Photo by Mark Fletcher-Brown
As a follow-up to my last post, I wanted to talk more about the importance of figuring out your “reason.” Your “Why.” And your “why” may even change from time to time, (growth perhaps) but there are actually anti-aging benefits to always having one.
Multiple studies have shown that having a purpose can actually extend your life! It turns out that having a purpose is one of the keys to longevity. (One lock with many keys!) And that’s good news for those folks that are actually enjoying their time here. But it’s also a wakeup call to those that aren’t enjoying their time. Purpose almost always brings joy.
Living a meaningful life has been found to greatly contribute to not only improved mental health, but physical health as well. There continues to be increasing evidence that having dreams, goals and a sense of purpose has been linked to better sleep, (which is beneficial to overall health and immune function!) lower risk of disease, as well as improved physical abilities, brain health, and cognitive performance. Having a strong sense of purpose could potentially lower your risk for Alzheimer’s.
Purpose can lead to community and a strong sense of community and meaningful connection has been shown to increase life expectancy. Just look at what are called the “Blue Zones” of the world. These are places identified where people apparently have the highest life expectancy. And while there are a few factors to consider, one of them has been determined to be a strong sense of community in those places. (They’re also physically active, but I’ll get back to that in a future post!)
I don’t know how anyone else personally feels about this, but I feel that social media and the internet in some ways has been a double-edged sword. Sure, it’s a great way to keep in touch with folks you are unable to see, and during the pandemic, it was a life saver. But there’s no substitute for a touch, or a hug. A text is not the same as hearing the voice of someone you love.
There is also overwhelming evidence to show that rates of loneliness and isolation have soared. Did you know that loneliness is also a risk factor for disease? Human connection, or lack thereof is changing the world, and sadly, not in a positive way. (And we can’t blame covid.) This was evident long before 2020! People walk by one another and don’t say hello, whether they have their heads in their phones, or not. Eye contact is rare, especially in the younger generations. Whenever I pass someone and eye contact is made, I say “hello.” It’s just how we grew up. But I digress….
So, back to purpose. Perhaps you have skills you can share. Maybe you have artistic ability and art you can share with the world. Maybe you have a long-ignored passion project or some cause you are passionate about. Maybe something pisses you off and you want to be a part of the change. Maybe you love to write or cook. Maybe you just love helping others. (And you can help others without even leaving your home or putting on your shoes.) You can also help others by simply volunteering. (And by the way, we launched (family) a brand-new foundation in my granddaughter’s honor looking for volunteers and DONATIONS! The Ciré A. Forman All 4 Sports Foundation. Just putting that out there!)
You might even help someone just by saying hello and offering up a smile. Something so simple can change a person’s day! Using your gifts in the service of others often leads to developing a sense of purpose. You might find that your gift may just be the act of spreading joy! (And no online classes or certificates are needed.) We are all capable.
One positive thing about the internet is that is does provide you with numerous ways and platforms to share your gifts and talents with the world, as well as opportunities to develop communities, even if only in the digital world. Trust me, whatever it is you enjoy, there are many folks out there that enjoy the same thing. Connect with them.
That said, I’m big on human connection. I will always choose to see someone in person over talking on the phone! (Even if it means wearing a mask!) Anyone that knows me, is aware of that fact. Obviously, distance can be an issue and perhaps your only option is the phone, internet, and social media. That’s all good. I just feel it is not ideal when it becomes your ONLY form of connection and communication. On the flip side, once you decide what lights you up, research is a few taps away. (Once you weed through the BS, of course!)
For those in a position, or with the desire to retire from their profession or work, or just having reached a certain age, one of the benefits is that you get your time back. You get to do whatever you want, whenever you want. So now what?
Some may feel that their job was their purpose. (I’m guessing for many it was merely a paycheck.) You did what you HAD TO DO to pay the bills and keep the lights on. You may have even enjoyed your work. Maybe you achieved all of your professional goals. Achievements are great, but they can also be short term and quickly forgotten. They provided short-term satisfaction. But now it’s time to move on. So, again I ask. Now what? Sit around and wait to die? Well, if you don’t find or have a purpose, that day might be closer than you believe.
Finding a purpose can provide far greater satisfaction and fulfillment than any short-term goal or achievement. Purpose is ongoing. Purpose is about making an impact. (And perhaps you were able to make an impact in your career. Good for you!) Having a true purpose means recognizing your gifts and using them to contribute to the world.
Your purpose is your why.
“Good to have a plan. Better to have a purpose.” ~ unknown