By Michelle L. Casto, M.Ed.
What is a Life Purpose?
Who am I?
Why am I here?
What is my purpose in life?
These are some of the oldest and most important questions posed by human
beings throughout history. They become the most profound when an individual
such as yourself begins to think and reflect on them. Upon reading this
article and doing some soul-searching, you will discover your own unique
answers to these important questions.
The word purpose means to have
intentional results. When we are on purpose, we are making a conscious effort
to be or create something. Usually what we really want to be or do seems out
of reach, “impossible.” But we must remember that the word “impossible” with
an apostrophe is actually I’m (I am) possible. And you are!
Dudley Lynch
and Paul Lordis in their book, "Strategy of the Dolphin," said:
“We can
define “purpose” in several ways. For one, when we know our purpose, we have
an anchor--- a device of the mind to provide some stability, to keep the
surprises of a creative universe from tossing us to and fro, from inflicting
constant seasickness on us. Or we can think of our purpose as being a master
nautical chart marking shoals and rocks. Perhaps the most profound thing
about “being on purpose” is that when that is our status, our condition, and
our comfort, we find our lives have meaning, and when are “off purpose” we
are confused about meanings and motives.”
A clearly defined life purpose
provides meaning, direction, and significance. Your life purpose answers two
essential questions:
Who do I want to be? and
What do I want to do?
When we
are living from our true soul’s purpose, we feel more alive---filled with
excitement, joy, and inner peace---in a word “contentment.” We are more
connected to one another as human beings and more content with who we are and
what we do.
When we are “on purpose” we tap into a higher power, we have
supernatural support! The best things in life seem to be naturally attracted
to us.
When we are not on purpose, we try to do it all alone! We grasp at
straws, every thing looks good—whether it is a new job, going to school,
moving, finding another lover—anything to fill the void of the extreme
emptiness we feel inside.
Not being on purpose leads to constant seeking---
external things to make you feel more fulfilled.
Being on purpose leads to
effortless contentment---an internal peace with what is unfolding in your
life. You have a feeling of “all is right with the world” and I have an
important part to play!
Every human being has the universal
purpose of learning how to love more. Every human begin has his or her unique
purpose of helping to heal our planet and other people. Planet Earth is the
ultimate university for our souls, where you have the task of learning your
lessons, showing love, and sharing gifts.
You can evolve yourself by
understanding, accepting, and taking action to live out your universal and
unique life purposes. You were born to do something specific. A role and
opportunity was entrusted to you and you alone. If you don’t know your life
purpose, you are still a diamond in the rough. Discovering one’s life purpose
is like cutting a diamond. Every gem quality diamond has within it a
ready-made design, waiting to be discovered. So do you. The secret is to
discover and actualize your unique pattern. Like a diamond needs to be
excavated to have worth, you have to dig deep within yourself to discover
your unique life purpose.
Characteristics of a Life Purpose
Your Life
Purpose…