Living with Purpose: Death, Fear, and My Overdue Closet Clean-Out
Many people say that I have a weird mindset when it comes to death.
(Mom, you may not want to read this post.)
See, I don’t think about death as the moment your heart stops beating. I think you start dying when fear takes over your body and keeps you from living with purpose.
Wait—A Joy Coach Talking About Death?
You may be thinking… wow, that is a harsh statement for a joy coach—but hear me out.
In the Bible, fear is brought up over 365 times. In the Torah and the New Testament, we’re told again and again to “fear not.”
That’s not a casual suggestion. That’s a command. A red flag. A wake-up call.
Fear Is Sneaky
Fear doesn’t always show up in dramatic fashion—it hides in the small decisions we make every day. It tells us to stay quiet, play small, and delay what matters. But no matter how it directs you, it impacts your how body. And slowly, without even noticing, you’re living a life that’s not really yours.
Living According to Values—Not Fear
I believe that every single one of us is here for a reason. That our values are not just nice words we throw around—they are our true north. They are the foundation of values-based living. And when we let fear override them, we stop living with purpose. We become shells of ourselves. Breathing, yes—but not alive in the way that matters.
Fear Is Here—But It’s Not in Charge
Because I’m heading out on our next big trip: Munich, Israel, and Greece.
Yes. I am choosing to travel to a place where there is an active war happening.
(Please hold your collective gasps.)
Am I worried? Sure. I have concerns.
And in my true overthinking fashion, I’ve done weird things—like clean out my closet just in case someone has to go through it.
I’ve texted people I love, told them they matter, and even labeled a few folders on my computer. You know… just in case.
Fear is absolutely in the room. I hear it. I even nod politely and say, “Thank you for your concern.” But I’m not handing it the mic.
Choosing Values-Based Living
Because when I check in with myself—my actual self—I know I am making this choice from a place of values-based living.
I’m choosing connection. I’m choosing adventure. I’m choosing my agency.
And that is living with purpose.
If I don’t go, I’ll regret it. Not because I missed a plane ride, but because I would be letting fear decide how I live. And honestly, that’s not a life I want. That’s a kind of death I won’t accept.
Fear Is Everywhere—Not Just in Big Decisions
Fear isn’t just about travel, either. It shows up in the day-to-day:
• Staying in a job you’ve outgrown because it’s familiar.
• Avoiding hard conversations because they might be uncomfortable.
• Holding back dreams because they feel “unrealistic.”
Fear doesn’t always scream. Sometimes it whispers, “Just stay here. It’s safer.” But safe doesn’t always mean alive. Safe doesn’t always mean living with purpose.
Living Boldly Isn’t Easy—But It’s Worth It
I get it. It’s scary to live boldly. But what’s scarier to me is missing out on the life I was meant to live.
So I’m packing my bags with a little fear and a whole lot of intention.
Because this isn’t just a vacation. It’s a commitment to values-based living.
To showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable.
To living with purpose, not just comfort.
A Few Questions for You
Let me ask you this:
Where is fear running your life?
Where are you letting it make decisions that don’t align with your values?
And what would shift if you stepped into values-based living, even just a little?
What Living With Purpose Means to Me
Maybe living isn’t about how many days we get—but how many of those days we actually show up for.
With courage. With humor. With heart.
That’s what living with purpose means to me.
How about you?
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