Christopher Columbus once said, “You can never cross the ocean, unless you have the courage to leave sight of the shore”. Life is, but a journey of sorts. A journey that’s adventurous and trying, often following unexpected curves and meeting alien destinations. The journey continues over speedbumps, spans various time zones and never fails to surprise us. The journey of our life highlights the very purpose of our existence. To see this purpose unfold, we need to let go and embrace the ride with our heart and soul.
The ride is actually a road to self-discovery. As children, we are often asked about what we want to be when we grow up. The innocent answers are courageous and dreamy; indications of personalities waiting to evolve and take on the world. There are astronauts and scientists, doctors and sculptors, singers and writers…all bursting with the spirit of life. All wanting to take their rightful place in the world. However, growing up can be quite a wake-up call!
We tend to lose ourselves trying to keep up with the Joneses of the world. Materialism gives a tight hug and we fall in love with luxurious goods and homes, fancy cars, high-profile restaurants and pubs and other such-like amenities of the modern world. In order to get there, we struggle our guts out and almost always find ourselves falling that wee bit short. At the end of the day, life is just the same mundane drill and another day is conspiring to kill. There is no peace of mind to look forward to and no feeling of achievement. Sylvester Stallone was a deli counter attendant before he wrote ‘Rocky’ and found that he was born to act. He has been influencing generations together.
What then, can define our true purpose in life and the quest associated with it? Highlighted below are ways to find what we came for:
Endeavour to make the right choice. Sometimes, complex answers come simply. Make a wish list of what you’ve always wanted to be. List out things that make you happy and have the power to touch you deeply or make you smile. Be honest with yourself and allow your heart it’s freedom of expression, for once. Some answers may surprise you and lead you towards positive introspection.
Have faith and believe in yourself. All of us are here for a reason which goes much beyond our daily responsibilities, job obligations and even our long-term goals. History stands witness to people who switched careers at the peak of their success or gave up everything for a larger cause in their life for something they felt strongly about. They became aware of their calling and responded with all their heart.
Discard inhibitions and prepare to have an open mind. People of the world are often limited by their environment. It becomes difficult to relate to oneself like one would like to. One is afraid to break the norms and take a seemingly revolutionary step ahead. Joan of Arc said, ” I’m not afraid, I was born for this!” If we try to understand this, we might come close to finding our purpose in life.
Acknowledge your gifts. Ask yourself what actually makes you tick and what are your unique qualities which can help you contribute to the world in a bigger and better way. John Mason said, “You were born an original. Don’t die a copy”. This is as true as can be. Accepting what we are and what more we can be solves the riddle of life. Lord Jesus was a humble carpenter, it is believed before His miracles swept the world. Life is a winding road and at the next turning may lie your turning point!
Be optimistic. Life is all about becoming a better person and finding contentment. Positive attitude contributes greatly to this and helps one see sunshine even in the rain. Celebrities face many setbacks before achieving stardom and fame. What keeps them going is hope for things to change and make way for them. That’s how destiny becomes a matter of our personal choice and not chance. Oprah Winfrey had to face many hardships before she became a name to reckon with. She was willing to take her chances and believe in her abilities to find her life purpose. Today, according to some surveys, she is considered to be one of the most influencial women of the world.
Never stop learning and experiencing. Savour life in all its hues and flavors. Feel the good, bad and ugly. Every phase leaves us rich with nuggets of experience and education. Even a child can teach us to love and trust unconditionally. Find growth in every day till you reach where you’ve always wanted to be.
Your purpose may be hidden in what people say about you and complement you on. If you manage to inspire others in some way or are able to stir their thoughts and feelings, maybe you have it in you to become a motivational speaker. Expand yourself to others and listen closely. Your answers may be staring you in the face. This may be your oppurtunity. Don’t hesitate to take it.
Lets understand that there can never be a mathematical answer for finding your life’s true meaning and purpose. One can only try and make the most of what one is and what one has to offer to himself and to others. Answers also, cannot be found in religion or ideals or self-help books because the truth resides within ourselves and our conscience.
By giving us a free will, God has ensured that if we want we can always discover our true purpose in life and attain fulfillment and peace. Maybe we carry within ourselves a message for mankind to assist them live their lives. Maybe we have the ability to create, innovate, motivate or inspire. Maybe we are meant to be someone important. Maybe our life overlaps many others for a constructive and beautiful purpose. We need to remember that if it’s going to be…it’s going to be upto us.