How Are You Living Your Life Purpose?

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Guest Post by Gloria Lionz

Today, I read another story about researchers’ scientific efforts to cure or slow down Alzheimer’s. Many such articles catch my attention. It’s impressive how so many focus on this malady.

Loved ones rarely, if ever, have the capacity to understand their condition. It’s far too complex for anyone in their “right mind” to accept it without going through layers and layers of experiences words cannot encompass. Perhaps one day there will be ways to see then stop the brain’s ‘de-fragging.’ 

Today, I offer another perspective. Since my husband’s 2018 diagnosis, I’ve read a vast array of medical and pragmatic treatises describing what’s going on for those we care about who are slowly “leaving” and ways to deal with each stage they will go through. When I began walking thru this dark night of Soul, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. It was, to say the least, a cycle of life I’d have preferred to avoided. But here’s one truth I NOW HOLD DEAR:

Wes is STILL present. Although conversations typically recycle every 15 minutes or so, he does his best to engage. AND when I LISTEN with neutrality, the JOY I feel being there reveals itself. How? His ability to stay clear and EXPRESS his true self VASTLY IMPROVES! 

Some call that “influencing spiritual vibration.” Whatever we call it, the truth is: as we THINK, the Universe mirrors those thoughts back to us.

For 3+ decades I’ve been a life coach. When Wes and I met (in our 50’s) he lit up when discussing my passion. He supported me as I studied and developed a client base. 

About 2 years ago, he surprised me one day. He repeated what he’d been saying for 2 years BUT CHANGED the scenario: “I’m bored. You took away my freedom, my ability to work or drive or do anything I love. Then I realized, I NEED A LIFE PURPOSE. So, I’ve made up a NEW ONE.”

TELL ME MORE, please.

He expanded: “I realized this place is sad, no one ever gives IT love. So, each day, I silently say “good morning” to each window, greet the walls, and say “thank you.” I do the same thing before bed each night. Somehow I feel better at the end of each day.” 

For the next few months, he’d occasionally update me on ‘how it was going,’ sometimes sharing a NEW activity he’d added to the am/pm ritual. About a year later, he brought the subject up; he was clearly animated. 

“Gloria, I’ve UPGRADED MY LIFE PURPOSE. People NEED LOVE TOO!”

Whoa! Please tell me more!

“I began noticing how often folks who live here get their wheelchairs stuck against a wall or door. They’re too weak to move, they can barely make a sound. There aren’t enough caretakers to notice. But if I see them, I CAN HELP!

But I had to learn how to help. The first time I moved a lady, I scared her. I just whipped her wheelchair around, rolling her to where I THOUGHT she’d like the view.

She didn’t know why she was moving. I’d MISSED AN IMPORTANT STEP. FIRST, YOU NEED TO MAKE EYE-TO-EYE CONTACT. NEXT, YOU LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART. WAIT FOR A SIGN OR FEELING YOU HAVE PERMISSION TO HELP.” 

His smiling eyes radiated confidence and joy! 

I know this isn’t the sort of action or story one usually hears about a loved one with Alzheimer’s. But it’s ONE example of our loved one’s presence. 

Wes not only found AND activated an UPGRADE TO HIS LIFE PURPOSE, he learned how to ENGAGE with someone bereft of language yet ALSO STILL PRESENT. With no reward or personal acknowledgement, he began NOTICING & CARING FOR EVERY RESIDENT whenever he perceived they were in need. HE FULLY ENGAGED HIS HEART.

Facility management and caretakers alike constantly affirm Wes continues to exhibit a steady commitment to serving others. He’s been punched and shoved a few times protecting caretakers from confused residents. And at least once a week, he helps a resident who he notices appears lost or disoriented. He loves to tell me, “When I help just one person, I KNOW I’VE HAD A GREAT DAY!”

There’s more to this story but for now, I offer this question:

How are you LIVING YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE? Are you activating ways to connect with love?

Happily, you have the FREEDOM to choose, to ‘be a blessing.’ When we do, we discover our TRUE PURPOSE—TO LOVE

Gloria Lionz has been a life coach for four plus decades. She’s also a life-long poet and storyteller. Her training in personal growth began in her early 20’s. With certificates in Reiki, Ho’oponopono, and training with Caroline Myss, the works of Alamaia Will, Lynn Andrews, and Dr. Christiane Northrop. She facilitates group and individual coaching and is also an event planner.  

She is an enthusiastic gardener, an essential oil instructor, and volunteers at her local cat shelter helping cats learn to trust and recover from neglect and/or abuse. She’s committed to living a life of “love in action”—sharing her passion for helping others notice and accept they’re here to love and be loved.

Gloria can be contacted through her email: [email protected]