Purpose isn’t something we stumble upon once and hold forever. It’s fluid and it shifts as we do. When we’re young, our purpose is simple: to play, laugh, explore, and experience the world with wide eyed wonder. Childhood is about curiosity and joy. Even when life isn’t easy, children naturally seek out light, a reminder to all adults that fun and play are valid forms of purpose.
As we grow, that sense of purpose begins to evolve. School introduces us to learning, friendship, and the first glimpse of who we might become. Teenage years bring questions, confusion, and self discovery. Our purpose starts to look more like exploration, not of the playground, but of identity, direction, and belonging.
Adulthood complicates things. We take on roles such as partner, parent, employee, carer, creator, or citizen. Each role brings its own purpose. Some fill us with joy while others weigh us down. But all of them, in some way, give us structure, a reason to get up and move forward. A life without any sense of purpose, even a small one, can feel empty and adrift.
The truth is, purpose doesn’t have to be grand. You don’t need to save the world or start a movement. Purpose might be caring for your family, showing kindness to a neighbour, or creating something beautiful that lifts another person’s day. It might be running a household, driving a bus, writing a story, or simply being someone others can rely on. Every contribution matters.
Still, the most powerful kind of purpose is one that resonates deeply within you, one that feels right in your gut. It doesn’t need to be perfectly defined. You might not know exactly what it is yet, and that’s fine. Start small. Follow what feels authentic and meaningful, and let your intuition guide you. Purpose isn’t a destination, it’s a direction.
A fulfilled life isn’t about doing what others expect, it’s about aligning with what feels true to you. When your actions and your inner compass match, life begins to flow. Each day becomes an opportunity, not just to do, but to be, with purpose, clarity, and quiet joy.
This post is inspired by Barely Zen: A Completely Unscientific Guide To Life by Steve Marsh. For more practical insights purchase the full book.
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