It appears that every time I turn around lately, I am hearing how we must find our purpose. I have spent that last 4 years since retirement throwing off silly societal constraints and constructs, yet this was one that I struggled with. It seemed I was constantly bombarded with the message that it is your purpose in life to discover your purpose and take that gift out into the world. I felt a sense of guilt for not being able to master this necessary task. I have acquired many gifts and talents throughout my life and career and now in my PhD studies. But honestly, in my retirement and at this exact time, I can’t be bothered with pursuing this great all encompassing purpose. Maybe it’s just my wonky brain, but I feel I have had a multitude of purposes at various stages of my life and as needed.
As I reflected back on my life and career, and the multiple purposes I had as I filled many roles for many people, I realized the idea of this purpose is to continue to serve the needs of others while feeling fulfilled ourselves. Many books aimed at those of us entering our elderly years are filled with chapter after chapter of finding our purpose and taking it out into the world. But seriously folks most of us at this time in our lives have already been there and done that. I would like to rewrite those chapters and instead offer that we use all the rich gifts and wisdom that we have learned in serving multiple purposes and share those in a way that helps and enriches the lives of others, our communities, and our planet. Or we don’t, we simply bask in joy of just being.
And that is where I find myself, just being. I am still working on shedding the uncomfortable skin of guilt for not taking my multiple gifts out into the world in some grand formal manner. Yet, I do share my gifts with friends and family, both young and old. In living a meaningful life, I find that this is just a natural and daily part of that life. The universe brings people to us that need our gifts just as we find those who have gifts that can enrich our own lives.
I believe that in living a meaningful life we do not need to concern ourselves with finding some grand purpose, as we are living out our purpose: the purpose of living a life filled with meaning, which naturally is a life of service to others and to ourselves. Recently, I have been listening to the podcast Turning to the Mystics by Jim Finley. In one episode Finley talks about how we will never know until after our death how many of our actions and the things we have done have impacted others in a positive way. I like to think this is part of living a meaningful life and part of our purpose for being here on this planet.
On the Homefront:
The move is complete and I finally feel like the house is quickly becoming a home. I feel at home is this space, it lends itself perfectly to my needs and desires in a home. It is just the right size and situated among meandering trails, numerous ponds, and a small forested area with enough trees and green to feed my soul. It is simply quite lovely indeed!
I put out my easter and spring decor this last week. Loving that as for the past two years it had been tucked away in storage!
Of course this is where I spend a great deal of my time. It is already a mess as I am busy making new cushion covers for the couch.
Don’t mind the mess, it was enough just to get the fabric and yarn on the shelves! I have all the time in the world to organize to my hearts desire.
The view from my front window, I just love this view. It will be perfect for watching the seasons change.
And a little snippet from my walk this morning as I crossed one of the many little bridges on the paths.
Other than getting myself moved in and going over to help my youngest, Becca get moved house and settled, well I have not done much else.
Blessings,
Patricia
Ah yes, the old purpose ordeal... I feel very much the same. And how lovely is your home, that craft room is a thing of envy... or as I like to call it "driftwood", seeing things happen for people gives me hope that I can get there too.
Really enjoyed reading Patricia. The idea of purpose being in the living resonates deeply with me also. Love seeing your homefront photos too!