%20(1)_edited.png)
Following treatment from addictions, depression, and other issues, you may be left wondering “now what?” Finding purpose and meaning following treatment can be confusing and tricky. You may have spent a great deal of time learning to give up your struggles and are now looking to move forward. Treatment can help us find stability and learn coping skills to get through tough times. You may have learned new ways of dealing with stress and developed self-confidence to get you through new challenges. How can you discover what those new challenges will be? You may need to sit down and take some time to figure what your purpose in life is. Finding purpose can bring meaning to your life and point you in the direction of the next challenge along your journey. Here are some tips to help you find purpose.
Traveling and Exploration
Recovery is a journey, both literally and figuratively. You can explore new places to open your eyes to the world around you. Traveling can help to clear your head as you fill your mind with new sights, sounds, and meet new people. You might be inspired to try things that you have never experienced. You can find joy in the adventure and get some ideas for what direction you want to go during your life.
Think of Your Heroes
Who do you admire? You might find some inspiration from real-life people or characters in books or films. Your heroes can be a role model for how you would like to live your life. Study the lives of your heroes by reading biographies or autobiographies. Talk with some of the people that you know in your life and who inspire you. Write a letter or message to artists, musicians, politicians, advocates, or other people you look up to. You might be surprised about their willingness to respond with advice or guidance!
Follow Your Strengths and Interests
By now, you have likely discovered some talent of yours or have a strong interest in something. Sometimes, finding your purpose can be about looking at what you like to do or what you are good at doing right now. You may not have to look very far. You may have found activities or work that ignites your passion. Think of the things that excite you and get you out of bed each morning. Continue to find new ways to fuel these interests and build your strengths to help you find meaning in life.
Feedback From Others
You may benefit from brainstorming ideas with other people, who know you well and have your best interests in mind. You can ask people in your life for feedback on your skills and interests. You may not realize what other people admire about you. Most people struggle to see the value that they bring to others or the world around them. Your friends and family might be able to point out the positive traits in yourself that you may not notice.
Helping Others
When you are not sure of what to do with your life, be there for someone else. You can put time into volunteering or supporting your peers in recovery. You might be able to inspire those beginning their treatment by mentoring them or speaking to groups of troubled teens. Volunteering can also help you find purpose in life. Purpose and meaning often come from the value that you give to the world. You can share your unique gifts by helping others.
Keep It Simple!
When discovering your purpose, remember to keep it simple! Life can change and be unpredictable. If you build your life’s purpose around specific things or people, you might feel disappointed if something changes. For example, if you are interested in the medical profession, your purpose can be simplified to “I want to help others get better.” When you keep your purpose simple, you can live a purposeful life through a number of different ways.
Be Patient with Yourself
Learning what your purpose in life is can be a long process. Be patient with yourself as you continue to grow and learn. You do not need to have the answers right away. You may even find that your purpose changes throughout your life and that is okay! As long as you are continuing to grow and bring value to others, you will continue to live a life of meaning and purpose. Life is a journey where you can grow and change each and every day.
Finding purpose can be fun as we explore new things and experiment with new activities. We can meet new people or travel to beautiful places to search for meaning in our life. Study the lives of your heroes. Their lives may point you in the direction that you want to go. Reach out to those you admire. They can give you some insight into the motivations in their lives. Ask others in your life about the things they feel are your greatest strengths and admirable qualities. You may be surprised by what they say and learn new things about yourself! Remember to keep things simple when finding your purpose. You can be flexible to change and still live out your purpose if things change around you. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process of self-discovery! Fire Mountain Residential Treatment continues to fulfill our mission of empowering others in finding meaning and purpose in life.
Reach out to us today at (303) 443-3343.