Have you ever thought to yourself what is my purpose and why am I here. These are often questions that many different people have and there is no one perfect answer. If we can change the question around a bit we will find that our purpose is hidden in the process of living. As we all develop in life there are different events that occur which help to define our individuality.
These events can have meaning all on there own and no one experience is better or worse than another. A great example of this is when siblings are raised in the same home but express differing views on their family life. Our experiences in life are unique to us all, it does not make them right or wrong, it makes our lives as beautiful and meaningful as they should be. Sometimes we take on the world’s problems and forget to step back and remember that we are important and that we matter. Understanding that your purpose in life is a journey and not a race will hopefully bring about calmness when you feel lost.
It is also important to acknowledge that we will have bad days when we feel useless and downright lost. This does not make you a weak person for feeling this way, but let yourself feel all the emotions that come along with it. It is ok to feel down, just don’t get stuck. In society, we often feed into the perception that someone who is successful, admired, and popular has everything together. When in reality they can be searching for the same meaning and purpose as you and I.
You have to be willing to ask yourself some tough questions like:
What makes me happy?
What in your life makes you happy? This question can be answered in a multitude of ways and is as unique as the person pondering. This question is also constantly changing because we are always evolving. The things that made you happy when you were a child may be different from what makes you happy today. Understanding that happiness is measured by your own personal experiences is what helps identify our current needs and wants. It is ok to take time out to discover what makes you happy as you go through life and may help determine your current purpose.
How can I help those around me?
With your natural gift of listening, writing, researching etc how can you help someone. We are a social species whether you are an introvert or extrovert, we need people. But how can our natural gifts help each other and how do we identify these attributes.
“Mary you are such a great listener, thank you for sitting with me. “
“Jason, I could have never been able to solve this problem without the information that you found.”
“Amy your voice reaches right into my soul, you are a beautiful singer.”
These are some of the natural gifts that we all have but can overlook when we can’t identify how we help others.
What is my passion in life?
When we are searching for a purpose, we often forget about what makes us happy. That joy you felt when you first discovered what you love to do. That feeling of excitement and pure love of accomplishment. It can be something like painting, baking, carpentry, and so on. These are the things that bring us joy beyond anything else. Identify what brings you this much joy and when you are searching for purpose, remember your passion.
What am I grateful for?
There are things in our lives that we are thankful for and appreciate. Reminding ourselves of the things, people, and experiences in our lives that we are thankful for will encourage gratitude. It’s important to remember these things as we develop in life because they keep us grounded and in touch with the memories that bring us true joy. We also have to learn to be thankful for the moments in our lives that may bring pain. In these moments we are able to grow and evolve into something better. In the presence of a trial it may feel uncomfortable or even painful, but in this pain, we can still grow. After we come through these storms and are enjoying the other side, we can be thankful that we made it. Even in the toughest spots in our lives, we can be thankful for life and the people we love. Whatever you are grateful for is unique to your own life. Take a moment to identify these things and remember them as you go through life.
It’s important to check in with yourself every now and then so that you don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. You matter, you are important, and you are needed.
Within You 