoughts and as always,

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz