“To the person who does not know where he wants to go there is no favorable wind.” – Seneca
The above quote has tremendous meaning, and many people at various points of their lives are in search of their true calling and the prevailing winds that will get them there. At mid-life, we might be wondering, “What is my true purpose?”
These times require deep reflection upon what our unique gifts and talents are and how they should be used. The simplest question we might ask ourselves at these times is, “What activities or pursuits bring me joy?” This one deep question can shed light on so much.
Years ago, a friend decided to sign up for Hospice training with others, although she said that deeply within there was a gnawing feeling about it. Well, she went through the weeks of training and then when asked to visit patients and their families, she found that the work was not for her. She dreaded every single encounter and felt stuck and confined.
Confiding in me, she said that she must be a bad person not to be able to sit with those in their last stages of life. She wondered what was wrong with her. I told her nothing was wrong with her, she simply had not listened to her internal guidance saying, “This is not for you.”
After letting herself off the guilt hook, she began spending time in reflection about which circumstances in life had brought her the most joy and fulfillment. She soon realized that she loved being in natural surroundings, and also being with people. Before long, by following inner guidance, she applied for and was offered a position which enabled her to use her gifts and talents in a meaningful way. She became a greeter at a local arboretum which enabled her to be surrounded by nature and aiding visitors in a myriad of joyful ways.
Asking ourselves, “What activities or pursuits bring me joy?” and then following the answer can unlock deep joy and fulfillment. Alan Cohen authored a book titled Joy is my Compass.[i] In the book, he gives examples of people finding their true purpose by following what brought them joy. We can use the joy question for both short-term decisions and long-term fulfillment. May life bring you great tidings of comfort and joy.
[i] Cohen, Alan. Joy is my Compass.