Chapter 1: Introduction to a Scavenger Hunt Mindset

Have you ever experienced feelings of confusion or lack of direction in your life? Have you ever wondered what your true purpose is? If so, you’re not alone. Many people grapple with the same questions.

For a significant period, I felt disconnected from my life's purpose. The major hurdle was my uncertainty about what that purpose actually was. It's hard to feel fulfilled when you're unsure of your path. I often envied those who seemed to have their lives meticulously planned, knowing exactly what they wanted and how to achieve it. Meanwhile, I was left without a clear direction or roadmap, feeling completely adrift.

In the video "Life.Style.Live!" National Scavenger Hunt Day, the concept of finding joy in the journey is explored, emphasizing how clues in life can guide us toward our purpose.

Section 1.1: The Struggle with Purpose

Self-help advice often encourages taking action and adopting a "fake it till you make it" mentality. The idea is that by taking small, consistent steps, you can eventually reach your goals. However, when you feel lost and lack motivation, even the smallest actions can feel overwhelming.

I knew change was necessary, but I was unsure where to begin, leading to feelings of frustration and shame. Why couldn’t I simply discover my purpose? Why did the pursuit of happiness seem so elusive?

Subsection 1.1.1: Seeking Guidance from the Universe

I found myself asking the universe for guidance, yearning for a sign that would illuminate my path. I was eager to contribute positively to the world and move forward with my life.

Then, during a moment of meditation, a childhood memory surfaced—one of scavenger hunts my father created for my brother and me. He would craft clues that led us on a delightful chase around the house, culminating in a small prize, often a treat or toy. This memory sparked joy and highlighted the love my father had for us.

Chapter 2: Embracing the Scavenger Hunt Approach

In "Why You Should Live Your Life as an Experiment," A.J. Jacobs discusses how adopting an experimental mindset can lead to discovery and growth, paralleling the idea of living life as a scavenger hunt.

When I revisited this joyful memory, I remembered a scavenger hunt my husband had planned for me during our early days together. He had crafted clues leading to my Christmas gift, echoing the playful spirit of my childhood experiences. This reflection made me realize the significance of these events.

What if I approached life as a scavenger hunt? Each day could be viewed as a clue, guiding me toward my ultimate purpose.

How could I start living this way?

The key was to remain aware and open to the signs around me.

As I began this journey, I found it challenging at first. My skills in observing the world around me were rusty. I often distracted myself with social media, binge-watching shows, and mindless eating to avoid confronting my feelings.

However, as I committed to this scavenger hunt mindset, I began to notice all kinds of signs and clues in my daily life—everything from street signs to the emotional reactions I had to various experiences. This playful exploration allowed me to experience joy and wonder like a child again.

Over time, I learned to discern which signs were genuinely meaningful. I recognized the activities and experiences that ignited a spark of joy in me and began to pay attention to what made me feel uncomfortable or unhappy, realizing these feelings were also informative.

Today, I feel a renewed sense of clarity and direction in my life. Initially, my goal was simply to observe and awaken to the experiences around me. I didn't need to have all the answers right away; I was slowly deciphering the clues that were leading me to my purpose.

Now, I understand that various aspects of my life—my dreams, my physical sensations, my environment, and even the media I consume—are all clues that inform my journey and help illuminate my purpose.