The Purpose Driven
Life
It’s the end of January and I’m
wondering what happened to the ‘New Year’s Resolutions’ we made just a few
weeks ago?
Since most of us have broken them
anyway, I thought: How about changing them to: The Purpose Driven Life? Is this
more doable than making unrealistic promises?
I look at it like this – a day
without purpose is a day wasted. It doesn’t have to be amazing – when you’re a
busy mom, just getting the basics done is a day with purpose. But don’t forget
to have some fun while you’re at it. Enjoy your children, laugh with them,
treasure their innocence, look them in the eye when you talk to them.
I realise that not everybody has a
purpose. Not everybody has a job to go to (I work from home). Not having a purpose can make people feel
rejected and unwanted. Then depression sets in and people don’t want to (or
don’t have the energy) to do things. The doctor prescribes ante-depressants and
sleeping tablets. These can become addictive with unpleasant side-effects. It
can go downhill from here.
But when you have a Purpose Driven
Life, it gives you a reason to get up in the morning – even if you don’t have a
job to go to – or your children are all grown up. When you have set your mind
to DO something, it keeps you focused and motivated. It renews your energy and
stimulates ‘happiness hormones’. Happiness is contagious. Happy people draw
others into their circle. Happiness boosts confidence, appetite, energy levels
and ultimately our health. It’s all part of the ‘human condition’ – the more
you do, the more you want to do it … and the less you do, the less you want to
do.
What is The Purpose Driven Life:
In babyhood it’s to adapt and
survive.
In childhood it’s to learn.
In young adulthood it’s to strive
for a career, a profession, a partner for life. For many women, it’s to find the
right man who will father her children. Men ultimately get ‘domesticated’ and play
a very important role in nurturing a family.
In adulthood we either follow a
career or raise a family.
After this chaotic life-style,
pressure and stress, we may find ourselves at a loose-end and asking: What is my
purpose? What are my talents? What happened to my dreams to write, paint, play
a musical instrument, open a coffee-shop, do carpentry, start a business, fly
an aeroplane or learn a new skill?
Maybe you missed the bus because
there was no time and no money to pursue these?
The first step is to make a start.
Write down your PURPOSE and the steps you need to take to do this. Join a
group. Look for a blog to give you the know-how. Surf the net for resources.
Take one day at a time. Even if you
are ill. Phone a friend. Write your story. Make something. Grow a garden. Bake
a cake and invite somebody you have not spoken to for a long time to eat it
with you! Have a purpose for tomorrow and every tomorrow after today.
Live the Purpose Driven Life!
