Albert Einstein said, "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." 

Welcome to The Soul Podcast. I'm Stacey Wheeler. 

In the last episode, my guest, Jerome, touched on something profound about the journey of our life. It's a simple thing he did years earlier. And that thing directed his life in ways he didn't realize it would at the time. And it's a tool any of us can use to have the same level of impact on our future. So, let's explore that. Here's what he said...

[Play the clip: "Along the way, my purpose was to simply get the things done that were in front of me and that I knew I needed to do. I don't know that I've ever had a life's purpose with respect to completing something or a passion about completing something, but whenever I did do the exercises, I always came back to my family and my wife being the most important things in my life. And as times are getting closer now to the end, I'm accepting that that was an okay place to be. I used to get kind of torn up because I wasn't one of those persons who was passionate about saving the planet or helping a particular group of people or doing a particular function. But now that I'm coming to the end, having decent relations with family, friends and acquaintances and anybody that I pass by on the street is an extraordinarily wonderful purpose if that's your purpose in life. I was once awarded with an award through the Mankind Project program of helping other people. Worked on a county project for sheltering women that were abused in relationships. Spent several years on that. And in the Mankind Project, they want you to come up with your own personal slogan of sorts. And what I came up with was I would just like for people's lives to be a tad bit better after they met me than before they knew me. I kind of what's the goal? I thought that was a cop-out in some sense because it wasn't more specific."]

In looking back at his journey, Jerome realized that a small thing he'd done—which he thought was insignificant—was, in the end, a rudder that steered him. Jerome's words resonated because they flip the script on what many of us have been taught about purpose. So often, we're bombarded with this idea that our life's calling has to be something massive or significant—saving the planet, building a legacy that echoes through history, or chasing some epic passion. For most of us, those things seem unrealistic as goals or objectives. He admitted feeling "torn up" about not having that grand vision, but as he faces the end, he sees the beauty in something simpler—making lives "a tad bit better" through decent relations with family, friends, and even strangers. It's not flashy, it's not grandiose. It's real. And think about it: If we all aimed for that, how many ripples of kindness would spread? One small act, that becomes a daily habit -a way of living- repeated, could change someone's day or week -and would change your life path. 

Jerome's comment struck a chord for me. Eight years ago, I set my own personal motto: "I write to help others find joy." At the time, it felt simple—maybe even too basic. I love writing, and I'm passionate about the idea that we're more than our bodies; we're souls, consciousness, spirits seeking deeper meaning. And I want to do good in the world. But I had doubts when I wrote that sentence and taped it to my mirror. Self -doubt can play with us when we aim to be a better version of ourselves. Self doubt crept in like a foe, trying to trip me up. And it did it with one question; “Why do you think you're qualified to help people?” and “Do you think you're special?” 

I ignored my insecure, inner voice. Instead, I trusted the universe, or whatever this was that led me to make a statement of purpose. It became an experiment in faith -though I didn't think of it that way at the time. Sometimes personal growth and spiritual expansion only requires us to be willing to reject our inner voice; to be a bit stubborn. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture -only a rejection of doubt and an embracing of potential. 

Did I realize how much that one sentence would guide me? Hell no. I was operating on faith. From trust in the person who suggested it. 

Eight year later I can see how it steered my choices: starting this podcast, spiritual coaching, writing a book... sharing stories that spark reflection, even small daily decisions like crafting words to uplift. Looking back, it's informed my journey in ways I couldn't predict—pushing me to create content that brings light, even in tough topics like Jerome's.

And here's the beauty: Your personal motto doesn't need to be grand or world-changing. Like Jerome's or mine, a simple one can be a powerful rudder if you state it, write it down, and keep it visible—maybe on your bathroom mirror, phone wallpaper, or journal cover. Seeing it daily reminds you, shapes your actions subtly over time. It's not about perfection; it's about direction.

Mother Teresa captured this essence when she said, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family." It's a reminder that purpose often starts close—in the everyday connections that build us up. Jerome echoed this: His "tad bit better" approach led to real impact, like his work on shelters for abused women. No global spotlight, but lives changed.

The Dalai Lama puts it even simpler: "My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness." Imagine if that guided us—leaving kindness in every interaction. It's achievable, yet profound. Jerome didn't set out to be a hero; his motto just nudged him toward decency, and now, as he approaches life's end, he finds peace in that.

So, why does crafting a motto matter? In a noisy world pushing us toward big ambitions, it grounds us in what truly fulfills—often the relational, the kind. It reduces regret, like Jerome's initial self-doubt, by giving quiet evidence of a life well-lived. And the benefits? Greater peace, stronger bonds, a sense of completeness, even amid uncertainty.

Now, let's make this yours. I invite you to define your personal motto today. It doesn't have to be epic—just true to you. Start by reflecting: What do you love to do or are good at? For me, it's writing—channeling ideas into words that connect. What are you passionate about? I'm drawn to the soul's depth, that we're eternal beings in temporary forms. Combine these: Blend your skills with your passions to craft something simple yet guiding. For example, if you love cooking and are passionate about community, your motto could be "I nourish bodies and bonds, one meal at a time." There should be some aim in our goal that is external to you – like the mottos Jerome and I wrote. That's because loving others is what we're wired for. Our lives are made better by freeing ourselves from our self-focus. So consider what you love and how it might be used to help others.

If teaching lights you up and you care about empowerment, try "I spark knowledge to light others' paths." Keep it positive, actionable, personal—no pressure for grandeur.

Pause now: What's emerging for you? Write it down. Place it where you'll see it daily—the mirror, your desk. Let it steer small choices: A kind word here, a helping hand there. Over time, like Jerome's and mine, it'll shape your journey without you even noticing—until you look back and see the evidence. 

If you're inspired to, share your motto in the comments or on my Facebook or X account. You can find the link in the show notes. How might it guide you forward?

Thank you for joining this soulful exploration. If Jerome's wisdom or these ideas moved you, share with someone—it might make their life a tad better. Follow the show for more on finding purpose in the everyday. Until next time, craft your motto and live it daily. In the end, you will find it guides your life to beautiful places.