What If Your Purpose Isn’t Just One Thing? Rethinking the ‘Calling’ Myth

by | Personal Journey, Purpose

For decades, the idea of a singular life purpose has been glorified. We’re told to “find our calling,” as if it’s a fixed destination, a single path meant to define us forever. But what if that’s not how purpose works? What if your purpose isn’t just one thing, but a series of evolving experiences, each serving a role in your spiritual and personal growth?

Why the ‘One True Calling’ Myth is Misleading

The notion that each person has one ultimate purpose creates unnecessary pressure and frustration. It suggests that if you haven’t discovered “the thing,” you’re somehow behind or failing. But life is rarely that linear.

Purpose Evolves as You Do

Think back to who you were ten years ago. Were you drawn to the same passions, relationships, or spiritual practices? Most likely not. Just as we grow emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually, our sense of purpose shifts with us. Research in developmental psychology suggests that identity is fluid throughout life (McAdams, 2013). If our very sense of self changes, why wouldn’t our purpose?

Multiple Purposes Can Exist at Once

Some people are naturally multi-passionate. They thrive in different roles, exploring various interests without feeling tied to a single pursuit. For example, someone may feel deeply connected to healing work but also love writing, teaching, or community-building. These are all meaningful expressions of purpose, not competing paths.

How to Embrace a Fluid Sense of Purpose

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure of what your purpose is, shifting your mindset can help. Here are some ways to explore and expand your definition of purpose:

1. Recognize That Every Phase Has Its Own Meaning

Your purpose at 20 might be about exploration and self-discovery, while your purpose at 50 could center around mentorship, healing, or something completely unexpected. Instead of searching for one lifelong mission, consider what your purpose feels like right now.

Example Exercise: The ‘Purpose Reflection Map’

  • Divide a page into three columns: Past, Present, and Future.
  • Under “Past,” list things that once felt deeply meaningful but no longer do.
  • Under “Present,” write what currently brings you a sense of connection and fulfillment.
  • Under “Future,” jot down things you’re curious about but haven’t explored yet.

This can help you see how your sense of purpose has evolved and where it might be heading.

2. Follow the Energy, Not the Job Title

Many people equate purpose with career, but they aren’t the same. Your purpose isn’t necessarily a job—it’s how you show up in the world. If you’re drawn to helping others, that can manifest as a therapist, a coach, a community organizer, or even just being a supportive friend. If something excites and energizes you, follow that thread.

Example: A Shifting Purpose Journey

Consider someone who starts as a yoga teacher, later transitions into intuitive healing, and eventually finds themselves drawn to writing about spiritual growth. Each stage served a purpose, but none were “the one.” Purpose unfolds in layers.

3. See Purpose in Small, Everyday Moments

Not every life purpose is grand or world-changing, and that’s okay. Being a source of kindness, offering wisdom to a friend, or creating something that inspires others is just as valuable as any high-profile mission. If you’re waiting for a life-changing sign, consider that you may already be fulfilling your purpose in quiet ways.

Daily Practice: The ‘3 Moments of Meaning’ Journal

At the end of the day, write down three moments that felt meaningful—no matter how small. Over time, you may start to notice patterns that reveal what truly matters to you.

4. Let Go of the Fear of ‘Wasting Time’

Many people resist change because they fear they’ll “waste” years on something that doesn’t last. But everything you do adds to your experience and shapes who you are. The relationships, skills, and insights you gain from one pursuit often prepare you for the next.

Example: The Unexpected Purpose Shift

A woman spends 15 years in corporate marketing, then has a profound spiritual awakening and shifts into Reiki healing. At first, she worries that her past work was meaningless. But later, she realizes that her marketing skills help her build a thriving healing business. Nothing was wasted—it all served a purpose.

Purpose is a Journey, Not a Destination

Instead of chasing one perfect calling, embrace the idea that purpose is alive—it changes, expands, and moves with you. The more you listen to your intuition, follow what energizes you, and release the need for certainty, the more you’ll find meaning in every stage of life.

