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Purpose
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By Cathy Severson, MS
Many people struggle with the concept of purpose. It feels too big and too overwhelming to contemplate. We get stuck in asking the following questions, “How do I find my purpose? Is there something wrong with me if I don’t know what it is? Is my purpose going to be bigger or ask more of me than I’m prepared to give?” As a result, many fail to ask or start the journey of living with purpose.
As the boomers face aging adulthood, retirement and the rest of their lives, the idea of purpose takes on increased importance. In fact, more senior organizations help the 55 adult and over with information about finding a life’s purpose.
While there are many people who have lived grand purposes, what we see is the results of their lives. If you focus where purpose starts, which is in your spirit and core, then the concept of purpose doesn’t feel as big and overwhelming. Purpose is simply the internal compass that lets you know you are congruous with your core values and essence. What you live on the outside is a reflection of your inside.
While some people seem to be born with knowledge of their purpose, most have to embark on an internal and external journey to find it. Ultimately, you find your purpose by deciding to have it. You connect to it by acknowledging your life matters, and believing that what you do and say matters.
For purpose to have meaning, it must be expressed through who you are and what you do. Purpose or the aspects of purpose don’t have to be used all of the time in order for you to have a meaningful life. But the more you are able to express your purpose, the more meaningful your life will become.
To start to find your retirement best purpose, make a list of the things that are important to you. Once you’ve made your list, go over each item and ask yourself, “Why is this important to me?” If you list family as being important, there may be numerous reasons why. Family may be significant because if gives you a sense of security, helps you feel connected to others or allows for the transmission of traditions. Family can be a source of companionship, drama, or intrigue. It may take awhile, but look at each item until you have a list of the reasons each item is important to you.
Next make a list of the things that you rant and rave about. What gets your juices flowing? What do you hate seeing in the world? What do you wish you could change about the world? After you’ve completed that list, spend some time thinking about why these things drive you crazy. Write down any thoughts you have. Look at your two lists and see if there are any patterns to your answers. Are there any clues to your purpose? It may take awhile to connect to your purpose, but this may help you find a place to start exploring.
Explore activities, hobbies and other interests to find clues to your purpose. The new retirement requires looking at the aging society in a different way.
Finding your purpose is a bit different than having a purpose. One of the ways to look for your purpose is to get involved with a purpose. Many people are afraid to move towards action for fear it’s not the purpose. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter whether you are making a contribution out of your purpose. It is through getting involved and experimenting that you will arrive at a sense of purpose.
Take your lists and see if the information points you into a direction of senior activities where you can be of service. It is through your action that you will learn whether or not you want to make a commitment. When you are ready to make a commitment because the service is truly important to you, you will have a clearer understanding of your purpose. Whether it’s the purpose of a lifetime or one for the moment, you will be contributing from your spirit. Isn’t that all that matters whether you’re 55 adults and over or not?
Cathy Severson, MS helps you make the most of your retirement. Find out how to make the rest of your life the best of your life with the complimentary e-book 7 Ingredients for a Satisfying Retirement at http://tinyurl.com/8moymb
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