As an older adult, you have a lifetime of experiences and wisdom to guide you, but that doesn't always mean you have a clear purpose in life. For many people, work is their purpose, so you might feel lost once you retire. For others, raising a family is their purpose, which changes once the kids are adults and start their own lives. Discovering a new purpose or renewing your passion for an old purpose can help you feel fulfilled later in life. Try these methods to uncover something that adds meaning to your life.
It can feel discouraging to feel you don't have a purpose in life. You might believe you can't learn new things. Developing a growth mindset can help you discover new passions. Instead of focusing on the skills you don't have or the limitations that come with age, remind yourself that you can learn lots of new skills and enjoy new experiences. Forget the things you haven't done yet in life. Take an optimistic approach, knowing you can start new things at any age.
Trying to come up with a purpose out of the blue often won't give you great results. Instead, spend time reflecting on yourself and your habits. Think about when you're in your element and feeling confident. Is there something your friends and family come to you for when they need help or inspiration? This could turn into a talent or passion that you could pursue in other ways. For instance, if you're an expert at sewing, you might teach a class at a community center. Notice things that pique your curiosity, light you up or get you excited throughout your day to start exploring possible purposes.
Incorporating mindfulness into your day can help you reflect and connect with your purpose. Journaling your thoughts each day can help you recognize patterns and identify interests. Doing yoga or taking meditative walks daily gives you quiet time to reflect on what you want in life and how you want to spend your time. Find daily practices that work for you and help you find clarity on your purpose.
When you go through the same routine every day, you can feel uninspired. You may stop paying attention to the things around you and miss opportunities for exploration and purpose. Making even a small change to your routine, such as taking your daily walk on a different route or going to a different coffee shop, can shake things up and help you notice new things. Be intentional each day to make some little changes in what you do or how you do things to keep yourself present.
Part of changing your routine can be trying new things. If a friend invites you to join them in an activity you've never tried, give it a chance. Seek out new opportunities and activities at Collinwood and within the Fort Collins community. You might find a new interest based on these experiences. Doing new things can also inspire you and help you see the world differently, which could lead you to your passion.
You don't have to take formal classes to learn new things and find your purpose. Informal learning opportunities are available everywhere. Start by reading more books about topics that interest you. You might create a list of topics you find interesting or new things you hear about that you want to research. Set aside time to research online or at the library. You can also learn new things by attending lectures, workshops and community classes. Joining a group based on your interests can help you meet other people who enjoy those things and help you expand your knowledge.
Traveling beyond your community is another way to get out of your normal routine and find inspiration. Visiting new areas can introduce you to different activities, cultures and ways of life. You might uncover a new passion as you're exploring your destinations, whether that's food, music or activities. Going on a mission trip can combine travel with an immediate purpose by helping the people in the community you visit.
Contributing to your family, friend group or community can uncover your purpose. Volunteer opportunities are a meaningful way to feel a sense of purpose. Look for volunteering needs that match your talents or interests. Being active within your church, library, schools and other local organizations can also help you find your purpose.
As you go through life, some of your passions and interests often fall off. You might get too busy to keep up with your hobbies, or you might replace them with other activities. Some people completely forget about those old interests. Think back to your younger years and the things that filled you with passion. Decide if some of those things are worth revisiting and pursuing now. You might reconnect with old friends who participated in those activities with you. If your career was your purpose in life, consider ways you can still participate in it now. For instance, if you were a school principal, you might volunteer as a mentor in a local school.