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Holistic End-of-Life Planning for a Peaceful Transition

by | holistic living

End-of-life planning is often overlooked, yet it holds profound opportunities for honoring one’s journey, creating balance, and finding peace. A holistic approach not only addresses practical needs but also integrates emotional, spiritual, and relational dimensions. For individuals in Iowa’s holistic and wellness communities, planning for life’s final chapter can reflect personal values and offer a sense of completeness and harmony.

In this guide, we’ll explore practical, emotional, and spiritual strategies for holistic end-of-life planning, empowering you to approach this stage with grace and clarity.

1. The Foundations of Holistic End-of-Life Planning

End-of-life planning typically focuses on legal and medical logistics, but a holistic approach expands the scope to include emotional and spiritual preparation.

Key areas to address:

  • Physical Needs: Advance care directives, pain management preferences, and choice of care facilities.
  • Emotional & Mental Needs: Conversations with loved ones, emotional processing, and creating a legacy.
  • Spiritual Needs: Reflecting on one’s beliefs, rituals for transition, and preparing for the unknown.

For Iowans, this might include working with local practitioners who specialize in grief counseling, Reiki, or spiritual guidance to support these dimensions.

2. Writing Your Values-Based Advance Care Plan

Advance care planning allows you to articulate your preferences for medical treatment, ensuring your choices are respected if you cannot communicate. A holistic plan goes beyond clinical considerations to reflect your values and spiritual beliefs.

Steps to consider:

  • Identify your priorities: Is comfort the main focus? Do you prefer natural interventions?
  • Choose a trusted advocate: Select a healthcare proxy aligned with your values.
  • Incorporate rituals: Note any practices or ceremonies meaningful to you in moments of transition.

Resource: The Iowa State Bar Association offers templates for advance directives, which can be personalized with holistic values.

3. Emotional Integration and Legacy Creation

Preparing emotionally for the end of life can bring a sense of harmony and closure.

  • Legacy Letters: Write letters to loved ones or record messages expressing gratitude, wisdom, and love.
  • Memory Projects: Create a scrapbook, photo album, or digital archive that tells your story.
  • Apology and Forgiveness: Seek or offer forgiveness to release unresolved tensions.

These actions not only provide closure but can also serve as a healing gift for those left behind.

4. Creating a Holistic Death Care Team

Incorporating holistic professionals can ensure all aspects of well-being are supported. Consider:

  • Death Doulas: These guides provide emotional and spiritual support during the dying process.
  • Energy Healers: Practitioners like Reiki masters can ease discomfort and promote peace.
  • Therapists and Counselors: Specialized in grief and life transitions, they can help process emotions.

5. Spiritual Practices for a Balanced Transition

End-of-life rituals can help align the spirit with peace and balance. Some practices include:

  • Meditation and Visualization: Imagining light-filled journeys or connecting with ancestors.
  • Mantras or Affirmations: Simple phrases like “I release with love” can ease anxiety.
  • Ceremonies: Collaborate with local spiritual leaders or holistic practitioners to design a meaningful ritual.

These practices offer comfort and a sense of spiritual integration for both the individual and their loved ones.

6. Support for Loved Ones

A holistic end-of-life plan extends care to those who will grieve. Ideas include:

  • Grief Support Circles: Hosting community gatherings to share memories and process loss.
  • Keepsake Gifts: Providing small tokens of love, like handwritten notes or jewelry infused with essential oils.
  • Education: Share your wishes with family, helping them navigate the process with clarity and understanding.

For example, consider organizing a pre-transition “celebration of life” gathering to offer gratitude and connection.

7. Accessible Resources for Holistic End-of-Life Planning in Iowa

The following resources can help you create a personalized, holistic end-of-life plan:

A Final Thought

Holistic end-of-life planning is an act of service to yourself and your loved ones. By addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of this transition, you create a blueprint for peace and harmony. In Iowa’s wellness-focused community, this approach reflects a shared commitment to living—and dying—with intention, balance, and completeness.

Take the first step today by reflecting on your values and reaching out to trusted holistic resources for support.

The information provided on Holistic Iowa is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, Holistic Iowa may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our mission to connect Iowans with holistic and spiritual resources!

