Episode 35
35 | Struggling with Discerning What Your Purpose is? 3 Steps for This Week
Have you ever asked yourself, “God, what am I really meant for?”
You’re definitely in the right spot! In this episode, we dive into the heart of discernment, exploring three simple steps you can take this week to start uncovering what you’re really meant for.
Whether you’re a busy mom juggling a million things or a Catholic mom who's been wondering “What’s next?”—I'm here to help you gain clarity and confidence.
If you’re ready to step away from the chaos and into clarity, grab that notebook, and let’s step into the amazing purpose God has for you! I promise you’ll leave feeling empowered to take those first steps towards discovering the unique purpose God has for you.
If you find value in this episode, share it with a Catholic mom who could use a little encouragement too!
I pray that this episode blesses and encourages you!
Michelle
✨ Next Steps:
- Ready to Discover Your Unique Purpose with Clarity? Book your 1:1 Purpose Coaching Session Here
- Connect with Catholic moms discovering God’s plan in everyday life Here
- Receive Weekly Encouragement and Action Steps to Help You Move Forward with God: Subscribe to the The Inner Flame Here
✨ Feedback or Questions? Contact me at hello@michellebrannam.com
✨ Listen to Related Episodes:
- 18 | You Were Meant for More: Breaking Through Self-Doubt to Discover Your Purpose
- 29 | How to Find Your Purpose When Your Days Are Already Full
Transcript
Do not filter anything out during this brainstorming time.
Speaker A:You just want to let it flow, write it down, everything that comes to your mind.
Speaker A:Have you ever asked yourself God, what am I really meant for?
Speaker A:You've prayed, journaled and you tried to listen for his voice but the how still feels unclear.
Speaker A:You want to live out your God given purpose but you're not sure where to start.
Speaker A:That's exactly what we're talking about today.
Speaker A:I'm sharing three simple steps that you can take now this week so you can start discerning what you're meant for by uncovering the clues that God placed within side you that he created you for.
Speaker A:So grab your notebook and pen and let's dive in if you're ready to break free from stuck, gain clarity and take steps towards discerning your unique purpose.
Speaker A:All while following God's guidance to become the person he created you to be.
Speaker A:If so, you're in the right place.
Speaker A:Hello, I'm Michelle, a Catholic discernment mentor and spiritual coach who went from lost and questioning my purpose to to confident in my unique calling using a Catholic based strategy that places God and the Catholic faith at the center.
Speaker A:Are you ready to dive in?
Speaker A:Grab your pen and notebook and get comfy, Open your heart and mind and invite God in as we get ready to become who God created you to be.
Speaker A:Let's do this.
Speaker A:You want to know your God given purpose but you don't even know where to begin, let alone what steps to take.
Speaker A:Maybe you've been wondering if there's a process or a framework, but no one has explained it in a way that feels doable and aligned with your Catholic faith.
Speaker A:That's exactly why I created a simple Holy Spirit led framework to help.
Speaker A:I want you to stop feeling confused, tired and spiritually stuck.
Speaker A:I want you to start leaning into a simpler, God centered way to uncover and live out your unique purpose that he created you for.
Speaker A:One that brings you peace, fullness, fulfillment and confidence in his plan.
Speaker A:In a purpose coaching session, I'll meet you right where you are.
Speaker A:You don't have to prepare for anything or have all the answers.
Speaker A:Together we'll create a simple God center plan so that you can take your first step towards uncovering your purpose.
Speaker A:Book your session at bit ly catholicpurposecoaching.com and the link is also in the episode description.
Speaker A:All right, let's dive in because I cannot wait to get into today's topic.
Speaker A:When I first started wondering what I was meant for, I had no idea even where to begin.
Speaker A:I Wanted to know God's will for my life.
Speaker A:But every time I tried to search for answers, I got lost in just a sea of information, and most of it was not from Catholic sources.
Speaker A:I remember feeling confused.
