Last Thursday we had a lively discussion regarding finding our purpose in later life. We recognized that in earlier years, as students and later employees and parents our purpose was often narrowly defined by our role. We would strive to move ahead in our career, we worked hard at becoming good parents and we rarely had time to think about whether we had another purpose in life.
Now, most of us are retired and our children are grown and making their own lives. So does this mean that we no longer have a purpose other than to enjoy ourselves, enjoy the fruits of our hard work from years past?
Most of us, if not all of us, felt that we do still have a greater purpose other than enjoying our lives. Of course enjoying our later years is something we can and should be doing. Not only is enjoying our later years good for us, it also serves as a role model for the younger generation, letting them know that old age is something to look forward to and not to fear.
We can serve other purposes as well. We can use our experience to help others navigate along the way of life's difficulties. Not by preaching to them, of course, but by telling our story. Volunteering in activities that we choose to become involved with and letting our voice be heard in community, state, and national policy decisions are other ways to use our experience.
What do you think is your purpose? Give it some thought and let us know.
