Welcome to the Blooming Mindset, a weekly dose of clarity, mindset, and practical wisdom to help you stay consistent, think more deeply, and build a life aligned with your identity and purpose. I'm Ruth Rieckehoff, and I'm so glad you're here. Please share this newsletter with a friend!
Beloved Architect of Identity,
Ever feel like you’re a smartphone that’s only allowed to use one app?
That was me, convinced that “purpose” meant picking a single path and sticking to it like glue.
I’d tell myself: You have to find your ONE thing. That’s how you stay “aligned.”
No detours. No side quests. Just head down, eyes on the prize.
But here’s the thing: I was secretly dreading that “one thing.”
What if I got bored? What if I wanted more?
Was I just supposed to ignore all those other interests bubbling up inside me?
Then came Porto, Portugal.
Rain pouring down.
Plans looking like they were about to get washed away, literally.
I’d researched the Douro Valley trip for weeks.
Picked the “perfect” company.
And on the big day.
Soaked shoes, cold hands, and a van full of strangers.
But then...
The clouds cleared.
The company was fun.
The scenery? Jaw-dropping.
Wine tastings, a boat ride, and then lunch.
But not just any lunch.
We ate inside a giant wine vat.
Yep, you read that right: tables and chairs set up where grapes are usually crushed.
I thought it was brilliant. Like the best idea ever.
But sitting there, I realized all of these had a deeper meaning.
Those vats were built for one purpose: making wine.
But now? They’re also a dining room, a tourist attraction, a memory-maker.
And guess what?
They can go right back to making wine anytime.
Their original purpose isn’t lost. It’s expanded.
How many times have you heard this advice?
“Stick to your lane. Don’t get distracted. Focus on your purpose.”
Yeah, right?
So I tried to “stay in my lane,”
...ignored the urge to try something new
...shoved my curiosity to the back of the closet
...told myself I’d lose my “purpose” if I changed things up.
Spoiler: It was exhausting.
And honestly? Pretty boring.
Ever feel like you’re missing out on the best parts of life by sticking to the script?
Here’s the twist:
Purpose isn’t a prison.
It’s more like a Swiss Army knife.
You can use it in all kinds of ways, and it still does what it’s meant to do.
That lunch in the wine vat?
It showed me that your “purpose” can have layers.
You can add new experiences, new skills, new adventures.
And it only makes your core purpose stronger.
So if you’re feeling stuck or worried that trying something new means “giving up” on your mission,
Think about those wine vats.
They’re still making wine.
They’re also making memories.
Your purpose?
It can handle a little creativity.
It can adapt, expand, and surprise you.
Try something new.
Mix it up.
Let your purpose breathe.
Who knows?
Your next breakthrough might be waiting in a giant wine vat in Portugal.
Or maybe just in that side project you’ve been putting off.
Here’s to making room at the table for all the things that light you up,
Even if it means getting a little wine on your shoes.
Until next week!
Keep blooming,
Ruth
Reflect
- Where in your life are you clinging to a single definition of purpose, and how might that be limiting your growth?
- What “wine vats” in your world could serve a new, surprising role, without losing their essence?
Reframe
Old Belief: Purpose is fixed. If I do something different, I’m off course.
New Belief: Purpose evolves. Doing something different can deepen and expand my impact, not dilute it.
Instead of seeing purpose as a narrow path, see it as a landscape. There are many ways to cross it, and each detour can add to the journey.
Actionable Transformation
- Identify one area where you feel stuck or boxed in by your “purpose.” Try experimenting with a new approach or side project, just to see what happens.
- Make a list of your core values and long-term goals. Then brainstorm three unexpected ways you could fulfill them, ways you’ve never tried before.
- The next time you’re offered an opportunity that feels “off-purpose,” pause. Ask yourself: could this actually add depth or meaning to my overall journey?
P.S. If this hit home for you, forward it to a friend who’s feeling stuck. Sometimes all we need is a little reminder that we’re allowed to mix things up.
P.P.S. Follow me on X for more mindset shifts and practical tools to help you unlock your next level.
