Living With Purpose

Imagine yourself, for a moment, sitting on the bow of a boat. You're sailing along with a slight breeze, drifting and enjoying the beautiful day. The sun is shining, and you're completely comfortable as you watch the water slip by.
When you boarded the boat, did you have any idea where you were headed? Did you check the boat to make sure that there were no damages to the vessel before leaving? Did you pack the necessary supplies that you'd need for your trip?
Sure, it would be fun to board a boat and just drift aimlessly - for a while. But what happens if a storm blows over? What then? What happens if part of the boat is damaged? A lot of living with purpose means preparing for whatever obstacles you may face. Having the tools and knowledge necessary to handle whatever pops up unexpectedly.
It also means having a goal in mind. Having something to look forward to - and doing whatever is necessary to reach it.

The first time I had the opportunity to watch this movie, I was completely blown away! Although some of the presentation seemed 'way over my head', a LOT of it just 'clicked', too. Although it could be seen as a little bit too 'New Age' for the average person, the principles that it talks about are very easy and applicable to living a life of purpose. If you have not seen this movie, or read the book, I highly recommend and encourage it. Even if you're not into the whole "New Age" thing, it's very well worth the average person's time to see it.

Here's a very simple exercise that just takes a minute or two. Take a moment and think about the very end of your life. What do you REALLY want people to remember about you? Were you a very successful business tycoon? A kind and caring parent? A famous celebrity? On a smaller scale, were you a good neighbor? A close friend? Someone who was sympathetic to a stranger's needs? Someone who was giving and generous?

On a blank sheet of paper, draw the shape of a headstone. (It doesn't have to be perfect!) Below it, or upon the other side of the paper, start writing the qualities that you'd like others to remember about you. Try to come up with at least ten things, but only take a minute or so. This isn't something you have to think too much about.
When you're finished, look at your list and rearrange it as necessary, so that your biggest priorities are at the top. Then, turn your page back to the sketch of your headstone. Write your name on it, along with the top three items on your list.
This exercise may seem a little morbid to you. It may have even made you a little bit uncomfortable. But hopefully, you now have a physical representation of some of your life's goals. That feeling of uneasiness is good, too. Why? Because sometimes, our goals are hard to reach. Sometimes, we need to step outside our comfort zones to become the people we are meant to be.