Beyond the Daily Grind: Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life

Early in the morning, around 5:30 a.m., I usually go out for a short walk or a quick run. While doing this, I always meet a few people on the road, especially on my way back. I’ll see businessmen and women walking hastily, as if they couldn’t wait for the night to be over. And most times, I wonder what could make people this active so early in the morning. What gets them out of bed before dawn? We all know the answer, right?

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I’ve spent a good part of my life observing people and the environment I live in. I’ve met different kinds of people, diverse in class, character, and ambition. One thing I’ve learned is that we are built differently. Our genes, upbringing, experiences, and inner being all shape who we are.

And to find our purpose, we must first understand ourselves; our building blocks (which is who we are), our values and desires. Only then can we begin to map the path toward who we want to become.

This brings me to this week’s Sci-Multiverse prompt where we’re asked to reflect on our purpose as humans. The summary of my answer is simple: we try because it’s part of living.

As humans, we were born with survival instincts. But some people refuse to settle for mere survival. They want to live, for real. They hunger for growth, meaning, and impact. Some discover their purpose early, others stumble into it as they meander through life. But no matter how it comes, purpose gives life its meaning.
Personally, I see purpose as a journey, not a destination. I try to live in the moment, find joy in little wins, and hold space for dreams that are still unfolding.

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Like everyone else, I have dreams and visions of who I want to become, which could also be God’s special purpose for me. Like everyone else, I do everything for that feeling of fulfilment, that feeling that radiates sparkles of confidence, happiness, love, and satisfaction.
Even though I am aware of the end, which is death. I still work hard because I want to be able to protect and care for my loved ones in the future. I want to make an impact. Because, in the end, it isn’t about appearance or wealth. In a world where death is inevitable, and our bodies are dumped six feet and forgotten after a few months, the only thing we can leave behind is our legacy. And I know this can be built gradually, without pressure.

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So, we all work hard for that feeling of fulfilment that comes with achieving our dreams, the satisfaction we feel when our lives align with our purpose.
I believe that is what motivates us to stay awake at night, wake up early in the morning, and juggle two or three jobs.

However, I like to remind myself that happiness lies in the simple things. Living a happy life is also part of our purpose as humans. And this, we know, can be achieved by recognising and appreciating every little thing we achieve.
My dad’s elder sister refused to go to school. She always tells us that it is her only regret in life. That notwithstanding, you’ll always hear her say she’s very happy with who and where she is today. She derives joy from her children, whom she has trained in school; her “educated” and loving husband; her younger siblings who are living well; and from having helped many women as a traditional midwife.
To me, she is an example that fulfilment is not tied to financial abundance or even success, it can exist in a quiet and simple life.

In 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
That, to me, is the ultimate testimony of a fulfilled life.

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Thank you, for taking the time to read.