How do you find your own purpose in life?

At 30 years old, I felt really out of place among friends because they all have college degrees. so I got a job in the medical field as a receptions and records clerk, hated every minute of it. Started going to college thought ok ill go into teaching and now i am lost because baking and pastry arts is my passion but teaching is practical for maintain employment and health insurance. Finding where you belong is a life long process one that doesnt end but dont stick yourself into someone else's box is the advice I was given.

So I am being practical and going into teaching because I love little children. I hope I can become a good influence in someone's life. the way I had many in mine.

Maslow's modern hierarchy.

Im up for a discussion group on this... I suspect my input would be significantly different to some others on here

No one belief system is right for all in the the same way that none is truely 'wrong'. People have free will and that includes the choice of what to believe in.

Sometimes losing your way can be the best thing to happen to you, just remain true to yourself and you will find your own path.

As long as it does no harm

choice..

I'm an atheist, but extremely respectful of others and their belief systems. Part of me envies believers.

I think our purpose is to pave our way through life. Settle down. Find a hobby. Travel. Experience transcendence in our own ways. Realize we are not alone or special in circumstance. Spread joy, a message of love, acceptance, tolerance and peace wherever and whenever possible. Our "mark" on the world can be big and outstretched over oceans, or even just tiny enough to be recognized by just one person; it's an impact all its own. I think it's enough for me.

jgnatca wrote: »

Maslow's modern hierarchy.

Funny

As a lifelong atheist, I don't believe that humans are born with any specific overarching purpose. I do believe, however, that most people want to be a force for good in the world, and that one's talents and values will determine where and how (and how much) they will make a difference.

At the end of the day, it's everyone's right to choose their path according to their own beliefs. I do feel like my life has meaning and purpose, but it's something we create, rather than "find", in the strictest sense. I think when people find their "calling", it's a case of finding the path that reflects their values most, and uses their abilities in the most effective way. I also think that it can change throughout one's life.

I know that some religious people find the idea of not being born with a purpose to be depressing or hollow, but I think it's actually really uplifting because it means that people do good because they genuinely choose to do good, not because they are "supposed" to.

My opinion - decide what is important to you, figure out how you can help, and just get started. Even if you switch directions later, you'll have done a lot more good by picking something and doing it, as opposed to waiting for divine inspiration to strike.

MakePeasNotWar wrote: »

As a lifelong atheist, I don't believe that humans are born with any specific overarching purpose. I do believe, however, that most people want to be a force for good in the world, and that one's talents and values will determine where and how (and how much) they will make a difference.

At the end of the day, it's everyone's right to choose their path according to their own beliefs. I do feel like my life has meaning and purpose, but it's something we create, rather than "find", in the strictest sense. I think when people find their "calling", it's a case of finding the path that reflects their values most, and uses their abilities in the most effective way. I also think that it can change throughout one's life.

I know that some religious people find the idea of not being born with a purpose to be depressing or hollow, but I think it's actually really uplifting because it means that people do good because they genuinely choose to do good, not because they are "supposed" to.

My opinion - decide what is important to you, figure out how you can help, and just get started. Even if you switch directions later, you'll have done a lot more good by picking something and doing it, as opposed to waiting for divine inspiration to strike.

Yes to this!!!

MakePeasNotWar wrote: »

As a lifelong atheist, I don't believe that humans are born with any specific overarching purpose. I do believe, however, that most people want to be a force for good in the world, and that one's talents and values will determine where and how (and how much) they will make a difference.

At the end of the day, it's everyone's right to choose their path according to their own beliefs. I do feel like my life has meaning and purpose, but it's something we create, rather than "find", in the strictest sense. I think when people find their "calling", it's a case of finding the path that reflects their values most, and uses their abilities in the most effective way. I also think that it can change throughout one's life.

I know that some religious people find the idea of not being born with a purpose to be depressing or hollow, but I think it's actually really uplifting because it means that people do good because they genuinely choose to do good, not because they are "supposed" to.

My opinion - decide what is important to you, figure out how you can help, and just get started. Even if you switch directions later, you'll have done a lot more good by picking something and doing it, as opposed to waiting for divine inspiration to strike.

I, too, am an atheist and feel this same way. It's hard leaving religion primarily because you realize there is no real purpose to life. It didn't take much for me to leave religion because I thought most of it was fake, even as a child. I even remember thinking in Sunday school one time, "a talking snake? Really? Give me a break." I've always been a bit skeptical. But I found comfort in believing in god, even though I didn't believe the bible or anything it had to say. And once I finally lost even the belief in god, i felt lost, lied to, and a little down about it. That didn't last too long, though, but it was a hard adjustment. Now I'm happier for it because I know there's nothing else. It's me, us, now, and that's it.