Speaker A:I was overwhelmed and honestly discouraged.
Speaker A:I didn't want to get it wrong, and I definitely didn't want to chase the wrong thing.
Speaker A:So I started seeking guidance from reliable Catholic sources.
Speaker A:Priests, bishops, and popes, because I didn't want to be misguided.
Speaker A:And after a year praying, researching, and piecing things together, I finally found what I had been searching for.
Speaker A:A way to begin discerning my purpose that actually aligned with my Catholic faith.
Speaker A:And that's exactly what I'm sharing with you today.
Speaker A:Three simple steps that you can take to begin discerning what you're meant for.
Speaker A:Even if you feel lost or unsure of where to start, like I did.
Speaker A:Wrap your journal, get comfortable, and let's do this together.
Speaker A:So the first step that you can do to begin discerning your purpose or discern what you're meant for, is to make space for God and be intentional with our time.
Speaker A:You want to look at your day and find out where can you work on discovering your purpose.
Speaker A:So if you have a calendar, a digital one, or a planner, I want you to physically look at that and you may need to re listen to this again and go through the steps with me, and that is perfectly fine.
Speaker A:And you may even want to favorite this one so that you can come and revisit it as well as you're working through this if you're listening to this on the go.
Speaker A:Because as busy moms, let's face it, that's what we do.
Speaker A:We listen to stuff on the go.
Speaker A:I listen to podcasts while I'm doing laundry or I'm washing dishes, doing stuff around the house.
Speaker A:So I get it.
Speaker A:I totally get it.
Speaker A:So I want you to look at your day and I want you to find where you can work on discovering your purpose.
Speaker A:And we have to be intentional with our time and block that time off to work on it.
Speaker A:You want to treat that time sacred for you and God.
Speaker A:You want to set up boundaries and calendar integrity.
Speaker A:So if you need help following through until this becomes a new habit for you, then set up a reminder.
Speaker A:No shame, no guilt.
Speaker A:Or better yet, you can set it up on your calendar as an event or an appointment.
Speaker A:And I'm an Android user, so I'm not sure what Apple uses for their phone calendars, not what the terminology that they use for it.
Speaker A:Okay, so then when you have your reminder or your event set, let's just call it your notification just for simplicity's sake.
Speaker A:When it reminds you that it's time to focus on discerning your purpose, then you do it.
Speaker A:We do it.
Speaker A:We do what we say we do.
Speaker A:That's having that calendar integrity.
Speaker A:Once you've reflected, you evaluated and observed, when you will work on discerning your purpose, now is the time to get to work.
Speaker A:Now.
Speaker A:Notice I said now is the time.
Speaker A:Not thinking about it, not planning to it, but doing it.
Speaker A:So here's my gentle nudge.
Speaker A:As best as I can, gently nudge you to start working on discerning what you're meant for.
Speaker A:Because I truly want you to do this.
Speaker A:I truly want you to discern your purpose.
Speaker A:And then step two is we're going to create a quiet, focused space with God.
Speaker A:You want to find a quiet place that you will not be interrupted at.
Speaker A:And for me, when I was uncovering my purpose, it was at my computer desk because I have an L shaped desk.
Speaker A:So I would use the side of my desk that didn't have the keyboard in front of me and I would just lay out the things that I needed for discerning my purpose.
Speaker A:And it does not have to be your computer desk.
Speaker A:Just for me.
Speaker A:That was my place.
Speaker A:You just want a place that's comfortable, quiet and with no distractions.
Speaker A:This way you can really focus on it and give God and this time your full attention.
Speaker A:You'll pick a time that works best for you.
Speaker A:Now, we've already thought this through, so check.
Speaker A:That's done.
Speaker A:Yay.
Speaker A:Let's move on.
Speaker A:You'll want to grab your journal and if you do not have one, make sure you put that down on your calendar.
Speaker A:Or set up a reminder to buy yourself a pretty journal that you can't wait to open up.
