Purposeful Point:

When two people in a committed relationship know each others' true, Divinely Inspire Life Purpose and their Inherited Purpose, you have the makings of a Partnership On Purpose where you can both give room and allow for the Inherited Purpose to show up from time to time while continuing to stand for and encourage each other to allow the true purpose to shape life.

Ann and I both have a history of failed marriages. In fact, I was married and divorced twice when I met Ann. So, we've had plenty of hands-on experience about what doesn't work in a relationship. We've also learned some key things that do work. One thing I've realized recently is how powerful it is for the two of us to clearly know each others' Divinely Inspire Life Purpose and Inherited Purpose.

Knowing these important aspects of each other has become an important part of the foundation upon which we've built an incredible relationship; what I've come to affectionately think of as Partnership On Purpose. Here are the 4 cornerstones of this partnership:

1. My Divinely Inspired Life Purpose: An inspired and inspiring life of purposeful, passionate, and playful service; a life of mindful abundance balanced with simplicity; and spiritual serenity.

2. My Inherited Purpose: I must be smart and know all the answers (or pretend that I do), and I have to work really hard to stay ahead so I won't be poor and so people won't leave me.

3. Ann's Divinely Inspired Life Purpose: A life on Purpose is a life of authentic, creative soul reaching for the stars through love, fun and wisdom.

4. Ann's Inherited Purpose: I have to be a good girl and follow the rules in order to stay out of trouble and be loved. I have to do everything all by myself and not ask for help to avoid trouble.

Now, it would be nice to think that Ann and I never allow our lives to be shaped by the fear, lack and struggle of the Inherited Purpose, but unfortunately, that's simply not true. We get caught up in our own vicious circles of fear, lack and struggle. The good news is that we're both pretty good at noticing when this is happening, and if we miss it, we have each other to lovingly allow for this and to gently point out what is happening. We then stand for and encourage each other to be who we really are -- our Divinely Inspired Life Purpose.

And there's a triple win here. Amber, our 13 year old daughter, also knows our true life purposes and our Inherited Purposes and we know hers. Are we an awesome family or what? Well, yes we are, and I say that not to brag, but to simply appreciate what incredible power there is in knowing who a person truly is as well as knowing who they may, from time to time, mistake themselves to be.

2005 Brad Swift of Life On Purpose Institute, Inc. This article can be reprinted freely online, as long as the entire article and this resource box are included.