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Sounds like a movie or song title. For some folks it isn't a laughing matter. For others it just doesn't become a priority. Too many people are so intent on surviving one day to the next that searching their soul for the purpose in their life is moot. Many people never make a connection between their dissatisfaction with life and finding their way.

If a poll were to be taken of the world population the majority of humans would want to know where it is you need to go. Most people can give you local directions - but trying to explain the esoteric view of finding one's way is well beyond their ken. It is only the more upscale western populations that concern themselves with the philosophical view of finding one's way.

For the majority of people making daily decisions about any number of issues in their life is sufficient to keep them occupied in the process of finding their way. Once in a great while a fleeting thought will remind them that they need to better understand the purpose in life. But then the baby needs to be fed and the dog needs to be walked and the plumber needs to be calledso much for finding one's way. Clearly the path is well lighted for some.

The angst of youth can propel some into a deep and dark rumination on the subject - which in turn can lead them to wild rebellion and mindless recklessness. Mid-life crisis for some is pivotal in shining the light of lost dreams and foiled expectations into the face of ever persistent aging. Finding their way to the doctor for a bottle of happy pills seems the easiest way to find whatever it was they lost. By the time the body gets too worn out to run around trying to satisfy all the requirements of life finding one's way is as simple is seeking out the nearest beach or fishing hole.

Some people live in blissful ignorance of their purpose in life and see no reason to be concerned about it. They go along happy and content; unwittingly rubbing someone - of influence in their life - the wrong way. Before long they find themselves beleaguered with demands to start making something of themselves. Confusion and frustration soon invades their previously simple existence and any hope of contentment fades into obscurity. Small fortunes and entire lifetimes have been spent in the pursuit of finding their way; the one recommended to them - of course. If asked, it is doubtful that any could testify to finding a happy solution at the end of the forced march.

For the tortured soul anxious and fearful of never finding their way, the solace found through religion can be helpful for some. Higher education has helped others work on what they hope is the right path. There are even some who simply walk away from the familiar and embrace strangers and new places seeking peace among the unknown. Perhaps each will find satisfaction or perhaps none will arrive in their nirvana.

Regardless of the path taken or the effort made to find that elusive perfect place or purpose, comfort can be found in the realization that doing the best one is able is about all that can be expected. Realizing that the ultimate rendezvous is the same for everyone can help make the ride less stressful. Finding one's way isn't as difficult as one might imagine; so just relax and enjoy the ride.

Learn more about this author, Louise Christensen.
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