It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: what are we busy about?
– Henry David Thoreau
Each of us is here for a reason. That reason or purpose many time is deep within. Like a seed waiting to be watered, to develop and blossom.
Some people know or discover their purpose at a very young age. They take every step to get to that place of prominence or importance to impact the world in a big way. Martin Luther King knew he wanted to make a difference in the fabric of American life.
He and his wife, Coretta Scott-King, decided early in their relationship that they wanted to upset what was then considered a normal state of existence. They actually made an agreement to move back to the south after Martin’s graduation from Boston University.
Whitney Houston had an amazing voice at a very young age and her early life was spent in the anticipation that she would do big and great things as she matured.
At the age of twelve, Mother Teresa was convinced she should live a religious life. She ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying, first throughout India and then in other countries. When Mother Teresa died she had 610 missions in 123 countries.
However, many of us spend our entire lives not really knowing what that purpose is.
We may just have a feeling that there’s something missing or there’s something we should be doing with our life.
If that’s happening, maybe the universe is trying to speak and give guidance and direction.
How can you tell if you’re living a purposeful existence?
When we’re not on purpose we may get caught up in the drudgery of our daily routine. Your purpose will lift you up beyond the day to day to keep you inspired.
When we don’t know our purpose it can seem as if the world is against us. Your purpose allows you to serve the world and feel the joy of making a difference.
When we’re not sure of our purpose, our actions are something we may do without conscious understanding. When
you’re on purpose the actions you take are inspired by your intention of making an impact.
When we’re not living our purpose, the trials and tribulations of our daily interactions can have a negative impact on our total being, causing frustration, unhappiness and illness.
Purpose will lift you up beyond the day to day tribulations, because you know you have a higher calling which helps you understand good things and bad things will come. It’s a natural fabric of life. However, you’ll respond to situations as
they arise knowing that a greater force will help you through.
Purpose doesn’t have to imply getting out there on a bigger stage. It could be making a difference as a Dad. Maybe your purpose as a teacher is to have a positive impact on a child to stay in school. Or maybe, just maybe, you lighten up a room with your big smile and help people feel relaxed and comfortable.
Each of us has unique, God given, gifts that we’re to here to share with the world to help make it a better place.
So how does one discover what that purpose is?
By paying attention and noticing what makes you happy. Quiet time spent mediating or a daily journal can also help you realize what begins to take shape in your mind.
Sometimes you’ll just hear a whisper saying, “Maybe I should try that.” Sometimes the sound is as loud as a trombone beating against your chest, “Do that now.”
All of the answers are within. Begin to ask the right questions and you may be surprised at what answers you’ll receive. Many times we dismiss the answers that come.
Stay aware of your inner voice.
When you begin to follow your inner guidance, you’ll slowly start to change course. You’ll begin to move in a direction that opens up more understanding.
Are you living your purpose? Have you discovered your purpose?
If not, what’s holding you back?
Now is your time.