How often do you take time to ponder your true calling and vision for the future? Have you ever taken time away from the daily hustle and bustle to explore your purpose in the human race? What is your deepest gladness?
Those of us sitting and staring at a computer screen right now may think that these questions are overhwhelming and even impratical when looked at through the lense of needing to support a family, pay the bills or have food on the table. Not to mention the current recession. I can tell you that my deepest gladness ten years ago (moving to New York, becoming entrenched in singing lessons, meeting with agents and taking a stab at my life on the stage) is definitely not my deepest gladness now at thirty-one, happily married with two daughters.
The virtue of purposefulness offers us a gift. Visions change and goals become altered, however the message of bringing purpose to our lives remains constant. It calls us to evaluate our present life circumstances and set clear goals for achieving a vision. With this gift we can dream and be idealistic and think "what if" while being purposeful and creating a plan for implementation. I invite you to discern your true calling today. Write it down and make it concrete. Where do you see yourself professionally? personally? spiritually? What is your plan for the future?
Purposefulness can be applied to the many different roles we carry out each day. My vision as a preschool adminstrator is vastly different than my purpose or vision as a mother. Be mindful and look at each role seperately. You will invite clarity and honor your true intentions as you map out your vision for the future.
For parents, purposefulness calls us to concentrate fully on what we are doing. At times it is a struggle to turn our attention to our children when we can easily slip away and finish an email, sweep the floor or talk on the phone with a friend. Today give yourself and your children the gift of purpose. Get down on the floor with them and make it count...without distraction. We have a limited amount of time to engage our children and raise little moral beings. Your sense of purpose with your own children will in turn cultivate their own strength virtues.
The virtue of purposefulness tells us "Our calling is where our deepest gladness and the world's hunger meet." -Frederick Buechner
May you connect with your deepest gladness today.
Peace and hope,
Elizabeth
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About Me
- Elizabeth Elizardi
- Elizabeth is the mother of two daughters and she has over twelve years combined experience as a teacher, school administrator, educational consultant and leadership coach. Her teaching career began in West Phoenix, Arizona, where she taught fourth and second grade in the public school system for four years. As an educator in West Phoenix, Elizabeth served as grade level chair, Career Ladder Liaison, and leader of Faculty Forum, a monthly conversation with the District Superintendent and district-wide staff. After leaving West Phoenix, Elizabeth transitioned to a charter school in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she taught first grade for three years and served as the Curriculum Mapping Coordinator. Upon moving to Washington D.C. in 2005, Elizabeth directed two progressive preschools in the metro area. Elizabeth completed her first Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in 2002 and recently completed a second Master’s degree in Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. She is currently a Leadership Coach with Leading Educators in New Orleans.
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