By Julie Charles
IT is quite interesting that as human beings we go through life without giving much thought to why we are here. Some of us are quite content to live on a day-to-day basis whether happily or unhappily and not concern ourselves with the reason we were put here. What is our purpose? To have a purpose is defined an intention or a determination to act. How does this filter into our lives? Why do we need to have a purpose? How is having a purpose relevant to us? The simple answer is yes it is relevant, as to have a purpose is quite a necessity as no man or woman is an island. To exist just for oneself is meaningless. You can achieve the most satisfaction when you feel related to some greater purpose in life, something that is far greater than yourself.
For some of us, we have not bothered to give much thought to our purpose or how it correlates to our happiness, but the truth of the matter is that it does. Can we really live a fulfilled life without somehow understanding our purpose? Can we find true happiness without fulfilling that purpose? The answer is no. Whether we want to admit it or not, we are all here for a reason. It is up to us to figure out that reason and to perform that purpose. It is strange but we all have an idea of what our purpose is, but we are either in denial or afraid to tap into that purpose. There is nothing to fear, as it is a part of our being. We do not truly exist without a purpose, which is embedded in our make up. We cannot exist without a purpose and therefore should be made aware of what that purpose is.
Some of us never truly find our purpose and live lives that are meaningless and uneventful while others recognise that purpose and become healthy contributors to the society we live in. To find one’s purpose is not an easy task, it requires a lot of soul searching and honest self-assessment. The courageous part is to then face your purpose and execute it. It is stated that winners are people with a definite purpose in life.
To find a purpose is not something that happens overnight and should not be taken lightly. For some of us, it takes years to define our purpose and more years to accomplish it. Some of us were put here to just give of self through social work, political contribution, church work, everyday kindness or some other task.
Some persons feel that to have a purpose is a not only philosophical but also a religious aspiration. I am not an expert on either school of thought as I feel that it is up to every man to decide his beliefs. Although I have had the opportunity to study both, I find none different from the other. What you believe is defined by a myriad of factors. As such, your purpose in life is based on and shaped by your wealth of knowledge. For some reading material that might assist in your quest for a purpose I would recommend the bestseller “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rich Warren. Although the author is a pastor, it offers a fairly honest guide to finding your purpose, be it religious or otherwise. Your purpose in life is a task that can only be ascertained by you. And the people around you can only offer guidelines as the answer to any and all questions pertaining to your purpose in life lies within you. I find myself lucky in knowing my purpose even though it is a difficult one. I find it most challenging to achieve my purpose in the most creative ways possible. My purpose is to give and, although I have done so in all the years I have known myself, I never understood why I felt the need to do so. I knew however that I derived pleasure out of helping or providing assistance if needed and giving to someone if they are in need. It is not an easy task, as some people believe that the world is made of givers and takers. But, I believe that when you give freely from the heart your just reward comes back ten folds without question. It may not come from the person you gave to, but it comes when you least expect it but most need it. These articles are my way of giving back to persons who are in need. My offer of free advice, counsel, or imparting my knowledge of my field is also another of my ways of giving without expecting. My excitement about giving gifts for Christmas or birthdays is my way of showing affection and appreciation to those around me, who have been my strength when I needed them the most. That is my purpose and I welcome it with every fiber of my being. I hope that my purpose can touch as many persons as possible and give them cause to think, reflect, and act positively.
Now that I have shared my purpose, you must now embrace yours. Again, it is not an easy task but very few things in life are easy. Know that whatever your purpose may be, you are uniquely honoured with it. It was given to you because you will give it your own flare. Own your purpose, embrace it, and give it all that you have so that at the end there are no regrets, only satisfaction that you have accomplished what you were put on this earth to do.
“How strange is the lot of us mortals! Each of us is here for a brief sojourn; for what purpose he knows not, though he senses it. But without deeper reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for the other people.”
