Purpose

I had it all wrong. For years, I worked toward wealth and lavishness. I didn’t achieve those goals, but a little voice kept asking me, “Is this all there is to life? Make more money, spend more money? Isn’t this just an unending loop?”

Growing older made things clearer. My body’s inefficiencies began to surface, and every excess was quickly punished: more alcohol led to disturbed sleep, rich food caused stomach issues, late nights brought bad mornings, and buying expensive things resulted in buyer’s remorse.

This realization left me feeling empty, unsure, and uncomfortable. Life’s fleeting nature became starkly apparent. It is a one-time gift, a journey with no second chances. So, I asked myself, what can I do to make it memorable, knowing that one day even the memories will fade to zero?

The answer I found is simple: every day, make people around me feel good about interacting with me.

This shift in perspective changed everything. It aligns with the teachings of great figures like the Buddha, who for millennia have emphasized compassion and human connection.

At the same time, it’s essential to understand what purpose is not. Living with purpose doesn’t mean neglecting self-care or future planning. We must still nurture our own well-being, develop our skills, and pursue meaningful work based on our interests and usefulness.

But what happens if the people around us remain unhappy? It’s important to remember that their happiness is not our responsibility. If someone doesn’t want us in their lives, we can—and should—take a different path in our journey.

This isn’t an easy decision. Walking away from relationships can be painful, and it requires empathy and self-awareness. However, staying in a connection that isn’t mutual can harm both parties. By letting go, we allow ourselves and others the freedom to find better alignment elsewhere. Life is too short to force connections, but it’s also too precious to leave without gratitude for the lessons each relationship brings.