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Purpose in Life

Posted on: October 14, 2012by Dr Kim Dr Hil

The journey of life is the destination itself

Each of us has an inherent purpose in life. Yet according to research less than 5 out of 100 people have even the slightest clue as to what that might be. Without a clear sense of purpose, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture and become caught up in a narrow view of life. In this way, we forget the essence of why we are doing what we are doing and our life becomes mechanical and uninspiring. In other words, we can’t see the forest through the trees. A life without a clear sense of purpose is not a happy life.

More and more people today are asking the existential questions,

Why am I here?
What are my real goals, dreams and ambitions?
Is there more to life than this?

Knowing the answers to these questions provides a blueprint for thriving in every part of your life. Interestingly, living a purposeful life is not contingent upon the status of your job, finances or relationship. On a foundational level, it is the essence of who you are in every important area of your life. It is not as mysterious or evasive as some people make it out to be. We have found that when you discover purpose , regardless of your life circumstances, you thrive. You realize that the journey of life is the destination itself.

A Purposeful Happy Life

Life with purpose is considered a fundamental right of passage into the land of lasting happiness and personal fulfillment. How do you know if you are living with purpose? Here are three criteria for a purposeful life;

You engage in activities that contribute to the world around you.
You bring your individual strengths, talents and passions into everything that you do.
You discover meaning in all of your life experiences, including the positive experiences and the not so positive ones.

Based on these criteria, purpose in life is dynamic and evolving vs. static and predetermined.

Questions to Discover Purpose in Life

What do you feel purposeful about in your life today?
Do you feel guided by a deeper calling or purpose? If so, what is it?
What things do you want to be remembered for at the end of your life? Are you engaged in these now?
Is there a cause, quality or issue that you feel passionate about? If so are you participating in it?
Are you fulfilling what feels most important and inspiring to you?
In what ways are you making a difference in the world?

Coaching and Counseling

Hilary Stokes Ph.D. and Kim Ward Ph.D. have been a team for 20 years, specializing in mind, body, spirit psychology. They are the authors of the bestselling books The Happy Map: Your roadmap to the habit of happiness and Manifesting Mindset: The 6-step formula for attracting your goals and dreams and founders of Authenticity Associates Coaching and Counseling. They are passionate about combining the best of holistic and traditional approaches to health and happiness. If you are interested in learning the answers to the most frequently asked questions on how to decrease stress and increase happiness sign up for their free video series.

About the Authors

Hilary Stokes Phd

HIlary Stokes, Ph.D., LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist in California with more than 25 years of clinical experience, specializing in trauma therapy, PTSD treatment, anxiety, depression, and nervous system healing. She holds Master's degrees in Clinical Social Work and Kinesiology and Sports Psychology and a Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology with a specialization in Tibetan Buddhist Psychology. Dr. Stokes is extensively trained and certified in brainspotting, EMDR, somatic therapy and other mind body approaches. Her integrative work bridges neuroscience, mindfulness, and holistic psychology to help clients process unresolved trauma, rewire stress patterns, and build emotional resilience.

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Dr. Stokes’ clinical approach is informed by advanced professional training and her own healing journey from complex trauma, which shaped her commitment to therapies that go beyond traditional talk therapy. She has worked in psychiatric hospitals, addiction and PTSD treatment centers, universities, integrative medical facilities, and private practice. As co-developer of the psychology and wellness programming at Sanoviv Medical Institute, she witnessed firsthand the power of integrating mind and body for lasting transformation. Today she helps individuals heal trauma, strengthen emotional regulation and reclaim purpose through brainspotting, EMDR, somatic therapy and mindfulness interventions.

Kim Ward Phd

Kim Ward, Ph.D. holds both a masters and a doctorate in Transpersonal Psychology with a specialization in Tibetan Buddhist Psychology. She brings more than 25 years of experience in trauma recovery, Brainspotting and mind-body transformation. She is extensively trained and certified in Brainspotting, somatic therapy, and trauma-informed approaches. Dr. Ward integrates neuroscience, nervous system regulation and consciousness-based psychology to help individuals process unresolved trauma, shift limiting beliefs, and access greater emotional resilience. Her work focuses on healing at the root, beyond symptom management, through brain-body therapies that create lasting change.

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As co-developer of the psychology and wellness programs at Sanoviv Medical Institute, Dr. Ward brings a uniquely holistic perspective to trauma therapy and personal growth. Her path from corporate leadership into psychology shaped her commitment to helping clients move beyond external success toward embodied fulfillment and emotional freedom. Dr. Ward's expertise combines Brainspotting, emotional intelligence, contemplative psychology and purpose-driven coaching. Drawing from both advanced academic training and lived experience navigating complex family mental health dynamics, she supports clients in transforming stress patterns, reclaiming vitality, and aligning with authentic purpose.