Finding What Gives You Purpose
Finding What Gives You Purpose
By: Dr. Roger Landry
“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” ~Dr. Albert Schweitzer
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there were a signpost that clearly defines what direction to take in order to find our purpose? Of all the philosophical questions about life, “what’s my purpose?” is one that is continually relevant, and often revisited throughout a lifetime.
For younger adults, their purpose seems very clear. It often involves becoming educated, choosing a career, working and raising children. But for older adults who have retired from work and whose kids are grown, finding their purpose for this next stage of life can be both daunting as well as liberating! Daunting because of being faced with “what now?” and liberating because now the world is open to them. No longer faced with what “should” be done (according to culture and society), they now have the opportunity to explore what “could” be done – and the sky is the limit.
An Exercise in Finding Purpose
While I can’t tell you what your purpose “should” be, I can tell you that for most people, what brings meaning to their lives often includes other living things: people, children, animals, nature, etc. One way to begin honing in on what is meaningful to you is to take a little time exploring what you already like to do. As an exercise, consider how you would finish these sentences:
- I am happiest when ________________.
- If I had $10,000 to give to any charity, I would ________________.
- If I had more time, I would ________________.
- When I was a teenager, I always wanted to be a ________________.
- My favorite places to volunteer are ________________.
- I love being around ________________.
- My favorite hobbies are________________.
Your purpose lies within you. Dig deep and live your legend. Live long, live well!