EPISODE SUMMARY:

Got life purpose? Recent research suggests that those who desire to live longer more satisfying lives should consider finding meaningful reasons for getting up every day. According to a 2019 study on the association between life purpose and mortality in U.S adults over 50 years old, a strong sense of purpose leads to a significantly longer life. Findings revealed that this was due to an increase in heart disease mortality in those with less of a sense of purpose.

Research also reveals that those with a feeling of having a sense of purpose have more positive health outcomes, make more money and have a reduced risk of dementia and disabilities. They are also happier.

Statistics vary on how we self-report on the issue. However in a New York Times study only 20% of Americans claim to have a clear sense of purpose, while 40% were neutral or said they lacked clarity on the matter.

Considering the potential stakes, both emotionally and physically, for those who fail to find a sense of purpose in this life, we decided to chat with an expert. So, we invited Dr. Joseph Ferrari to, once again, join us at the Real Talk “tea” table.

It was a perfect choice! First, we just plain enjoy the energy, storytelling and humor Dr. Ferrari brings to every conversation. Second, he wears two hats that enriched our exploration of “purpose”. As a psychologist he offers professional insight into people, behavior, and human nature. As a Deacon he also brings a spiritual perspective to the table.

I wish we could say that this episode provides an easy solution to a challenge that reportedly affects the great majority of us. We cannot. We do, however, offer tips and resources to help you discover your life purpose. As Deacon Joe shared with us, if we are each a grain of sand, we are all important to the beach. And we think that makes finding your purpose on the shore worth it.

IN THIS EPISODE WE:

• Discussed the significance of finding your Calling or Purpose
• Explored spirituality and our Vocation, Calling or Purpose
• Defined the difference between a Calling and Purpose
• Talked about how we can discover our Calling, Vocation or Purpose
• Learned what types of people can assist us in finding our Purpose
• Examined the relationship between our Values and our Purpose
• Chatted about the importance of diving in and taking risks
• Delved into why our finding our individual purpose matters to the collective

…And much more!

Enjoy the “Tea”,

Deb (& Nia)

p.s. If you haven’t listened to our conversation with Dr. Ferrari on PROCRASTINATION, get the “tea” here.

“Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”

– Viktor Frankl

 “It’s not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something.”

– Winston S. Churchill