Ah My Good Friend 'Purpose'

What to do with it, when you find your true purpose in life

Searching for true purpose in life with an ocean view

I’ve been pondering over the word ‘purpose’ for a long time. Especially as a midlife woman. I wonder what my purpose was before I became a midlife woman, what is my purpose now and what will be my purpose when I’m an elder.

But what is it all about?

What does it actually mean to have a purpose in life. And once we find it, found true purpose, should it make us feel complete, like we have arrived, worked it all out. I wonder. Since lockdown, I know I’ve found my purpose in life, it was almost like a calling, but do I feel complete? Hell no. So where does that leave me I wonder…

What about you?

Do you feel like you know what your purpose is in life?

Did you have ‘purpose in life’ a decade ago?

And if so, do you still feel like you have a sense of purpose?

Or do you feel like you have lost it?

Maybe you’ve had a successful but stressful corporate job and recently started a small business, that is thriving. Maybe your kids are really happy, they’re all grown up, starting a family of their own but now you’re left with an empty house or ‘empty nest syndrome’ as the media like to describe it. Maybe you’ve always wanted to write a book but procrastination stops you in your tracks, until you found the wonderful warm community here on Substack?

Whatever has gone on in your life running up to being a midlife woman, you’re either searching for purpose, due to all the changes that happen during this transitional time of your life or you’ve just found your purpose. I bet it’s not been plain sailing?? I know all about it and I feel your pain.

Yesterday I was mesmerised by Natalie Goldberg’s book ‘Three Simple Lines’ and how Haiku brings me back down to earth and teaches me more about the real meaning of life. So much so I played around with a few words earlier, particularly about ‘ finding purpose as a midlife woman’. This is one I wrote…

‘Purpose fades, then blooms

Midlife whispers guide her back

Strength in her rebirth’

It helped me make sense of my sense of purpose. I realised that finding and fulfilling my sense of purpose is a life long journey. To me it’s about self discovery, growth and creating a life that really resonates with my true self. I wonder, how do you feel about having a sense of purpose. How much does it really matter? Are you still searching for it and how will you nurture and act upon it when you find your true purpose? I don’t have all the answers. But I highly recommend reading Haiku if you’re ever in doubt of knowing what your true purpose in life really means. I’m going back to my three simple lines.

Until the next time

Take care & stay safe xx