It seems that most blogs have a purpose and usually one that involves advice or inspiration. After very little thought and contemplation, I have come to the conclusion that mine may not fulfill this requirement. Though this explains the somewhat low numbers in the reader department, it doesn't actually 'inspire' me to find a purpose. I'm afraid that if I get the idea that I have something to advise the rest of the world on that it may go to my head, and I decided years ago that I didn't want my ego to become any larger. Not that it's all that large mind you, but I'm just not comfortable thinking too well of myself. A little humility has served me, if not well, faithfully these last 37 years. Of course with that being said, I do find myself wanting to share my latest revelation. Please don't mistake what I am about to say for advice, it is simply my latest ponderings.
A few years back, I decided that just because I may have 'gifts' or 'talents' that I didn't need to use them to conquer, change or modify the world. I would be just as content quietly using them in my day to day life that involved a husband, two sons & three cats. Recently, I have taken the time to rethink this philosophy and find that I may have been mistaken. I think that a life without goals or a greater purpose can become rather dreary and sad. I now wonder if by denying myself the chance to accomplish something greater than pantry organization (no matter how ingenious), I may have tempered or dare I say even destroyed my enthusiasm for life. I often feel as if I am passed my 'use by' date. I'm not quite curdled, but there is a strange odor coming from the container. Is it right or normal to feel this way at such a 'young' age? Perhaps, if I had left some room for uncharted exploration instead of settling in for a quiet life, I may still have been able to compliment a bowl of cereal instead of being reserved for bake goods. This now leads me to my final thought which is that life, like a successful blog, must have vision and purpose to flourish and perhaps it's time that mine did.
I think it's possible, actually probable, to go through life without knowing what one's "real" purpose in life is. The crazy people I see each night in the ER are proof enough of this. I know a few people who drive themselves nuts with fixating on the need to find their purpose. They still haven't.
ReplyDeleteAfter sixty years of sucking air on the planet and a lot of various experiences I can't say that I'm any closer to knowing. What I do know is that after 47 years of working that my purpose is not to be found through employment. The purpose I have set for myself is to enjoy not being employed and all of the nonsense that comes with dealing with whacko co-workers.
I think it does help to get outside of one's mind for brief excursions. Perhaps some non-demanding volunteer work every now and then.
Love you. Dad
First off, Dad thanks for commenting. Comments are always appreciated :) I agree that 'employment' in the classic sense isn't the answer. I once heard that if you love something don't do it for a living, because you will learn to hate it. So, what is one to do but volunteer and even that doesn't have to be through an organization. Perhaps, just thinking outside of yourself is purpose enough.
ReplyDeleteI love your post. I always thought I would work and now am a stay-at-home mom with a husband with a high powered job he loves and I am with the kids. I feel purposeless, like my talents won't get developed, obsolete, and often worthless and then I have to pull myself up get out there, put one foot in front of the other and accomplish things and convince myself that they are important. It's not the surgery I thought I would do but it's got to count for something... all while the breast cancer ages creep up on me.
ReplyDeleteNo volunteer organization or school coordinating event has been enough for me. I read memoirs to see how other people do it (I highly recommend Dani Shapiro's "Devotion"). Just put one foot in front of the other and keep swimming is what I hear people say a lot... but then I feel vapid, fast paced, and silly...
Maybe I should develop my writing... maybe you should write a book to represent all of us. Loved your post... thanks for reading my ramblings. :)
Thanks for your comment. Believe it or not, it has me considering writing some more posts. I haven't felt all that inspired lately to put my thoughts out into the universe, but I must admit, I miss the feeling of sending them out into the great unknown.
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