Live a life worth living … Live with Purpose

The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.

Unknown

What does it mean to “live a life worth living”? What does it mean to “live with purpose”?

To me, and specifically, as it relates to Rise | Love | Live, it means to live passionately, do something with your life, and carry out your life’s passions.

A few of us are lucky enough to fulfill our passions in our day-to-day work.

My sister and brother-in-law fall into that group of folks where they get to “play” every day while they work! They are professional mountaineers, climbers, and ski patrol (even with avalanche training!).

So it was no surprise to the family when they announced the location of their wedding. We also found ourselves not too surprised when the bride and groom [and even the wedding party] climbed up to their wedding spot!

But alas, not all of us are so lucky. For those of us with a “regular” 9 to 5 job, how can we seek to fulfill our passions and live a life worth living?

What are you passionate about?

What are your strengths? Where do your natural talents lie? Do you want to pursue a passion that personally fulfills and helps you, your family, or the community?

And now my favorite part – let’s make a list using these three buckets.

Personal, Family, Community

The Process of Creating your List.

In a quiet place, with a big breath of inspiration – begin brainstorming your ideas.

Instinctively, you will want to validate each idea before jotting it down, but don’t allow that to happen for this exercise. I urge you to pull your thoughts from your heart, not your head.

When you are done, circle the top three that, at this moment, bring you the most joy.

I have many things on my list that I am passionate about, but my sweet spot? Cooking for others.

I am delighted when I am cooking. From our weekly family dinners to cooking for about 100 happy folks at church.

And each time, just before exhaustion kicks in, I have a wonderful feeling of euphoria. During that one moment, you see that all of your plans have come together. Everyone is enjoying themselves and the beautiful meal you have created!

This feeling of euphoria comes from taking care of or doing good for others. Volunteering or careers in Social Services sets a clear path for one to live with purpose. While on this path, this journey, you are also taking care of your spiritual health.

Doing Good.

The specific ideas on each of our lists will be unique to the individual. Still, if I’d have to guess. I bet many noted volunteering and/or an activity that includes doing good for others.

During one of my Sundays are Simple episodes, I talk about how important it is for each of us to use our strengths and “Go make a difference in this world.”

One has to admit that living a life with purpose is better than not! Does it mean that if I am NOT living with purpose, I am living a ‘bad life”?!? No!

But you’re missing out and you’re not getting everything out of life that it has to offer.

Simply put, if you can find something that you are passionate about, your time here on earth will be more exciting!

The bonus? Others will benefit from your passion as well!

Now what?

What can we do with these newly found passions?

Okay, we created a list, identified our top three, and now I am asking you to implement at least ONE passion before the end of the year.

Just ONE! Today, select the easiest idea and make it happen!

We’re selecting the easiest idea first because we’re hoping to get this into motion before the end of the year, a mere 6.5 weeks away.

Next, create a plan to make your passion happen.

Commit to yourself this week (4 days from now); you’ll take your idea and create a solid plan.

Then – make your passion happen!

Commit to yourself by next week (another 4 days); that you will put that plan into motion, and you will make your passion come to life!

Is that doable? Do you feel passionately enough about your idea to truly make that happen for yourself? I hope so!

Will your passion change over time?

Yes, definitely, probably, maybe? Well, that was a silly answer. And per my usual response to my own commentary – “It really depends on you.“.

• Where are you on your current journey?
• What stage of life are you at?
• Are you starting with your easiest vs. most challenging passion idea?
• Do you quickly get bored like my youngest?

And therein lies your answer! Implement your other ideas over time, check your list in a year, make a new list. Keep your passion ideas flowing!

At the end of the day, whatever bucket your passion idea falls into, I hope you take a leap of faith and believe me when I say, “living a life with purpose is the best life to live.”

I think the best thing for you to do is live your life. Live a life that’s worth living, one where you do what you want to do, pursue your passions. That way, if you meet someone, they’ll be joining a life that’s already really good.

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

Until next time … Peace and Blessings, Friends!