Speaker A:One that excites you so that you'll be more eager and you're motivated to open it up and spend time discerning your purpose.
Speaker A:And yes, a fun, comfortable pen.
Speaker A:Let's make this time enjoyable because you deserved it.
Speaker A:Next, you'll want to start with a prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you in during this time.
Speaker A:And it can be a short prayer such as, come Holy Spirit.
Speaker A:Come Holy Spirit.
Speaker A:Come Holy Spirit.
Speaker A:Or you could say, come Holy Spirit, I invite you to be with me, helping to guide me during this time.
Speaker A:That's it.
Speaker A:Just a simple prayer.
Speaker A:Or you can speak more to the heart if you'd like to, as you're doing this process.
Speaker A:Step three is you're going to reflect on your God given skills in your journal or a notebook.
Speaker A:You can even do a piece of paper.
Speaker A:I want you to start to brainstorm and just reflect on what your skills are now.
Speaker A:These are the things that you're naturally good at or you've developed through experience.
Speaker A:For me one of my skills is computers and technology.
Speaker A:When I had a thought of wanting to do something, I would research it to figure it out how I could do it.
Speaker A:That's also pulls in.
Speaker A:I'm a learner as well so that makes sense why I want to research, learn and try to figure stuff out.
Speaker A:As an example is before screen recording onto TVs or apps on phones became a thing, I wanted to stream Netflix shows on my bedroom tv.
Speaker A:So I developed the knowledge and skills on how to connect the different pieces of technology together.
Speaker A:And don't worry, I'll save you the boring details.
Speaker A:Or when the Amazon Kindles first came out I learned and I acquired the skills about everything I could with my Kindle.
Speaker A:And I remember at that time I was working in the laboratory as a medical technologist and I like to explain to people it's the people behind the walls that are actually running the test that's a medical technologist.
Speaker A:Anyways, it became that anytime someone had a question about them or how to do something, I was their go to person.
Speaker A:They knew if I didn't have an answer.
Speaker A:Mainly I would figure it out and provide an answer for them the next day.
Speaker A:So I even had ones that would just come to me and ask what product line like which one of the Kindle should I get the E Ink technology one or the more now as you know the tablet based one with the glossy screen and I would give them my advice and let them decide based on what met their need that they were looking for.
Speaker A:So I would just give them the benefits and let them choose.
Speaker A:So this is an example how computers and technology is a skill of mine.
Speaker A:As you're thinking through what your God given skills are, a clue to this could be like what do others come and seek my help with or guidance on?
Speaker A:That would be another good journal prompt or a good prompting to reflect on.
Speaker A:So you want to spend some time on this and you don't want to rush through it and you can always revisit this and add to your list.
Speaker A:Also while you're doing this process, you want to ask the Holy Spirit to help guide you to call to mind any skills that you might be overlooking.
Speaker A:Skills that will help you uncover your purpose.
Speaker A:Because he knows what your Purpose is so he will help you reveal the skills that you need that goes into what your mission is that you're created for.
Speaker A:So again, you want to ask the Holy Spirit to help guide you and call to mind any skills that you might be overlooking, skills that'll help you uncover your purpose.
Speaker A:You want to ask him to bring up past memories to help you as well, because this is very important as well.
Speaker A:Just like I was reflecting on sharing with you, thinking back in the laboratory when I had actual people coming up to me and asking for advice on the Amazon Kindles.
Speaker A:And when you're doing this process, do not filter anything out during this brainstorming time.
Speaker A:You just want to let it flow, write it down, everything that comes to your mind.
Speaker A:Don't rule anything out, just put it all on the paper.
Speaker A:Now this is a step that you can take to help you start uncovering your unique purpose.
Speaker A:In my one to one purpose coaching, we go much deeper and cover more of this one area.
Speaker A:There are more areas that we need to look at to help you uncover your unique purpose that you are created for or meant for.
Speaker A:But today I just don't want you to stay stuck.
Speaker A:I want you to move forward.
