True purpose lies not in chasing outcomes but in loving the process itself, as highlighted by a touching story of a poet who chased her passion until the very end.
Purpose is often discussed as a grand destination or monumental achievement, but the essence of true purpose is found in joy and the everyday moments we cherish. This sentiment is beautifully illustrated by the story of Anna, a former university English professor who, after caring for her terminally ill husband, turned her attention to writing poetry—a lifelong passion.
Anna’s story is an example of finding meaning not in accolades but in the love of creation and engagement. Each morning, in her Chicago condo, she would craft poems, seeking fulfillment in the process rather than its outcomes. This dedication to joy in creation defines what Anna and many others see as true purpose.
When Anna was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer, she maintained her spirit of purposefulness. Her last days were not spent striving toward an unreachable goal, but rather engaging with what she loved, including helping others with their poetic pursuits. During her final visit with a hospice volunteer, Anna insisted on viewing the volunteer’s poetry, offering generous feedback despite her failing health. This interaction underscores the enduring power of shared purpose and connection.
Anna’s passion for poetry did not only bring her joy, but it also fostered a sense of community among those she touched. As her health waned, her modest apartment became a gathering place for friends and fellow creatives. Despite her modest surroundings, Anna’s life was rich with connections cultivated through her love for poetry and people.
The broader lesson Anna imparts is that purpose is not about an accumulation of trophies or becoming famous. Instead, it’s about embracing daily acts of passion and allowing them to guide you. Here are five guiding principles that frame this understanding of purpose:
1. Love the Process: Purpose that places emphasis on enjoyment and the regularity of doing something you love, rather than the pressure to achieve grand results, is often more fulfilling. For Anna, success lay in her daily writing, not just in publication.
2. Purpose Should Be Impossible to Fail: Purpose should never be solely outcome-driven. Instead, it should focus on being in the ‘flow’—those moments of deep engagement that feel effortless. If a pursuit loses its luster, it’s simply an indicator to pivot rather than a signal of defeat.
3. There Are No Rules (Except These Few): Purpose need not follow strict mandates. It doesn’t have to be lifelong or extraordinary in scope. Anna’s teaching career evolved into poetry, demonstrating that purpose can adapt with the phases of life, sometimes solemn, at other times playful.
4. Be Purpose-Promiscuous: It’s a common misconception that everyone has a singular purpose. In reality, individuals are multifaceted with diverse passions. Anna indulged in poetry as well as board games, cherishing different slices of happiness without needing adherence to one sole purpose.
5. Let Purpose Connect You: Engaging in activities that genuinely uplift you can serve as a conduit for connection. Anna’s apartment, although understated in material wealth, was rich in the fellowship of shared creative pursuits. Purpose, when married to passion, can attract a community of like-minded individuals, enhancing the collective well-being.
Anna’s journey showcases that a purposeful life need not be characterized by grand ambitions or singular focus but should center around finding meaning and joy in the everyday. While her story offers these guiding principles as “rules,” they are more suggestions for exploration. Each person can adapt them to fit the personal narratives of their lives.
The take-home is clear: despite life’s finite nature, the choice in how we spend our days remains ours. Like Anna, choosing to do what truly lights our inner flame and sharing this with others can leave behind a meaningful legacy.
Ultimately, Anna’s example challenges us to question if we are pursuing rules of purpose that genuinely resonate with our hearts and to adjust where necessary, reminding us all that living with purpose is a privilege accessible at any stage of life.