Each person has her or his own place and purpose. We all possess unique talents and unique ways of expressing them. This means each of us can do something better than anyone else in our society can. And every unique talent and expression of that talent also has unique needs. When these needs are matched with the creative expressions of our talents, they will spark the creation of prosperity. Whenever we express our unique talents and use them in the service of humanity, we lose track of time and create abundance in our lives, and in others lives as well.

One of the stiffest challenges we face in life is securing a balance of the facets of our beings as we engage our surroundings. Were faced with so much interference daily that challenges our beliefs and our characters. Maybe we have friends trying to sway us to stay in certain places or jobs. Perhaps family members are discouraging our career aspirations. Despite such influences, we need always to remember that we, not they, ultimately have to live with the consequences of our actions and attitudes.

Everyone is different, and therefore our individual goals for and ideas about life are different. We must each realize that because were unique individuals, fulfilling our goals and acting on our ideas will allow us to perform specific tasks in our society. As long as our thoughts are pure and no one, including ourselves, is harmed by our actions, we can be sure that well accomplish unique things that will contribute to the overall good of our society.

Thats why you and I cant ever let ourselves give up on what we believe to be true for ourselves. Giving up on ourselves would mean weve allowed other peoples voices to rule our own. We alone know what were really best at or will enjoy doing with our lives. When we muster the courage to follow what we believe to be true for ourselves, well always meet people along the way wholl share our goals and even offer us their support to help us meet them.

When you realize the importance and value of pursuing your own purpose, youll overshadow other peoples opinions of what you should want to do. At times you may feel that it would help to seek additional sources of positive reinforcement -- but you must be careful whom you choose to ask for it. Sometimes other peoples opinions of your goals can provide you with valuable insight, but not always. Never accept other peoples opinions as laws on which you construct how youll live your life. Those opinions merely reflect some other persons view of your life. Essentially, you must use your own judgment and know that its all right to disagree with someone elses opinion, even if it was given gently and in good faith. If you do disagree with other peoples opinions, be sure and ask yourself why you disagree. After youve evaluated your response, you may see a different aspect of your own goal or opinion you didnt see before.

Although many of us dont consciously recognize or acknowledge that we even have specific life purposes, our subconscious knows what were here to do, and it reaches out to us, sending messages through our dreams, intuitions and innermost longings. Our destinys call manifests in us through our deepest drives and abilities -- the hidden forces behind our personalities. These drives shape our careers and our relationships, and influence the quality and direction of our lives.

Until we recognize and live in accord with our unique underlying purposes, our lives may feel like puzzles with missing pieces; we may sense that theres something were here to do, but not quite grasp what it is. So we may work and rest, eat and sleep, make money and spend it, and have our share of pleasures and difficulties, yet still find that any fundamental recognition of our purpose in life eludes us.

"Money, fine clothes, fancy cars, public acknowledgement are no substitute for purpose. When you know your purpose, you know you are about the business of what you are here to do; you are on purpose. With purpose, you have vision. With purpose, you have clarity. With purpose, you have the support, power, and blessings of the universe at your disposal." -- Iyanla Vanzant

Copyright 2005 Penny Phang Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.

Penny Phang

Penny Phang is one of Canada's nominated Top 40 Under 40 business leaders recognized for her commitment to provide strategic marketing, communication and event services with inspiring creativity and innovation. She is also well known as the Playboy Special Editions Producer for Western Canada, and Founder of Penny Best Jewelry. In addition, she serves as one of the Board of Directors for Global Reach Organization, and continues to write for her monthly inspirational lifestyle column, Moments of Inspiration with Penny.

Miss Phang's experiences are not limited to the business world. She holds two black belts in Karate and was a member of the West Coast Warriors National Karate Team. She?s also Playboy's former Top 20 Special Editions Celebrity Model whose inspiring personality has been transformed into "Penny" the 3-D animated character for Electronic Arts' Def Jam Vendetta video game.

When Miss Phang makes time for leisure she enjoys golfing, wall climbing, weight training, traveling, singing, learning about wine, painting and playing the piano. She is also one of the committed supporters and sponsors of World Vision Canada ? donating monthly and sponsoring 2 children (Lasi Sibanda, since 1994 and Doreen Komunjumba, since November 2003). In addition, she's actively involved in donating to the World Vision Canada's Emergency Response Unit and Ronald McDonald Children's Charities of Canada.