Whole, healthy human beings are committed to a sense of purpose outside themselves. They are devoted and passionate about something that calls to them. They are working on something they love, something that brings them great joy and satisfaction.
In the past few years, you may have felt disillusioned, brokenhearted, and angry. It is important to remember, you are not alone. We have all been challenged in some way. Two years ago as I entered open-heart surgery and I wondered if I would return to my loved ones. Three months ago, as I stood weeping uncontrollably by my daughter's bedside in ICU, watching her take her last breaths, I wondered what I would do without her.
When I have been challenged, fallen, and feel like I will never rise again, a glimmer of light guides me to ask "How can my experience help someone else? How can I take my grief and learning and make this world a bit better for others?" I have found that hopelessness lifts when I think of someone else. I renew my sense of purpose. I recommit to my mission.
I have always found that when I seek to help others, I help myself. The stress we are feeling and the grief that drops us to our knees can be a beacon of our strength and resilience.
Our desire to help, fueled by our sense of purpose, brings us to empathy. We feel with another, and we are not alone. That, in itself, is healing. Putting our empathy into action is compassion.
Our challenges are not unique to us. We are not the only one. We have not been singled out by the universe. We all have pain, stress, grief, and broken hearts. We are all part of a greater whole. One in a universe of fellow humans. Let that unity envelop and warm you.
Let us help each other to survive and thrive. Share your sense of purpose. Share your gifts in service to others and your healing will begin.
