Whatever we call it—raison d’etre (our reason for being) or dharma (our path in life), now more than ever, our world needs millions of individuals living a life and taking actions that stem from authenticity and higher purpose. In Discover Your Purpose: How to Use the 5 Life Purpose Profiles to Unlock Your Hidden Potential and Live the Life You Were Meant to Live, author Rhys Thomas suggests that when our actions originate from of a sense of grace and ease and are in alignment with our deepest sense of purpose and calling, we are giving our greatest gift to the world.

Frederick Stahlman, owner of InnerConnections, in Naples, recognized what would become his greatest gift to the world when he met Dr. John E. Upledger, who discovered the dural pulse in the membrane surrounding the spinal cord, created CranioSacral Therapy and founded Upledger Institute International in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. “When he showed me how I could change the world by learning, applying and teaching others this light-touch therapy, I knew I had found my calling and never again doubted myself. Doors opened and opportunities arose. When there were bumps along the road, new opportunities arose and new people appeared to lend me a hand and provide guidance. I have been truly blessed and gifted with a life-changing modality, as well as the mentorship needed to embrace my path and share it with other seekers,” says the manual physical therapist, CranioSacral therapist and Upledger Institute instructor.

According to Kimberly Rodgers, a licensed clinical social work/therapist and owner of Monarch Wellness, in Naples, finding her true calling is best explained in the way that individuals describe meeting their soul mate. “My heart sang, the world seemed brighter with infinite possibilities and my life felt balanced and made sense. I didn’t know how I survived without this awareness before, and I couldn’t imagine the rest of my life without this purpose,” enthuses Rodgers.

“In 1995, when I talked to the social work programs advisor at the University of Georgia, I felt butterflies in my stomach, a surge of energy and the thrill of excitement. My soul and this profession were so aligned. My heart felt at home and I was certain that I was born to be a social worker. Amongst my classmates, professors, supervisors and mentors, I even found what felt like long-lost family members,” she explains.

In her early 20s, Shelle Misiorowski, co-owner of Trim & Tone, in Naples, felt a resonance with her calling as a licensed cosmetologist. Now, from the perspective of a passion that has lasted through 34 years of working in the beauty industry, she notes, “As I continued with advanced training and seminars throughout my career, I could feel my calling evolving and expanding. I reached a point when I decided to change up my career by learning to work with more class 2 medical grade devices, which broadened my offerings and my horizons. I've flourished in learning more in this industry because I’m intrigued with how fast technology is growing. My calling is a personally rewarding one that allows me to make my clients look and feel their best,” she says.  

Unorchestrated, synchronistic events affirmed Melanie Korpi’s calling. “I connected with my current position as holistic nutritionist and program manager at the World Institute of Natural Nutrition, in North Fort Myers, partly due to a dear friend who shared with me her dream about a visit I hadn’t yet planned to make to her home in New York. This prompted me to consider an idea I’d previously dismissed—attending my graduation ceremony in Toronto, just across the border from where my friend lived. Arrangements were made with ease and a last-minute, inexpensive direct flight booked. Our face-to-face chat after the graduation was followed shortly thereafter by this job opportunity.

Tamara K. Robison, DDS, founder of Cosmic Smiles for Kids, with locations in Naples and Marco Island, grew up with the encouragement that whatever she focused her mind on she could accomplish. In college, Robeson was encouraged to become a dentist. “I recall that at age 12, my step-dad pointed out my good hand-eye coordination. This frequent reoccurring memory reinforced the knowing that had chosen the right path,” she recalls.

Eventually, Robeson’s specialty of working with children emerged. “In dental situations that upset parents, children and dental assistants, I could cast a sense of calm and instill confidence which I believe stems from always choosing kindness, honesty and integrity, which I’ve done throughout life. One of the aspects I love most about my work with children is turning a fearful child into one that loves coming to the dentist,” enthuses Robeson.

Phyllis Weber, founder of Gulf Coast Acupuncture & Herbs, with locations in Naples and Fort Myers, had no intention of practicing the art when she enrolled in acupuncture school. “Then a teacher and practitioner of martial arts, I was following the suggestion of a martial arts instructor who recommended that if I wanted to learn to move energy in the body, I should learn how to heal with it,” advises Weber.

When she learned that acupuncture and oriental medicine had the power to heal physical and emotional disorders on a very deep level in a way that taught the patient to assume responsibility and accountability for their health, Weber knew that acupuncture was her calling. “The challenges I get to work through with patients, as well as their improved health, are the reinforcing signs that I am in the healing profession because I am supposed to be,” she quips.

Marie S. Wright, a licensed mental health counselor, offers her clients suggestions to identify their calling. “Step outside of yourself and watch yourself go by and then answer these questions: What brings you joy in life? What makes you feel good? What makes you feel that life is meaningful and allows you the freedom to live with authenticity? To achieve this, sometimes we need to be reminded that we are not only much more than our physical bodies, but are also an integral part of the universe. Applying spiritual principles in our lives not only lessens the burden of loss, but it leads the way toward a peaceful appreciation of the next conscious steps in our soul’s journey,” says Wright.

 

Resources

InnerConnections, Alico Lakes Commons, 17595 South Tamiami Trail, Suite 112, Fort Myers. InnerConnectionsPT.com.

Monarch Wellness, 843 Myrtle Terrace, Naples. 239-325-9210. MonarchWellness.net.

Trim & Tone Spa, 1201 Piper Blvd., Ste. 20, Naples. 239-596-5522. TrimAndToneSpa.com.

World Institute of Natural Nutrition, 3403 Hancock Bridge Pkwy., Ste. 1, N. Fort Myers. 239-599-2137 or 844-479-5177. Email [email protected]. WinnOrg.com.

Cosmic Smiles for Kids 15495 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 125, Naples. 239-263-4517; 40 S. Heathwod Dr., Bldg. B., Marco Island, 239-394-2270. CosmicSmilesForKids.com.

Gulf Coast Acupuncture & Herbs, 10661 Airport Pulling Rd, Ste. 16, Naples. 239-841-6611; 6300 Corporate Court, #104, Fort Myers, 239-936-4199. GulfCoastAcupuncture.com.

Marie S. Wright, The French Quarter, 501 Goodlette Rd. N, Ste. D100, Naples. 239-529-7919.