Having a sense of purpose in life is like possessing a guiding star that illuminates our path. It not only enriches our journey but also plays a vital role in nurturing our mental health.
When we embrace our purpose, we invite positivity into our lives and create a container for emotional well-being. And it’s important to understand that our meaning and purpose can change throughout our lifetime at different stages and ages.
I am at the stage of life of being semi retired. Many people in retirement lose their sense of purpose, especially if it was tied to a job, or raising a family. This can lead to a sense of loneliness, disconnection from friends or feeling useless. Others may be in a stage when their purpose is to raise and provide for their family. With the current state of affairs of our nation, one might be called to be of service to our country in some capacity.
Regardless of the stage of life one is currently in, without a sense of purpose it can increase depression or anxiety, or simply a feeling of being disconnected and uninspired.
Here are Five Tips to Help You Find Your Purpose:
1. Reflect on Your Passions: Take time to explore the activities that genuinely inspire and excite you. What brings you joy? What topics captivate your attention?
Engaging in self-reflection through journaling, meditation, or quiet contemplation can help you uncover what you genuinely love. Consider how those passions can be translated into meaningful contributions to the world or to a friend, neighbor or family member.
2. Identify Your Values: Understanding your core values is crucial in the journey to finding your purpose. What principles do you hold dear? Is it compassion, creativity, community, or something else?
Create a list of your top values, and think about how you can align your actions and choices with them. When your life reflects your values, you'll naturally gravitate toward your purpose.
3. Explore Your Talents and Strengths: Take stock of your unique skills and talents. What do you excel at? How have others praised your abilities?
Engaging in activities that utilize your strengths can lead you to discover opportunities that resonate with your purpose. Consider seeking feedback from friends, family, or colleagues to gain insights into your strengths.
4. Seek Inspiration from Role Models: Learn from those who inspire you. Identify people who embody a sense of purpose, whether in your personal life or in the public sphere.
Explore their stories and journeys, and consider how they found their calling. Their experiences can offer valuable insights and inspire you to take steps toward discovering your own purpose.
5. Embrace Exploration and Experimentation: Sometimes, the best way to find your purpose is to try new things. Engage in volunteer work, join clubs or organizations, or take up hobbies that interest you.
Each experience can provide clarity and help you understand what truly resonates with your spirit. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, and remember that the journey itself is part of the discovery process.
A heartfelt sense of purpose provides us with a meaningful roadmap, leading us to explore what truly lights us up. It acts as an ever-present source of motivation that awakens our spirit, encouraging us to pursue our passions and engage in activities that resonate with our authentic selves. Each step along our purpose-driven path brings us joy and fulfillment, (and let’s be real here, some stress), making even ordinary days feel extraordinary as we align our actions with our core beliefs. When we live within our commitment and integrity to our sense of meaning and purpose, we feel good about ourselves. We have reason to be proud.
Being at my stage of life, letting go little by little of working so much as a psychotherapist, I found myself having to re-evaluate my sense of purpose. I have greatly enjoyed my journey as a therapist, not only because it provided assistance in my own growth as a person, but I know that I have honored and been of assistance toward the personal growth of others. It has given my life wonderful meaning and purpose and I will forever be grateful.
Now doing it less, I wanted to add to my life. I didn’t want to become a statistic of being old, a depressed couch potato, and spending my time going to doctor appointments. As a very social person I wanted to build a sense of community. I no longer had that with colleagues because of being in a solo private practice working from home, and no longer attending professional conferences.
So, one of the first things I did was learn how to play Pickleball.
No, I’m not saving lives. But, it was one of the best decisions I have made for social connection, friendship and community. It brings such joy and fun and it’s great physical exercise. There is definitely a sense of purpose in being connected with others and joining together outside of playing Pickleball - to travel together, enjoy community events together and to engage in the greater cultural and dining experiences together.
At one point in the future I know I will no longer be doing consultations with clients. So I’ve had to look inward, self-reflecting and engaging in some soulful exploration of how I can continue to be of service to others, while utilizing my skills as a psychotherapist. My passions are being creative, being free and moving beyond life difficulties to find acceptance and peace, enjoying life in as many ways as I can. I also explore ways to deepen the relationships I have- to myself, to others and to the community.
I utilized the above tips and am currently embracing #5- experimentation by using my creative skills to go in an entirely new direction, stepping out of my comfort zone.
From Psychotherapy to Retail therapy!
Wait. What? No, I haven’t become a greeter at Walmart or Home Depot just yet. Maybe I’ve turned a little psycho in my senior years. Maybe you’re thinking how can Pickleball and Retail Therapy be considered to be having a purpose? Well, isn’t that the whole point? We get to decide what makes our life meaningful.
Soooo, I have opened an online Print On Demand store offering inspirational and motivational wall art and simple decor that will transform any space into a haven of positivity and personal growth. Each artistic piece has a carefully curated saying or affirmation designed to uplift the spirit, encourage self-reflection, and inspire you to be your best self.
The cool thing about doing something totally different at my age is that worry and the angst of NEEDING to be successful at a business is not my motivation. I don’t NEED to do anything. Or be anything other than who I am.
When we are younger we have so many NEEDS and we connect to our purpose by fulfilling those needs if and when we can. By sharing my products with others, I am connecting more on social media. I am sharing my wisdom at times, along with my products. I think my purpose is to simply enjoy the process and to be grateful to receive the interest and support that others may have for my products and store.
Take a look! I hope that my tips have encouraged you today if you needed a little bit of inspiration to become clear on your own sense of purpose and meaning. Maybe your purpose is to simply accept yourself and others on a daily basis. Whatever it is, if you want to share your own story of finding more meaning and purpose in your life, I would love to hear it!
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