What's your purpose?

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   Brenda Durhamposted 14 years ago

   Do you have a purpose in life, a goal you believe you're "meant" to attain or a way of life that illustrates your basic reason for living life the way you do?
   Do you believe you were born into that purpose, or was it a conscious decision of yours?

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      psycheskinnerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      No.  i try to be happy because the alternative is unpleasant.  I try to good things rather than bad things because I don't want other people to be unhappy either.  But that isn't a purpose.

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      (Q)posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      People aren't born with purposes. What purpose do thousands of starving children hold? What purpose if they die?
      
      Perhaps, the purpose of their existence and their untimely deaths are to provide Christians a reason to thank their god?

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         luvpassionposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         The question, "What purpose do thousands of starving children hold? What purpose if they die?" these questions can not all be labeled as the fault of God. Consider...Man causes his own suffering in many instances, look at the millions who are starving in countries like Sudan and Ethiopia.
         
         The deserts of Northern Africa used to be a beautiful, fertile, wooded area. But over several centuries people cut down all the trees! As a result, the topsoil eroded and there was nothing left but desert. As the people moved south, seeking fertile land, they continued to cut down the trees, and so of course the desert moved southward too!
         
         Today there are THREE-AND-A-HALF MILLION SQUARE MILES of desert in the Northern part of Africa because men have disturbed the ecological balance of nature. As a result, untold numbers of people are dying of starvation there every day!
         
         Can you blame God for this? Problems like these are caused by man's own foolishness over a number of years, often centuries!--Problems which have steadily grown over successive generations.

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            (Q)posted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Yes, they can, if believers continue to thank their gods for their good fortunes, we most certainly blame their god for starving children. All that has to occur to change that conclusion is for Christians to admit their gods do nothing. Simple, really.
            
            
            
            I can blame god just as easily as believers can thank him. It is one and the same.

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               ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               Giving thanks to G-d is a celebration of blessings not an actual social thank you. It is an externalization of an inner gratitude for what a person has received out of his own hard work and perseverance.
               
               Blaming G-d is a also an externalization for inner contempt for what a person have not received out of his own lack of hard work and perseverance.

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                  Mark Knowlesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  Wow - You genuinely do not understand what the people thanking god think do you? And there you are telling everyone how clever you are and how you understand everything better than they do.
                  
                  They think there is a actual person outside of themselves - separate from them. This is why believing in the invisible super Daddy in the sky is destined to cause conflict and possibly self destruction of the species.

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                  (Q)posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  That would be one interpretation, thanks.

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      Shahid Bukhariposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      The Creator, Hath Created us Human ... Thus, the Purpose, of our Life, Is to Be Humans ... as distiguishable from Animals.

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      Mishaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Yeah, my purpose is to annoy people with "stupid" questions

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      pinkboxerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      To Be. To be exactly as I was created by Almighty God to be, to do exactly what I was created to do. That for me is the significance of purpose in my life. Through this I am fulfilled. Through this I have hope. Through this I know that my life is not just a matter of fate. It is so much more, despite the circumstances presented before me.

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         Brenda Durhamposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I agree with the jist of that.
         Read one of your hubs; very encouraging;  took some guts and compassion, I think, to write that.
         You have an interesting life.

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   lxxyposted 14 years ago

   Both.
   
   I see a lot of pathways my life can take each day, I decide which reality to continue to walk through.
   
   I purposefully play with fate, wondering what lays just around the next bend.

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   liberposted 14 years ago

   I don't think I have a goal that I was mean't to attain -- like something that was almost laid out for me before I was born.
   
   My basic reason for living is creativity and discovery...how well I accomplish them is another topic for debate of course.

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   jondavposted 14 years ago

   I try not to overthink things. What will be will be as they say.

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      Precious Williamsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      You make it sound as if we never have any choices.

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   Paragliderposted 14 years ago

   I think it's important to try to do things well, for my own satisfaction, while trying not to hurt others, directly or indirectly. (An example of indirect hurt is leading a lifestyle that requires exploitation of 'invisible' people in far off places).

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   PrettyPantherposted 14 years ago

   I choose to be happy and productive.  That is the simple description of my life.

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   charlemontposted 14 years ago

   I believe every human being has a Mission, though not many of us realize that. Faithfully pursuing my mission would make me happier, but I'm not sure I've figured out what it is.

