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Post by LovelyJune on Oct 13, 2008 13:50:53 GMT -8
I am trying to come up with ideas (like hobbies or interests) that people do to keep their mind off things-- or more importantly to feel as though they have a bigger PURPOSE in life.
As it stands now, my greatest interests are running, biking, exercising, singing (my fav), writing and reading. And yet none of these things really makes me feel ALIVE like i have a higher purpose (except maybe singing).
But my point is, you know those people who spend their whole lives devoted to some cause? People like Jane Goodall or Margaret Mead... whose lives were so much more than their husbands or partners. I want that for myself! I want an interest or cause that is so much greater than myself and i cannot seem to find one....Life for me as it stands now is to work from home and be a mother and take care of my house. My life cannot be JUST that. There's got to be more.
DOes anybody know what i am talking about and/or can add to this topic?
Thanks!
T
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Post by needinanekg on Oct 13, 2008 13:59:06 GMT -8
Yes, I do know what you mean. I would love a higher cause -- something that I was just driven to do. Something that consumes me. Some people just seem to stumble on their life love. Not me. I have hobbies. I enjoy running, biking, hiking and fiction. And then I have my children and the house (don't enjoy the cleaning so much). I have what many would call a full life. But I, too, lack what you are suggesting.
So how do we get it. How do we get there?
Needin
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Post by Susan Peabody on Oct 13, 2008 14:11:48 GMT -8
My work with love addicts in my "higher purpose." My bliss, as Joseph Campbell called it, is my writing. |
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Post by Judy on Oct 13, 2008 15:17:13 GMT -8
Hi everyone - OK, this is going to sound horribly pollyanna-ish but I really feel the highest purpose I have on this earth is as a recovering person in the 12 step programs. I have several interests (working out, reading, movies, art, theatre, etc) and adore spending time with my family and caring for them, but I feel that the most important thing I will ever do is to help another addict.
I have searched for that "higher purpose" my whole life. I never found it in anything outside myself. I watch C-span frequently and listen to authors and activists and intellectuals and scientists and think "God, I wish I could have that kind of impact on the human race", and my next thought always is - "You do."
I have sponsored many people in my initial 12 step program. In my life I will never have a more important responsibility, calling or purpose than helping one addict stay clean/sober/abstinent for one day.
I know this because I know that my own survival depends upon the generosity of time and spirit and truth and tough love that people have given to me, and continue to give to me. I am continually awed by the acts of service that people do for each other - and with no expectations in return.
I have a dear friend who every May on her anniversary tells the story of the postcard she received from me many years ago saying how happy I was to be celebrating my anniversary in a particular 12 step program that we were both in. She was horribly active at the time. She tells how the postcard was an epiphany. She went to a meeting and has been recovering ever since. I LOVE that story. Imagine the gift of having that kind of effect on someone's life.
Again, I know this sounds syrupy and perhaps a little high-falutin' - but I couldn't be more serious.
People on this site have saved my heart and soul this summer. I hope everyone that wants to find a higher purpose, does. But I want you to know that you have served a very high purpose for me - and I appreciate it.
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Post by bungabali on Oct 13, 2008 16:30:20 GMT -8
"Your purpose is to be doing whatever you are doing in the present moment. " Eckart Tolle
I really feel the highest purpose I have on this earth is as a recovering person in the 12 step programs Totally agree with this.
Just because in the eyes of the world you are not doing something "meaningful" does not mean you are not making an impact.
Telmita, maybe your purpose right now is to be raising your family and being a beacon of light on this board. There have been so many "wow" moments I've had from things you've said and I really look up to you. You are an inspiration to me and I"m sure many others.
For me my purpose is to continue on my journey of healing and hopefully be an inspiration to others. Lately I feel like I want to write a book about my experiences in Indonesia, maybe through that book, I will be inspire people and spread the word about love addiction. Who knows?
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Post by Metamorphosis on Oct 14, 2008 13:05:45 GMT -8
I am a Christian so my higher purpose is to love my neighbor. My neighbor is everybody I meet everyday. A smile, a kind word, money for the homeless. Do I do this well? Not really, but when I do I feel there is no higher purpose for me.  "Your purpose is to be doing whatever you are doing in the present moment." Eckart Tolle I'm sorry but I don't believe this is true. If I am robbing a bank this is not my higher purpose. |
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Post by bungabali on Oct 15, 2008 9:59:13 GMT -8
I'm sorry but I don't believe this is true. If I am robbing a bank this is not my higher purpose.
I think I am misquoting that comment from Eckart Tolle. What I am trying to say is we don't have to necessarily be doing something "great" for all of mankind. In our everday lives we affect people all around us and it's our choice to have a positive or negative affect, even mundane, everyday things affect others.
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Post by Susan Peabody on Oct 15, 2008 11:00:45 GMT -8
Yes! this is very true. Thanks. |
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vee25
Full Member
Posts: 247
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Post by vee25 on Feb 25, 2010 7:02:53 GMT -8
I too have these thoughts about a higher purpose, at the moment i spend most of my time working my recovery by going to meetings, making or recieveing outreach calls, journalling, being involved in my church, spending time with my god children, seeing my girlfriends and reading or watching my favorite programmes.
To me a higher purpose would be spending time on my art so that i can realise my dream of becoming an art therapist one day. I could sign up to go on a missionary event to help people in africe/india/haiti etc.
For today my higher purpose is about being present in this life and hopefully once i learn how to do this more often i will naturally move towards those things that i believe are my higher purpose.
I agree T that your role as a mother is an amazing purpose- i don't think i could do it and have a career and a partner and a life!!
Blessings
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Post by loveaddicted on Mar 17, 2010 6:01:19 GMT -8
me too. I have been searching for my higher purpose to give me the happiness like a relationship is susposed to but never has. Something when I put in energy I get it back in return to know I am doing something good.
I would like to say to those who still have children at home. I think this is a higher purpose. Your children. I wished I had put more energy into my child then into my relationships.
May an impact on your children this is the future of our world. I tried. The only thing I am proud of with my daughter that I did right is that she believes in God and knows he is with her always.
I wished I could have been healthier when she was growing up. I had to work and go to school to support her so in my opinion failed at teaching her how to love herself and her self respect. So to me a parent is the most treasured job there is. Raising them for our future and what would you love for them to bring to the world.
love
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