Have you ever wondered why you are here? Could be in this house? Or this job? Or with this person/ spouse/ partner?
In the movie The Color Purple, there is a scene in which Miss Celie finally musters the courage to leave Mister. He’d just finished saying some pretty nasty things to her (paraphrasing): “You’re poor. You’re black. You’re ugly. Nobody wants you.”
To which Miss Celie replied, “I’m poor. I’m black. I might even be ugly. But I’m here!”
There is a reason each of us is here. We have lost family and friends who were here last year and who aren’t now. Some have passed on fulfilling their purpose on this earth. But you are still here. And your most important job in life is to know why. I know pretty heavy for early morning, right?
I have been pondering this question for the last week or so since my birthday. What is my purpose in life? There are days when I think I know but more times then not, I’m clueless. I could blame it on the MS or the lack of memory or 100 different things but the truth is some days I feel lost. What about you?
Can you state your purpose in a single, simple sentence? If not, ask yourself this question:
How is someone’s life better when they cross your path?
Whatever your answer, is, can you say it quickly – in under 15 seconds. Why so fast? Because in most cases we only have a few seconds to share with people we meet.
I believe my purpose is to “bringing hope and a smile to those who are struggling, reminding them they are special and worthy”.
For some, it may sound kind of cheesy. The simple gesture of bringing a smile to the face of others makes a difference in their life. It can make a dark day sunny. It can dry a tear in their eye. It can change their negative mindset to positive. YES! A simple smile can do it.
Your purpose is about how you uniquely serve the world and make it better in some way. It uses your unique gifts, strengths and experiences. It is something you do well. And it comes naturally to you.
I think about my success as a Social Work…. it was the answer to the question, how is this person’s life better because I met them? In my family, it answers, how is this family better because I’m here? Some may think this means I am self-absorbed or conceited. I am actually humbled by the blessing I am able to give to others.
Today, I challenge you to take a few minutes and answer the question. Once you get the answer, write it down. Don’t forget it. Make it your mantra. A fulfilling life is a life lived with purpose.
How is someone’s life better because they cross your path? Share your life’s purpose with us.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 