A Reason to Rise Each Day

Viktor Frankl said, “What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him.”  In essence  he said we all need a sense of purpose.  This search for meaning  or purpose helped him survive the Holocaust and the German encampments.  He later wrote a book about this experience.  This was no small feat. 

The Japanese refer to a sense of purpose as their Ikigai or reason to get out of bed each day. In a small Japanese village, Ogimi, known as the village of longevity, their Ikigai makes life and living worthwhile.  This Ikigai keeps them socially connected mentally and physically engaged and makes for a happy life.  Japanese culture promotes this concept which quite possibly relates to their sense of contentment and a longer lifespan. 

So, how do we discover our sense of purpose or find greater meaning in our life?  For some, a sense of purpose comes easy and others simply fall into it.  But more often than not,  purpose must be mindfully and intentionally cultivated.   In the case of Kristina McCalla,  founder of Rooted Interiors, her purpose was revealed through her Baptism and a call from God to use her gifts to serve others.  She heard the message and responded.

For the writer, my purpose and career focus are the same, teaching and mentoring.  However, it was a simple question from a good friend that drove me down the path and toward  a career choice that  eventually became part of my life’s purpose. 

The question my friend asked was “what do you really like to do?”  I responded with several answers, but all were related to teaching and working with young people.  That life event occurred many years ago, and I am so thankful for the friend who intuitively knew what to ask.   Even now I love working with young people (and those not so young)  and coaching and mentoring them as they explore life’s meaning.  My writing is one outlet for this quest. 

Our life’s purpose is as unique as our DNA or  fingerprints.  If we do not find and pursue our purpose something, possibly very important,  will remain undone.   We each have a distinct role to play in the world and only we can do it.   This may create a sense of foreboding  to some, but others find it to be inspiring. 

For those seeking greater meaning, I suggest  you consider several things.  Think about the following  questions, write about them  and ask others that know you well to help you sort it all  out.   Sometimes others know you better than you know yourself and they can be a great resource.  

Ask yourself:  What are you passionate about?   Where do your talents and skills lie?   In what areas of your career, vocation or life ventures have you been successful, what were you doing and what led to your success?   Then consider what does the world  or your community need and how can your talents and skills  be used to make a difference? 

As it was in the writer’s  and in Kristina’s  life,  a personal line of questioning inspires self reflection, creates self-awareness,  and marks the beginning of the journey toward true meaning.  

Uncovering your gifts and talents is the first step,  then, you can  find ways to use them in service to others.   Rooted Interiors was founded on this principle.   But,  the impact does end with the presentation of the newly decorated homes.   Often the recipients of good works and deeds , in turn, find ways to serve others.  This phenomenon, called the “ripple effect”  relates to how the initial impact continues in and through the lives of those who were served. 

Rooted Interiors and the homes they create provide not only a new start for the family, but they may be planting a seed in the minds  and  hearts of parents and children.  That seed  can be the spark from which purpose  grows in another life and a parth to serve others is forged. 

However you discover your path and greater meaning in your life,  every step of the journey is worth it.  What you give to others and the world are irreplaceable and make a profound difference both in your life and the life of others.   

Rooted Interiors thrives because of those who give—whether it’s through donating time, resources, or simply spreading awareness.   We welcome those who seek to help those who are starting anew.  

Perhaps your own journey to purpose begins with helping someone else find theirs.