Fear of purpose?

[Erki]

But don't really want to be just drifting along, either. It's more like that I feel an aversion, or perhaps fear of having a purpose - that if I have my purpose, then I'm "set" - I wouldn't want my purpose to restrict me, I wouldn't want to have a wrong purpose.

Anyone can relate?

[Angela]

Erki, you have more choices than just 1) declaring a purpose or 2) just drifting along.

You're doing fine, you are a loving, contributive, funny, delightful person, and you don't have to do anything at all. Maybe just notice what works for you in living a life you love and what doesn't -- you don't have to make any commitments. Just speculate!

[Jonathan Mead]

Your purpose doesn't have to something so specific. But it can be something like "my purpose is to enjoy life" or "the purpose of my life is to live in love and excitement and share my inner creativity with others."

I'm with you, a purpose shouldn't restrict you, it should give you a vision and bring clarity to your life. When all else fails, follow your heart.

[Angela]

Erki, I am interviewing a 70-year old woman who has led an incredibly purposeful life, has had tons of fun, and makes a huge difference in the lives of others almost every day.

When I told her I wanted to interview her because she seemed to me to be an incredible example of someone feeling good on purpose, she laughed and looked a little baffled. "Purpose?" she asked. "I do feel good on purpose, but I'm not sure what my purpose is. Now that you mention it, I'm going to the coffee shop and figure it out!"

I can hardly wait to hear what she comes up with.

[Marco Polo]

Honestly, I don't we can ever be truly "set" in life. Our goals may change many times during a lifetime, so don't be afraid to just try something out.

And Angela, wow, every time I read your posts it basically puts a smile on my face. I can literally feel your energy vibrating through the screen.

[Angela]

Wowweee, Marco Polo -- thank you!

[jonarmis]

Originally Posted by Erki

But don't really want to be just drifting along, either. It's more like that I feel an aversion, or perhaps fear of having a purpose - that if I have my purpose, then I'm "set" - I wouldn't want my purpose to restrict me, I wouldn't want to have a wrong purpose.

Anyone can relate?

I understand how it feels to be extremely too organized that everything in your life should be well-planned. It can have a negative effect especially if your expectations and plans will not eventually materialize. This is the negative part of being 'too' planned. But in everything, things abused are always not good. You have to do things in moderation. Accept the fact that there are things in life that will indeed need some sort of a planning. So do this, make big plans, but do not be too hard on yourself if it does not happen, if at all, always think that there are things in life that are beyond your control.

[PianoManGidley]

I'm afraid of finding my purpose, too, but it's because I'm afraid of how much I might need to change to work towards living my purpose once I find it. I'm afraid of things like "What if I need to leave my boyfriend or any of my dear and close friends because of my purpose?" or "What if I need to move somewhere where I never planned on moving?" (since I've been planning on moving to live with my boyfriend and near other friends in another state). Worse still, "What if I need to give up doing something I've loved doing for my entire life (such as music) to fulfill my purpose?"

[Angela]

PianoManGidley, I think if you distinguish an inspiring purpose for yourself, inspired action will arise naturally out of that purpose, and your choices will be made with joy and peace, rather than feeling stressful or full of sacrifice.

An inspiring purpose is not so much a taskmaster or oppresser, but rather, a bright light by which you can see the inspiration that lives in your choices.

You can't make a mistake.

[stevedevane]

When I was younger I had a similar fear of finding my purpose. Except my fear was that I'd choose the wrong path, then later discover my real purpose and be too far gone to get back to where I was supposed to be. Eventually I came to the conclusion that if that happened, I'd have a new purpose based on where I was at the time. And I was pretty sure that doing nothing was not my purpose.

[Gratitude Magic]

I agree with Angela: An inspiring purpose is . . . a bright light by which you can see the inspiration that lives in your choices.

Life purpose is not something an authoritative figure gives us and mandates us. It's within each of us, and uncovering its light is a joyous process.

Like all spiritual aspect, it's hard to describe completely by words. I know my purpose, and I can say it, but really it is more like a sense of direction, or the wholeness of being. I am guessing this is what the old lady meant. . .

Blessings to all of you who seek -- or even mildly feel interested in life purpose.

[jonarmis]

We all do need some inspiration and positive motivations daily.

I have stumbled upon one video you can check here:
Self Improvement Lounge - Register for Free Access

I hope it will lighten up your day!

[Louise Gilbert]

If our purpose is only in the present moment, here and now, then if you are fully experiencing what you are doing now, rather than thinking about yesterday or tomorrow, then you are on-purpose. You are not off-track. Your purpose now, is considering your purpose = on purpose, hoorah! This is the theory, I'm wondering how useful this is...? So - now we are all on-purpose. Now what?