Why are you here, and what is your purpose? This is a question that may have crossed your mind, but you haven’t taken the time to truly reflected on the answer. How could you have time to answer a question so important when you’re putting in overtime at work, there are bills that need to be paid, your children are struggling in school, and your marriage is suffering? Understanding “the why” you do what you do is an essential part of overall happiness and peace. Without understanding “the why” your life will feel like a hamster wheel, stagnate, unfulfilling, and futile. When you’re just going through the motions it is not uncommon to feel depressed, anxious, and unmotivated.
With no purpose you may overwork yourself because it is easier to be busy then have to deal with everything else. You may isolate because getting close with someone takes too much time and effort. Your family might feel rigid and disconnected because you don’t have a common goals or quality relationships. With no purpose everything stays surface level and it is difficult develop the sense of connectedness and understanding of ourselves needed to be prosperous.
External experience and your understanding of how the world works tend to be where we “find” purpose. This is significant however internal reflection and finding answers within yourself has the same importance. It can be difficult examining yourself when confronted with memories of trauma, loss, and painful relationships.
Not knowing your purpose right now doesn’t mean that you don’t have one. Fortunately, you don’t have to find this essential piece of happiness alone. Often times it takes the support of a licensed profession to help you unpack past experiences and explore current behaviors. A therapist won’t have all the answers but they can provide a space for genuine discussion, reflection, and planning for the future.
