Living in a place like Canggu that attracts people from all over the place, we get to meet lovely souls along the way, just like we did when we met a couple from the UK not too long ago. At some point during a conversation over dinner we started talking about finding out what you really want to do in terms of work, and how do you find out? The words I want to find my purpose came out from one of our new friends at the table, to which I somewhat hastily responded
“purpose is so overrated! It’s as if we’re supposed to find the holy grail, and once we’ve got it, that’s it, we’re all good and set to go!”
(I don’t think I was in my most diplomatic state of mind!)
I sensed a slight feeling of disappointment at the table as I said it (and a slight sense of embarrassment for me blurting this out… ), and quickly added in, yes, it is absolutely imperative that you find something that brings you energy and joy, that lights your fire, and that makes you want to get out of bed… but here’s a thought:
Perhaps a life that is on purpose is about more than work? And perhaps, our purposes change and vary over time as we further develop and grow. And maybe, we can have more than just one purpose? Maybe this sense of purpose isn’t an all consuming fire in the belly but a small little flame that just keeps on burning and will not be ignored?
The point is this. Purpose comes in varying sizes and packages, and it’s not a one size fits all exercise. You’re likely to have more than one purpose over time, some will be big, some will be small. We don’t live singularly focused lives anymore, we live in a world full of opportunity, offering multiple ways of living out our passions and maybe along the way, finding this thing we call purpose. More than anything, finding your purpose is about finding out what makes YOU tick. You and only you. Ultimately, it’s about finding out who you really are.
So often we find ourselves living a life that we think we should be living because we’re so influenced by our surroundings, the people around us. We fit ourselves into a mold of expectations (or what we think others expect) and find out that this actually isn’t us. That feeling shows up as lack of energy or motivation, listlessness, feeling out of whack, but you can’t quite figure out what it is. It’s that little voice inside that keeps on nagging you, slowly, quietly, but it’s there.
“Can you remember who you were before the world told you who you should be?” – Danielle Laporte
Wouldn’t it be such a shame if we denied that which gives us purpose because we have a predefined idea of what it should look like? Or that we deny ourselves because it seems too small? Or because we think it’s not good enough? Or because it’s not what we’re supposed to want?
What matters is that your passion, living a life that is on purpose, comes from your heart, your soul, and is the truest expression of who you are. Because that is when you will shine the brightest light and have the biggest gift to offer.
Is it easy to live a life that is on purpose?
Nope.
It takes guts and glory to really be who you are. To pursue the things that you most desire, to do the things that you feel called to do.
Is it worth it?
Hell yes.
Because finding out what our passions are, that may develop into bigger purposes, is all about finding ourselves, becoming truly connected to who we are at our essence. That connection will lead to greater sources of energy inside, and will be the fuel for your engine.
Your purpose becomes your WHY, the reason you get up each and every morning, the reason you get going when the going gets tough, and the reason that you ultimately find the deepest fulfillment and happiness in life.
If you’re one of the lucky ones who already have this purpose thing figured out, Amen! Share your experiences and help those of us still a looking!
For those of you who are still feeling unsure about this, stay tuned for a follow-up post soon, where we’ll get more into the HOW of finding out what our purpose is!
I’d love to hear from you – feel free to leave a comment below or send me a note at info@naomisaelens.com
With love as always,
Xx Naomi
Purpose is certainly not overrated. Without it, life is more of a struggle and a mere existence. It’s routine and lacking. Humdrum; and can lead to all sorts of mental illnesses and even suicide. When we feel as though we have no purpose, it’s tough to wake up and carry on an existence. WITH purpose, life is full, exciting, challenging, and beautiful. I think our vision of our purpose is shaped over time but loads of internal and external forces. It’s the part of life that builds us into the person that can find and execute their purpose. In a lot of ways, it is A holy grail; not THE holy grail because we can always be better people, find even bigger purpose! Without purpose, I wouldn’t be here today. And being here today, WITH purpose, brings me more happiness than ever before!
Hi Tim, thanks so much for coming to say hello! I love how you say that we can continue to grow and continue to build purpose. In so many ways, this life is a journey of discovery of finding out more about ourselves and how we can add in more purpose as we continue to grow. Sending love!