Why do we all feel we need that one specific purpose in life?
Could it maybe be that we have many purposes that grow, change or evolve over our lifetime?
It’s a common theme. Especially in the self development and spiritual world, to find that one single magical thing in life that will bring you passion and meaning, but what if for the majority of us we simply don’t just have one?
Once we become aware of the bigger picture, when that ‘shift’ comes at a point in our lives where we all of a sudden see the world through a different lens, some call it awakening, some consciousness, some awareness etc, there is a period of searching for new information and understanding.
At some point we often end up at the idea that we all have a unique purpose of that one gift to the world, and if we could only just ‘find it’ or pinpoint that one thing we could live a life filled with joy and meaning. This in itself, while intentions are good, often becomes a distraction dominated by overwhelm, confusion and at times feelings of helplessness which leads to us getting 'stuck'..
The more I started to read and hear about the importance and freedom of finding this life giving purpose, the more I struggled. I mean what exactly is that one single thing I’m born to do? You know, forever?
What I came to understand over time is that there doesn’t have to be one singular purpose, and in fact for most of us we have many over the course of our lifetimes and across the different parts of our life. We don’t need to be defined by a specific action or behaviour.
There are many moments and areas in our life that give necessary things and beauty to the world of one person, or the world as a whole, AND we can feel great joy and ‘purpose’ in those moments.
Instead of the frustrating and somewhat limiting idea of finding that one thing we have to offer, wouldn’t it make more sense to simply find not only what adds value and helps others, but also what makes you feel good and passionate about at any given moment of your life?
We often focus so much on the ‘grandiose’, that we forget that there are no set rules to how we all reach a life of purpose. Maybe for most of us we don’t have that one thing we just ‘knew’ from a young age that was ‘meant’ for us. Maybe for the most of us we have many different purposes that will change over time and allows to contribute to the world more than one singular gift.
We all get so tied to an identity and the overwhelm of that one thing we are supposed contribute to the world. Isn't this just another form of distraction to keep us from doing things that truly matter?
What if your current idea of your ‘purpose’ and the attachment to that identity is actually holding you back from your purpose?