I wrote a chunk of a self-help book over a decade ago. It described the four styles people use to find — and define — meaning in their lives. These styles are:
The Archeologist – a person who searches, researches, reads and uses the process of discovery to uncover their life’s direction and cadence.
The Artist – a person who creates, designs or otherwise collages together a path in life, and finds ways to express their sense of higher purpose.
The River Runner – a person who “goes with the flow” and may not overtly concern themselves with life’s purpose, but still floats along on a buoyant moral raft.
Rock Bottom – a person who waits for a “wake up call” to shift direction, or by crisis collides with a deeper sense of connection.
I know finding meaning and purpose was at one time a great concern of mine, hence this book. I also worked as a lifecoach (oh my, see this ancient website archive). Back then I was inspired to help others find meaning, solace, encouragement and empowerment to move forward. I also desperately wanted these things for myself.
And secretly, I really wanted to float along a bit without trying so hard. I wanted to be a different kind of person.
So, today, I am revisiting my book, thinking about my old job and wondering what that lifecoachy younger E would say to the current day me? Would I congratulate myself on making a nice life, for having great children, a good marriage, for making a business out of my hobbies?
Would I ask “what’s next?” and push myself to do more? Would I tell myself to “relax, and be thankful, you are doing fine” or “don’t waste another moment, live bigger now“? Would today’s me say “thank you” or “quiet down silly girl”?
I am not sure I have the answers to any of these questions, but when I look back, something becomes crystal clear to me: I am still an Artist at heart. My greatest satisfaction comes from sharing my path, expressing what I’ve learned and cobbling and collaging together my next steps.
I don’t believe my truth is to be found elsewhere, dug up under a rock or slammed into by crisis, drifted into as happenstance, or evangelized by a greater spirit. I know I’m not free and breezy, as much as I yearn to be. Yet, I sense I could collide with Rock Bottom style if I don’t start acting on my soul’s cries pronto.
My soul says: Create. Collage. Cobble. Run not Walk. Share It All Honestly.
Thanks for reading.