Are We Living Our Lives On Purpose?

What will your Magnum Opus Be? Does it include inspiring others to live a life filled with purpose? How important is global awareness to living life on purpose? The question is, "How can we assist others in  maintaining their awareness of global happenings?" is an important and timely one. The first step in building an interest in the welfare and wellness is others is to model a life that is centered on community. We know that community isn't just our immediate neighborhoods, or our church only. Community can be as large or as small as you have the heartfelt commitment to reach out to. When children grow into a life filled with compassion and understanding, the natural reaction is to live life with a heart for service. Why? Because it is a learned behavior. Over time it becomes a lifestyle and personal philosophy. When you know that you make a difference you realize that it feels good to care, so the behavior grows stronger.

Another way to look at the question posed is, "How can we assist them in building their skills in compassion?" A generational culture that is focused more on what Miley Cyrus is doing will have a harder time acknowledging real issues, than other cultures that face tough issues that in turn foster compassion. I believe that going through hard times opens our eyes, and our hearts. For example, when  Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast last year we saw an outpouring of human kindness from across the United States. Why? Because most of us understand first hand what it means to go through some sort of natural disaster. Even dogs and cats were being relocated across the states after this horrific natural disaster. Unfortunately, once the storm passes often times so does our interest.

It is up to parents, teachers, community leaders, and other influential role models and programs to keep these stories close to our hearts by promoting action in others. When younger generations see their role models spending more time promoting change it becomes contagious. Leading by example is the best way to encourage positive behaviors. Optimally, mindless programming needs to be minimized, and replaced with service centered living.

Just imagine what a world it would be if one quarter of the time spent playing video games and posting nonsense on Twitter was replaced with some sort of outreach program, or even being aware of global current events? I am reminded of John F. Kennedy's speech,"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." This is most poignant on this historical 50 year anniversary marker of his tragic death on November 22, 1963. Maybe the question is, "What will your magnum opus be?" Reverse planning sounds like a good way to begin the process of living a compassion filled life. Are we living our lives built on purpose?

Everything speaks. Everything is on purpose.



~Diana