Looking For Purpose…

I had a very inspiring conversation this past weekend with a family friend. He has definitely been through his share of challenges,  his struggle with addiction has at times been rather tough.  But a recent connection in rehab is helping to shed some light on a few of those dimly lit paths he once walked upon.

The part I found so encouraging, is while he is still in recovery working hard and learning much about himself…he has become very passionate about wanting to reach out to help others going through the same things he is.  He truly feels he has found his life’s Purpose.

Purpose has been defined as “the reason something exists”… so after that inspiring talk with my friend, I started to think a little about my own.

While I truly believe I exist for many good reasons (and of course we all do), I have to admit there’s been days when I wonder if what I’m doing is making a difference out there.  Do I have a positive and meaningful impact upon my family, friends and the people in my life? Am I helping to make the world a better and kinder place? Do I step outside of myself enough to be there for others?

These are good questions to regularly ask ourselves.

We all know people out there who seemingly live with a strong sense of Purpose. They are self directed, determined and have a very clear understanding of who they are and what they are meant to do.

Then there are those of us who aren’t quite as self assured, so we go through life bobbing and weaving, experiencing our highs and lows…and somewhere along the way, we just kind of grow into ourselves.  At times though we feel our Purpose isn’t always so clearly defined.

But here’s what I’ve discovered…

Purpose isn’t always this “BIG” thing, and it’s certainly not just one thing. Fulfillment, meaning, value…these can be found in the dozens of little everyday things.

It lives inside our smile, our sense of compassion, our capacity to listen, or to help someone feel they are understood. It’s in going the extra mile to help out when someone least expects it. Often it’s in our laughter and our ability to lighten or lift someone’s mood and spirit.

Anytime we extend ourselves in any small way, or do something that’s helpful and good for another, means we are absolutely existing for an incredibly good reason.

So if you find yourself out there looking for a little Purpose, just take a quiet moment to look around and also within…you may just see its a lot closer than you think.

For today friends…this is The World As Eye See It