In a world filled with constant distractions and demands, it’s easy to feel lost or unsure of our purpose.
And who's even to say that we are meant for only one purpose in life? Recently, I've been unsure of my life's "Purpose". I have lots of different hobbies and interests, but always find myself unable to focus on just one! It truly baffles me (and fills me with awe) how some people dedicate their life to just one topic, subject, interest.
From the age of 7, I've always had my life mapped out. Always had milestones I wanted to hit, life goals I would meet by a certain age. As do many of us.
I knew I wanted to be a doctor and go to Oxford University (ha). Until I didn't.
I loved animals and, from that, decided I wanted to become a vet and have my own practice. Until I didn't.
At 11, I always knew, and talked about it with my friends all the time, that I wanted to meet my life partner by 18, get married at the grand old age of 22, have kids by 24 and live happily ever after with my husband. Until I didn't.
Then at college I finally knew I wanted to become a journalist... then at university a filmmaker... then at my first full-time job I knew I was destined for marketing... and then... I wasn't.
I never stuck it out with any of these things, and the weight of those lost paths often drags me down. I feel sad about all the opportunities I've missed and think about where I would be now if I had just stuck with one path and saw the whole journey through to the end.
Society makes it easy for us, and even encourages us, to each define ourselves by our jobs, our careers, our relationship status. When you meet someone for the first time, one of the first questions they'll ask is "what do you do?".
We're all slaves to capitalism, Karen, does it really matter what I "do"?
We are all so much more than just our jobs or relationship status (it's taken me 28 years, a degree, mental health struggles, and burnout to realise and make peace with this, but I finally got here!)
Do we only ever live just one life? Are those past opportunties truly lost and was I ever actually meant to follow them? After all, those paths lead me to where I am today.
I read somewhere that we live not just one, but many lives within our time on this Earth. I couldn't agree more.
One of my guiding lights to this realisation has genuinely been my two house rabbits, Apollo and Athena. They keep me grounded. They've helped me to believe in taking life one day at a time.
Many of us go through life on autopilot, ticking off tasks without ever stopping to ask ourselves what truly matters.
Here's what two rabbits taught me about life (believe it or not!)
Rabbits are masters of living in the moment. When I watch my rabbits hop around, exploring their surroundings with curiosity, I’m reminded of the importance of being present. They don’t worry about what tomorrow holds or dwell on the past; they simply embrace each moment as it comes.
In our pursuit of purpose, we can learn from their example. Taking time to appreciate the small things in life - like the warmth of the sun on our skin or the sound of laughter - can bring us closer to understanding what truly matters. It’s in these moments of presence that we often discover our passions and what makes us feel fulfilled.
If you struggle to sit and do a breathing exercise to practice mindfulness, you could instead try colouring in. Colouring for adults is all the rage now and is a fantastic alternative to meditating. Focus your mind, and reduce stress with my cute bunny-themed colouring sheets here.
My rabbits, each with their distinct personalities, remind me of the value of connection. They thrive on companionship, finding comfort in each other's presence (most of the time!). This bond is not just about cohabitation; it’s about sharing experiences, supporting one another, and finding solace in friendship.
Watching my rabbits entertain themselves with the toys I've given them is a beautiful reminder of the importance of joy and playfulness in our lives. They hop, flop, chew, throw things and explore their environment with unrestrained enthusiasm and curiosity. This spirit not only enriches their lives but also serves as a reminder for us: life should not be all business!
Incorporating playfulness into our daily routines can help us reconnect with our passions and interests. When we allow ourselves to explore new hobbies, engage in creative pursuits, or simply let loose, we often find renewed energy and inspiration.
The other day I forced myself to just dance around my room, flinging my limbs everywhere, with no regard for judgement or whether I was doing it "right" and it felt amazing! I could feel my foggy brain clear a little.
This sense of joy can be a guiding light in our search for purpose, helping us to uncover what truly resonates with us.
Another lesson I’ve learned from my rabbits is the importance of nurturing and caring for others. As a pet owner (or carer, if you will), I’m responsible for their wellbeing, which has taught me the value of service. Providing love, care, and attention to my rabbits has not only enriched their lives but has also brought me indescribable satisfaction.
Humans are social by nature and finding purpose often involves giving back to others, whether through acts of kindness, volunteering, or simply being there for a friend in need.
By contributing to the wellbeing of others, we can discover a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond our individual pursuits. In caring for my rabbits, I’ve found a deeper appreciation for the connection between all living beings and the impact we can have on one another’s lives. Something I never truloy appreciated before -I used to imagine I lived in my own bubble that couldn't be touched by anything else. It's been a steep learning curve dicovering that is not true!
Finding purpose in life is a deeply personal journey, and it can feel overwhelming more often than not, especially when we put pressure on ourselves. Let alone the pressure from others!
However, these simple, but powerful experiences with my rabbits have shown me that the answers we seek may lie in the small moments of presence, connection, joy, and service. By observing their lives and integrating these lessons into my own, I’ve discovered that purpose can be found in the love we give, the connections we make, and the joy we embrace.
By reconnecting with myself and taking the pressure off by being more mindful, I feel much closer to living a life in alignment with myself and my values. I don't feel like I need to have just one purpose for my entire life. I'm happy knowing that I know my purpose for this moment, and if it changes down the line, as I change as a person (because we are all constantly evolving!), that's ok too. I will ride the wave without judgement or pressure.
So, the next time you find yourself questioning your purpose, take a moment to reflect on the small joys around you - just like a rabbit would! Embrace the present, nurture your relationships, play freely, and remember that your "purpose" may be waiting to be uncovered in the most unexpected of places.
You could even find you were meant to have a different purpose for every day, month, or year. Just like me!