Realizing Your Purpose
November 10th, 2007 by John Wolfe
Much has been written about life’s purpose and how to find our own individual version of it. The ironic thing is that it’s never been hidden. The majority of advice on this subject assumes that there is some higher calling that we must constantly aspire to. It assumes we are here to better ourselves and to rise up from some lowly state.
This attitude also assumes that man is a flawed work in progress and within that assumption comes the implication that our purpose is something we must try hard to find and uncover. This is why I chose the word realizing instead of finding in the title of this post. It’s about realizing that we are the ones that set the course for what we view as our life’s purpose.
From a spiritual standpoint I don’t believe we are here to climb a karmic ladder, nor are we here to try and appease a deity that is purported to be separate from our own individual point of consciousness. Our purpose is what we declare it to be. It’s not cryptic or hidden from us by some external source. This is why it’s not difficult to find.
Many of you know I adhere to the belief that each one of us is responsible for creating our own reality. If we are the actors, writers, and directors of our own lives, then we also narrate the tone of what we believe to be purposeful activities in these lives. There’s no judge and jury outside of ourselves. Granted, parts of society judge and label but that’s merely idle chatter that can only influence us if we choose to listen. The only voice that matters is the one from within because you’re the only one that can live from your unique point of awareness.
So, am I saying that there’s not one single guideline or tenant we can follow to help us realize our purpose? No. Actually, I believe there is one for reaching the realization of our life’s purpose, and that would be joy. I know it sounds simple, but as I’ve said before- I believe we overcomplicate life. The purpose for each of us is to follow whatever brings us joy, as much as humanly possible. This can be anything from a simple activity to following our passion and dreams.
I spent many years pursuing activities for the sake of just doing them- whether it was because I thought they were the “right” thing to do or because I didn’t want to disappoint others by not doing them. Looking back I realize much of my life was devoid of joy because I didn’t follow my own purpose. I chose to follow a predetermined “purpose,” set in motion by people that were not living life from my unique perspective.
An example of how I’ve changed all that and now follow my purpose, through my passions, can be found at both of my websites: Wind of the Soul and Season of Shadows (Halloween imagery and an exploration of the supernatural). Both sites feature subject matter that I’m absolutely passionate about. In fact, it’s my dream to constantly develop both of them full time. This is why you see advertising and other forms of monetizing the sites showing up. I want to be able to have financial freedom while following my purpose and passion, but more importantly I want to be able to expand upon the ways and means for providing benefit to my visitors. These income streams will allow that to happen.
What if realizing your purpose encompasses being your own boss or starting your own business as well? If becoming your own boss is your dream, then don’t forget the underlying point of this post: do what brings you joy. Make sure you are involved in something you truly love to do.
Many people dream of becoming their own boss or running their own business, but outside of that they don’t give the actual heart of the business much thought. Having more personal freedom is fantastic, however if you’re not doing something you love then you’re only replacing a boss with large amounts of tedious labor, plus you’re now the one in charge and can’t punch out at 5pm everyday, leaving the office behind. Many people also get into their jobs or careers (whether their self employed or not) by trying to find something that’s “in demand.” In my opinion that’s a quick recipe for burnout. If you follow the trends and not your heart, you won’t be in it for the long haul.
Many a person has decided not to pursue their passion for a living because they didn’t feel it was marketable. I believe that true passion for the work can overcome any seeming lack of market for the activities you find joyful. And to integrate some metaphysics while we’re at it- the Universe will aid you as you consistently find joy in your life.
By following your passion you will be carving out your own unique niche in the market. And the individuals that are meant to benefit from your niche will begin showing up in droves. I believe in the line from the movie “Field of Dreams”: build it and they will come. I would say it slightly different though: build it because you love it and find a way for it to serve others and they will come.
So, what if your purpose isn’t building websites that provide empowering information or entertainment? Maybe it’s vastly different and has nothing to even do with your career or becoming your own boss. That’s great. Find ways to follow it. It doesn’t matter what it is as long as it evokes joy and brings you happiness.
Life should be joyful the majority of the time. I realize and understand that for most it may not be that way, but it doesn’t mean the old persistent ideas about life being drudgery have to remain in tact forever. Once we begin to understand our only purpose is to realize the joy in the activities we participate in, it makes our existence and the life decisions we make that much easier.
Ask yourself this question throughout your day tomorrow: is the activity I’m currently involved in bringing me happiness, if not then what changes can I make or what can I do differently to allow the natural joy to flow?
If this post has been helpful to you, please consider sharing it with others and/or making a donation. Thank you for supporting Wind of the Soul.
Related Posts
Effortless Passionate Creativity
Intentionally Reclaiming Our Power
Disregarding Perfection?
Manifesting Desirable Results Through Balance
Forgiving Our Past: Key to Unlocking a Joyful Present
Self Truths - Part 2: As I See it
