Well OK, now I am. Who are you and what do you want?
“I am your purpose in life. Your true calling – what you were put here to do”. OK, well, you are a little fuzzy and nebulous. Could you make yourself a little clearer? “Yeah, but you have to do some work to help make that happen.” OK, I have time. Let’s get to it.
At the time, I enrolled in Jim Fortin’s Transformational Coaching Program, hoping to elevate my design business. The heart of the program centers on a powerful truth: “Be more to do more and have more” — a refreshing shift from the conventional “have, do, be” mindset.
What I didn’t expect was how much personal transformation would lead the way. Like many others focused on business growth, I soon realized that inner change was the real catalyst for outward success.
Since beginning this journey, I’ve revamped my diet, lost 10 pounds, quit smoking, found a deeper sense of peace, and embraced the philosophy of doing less — but doing it better — all while cultivating a greater sense of gratitude for the life I already have.
Investing in this program during the uncertain times of the pandemic made it even more profound, reminding me that the journey into ourselves is just as important as any destination we hope to reach.
Inspired by the principles of Hal Elrod’s The Miracle Morning, I crafted a daily practice rooted in silence, visualization, exercise, reading, and writing — a ritual that nourishes both mind and spirit.
As I journeyed through the book, a powerful quote from Jim Rohn stood out to me: “Your level of success will rarely exceed your level of personal development, because success is something you attract by the person you become.”
It was a moment of clarity. I realized why so many, myself included, come seeking business growth but find personal transformation leading the way.
While my path has woven together both personal and professional evolution, it’s the inner growth — the quiet, steady unfolding — that I treasure most.
One theme that kept surfacing in the program — and truly captivated me — was the idea that wealth doesn’t come solely from hard work, but from the universe itself. At first, I found this concept puzzling. How could that be?
The deeper message revealed itself: when you are fully engaged in your passion — the work you would do even without a paycheck — and it creates value for others, prosperity naturally follows.
One day, a business coach shared a quote from the legendary dancer Martha Graham. As a dancer myself, I thought, Now you’re speaking my love language. I’m listening.
And now it makes more sense. We are all unique in all of time and space. We all have our individual voices. If we can just get out of our own way and out from under all the personal stuff that holds us back, by Being better, we can open the channel and let it come through. That is our dharma. When it happens, the money will come.
A fellow Interior Designer, Leslie Carothers said on Facebook once, NO ONE is YOU. NO ONE has your heart, your soul, your exact combination of the *magic* that makes working with you such a special experience.
In truth, we don’t need to define our dharma. We simply need to stay open — receptive to its flow — and allow it to reveal itself through us, naturally and effortlessly.
For a long time, I believed my dharma was to bring joy and growth into people’s lives by creating beauty — through vibrant Interior Design, the rhythm of dance, the shimmer of handmade jewelry or stained glass, and the energy woven into my art.
My art celebrates vivid color and rich texture, honors the environment, nurtures our connection to nature, and embraces the diverse beauty of global design.
But as I looked deeper, I realized that these were simply the vessels. My true dharma is something more: to channel messages of universal energy that guide people back to their authentic selves — helping them awaken to their full potential.
When you feel drawn to my energy art or seek my design expertise, you’re not just experiencing beauty — you’re connecting with these deeper messages. You’re helping me live my dharma. And for that, I am truly grateful.
Now, I invite you to reflect: Are you living in alignment with your dharma? If not, perhaps I can support you on your journey — through the transformative power of Aligned Design.
My Dharma In Action
Here are some examples of some of my energy art and Interior Designs that I am inspired to create.
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Well, I had never heard of dharma until I read this post, Mary Ann, but I think a lot about my purpose and my “why”. I believe everyone has a unique and essential contribution to make to the world. We become fully human and all we were created to be when we are living and leaning into that purpose.
I so agree! I think that just thinking about our dharma and reason for being and how we can contribute helps us to recognize what makes us unique and share it. Many people never think about it at all. Thanks for reading:)
Mary Ann, this is such a beautiful post. First of all, congratulations on all of the changes you have made for you.
Secondly, thank you for enlightening me on Dharma.
Thank you Sheri!! I have been so much happier making positive changes and it was not as hard as I expected. Just getting started is half the battle! It makes me happy to know I am thinking about what I am meant to do and working on it every day:)
I didn’t know what Dharma was, but glad I do now! I believe I’m living my Dharma!
Fantastic!! You are probably one of the few! Be proud:)
Great timing on this. I need to address myself and my Dharma. 🙂
Great post. So interesting! I pinned it!
This is the perfect time, when the world is taking a little break….at least in some things. All the best to you and your dharma!!