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   Shadesbreathposted 14 years ago

   My purpose is to be the puppet of an organization run by humans claiming to understand the impossible to understand and the even more impossible to prove.  If I'm really lucky, I'll find one that is an offshoot of an even older organization that tried to do the same thing and then was chopped up into different parts by other humans who disagreed with the parts the initial groups of humans wrote so made their own with their favorite bits and ignored the other bits.  Once I am a puppet, I will twist up my puppet strings and my little wooden mouth with just run off with all sorts of perversions of the already misguided stuff I was taught by my keepers as they dismembered what they misunderstood from their sources.  True success will then lie in being as obnoxious, rude, condescending and judgmental as I possibly can while occasionally trying feebly to perpetrate a facade of love--because everyone knows, using love against people is the highest form of love.

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      Paragliderposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Now, there's a Monday message

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   Brenda Durhamposted 14 years ago

   Interesting responses.

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      Paragliderposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      That's because people are interesting, in their individuality and creativity. Vive le difference!

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    eternaltreasuresposted 14 years ago

    my purpose is to do good to everyone to the best of my ability.

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    Hauntyposted 14 years ago

    I think the only way I can fail is if I don't find a purpose in life, because then my whole life would be meaningless.
    
    It's easy to say you don't have a purpose, you just are. But that's because you didn't find a purpose. I don't think it has to be something assigned to you at birth by a creator, but you can choose for yourself.

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       Brenda Durhamposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I like that.

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          shaitanchicposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          As to me everyone must have some purpose in this life in order to rise up. If you want to achieve something you must put the certain aim and task, then to build sequence of their achievment.

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    Bill Manningposted 14 years ago

    I think everyone should live life and do things they find make them happy. Instead of trying to figure out what their purpose in life is.

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       Rochelle Frankposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       That sounds nice , unless we find out that out purpose in life is to seek purpose.

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          Rochelle Frankposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          "There is no solution; seek it lovingly "
          — Socrates
          
          I guess this is what I was trying to say.

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    H.C Porterposted 14 years ago

    I think that we were each born with a purpose, but we must make an effort to achieve this purpose. Things will not happen just because they are ‘suppose’ to happen- we can choose to go down a different path if we feel incline to do so. I believe that at this particular phase in my life I am at a ‘realization stage’, meaning the point where my strengths and weaknesses as well as my abilities and gifts are coming into focus to reveal to me my purpose. Although past decisions may/may not attempt to sway me from this revelation-it is my own personal responsibility to myself to not stray from refocusing on discovering my true purpose. Little by little I have begun to realize what I am happy doing, what I deserve, what is unhealthy for my emotional state as well as my state of mind. I am now applying the way that I feel after I make a decisions to my day to day life  in order to better assess myself to get a full understanding of who I am and what I should be striving to accomplish.
    I am through the doorway in understanding my purpose- So far I believe that I as well as many others have experienced situations that others can pull strength from, I feel a duty to women who have hurt the way I have hurt, to share my story so that they may pull hope and hopefully strength from what I have lived through. I am still standing and have maintained the ability to function amongst others in society without letting stresses and memories shatter me. I believe that my main purpose in life is to lead by example, but not judge differences- to show my children all aspects of the world and teach them that kindness is always a better option that cruelty. I believe that one person can make a difference by making a difference in the eyes of one other person. I think that my purpose in life includes being honest to-Myself by purposefully spreading a little happiness and positivity rather than angst and hatred. The world has enough B.S---My purpose is not to add to it.

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       Lisa HWposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       My purpose is to, before I die, get legal and completely socially acceptable revenge on a few people responsible for the variety of BS they've brought into my world, and the world in general.  I want some truth acknowledged, and I want justice.  Only by aiming to do that can I make a dent in getting rid of the some the BS you mentioned that's in the world.  (Of course, the BS you're talking about and the kind of BS I'm talking about are two different kinds of BS.     )   I can't be true to myself if I don't get the justice and revenge I want/need and deserve.    (This isn't the most "cheerful little post", I know, but there's something satisfying about just posting it.)

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    TruthDebaterposted 14 years ago

    This is far from a stupid question, it is an excellent question. Everything hints that we have purpose from the survival of life to the beat of our heart. The purpose keeps them functioning. If they had no purpose, they might stop living, beating, or functioning. Much like a person that tries to do a task without seeing the point or purpose of doing it, they will likely do it half ass or not do it at all. Much like life, if there are no goals or purpose that you are working or living for, it seems like it would be pointless or without direction.

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       Brenda Durhamposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I agree with that.
       
       And oh my
       while I seriously rooted for McCain during the Election, I can't help but find your avatar picture of McCain and Obama totally hilarious!  I've seen that pic somewhere before, but it cracks me up anyway! 

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          TruthDebaterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks. It's purpose was to crack you up! See, purpose is good!

