We’ve been talking in the about finding your purpose in the last few blog posts. While there is certainly a lot you can do to actively look for your purpose, there’s also something to be said for allowing your purpose to find you. Here’s what I’m talking about:
As you go through life, people and experiences will shape you. Some of them will have a pretty big impact on you. If you keep your eyes open to the possibility, how you can start to make a difference may just appear out of nowhere.
What we consider our purpose is often closely tied to a person or a group of people. For example, after you have a baby, your main purpose in life becomes nurturing and raising the child. This is particularly true in the first few years when your offspring needs almost constant attention and care. There isn’t much room for anything else and that’s OK. Your purpose for that period of time in your life has chosen you.
Then there are times when an experience with another human being touches us and has a profound impact on us. I’m sure you’ve either experienced this or seen it in others. A close friend is diagnosed with a rare cancer. Your grandchild is born with Autism. You see your spouse struggle with an immune disorder. Raising awareness and funds for the issue that touched your personal life becomes your purpose.
Of course it doesn’t stop there. Maybe you’re moved by a book, a movie, or a documentary about poverty, natural disaster, or climate change. The topic becomes important to you and you want to make a difference. Which brings us to an important point.
We can all make a difference in our own small way. You don’t have to be Bill Gates, Al Gore, or Oprah to initiate change and touch the lives of others. Things as simple as creating awareness and donating time and money as you can will have an impact. Every little bit counts and your handful of dollars, or the hour a week you volunteer at a local soup kitchen has a direct impact on actual people. You may not be helping thousands, but you are making a difference. It’s important to remember that.
I invite you to keep an open eye, and more importantly an open heart to what’s going on around you and across the planet. When the call comes, be ready to take action and embrace this new purpose. Do what you can to help. It will give you a feeling of pride, confidence, and fulfillment that will leave you happier than before. We’re meant to work together for the betterment and improvement of all. Embrace it and your life will change forever – for the better.