Purpose
When I realized the toolbox full of coping mechanisms and strategies to find stillness in the fray became routine or felt incredibly temporary, establishing a foundational approach to making sense of it all became important. Just coping is not an option. Perhaps not coincidently, it was at the same time I realized the elusive, subjective concepts of normal and balance were getting in the way of potential.
The walks around the block, yoga, meditation (which I find maddening—working hard to not think does not provide stillness), puzzles, cooking and insane spin classes were activities I’ve always enjoyed and were providing fleeting relief. I’m not sure when it happened, whether gradual or epiphany, I realized the invaluable importance to ground myself into what provides me with purpose.
Purpose is not the same as your belief and value system in which governs your actions; it goes deeper than what we find important. It is existence. If you follow Simon Sinek’s research, this is our “why”—what we give to the universe. It is the foundational level of identity. I feel it can be evolutionarily adaptive and multi-faceted. I’m still exploring and understand my approach and results are inherently unique.
Please don’t misunderstand, I acknowledge the change fatigue is real, it is uncomfortable, and a respite is welcome. The sustained unknown has worn us out, but we’re still here. Chaos has always been present in our lives. I appreciate its power to affect positive change and growth, but it shouldn’t control me.
In the absence of stillness, with limited energy, perhaps we avoid trying to see-saw a balancing act and instead focus the energy on respecting, and asking the same of others, the boundaries you have in place to protect and guide your why. The adage of, “If it doesn’t serve a purpose, it is wasteful” rings truth.
In the absence of normal or even stasis, I’ve found conscious adaptation and unlearning what isn’t important an exciting and refreshing path. If anything, naming your purpose is a fun distraction and may help a gaze forward.
Whatever chaos the universe throws at me, my future self will be a result of strength, kindness, curiosity, courage, and play.
