Last year forced many changes on just about everyone due to the global pandemic: social restrictions, unexpected unemployment, toilet paper shortages, and financial crises. For many, these prolonged periods indoors and away from coworkers, friends, and family offered time for introspection and re-evaluation of where we are and where we would like to be. These reflections and the opportunities for a change in employment (whether forced or elected) and lifestyle provide a path to focus on your own life’s purpose.
Finding what you were truly meant to do or become does not necessarily have to revolve around your occupation, nor does it have to involve a grand gesture or sacrifice. Your life’s purpose or your soul-goal is what connects you to the world around you. These are the core actions that bring you a sense of accomplishment, completeness and where you find happiness and self-satisfaction. But, finding that purpose is not always easy. Indeed, most people spend their lives trying different things and seeking that sense of “oneness” with their community, their family, or their environment.
A friend of mine once suggested that to find your life’s purpose you should listen to your rants. What are your pet peeves? What actions or inactions of others really set you off? Do you get upset when you see natural waterways polluted with trash? Are you constantly researching articles on government corruption or reforms? Do your heartache and your blood boil when you see news stories about the homeless population crisis?
Mahatma Gandhi’s explanation of “the divine mystery supreme” suggested that we are a reflection of the world we see around us and the world is a reflection of ourselves. “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him,” he said. In other words, ask yourself what you would change about the world and then be a part of that change. This is how to start on the path toward your life’s purpose.
As you start down this path, reflect on what brings you joy. You may be very passionate about being part of a change, but the risks of misalignment with what your soul actually seeks for you to do could cause more frustration than joy. This is often called “burnout.” It may mean you are on the right path but took a wrong turn. Reflect on the manner in which you are seeking to fulfill your life’s purpose. If it seems like you are constantly walking uphill to reach a goal, you need to re-evaluate your methods.
Don’t be afraid to sacrifice. While your life’s purpose should ultimately lead you to a feeling of serene satisfaction, you should keep in mind that it is a journey and not a quick trip. Sometimes what means a lot to us now is actually weighing us down. All that “baggage” you are carrying (both physical and immaterial) around might come in handy along the way, but ask yourself is it really necessary. Do you need a bigger house, a higher salary, the adulation of others, a large circle of uninterested “friends”? Would the resources and energy you are using to maintain these things be better served to help others or driving you toward another goal?
One thing is for certain: your life’s purpose is not just going to fall into your lap. You are not going to wake up one day and be “there” – at the spot with a signpost declaring you have arrived at Self-Awareness Central. Some people may not even have a desire to seek it out. They are satisfied with the status quo or unmotivated to grow. But, you are here reading this blog, scanning this website, and seeking information if not answers. You know there is more out there for you. You’ve taken the first step. If you need guidance outside of your own reflections, a psychic guide can help you.
