Let's end the year on a positive note: Liggy Webb appeals to the spiritual side of the community.
"You're the only one who can make the difference. Whatever your dream is, go for it" - Earvin 'Magic' Johnson
We can all have a purpose if we choose to. The key to a happy life is about discovering your purpose - life then becomes so much more meaningful. When you can clearly define your purpose it will help you to shape your existence and help others around you. A positive purpose has to be the ultimate feelgood factor. It is the key that ignites you to feel more motivated and delighted about your life.
When you wake up every morning knowing that you can add value to the world around you this will give you the life-force and energy that sometimes may seem lacking. If you haven't defined your purpose yet then you have the opportunity right here, right now to embark on an exciting voyage of discovery.
Meaning and purpose
When my friend Melanie's son Matthew was little, he used to ask people, "What are you for?" What a great question! I wonder how often we stop and ask ourselves the same question?
According to some philosophies, our purpose is the central key to living a positive human life. Others believe that our purpose is not fixed and instead we can freely choose what we want it to be. It is, indeed, a deeply philosophical debate.
For some people, a purpose in life is an essential and fundamental aim, and for other people, fulfilment and purpose is halted by fear of failure or lack of motivation or just a blind desire to want to pleasure seek for themselves only.
It would appear, however, that people who have meaning and purpose in their lives are happier, feel more in control and get more out of everything they do. They also experience less stress, less anxiety and are less prone to experience prolonged bouts of depression.
Something that we all need to do rather than racing around like headless chickens wondering 'what it's all about' is to stop and explore our purpose.
Scientific studies of people who believe that their lives have meaning show a more positive evidence of general wellbeing. Martin Seligman (Founder of positive psychology) describes meaning as a vital component of happiness. Having meaning in your life is about being part of something that we really believe in that is bigger than ourselves.
It helps us to answer the burning question of 'Why are we here?' Often it's something that can't be distilled into one definitive thing and goes far beyond day-to-day activity. It guides us in how we choose to live our lives, what we strive for and provides a framework and measurement for the goals that we set ourselves. It can help us to make sense of what happens to us. It can provide a source of comfort and strength in challenging and difficult periods of our lives and most of all helps us feel that we are not alone, because we are part of something much bigger.
Personally, I like the concept that we are all connected and that if we hurt others, we will only end up hurting ourselves, so we have a purpose to be kind and considerate in our behaviour towards others. By taking more personal responsibility for the consequences of our actions, our purpose becomes more honourable. If we approach every life situation with positive and kind intentions, then we will be making our own great individual contribution to creating a better world.
Make a difference: Top tips
- Identify your purpose and meaning in life
- Make a decision to seek out opportunities to be kind
- Practise kindness on a daily basis
- Lead the way and set a positive example
- Respect and value other people
- Listen to what other people have to say
- Stick up for other people when they are treated unfairly
- Support a charity or volunteer for a community project
- Demonstrate random acts of kindness
- Make a difference right now – Be happy
"Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something" - Author Unknown
Liggy Webb is widely respected as a specialist in the field of modern life skills. She has researched and developed a range of techniques and strategies to support individuals and organisations to cope more effectively and successfully with the demands and challenges of modern living. Her website www.liggywebb.com offers a range of downloadable complimentary toolkits and materials. For a free mini eBook of Liggy’s new book “How To Be Happy” email liggy@liggywebb.com
