When I was a child I was going to be a teacher and children’s book author. Then an author and illustrator. Then I just knew I was going to be an artist. But what ends up happening to most of us is that we get going on a life path and have little time to look around to see if we are have landed in a destination that we planned on. It’s easy to get sidetracked. Some of us have ended up in careers that we never thought about. Others are focused on the fact that they are not doing what they love.
Now that you are at a point where you can breath and see a little more clearly, are you feeling fulfilled? Do you feel like you have purpose? A purpose gives us a goal. It gives us a reason to get up in the morning. Some people are fortunate in that they have found purpose with their career; however, many people are working to pay bills and do not think of their job as one that is meaningful or serves a purpose. Today, I offer you strategies to begin creating a more purposeful life.
- Volunteer for a cause: I often encourage my client’s to get outside of themselves to volunteer for a cause that interests them. Seeing people who may not have the same opportunities as us or who are not functioning as well as us can create feelings of gratitude for our situation in life.
- Identify a hobby. As I mentioned earlier, I was a creative child. I now utilize that creativity at home with crafts and DIY projects. I enjoy planning parties and creating party themes. These activities create opportunities for me to fulfill my creative side. It also shifts the focus from my job and the demands of home life so that I am able to carve out a piece of myself that is only for me.
- Join a sports team. In my area there are a ton of sports teams that adults can enjoy including adult kickball. How fun does that sound? If you loved sports as a child or just loved recess you can find camaraderie in a local sports league. Attending practices and games also adds variety to your life.
- Plan a trip. If you are working to live and living to work you can get in a vicious cycle that is stressful and overwhelming. A job can just be an activity that you engage in 40 hours per week so that you can enjoy other things. Planning a trip sets a goal and gives you something to look forward to.
My goal is for these strategies to inspire you to look for more for yourself. You are brimming with potential and there are opportunities right outside your door that will give you a more fulfilling life. It’s up to you to make that change. Good luck! I know you have it in you.