Growing up in the fifties and sixties with my twin sister, I believe our parents saw our purpose as follows: to find a nice Jewish boy to marry and take care of us (and it wouldn’t hurt if the family had money). In fact, the main reason for us to attend college was to acquire a MRS. along with a teaching degree (to be used as a fallback position in case the husband was not a good provider or a cheater). Always the “good girl”, I didn’t disappoint. I graduated Boston University School Of Education with a B.S. in French in May and got married in June.
Even today, many believe that life’s purpose equals upward social mobility, to establish a career, accumulate wealth, to compete and win and to have power.
A cornerstone of Judaism is that every human being is created by God to live a life of purpose and that our lives are therefore meaningful. How do we know our own specific purpose? According to my religion, everything happens by Divine Providence and if a person is presented with a certain opportunity, it was sent from above and should be treated as if it is your purpose.
In other words, life has a way of showing us our purpose, if we only listen. Some indicators are “what do others consistently seek you out for” and “what do you keep volunteering for”? You may not find your purpose until later in life, and it may not be the career path you (or your parents) chose.
“Finding your purpose is about listening to an inner calling that is passionate and compulsive”. When you are living with purpose you feel excitement, contentment or both. The poet Rumi said “Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love”.
I always loved learning languages and had an affinity for both Spanish and French. I also love helping people who are struggling. However, my career path led me in a different direction first to publishing, then law. One day my ex husband, who owned a car wash, accidentally locked the keys to a BOCES superintendant’s car in her car, and spent the afternoon singing my praises, which led me to my dream job and the discovery of my purpose in life. (Divine Providence?)
I became an ESL Teacher in Eastern Suffolk BOCES Adult Literacy Program and a Bilingual Counselor. I was here to help immigrants have an easier, better life in this country. I felt that excitement and contentment every day, despite earning very little. To this day, I see my former students in restaurants all over Suffolk County and am so pleased at their progress.
When I help people become happier, more connected, and have greater clarity about why they are here, I am fulfilling my purpose. It may be that when we give to others, it becomes the foundation of a more meaningful life. Let me know what you think. I value your comments, questions and ideas! Let’s talk next week…..XOXO. Penny
Resources
How To Know If You Are Working and Living with Purpose by Shelley Prevost
5 Reasons Why Most People Never Discover Their Purpose by Shelley Prevost
Jewish Purpose to Life by Warren Goldstein The Jerusalem Post
What is Life’s Purpose by Nissan Dovid Dubov Chabad.Org
This is one of your best blogs! I’m still looking for my purpose. I think that our purpose changes as we grow and explore. I know I have started down many wrong paths and had to correct my course. I love you and your wisdom. I miss you so much. Keep doing this, I look forward to reading it every week.
Thank you Debby. I so look forward to your comments. I believe that you do amazing work with the feral and stray cats and dogs in the Dominican Republic. If that brings you contentment, maybe that is your purpose. It can really be an exercise in self discovery. Or that you are living your authentic life, enjoying being at peace with yourself in your new home! I miss you so much too! Penny
Beautifully said,Penny! I agree with everything you wrote especially that when we give to others life becomes more meaningful. Thinking about others, helping others, caring for others is the most meaningful way to live. And you have certainly done that, and continue to do so! Brava!
You also wrote about listening for our inner purpose. Reflection, calm and meditation can help us do this!
I think one of the perks of aging is the time and tendency to reflect and “go deeper” and listen to our inner selves. As I get nearer to the end of my time here, I need to know I’ve done well and made a difference and am on the right path, for me.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful thoughts on this topic.
Thank you Kathy for your positive feedback. I agree that one positive aspect of aging is the time and inclination for reflection. That is why I am so enjoying writing the blog and reconnecting with friends like you. Thank you for your encouragement and comments. You are so appreciated!
Nicely said, I think that helping someone else is always the most rewarding. I love reading your blogs. Keep’em coming, very uplifting
Thanks Andrea. I am so happy that you are enjoying the blog posts! I appreciate your comments and hope you will continue to follow me.
Hi Penny,
I’m still in Florida, and 1 entry behind in your blog(which I love reading💕)
I really identified with your post- I graduated from Brooklyn College with teaching certification (in HS English). My parents insisted this was best, and I was confused about what I wanted to do. But I was pretty sure after student teaching in a Brooklyn HS that teaching wasn’t “it”. Yet after spending 6 years working for a Federal agency (and having my own kids) I found myself getting certified in elementary reading, getting a job in a specialized program for “at risk” readers and loving it for 25 years. Reading has always been a passion/obsession and although it took me years (and a little luck) to figure it out, teaching those children to read never felt like “work”. Every once in a while I get a FB friend request or run into a past student “all grown up” and it’s such a delight.
Hi Karen. I’m so glad you are loving the blog and identifying with the blog posts. I love writing it and so appreciate you for following me! XOXO Penny