Ever wonder why you’re here and what is your purpose in life? I have a friend who has said, “None of us are here just to exist.” I like to think that’s true. I believe that we all have some reason to be here.

When I first retired in 2015, I searched for activities that I would enjoy doing. I was really trying to stay busy and find something I liked to do. I liked to sew and craft so I started by making things like placemats and curtains and repurposing small furniture in my home. In doing that I found I really liked making things. I was also addicted to cooking shows (still am!). I’d watch chefs prepare meals and try them on my family. I actually considered enrolling in a cooking class, but I found Google and the Food Network were enough to satisfy my curiosity.

Then, in 2020, I became part of a collaborative with four former co-workers. We were asked how we had gotten to where we currently were in life and what our purpose was. We ended up sharing our perspectives on life, vision and purpose in a book.  

It was suggested I take what I was learning about cooking and my love of writing and put it in a book. I wasn’t really feeling that combination. Instead, I opened an Etsy shop and sold the hand crafted things I was making. I did find that satisfying and surprising that complete strangers were interested in and buying the items I was making.

Just this past winter I questioned whether that was what I really wanted to do. I was still enjoying making things, but something was missing. It became a little too easy for me to just stop and let go of something I thought I loved. I just wanted to write. I wanted to finish that book. I wanted to get this blog back out there. That was my purpose.

I’ve heard that if it’s meant for you it will come true. You just have to put in the work. I have said in a previous post that I have found my joy in writing. I just had to try some other things till I found it.

Your purpose may be in something you create or an activity you participate in. It may be helping others in some way, teaching or just being a listening board for someone. It’s just something that brings you joy or maybe joy to others. I am far from a religious person, but I find meaning in Jeremiah 29:11 NIV. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” It may not be the intention of that scripture, but it says to me, the plan for you is there and do what brings you joy.

Have you found your purpose? What brings you joy?