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    Rafiniposted 14 years ago

    At this stage of my life I'm believing the purpose of my life is to communicate. 
    
    That said, my birth chart points to communication, skills based tests I've taken since being unemployed all point to communication, interest surveys taken since being unemployed all point to artistic and communication, and ever since I was about 8 or 9 I've wanted to be a writer - to communicate my point of view. 
    
    I believe I was born in the right place and time in order to achieve the purpose set for my life (as I now see it, lol)

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       Precious Williamsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Rafini - does that make you happy? I love you're writing but you often sound very sad.

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          Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks Precious - I suffer from chronic depression but I've chosen to not allow it to rule my life.  It's a struggle every day between deep sadness and some form of happiness - but it's the choice I made over mind-numbing medications.

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    Greek Oneposted 14 years ago

    According to a higher power (my wife), it is to sit on the couch all day watching TV while the lawn doesnt get cut

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    Eaglekiwiposted 14 years ago

    
    It is a wise man indeed who recognises his higher power!
    
    Which reminds me ,I must check on my other half ,now where did I leave that cattle prod...

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       Greek Oneposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       check his behind...
       
       that's where my wife stores hers

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    Eaglekiwiposted 14 years ago

    Oh you are so funny and thankyou , why in between checking up on my mate and  male offspring, one can become a little forgetful.
    
    Its tough at the top I tell you!
    
    
    P.S. Overheard 6ft son sharing with his brother about a lil task he and his friends were proud of recently in the school grounds....
    Underneath a  huge bright pink sign claiming "Girls Can Do Anything"!!
    Someone had clumsily written , ...yea but they still cant pee over a 6ft fence!!
    
    
    Greek One I will dispatch my sons to your wife pronto!!

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       Greek Oneposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       right where we want our women

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    Eaglekiwiposted 14 years ago

    Knew as soon as I hit submit, it was too late
    
    Remind your higher power to keep all steel instruments stored in dark,dry place to maintain longevity and ultimate functionality...or she may need to replace it with the new 'boomerang' variety..

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       Greek Oneposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       are you talking about a vibrator??

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    khmohsinposted 14 years ago

    every person who born has a purpose in this life, no one is purposeless.

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    Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

    I use to think I had a purpose - never knew what it was   I think everything happens one day at a time, and I'm just learning that now.  I thought my purpose was to stay in MN my entire adult life, raise kids and play social mommy, dress up nice & be socially acceptable.  I was WRONG!  Now I'm sitting on a lawn chair by the pool in sunny California wondering if the covenance in the neighborhood allows me to shoot the dog on the other side of the fence with a paint gun to shut it up.  The barking annoys my dog.  So my goal today is to train my dog on proper barking etiquette.  My purpose for today?  Who knows, I didn't get a note, soft whisper or hear a loud voice telling me

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    LeanManposted 14 years ago

    My purpose.... Just to be me...

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    waynetposted 14 years ago

    I have one main purpose in life and that's to eat as many sherbet lemons as possible.

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    watchyaposted 14 years ago

    To move on.

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    Rafiniposted 14 years ago

    I'm a firm believer in Everything Happens For A Reason so...for a long time it was a major issue for me to determine what the purpose of my life is.  lol  I believe I've figured it out now.  (Communication!)

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       liamoreillyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       "Everything Happens For A Reason" I had a feeling you were going to say that. Personally I dispute that claim but only because I'm more moderate. I say "Some things happen for a reason, therefore not everything is coincidental nor reasonable". I can comprehend and live my life that way, otherwise believing "everything happens for a reason" is overwhelming.

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          Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          lol   Do I know you?  Or...did you have that feeling just by reading my posts or peeping at my avatar?   
          
          When you believe Everything Happens for a Reason, the main thing to remember is - You don't have to know the reason for Everything that happens.  Such as...there's no need for me to question Why my son has Aspergers.  It's simply a fact in my life but as time goes on I think, more and more, he was given to me for a reason, whether or not I ever discover what the reason is.  Hopefully the reason manifests itself through my thoughts, actions, beliefs.

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             liamoreillyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             When you ask the question "what is your purpose?", I felt like I already knew where you were taking this, its like your intention was to say "since, everything happens for a reason, then what is your purpose?".  Ummm I'm sure were strangers....is your profile the same as your avatar? If so, then yes you caught me, I peeped at your avatar. If not, then I viewed your profile.
             
             You make a valid point. Believing "Everything happens for a reason" does not make oneself omniscient (all knowing). I suppose there is a hidden ambiguity to the saying "Everything happens for a reason", since faith in everything is not the same as knowledge in everything, as in the case of your son.
             
