Reading, reading, reading

If anyone knows the self-help genre, it's me. I walk into Exclusive Books and head straight for the Psychology (and sometimes Mind Body Spirit) section. I know all the names (Demartini, Beck, Goleman, Buckingham, Sharma, Tolle, McGraw, Robbins, Nolen-Hoeksema...the list is endless. There is even a bit of Trump thrown in there for good measure).
I have read so many books on how to find your purpose, discovering your strengths and navigating towards your own north star that I could probably write a book myself. PS: I have tried that too, in case you're asking.

So anyway, my point is, when it comes to self-help, I have been there, done that. I must say, in almost every book I read I do find something that really jumps out at me. I am always scribbling down a quote or thought as I read. It's just what I do. Hmmm...if only reading could be considered a life purpose :)

I have just finished reading "Steering by starlight" by Martha Beck. Brilliant book by the way. For those less confused than I am you may even find your life purpose by reading it (no joke).

I gathered some great ideas and tools for my journey, many of which I will actually try implementing (and of course I will let you know how it goes). For now I would like to share one major insight I had while reading (and I quote):

"I think we may be living in the middle of a shaman population explosion. No, really, hear me out.
First of all, anthropologists have long known that shamans, contrarians, druids, medicine people from all cultures share certain characteristics. During childhood, they may be sickly, accident prone, or traumatized. They're extremely sensitive and empathic, frequently suffering from depression, very high anxiety, and/or emotional overload. They may have "psychic" impressions or dreams, and this tends to make them fascinated by spirituality, whatever form that takes in their particular culture. They also have a special affinity for animals, may even try to communicate with various beasties, or consider animals their closest friends. Because these people project high levels of emotional energy and possess an intuitive understanding of others, people often seek their advice. Unfortunately, they have a hard time finding anyone who can understand or advise them."

She was speaking about me folks. I feel this way EXACTLY.
I don't know if that means I am supposed to become a medicine woman in Bali, but I do know that I got a short glimpse of something other than my usual confusion around my purpose. I don't know what it all means, but I am definitely making notes.