by M.A. Dal Cero

Created on: May 14, 2009

What is my purpose in life? What am I here to accomplish? What path should I take to find the reason for my existence? Many individuals struggle with these questions, and if you are one of them, you can take comfort in the fact that you are definitely not alone. Some people seem to have exited the womb with the knowledge of their purpose in life, while others may have to search for a while in order to find it. Nevertheless, deep within every one of us dwells the ultimate reason as to why we are here on this earth. The only requirement to uncover it is to be willing to take an insightful journey on the road of self-discovery.

First and foremost, every person on the face of the earth has been blessed with certain talents, abilities, and passions which comprise who they are. Engaging in these results in feelings of happiness, fulfillment, and peace. Often, these ingrained gifts are the clues we are given as to what our purpose in life truly is. For example, someone who loves to be in the presence of children might seek to be a parent, a teacher, or a day care provider. A person with a love of the written word may decide to write, become a librarian, or work in a bookstore. Quite the contrary, the endeavors with which we struggle, and those which cause us frustration, a significant lack of joy, and other negative feelings provide us with knowledge of the direction we do not wish to go in. A tone deaf person should probably not pursue a career in music, and those who lack an appreciation for art should not work in a museum. Therefore, it stands to reason that an individual's life purpose depends on that which brings the greatest amount of positive benefits in terms of body, mind, and spirit.

Furthermore, finding your life purpose need not be a difficult pursuit. Rather, there are several simple questions you can ask yourself which may help you to begin to discover the life purpose specifically designed for you:

1. What do I enjoy/not enjoy?

2. What do I have/do not have a talent or ability for?

3. What makes me happy/unhappy?

4. When am I most at peace/not at peace?

5. During which periods in my life have I felt the most fulfilled/unfulfilled?

6. What are my strengths/weaknesses?

It is essential to examine both sides of each question in order to point ourselves in the right direction. This process requires that we exercise a high degree of honesty with ourselves regarding both our strengths and our weaknesses. Keep in mind that no human being is perfect, and no one is capable of being strong in all areas. The key is simply to determine where our abilities lie, and consequently, move forward on the path to the fulfillment of whatever we determine our purpose to be. The answers will always come, and when they do, we are free to live our lives in the manner intended.

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