Living a Life of Purpose & Meaning
Last January 31st, U.S. Marine Sgt. William Stacey was killed during his fourth deployment to Afghanistan. Yesterday, his last letter was read to his fellow Marines to commemorate Memorial Day. His dream, his life purpose, was to provide the children of Afghanistan an opportunity to get an education, attend school and achieve something better for their lives.
He wrote, “There will be a child who will live because men left the security they enjoyed in their home to come to his,” Stacey wrote in his letter. “He will have the gift of freedom which I have enjoyed for so long myself, and if my life brings the safety of a child who will one day change the world, then I know that it was all worth it.”
As a veteran, there is nothing quite like the camaraderie experienced while serving this great country. Every soldier has their personal reasons for serving, but a bigger vision, meaning and purpose brings the individuals, families, communities, and branches of service together to form this great nation.
Ghandi stated, “be the change you wish to see in the world.” As individuals in the civilian world, it is critical at the individual level to make sure we live and create our personal vision, meaning and life purpose. We are responsible for having that vision to bring our families, communities and country together. Sometimes, this can be challenging since we are not in a system like the military that more naturally promotes it.
A person’s fulfillment in life comes through having a vision. It can be as simple as the one shared by Sgt. Stacey. Many people struggle to find it, but if you are willing, it is out there waiting for you. You may ask yourself, “Why is it so important to have a vision, a purpose and a meaning for life?” Because living a life of purpose allows you to rise to a challenge, overcome obstacles, feel strong and powerful and make a difference in life.
Sculptor Henry Moore stated, “The secret of life is to have a task, something to devote your entire life to; something you bring everything to, every minute of the day for your whole life. And the most important thing is, it must be something you cannot possibly do!” Moore’s task was to be the greatest sculptor every known and know it!
And sometimes, in order to bring the world, a country, and a community together; all it takes is the courage and conviction of one person. A person who lives a life based on values of freedom, duty, selflessness and sacrifice in service of others.
As Steven Chandler states in his book, Fearless, “Courage inspires…even the courage of a fearless, impossible vision.” One person can make a difference in this world if they are true to their purpose, live fearless, and live a life devoted to a task they can’t complete. Because in the end, they may just do it!
Thank you to every veteran who has served this great country and to those who gave us the gift of freedom with their life.
If you know the vision, purpose and meaning for your life, I would love to read about it below. If you are still searching, call today for your complimentary strategy session. (919) 792-0085
