Your Life Purpose Awaits. Cross the Bridge!
When we contemplate where we are in our lives at the moment and envision where we hope to be in the future the distance between the two can seem overwhelming. It is not unlike standing at one end of a bridge and wondering if we will be able to make it to the other side, to where we need and want to be.
Recently on a trip to San Francisco, I had the opportunity to stand at one end of the famed Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge is a magnificent structure and the distance from one end to the other is significant. It made me think about the similarities between the expansive structure of the Bridge and the hopes, dreams, purpose and direction of our lives. The choices we must make, the confidence we must have, and the clarity of the vision of where we need to go.
If you have travelled to San Francisco and have had the opportunity to view the bridge, you were able to witness the changes of how the bridge appeared throughout the day. At any given moment the bridge is either hardly visible at all as it is encased in dense fog, partially visible as the fog dissipates, or clearly visible with not a wisp of fog in sight. At some moments there was a clear path from one side of the bay to the other and at other moments it looked as if there would be no way to travel from one side to the other.
Is that not like those moments in our lives when we are trying to see the path we are to take or to define our purpose in life?
When we’re trying to cross a bridge in our lives between where we are at the moment and where we are meant to be it is not unlike standing at one end of the Golden Gate Bridge and preparing to cross. There are times when we can’t see what is on the other side of the bridge…………..as we are unable see the end purpose of our lives. There are times when the bridge is partially visible……as there are times when we begin to see the direction we are to take in our lives however the entire path is not clear as there are obstacles blocking our view. There are times when the bridge is not shrouded in fog at all……..as there are times when our direction and path are clearly visible in our lives.
When standing at one end of the Bridge, whether it is shrouded in fog or clearly visible, we know it will get us to the other side of the bay. We simply have to start the process of moving forward.
If we do not see the land on the other side of the bridge and do not start the process of moving forward, we will never reach the other side of the bay and enjoy all that awaits us there. So many times in our lives we refrain from moving forward simply because we can’t see through what is in front of us. The vast numbers of people who cross the Bridge daily commuting from one side of the bay to the other on some days cannot see the bridge as they approach….they simply have to follow the road. What is your road that you need to follow? Are you allowing obstacles to appear that prevent you from taking the step?
Whether the land on the other side of the bridge is a different job, a different relationship, a different approach to problems, a different perspective of ‘self’…..whatever it may be……..we will never receive what we strive for if we do not trust the process of taking one step….whether we can see the bridge or not.
I believe that choice, confidence and clarity are the keys that will allow us to cross the bridges in our lives as we move toward our true life’s purpose:
- Choice
We can choose to make changes as we go through our daily lives. We can take a longer road around a bay of issues or we can cross a bridge which will rise above the churning waters of uncertainty. The choices become empowering as each positive choice gets us closer to our goal! - Confidence
When you are uncertain, gain strength from those who have gone before you and those who are beside you. Understand that others are on the bridge with you….you are not alone with your desire to get to the land on the other side. As we struggle with what our life purpose is to be we can often feel alone………yet we are surrounded by others who want to move forward too. Look around you….connect with another traveler…….create an accountability partner in someone you can touch base with from time to time who will encourage you and support your process. Be confident in your ability! - Clarity
Even when the path is foggy and difficult to see you must continue to take steps. Clear vision on your goals will support you in time of need. The bridge does get to the other side. The process of self-discovery, awareness and focus on your end goals will get you there. Don’t give up! Continue to take steps no matter how thick the fog may be as it will eventually dissipate and clear.
As I left the side of the Golden Gate Bridge that day I looked back to see the last of the fog melting away and the bridge standing in all its glory. Its magnificence reminded me of the magnificence of finding one’s life’s purpose…….of the glory of then being able to give back to others.
Don’t wait! Make the choice!! Believe in your individual confidence! Remain clear in your vision! The world awaits your gifts!!
Glenna
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