Chapter 1: The Importance of Purpose

Waking up each day with a sense of purpose can rejuvenate our spirit and vitality.

Photo by Slav Romanov on Unsplash

In my past, I found solace in nightly drinks; Cosmopolitans and Manhattans overtook the wine I once savored. My drinking escalated after reconnecting with my high school sweetheart, fifty years after our paths diverged. Surprisingly, my alcohol consumption didn't stem from dissatisfaction; rather, I was content but lacked a sense of direction. Drinking drained my energy, stifled my dreams, and eroded my vitality.

After relocating to Arizona with my partner, Bill, from California—where I had lived for over four decades—I sought to establish a new life. Though I thrived in California, we opted for a fresh start in Arizona while keeping a rental for visits back to family and friends.

Life in Arizona was busy; I engaged in work, volunteer opportunities, art classes, and maintained an active social life. However, building a new routine took time. My volunteer role at a prestigious art museum in Phoenix occupied just one day a week, leaving me wondering how to fill the remaining six days.

Morning walks with my dog, Merlin, alongside my friend Shannon and her dog, Zoey, were pleasant, yet they didn’t ignite a profound sense of purpose. My drinking habits had dimmed my enthusiasm for life. Without a clear purpose, I felt adrift.

Research indicates that individuals who awaken with a reason to embrace the day not only enjoy longer lives but also lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Engaging in work, hobbies, or passions keeps us motivated, youthful, and intellectually stimulated.

According to the Association for Psychological Science, their research highlights that finding life direction and establishing significant goals can enhance longevity, regardless of when one discovers their purpose. Their findings reveal that a greater sense of purpose correlates with lower mortality risk throughout various life stages.

Harvard Health Publishing emphasizes that having a life purpose can enhance health by promoting protective behaviors, reducing stress, and decreasing inflammation. Ultimately, activities that infuse life with meaning stem from an overarching appreciation for life itself.

Five years into this new chapter, I made the decision to quit drinking, recognizing the threat it posed to my health and creativity. Friends encouraged me to share my story of late-in-life marriage, my journey to sobriety, and the challenges I faced along the way. I began writing for Medium in January 2021 and contributed to several other publications. My curiosity for new topics keeps my days engaging and fulfilling.

I rediscovered my zest for life, feeling reenergized and eager to achieve more. I also stumbled upon the joy of pickleball, forming friendships and camaraderie through the sport. This newfound purpose promises to enrich my life, bringing happiness and contentment.

What inspires you? What motivates you to rise each day? Are you an enthusiast for morning exercises like biking, hiking, or walking your dog? Maybe it’s time to explore a new sport, perhaps pickleball?

Are you a creative soul excited about painting or writing? Maybe you're a culinary artist planning your next meal? It’s never too late to uncover new passions, aspirations, and skills as we journey through life.

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

Dan Buettner, a Blue Zones expert, suggests viewing purpose not just as something to be found but as something to be cultivated. Instead of searching externally, we should look within our existing lives to discover meaning.

Take my friend Jennifer, a talented chef who recently retired from her catering business. She is currently working on a cookbook for her adult children, filled with cherished family recipes and the stories behind them. Although still in its early stages, it’s a project that many of us, including myself, are eager to see completed.

The isolation many experienced during COVID-19 has made it even more essential to reconnect with our passions and purposes. Regardless of our age, many of us have only begun to tap into our potential.

What possibilities remain for you to explore?

I know countless talented and curious individuals who are lifelong learners with diverse interests, and I applaud you all!

As Mary Oliver beautifully wrote:

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

Chapter 2: Finding Inspiration Through Video

This video titled "How To Find Your Purpose & Passion In Life" offers insights into discovering your life’s true calling and igniting your passion.

In this TEDx talk, "How to know your life purpose in 5 minutes," Adam Leipzig provides a quick yet profound method for identifying your life’s purpose.