Purpose

What would you say if I asked you, “what is your purpose in life?”

You know? That thing that makes you tick. The feeling that drives you to get out of bed every morning, ready to tackle the day?

It’s not an easy question to answer, I’ll admit. But I’ll ask it anyway.

I’ve been giving this a lot of thought lately. Many discussions and passing comments with friends, acquaintances and others in the past have me wondering, what is our purpose? What gives us purpose?

Is it our job? Or career? I look back on my life and see a string of random jobs, all unrelated and somehow interconnected to how I ended up where I am today. I’ve been a soldier, a cook, an HR advisor, and a shelter worker, among other things. I’m proud of the work I’ve done and even prouder of the work I am doing now. But do they give my life purpose? Maybe a little. But let’s be honest, it’s not my only reason for being. Let’s pretend for a moment that I was in sales would I be satisfied with “selling propane and propane accessories at discount prices” being my purpose in life? I mean, if you are, that’s cool. Good on you! But that’s not for me. And I hate to say it, but if this is all you have, it might be time to re-evaluate your priorities.

Is it family? Quite a few people have told me, “I don’t need to have kids to give my life purpose.” That’s neat. I’m happy for you. Kids aren’t for everybody. I often wonder why people go on the attack on this one. Why do you feel the need to announce it like you’re heralding the arrival of royalty? Say it loud and proud so the whole world can hear you. I wasn’t shoving them down your throat. That’s a decision for you and you alone. And truth be told, being a father is not my sole purpose in life either. That’s not the whole of who I am. But I will say that having children has definitely expanded my purpose. It’s a huge part of my life now – a role I’ve taken on happily and proudly.

But if not one of these, then what?

I don’t think anybody will ever agree on what gives our lives purpose…or meaning. There’s no all-encompassing answer to the question – not one that will satisfy everybody, anyway.

But I can answer it for myself.

Being a good husband, and father gives my life purpose.
Being a Brother gives my life purpose.
Helping those without a voice gives my life purpose.
Travelling the world gives my life purpose.
Writing, thinking, performing, collecting, and creating give my life purpose.
Being a friend gives my life purpose.

ALL of these pieces of the puzzle that is me give my life purpose. Put together, they form the larger picture that help explain my “raison d’être.”

It’s up to you to figure out your purpose – your puzzle pieces.

I sincerely hope you take the time to find them.