Welcome to Ipek and Tara's Threads of Light,
A talk series that illuminates the path to a brighter and more meaningful life.
Join us as we set sail on a journey of self-discovery,
Transformation,
And shared wisdom.
Hello and welcome to Threads of Light.
I am Tara and today's talk is about self-discovery leading to purpose.
It is my pleasure to open today's talk with an inspirational quote to consider.
Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness.
It is not attained through self-gratification,
But through fidelity to a worthy purpose,
By Helen Keller.
So let's talk about what purpose means and how it takes shape for each of us on our own paths.
Ipek,
If you would share some perspective to get us going.
Sure.
Thank you,
Tara.
Purpose to me is more than a goal.
It's like a magnetic force pulling me towards something profoundly meaningful.
I was just reading an article that I know you also read,
Tara,
By Scott Berry Kaufman,
The author of Transcend the New Science of Self-Actualization.
And I agree with what he says in that article about purpose.
It's a transformative shift in our priorities where what once held significance may fade and previously overlooked aspects take center stage.
Because purpose isn't a burden,
But it's an inspiration.
And it's about turning every I have to into I want to.
So the pivotal role we can play as parents,
Teachers,
Coaches,
Mentors,
In shaping the meaning of purpose could be so impactful if we guide others by posing questions that bring out the essence of what truly matters.
Questions like,
What brings you intrinsic joy during your day?
Or what makes you feel like you are learning and growing?
These questions help us distinguish between imposed goals and authentic aspirations.
And discovering our purpose fosters a connection to the larger world,
Instilling a sense of responsibility and contribution beyond the self.
In my opinion,
In the grand scheme of life,
Purpose isn't a rigid,
Predetermined path.
It's an evolving exploration.
The more we assist each other in discovering and expressing our unique threads of purpose,
The more vibrant and interconnected our collective tapestry becomes.
So now my question for our audience to think about and reflect on is this.
What activities or experiences bring you a deep sense of intrinsic joy and fulfillment in your daily life?
And if you cannot think of any of those,
Why is that?
Now,
I would love to hear your take on this,
Tara,
In a way a little difficult and for some,
A little uncomfortable topic of purpose.
Thank you,
Ipek.
And there's certainly a lot to reflect upon.
And many people,
Including myself,
Have wanted to grasp or define purpose as something tangible,
Turning it into yet another goal to achieve and strive for.
But over the years,
I've come to learn that it's truly a shift in our priorities and what's important to us.
According to many development researchers on the subject of purpose,
We can find purpose and fulfillment not by striving for money,
Success,
Or happiness,
You know,
The want,
But by becoming the best version of ourselves.
And this is a theme that I'm resonating with very much.
It's also what Maslow has called self-actualization.
And Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a pyramid that has self-actualization at the top and also transcendence.
And I just learned recently that Maslow himself never truly created that pyramid as a hierarchy,
But it's really something we weave in and out of over time at different stages in our lives.
And so I'm realizing now at this stage in my life that my pursuit is really becoming the best version of myself.
And sharing that wisdom to inspire others is one of my purposes.
And I say one of them because there are many.
But the theme here is becoming the best version of myself,
Which gives me the freedom to explore and not have that rigid goal-oriented sense of what purpose is.
So I think there are different cycles in our life where our purpose has different expressions based on the unique circumstance at that time.
But it always has a meaning for oneself.
But also,
If you reflect enough,
It's beyond the self.
And I think that's another theme in,
You know,
What is a purpose?
And always trying to look at who is it really serving?
And it's not just an individual pursuit.
So,
For example,
There were distinct phases in my life where my purpose was to learn,
Then to be a caregiver.
And sometimes these things were happening at the same time and others more separate.
But then it could evolve into being solving problems for others,
Using skills to help others,
Reflection,
And choices.
And then also a purpose is to have joy.
So a realization that we evolve,
And so do our intentions or purpose,
Which is a guiding force that comes from our thoughts.
Currently,
I resonate with becoming the best version of myself very much.
And sharing the wisdom to inspire others is one of my purposes.
And I know this because when I'm doing that,
I feel that intrinsic joy that you talk about deep within satisfaction of helping another.
So paying attention to what brings me joy and resonates is part of my exploration and tuning into what matters.
Meaning is at the core of what matters to me.
And the choices I make in alignment with that,
It really is what I'm paying attention to more at this stage in my evolution or life cycle.
So with that,
Ipek,
I'd like to hear your thoughts and conclusion.
Well,
I really loved everything you said,
Tara,
And especially what you said about meaning and also seeing your purpose as becoming the best version of yourself.
I cannot think of a better purpose than that.
And I would like to conclude our conversation with a positive affirmation that will hopefully inspire others to do the same.
And hopefully motivate all the audience,
Everyone listening to this to explore and embrace their purpose.
So this is how it goes.
I trust that my true purpose reveals itself with each intentional choice I make.
Thank you for listening.
We hope you found this episode insightful.
If so,
Please share it with others.
Until we reunite under the cosmic embrace of our next episode,
May your days be filled with the brilliance of your unique light.
Take each step with purpose and let the threads of light guide you.
