Read any post about finding your purpose, and there will be an expert that tells you to “find what makes you happy and do that”. It may be described using other words like “follow your passion” or “do whatever lights you up”, but essentially it all comes down to the same hallow, worn out advice.
“I followed this advice when I was seeking was my purpose, and I realized how terrible it was.”
It’s easy to assume that this is the answer … if only it was that easy.
I followed this advice when I was seeking was my purpose, and I realized how terrible it was. I was going down one rabbit hole after another trying my hardest to find my purpose. But it seemed like the harder I tried, the more lost I felt. I was not only searching for my purpose with no luck, but I also was feeling shame, discouragement, and disappointment in myself because I was coming up short – Every. Single. Time.
I then realized that I was being instructed to look for happiness, but my soul was seeking joy. What’s the difference you might ask?
To me, happiness is an in-the-moment feeling and it’s a direct reflection of the circumstance around you.
“I was being instructed to look for happiness, but my soul was seeking joy.”
Joy is a deeper, spiritual feeling. It’s a daily practice and choice. Even when circumstances around you seem to be falling apart, you can still feel joy because it is deep and overflows into the not-so-great moments of life.
With this shift in what I was seeking, I realized that to be joyful, I had to first come to terms with myself – the good, the bad, the ugly. There were parts of me that I wished were different, but slowly I was able to see those parts as gifts. I was able to finally understand that I was made different for a reason and that I was NOT a mistake.
Once I harnessed this truth and began the long process of accepting myself (a process that continues to be ongoing 20+ years later), I was able to discover my purpose.
No, my purpose was not in something that I would have found if I only looked at my passions and what made me happy. It was in something bigger than that … my purpose was discovered when I began to look at the parts of my life I wanted to change so I could be like everyone else – thank goodness I didn’t get my wish to change those things! My purpose was found in my differences, and I believe that is where most other seekers will find their purpose too.
Do you want to begin the journey of living a life with more joy? Destination: Tomorrow is a quick workshop and tutorial bundle to help you envision your dreams so you can achieve your dreams. You CAN live a big, bold, beautiful life with purpose, meaning, and joy!