My mission

What is my mission in life? This is a question that is posed from my first awakening at 16 or 17 until I physically leave this earthly paradise. It is a query that only the self can answer, though many will attempt to answer this question for us. Many times their opinions, though misplaced, are predicated on love. So, patience and understanding are called for.

When I am asked when I am young what I want to do or become in this life, it is a patently unfair question, I have not formulated an answer yet. If I respond with a simple, “I don’t know” or “I haven’t thought of it yet,” I run the risk of being mercilessly pummeled with recriminatory statements. “Why not, your cousin already knows he wants to be a doctor? Your other friend wants to be a lawyer,” and so it goes. The simple reply to this question is just to give an answer – any answer. This will stop the inquiry, for the examination is just social convention – no one really cares, including our friends and parents. The riposte — I want to be a butcher baker or a candlestick maker – great! (1)

After this aura of safely surrounds you, however, the serious work must begin. You do need a reaction to this elicitation. All of us have a mission to be accomplished in life and it is up to me – and only me – to discover what this calling is. (2) To preclude any notion that life is a simple absurd joke, (3) one only has to view the beggar or the morally bankrupt — anyone who has given up on life — surely the answer is not there. It must be further than the immediate, but where?

Herein lies the great conundrum for every thinking human being. The explanation is no further than me – the self. All answers lie within. That said, “How do I begin?” As with any great journey, everything begins with a belief that, after all, there is a treasure to be discovered – a prize at the end of the voyage, and lessons along the way. With this conviction, one can “set off.”

First, a routine must be developed. Each and every day, I must get up in the early morning, at the same time, and make my bed. (4) Why, some may ask? This is because the previous day is closed. Nothing can recover what has occurred in the past. It is finished – no regrets, just knowledge. Second, I must write down my thoughts in my personal notebook. In the beginning, if I lack the intellectual vigor or discipline to do this every day, I must simply write the day and the date. This documents that today is unique and will never come again. Third, I must become observant about the world around me. It is filled with many clues that assist in the discovery of my mission in life. Utilizing these three simple suggestions, I can embark on the great adventure me. It is a worthy expedition: society desperately needs the contribution of each and every one of us. The great author and self-help guru, Napoleon Hill (5) leaves us with a thought: You are the master of your destiny. You can influence, direct and control your own environment. You can make your life what you want it to be.”

A closing thought: It is difficult in modern society to believe that an adventure is in front of every one of us. But it is. We are bombarded with thousands of pieces of electronic information, each and every day – confusion reigns. That said, we must simply begin: our mission will unfold before our eyes. A belief in the value of the expedition is essential, however. Marco Polo began his journey to the East with the belief that Prester John had already established a kingdom there. He wanted to trade with his empire. (6) The rest is part myth and part iconic tale.

To sum up: This week, we spoke about discovering my mission in life.

To be noted: When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSjHMAtlG3o&ab_channel=ConcoursdeGen%C3%A8ve-GenevaInternationalMusicCompetition

For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzqAvYfYqZU&ab_channel=KelseyHumphreys

This week on your thoughtful walk, please reflect on your own life mission.

Every day look for something magical and beautiful.

Quote: I must only begin the journey to discover my way forward.

Footnotes:

1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rub-a-dub-dub

2) https://www.books.com.tw/products/F010426783

3)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hJZEq61KeM&ab_channel=Einzelg%C3%A4nger

4)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxBQLFLei70&ab_channel=TexasExes