We all wonder “What’s my purpose in life?” Every journey looks different, and mindset can have everything to do with understanding your purpose.
If you had a dollar for every time you’ve wondered, “What’s my purpose?”, how rich would you be?
We’re all on our own journeys in life. Sometimes, we feel confident we’re on the right track. Other times, we’re riding through the desert on a horse with no name (and no map). Sometimes we experience terrible or undesirable things with no clear life lesson to gain from them.
We all go through tough moments (or long periods) like this. And it’s in these moments that it’s hard to remember that things are as they’re supposed to be. Some of the hardest times are also the most teachable. It’s how we grow. And these times are ultimately shaping us into who we are meant to be.
Every Journey Looks Different: Embrace Yours
It’s no secret that I had a lot of resentment toward my dad growing up. He was an alcoholic and resurfaced in our lives after 10 years only when my brother died. He left me stranded at the hospital when I gave birth to my daughter and was ready to bring her home. He finally committed to going to AA meetings, but because he went to a meeting every single day he was still not very present in our lives. I resented him when he got married and got a “new family” and forgot about me.
But at his funeral, I joined a huge group of countless people I didn’t know. As it turns out, I was surrounded by AA attendees that had shared in his journey. They had come to pay respects, and the funeral itself turned into something of an AA meeting. I heard from so many people there about how my dad had changed their lives. Someone had been living in their car, people had lost their jobs, were facing jail time — the struggles were real.
There were so many peopleI spoke to, even prominent people like mayors and authors and businessmen. It occurred to me that we all have a purpose here on earth. And sometimes, to live this purpose we have to walk these tough journeys, even if it’s one riddled with drugs or alcohol.
I believe my dad’s purpose was never to be my dad. It was to be a light for others. And he lived that purpose, even if he didn’t realize it.
How to Find Your Purpose
Part of answering “What’s my purpose” is accepting that the things you go through in life shape you into the person you need to become. Take them as learning and growth opportunities so that you can show up in your life the way you meant to.
The 5 Keys to Becoming the Next Influencer
If you believe your purpose is to help others on their journey, my free series was made for you. Discover the 5 Keys to Becoming the Next Influencer and use them to further your life’s journey.
