What the heck is my purpose?

Since my early teens, I can remember wondering what my purpose in life was. In fact, as a ten year old, I recall lying in bed one night trying to to solve the complex problem of poverty for when I became president one day. Then in my early twenties, I remember often pondering the meaning of life. I searched for it in religion, in self-help books, and other people. I was envious of others that knew their purpose with absolute certainty.

The path I chose

Let's just say a lot has changed since those early days. The path I envisioned myself taking - was not the path I ended up on. As a teen, I saw my adult future self as a single hard-working corporate business executive, financially successful, living in a busy city. Instead, I ended up being a married stay-at-home mom, with a part-time job living in the suburbs. I am so thankful that my path veered dramatically as it did. I'm pretty sure that other version of myself would have ended up sad, miserable, and lonely.

New quest

So looking back now, I see that any answer to the question of the meaning of life back then would have been very different from what my answer is now. Back then my answer was very superficial, like what kind of job I would have, where I would live, with whom, etc. Now my quest is more grounded and down-to-earth. Am I surrounded by people I love and care about? Is my body physically healthy? Is my mind mentally healthy? Do I have the energy and resources to do the things I enjoy?

And some days that answer is yes, some days it is somewhat, and some days it is simply no. But I will continue to ask myself the question. And I am certain that the answers will slowly direct me toward a fulfilling and rewarding life.