It's easy for any of us to get discouraged when we become aware of the suffering throughout the world: racial prejudice; addiction and self-destruction; political oppression in its many forms (starvation, war, torture, misinformation, imprisonment, denial of rights of speech, health and human dignity, and just plain bigotry and nastiness). My own reaction, years ago, was despair. "I can't stand it! So much suffering! So many issues! There's nothing significant I can do."

Gradually, with the help of wiser people, I came to realize that I wasn't supposed to do it ALL. I just needed to do a part. But what part? Through the next couple of years, I began to learn about my inner wisdom, my unique birthright, my own peculiarities and talents.

Since each of us is unique, with different genetic mixes, different fingerprints, different gifts and personalities, let's suppose that there must be a reason for our uniqueness; a Plan. Included in the Plan is a special place for each of us, and we have been designed, by a Super Intelligence, for a special task within the Plan. Supposing that Plan exists, what is your part in it? What were you designed to do? What's your "job on earth"?

If you feel confused or overwhelmed by life, or if your life seems to have no meaning, no important reason for your existence, spend some time pondering the Plan. Try reading God's mind a little: Imagine -- If you were God, and you had created the human being that is you, what would you have created that person for? It's an interesting puzzle, and the clues are in your unique characteristics. Are you a good listener? Then maybe counseling is your intended "job". Are you a mathematical whiz? A musician? An artist? Can you make people laugh? All of these talents can be used in unique ways to make the world a little better. For example, if you like to make people laugh, and you enjoy elderly people, perhaps entertaining, volunteering, or working in a senior citizen's center is your special place. Or if you are a survivor of abuse or illness, perhaps your life work lies in helping others survive.

Like me, many others have found it useful to ponder solve this riddle. The clues and hints are subtle, but they exist. The secret to your life's purpose is hidden in your heart's desire. Discover that, and you discover meaning, joy and purpose. There is a Plan, and you fit within it. No one has been omitted, every small link fits. As you discover your secret mission, and join the rhythm of the Intelligent Plan, life begins to run itself, doubt fades, and joy becomes a more frequent companion. Try listening to your heart, and to the obvious things about you, and you'll find it works.

"'I give you myself, my experiences with turning depression into Art Therapy. And remember, I shall be watching you.' Said the Sun to the newborn child.""Whatever your age, if you learn to listen, your inner voice will speak to you about your path... your ‘job on earth.’ This wisdom that is directing you from within is your birthright... an inner message, an inner awareness, that says, ‘This is your path, this is how you can be the best human being possible.’

If you follow it, you will achieve your full growth and full potential as a human being before you let go of the Tree of Life..." I see the power of the inner voice daily in my work, my family and in my own life. But, how does a seeker access that voice, that wisdom, and get one's feet started on the path? It's easy for any of us to get discouraged when we become aware of the suffering throughout the world: racial prejudice; addiction and self-destruction; political oppression in its many forms (starvation, war, torture, misinformation, imprisonment, denial of rights of speech, health and human dignity, and just plain bigotry and nastiness). "I can't stand it! So much suffering! So many issues! Is there nothing significant I can do."

Gradually, with the help of doctors, counselors and other artists, I came to realize that I wasn't supposed to do it ALL. I just needed to follow my heart's desire. But what part? Through the next couple of years, I began to learn about my inner wisdom, my unique birthright, my own peculiarities and talents while writing poetry, making clay art and indulging in photography. Since each of us is unique, with different genetic mixes, different fingerprints, different gifts and personalities, let's suppose that there must be a reason for our uniqueness; a Plan. Included in the Plan is a special place for each of us, and we have been designed, by a Super Intelligence, for a special task within the Plan. Supposing that Plan exists, what is your part in it? What were you designed to do? What's your "job on earth"? If you feel confused or overwhelmed by life, or if your life seems to have no meaning, no important reason for your existence, spend some time pondering the Plan. Try reading God's mind a little: Imagine -- If you were God, and you had created the human being that is you, what would you have created that person for? It's an interesting puzzle, and the clues are in your unique characteristics. Are you a good listener? Then maybe counseling is your intended "job". Are you a mathematical whiz? A musician? An artist? Can you make people laugh? All of these talents can be used in unique ways to make the world a little better. For example, if you like to make people laugh, and you enjoy elderly people, perhaps entertaining, volunteering, or working in a senior citizen's center is your special place.

Sculpting the Heart: Surviving Depression with Art Therapy If you are happy, you will enjoy my book. If not, you need my book. It is filled with inspirational poems, pictures of my art work, and activities for getting acquainted with your inner artist.more >>

Or, if you are a survivor of abuse or illness, perhaps your life work lies in helping others survive. Like me, many others have found it useful to ponder solve this riddle. The clues and hints are subtle, but they exist. The secret to your life's purpose is hidden in your heart's desire. Discover that, and you discover meaning, joy and purpose. There is a Plan, and you fit within it. No one has been omitted, every small link fits. As you discover your secret mission, and join the rhythm of the Intelligent Plan, life begins to run itself, doubt fades, and joy becomes a more frequent companion. Try listening to your heart, and to the obvious things about you, and you'll find it works. P.L. Travers expressed it this way: "'I give you something, you know not what, enrich it, you know not how, bring it back, you know not when. And remember, I shall be watching you.' Said the Sun to the newborn child."