“Don’t worry about what the world needs.
Ask what makes you come alive and do that.
Because what the world needs are people who have
come alive.” -Howard Thurman


In this series of articles, I will focus on the 8 keys cited in the novel the 100th human. These keys were not invented by me nor are they new; they are in fact ancient concepts and come to us from all corners of the globe. However, I believe their ages and origins only serve to substantiate their authenticity and effectiveness.

Key #1 Living on Purpose

I love the phrase: Living on Purpose. It means to live like you mean it, AND to do what you are here to do.
In the novel the 100th human, the symbol for the first key is a simple hand print which serves to remind us that our personal mark on the world is important. The “print” we make and leave is something we should all contemplate, discover and pursue. In order to find out what that mark will be, we have to connect to the power that provides such answers.

The handprints have three primary messages to teach us. The first and foremost is connecting to the spirit world in a personal way. This is the first key. Also, it is important to understand that in the process of connecting to the spirit world, certain outcomes are revealed. The first is one’s purpose in this life. In other words, the answer to the age old question, ‘why am I here?’ is revealed to each person. The next outcome is an aspect of the last one. In answering the question, “Why am I here?” individuals will always find an aspect of service to humanity.

Every individual has certain talents, gifts, abilities and viewpoints that are his alone. Each of these provides us a unique destiny.

This is the most important question we can ask and answer of ourselves, “Why am I personally here?”
-- Chapter 31

Finding our purpose for being here must be our first priority no matter how old we are. Finding our purpose and discovering ways to live that purpose will most definitely change our lives. There are many tools and tests that can aid us in finding the things we do well. I have listed a few below. However, the answers are not in the tests; the answers are within each of us. In order to hear the answers, we must listen to the spirit within. Once we align our lives with our unique purpose, we will find life and work a happy prospect, adding direction, joy and hope to each and every day. Considering the ramifications of an entire society living on purpose, shouldn’t we make this a discovery that is as important as our other pursuits?

“ When you are born, your work is placed in your heart.” - Kahlil Gibran

Think for a moment what your life would look like, or feel like, if you knew that you had something unique to offer the world, something that only you could add to society in your own special way. Now consider that you have known about this gift since you were a child, having been encouraged and educated in its development. How do you feel? Are you insecure or are you confident? Are you bored or energized? Do you feel like a failure or a success? Are you happy or are you depressed? Are you agitated or are you at peace? When you follow your true path, the answers are healthy and positive.
Now let your mind expand. Consider a whole neighborhood of people who feel the same way about themselves and their lives. What about a whole city? How would a whole state full of people Living on Purpose act? How about a whole country? Can you imagine the whole world working and Living on Purpose? It can happen and it all begins with you. You can be the 100th human.
Asking the question, Why am I here? is the first step. Other helpful questions are: What excites me? What gives me joy? and What holds my interest? Do not dismiss any of your answers to these questions, explore them, even if they seem out of reach or impossible. If you have a desire, it is a seed and within that seed is the energy, power and intelligence needed to see it bloom into a beautiful and enriched life. Follow your dreams! This is extremely important to shifting your consciousness and the consciousness of the whole planet.
Remember also, that your purpose will always hold some aspect of service to others. We are not islands unto ourselves. We live communally whether we admit it or not. Your spirit is connected to the spirit of all life and therefore will always seek to serve that life.

When we know our purpose we are happier, more centered people. We have direction, hope and something to look forward to, each and everyday. When we meet people who are living on-purpose we revere them, call them heroes and envy their lives. But we each have our own gifts to bring. Like the “Little Drummer Boy” our personal gifts are all that God wants from us. When our personal purpose is expressed into how we make a living, we are fulfilled and happy. When that purpose also reveals our individual method of service to our fellow man, fear falls away and peace and satisfaction take its place.
-- Chapter 31

It is when we are Living on Purpose and knowing our work benefits others that we will experience true happiness. A world full of happy people is a world shifted and you are the key. Be the 100th human!

Some online resources for finding your Purpose and work that interests and excites you:

online.onetcenter.org/find/
Occupational Online Network (O-Net Online) You can choose under ‘Browse by Job Family’ to choose ‘All Occupations’ this is a pretty comprehensive list. Be sure to click on the ones that are interesting to you for more information and related occupations.

www.bls.gov/search/ooh.asp
US Department of Labor’s listings.

web.tickle.com/shop/
There are some really fun tests on this website, but I have to warn you against pop-ups and be careful not to signup for any other services, unless of course you want to. Some of the tests require you to pay money for the “extended results.” I personally didn’t see the need to pay money.

More on the keys and your role in shifting humanity’s consciousness can be found in the book, the 100th human or by visiting www.the100thhuman.com.