A Purposeful Life
This post was written by my student, Terri Sanchez. If you’d like to be a guest writer, I’d love to hear what you’ve got to say! Please send me your thoughts at insideoutyoga@va.metrocast.net. For now, enjoy Terri’s post!
“Your purpose in life is not just to exist, but to thrive—and to do so with passion, compassion, humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou
Imagine standing at the threshold of a new chapter—empty nesting, freshly retired, or simply ready for change. A question looms: How do you transition from a comfortable routine to a life filled with joy, adventure and fulfillment?
Three years ago, I asked myself that very question. I’ve been working as a Senior Executive in the U.S. Air Force for more than 35 years as well as six years as an Executive Life Coach for government leaders. It’s been an amazing journey, filled with triumphs, setbacks and hard-earned wisdom. But with retirement just around the corner, I realized that what had carried me this far wouldn’t be enough to take me forward into the future I envisioned. I decided it was time to design my next chapter. A blank canvas awaited me to create a life that would ignite my purpose.
So I dove in: I moved to a new town, bought a new home, started yoga at InsideOut, and otherwise began crafting a new life. Yet something felt amiss. I then read the above quote by Maya Angelou.
Inspired, I leaned into my mindfulness practice and embraced what I call my “Big Sky” vision: a purposeful life propelled by passion and guided by my values. I clarified what my next “chapter” would look like: to serve amazing women who were also ready to design their next chapter by opening my own business and coaching full-time.
Drawing from my coaching experience, I crafted one meaningful goal at a time, each with specific steps that brought me closer to my dream. The achievable steps helped me stay the course. I celebrated successes along the way and granted myself grace whenever I needed to start anew, remembering that it’s all about the journey. One game-changing component that kept me engaged was the chance to share this journey with supportive friends who were also on a quest to design their next chapter.
Today I own my own life-coaching business and have discovered for myself how much intentional goal-setting can illuminate the path to a purposeful and vibrant life. Every step I took created space for reflection, grace, and celebration. The journey wasn’t always smooth, but it was mine—a series of choices aligned with my unique vision.
If you’re standing at the beginning of your own new next chapter, remember: the life you envision is within reach. Now is your time. Embrace it boldly, design it purposefully, and live it fully. The canvas is yours. Paint a fulfilling life that sparks joy and embodies who you’re meant to be.
See you on the mat!
Terri