Celebrating the End of a Journey

by | personal growth

The end of a journey, whether it’s retirement, a major life transition, or the completion of a long-held goal, is a profound moment that deserves recognition and celebration. These milestones offer an opportunity to pause, reflect, and honor the transformation that comes with reaching the end of a significant chapter. This article delves into the importance of celebrating these moments, offering insights and ideas for how to do so in ways that align with holistic, wellness, and spiritual living.

The Significance of Completion

Completion marks the culmination of effort, dedication, and perseverance. In spiritual terms, it’s not just about reaching the finish line but about acknowledging the growth, lessons, and transformations that occurred along the way. In the context of holistic living, celebrating completion is an act of mindfulness, recognizing the interconnectedness of all experiences and the personal evolution they bring.

Consider someone retiring after decades of service in education. The end of this journey isn’t just about leaving a career; it’s about honoring the impact they’ve had on countless lives, the wisdom they’ve gained, and the new possibilities that await them in this new chapter.

Rituals and Practices to Honor Completion

  • Ritual of Reflection: Create a personal ritual to reflect on the journey. This could involve journaling about the experiences, lessons learned, and the emotions tied to the end of this phase. For Iowans, connecting with the land, such as spending time in a favorite natural spot, can enhance this reflective process.

  • Symbolic Actions: Consider actions that symbolize the completion of a journey. This might include planting a tree to represent the growth and stability gained or creating a piece of art that encapsulates the journey’s essence. These actions can serve as tangible reminders of the transformation that has occurred.

  • Community Celebration: For those who prefer a more communal approach, organizing a gathering with family, friends, or like-minded individuals can be a powerful way to honor the end of a journey. Sharing stories, expressing gratitude, and collectively acknowledging the significance of the transition can deepen the sense of completion and connection.

Transformation and the Path Forward

    While the end of a journey signifies completion, it also opens the door to transformation. This transition period is a time of spiritual enlightenment, where new insights and understandings can emerge. For those in the holistic and wellness communities, this is a moment to reassess life’s purpose and align with new goals that resonate with their evolving self.

    Someone transitioning from a high-paced corporate job to a slower, more intentional lifestyle may find this period of transformation an opportunity to explore new passions, such as volunteering, starting a wellness practice, or engaging in creative pursuits. This shift can lead to a deeper connection with their spiritual self and the community around them.

    Resources for Navigating Life Transitions

    • Support Networks: Engage with local groups or communities that focus on holistic and spiritual living. In Iowa, sites like Holistic Iowa offer resources and connections for those looking to navigate life transitions with a holistic approach. Seek out these opportunities in the Holistic Iowa Community on Facebook.

    • Workshops and Retreats: Consider attending workshops or retreats that focus on life transitions, mindfulness, and spiritual growth. These events provide tools and techniques for embracing change and finding new paths forward.

    • Books and Media: Explore literature and media that offer guidance on embracing completion and transformation. Books like “The Gift of Change” by Marianne Williamson or podcasts focused on personal growth and spirituality can provide valuable insights.

    The Role of Spiritual Enlightenment in Life Transitions

    Spiritual enlightenment often comes through the process of letting go and embracing new beginnings. As we reach the end of a journey, there is an opportunity to shed outdated beliefs, habits, and roles that no longer serve our higher purpose. This enlightenment is not a destination but an ongoing process of aligning more closely with our true selves.

    A person who has recently downsized their home after their children have moved out might use this opportunity to simplify their life, focusing on what truly brings them joy and fulfillment. This process of letting go can lead to a more spiritually enriched life, where possessions and external validation hold less importance, and inner peace and contentment become the focus.

    Embracing the End as a New Beginning

    Celebrating the end of a journey is not just about looking back but also about preparing for what lies ahead. By honoring the completion of one phase and embracing the transformation that follows, we open ourselves to new possibilities and deeper spiritual connections. For the Holistic Iowa community, these moments of transition are opportunities to integrate holistic practices, connect with our inner selves, and embark on new journeys with a sense of purpose and clarity.

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