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What Is Your Purpose In Life?

Posted on: February 18, 2010by Dr Kim Dr Hil

The Journey of Life

Each of us has an inherent purpose in life. Yet, research shows that less than 5 out of 100 people have even the slightest clue as to what that might be? Do you feel like you are fulfilling your purpose in life? Without a clear sense of purpose, we often become caught up in the form itself. We forget why we are doing something and our work becomes simply mechanical and uninspiring. More and more people today are asking the existential questions, What do I want to be when I grow up? Why am I here? What are real my goals, dreams and ambitions? Is there more to life than this? Life purpose is not contingent upon the status of your job, finances or relationship. It is the essence of who you bring to the table in every important area of your life. We have found that when you discover your purpose in life, regardless of your life circumstances, you thrive in life. You could say it truly makes the journey of life the destination itself.

Discover Your Purpose in Life

Life's purpose is defined as a calling, a mission or an overall theme for your life that goes beyond your daily activity. Although it is often closely tied to the career you pursue, life purpose is much broader than simply your job but rather it pervades your entire journey of life. Having an idea of your unique purpose provides the fuel and inspiration to propel your dreams into being. Discovering your purpose in life is in fact, one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself to enhance every aspect of your life.

Notice how you feel about the following questions. Perhaps you will discover something new about yourself that will lead you to feeling greater inspiration in your life.

What do you love to do?
What parts of your present job or life activities do you thoroughly enjoy?
What do you dream or daydream about doing?
Is there a cause, quality or issue that you feel passionate about?
What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

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.