Our purpose in life looks different for everyone!

Ask a Therapist Is This Normal?
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Dear friends,

What’s the purpose of life? It’s one of those big questions that we all wrestle with at some point, right? :wink: Is it about chasing success, building relationships, leaving a legacy, or just finding joy in the little moments? Some days, it might feel crystal clear, and other days, it’s more of a blur.

The truth is, purpose looks different for everyone. Some find it in their work, others in their family or passions, and some in just being present and appreciating life as it unfolds. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s the beauty of it. Your purpose is yours to define, and it can shift and evolve over time as you grow.

But here’s the thing: so many of us get caught up in what we should be doing—what society, family, or others expect from us—that we lose sight of what truly lights us up. It’s easy to get stuck in the grind, checking off boxes without asking ourselves the bigger question: What really matters to me?

So, here’s a thought to sit with: If you stripped away all the outside pressures and expectations, what would a meaningful life look like for you? What gives you that sense of purpose, and how can you lean into it more fully?

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Dear friends,

Do you ever stop and wonder what makes life meaningful? It’s one of those questions that comes up, especially when life slows down for a moment. Is it in the life’s milestones, the people we love, or the experiences that bring us joy? Maybe it’s all of these, or maybe it’s something entirely different for you.

The thing about meaning is that it’s deeply personal :slight_smile: Some find it in creating, some in caregiving, and some in quiet moments of reflection. And what feels meaningful can change as we go through different stages of life, which keeps things interesting. There’s no right or wrong answer.

But sometimes, we’re so focused on external expectations—what society or even our own inner critic says we should be doing—that we overlook what makes us feel truly fulfilled. It’s easy to forget that meaning doesn’t have to look like a grand achievement. It can be found in the small, consistent choices we make every day.

So, I’m curious: When do you feel most connected to a sense of meaning? And how can you make space for more of that in your life?