What is my Purpose? That angst filled question!

“The arduous task of finding ones purpose goes to those who have the luxury of time and money”, while laughingly said, does convey an important idea. That of the inward journey being contingent upon ease of life.

While embarking on a life path, post all the educational razzmatazz, the idea of wasting time on something that isn’t truly what one would desire of life- ones purpose, weighs heavily on young minds. Not being pressured to earn ones keep and living in a parental home, there is ease no doubt, but also a sense of being adrift.

Finding purpose is a complex task –arduous even as it requires knowing one’s self, accepting one’s self and being aware of the various voices that speak with authority in one’s own mind.

How does one go about finding what one is truly passionate about when school was geared to gathering and assimilating information and most of college life was spent going from one party to another? Does ones degree become the basis of one’s future? Does one just go with the flow and figure it out with time? Go to a career counselor perhaps?

There is a lack of clarity about what passion could mean. Most youngsters seem to bemoan their lack of passion toward any one area. Very few have known since childhood where their north star lies.Sometimes there is the fear of failure when it comes to choosing a path. Taking risks might mean acknowledging one was wrong. Societal pressures to conform and life’s constant state of uncertainty can leave one bewildered.

The solution provided by those that have walked this path usually consists of two pieces of advice:

·      To remember that life is a journey and not a race toward a purpose. This helps one be open to opportunities and experiences which in turn helps with finding ones flow.

·      No matter the purpose, it is important to remember that mistakes and successes are just perspectives of the moment. In the long run, everyone has both.

The famous Carl Jung said, “The sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light of meaning in the darkness of mere being.” Perhaps as one creates meaning for oneself and others, one can go from mere existence to experience of a full life. The emphasis here is on creating rather than finding. Finding assumes that one’s purpose is hidden in the deep crevices of one’s mind and heart and a sudden awakening will enlighten the seeker. Magical thinking indeed!So create- build the world that you would love to belong in. Look at what you can do and then commune with others who do as you do. At the very least angst will no longer be part of the question.