Purpose

What is purpose?

Purpose, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, is defined as a reason why we complete something or why something exists. But what does purpose really mean? When we think about it, there is purpose in a lot of things that we do. Whether it be buying strawberry shampoo for an extra scent boost in the shower, going on holiday to see new sights or relax, or that morning brew to prepare for the day. Purpose is everywhere and in most aspects of what we do, often a subconscious part of the daily rhythm. So, what happens when our sense of purpose alters? It can start to have a noticeable impact on our daily rhythms and emotional wellbeing. Thinking about how change may impact these feelings is an important part of purpose, as life continues to move all the time. Such as a new parent who's whole world alters as they try to adapt to a new family member or the other end of the scale; a parent who's child has recently moved away which may leave them feeling lost. Purpose can bring up many strong emotions whether it is being challenged, lost or changed. Sometimes exploring and reflecting on what gives or what once gave you purpose can be powerful to uncover thoughts behind true feelings.

Purpose can be a part of many of life's journeys, with it constantly moulding and changing as our chapters close and open. It may once have been that morning pit stop for a certain bagel on the way to work, but now may that quiet moment exploring the flowers you grew from a seed. Purpose can be in all shapes and forms, it may look like a routine phone call to a family member, volunteering at a community group or wearing your lucky socks to an interview. Our actions are often guided by these subconscious rhythms, and therefore our thoughts and emotions can be challenged as they change or are forced to change, such as through grief or loss of routine. Sometimes, finding purpose in the small moments can be enough to guide us through a period of uncertainty, or sometimes it may be simply knowing, that the larger moments that may now be inaccessible, were once there but are always there in our memories.