Creating A Partnership On Purpose
When two people in a committed relationship know each others'
true, Divinely Inspire Life Purpose and their Inherited Purpose,
you have the makings of a Partnership On Purpose where you can
both give room and allow for the Inherited Purpose to show up
from time to time while continuing to stand for and encourage
each other to allow the true purpose to shape life.
Ann and I both have a history of failed marriages. In fact, I
was married and divorced twice when I met Ann. So, we've had
plenty of hands-on experience about what doesn't work in a
relationship. We've also learned some key things that do work.
One thing I've realized recently is how powerful it is for the
two of us to clearly know each others' Divinely Inspire Life
Purpose and Inherited Purpose.
Knowing these important aspects of each other has become an
important part of the foundation upon which we've built an
incredible relationship; what I've come to affectionately think
of as Partnership On Purpose. Here are the 4 cornerstones of
this partnership:
1. My Divinely Inspired Life Purpose: An inspired and inspiring
life of purposeful, passionate, and playful service; a life of
mindful abundance balanced with simplicity; and spiritual
serenity.
2. My Inherited Purpose: I must be smart and know all the
answers (or pretend that I do), and I have to work really hard
to stay ahead so I won't be poor and so people won't leave me.
3. Ann's Divinely Inspired Life Purpose: A life on Purpose is a
life of authentic, creative soul reaching for the stars through
love, fun and wisdom.
4. Ann's Inherited Purpose: I have to be a good girl and follow
the rules in order to stay out of trouble and be loved. I have
to do everything all by myself and not ask for help to avoid
trouble.
Now, it would be nice to think that Ann and I never allow our
lives to be shaped by the fear, lack and struggle of the
Inherited Purpose, but unfortunately, that's simply not true. We
get caught up in our own vicious circles of fear, lack and
struggle. The good news is that we're both pretty good at
noticing when this is happening, and if we miss it, we have each
other to lovingly allow for this and to gently point out what is
happening. We then stand for and encourage each other to be who
we really are -- our Divinely Inspired Life Purpose.
And there's a triple win here. Amber, our 13 year old daughter,
also knows our true life purposes and our Inherited Purposes and
we know hers. Are we an awesome family or what? Well, yes we
are, and I say that not to brag, but to simply appreciate what
incredible power there is in knowing who a person truly is as
well as knowing who they may, from time to time, mistake
themselves to be.