The topic of Purpose has surfaced with increasing frequency in conversations with guests on my podcast. (If you haven’t heard it, check out the Aging Well Podcast. The content dovetails quite well with the topics of well-centered fitness.) Purpose (“Purpose” v. “purpose) seems to be a keystone in longevity and a life well-lived. It is essential to the SPIES dimensions of well-centered fitness and aging well (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social).
Purpose is not a destination. Rather it is the fuel that drives up on our road of life. It is finding (and living) our why rather than our what. Purpose is what motivates us. Purpose is what gets us out of bed each morning.
I often speak of the importance of physical activity and effective exercise, healthy diet, maintaining a healthy body composition, sleep hygiene, and, of course, not smoking for health and longevity. I have recently added social connectedness to the list. Moreover, I have come to emphasize the sense of Purpose behind each of these. After all, we can be told repeatedly what is good and healthy for us (SPIES), but, until we see the Purpose in doing these things, we will always find our “why not.”
When we recognize our Purpose, we begin to recognize that it isn’t about us. It is about being able to make the greatest possible contribution to society—it is “other-centered.”
A life well-lived isn’t so much about the doing. It is about the doing for…. It is not about the years lived. It is about the impact we have along the way (and realize that, whether you see your life as great or small, you impact far more than you imagine). It is about contributing as much as we can for as long as we can. It is an expression of Purpose.
If you are reading this not knowing your Purpose (what is driving you), take some time to reflect and meditate on the topic. Add kindling to the fire within.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!