What is a Heartfelt Purpose?

Guiding you toward fulfilling your life mission in this world, your Heartfelt Purpose acts as your compass, giving you direction and meaning in everything you do. It's what gets you out of bed in the morning and becomes part of your identity.

When you discover your Heartfelt Purpose, self-love becomes a reality. Making decisions that align with your values improves self-esteem, encourages healing, and brings harmony to your daily life.

What are Your True Core Values?

​Create a Core Values List

The best way to identify your Heartfelt Purpose is to identify your core values. Your list of core values is the guiding principles that shape your beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. They are the things that matter to you most and can give you a sense of direction and purpose in life. 

Identifying a set of values can be challenging as important values are often shaped from childhood. Introspection is often necessary to compare and contrast your values with another person's.

But, maybe you have different values of a family member.

The result is okay either way. But, you may have a hard time at first with the emotional response from those you raised you to believe their way. The important thing is to acknowledge each other's feelings and set boundaries to protect what is important to you in your personal life presently.

Here are some questions to help you identify top values in this self-reflection exercise.

I recommend you follow the process and write the answers on a piece of paper.

Physically writing a list of your core values is a great way to create new thinking pathways in your brain.

Writing for Discovery

Grab your journal and spend some time getting to know yourself.

Have you ever thought about what you want people to say about you at your funeral? It may seem like a morbid thought, but it can be a powerful exercise in identifying your Heartfelt Purpose. Consider how you would like people to remember you in this next interactive exercise.  

Sometimes, our actions do not match our values. For example, you may value honesty but may lie to avoid trouble. An important core value may be health, but you may eat junk food or use tobacco products. Accepting where we are now is the first step towards transformative life changes.

You may greatly value your family but may be harsh with them when tired. This does not mean you are a bad person, but that you are human. Sometimes, you may react from a conditioned or emotional response.

You are human and are always doing the best you know how in this moment and in the next.

I encourage you not to judge yourself but to be aware that the event occurred. Being aware helps you take a small step toward the changes you want to make.

Writing Your Heartfelt Purpose

Writing your Heartfelt Purpose is a powerful exercise in your mindfulness practice. It helps to grow awareness and be present in your everyday life.

When writing your Heartfelt Purpose, using positive, present-tense language is important.

Using present-tense language helps your brain believe something is true, even if you don't believe it now. For example, instead of “I want to be more loving,” say, “I am loving.” 

Positive words help your brain feel safe and focused on the good stuff.

When writing your Heartfelt Purpose, it's important to focus on what you want to create in your life rather than what you want to avoid. For example, instead of saying, “I don't want to be alone,” say, “I am surrounded by loving and supportive people.”

You may wonder how you can fit all of your master list of personal values into your Heartfelt Purpose. Just focus on what you have found to be your underlying theme from your core value exercises. Don’t worry about perfection. As new awareness comes to light in your mindfulness practice, you can revise it. Here are a few examples:

• I am loving and kind toward myself and others.
• I am devoted to spreading kindness that touches the lives of those around me.
• I express my true self and embrace vulnerability.
• I am fully present in my actions with my family.
• I speak the truth at all times.
• I am safe for myself and others.

Living Out Your Heartfelt Purpose

Eventually, your mind will bring it up on its own.

This practice is not about perfection. It's about embracing the journey of growth and discovery.

Practice little and often to feel the full benefits of your practice.

Putting Your Purpose into Practice

Informal practices are often easier to implement for those of us with ADHD or busy brains. Bringing to mind our Heartfelt Purpose for reflection can be done anytime during the day and in seconds or minutes, even during a mundane task like washing dishes.

You can always choose to do a longer formal practice when you can or if you want to do so.

On-the-Go Meditations

You can meditate anywhere, even on-the-go. Use your own sequence of meditation or use a guided meditation.

Whether you find a quiet, comfortable place to sit or are driving in your car, you can take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to relax. Once relaxed, repeat your Heartfelt Purpose to yourself, out loud or silently. As you say it, believe it to be true. Allow yourself to feel the emotions and sensations that emerge fully.

Notice any emotions, opposition, thoughts, or sensations in your body that arise. You are not trying to change anything- just noticing. If you have a journal with you, note what is present. 

When your brain starts to wander, simply acknowledge it has trailed off and bring your attention back to your Heartfelt Purpose without judgment or expectation. It is okay if your mind wanders. That is what our human brains do!

Through this process of meditation and reflection, you can begin to heal and transform your life. Your core values serve as a guide to your Heartfelt Purpose, which in turn helps you to make choices and take actions that align with your core values.

When you make decisions that align with your core values, you gain trust in yourself, ease your nervous system, and reduce stress in your life.

Perfectly Imperfect

Remember, this is a journey. You have permission not to have all the answers right away. Allow yourself to be open and curious, and trust that the answers will come in their own time.

Visit your Heartfelt Purpose little and often throughout the day.

Remember, you are always doing the best you know how in this moment and in the next.

Feel free to share your core values and/or Heartfelt Purpose in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Heartfelt Purpose?

Your Heartfelt Purpose serves as a guiding light in your life. It provides meaning and offers a strong sense of direction. Essentially, it's what fuels your passion and gives you a reason to wake up each morning.

How is Heartfelt Purpose beneficial for those with ADHD or Busy Brains?

People with ADHD or busy minds often struggle with decision-making. A clear Heartfelt Purpose provides a central focus, helping you gain clarity and make decisions in alignment with your true self.

Why are core values important for discovering my Heartfelt Purpose?

Core values act as building blocks for your Heartfelt Purpose. These values guide your actions, decisions, and interactions, forming the foundation of your authentic self.

How do I identify my core values?

The best way is to make a list. Think deeply about what truly matters to you, your beliefs, and your ideals. You might also consider engaging in self-reflective exercises or even seek professional guidance to delve deeper.

Are my core values and Heartfelt Purpose static?

No, they can evolve over time. As you grow and face new experiences, your views and values may change. And that’s okay!

How do I start living out my Heartfelt Purpose?

Start by consciously bringing your Heartfelt Purpose into your daily life. You can use reminders or even daily meditations to keep your purpose at the forefront.

Can I practice my Heartfelt Purpose informally?

Yes! Simple practices that bring your Heartfelt Purpose to mind can be easily incorporated into daily activities like dishwashing or driving.

What if my mind wanders during practice?

It's natural for the mind to wander. The key is to acknowledge it and gently bring your focus back to your Heartfelt Purpose.

How does aligning with my Heartfelt Purpose benefit my mental health?

Living in tune with your Heartfelt Purpose eases your nervous system, builds trust within yourself, and helps manage stress, thus enhancing mental well-being.

Is it okay if I don't have all the answers now?

Absolutely. Discovering your Heartfelt Purpose is a journey. Be patient and allow yourself to explore, learn, and grow.

Feel free to share your core values and/or Heartfelt Purpose in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!