Have you ever looked back on your life and felt your greatest significance was in the past?
It’s a silent question that many people hold but few ever speak aloud.
At some point we start to think that purpose is for the young. That the greatest dreams, the biggest adventures, and the most important contributions come earlier in life.
We don't buy that for a second.
We believe that purpose never expires. It just grows and changes along with us.
Purpose is not something we find once and hence it’s never too late to find your purpose. It's something we're still growing into.
Purpose Expands With Us
Purpose has never been the same throughout our life.
There have been times when we have been busy growing our jobs, taking care of our families, dealing with adversity or just trying to get through bad days.
Each season shaped who we are today.
The experiences that made us laugh, the times that challenged us, the lessons we learned all added to our story.
So this season has something to teach us, too.
Purpose should not remain still as we grow older. It is becoming part of us.
This Season Is Calling Us To Live Differently
One of the best things about this season of life is we start to measure achievement differently.
We’re less concerned with proving ourselves and more concerned with living with intention.
We’d rather have meaningful talks than busy schedules.
More focused in creating enduring memories, than in accumulating achievements.
More focused in who we are becoming rather than what we are accomplishing.
Purpose often begins to appear in surprising ways.
- Maybe it gives hope to someone who needs it.
- It can be reconnecting with an old friend.
- Traveling to somewhere that reminds us how much beauty is waiting to be discovered.
- It can be showing up for the individuals we care about.
Or maybe it is finally giving us permission to go for something we’ve been secretly dreaming about for years.
Everyday Moments Provide Purpose
We sometimes think purpose has to be awesome.
- Starting a business.
- Writing a book.
- Changing the world.
Those things can certainly be meaningful, but purpose is often much quieter than that.
It is found in checking on a friend or family member.
Passing along some knowledge to someone who needs a little encouragement.
Walking with your spouse, talking about your dreams.
Trying something different that reminds you you’re still growing up. 😁
Choosing to take care of your body so you can have more adventures in the years to come.
Purpose is not judged by titles, recognition or accomplishments.
It is measured by the difference we make in the lives of the people we touch, and our own life.
Don’t Compare Your Path
It’s easy to glance around and think that everyone else has life all figured out.
Social media is so good at making us feel like we should have done more or found more by now.
The truth is there’s no deadline on finding what gives your life meaning.
There’s no age limit to growing.
There is no expiration date on becoming more fully you.
As long as we are learning, loving, discovering, serving, and growing there is still purpose waiting to be revealed.
Purpose starts with curiosity
Instead of... "What am I good for?"
Try asking yourself other questions:
- What makes me feel alive?
- What gives me peace?
- Who do I tend to naturally want to encourage?
- What experiences spark the feeling of being more alive for you?
Purpose doesn't usually happen all at once, it typically starts with one modest step.
- A conversation.
- A hobby.
- A volunteer opportunity.
- A journey.
- A silent walk.
- A choice to say yes to something new.
Sometimes purpose whispers before it screams.
What We Think
One thing is evident when we look back on our lives, purpose changes with every season of our lives.
Sometimes what used to matter most doesn’t matter most anymore.
And that is nothing to be afraid of, that's something to cheer about.
Purpose these days is about experiencing new places together, interacting with individuals who have impacted our lives, sharing our learnings and inspiring others to believe that life after 50 can be exciting, connected, healthy and joyful.
We have learned that purpose does not wait someplace in the future.
It is often hidden in the life we presently live.
This is why we feel living beyond 50 is not about attempting to be someone new.
It’s about being more of who we have always been.
- All your experiences.
- All the hurdles you have jumped.
- All the lessons you have learned.
- Everyone you've ever loved.
All of this has readied you for this season.
If you’ve been wondering if it’s too late to uncover your purpose, we want to kindly remind you that it’s not.
Your purpose isn’t behind you, you're still writing your story.
Your best chapter could be just around the corner.
We’d love to hear from you!
What is anything that means something to your life today that didn't ten years ago?
Tell us what you think in the comments below. Your story could be just what someone else needs to hear.
Let’s continue to support each other travel, flourish and live boldly after 50.
Keep Thriving,
Kirsten & Mack
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