Unity Center
 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River NC  28759
(828) 891-8700, 684-3798
Email: unity(at)unitync.net

What Would You Do If You Won the Lottery?

This is a fun question to think about because it gives us permission to muse about all our "someday fantasies." I’ve found often when a “Unitic” is asked what they would do if they won the lottery they usually say something like this:

"Well, first I'd want to take some time off and just relax. Maybe travel to the places I've always wanted to visit. Then I'd start doing the thing I'd always wanted to do."

You see, most people drawn to New Thought realize there's more to life than sitting in front of the TV watching game shows. They have a longing in their hearts to make a difference in the world; to do something that has real meaning. And yet sadly, sometimes we stop ourselves, thinking we need to handle our finances or get the rest of our life in order first. These thoughts of lack can become major obstacles in living your most purposeful and meaningful life – the life you came here to live.

Unless you won the lottery. And then you could quit your job, hire a housekeeper, etc etc. Perhaps you’ve tried to somehow “make the time” and become better organized. Or you tried to squeeze in classes or seminars between all your other obligations. And so often you’re left feeling burned out and wondering whether you’ll ever realize your dream.

There is Help & Hope Available

What's cool is that most of what you need to create the life your heart yearns for is already inside you. You just need some gentle assistance to get at it.

What if you could begin realizing your heart's desire for more meaning and fulfillment in your life RIGHT NOW? Yep, you don't have to make drastic changes in your life to begin creating a life in which you feel like you're making a difference. (You may want to make some big changes, but there are practical reasons why you haven't yet.) You don't have to sit on top of a mountain for a year to meditate or, join a commune in India or run away with the circus.

You can keep doing what you need to do to pay the bills, make sure your kids do their homework, and whatever other day-to-day obligations you need to meet. And you can also begin, step-by-step, to also realize a more meaningful and satisfying life RIGHT NOW.

Maybe This Sounds Far-fetched

Especially if you've already tried to find ways to make a little time to pursue your dreams. Perhaps you've:

• Taken a class or workshop through Unity or a local community college
• Done volunteer work for a cause you believe in
• Tried being more organized so you have more time

Inevitably though, life happens. Your car needs repairs and you can't make it to class, or the boss needs you to work late, or you're just plain exhausted and sitting in front of the TV watching M.A.S.H. reruns is just about all the stimulation you can handle.

The Last Thing You Need is Another Project!

The problem with trying to squeeze in classes and reading self improvement books and doing volunteer work is they turn into just a bunch more items on your to do list. Like you really need more stuff on your To-Do list!

What DO You Need to Create the Life You Really Want?

Glad you asked. Here are six things you can do to create the life of your dreams:

1. You need to get clear on what your dream is as well as where you are currently in life ( It helps to reach your destination if you know what it is and how far away it really is)
2. You need to get clear on what the obstacles are that are really keeping you from this dream (hint: it has hardly anything to do with the lack of time or money or will power)
3. You need to shift your focus from doing to being (Huh? More on this in the next point)
4. You need to be able to articulate what's really, really important in your life
5. You need a "Life Purpose Statement" a short, clear statement of what you're here on the planet for -- one that’s divinely inspired and captures your spiritual essence so it’s powerful enough to shape your life each day
6. You need some tools and structures so you can begin to express your divinely inspired life purpose in your everyday activities

What's cool is that most of what you need to create the life your heart yearns for is already inside you. You just may need some gentle assistance to get at it. While starting on such a journey can be taunting and take real courage, it’s well worth the effort. Begin today to bring a deeper sense of purpose and meaning to your life, and you’ll attract riches well beyond those of winning the lottery.

Dr. Brad Swift is co-founder of Life On Purpose Institute, Inc. and the author of the award winning, Life On Purpose: Six Passages to an Inspired Life. Ann Swift, co-founder of Life On Purpose will facilitate the On Purpose Program – an 8-week program at Unity to assist people to bring a deeper sense of purpose and meaning to their life (whether you win the lottery or not). For more info and to register: www.lifeonpurpose.com/ntnc1 or call 828-697-9239.