Peace and Purpose - January Newsletter: Purpose and Thought

This time of the year, many of us reflect on the year that has passed and make plans and resolutions for the coming one. Interestingly, about half of Americans set New Year’s resolutions. However, psychologist Michelle Rozen notes that only 6% successfully keep them. For years, my personal practice has been to start with "purpose." Each year, I revisit how I’m progressing in alignment with my chosen purpose. In my view, thriving and building a fulfilling life begins with this key ingredient: purpose.

In his masterpiece As a Man Thinketh, James Allen profoundly states:

“Until thought is linked to purpose there is no intelligent accomplishment. A man should conceive of a legitimate purpose in his heart and set out to accomplish it. He should make this purpose the central point of his thought. It may take the form of a spiritual ideal or a worldly object, according to his nature, at the time being, but whichever it is, he should steadily focus his thought forces upon the object which he has set before him. He should make this purpose his supreme duty and should devote himself to its attainment, not allowing his thoughts to wander away into ephemeral fancies, longings, and imaginings. This is the royal road to self-control and true concentration of thought. Even if he fails again and again to accomplish his purpose (as he necessarily must until weakness is overcome), the strength of character gained will be the measure of his true success, and this will form a new starting point for future power and triumph.”

Purpose, as Allen highlights above, is both an anchor and a compass—a guiding force that brings clarity and focus to our lives. It transforms thought into action and action into meaningful accomplishment. Read below to learn more about uncovering or expanding on your purpose in 2025.

For some, like myself, purpose emerges from tragedy. Thirty years ago, I experienced the unimaginable loss of my only son, Tariq, in a random act of violence by a 14-year-old gang member named Tony Hicks. In the depths of my grief, I saw that there were victims at both ends of the gun. I forgave Tony and invited his grandfather to join me after founding the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF, tkf.org). Together, we embarked on a mission to teach nonviolence, accountability, empathy, compassion, forgiveness, and peacebuilding.

With my full heartfelt support, Tony was finally released at 39, in 2019 after spending 25 years in prison. He has joined our effort and serves on the TKF Board. We often speak together to students inspiring them with our example to show that forgiveness leads to peace. Over the past 30 years, TKF has flourished and continues to reach thousands of students each year. TKF is at the heart of my purpose to teach the power of forgiveness.

Through my extensive global speaking engagements, five published books, media features, and forgiveness workshops, my journey has touched and transformed many lives. So far, more than two million youth and adults have personally experienced the healing power of forgiveness through our programs.

On March 6, 2024, which would have been Tariq’s 50th birthday, I launched a new nonprofit: Peacethruforgiveness.org (PTF). When I began this journey in 1995, there was limited understanding of the benefits of forgiveness. Having seen the firsthand success of my first purpose project, TKF, I was inspired to connect key players in this sector with each other to maximize our efforts to effect change. Today, research has shown that forgiveness enhances health, relieves stress, strengthens relationships, anchors us in the present, and promotes peace and prosperity. My forgiveness workshops, now in their 25th year, have transformed countless lives, and my courses are now accessible online through PTF’s website.

PTF is founded on a bold vision: to mainstream forgiveness as a validated strategy for world peace. Our 3.5-year research has revealed a rich ecosystem of organizations working on conflict resolution, restorative justice, peacebuilding, and forgiveness. PTF’s unique value lies in its focus on integrating forgiveness into these efforts as a transformative cornerstone.

Our ultimate goal is to create a “peace hub”—a dynamic alliance and incubator for partnerships, ideas, resources, and best practices centered around forgiveness, reconciliation, and restorative justice. While nonprofits often work in silos, PTF seeks to bridge gaps by fostering collaboration. In a short time, we have already established partnerships with 15 national and international organizations and are steadily expanding this network. Through monthly podcasts, advocacy events, and ongoing collaboration, we aim to amplify the collective impact of like-minded organizations and communities.

The journey to fulfill one’s purpose is rarely linear. In these last 30 years, there have been many moments when the road seemed impossibly difficult, and I nearly gave up. However, as James Allen reminds us, failure is a necessary part of the process. It helps us overcome our weaknesses and builds the strength of character needed for lasting success. Each setback became a stepping stone, reinforcing my commitment to the purpose I have chosen.

I share this to encourage you: whether you are seeking a new purpose or striving to fulfill an existing one, approach it with renewed gusto and enthusiasm. A thriving, fulfilling life is built on the steadfast, relentless pursuit of your purpose, year after year. This practice has brought deep meaning to my life, and I pray it will do the same for you.

Purpose gives life its “why,” a reason to rise each morning and navigate the inevitable challenges of existence. It fuels resilience, creativity, and hope, even in the face of adversity.

Peace and Many Blessings,

~Azim Khamisa