Purpose

The idea behind purpose is that there's a reason for everything. There's a point for us to be here on the planet. It implies an active state where we must do something in order to find meaning or the why.

And for many of us, that reason has to do with what we do more than who we are.

But, purpose isn't something we find. It isn't a degree or a job or whether we get married and have children.

Who we are and where we are headed are our purpose.

I think that is why many people keep searching for meaning through work, relationships, and goals. The always wanting to do more and be more in order to find our purpose, a sense of meaning.

We imagine purpose to be a place of peace, one where we finally feel settled, can relax, and enjoy life.

Purpose is viewed as a destination - something we have to achieve and feel frustrated because we never quite get there.

In all my years as a psychologist, I've come to think that our purpose is to grow spiritually and psychologically, healing ourselves and those around us. It's a journey.

Our purpose is to love ourselves, accept ourselves, and continue to learn. When we are content with where we are, that is when we will find peace. That is our purpose.