When You Lose the Wh…….. y
What helps you to understand your purpose – moments that make you realize why you are here?
- Compliments on a job well done
- Being noticed
- Completing a list
- Starting a list
- Change
- Being put in charge
- Being told that you’re needed
- Being told you’re loved
- When you’re encouraged to do something – like writing a book, running a race, starting a business, or getting involved in a ministry
- Being with people
- Being alone
- Being a mom
- Being a dad
When I was younger, I loved the busy life of raising 3 sons and the challenge of taking my kids to the park, the pool, their friends, their activities, but I often longed for some alone time. If you’re a young mom, then you know what I’m talking about. Sometimes your day is made if you can go to the bathroom by yourself. With that being said, I knew what my purpose was – and I loved it.
My sons are no longer kids;therefore, things have changed. I’m still a wife and a mom who loves her guys – that will never change. I’m also a mother in law and grandmother, and I love those roles, too.
What has changed is that my husband and I now live miles and miles away from everyone we love. My day-to-day purpose has changed. What I once often desired the most is what I now hate – being alone.
I mean, let’s be honest. We are somewhat prepared for those teen years, early adulthood experiences, finding ‘the one’, childbirth, raising children, but where are the books and experts that prepare you for being a retired empty nester?
Am I the only one who is struggling to figure out what my purpose is?
What I’m learning is that one thing that never changes throughout the years is that we all need to be needed. If no one tells you that they need you or your guidance, your friendship or your presence – you struggle with finding your why you are even here – what makes you important.
I would normally share several scriptures here and talk about my faith and how His love and presence have given me the power to deal with this change, and it has, but I wonder if those people reading this who are going through the same thing and don’t even know if they believe in God …… would understand.
I’m opening up here so that I can give hope to someone else out there – this isn’t the end. Your life isn’t meaningless. You just need to search and find your new meaning. The new you.
If your heart is still beating, you are here for a reason.
If you’re hoping for that magical experience when someone enters your life and turns everything around, you’re not giving yourself enough credit. You. Can. Do. This. In other words, stop searching for and waiting on someone else to make things better when you can make a difference.
My turning point came when I was talking to a couple I had just met. Because of multiple physical conditions (which is an inspiring story in itself) – he has a lot of medical appointments. She works full-time, and he can’t drive. Before I knew it, I was offering to take or pick him up whenever they needed someone. The first time I did it, my heart was overflowing. Second time was even better.
Look for those opportunities. You won’t regret it. Taking your eyes of yourself and being concerned about others is healing. It’s a life changer.
Last, I can’t end this without sharing where I received my strength. Our creator. I can’t tell you how many talks I’ve had with Him. If you’ve never tried to pray, please know your prayers don’t have to contain fancy words or phrases. He already knows your thoughts and the pain that’s in your heart.
In case you didn’t know, God loves you. Just be you. Try it, you won’t regret it.
Live-Write 