What is Your Purpose?

I just got home from the funeral of a very close cousin. We were more like sisters than cousins. She was 6 years older than me and treated me like her little sister. Of course, it is these times, of life and death, when we begin to question our own lives. God, what is this life all about? I do believe that each of us has a purpose. I wrote this article last February when we had returned from a vacation but it is still very relevant, probably even more relevant now. I hope it is valuable to you. Let me know by posting your comments on my blog.

What is Your Purpose?
Dr. Myrna Sarowitz

I just got back from a wonderful, relaxing vacation. One of the joys for me about vacations is time. Time is a true gift, a gift to do what we can’t do during our busy workdays. I read a book entitled, “The Purpose of Your Life”, by Carol Adrienne. It was a joy to read and impacted me deeply.
Of course I have thought about this before, but this book gave me additional insights and new ways to look at the purpose of our lives. I believe that each one of us has a unique purpose in this life. I believe that we are each chosen to be on this planet at this particular time. No one is here by accident. We are all part of a universal plan.
When I was younger I thought that a good part of my purpose was to raise my children. I still believe that was true. I did my best to raise them to be good people. And of course I wanted them to find happiness, peace, and joy in their lives. I relish in their successes and I still hurt for them when they struggle. But they now have to make their own lives.
Now I believe that my purpose is to make this a better world in any way that I can. I can’t create world peace or write a great novel. But I can contribute to the world in my own way. While on vacation I realized how everyone influences those around him or her. As I was coming down in the elevator one of the cleaning staff gave me a lovely compliment. That compliment kept me floating for most of that day. Every one of us has that power each day to affect those around us.
Our purpose can be different at different times of our lives. Now another purpose that I have is to enjoy my six grandchildren. This is such a joy in my life because I can just love them as they are. I’m not the parent who has to be responsible for their schoolwork or their behavior in school. I’m not the one who has to make sure they eat healthy meals. In fact I spoil my grandkids with cookies and ice cream, as I never did with my own kids. And my own kids let me know how I’ve changed!
What a joy to love them exactly as they are. I just enjoy watching them enjoy life. In fact, my grandchildren are my greatest teachers. They know how to live in the present moment. I can remember being with my grandsons when they were two or three. They would squat down on the sidewalk to observe the activity of any insect. They were fascinated by bugs. And I was right there next to them looking at bugs in a whole new way.
Perhaps you have wondered, “Do I have a purpose in my life?” Well wonder no longer. You do have a purpose, perhaps several purposes. You are not here by accident. Life is like a huge patchwork quilt. If you were not here, there would be a hole in that quilt. The quilt would be incomplete.
I recommend this book, “The Purpose of Your Life” to anyone who is seeking to live a meaningful, fulfilling life.

Acceptance, AGAIN

I was talking to a former client and she wanted to know more about finding your purpose in life. Thanks Karen for the idea. This is just to open the dialogue. Let me know if this is helpful and let me know any other topics you want me to cover.

Follow Your Bliss
Dr. Myrna Sarowitz

“Follow your bliss.” This is a quote by Joseph Campbell. This is the man who wrote about the power of myths in our lives. He also firmly believed that we should find what brings us joy in our lives. He lived what he believed. He grew up in a wealthy family and he could have gone to any Ivy League college. Instead he chose to travel through Europe pursuing his dream. He came home, eventually went to the college of his choice. More importantly he became an influential author and lecturer. This was his dream.
Now, how do we know what our bliss is? It’s easier than you think it is. You can go back into your childhood and remember, “What did I love to do?” Children have no agenda as we adults often do. They know how to enjoy life. Just watch a baby or a toddler get lost in the beauty of a leaf or a bug. Bugs are fascinating, especially to little boys. I have watched my grandsons get down on the ground and watch ants and other insects. I have had the joy of getting down on the ground with them and truly enjoying the journey of these insects.
How else can you follow your bliss? I will sometimes ask clients, “What do you love to do? Do you love it so much that you would do it for nothing?” I am not advocating working for nothing. I am advocating doing what you truly love to do.
What is very sad is that some of us have never asked ourselves that question. We have never been guided to ask ourselves that question. We may believe that work must be drudgery or it isn’t work. We may believe that to become an adult we must be serious about life. We may believe that being a responsible adult means that all the fun in your life is over. You may believe that fun in only for children.
Think again. Perhaps there is a different way to look at life. All the great artists of the world loved what they were doing, Picasso, Chagall, and many others. If you love what you’re doing, you also will live longer. Many great artists have lived long and fruitful lives. One reason is that they loved what they were doing.
What if, each day, you found something that you loved to do. It could be as simple as being out in Nature and going for a walk. As you walk you absorb all the beauty of Nature that is around us. You might truly enjoy music. You might take time each day to chose your favorite music and let it uplift your spirits. Start with the simple things of life.
The most important part of finding what you love to do is that it will lead you to your purpose. We want our lives to be purposeful. We want to know that we’ve made a difference on this earth. When you “Follow Your Bliss” you find your purpose.
Your purpose might not be to be that great artist. Your purpose might be to help the people in your life in small ways. Your purpose might be to be a loving parent, a loving spouse, and a good neighbor. Your purpose might be to be the best you that you can possibly be.
If you find what you love to do you will be one of those lucky people who look forward to doing your work. Your work will be fulfilling, rewarding, and will bring you joy. Maybe that’s what life is truly about.