If you were to ask me what was one of the clear things that make us feel good in life it’s having meaning and purpose. But to many of us this is a vague existential notion that as a human race we struggle with. Why are we here? Finding purpose may be easier than we think.
Discovering purpose has to do with connecting with what we find to be of value in life and taking action with it.
Maybe it’s meaningful to you to be a good parent. What would it be like to connect to the moments where you notice that happening and remind yourself of your value?
Maybe helping the underprivileged in your neighborhood, country or the world feels meaningful to you. What would it be like to connect to one of those communities and get engaged?
Maybe you’re someone who comedy comes easy and you make people laugh. Is there a way you can recognize how often you lift someone’s spirits and see how purposeful that truly is.
Maybe it’s important to you that people feel they can count on you, that there’s integrity in the world. Can you catch the moments you’re living alongside these and reconnect to a sense of purpose?
Maybe you place a high value on loving your friends and family. What does that look like in your life? How do you feel when you’re living these values?
Abraham Joshua Heschel said, “Life is routine and routine is resistance to wonder.” I would add that routine can also keep us from connecting to what truly matters.
A couple years ago I chose to put action to my values and wrote A Mindful Dialogue, now in its 2nd edition where 100% of the proceeds go to Save the Children. It’s sent them over $3,000 and is also available on all eBook readers.
What’s do you care most about?
If you had a year to live, what would you do and why are you waiting?
As always, please share your thoughts, stories and questions below. Your interactions create a living wisdom for us all to benefit from.
