Finding Your Purpose in a Chaotic World

“I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not,
I hope you have the strength to start all over again.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald

In as little as a year, everything we thought we knew had gone out the window. Back to back social issues as well as natural disasters left us sad, angry, scared, and confused. Our world seems to be out of control and so are our lives. We question what is good, bad, truth, deceit, right, wrong, all over again.

Earlier this year, I took a decisive leap of faith and left my full-time job — a stable, well paid job at an advertising agency. It wasn’t because the stress of what’s happening in the world got to me, but because when I reevaluated my life and where I was on my scale of happiness, it was clear I did not want to spend one more minute doing what I did not enjoy in a toxic environment.

I knew I had a bigger purpose and I wanted to dedicate all my time to it. And it couldn’t wait.

I became exceptionally calm, clear, and motivated to start my new journey. Strangely enough, I didn’t worry about COVID-19, or how I was going to make money. I knew with certainty that the universe would provide me with everything I need at the right time.

I feel far better about a future of uncertainty navigated by my own intuition than a future of uncertainty controlled by a corrupt system.

If you are experiencing intense feelings or questioning your faith in humanity and the meaning of life, you’re most definitely not alone. These feelings are signs of your inner desire to learn the truth, grow, connect, and contribute. Some refer to it as part of the Awakening process.

Ask yourself these 3 questions: 

1. Where am I on my growth journey?

Each of us goes through cycles of growth at our own pace. Some grow rapidly, some slowly, some stagnant or stuck depending on what happens in our lives and the choices we make. And then there are some who are simply content with everything they’ve got, and that’s OK too. 

Examine your inner world. Are you happy with where you are on your life’s journey? Identify any healing or confusion that needs to be addressed by paying attention to what emotions are coming through right now, and which are the strongest. Make an honest list of those senses in a journal. Is there any anger, hurt, or regret from the past that keeps resurfacing?

2. Have I found my true purpose, and am I living it right now?

There’s no better time to reevaluate what you’re doing in life. Is it what you’ve always wanted, or did you at some point get derailed? 

Most of us have unexplored callings or desires in life. Whether it’s for survival or to please a loved one, you may have put them on hold or just forgot about them altogether. If you find yourself muttering “Could’ve, would’ve, should’ve...” then this is the right time to find out once and for all.

If you are still unclear about your purpose(s), try these two simple exercises:

• Recall your childhood tendencies. What were some of the unique characteristics and activities you were consistently drawn to, and why? (For example: I naturally gravitated toward art, music, and philosophy ever since I was a small child; I was also always inventing fun games and taught all the neighborhood kids to play.) 

  This exercise recalls your innate desires and who you were when your mind was far less cluttered by outside influences.

• Fill in the blanks in this statement: “I am the  _________ who _________.”

  Example: “I am the artist who decorates every corner of the world.” Or, “I am the chef who creates tantalizing flavors for every customer.” Or, in a broader sense, “I am the inspiration who helps to change people’s lives for the better.”

  Write as many as necessary and be as specific as possible. This becomes your personal mission statement when the words you fill in completely resonate with your inner truth.

3. What is my role in rebuilding a better world?

On some level, you realize the way things are just isn’t quite right. Rather than being angry, worried, or confused, you can become a crucial component in improving the world. Any small change in the right direction will create a ripple effect. Know that your efforts, though seemingly invisible, will make a big impact. 

By playing a part in rebuilding a better world, this empowering new responsibility will put you in a positive frame of mind and set a direction from a higher position. 

What is something you can do today to help contribute to a kinder more compassionate society? 

Set intentions for this important role and be mindful of it every single day. Use a gift or talent of yours to contribute to this cause whenever possible.

To keep motivated doing what brings you joy, read more on Accepting and honoring your life purpose