What does this mean? I think it means to be true to your core values and to work towards goals that are important to you. It can make life more meaningful and enjoyable. I think that is what happiness is! Don’t wait for a “purpose” to magically appear, but live each day driven by your purpose.

What I experienced as I aged is that I felt more and more useless. Do I even have a purpose or is it too late for me? Am I useful or am I just taking up space? My back problems and arthritis are making it harder and harder to do physical work, and for the first time I feel weak and vulnerable. I fight with a deep depression that is very hard to vanquish. I now have panic attacks, and I am unable to go anyplace alone. Not even short walks. Two months ago, I started on anxiety medication for the first time in my 67 years of dealing with OCD and depression. It helps a little. My mind has stopped racing to point I can sleep again at least!

What I am realizing is that this is not uncommon, especially in older people. Our purpose for life diminishes (at least in our view).

But here is the truth of it. That thought is really only a thought. If you give in to it and make it a reality, then it’s on you! Create and visualize a purpose for yourself and work towards it! Every one of us has value. Create, spread wisdom, be kind, be helpful to your neighbors! Live each day in your purpose.