What's the Purpose?

I have always believed that if you do what you believe in your heart is truly best for you, emotionally and spiritually, then, ultimately, it will be right for the others in your life as well. I believe that's true regardless of how they receive it initially, or whether they even ever truly recognize that fact. If your life has meaning and joy, it's better for everyone on the planet.

The trick is sorting out what appeals to your ego (fears, selfish indulgences) from what you genuinely feel, at the depth of your soul, is in concert with your inner purpose.

So, I decided to start a list of criteria that feel right for me. I hope it will help to guide me, and perhaps others on this critical journey. It's an unfinished list. So please, feel free to add to it with your comments.

1. Does it give you energy and provide it's own inspiration?
2. Are you more than you thought you were as a result of your experience with it?
3. Have you grown in ways you wouldn't want to reverse because of it?
4. Are you more sure about who you are because of it?
5. Would you want your children or your best friend to have a similar experience?

There was a time in my life that I found myself more focussed on this matter than anything else in my life. Then I went on with my daily activities and the urgency (and the sense of priority) faded.

Recently I've been reminded, in no uncertain terms, of it's importance. Purpose is everything. Everything.

I have it with my children, with my work, with my friendships and with my health. But there are always opportunities to find purpose in nearly every aspect of your life. I recognize I still have unexploited opportunity in mine.

Do you?