5 questions to help you see your life purpose

Since childhood, we have been curious about the meaning of things. Who hasn’t bombarded their parents with questions like “why is the sky blue?”, “what are ants for?”, “where do the stars hide?”. However, over time, this look at the world turns more inwards and we begin to want to understand the reason why we are here and, above all, how we can become fulfilled. In other words, we look for meanings – something fundamental for the human being🇧🇷 “This becomes clear when we reflect on the rites of passage, such as birthdays and weddings, that appear in all cultures. They signal that we have reached a point on the trajectory, we have gained experience and learning and we will start a new cycle, with other searches”, observes psychologist Cleonice de Andrade, from Santa Catarina, specialist in cognitive behavioral therapy.

To be happier, then, it is necessary to discover our purpose in life – and this is where many people get stuck. “After all, as good navigators say, no wind is favorable for those who don’t know where they want to go”, says psychologist and anthropologist Roberto Crema, from São Paulo. We’ve put together five exercises here to help you uncover your purpose. They must be one date with yourself🇧🇷 Have this quiet time as often as you need – just set aside a few minutes to be alone, without interruptions. If you like, put on relaxing music, light incense, a candle… The key is to sit comfortably, with your spine straight, and concentrate on the questions, listening to your inner voice.

What is the meaning of humanity? And how do I contribute?

Yes, the first question is grandiose and complex, but be quiet and listen to the hunches that come from within. Reflect, for example, on what humanity needs to learn to evolve: to have more compassion and tolerance, greater environmental awareness… Also think about the lessons you must absorb in order to grow. At some point, these paths will surely cross and you will then discover how you can contribute in a way that you enjoy. Understand that your sense doesn’t just speak about you: it influences your family, your friends, the neighborhood… all of humanity! 🇧🇷Every human being has a role in the universe., as if it were a small piece of a public square. So, our first task is to introduce quality into this part of the world to which we belong and which influences something bigger”, believes Roberto.

Can I make better use of my talents?

Everyone is really good at something: photographing, cooking, taking care of children, writing… But, generally, what makes us discredit our talents is low self-esteem. “We receive from life itself the indispensable gifts to carry out our individual and non-transferable task, which is our purpose”, says Roberto Crema. However, it is not enough to do well at something. To be of real value, this task must bring motivation and joy and make you feel useful. Ask yourself, then: What talents do I possess that give me real pride and pleasure? Write it down and leave this reminder always in sight, so you don’t forget your potential. Also evaluate if you use all these skills as often as you would like. If the answer is negative, explore opportunities in your routine to put them into practice.

How can I be more me?

Discovering the meaning of your life is nothing more than understanding better who you are, what you can offer yourself and the world. And the secret is, mainly, to spend more time in your own company. “Searching for a purpose by looking only at what is around us prevents us from getting in touch with our emotions. And the truest answers come from the heart and intuition”, highlights the holistic therapist Paula Siqueira. Start by thinking, on a scale of zero to ten, how alive you really feel. Zero represents a very distressing scenario and ten means a full and fruitful existence. Now dig deeper and question what makes you cringe and puts you in tune with life. To live your purpose, you have to dare to be, with even more intensity, who you really are🇧🇷 So if you’re not getting what you’d like from life, it’s time to act. This does not mean, for example, quitting your job without having anything in mind, a very risky posture. But yes, planting seeds, at the same time, to arrive at a situation that will make you fulfilled.

After all, what is my job?

We are busy with our jobs, seeking recognition, promotions, a better salary… There is a lot of wear and tear on this journey that, in general, overlaps with the satisfaction of carrying out our tasks. Then, we trigger the autopilot and forget what made us choose that service. “When we disconnect from this call, which is a vocation, we suffer from illnesses and other ailments”, explains Roberto. One way to realign yourself with the true mission you carry out is to create an original business card🇧🇷 Instead of writing the name given to your function on it, write its purpose. Try to use three words at most. Examples: a hairdresser may actually be a “self-esteem consultant” and a doctor a “health promoter”.

How to be present body and soul in everything I do?

Discovering a purpose requires focusing on each of the situations you experience: to better understand and feel how things unfold, the sensations they provoke and the consequences they generate. Then, make it a habit to actually experience each step of your day to day – be it a meeting, a conversation with a friend, be it time to pick up the children from school. Be as attentive as possible to what is happening around you at that moment. “The present is the only time that allows our real performance. This is where life really is”, points out Roberto. Also, be mindful of how you act and make sure it’s in line with what you intend to experience in your life. Your purpose must be lived everyday!