I have a tendency to get lost in self-reflection when I consider what my purpose is in life. I am a father, a partner, a son, a brother, a friend, an employee and colleague, an artist, and at my baseline, a human. I am a lot of things, and each of the roles I play gives me some sense of purpose.
However, the impact of my purpose is what really keeps me up at night. Someday when I’m six feet under, will my epitaph read “he made a positive difference” or will it not? It doesn’t always feel or look that way.
Perhaps, the reason I get anxious about it is that I frequently look up to bigger-than-life (and extraordinary) examples of purpose and legacy that I compare myself to. I think of my hero, Mister Rogers, and the tremendous amount of positive influence he had on the world, for example. Will my service to others ever make that big of a difference?
South African theologian and human rights activist, Desmond Tutu, said “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” I find this quote incredibly encouraging! Most of the service opportunities I’ve had in my life feel like “little bits.” If what Tutu said is true, then these little bits are just as, if not more important as the celebrity-level bits of good.
Being a great dad is a little bit. Being a great partner, son, and brother is a little bit. Taking care of my friends and doing my very best at work are little bits. Spreading joy with my art is a little bit. As long as I direct my daily actions toward the positive goal of serving those around me in little ways, then my purpose is being fulfilled regardless of whether or not it gets noticed.
Finding personal fulfillment through service does not require attention and recognition. We can all find that kind of fulfillment in the various niches of community and identity that we each play roles in. And the most unexpected result – we’ll feel happier, more stable, and more prepared for the future because of it.
If you or someone you know is struggling to understand their purpose, The Willow Center is here and ready to help.
Written by Chase Cotten, Community Director
