Life on purpose

For every spiritual guru, philosopher, and life coach out there, there are as many opinions as to what the meaning of life may be. But what most of them have in common, I’ve noticed, is that when you discover your life purpose, you will also find your happiness. Or, a life lived on purpose leads to contentment and therein you will find meaning to your own existence. Sounds better than feeling like a grain of sand on the beach of the universe, disappearing into a sea of too many choices!

Photo: Thinkstock.com

A life on purpose is contrary to living carelessly. You see the big picture in all you do, and go through the day with a positive attitude, resisting the temptation to scream at the twit who couldn’t be bothered to thank you when you held a door open for them. You care about what you do, what is going on around you, and about the people in your life. The rest just falls away. Instead of perceiving through eyes of “What’s in it for me?” or “How can I be more important?” or “Me! Me! Me!” you perceive the world through eyes of “What can I do to make a difference or help others?” This applies to anything from working in retail to running a multi-national business. On a personal level, it applies to doing things for friends and family, or teaching children or animals. A life on purpose also encompasses self-care, doing what you most enjoy, and not haphazardly hopping from one activity to another, completely unaware as to why.

A purposeful life is endlessly rewarding. Proof of this is the way you feel, your sense of well-being after accomplishing a short/long term goal, or being in the moment, work, play or rest. Focused, involved, and fully present, you’re blissfully unaware of the neighbours mowing their lawns (always one after another) or your teenager’s wonderful violin screeching (I mean practice). You are not thinking about the next item on your list. Time ceases to exist. You are aware of your personal motivation – whether it’s working to send your child to university, or going for another run to feel strong and healthy.

Instead of taking on the role of passive observer, the engaged person asks themselves the right questions that lead to happiness and a life on purpose. What do I love about my life? What do I want more of? How can I change it for the better? What steps can I take to make it happen? What do I feel passionate about? Who do I need to contact to join a cause I feel strongly about? Write it all down and then take action! Things like poverty, pollution, and people who use power to manipulate will always exist in this crazy world. We cannot change the way others act, but we can affect our own lives, thus affecting others’ in a more positive way which control freaks like me love, because feeling in control about something feels good! Don’t take my word for it, try it yourself!

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.