The
definition of PURPOSE…
1. Reason for existence: the reason for which something exists or for which it has been
done or made
"The purpose of
life"
2.
Desired effect: the goal or intended outcome of something
"The purpose of
the law is to control pollution."
3.
Determination: the desire or the resolve necessary to
accomplish a goal
"You need to act with purpose."
When I think of my purpose in life,
I think of the question asked of all first graders. “What do I want to be when
I grow up”, great question. Now, ask
that same question to a high school graduate or someone who just found out they
lost their job. Somehow we become lost from the day to day, or lost in someone else’s
dreams. I speak from experience.
Sometimes you put so much of your
energy into other people’s dreams you lose perspective. For example, what
happens to a stay at home mom after the kids leave the nest? They put so much
of themselves into raising the children. They can go through a period of
feeling lost, isolated, or even depressed.
You may want to be a fireman, an
artist, or a CEO of a fortune 500 company. Well, maybe not a CEO of a bank. Not
in today’s economy anyway. Anyway, you feel you have meaning, a purpose. You
would be missed. If you have lost that purpose you have little chance of
finding happiness.
When I
wasn’t working, I felt family and friends would be better off without me. I
didn’t say I was being rational. When I talk to my husband about when I tried
to end my life he says, “Everyone has a purpose in life, and it wasn’t my
time”. When he said that, it made me angry. He must have been right because
first time in my life I feel, I have purpose. Deep in my soul I know this is
what I should be doing. It took 42 years before I felt that way. I still have a
lot to do, but I feel like I am aimed in the right direction.
So, how
do you find or create your purpose? - Ask Yourself
"Who Am I?"
What kind of person are you? List the things you naturally have learned and developed over the years. What makes you different from anyone else? Write these down. Make a list.
- Ask Yourself
"What Do I Love To Do?"
What do you absolutely; truly enjoy doing in your professional life? In your personal life? For each answer, consider the gifts that have helped make them possible. Your purpose will involve doing something that you love. Incorporate your hobbies. Can you see yourself doing it for a living? Write it down. - Ask yourself “What am I good at?
Do you have a talent? Do you like to talk to
people? Are you athletic or a musician? Sometimes it is difficult to look at
yourself and see your own talents? Ask yourself, what other people would say
your talents are. Write it down.
- Ask Yourself
"What Experiences In Life Were Really Fulfilling For Me?"
Look for the times in your life that were fulfilling for you. When did you feel joy doing something? What was important, special or meaningful for me? These answers hold the key to what you should be doing with your life. Write it down. - Ask Yourself "What Is My Purpose In Life?"
This is the big one. But when you find it, you
should know deep down to your soul you are on the right path. You should feel
it in the pit of your stomach, and not in a bad way. You should feel joy.
Peace.
Sorry about being so repetitive, but you need
a road map to look at. By asking yourself a few questions, and really looking
deep into yourself, you will find the answer. After you have an idea of what
your good at and what you enjoy doing. Look at the lists and see if there is
common ground in where you will find happiness with your life’s work. Don’t be
afraid to ask for guidance, whether it is from the universe or your god.
Spirituality can be a strong place to find the guidance to find life’s meaning.
I know I have a long way to go yet, but being
on the right path can be rather peaceful.
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