Some of us are born with an intuitive sense of purpose. From a young age, knowing a goal or direction that gives them satisfaction and a sense of self-worth. For most of us however, a goal-given direction may not be as obvious. These folks are sometimes referred to as “jack of all trades, master of none”.
Experience in living tells me that having a sense of purpose is important. It provides a will to live. A will to fulfill dreams and to fulfill destinies. It gives us hope to believe in what may come. Like time, sense of purpose changes as lives grow older and minds learn more about life.
Sense of purpose is influenced by our connections with each other. The influence starts young in our lives with our parents. Their beliefs, values, needs and wants maybe passed down from generation to generation. Things that may be important to them, influence the importance to us. My father stressed the importance of being self-sufficient and financially secure. That purpose held true to me throughout my life as it does now. There is no right or wrong here, only influence. The child grows with the influences. Some of them speak louder than others. Some of the influences have more priority in life.
As I am now in my elderly years I look back and see many well-intended influences that were given to me. Some have proven to be helpful and some not so much. I see now that I learned from all of them. I have learned either to accept the influence and use to enhance my life. Or, through observation or experience I learned what influences were not conducive to bettering my life journey. Either way I learned.
Looking back, I also know I am in the space and place that I was destined to be. I am the woman made from all the past generations and influences that gave my lie definition. Acceptance of my meaning and purpose is a blessing. One that I struggled with for a long time. I wonder if others do too.