It took me many years, but I know my purpose in life. Purposes, really. And you can, too.
As I was finishing high school, and early in college, I was infected by a permanent love of making music happen, first as a player, then as a songwriter, and finally as composer, conductor, and producer. My music career became a real center for me.
Then, as I progressed in my Master’s Degree, I had an “assistantship,” which was part-time employment instructing beginning college classes in music theory. I saw the light come on in my students’ eyes, and watched them progress very fast because of what I had done for them. I was then hooked on teaching.
And all my life, from as early as I can remember, family was the center of my universe. As years progressed, I also felt the touch of our Father in Heaven as I gave faith a genuine try, and made correct choices. These two are the center of my life: Family and Faith in Jesus Christ. Creating music and teaching the “word of knowledge” are my second-most important anchors.
Arlen L. Card on Stage Two, LDS Mopix
I know my purposes on this planet, and I am actively pursuing all four of them. Sure, I also have a law practice, a consultancy, and a few well-neglected hobbies, but I know my path, and I focus there.
The key to knowing my reasons for being was: identifying the areas in which I felt like I was doing the most good for others. Sounds “Pollyanna”-ish, I know, but it’s true. My selfish pursuits left me less fulfilled, while my altruistic pursuits left me feeling valuable, fulfilled, and more worthy of drawing breath.
So, whether you’re family to me or a friend, a colleague, a fan, or a student, I urge you: Find your purposes in life, and give them top priority. You have to earn a living, but there is always a way to either earn it on that higher path, or make time enough for the higher path that you can feel that you’re acting with integrity.
And as you find your way, be kind and thoughtful of others, because mean people suck, and this world needs people who spread light rather than conflict.
End of preachy, soapbox essay.