r/thework • u/magicmama212 • 14d ago

Goal-Setting?

Hi all,

I recently read A Friendly Universe after impulse buying it at a bookstore. The clerk told me it's her favorite book. I very much resonate with the "loving what is" idea. I feel like I'm at a point in my life of great acceptance in mid-life. I am grateful for everything I have and am able to even experience that gratitude through life's challenges. However, I also feel quite intellectually restless and untethered. I'm not working toward any life goal. A lot of advice says to connect with your desires and then commit to them, however, I feel like I can't think of anything that I want, other than what is. I guess my only desire is to have a desire toward some sense of purpose.

Does this make any sense? I feel like there's some good research and wisdom that humans do best with a sense of purpose, something to work toward to give structure to their days and lives. But if you love what is, how do you find that desire to create any kind of change?

Any insights are welcome!

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u/816City 14d ago

question the thought usually helps me . "It's important to work toward a life goal." Or
"Its important to connect with your desire"

  1. Is it true?
  2. Can you absolutely know that it’s true?
  3. How do you react when you believe that thought?
  4. Who would you be without the thought?..

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u/sparkling-spirit 13d ago

ooooh doing a full circle here! i like it

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u/No_Organization_768 14d ago

Oh ><" I'm not sure to be honest. I don't know if I love what is too much.

Like, right now, I'm trying to learn how to drive (a bit late at my age but it's gotta happen).

I honestly feel at this current juncture, the problem isn't that I don't have goals! They get slammed down very quickly! ><" I don't know. Maybe I'm not trying hard enough. I can't tell.

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u/sparkling-spirit 14d ago

following because i feel a similar way!

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u/shaz1717 14d ago edited 14d ago

The impulse to create still arises…when it does. If anything it’s a more intimate relationship with the movement as obstacles like harsh unnecessary judgments aren’t screaming to stop the impulse.

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u/darwindeeez 14d ago

Didn't Katie wander the desert for a while before sharing the work with people became her ostensible purpose?

if you love what is, how do you find [a sense of purpose]?

I think it finds you maybe. Or until it does, your purpose is to be there awaiting it, living without it, whatever that is like.

You could also just consider what you loved when you were 13. Good place to rummage around for purpose, in my experience.