If you’re content with your life, don’t bother reading this post. 
If you feel that you’re using your gifts to make a difference on this earth, don’t bother reading this post.
If you don’t want to feel your pulse race and get shaken up, don’t bother reading this post.
On the other hand…
If you know that you’re stuck but don’t know what to do about it, read the questions below.
If you think there ‘s something more to life than the way you’re living, read the questions below.
If you want to wake up and shake yourself out of complacency, read the questions below.
If you’re ready to make changes and lead the life you’re meant to live, read the questions below.
8 QUESTIONS
1. Are you willing to be 100% responsible for what’s happening in you and the world?
2. Are you willing to get clear- to allow your essence to burn through the confusion of your mind- to no longer listen to the reasons your ego has given for not showing up more fully?
3. Are you willing to roll up your selves and get your hands dirty – to take the outrageous actions that need to be taken in order to do what you need to do to move that mountain?
4. Are you willing to open your heart to be intimate with the world so that you can FEEL what it is that you are being called to serve?
5. Are you willing to stand and speak your truth in love– to have the conversations that will change your life and lives of those around you?
6. Are you willing to allow you essence and spirit to burn so brightly that you feel the passion of what you are called her to be and do?
7. What things keep you up at night…that you’d move a mountain for?
8. What is it that is calling for your passionate service?
Now, it’s you turn. Tell us if any of the questions strike a chord with you. And if so, how.
** Please note: This list was written by Elayne Doughty, who along with Devaa Hayley Mitchell, is teaching the course, ‘Living As An Inspiring Woman’ at Shift Movement.
Image credit: dundanim / 123RF Stock Photo
I love the precision of this post, Fran. It is beautifully written and packed with energy. I would go for No.1 – because I believe we have sole responsibility for what we do in our lives. Regardless of the various influences, the final choice is ours to make. Excellent! Thanks for the jolt! I enjoyed it.
Vidya….You are 100% right about being responsible for how we live our lives. It took me several years of inner work to realize that i have the power to make decisions that effect the outcomes in my life. Boy….was the realization ever freeing. Am glad you enjoyed the post Vidya and that it gave you a bit of a jolt.:) Fran
Fran,
This is a powerful post. Your statements at the beginning really made me want to read on! I like #5, to have conversations that will change the world. And as I’m up right now in the middle of the night, question #7 has much personal meaning for me! Great post! Thanks for making me think!
Betsy….Aha….so you’re up at night….thinking about things you’ll move mountains for ? (LOL). #7 was the one that really grabbed my attention as well. Fran
This is an awesome post Fran! So many people talk about wanting to live their passions but most are scared to death of these questions – especially #1.
Be personally responsible, vulnerable and completely transparent. These are all things that our culture teaches us to run from at all costs.
But as soon as we actually do these things, our lives are forever transformed and we discover levels of freedom and happiness that we never thought existed.
Thanks so much for this one, Fran!
Big Hugs!!
Paige…..We both know that talking the talk can be a beginning step on the journey to living a meaningful rich life. But you need to get into the trenches to do the work….as I know you have done and continue to do.
You have been on my mind a lot this week. Am not sure why. It probably means that it’s time for a chat via skype. I’ll keep a look out for you.
With love, Fran`
Hi Fran,
Great questions. I have taken so much time off over the last 3 months. My first responsibility is offline. Today I’m ready to go and get in the groove and my daughter calls and asks if I’ll go back to MI and pick blueberries! We’ve made it an annual event…I haven’t decided yet!!! I need to burn the midnight oil and make up for lost time!
Tess….After just reading your fantastic post on A List Blogging, I’m laughing a bit.
You are overflowing with exuberance, creativity, a unique writing style with a strong message and a ‘Tess voice’ that comes through in all that you do.
I know that your family is a top priority…which is a beautiful thing.
Spending less time on building your business and blogging could be the biggest gift you give yourself. From my perspective, there is no need for ‘catch up’ on your part. You have secured a name and following in the blogosphere. Enjoy every moment you have this summer. Blueberry picking with your daughter? I wouldn’t miss it for the world….unless I was on a last minute deadline.
We will definitely catch up in Chicago, Philly, or Arizona soon. I am planning to come to Philly in September and am going to a retreat in Northern California for 3 days. Perhaps we can work something out then.
With love, Fran
Hi Fran,
Oh, we were supposed to pick only one?! I have been working through all of them except, interestingly, #7. Something completely different popped up for me on that one. Now I’ll have to see how I can work that in somehow. That’s for the inspiring post!
Hi Julie….You can pick as many as you want. That you are already working on all of them except #7 is pretty impressive. When I heard the phrase ‘what will you move mountains for?’, it stopped me in my tracks. Although I have several passions, ‘moving mountains’ has given me pause for thought. Great to read your comment. Hope to hear more from you. 🙂 Fran
From the first question I was nodding in agreement Fran! It took me a long time to realise that my happiness was my responsibility. I blamed others for the lack of contentment in my life instead of choosing to rise above it and make the decision to be happy even in adversity.
Carol….I can identify with you. It took me several years of hard work to realize that I had the power to choose how I wanted to live and ‘be’. I have some friends who have had to deal with tragedies…including deaths of their children…and somehow have maintained a feeling of appreciation for what they do have in their lives. I am in awe of them….and inspiring role models. 🙂 Fran
Well, as I answered the initial questions, I thought maybe I shouldn’t read the post–ha! But I read it anyway, and I’m glad I did. All good questions which, for me, affirmed that I am just where I want to be doing what I want to do. Thanks for the validation!
Galen…Am so glad that the post validated your journey…and that you are exactly where you’re meant to be.:) Fran