Hope Writes

Find Your Purpose (TWS - Part 2)

Posted by Hope

Read the first post in this series - Discover Your Writing Voice

Whether you are a writer or not, I think we’ve all struggled to find our purpose in life. Writers seem to have an especially difficult time, as we clamber to discover what our purpose is for writing.

Maybe you haven’t dealt with this issue, but it’s something that haunted me for many years. Just when I thought I’d found my purpose in writing, I switched gears and jumped ship.

Why do we do this to ourselves?

For me, although I knew my purpose, life brought about circumstances and changes that felt nearly unbearable. All these things did a number on me throughout a period of about 4-5 years. I reached an all-time low mentally and physically. That’s when I decided to do a 180 and leave behind what I knew to be my true purpose and calling.

As you might know from reading my blog, I’ve been experiencing a shift in my mindset again. Things that used to seem so important to me have taken a back seat to my family. How will I know if I’m making the right decisions? I won’t, unless I just go with my gut and follow after what I believe is my life’s purpose for the writing I do and am capable of doing.

The funny thing is that throughout the years when I veered off-path and did what I wanted to do and what I thought I needed to do, I was miserable almost the entire time. I didn’t hate what I did, but I certainly wasn’t enjoying the writing process.

Now that I’m returning to my roots, I feel like a weight’s been lifted from my shoulders. It just feels right. I know deep in my bones I’m doing the right thing.

Finding your purpose is, again, much like finding your voice. It’s something that comes naturally. It can’t be forced. Here are some things you can do to help you uncover what your purpose might be:

1. Keep a daily journal. I’m a huge advocate of journaling, and for good reason. Writing your thoughts into a book can have a powerful effect on your life and your health. But not only does it provide a safe space to vent, a journal gives you a place to write your thoughts, plans, dreams, hopes, visions. Keeping a daily journal can help you realize what values you hold and your purpose.
2. Get out and help someone. This is a valuable lesson my husband has taught me. He’s always had a giving nature. If he meets someone who is hungry and doesn’t have any money, he’ll give them the last $20 in his pocket. The first Christmas we were married, we bought clothes and toys for a large family who had just moved and didn’t have the money to buy Christmas for their young children. I will never forget the look on that Moma’s face when I started taking big, black garbage bags filled with toys and clothes out of the back of my car to give to her. Giving back to others in need will help you understand what’s important in life, and your place in life.
3. Read like there’s no tomorrow. If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a hundred times: You’re no writer if you don’t read. This is very true! I’ve always devoured books. Lately I’ve been pushing myself to try different genres. I’ll check out books at the library that I ordinarily would never look at, let alone read. And you know what? I’m finding some really great reads out there! For the last several years I’ve been on a self-improvement kick and have read a ton of non-fiction books. But it’s important to read an equal mix of genres, so you don’t get stuck into any one certain mindset when you read. Keep an open mind and try something different.
4. Try something new. Here’s another great tip. Do something out of the norm. If you never talk to people when you’re in public, go to Wal-Mart and strike up a conversation with three or four people. Ask about their kids, or their job. Chances are, you’ll have some interesting conversations, which of course give you writing fodder!

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One Response to “Find Your Purpose (TWS - Part 2)”

1. The Writer’s Struggle | Hope Writes Says:
   April 2nd, 2008 at 2:33 am

   […] Find your purpose […]

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