“Follow your passion. It will lead to your purpose.”
—Oprah Winfrey

At one time or another, you’ve probably had someone tell you, we all have a purpose in life. But what does that really mean and how do you find it if you don’t know what it is? That’s a good question, but can be hard to answer. Some people seem to be born knowing what they want to do, as they have a gift for music, are artistic, love math, or have some other calling. Other people however, have a harder time pin-pointing their purpose, but over time may figure it out by trying different things. Still others may keep searching and wondering, while working and living their life.

Last year, my husband and I sold our business of 20 years. I can’t tell you how many people have asked us, “How’s retirement going?” Retirement? This to me is an odd question. I know it means different things to different people, but most people associate it with not working and really living the life.  I don’t know about you, but that seems contradictory to me. Can you have a happy life not doing anything anymore? I know there are plenty of retired people who are happy because they keep busy doing things they enjoy. There are others however, who retire and are miserable as they feel they no longer have a purpose.

Dan Buettner, in his book, The Blue Zones, describes regions around the world where people live to 100 years of age and beyond. These people live a healthy life-style with plenty of activity and incorporate a diet of healthy whole food. “In one such region, located in Okinawa, there is no such thing as retirement. In fact, there isn’t even a word for it. Instead, there is one word Okinawans live their life by: Ikigai, (icky guy) which when translated means the reason for which you wake up in the morning.”¹ You’ll find some of these Centarians fishing, teaching karate, cooking for the family and more. They really are living their passions.

What is the reason you wake up in the morning? 

I like to cook, bake muffins, exercise, write and inspire others to live a healthy life-style and recently wrote a book titled, Wholey Cow A Simple Guide To Eating And Living. If you don’t know what yours is, try asking yourself these questions.

1. What do you really enjoy? Do you like music, entertaining, cooking, reading, connecting with others? Think about the things that really make you come alive?
2. What can you do to live more authentically? Be yourself and don’t be swayed by what others like or do. You are unique and important. Make your own decisions.
3. What is your intuition telling you. We all have an inner knowing. Trust in that wisdom.
4. What are you waiting for? Take the first step to move forward. Whatever it is, just begin.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Source:
¹”Black Hole Focus.” Optimize. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 July 2017.