Your Purpose May Surprise You
The start of a new year seems to trigger us to evaluate our lives and consider whether we are doing what we were put on this earth to do.
Everybody has a calling – absolutely everybody – and it doesn’t have to be earth-shatteringly extraordinary. Not all callings will make you rich, famous or even popular.
In fact, a purposeful life can often be about doing small, simple, seemingly insignificant things. But never underestimate the difference you can make.
There’s a man in his seventies I often see when I’m out walking in my neighborhood. Although I’ve never had a conversation with him, I know he is clear on his purpose. He picks up litter and puts it in the garbage can, making the neighborhood a nicer place to live. He takes bottles out of the garbage and takes them to be recycled. (I wouldn’t be surprised if he donates the money to charity.)
The other day, I saw him pick up a rolled-up newspaper from the curb and toss it towards the front door of the home, making life a little easier for the person who lives there.
He doesn’t get paid for the work his calling creates, at least not in cash. But I imagine it gives him a reason to get out of bed in the morning and brings meaning to his life. He is making a difference in the community in his own way, which makes an impact on the world in some small way.
His life matters. And so does yours.
How to Uncover Your Purpose:
Our calling is usually right under our noses. But we may not recognize it as a calling or a purpose because of our idealistic expectations. For many, it’s to be a mother (probably the most important calling). For some, it’s simply to make life easier for others in some small way. For a select few, it may be to develop technology that changes the world.
Although I can’t tell you what your calling is, I can say for sure that when you follow it, you will feel fulfilled, energetic and excited about how you spend your days.
I feel blessed to have found my calling, which is to teach others how to make their life easier and more fulfilling. What do you think your calling or purpose might be? Hint: it often shows up in the things you are already doing just for the pleasure of it.
Use the comment section below to let me know what you think your purpose or calling is, or to share your thoughts about this post. I always love getting your feedback.
This totally is a great piece. Good for college students to read so I will send to my daughter as she struggles to find her place in the world. I totally agree with everything you said in this piece and we do sometimes think what we do is not important when it really is. thank you
I get great joy in helping make life a little better for others.
A thought provoking post! I struggle a lot with my place in the world. A few years ago I thought, “maybe this is my life as I’m supposed to be living it.” but I can’t shake the idea that there’s more. I wish I knew what my role is!
To recognize ones calling & to be able to follow ones passion is the greatest joy! Giving back is pure pleasure, for, as we’ve often been told; when you extend your hand to give, it’s also open to receive. My personal experiences have been filled with the most wonderful gifts each & every time my mind has been set on giving!
A few years ago I was struggling with this question about my purpose in life. But then I imagined being at my funeral, listening to what the people in my life would be saying about me. It helped me to remember and realize all the little ways that I have “touched” people and helped them in some way. All the volunteer work that I have done for my sons’ sports teams – sure I did it for my sons but I realized that I affected many other young children in the process. Or the people at work that I have helped progress in their careers, or just listened to when they needed to vent. This is what truly makes me feel like I am leaving a mark on the world – a little bit at a time.
Charlene, beautifully said. It’s a worthwhile exercise, one I’ve done myself, and it really puts things in perspective. “What would you like people to say about you at your funeral?” Thanks so much for sharing.
I have always had a gift to encourage and help people. now i am a mother and wife. there are a lot of things i can do with these blessings :o)
Melina, you are doing important work and making a real difference. I hope you see that.
My husband reaches superhero status in my world when, as a disabled person he returns the shopping carts back to their corrals, and picks up others trash that misses the garbage can – even though it takes him 4x’s more effort than the average person.
UPDATE: June1, 2016 The gentleman I described in the above post has been honored by his community today, on his birthday. I didn’t know his name when I wrote this post but today I discovered it. I was shocked to learn that he is turning 90 today (I thought he was in his 70’s). Here is what Downtown Oakville posted for John:
Happy 90th Birthday John Vandermeulen!
Wednesday, June 1, 2016 is a very special day in downtown Oakville; it’s not a sale and it isn’t a special event. It is John Vandermeulen’s 90th Birthday and downtown Oakville would like to show him just how much he means to our downtown Oakville community.
If you don’t recognize his name you’ve probably seen him and have spoken with him. He is the lovely gentleman who walks downtown everyday helping out in any way he can; by picking up litter, chatting with store owners and being an all-around amazing part of our downtown Oakville community.
We will be wishing a very Happy 90th Birthday by having Happy Birthday John posters in windows and balloons on bike racks. The goal is that on Wednesday morning (or afternoon depending on his schedule) as he walks down the street everyone will be wishing him a Happy Birthday.