Have you ever meditated on what your purpose in life could or should be?

Is it a journey that you embark on by chance, or a pre-planned destination you are traveling toward?

We all need a sense of purpose in our lives to help us find the passion and drive required to face each day. Think about that spark that motivates you to keep going.

Does it come from earned accomplishments, significant others, job satisfaction or extracurricular activities?

The passion and drive you possess, particularly as a parent, are important in the eyes of your child. This is one reason it is important to demonstrate excitement over good grades, responsible decisions, good manners and family gatherings.

Surely, joy is expressed for more happenings in life than college football games or trips to the mall. Many children believe if something is important to their parents, it should be important to them. For this reason, wise choices about life skills, communication with others and character should be priorities for the benefit of youthful eyes that look toward their parents for virtuous role-modeling.

A close friend of mine recently passed away unexpectedly. Afterward, I heard numerous friends and family members expound on her many talents. One friend said, “She was a go-getter! She wasn’t afraid of anything!” A family member remarked, “She was the best female swimmer in our area. She wasn’t ever too frightened to dive from high places or try any new task for the first time. As a tennis player, she was unbeatable! Her determination and drive to win made her a true champion.”

As a parent, she instilled that same passion for life to each of her children. She also worked as a recreational director and encouraged young people on a daily basis to do their best and believe they could accomplish anything. Her self-determination and will to follow her dreams allowed her to live a full life consumed by many unforgettable memories.

 Being born and dying are for the most part out of our hands. However, we can do something about the way we live! Setting goals and dreams to strive for each day is a necessary part of our well-being. Challenges in life will come whether we are ready or not. Yet, we must be brave enough to ‘step out of the boat’ and take responsibility for the way we want to live. When we embrace life with passion, we find more comfort as we cross the ‘bumps’ in the road.

When was the last time you felt passionate about something? What guides you to make certain choices in life?

Do you ever wonder if your passions or choices are healthy or morally in line with what you would want your child to do?

The greatest way to enrich your life is to put smiles on the faces of others. Be passionate about who and what you love. Perform good deeds and discipline yourself to be successful. Be daring enough to follow your heart; not the crowd.

Most importantly, follow your purpose in life wholeheartedly.   

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne.