I have read one book a week for the last eight weeks. It could be more, but it’s a nice pace for me, considering there has been a moment when I didn’t feel I had time to read the top news from www.yle.fi.
I read fiction and fact; my books usually lean more towards fiction during the summer holidays. My selection has been mainly a combination of Helena Immonen, John Grisham, and David Baldacci. Each author brings a distinct flavor to their writing, with Immonen focusing on military strategy, geopolitics, and international relations, while Grisham and Baldacci excel in crafting riveting legal and political thrillers. In every book I read, I found a favorite character and, bit by bit, started thinking about how I would have done what this character had been doing. Maybe that was how I got the hang of what I thought I should aim for.
The Meditative Bliss of Reading and Water Sports
Reading combined, especially with water sports (yes, I have decided to call also aquatic running a water sport, and no, I don’t read at the same time), takes me close to a meditative state where the world fades away, immersing me in the flow of words or movement in the water. It’s like entering a different dimension where time stands still; the only thing that matters is the narrative or stroke unfolding before me. In these moments, I find a deep sense of calm and focus, allowing my mind to wander and explore new ideas without distractions. And that state of mind is addicting!
Facing My Big Questions
It was terrifying and exhilarating to notice that now I had the time and space to confront my big questions head-on. Heck, I didn’t realize I had big questions to confront!!! But come to think of it, what did I want out of life? What was driving me each day? I had been too busy to ask these questions, but now they were front and center. It was time to start thinking about whether I was aligned with my true desires or values. I knew I was achieving goals, but were they really mine? I was moving forward, but was I going in the right direction?
The iconic Simon Sinek’s concept of “Why” centers on the idea that true fulfillment comes from understanding the deeper purpose that drives us. According to Sinek, starting with “Why”—the core belief or cause behind what we do—is key to finding meaning and direction.
And I thought I had my “why” figured out, but no. I was chasing goals and achieving milestones, and I wasn’t truly connected to a deeper reason behind it all. I hate to admit it, but this realization was liberating. It felt good to understand I was confronting a much deeper issue—one of direction and meaning.
A Quiet Journey of Self-Connection and Purpose
Through this process, I discovered my “why” was about connecting with myself and the things that truly mattered to me. This discovery didn’t come with a loud epiphany but rather through a series of quiet realizations that added up over time. And it wasn’t only a discussion with myself. It also came as compliments or acceptance from people I care about. I understood that my “why” is personal and deeply rooted in who I am and what I value. It’s not something I need to broadcast or share with the world; it’s enough that it guides me from within. Figuring out that brings an understanding of your daily work, why something doesn’t feel correct, why you don’t feel like you’re in the right place, and why it’s hard to find the right role in certain environments.
Embracing the Journey of Self-Discovery
If you feel like something is missing, I hope you’ll find your books, water sports, or whatever that is that gives you that specific state of mind that allows you to find your purpose, your “why”! It’s a personal journey, and we have different pathways to that profound sense of purpose. For some, it might be through the pages of a novel, the rhythm of physical activity, meditation, or perhaps a combination of experiences that provides clarity and direction.
Whatever your path, it’s essential to be patient with yourself. The journey to understanding your true desires and values doesn’t always come with immediate answers or clear-cut solutions. It’s more about being open to the subtle shifts and insights that occur along the way. Embrace the moments of introspection and allow yourself the space to grow and evolve.