Speaker A:So if you feel the Holy Spirit nudging you to continue uncovering your unique purpose, then I invite you to book a coaching session with me so that we can continue this journey together with my help that is personalized for you.
Speaker A:I really don't want you to struggle like I did or stay stuck.
Speaker A:So if you feel the Holy Spirit inside you telling you to start taking action and take that leap of faith, you can learn more or grab a session at Bit Ly Catholic Purpose Coaching.
Speaker A:Or just look in the episode notes for the link.
Speaker A:And I would love to help you more than anything to move forward more and to continue what we started today.
Speaker A:And if you feel that Holy Spirit stirring something within you, definitely check it out.
Speaker A:Book a session.
Speaker A:Let's get this started.
Speaker A:Let's.
Speaker A:Let's do this.
Speaker A:We say we're going to do it.
Speaker A:Let's do this.
Speaker A:Let's do this together.
Speaker A:I want to help you.
Speaker A:All right, so let's take a quick recap of what we covered today before we move into prayer and how you can get started today applying what we talked about in this episode.
Speaker A:So step one, you want to make space for God, be intentional with your time and treat it sacred.
Speaker A:Step two is you want to create a quiet, focused place to meet with him without distractions.
Speaker A:And then step three, you want to reflect on your God given skills and invite the Holy Spirit to reveal more of what you might be overlooking.
Speaker A:This is very key and these are three steps.
Speaker A:They may seem simple, but they're powerful because they open the door for God to speak to you.
Speaker A:You don't need the full picture.
Speaker A:Just start here.
Speaker A:God will meet you in your effort and lead you one step at a time.
Speaker A:Let us pray in the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:Heavenly Father, thank you for the woman listening today who desires to know what she's meant for.
Speaker A:Thank you for placing this longing in her heart because it's a sign that you're calling her deeper into your plan.
Speaker A:Help her make space to meet you in the quiet, to listen to your voice and to trust that you are guiding every step.
Speaker A:Come, Holy Spirit, and fill her with peace, clarity and courage as she begins discerning her unique purpose.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:In the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:Knowledge is powerful but true.
Speaker A:Clarity comes when we take what we've learned, stepped out in faith, and allowed God to guide us on the path that he's leading.
Speaker A:So here's how you can get started today.
Speaker A:In your journal, I want you to write down your skills, the things you're naturally good at or have developed through experience.
Speaker A:Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything you might be overlooking.
Speaker A:Don't filter, don't overthink.
Speaker A:Just let it flow.
Speaker A:And if you want those steps re listen to this episode or if you took those notes.
Speaker A:Excellent.
Speaker A:Then read your notes of how we said to get you started and going.
Speaker A:And then if you'd love to share what you've discovered inside our free Facebook community, Finding youg Discernment and Strategy for Catholic Moms It's a beautiful space where we talk about these episodes, we share what is God is revealing, and we encourage one another to take steps faithfully forward.
Speaker A:Remember, my beautiful sister in Christ, that God uniquely created you for a unique purpose.
Speaker A:You were made to do great things.
Speaker A:God is within you and you will not fail.
Speaker A:I look forward to continuing this journey with you.
Speaker A:I'll meet you next Tuesday for another conversation.
Speaker A:Until then, may God bless you and give you peace.
Speaker A:Thank you so much for joining me today.
Speaker A:I pray that today's episode blesses and encourages you.
Speaker A:If so, would you please share it with someone you know that would be blessed by it?
Speaker A:If you felt inspired or learned something Today, please take 30 seconds to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts.
Speaker A:This is the number one way to let me know that you are liking the show and for me to reach other Catholic women like yourself.
Speaker A:If you're feeling uncertain or lost on your discernment journey, you're not alone.
Speaker A:Join us over in the free Facebook community, where Catholic women just like you are sharing, supporting, and growing together in faith.
Speaker A:I look forward to continuing this journey with you.
Speaker A:God bless you.
