Monday, February 7, 2011

My Purpose In Life

I've recently read ShinTien's blog post about one's purpose in life. I've cut and paste the article here:

The other day, I had an interesting conversation with a wise friend which revolved around the big question: “What is your purpose in life?”

If asked this question a few years ago, I would have quickly related the answer to be somewhat religious. And being a non-religious person, I was under the impression that I could never be able to give a satisfactory answer. True enough, I did not know the answer. I was so eager to give the right answer that my mind went blank thinking of one. I was intimidated by the question.

When faced with the same question once again a few days ago, I gave it a little thought and suddenly had a eureka moment. Right then and there. I came to the realisation that this question has no right answer, it’s really a question of opinion. I said smiling, “I know it’s a little vague, but my purpose in life is to be happy.”

My friend assured me that my answer was not vague at all. In fact she thought it was very specific. We discussed further and I arrived at some interesting conclusions about myself. Now that I know what my purpose in life is, I started to think about ways in which I could live my life, driven by that specific purpose.

We both acknowledged that the state of being happy is highly subjective to every individual, life situation and most importantly – timing. In my opinion, I will truly be happy when I have contentment in life. In order to be contented, I need to pursue all my “wants” to come to the stage where I could finally say “I am happy now.” Of course I cannot deny the complication of not knowing what I want. I might think I want something, but I wouldn’t really know until I got it. Agree?

Instead of pondering on my doubts, I decided to put things in action now. Well because life is short and I am not there yet! At the present moment, I think I will be happy if I can graduate by year 2012 and start living a life that I enjoy. Well, what kind of life would I enjoy? That’s another story for another post :) 

For now, I should focus to make this work. When come 2012, I will decide again if I am truly happy or….plan something else. I shall keep doing this until I find contentment in life. This may take me a few years or a lifetime (let’s hope it’s not the latter…). Then, I can be happy.

So tell me, what is your purpose in life…?

I used to asked myself the same question over and over again, in my high school years. There was once I felt really melancholic (I blame myself for being a typical piscean) that I started doubting the existence of the whole universe. I thought that it was pointless that the world existed - the whole damn world. I questioned the existence of God (if there ever was one) and his intentions. I believed that he created the world to watch the sufferings of mankind.

I was about 17 and at that age, thoughts come and go. Backstreet Boys, Jay Chou and Japanese drama series soon occupied my mind. And as I grew older, I realized that the purpose in life can't be given to you by others - you have to define it yourself. I have found mine - to enjoy life. 

The last thing I want, is to be tied up to my career. My career, is merely a stepping stone to earn me an ability to enjoy life. I want to be able to buy the things I like, to go to places I like, to do the things I like (blogging being one of them). And when the time comes, maybe I'll have a family. Why not?

And that, is my purpose in life. ;)

8 comments:

wykay said...

oh no... someone's purpose of life got 恨嫁 symptom d... hahaha =P
******
Theory on existence of God.. it won't affects my life... but it affects only my belief... Then, belief will change my life :P
******
If there is no God... As a human being... I will still making wishes and hoping for miracle... How can I explain about my belief then?
So... If there is God... I know He already has the full planning on my life... Then what can I do to change His mind? Guaranteed??
Actually, my primary purpose of life is to have full control on my own life... but this can never happen... I know!!
Last word... no matter what, we can loss up everything but not purpose(s) of life!!!
Human or zombie...??

thE gEOgrAphicAlly blind said...

No, I am definitely NOT 恨嫁.

Well, it doesn't matter if your destiny has been decided by God. What's important is, the journey. ;)

P.S. I didn't know you blog. Totally have to check it out.

David Batista said...

I agree with the original blog article -- that one's purpose in life is to be happy. At least, that's my purpose as well.

And like you, I also view my career as only a means to make me happy. In other words, I only care about it inasmuch as it allows me to do the things I really want to do in life. Unlike many others, I don't define myself by the work I do, but by the actions I take to make myself happy.

If that makes sense . . .

MODERN ROBINSON CRUSOE said...

Hmm - That big question : purpose of life? - I guess it's closely tied to "vitamin C" ($$) - without it, our goal purpose seems got stumbling block, eh? No $ , not talk on ambition / purpose since if one don't have Cash, how to pursue that goal / ambition in life? I think it's fact though a sad reality..Hehe relax, just a 2 cent worth of thought

wykay said...

yeah.. i do blogging...long time ago... now?! i guess more than half a year i din bother about my blog d :P

thE gEOgrAphicAlly blind said...

David, of course it makes sense. I guess all of us wanna be happy.

Robinson, agree. This is where the career comes in.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing my post shinloo...
To happiness everyone!! *raises glass*
:)

thE gEOgrAphicAlly blind said...

Cheers! :)