the meaning of life is to find your gift

…the purpose of life is to give it away.

While in Alaska, each day started with prayer and some scripture readings . One recurring theme was about different seasons of life, and this is something I have been struggling with personally for a bit-

Feeling that I am in a prolonged season of rest.

Each day of our trip, we had an opportunity to share something from the heart, and while I kept quiet most days, on the last day I shared this:

A year and a half ago, my boyfriend died unexpectedly and the grief journey has been a roller-coaster ever since.

I lost my dad in 2005.

My dog in 2017.

My brother in 2018.

My heart has been through a lot.

One of my mentors always says that there is a lesson in ever experience we go through. That there is no “good” or “bad” – but these experiences shape us into who we are and who we can become.

But let me tell you – it is hard to find the lessons in grief.

I recently put a pause on my successful nutrition coaching business that I had for years because I felt like it’s just been two steps forward, one step back in my life.

How can I coach and support others when I feel that I am a hot mess myself?

Just a week ago, this conversation came up in one of my weekly therapy sessions.

Sam says, “Jenn, do you think that as a therapist that I don’t struggle”? She said the past experiences and personal struggles are what allows her to do her job and to show up for others. Because she’s been there. Because she can relate.

Our struggles make us the best guides.

It was such a perfectly timed message, as I’ve felt I have been in this transition period, waiting for a catalyst for change. Waiting for the next season.

This trip is my reset.

My way to give back fully,
to be surrounded by good souls,
to not focus on what’s shaped me,
but to focus on the now –
and the mission to serve.
To reignite my spark that I know I am here to help others.

One of my favorite quotes from Picasso is, “The meaning of life is to find your gift; the purpose of life is to give it away.” Or for those who prefer to reference scripture:

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

1 Peter 4:10

It may not be network cabling or installing security cameras, or building a state of climbing in an attic, but we all have unique gifts and talents that we are here to share. We are doing a disservice to the world if we hide them inside.