A few minutes after getting up from a good sound sleep, we tend to remain lost in the world of relaxation and a dreamy state of content. This state is soon taken over by reality, as our chores and daily goals come calling. If you are the kind who jumps out of bed energetically without much struggle, you may have already figured out your purpose. Or you may already be working towards your purpose without even being aware of it. This sense of purpose leads you to a particular direction, maintaining your focus and squeezing happiness out of each step taken. The journey itself becomes a fulfilling one rather than one where you wait for the destination.
Each of us tread our own unique journeys since we have specific purposes to serve. You may be working towards clearing one of the toughest exams and land your dream job or pursuing your creative passion. Or you could be working really hard to fulfil your responsibilities towards your loved ones or trying to build a brand of your own as an entrepreneur. One thing common here is a sense of purpose. You may or may not be generating money out of your purpose but happiness is certain when you have purpose.
A purpose gives our life meaning and a direction to go ahead with conviction and courage. When we serve our purpose, we experience an array of emotions like enthusiasm, joy and satisfaction which contribute to our overall happiness. This state is in contradiction to being angry, dull, listless and lazy which are all components of sadness – an opposite of happiness.
While life may prove to be unpredictable and may not go as per plan, the sense of purpose can be our source of fulfilment and resulting happiness. The continued process of bettering yourself and accepting life with its flaws and chaos is fundamental to embracing this journey. There are studies which suggest that a sense of purpose helps in maintaining one’s health and wellbeing. Those with a defined sense of purpose are physically more active, make healthy eating choices and adopt timely sleep routines.
According to Anthony L Burrow from the Cornell University College of Human Ecology, a sense of purpose is integral to the human experience. “Purpose is a forward-looking directionality, an intention to do something in the world,” he says. “It’s different than a goal, which can be accomplished. Wanting to be a father is a goal because it is achievable. But to be a great father is more of an intention than an achievement. On some days, one might come closer to the ideal than others, but it is never a completed task.”
Here, we help you embrace life’s journey with a purpose and achieve happiness as you do so.
Letting go
“The quest for certainty blocks the search for meaning. Uncertainty is the very condition to impel man to unfold his powers,” stated Enrich Fromm, a social psychologist and a philosopher. He emphasised appropriately the uncertainty that envelops life and the new direction it gives.
While we may like a set, comfortable life pattern, the truth is that unpredictability is the set way of life. You may be the best of planners but somewhere, life will knock you out with surprises. Embracing the journey will make you let go of the unpleasant and unfavourable experiences while you keep walking towards fulfilment.
Tiding over the lows
A sense of purpose endows you with a wider perspective and the ability to look at the bigger picture. While obstacles may emerge now and then, with a sense of purpose, resilience allows a person to stand firm. When things are not going as desired, this very sense of purpose helps to maintain self-esteem and the confidence to turn things around. The journey with its several highs and lows, proves to be a joyous one when one lives with a sense of purpose, ready to take on the challenges on the way.
Prioritising right
As we negotiate life, we also need to prioritise our values, principles, relationships and beloved things. A sense of purpose helps us choose what needs to be picked up and what needs to be dropped. When we align our time and commitments with our sense of purpose, it leads to immense satisfaction and consequently, joy.
For example, if someone has dedicated their life to a creative pursuit like painting, they may be devoting most of their time at their painting spot or outdoors to seek inspiration. They may even spend periods of solitude honing their skill foregoing social interactions. They are not missing out as one would imagine. In fact, they are deriving joy from their passion and, hence embracing this path.
Appreciating the present
The sense of purpose brings along a focus and the ability to be appreciative of the present and those around us. Each moment brings a unique opportunity to embrace life fully and experience happiness in its entirety.
When you are mindful, you may be pausing at the beauty of glistening leaves after a good rainfall or experiencing the bliss of a steaming hot cup of coffee prepared by your partner. When we cruise through life, we often forget the present moment in our pursuit of bigger goals. Embracing the journey instead lets us experience and be grateful to each moment and person.
Making mistakes and learning
When you have a growth mindset, you are able to accept challenges and make way through them. Your journey becomes even more interesting in this manner. You embrace life as it comes, overcome the obstacles and learn from each mistake made. You pave the way for a better and brighter tomorrow. This is the true beauty of embracing life, that you keep learning from it at every step.
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