The title of this column is Living on Purpose, and for most of my years I’ve managed to find spaces in my life to do just that. But there have been times when I was living out someone else’s purpose, or doing a job that helped the family’s income but didn’t speak to my true nature—yet still served a purpose in my life.
We move through various stages in life, and as we do, it’s important to remember that not all of them are meant to last forever. Some are humdrum, some exciting, and some downright difficult. When we’re in a stage we don’t like, it can feel endless—but it won’t last. And the ones we wish would never end? They won’t last either.
A good friend recently said to me, “I just want to figure out my purpose for this stage in my life.” Circumstances, relationships, health, and finances all play a role in shaping what our life is—and what it can be. We seldom go through life without reassessing where we are and where we want to head next. Sometimes we can plan for it; other times, we simply need to stay open to opportunities that make our soul sing.
The key to navigating life’s seasons is to treat each one with respect. You’ve probably heard the saying, “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.” Does that make it easier when we realize the world we once knew has changed and it’s up to us to adapt and grow?
I met Peggy a few years ago while visiting Puerto Vallarta. She had just retired and was looking to make Vallarta her second home. When I returned last winter, she was president of the International Friendship Club—an organisation that raises funds from the resort’s more affluent visitors to help local residents in need. They sponsor three cleft palate clinics each year, along with funding requests from educational groups and food banks.
Of course, you can’t ask too many questions without being offered a job! So when I was asked to write the newsletter, I knew it was something I would love doing. It felt purposeful to me.
My original plan was to spend time in PV relaxing—writing, enjoying the beach, the sunshine, the tequila, and the food. But having spent some of my childhood in a tourist area, I understood that I needed to contribute to the community’s well-being, not just enjoy its beauty.
Some people carefully craft their purpose—researching, planning, and setting clear goals. Others stumble upon it unexpectedly: by answering a phone call, replying to an email, or saying “yes” to a request. And for some of us, it’s more of a spiritual experience—we simply know what matters to us, and life seems to align the right opportunities in our path.
Now that I have a purpose that spans the whole year—whether I’m there or here—I don’t feel 73 years old. I feel younger, more vital, and like I’m making a difference.
Don’t let age, or other people’s values, stop you from finding the thing that makes your heart sing!
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Laurie Mueller, M.Ed is retired and living in Victoria with her husband, Helmuth. She recently published The Ultimate Guide on What to Do When Someone You Love Dies, available on Amazon. More about Laurie can be found at www.lauriemconsulting.com or on Facebook.