The PURPOSE Myth <3

Purpose. 

It's at the center of everything right now. People search for it. Others think they'll never find it. Some are in awe of it when they accidentally stumble upon it. 

I used to think that it was something you had to make a detailed plan to find. Something that you could schedule into your calendar. "Find your purpose." 

I couldn't have been further from the truth. Here's why:

I don't believe in one purpose. And I certainly don't believe that you will "find it" if you go in search of it. In a world where social media seems to tell us that we need to hustle and run towards what we want right now, I think it's the opposite in many cases. I saw a quote the other day that said, "The right direction is more important than speed. Some people are going nowhere fast." It resonated with me. 

Some people, myself included at times, are trying to race to destination that they won't even like. Some get there and it's a total let down. 

I had this realization awhile back. I have worked off board for the past 6ish years. The last 3, I have mostly paid board. So, from 16-22, I have pretty much had a car payment. Board ranging from $300-600/mo., grain not included. That's a lot. At one point, I was working off 2 horses board payments. Leasing one and the other I owned. So, I got burnt out. On the outside, it probably looks like I would have gotten burnt out from working... no, it was due to the lack of fun and wonder I was allowing myself to have. I was making work feel like work. Rather than letting it feel light and seeing the positive side of it. 

This last year is the first time that I have allowed myself to just have fun while riding! Just fun. Not trying to compete or be better than anyone. Not in it to be the best, but simply there to have a good time. (Even though we want to be the best.)

I have always struggled with this. I tend to be a serious person. 

I do believe that I am getting out of that. Instead of searching for my "purpose" if that's even a real thing, I am just doing the best with what I have now and working towards what I think I want. And sometimes that changes. And it's okay. 

I am grateful for what is today and looking forward for what is to come. But my feet are here, because that's where I am. Don't get caught up in thinking that everything is better elsewhere, because if you actually end up at "elsewhere" you'll likely want to come right back here. To where you are today. Give yourself permission to love today's version of you, while still wanting different for your future self. Find the balance. If you get everything out of today, you'll have less regret tomorrow. 

<3 LD