“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
— Mary Oliver
Alright, let’s cut to the chase: there are 5 key principles for you to follow to make the most out of your one wild and precious life.
And, for nothing, I’ll tell life gets a lot easier when you start following these key principles.
You know, those little nuggets of wisdom that that have been well wrought by the wise ones who have trod this earth way before you and I were a gleam in your parents eyes.
These gems have the capacity to guide you to purpose, momentum, and ultimately, a life that doesn’t resemble a hamster on a wheel. When you align your soul’s promise with your gift, and act on your intuition with intention, you’re not just getting by—you’re living large.
But, you might be wondering: Why do these principles matter so much?
And more importantly: What happens if I just ignore them and keep winging it? Well, buckle up, because I’m going to give you the low down on the rundown.
1) Aligning with your purpose – the ‘why are you here?’ thing
This one’s the biggie.
If you’re not aligned with your purpose, it’s like trying to drive a car with no destination and no map.
You’re on the road, sure. But are you really going anywhere? I mean somewhere IMPORTANT? Probably not. Sorry, not sorry.
Purpose isn’t some airy-fairy concept that mystics and motivational speakers use to sell you overpriced journals, t-shirts and courses. It’s about connecting to your deepest reason for being here and using that as your compass.
Without purpose, everything becomes a random series of events that may or may not lead anywhere good. And that’s how we end up in the “why am I still doing this?” spiral of existential despair.
Why it’s important: When your purpose is clear, everything else falls into place. You make choices with confidence, your actions align with your values, and your energy flows effortlessly towards the things that really matter.
What happens if you don’t: You might spend years—no, decades—doing things you don’t love, surrounded by people who don’t get you, all while wondering why your dreams feel like they’re still sitting at the bottom of your laundry basket.
Spoiler: it’s because you’re not aligning with your purpose.
2) Tap into your innate gift – because you’re a freaking genius
Look, you didn’t come to this planet by accident.
You’ve got a unique set of skills, talents, and experiences that no one else has. (And, yes, I’m including those weird things you do that others can’t quite figure out. You know what I mean.)
Your innate gift is your secret weapon superpower, and probs you have been oblivious to it all along.
Why it’s important: When you start using your gift, life gets a whole lot more enjoyable. Why? Because you’re doing what you were born to do, and that feels way better than trying to squeeze yourself into a mold that doesn’t fit.
What happens if you don’t: You’ll end up chasing someone else’s dream, burning out faster than a toddler on red cordial. And deep down, you’ll feel like you’re playing dress-up in a life that doesn’t quite fit.
3) Follow your intuition – the little voice that knows more than you
Intuition isn’t just the stuff of mystics or people who live in caves, folks.
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It’s that quiet voice inside you that knows exactly where you need to go, if you’d just shut up for five seconds and listen. We’ve all ignored it at some point (I mean, who hasn’t?), but when you listen, things just flow.
Why it’s important: Intuition connects you to a higher intelligence—call it God, the Universe, or just plain good vibes—it’s always guiding you in the right direction. It’s like having a GPS that doesn’t send you down dead-ends or make you take unnecessary detours.
What happens if you don’t: You get lost. Simple as that. You start making decisions based on fear, doubt, or the opinions of everyone around you.
And guess what? That’s how you end up in the wrong relationship, the wrong job, or stuck in a Netflix hole wondering how you ended up watching “Shark Tank” for six hours straight. Trust me, it’s not pretty.
4) Act with intention – because random is for people who don’t have a clue
Ever heard the phrase, “You get what you focus on”?
Well, that is intention in a nutshell. Intention is about knowing exactly what you want, why you want it, and how to get there. It’s not about wishing and hoping—it’s about making choices that align with your purpose and desires, day in and day out.
Why it’s important: Without intention, life becomes a blur of random events. But with intention, you direct your energy like a laser beam towards your goals. Every decision, every action has a purpose, which means the universe has no choice but to pay attention.
What happens if you don’t: You end up like a leaf in the wind—floating, drifting, unsure where you’re going, but oddly convinced it’s all going to work out.
Here’s the thing: life doesn’t work that way. You’ll just spin in circles until you decide to get intentional. And don’t even get me started on the regret; you just don’t want to dive into that bottomless pit.
5) Service to others – the secret ingredient to everything
This is where it all comes together. When you align your purpose, gifts, intuition, and intention, the final key is service.
It’s the magic sauce that takes your life from “meh” to “WOW!”
By serving others—whether it’s through your work, your relationships, or your unique contribution—you’re tapping into the ultimate power of abundance. It’s like good karma on steroids.
Why it’s important: Serving others doesn’t just feel good, it’s good for you. When you help others, you get back more than you ever imagined. Life becomes meaningful, and you end up attracting people, opportunities, and experiences that elevate you.
What happens if you don’t: Well, let’s just say you become a lonely little island of self-centeredness. Sure, you might have a few possessions or accolades, but they’re like glittery trinkets that don’t satisfy the soul.
And deep down, you’ll know you’re missing something essential—the human connection that makes everything worthwhile.
The bottom line?
These 5 principles aren’t just nice ideas. They’re the key to living a life that feels whole, aligned, and ridiculously fulfilling.
When you follow them, you’re not just existing—you’re thriving, serving, and creating momentum that propels you forward.
So, take a deep breath, check in with your purpose, and make sure you’re using your gift and intuition to create the life you’re born to live. If you don’t? Well, you’ll just keep wandering around, hoping the magic happens. And let me tell you—magic only shows up when you start doing the work.
Now, go on. Go create some momentum. The world’s waiting.
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Struggling to Love Yourself? This Quiz Reveals Why and Shows You How
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