From Convent to Calling: Why I Left Being a Nun and the Purpose-Driven Life Today

I was a nun for 8 years.

The time was everything I had hoped for and much more than I expected. The extraordinary adventure of stories and experiences still teaches me life lessons today.

The main reason I left was my physical health.

During my time as a nun, I had 5 abdominal surgeries. I had my 6th operation within the year after I left.

6 surgeries in 6 years was an intense cycle of pain and recovery.

Part of living a religious life is the willingness to adapt, move, and be present wherever you are needed to serve.

My body was telling me I could no longer ride that train of adaptability.

I needed to stay in one place long enough to heal.

In one of my most vulnerable and painful moments, the leave-taking decision felt right.

When I shared my decision to leave with the nuns, they embraced me as they did when I entered. They accepted my decision and affirmed the discernment process.

The 3 reasons why I wanted to be a nun are still part of my core values today:

• Go Deep — with God (my higher power of Unconditional Love) and my life’s purpose.
• Belong — to be part of a community that will help me grow as my most genuine self.
• Make a Difference — to do good for the world.

Today, I live those values differently with mindfulness, intention, and connection to make a positive impact.

For reflection and journaling today:

• What is 1 signal you pay attention to that helps you navigate your life’s purpose?