Finding our Life Purpose

Let’s talk about finding your life purpose. I know, that sounds like a big, slightly intimidating task, doesn’t it? “What is my purpose?” It’s one of those questions we all ponder at some point, usually when we’re lying awake at 3 a.m. or daydreaming during a long commute. You might think, “Is my purpose something grand? Should I be doing more? Am I supposed to have it all figured out by now?”

Well, here’s the good news: You don’t need to have all the answers right now. Life purpose isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing, and it’s not always about doing something huge and earth-shattering. It’s more about finding what feels true to you—what makes you feel alive, connected, and fulfilled.

Let’s take this journey together, and we’ll explore what it means to find your purpose in a way that’s both realistic and deeply personal. You don’t need to have a grand epiphany by the end of this article (although, hey, if you do, I’ll take partial credit). Let’s just start by asking the right questions and tuning in to what resonates with you.

What Does “Life Purpose” Even Mean?

Before we get too far, let’s unpack what we mean by “life purpose.” This term can sound really heavy, as if there’s a single, specific thing we were born to do, and if we don’t find it, we’re somehow failing at life. But that’s not what this is about. Life purpose isn’t necessarily tied to a job or a title. It’s more about the essence of who you are, what makes you feel most like *you*, and how you can contribute that to the world.

Think of life purpose as your personal GPS. It’s not about one final destination but more like the direction you’re heading in. It’s what gives you a sense of meaning and fulfilment, even if the path isn’t always clear. Some people find their purpose in their work, some in their relationships, and others in creative expression or helping others. There’s no one right way to live a purposeful life—it’s as unique as you are.

The Pressure to “Figure It Out”

I know what you might be thinking: “That all sounds great, but what if I don’t know what my purpose is?” You’re not alone. There’s a lot of pressure in our society to figure everything out, to have a five-year plan, or to know what you want to do with your life from a young age. It’s like we’re supposed to wake up one day and just “know” what our purpose is, as if it’s been written on a sticky note on our bathroom mirror all along.

But life doesn’t really work that way, does it? Your purpose isn’t always a sudden revelation. It’s more like a gentle unfolding. It evolves as you evolve, and it’s okay if it takes time to discover. The important thing is to stay open to the journey. It’s less about having it all figured out and more about staying curious and paying attention to the things that make you feel alive.

Clues Along the Way

So, how do you start finding your life purpose if it’s not going to magically show up in neon lights? Well, the good news is that there are clues all around you. The things you’re naturally drawn to, the activities that make you lose track of time, the moments when you feel deeply connected to something bigger than yourself—these are all hints.

Here’s a fun exercise: Think back to when you were a kid. What did you love to do? What activities made you feel joyful and free? Sometimes our childhood interests hold keys to what still lights us up as adults. Of course, not everything from childhood translates directly into a career or life path (I mean, if your passion was collecting bugs, that might not be your thing anymore… unless you’re an entomologist, in which case, go you!). But often, those early passions can point to deeper values or interests that still resonate today.

For example, if you loved drawing as a child, maybe your life purpose involves creativity in some way. If you were always the one organizing games with friends, perhaps your purpose involves leadership or bringing people together.

Purpose Isn’t Always a Career

One of the biggest misconceptions about life purpose is that it has to be tied to a career. But guess what? It doesn’t. You might find your purpose in being a parent, in volunteering, in art, or even in how you show up in your relationships. Your purpose could be about spreading joy, supporting others, or simply living with integrity and love.

In fact, some people find their deepest sense of purpose outside of their 9-to-5 job. Maybe your career pays the bills, but your true passion is working on your music at night or gardening on the weekends. And that’s perfectly valid! Your purpose is about what brings you fulfilment, not necessarily what brings you a paycheque.

When Purpose Changes Over Time

Here’s something that often gets overlooked: Your purpose can change over time. Just because you felt passionate about one thing five years ago doesn’t mean it has to be your life purpose forever. We grow, we evolve, and so does our sense of meaning.

Think about how much you’ve changed over the years. Maybe there was a time when your career felt like your main focus, but now you’re feeling more drawn to spend time with family or give back to your community. Or maybe you were once deeply invested in a creative pursuit, but now you feel a calling to explore spirituality or personal growth.

This isn’t a sign that you’re lost or confused. It’s a sign that you’re evolving. Your life purpose is allowed to evolve, too. It’s like a tree—its roots remain, but its branches can grow in different directions.

The Role of Service

Here’s a thought: Many people find their life purpose through service. I don’t mean this in a grand, “I need to change the world” kind of way. Sometimes, living your purpose is as simple as being there for the people around you, offering a helping hand, or creating positive change in your own corner of the world.

There’s something deeply spiritual about the idea of purpose being tied to service. When we focus less on ourselves and more on how we can contribute to the greater good, our lives often take on new meaning. It doesn’t have to be big, like starting a nonprofit or leading a movement (though it could be!). It could be about kindness—offering your time, skills, or simply your presence to others.

Think about the people who have impacted your life. Chances are, they didn’t do anything huge or flashy. Maybe they were just there when you needed them most or offered a word of encouragement at the right moment. That’s purpose in action.

Finding Purpose in the Everyday

Let’s get real for a second: We’re not always going to feel deeply purposeful every day. Some days, just getting through the day feels like an accomplishment, and that’s okay. Life has its ups and downs, and you’re not failing just because you haven’t uncovered some grand calling.

Sometimes, purpose shows up in the everyday moments—how you treat people, how you nurture your relationships, how you take care of yourself and others. Purpose doesn’t always have to feel monumental. It can be as simple as living with intention and staying true to what matters to you.

Final Thoughts

Finding your life purpose isn’t about having a sudden, life-altering epiphany (though that would be pretty cool if it happened!). It’s about tuning in to what lights you up, what makes you feel alive, and how you can share that with the world. And it’s okay if it takes time to figure it out. The journey is just as important as the destination.

So, don’t stress about having all the answers right away. Stay curious, stay open, and trust that your purpose is already unfolding in ways you may not even realize. After all, life isn’t about reaching some final, perfect state—it’s about growing, learning, and discovering new parts of ourselves along the way. And that, my friend, is purpose in action.