In a world that often urges us to “find our purpose,” the quest can seem elusive, as if purpose is something “out there” waiting for us to discover. But what if purpose isn’t something to hunt down or define ahead of time? What if purpose is actually something we discover by looking back, as a mosaic of meaningful moments?

I’ve failed to find purpose by searching, it’s been elusive, I’d try things on that never quite fit. I never was satisfied by reaching for purpose. But for me I found it by looking back, noticing the consistent choices I’ve made, and recognizing the big arc of what I’ve found meaningful. I found purpose by recognizing it not as an external destination we race toward, but an unfolding within us—a dynamic, evolving understanding found by deeply engaging with each moment of life. I find meaning not in a grand plan but in how I choose to show up daily, in my reactions, in what moves me, and in how life draws me forward with a steady pull of curiosity and inspiration.

Purpose, when held as an end goal, can create dissonance. It implies a predetermined path, a way of thinking that narrows our perception of what’s valuable. When we cling too tightly to a specific purpose, there’s a risk: we start viewing each moment through a lens of progress toward this end rather than savoring the richness of the moment itself. Ironically, this fixation can actually pull us away from living a life that feels full and resonant.

In my journey, I’ve found that when I focus on creating a meaningful life—moment by moment—purpose emerges as a byproduct, something woven through in retrospect. It’s the collection of lived experiences, intentional decisions, and meaningful encounters that, over time, reveal a sense of purpose organically. When meaning is our compass, purpose becomes a natural outcome rather than a forced goal.

There’s a beautiful paradox in this approach. By letting go of a rigid, pre-defined purpose, we often find ourselves living purposefully. It’s as if life, in all its complexity, is our true guide. Through experiences, relationships, challenges, and even failures, life teaches us what matters to us. The deeper we engage with each moment, the more we align with a purpose that feels genuine.

This is the paradox I’ve come to embrace: seeking purpose directly can sometimes lead us astray, disconnecting us from the meaningfulness of life itself. But when we turn our attention to the present—living fully, meaningfully, in each moment—purpose takes shape naturally. And that purpose, rather than being a static target, becomes a vibrant thread we trace backward, seeing clearly only in the fullness of time.