From Pain to Purpose

By Michele M. Bolton

Time stood still for me in August 2012 during savasana in a Cape Cod beach yoga class when I heard the internal question, “Is this all there is?”  It was clear that without change, my beautiful, soulful purpose would be forever unfulfilled in what had become a tepid, beige existence. As a writer, this was anathema.

But a headfirst leap off a cliff, away from expected norms and out of a 25-year marriage – was daunting. It would also be exhausting, and terrifying, but also thrilling as I rebuilt a life to help me remember who I was and could be. It would prepare me -- a little more than 10 years later – for the worst possible moment, the murder of one of my two children.

It was two years after that -- a mother cut in half; a writer unable to write – when my dearest friend forwarded me an email referral for The Whole You Base Camp. I wasn’t sure about it, but I was hungry to find … something. Before long, through Di’s magical ability to draw the “right” people together at the right time, I was sharing with an inspiring, supportive group of fellow travelers and creating – and living -- my Being Vision and Soulful Life Purpose. Enrolling in Trailblazers after Base Camp ended was the natural next step.

I have focused on listening to my inner voice as a guidepost but also setting goals for publishing pieces to get back out there. My first goal of getting an essay aired on National Public Radio occurred less than a week after I added it to my Growth Plan. I’m excited to live by words like magically unstoppable, abundantly inspired, courageously magnetic, adventurous, luminous, healing, and intuitive.

And then there is joy!

Because I have learned that being joyful doesn’t have to be loud and explosive, I now experience it in the small, everyday beauty around me, which is exceptionally good for my soul. I have slowed my pace. I have rediscovered things I love to do and am stepping forward with confidence and hope.