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“What is the purpose of the giant sequoia tree? The purpose of the giant sequoia tree is to provide shade for the tiny titmouse.” – Edward Abbey
When we head out into the big world seeking our purpose in life, it often exists in our mind as some lofty level of achievement or hard won goal, like becoming a doctor, a writer, or an architect. However, the purpose of our lives is not completely defined in our minds.
For every person we come into contact with, they have an idea in their mind about what our purpose is to them. Often, we may not even know that we’re achieving that purpose, yet there it is. In another person’s perception, we may be fulfilling purposes completely unbeknownst to us.
Beyond our grand ideas of purpose, how are we doing with living up to the purposes all around us that we so often do not even notice? Are we performing them happily and willingly? Are we being encouraging and helpful as we perform these tasks? Are we finding fulfillment in each and every little function? If not, why not?
Each of these functions, every single task we perform contributes to the wholeness of our purpose. Everything we do, everything we write, everything person we serve is the reason we exist for that moment. And each of those tasks builds to the grand ideas we dream of when we feel the essence of our achievement in all of our activities. Be present in your purpose and be fulfilled in who you are.
Steve
Steve McAllister describes himself as a Renaissance Man. An author, filmmaker, songwriter, and perpetual artistic experimenter, he has recently re-released his second book The Rucksack Letters into paperback to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the journey. A journey of ink and soul, the book recounts his year and a half trek through 26 states, exploring the underbelly of America in order to better know himself. A pivotal first step for a generation in search of a new direction, The Rucksack Letters is available now.
