Thursday, March 21, 2013

The Importance of Purpose in Life

Finding life purpose is something I think we all struggle with, or have struggled with, at some point in time. I know plenty of people who question their current career path, have wondered what they'll do after a layoff, or are just plain unhappy with their direction in life. There are also the people who just tough out each week at a job they hate, because they don't know what else they would do. I've been there, and I still sometimes wonder what's in store for me. Purpose seems to be one of those ever elusive creatures that you just hope to stumble upon some day. Then when you find it, you don't want to let go.


I don't think there's a magical equation that will help you find your purpose. There are plenty of career help books out there, and none of them will be able to tell you exactly what you should do. Your heart is probably the best place to turn, because it's been with you all along. Deep down, I think we all really know what makes us happiest. It's just that over the years we've had circumstances and people that quiet our heart. They tell us we're not good enough, fast enough, big enough, or smart enough to do what we really want. I say forget all those things and do what really makes your heart happy. You probably know best which direction to go.


Finding our purpose is important, because it reminds us that we do belong here (wherever that may be). We were all put here for a reason. Knowing that reason, whatever it may be, makes us better people. All we can do is try our hardest to give back to this crazy world the gifts that were given to us. It's either that or let them go to waste, and that would be a shame.

9 comments:

  1. Funny how easy it is to listen to the negative naysayers while ignoring the voice in our own heart. Lovely post Ashley. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. i think you're absolutely right that people & circumstances & just plain life have a way of quieting our hearts & desires over time. i've realized that was what happened to me - i let events in my life dictate what i was ultimately choosing to do with my life, & that's the wrong approach, in my opinion.

    lately i've been listening to myself & opening up to actually responding to the things i want. i feel a whole lot more of track. more full of purpose. i feel a lot bette :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. wow, did i include enough typos in my last comment?! sorry about that.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh gosh! I needed this. I just posted this morning about quitting my job. Thanks for this :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. omg i so needed this :) thanks for making my day better xo

    ReplyDelete
  7. You are a very wise woman. :) I agree that one needs to follow their heart. Personally, I want to look back and have minimal regrets. Thank you for writing this.

    ReplyDelete
  8. You spoke straight to my heart with, "over the years we've had circumstances and people that quiet our heart" as that is so true in my life and the last 2 years have been spent trying to break through that quiet restriction that settled on me.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.