             However, for myself, I'm knowledgeable and curious and do like to discover why things are the way they are. Though I don't know much about Aspergers, I'd guess there is a medical reason why.
             
             Everytime I hear the word hope, my thought is :" Hope without determination is like dried crusted flies lying dead on a window ceil". Excuse the analogy and I'm not trying to be insensitive or painfully honest but I'm skeptical of those who speak of hope. Even if you hoped me long lasting health and happiness or hoped a plane fall from the sky and landed on top of me.
             
             I have issues with hope, like if you had said "I wish" I'd like" I'd be thankful" reason manifests itself through my thoughts, actions, beliefs", I'd be less idiosyncratic.

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                Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                Gotcha -   
                
                I also like to discover why things are the way they are, but a long time ago - when I was a child - I had to decided which avenue I wanted to pursue. 
                Did I want to follow science and be consumed by never-ending research? 
                Did I want to think mathematically and push myself to discover the exact answers to the most complicated equations? 
                Did I want to pursue language and understand why people do the things they do? 
                I chose language way back then when I was a child - too many possibilities were driving me mad!  lol
                
                Ah, hope.  Hope is an interesting word, isn't it?   lol    I don't define hope as the dictionary defines it.  I define hope as a wish I'd like to come true.  So, yes.  I hope the reason for my being given my son (with Aspergers) will manifest itself through my thoughts, actions, beliefs.  ---  Meaning, of course, that before my life is through I hope to have an understanding as to why my son has Aspergers. 
                
                If I don't, I wont fret over it.  Does that make sense?  I kinda feel like...it isn't up to me to question why - it's up to me to deal with it the best I can.

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                   liamoreillyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                   Well fortunately for you, I chose to pursue science and be consumed by never-ending research and can you believe I love that it never ends, if I were a scientist by trade I would have great job security, and to think mathematically and push myself to discover the exact answers to the most complicated equations, but again I think I missed my calling as a mathematician by trade, as I'm adept with numbers and formulas.
                   
                   Fortunately for me, you chose to pursue language and understand why people do the things they do. I have to admit I've always felt a bit estranged from people ever since I was a child, so if you can explain their behaviour you'd be doing me a great service and if you can explain my behaviour I'd be eternally grateful, as they say.
                   
                   I'm accepting of your definition of hope, and I suppose the unwritten definition I had of hope was hope means  "I want something for nothing". That is why I'm skeptical but there is more.
                   
                   To put hope in its proper place, that is at the end; meaning "I've done all that I can and now all that is left to do is hope". I trust a person who places hope in the right place.
                   
                   If your not seeking medical knowledge as to why your son has aspergers, ie genetic trait,  then are you looking to understand fate?
                   
                   You think I'm sensible? I like the way you think. To answer your question, yes, if you don't find an understanding but remain stedfast, that makes sense.
                   
                   Perhaps you need to first discover you can do no better than your best, and can allow yourself to feel satisfied with what you've done as a parent. Then you can take a break, relax, and ponder...maybe it will come to you.

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                      Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                      I've never been in tune with people either - that's why I chose language and (attempting) to understand why people do the things they do - through writing.  I haven't gotten very far yet - I only began taking my dream seriously when I joined HubPages.
                      
                      Some do feel hope = something for nothing.  Me, I feel Life is a Proactive Endeavor.  (searching for answers to Aspergers would be Reactive)
                      
                      Looking to understand fate...I think that sounds about right.  Fate, destiny, purpose, faith.  They're all interrelated. 
                      
                      It's been a nice sensible conversation.  ty

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             (Q)posted 14 years agoin reply to this

             When we do ask those hard questions, we tend to find out more an more about it and hopefully find a cure. By simply accepting it and doing nothing hoping the answers will come from thin air is rather pointless and defeating, and does more harm than good.

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                Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                I feel it's up to the Medical Community to ask those questions.  If I were to constantly be asking myself 'why' my focus would be in the wrong place.  My focus belongs with my children, not the reasons behind their being born the way they were.
                
                I do not believe that loving my children first causes them harm.  However, if my focus was on Aspergers (rather than my son) I believe my son would come to harm because my priorities wouldn't be where they belong.

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       (Q)posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Those two may very well be related, one driving the other, perhaps.

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    bojanglesk8posted 14 years ago

    All life means to me now is just to reach my goals...

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       Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Reaching goals gives you purpose - no problem with that! 

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    Dainposted 14 years ago

    My main purpose in life is to never stop learning, and next to that is to be a success (carefull don't insert your definition of success there).

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    Chasukposted 14 years ago

    My purpose? To be a good father, husband, friend, and lover. To continually increase my understanding. To enjoy life without causing harm.

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