Finding Your Life Purpose
Editor’s Note: This guest column comes from our friend Samantha Weishaar—a wife, working mother of two, and all-around incredible woman. Samantha serves as Associate Director of Ranchland Trust of Kansas, where she’s worked for 12 years managing communications and events. A proud Kansas State grad, she and her husband are raising two kids who love sports, K-State games, and time outdoors. Follow her on Instagram @samanthaksu or read more of her content at www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org.
“Passion isn’t always something new; sometimes, it’s something you’ve left behind.”
Where Are You Going?
At some point, we all find ourselves asking the big questions: What do I want to do with my life? What am I supposed to be doing? What am I truly passionate about?
These are the kinds of questions that can shape the course of your life.
I want to share my perspective on discovering your life’s purpose – a topic that inspired me years ago after reading a blog post by Mark Manson. In his post, he poses seven thought-provoking questions designed to help readers reflect on their purpose. As I continued exploring his work, I felt increasingly compelled to share my own thoughts on the subject.
Photo Credit: Prairie in Bloom by Scott Bean Photography
Define Your Purpose
First, it’s important to recognize that no one else can define your purpose for you. No one fully understands your internal world, your values, emotions, dreams, and desires. That clarity must come from within. So, instead of waiting for answers to arrive, get out and explore. Try new things. Pursue what feels meaningful. Time is limited and unpredictable - make it count.
Like Mark Manson, I was also a passionate writer as a child. I would fill journals with thoughts, reflections, and observations. But then, life got in the way. I stopped writing. Only recently did I return to it, and in doing so, I reconnected with something that brings me joy. I encourage you to look back at what made you happy as a child and do more of it. Passion isn’t always something new; sometimes, it’s something you’ve left behind.
If you're not sure what you're passionate about, ask yourself this: What makes you lose track of time? Often, the things we "waste" time on hold the clues to our deepest interests. Identify the skills involved and consider how they might play a role in your future.
Another valuable lesson in the pursuit of purpose is to let go of others’ opinions.
Be willing to take risks, make mistakes, and even embarrass yourself. These experiences build character, humility, and resilience—and often, they lead to the greatest personal breakthroughs.
One of my favorite ideas from Manson’s blog is this: How can you help save the world? Our world faces countless challenges, choose one that speaks to you and do something about it. Even raising awareness can make a difference. Small actions, when multiplied, can create meaningful impact. Making a difference not only helps others, it can also be a powerful source of personal fulfillment.
Another reflective question Manson asks is: If you had to spend an entire day alone—without a phone, internet, or TV—where would you go, and what would you do? My ideal day would be spent in Kansas on the countryside, watching the sunset stretch for miles. I’d bring a blanket, have a picnic, write in a journal, photograph the landscape, and enjoy a bottle of wine. What about you? Where would you go? What would you do?
Samantha with her family in rural Kansas.
What Matters Most
The final question is a bit more difficult: If you knew you had only one year left to live, what would you do, and how would you want to be remembered? This is not an easy question to answer. Personally, while I feel content with much of my life so far, I also recognize that there’s still so much I want to experience and accomplish. Thinking about the world without you can feel uncomfortable, but it’s a powerful tool for refocusing on what truly matters.
Ultimately, discovering your purpose is about identifying one or two things that are greater than yourself. Think about goals or causes that bring meaning to your life and positively affect others. To find them, you must act. Get off the couch, step outside yourself, and imagine what could be.
There will be moments in life when you feel defeated, what matters is how you respond. Those difficult periods are opportunities for growth and resilience. They shape who you become. Everyone faces hardship, but it’s your ability to push through pain and heartache that will ultimately lead you to a more fulfilling life.
Finding your purpose is a journey of faith. God has a purpose for you. It often involves discovering your unique gifts and talents—use them to serve others and thank God for the life He has given you.
As Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."
There is a time and a purpose for everything in life. We should seek God's guidance through it all.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Please share your comments below.
Editor’s Note: Thanks again to our guest columnist Samantha Weishaar. If you’d like to contribute to Grit and Grace, please share a sample of your writing at our contact page.
