17.5 – For Last Week’s MM:

When people ask, “What is my life purpose?”

What they’re actually asking without realizing it is: “How can I use my time in a way that feels meaningful?”

You don’t find your purpose.
You build your purpose, experiment by experiment, mistake by mistake.

What do you spend your time on that feels meaningful? How can you do more of it?

Choose one moment this week and make it meaningful. A conversation, a walk, a task you normally rush through. Slow down, give it your full attention, and see if it becomes part of your purpose.

I believe that having [a] purpose in life is one of THE major factors in making life worth living. Without purpose, we literally just exist. Day in and day out. I understand this existence quite thoroughly.

I can say that I used to have purpose – when I was raising my son. He needed me there to guide him, be involved in his life, keep him safe, and teach him important things. Was it easy? Hell no. Raising a special needs child is one of the most difficult tasks a parent can have. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Did I do a good job?! Eeehhh… debatable?! Lol. But it gave me purpose.

I don’t have that purpose any more, despite my son needing an adult in his life that cares enough to continue teaching him and being involved. His father is NOT that person, but it was my son’s choice – as a legal adult – to stay in Arkansas and move in with him (as opposed to moving to Colorado with me).

Now… I exist. I go about my daily life like I’m floating aimlessly in a dinghy on the open sea. I spend my time with The Boyfriend and our 4 cats, of course, but… are they my purpose? My initial answer is no. I do want them in my life, but I can’t stake my existence on them. I really want/need to find a purpose just for me, ya know?

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18.0 – The One Risk Worth Taking

Two things for you to think about

People don’t burn out from doing too much.

They burn out from doing too little of what matters.

The only thing worse than failing at something meaningful is succeeding at something meaningless.

Reflect: Then consider sharing this thought with others.

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Two things for you to ask yourself

Think of your most recent success. Was it meaningful?

If it wasn’t, what do you wish you’d tried instead?

Recommended: Use these as journaling prompts for the week.

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One thing for you to try this week

Do one small thing that scares you—not because it’s dangerous, but because it means something. Send the message. Start the project. Say the thing you’ve been thinking.

Go do it, then let me know what happens.

Remember: Small changes lead to lasting breakthroughs.

https://markmanson.net/

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As for how I’m doing… things are… mediocre?! That’s the best word I can come up with right now to describe how mundane things are currently. Things aren’t horrible, but they aren’t great either. Just kinda in the middle of the road, going along decently. I’m glad I’m finally out of the emotional flatlining/numbness fog. I wouldn’t mind if things stayed comfortable and normal like this, either.