I don’t like The Purpose Driven Life much. I mean, it’s cool that the book has sold millions of copies and Rick Warren seems like an alright guy, but I never found myself getting into it. It’s a case of personal preference. I find the writing to be a little bland, straight forward, and full of clichés. I’m not so big on the whole cliché thing. Example: If you do not learn to master your money, money will become your master.
Still, I’ve got to admit, I agree with idea. There is a purpose to life.
But what is my purpose? Where am I going? A lot of people reach a point, this awakening where they hit a wall. One minute they were running through flowery fields like a child in spring then boom! They smash into this unforeseen blockade (not to be confused with an unforeseen kiss). Where did this come from?
The answer: It was always there, waiting.
A Glitch in the Matrix
A few years ago I was playing Sonic the Hedgehog on my Sega Genesis. I was a level or two from the end, loving every minute of it. Suddenly my friend Mitch walked across the room and bumped the console.
My game froze, Sonic hanging mid-air, game music stuck on the same note. I sat in horror as I realized I couldn’t push forward. I was stuck. With a lump of frustration in my throat, I reached forward and pressed the reset button. I may have also called Mitch a bad word…All the levels I had beaten, all of the extra lives I had earned were gone. I was so close. Now I didn’t even want to play the game. Stupid blue hedgehog.
And This is Life
A year and a half ago, I graduated college. Much like the aforementioned Sonic experience, my game froze. I knew where I was going, and then I everything stopped. I didn’t really want to talk about it, much less think about it. And so, this freeze frame continued.
I didn’t really live as much as I simply existed.
Of course people would ask where is your plan? Tell me about your life! And I wanted to, but I felt like my life was this blank page with nothing written on it. Meanwhile, I simply stared at it hoping it would magically be filled with something interesting.
I Am Not Alone
The more I talked to people around me, people who graduated college or high school or just left some job, I realized I was not alone. There was this group, this culture of people who had these dreams and passions but no outlet.
I would share with these people and they would share with me. Pity circles can be very enjoyable the first few times. Then you discover it is just that: a circle, continuously going round and round. So I decided to break the circle.
I Am a Writer
Seriously, I have a college degree to prove I am a writer. But more than that, I am writing. I am writing a book (two actually) and I try to jump at every other writing opportunity I had. But I needed more.
I needed to make my life’s passion part of my lifestyle.
And so, here is me writing a regular blog about doing something with my life. This is me filling up my blank page. I hope it can inspire you to do with same with whatever your purpose is. Because I think deep down, we all have an idea of what that purpose is. It’s put there in our very creation. Think about it.
Love it Tim. You really are not alone… i’m excited to see where this blog takes you
Liking the new blog, the design is a lot better than the last one. I’ve got to say as a fellow movie fanatic I’m a little disappointed the last blog fell to the wayside but this is fresh and new and exciting. I also love the pics, they are very well done. Really great job altogether
Tim! I love this! I can’t wait to read more! Were you really talking about me?!
Thanks so much Alex. I miss the movie blog a bit too. Maybe one day I will make a new one, but for now, there is this. Glad you liked it.
And yes Mitch, you got a shout out….because you ruined my life! Jk,
I commend you on not only finding your passion, but following it. It took me quite a few years to reach that point, but it will be fun seeing where things take me…and you!
Indeed, its going to be an interesting journey.
I love this. I have been in this same place several times, and am back in this place again. I love the idea of a blank page; endless possibilities and whatever you want to make of it.
(Btw, I love the photo on the top. Very cool.)
Yeah, the beauty of the title is that I can adjust the blog as needed and it still fits. Thank you for the encouragement. As for the picture, it’s probably the best picture that will ever be taken of me. Scary, I know.
I am so glad I have come across this blog!! Best way to end my first day of 2012.
This all reminds me of this quote:
“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called “Opportunity” and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” ~ Edith L. Pierce
Looking forward to sharing in this journey.
Wow…I’ve been trying to put into words how I’ve felt for the last two years but could never quite get it right. You just pretty much summed it up. It’s good to know I’m not the only one out there. Keep up the good work Tim!
I felt the same about The Purpose Driven Life. As much as I love philosophical ideas and inspiration, eventually I need practical guidance and advice to DO the work, to fulfill my purpose. I love your ‘freeze frame’ metaphor. So true for me in my life right now. I recently graduated with a Master’s and can’t find a way to put it to use that feels passionate. Glad to know I’m not alone. I’ll definitely remember to “make my life’s passion part of my lifestyle.” Love that! Thanks Tim… looking forward to reading more of your posts.