Rediscovering Purpose and Connection: A Conversation with a Stranger at Parker's Piece

These timeless words from Rumi resonate deeply in today’s fast-paced, achievement-driven world. We often lose touch with our internal compass, navigating life through external validation and societal expectations. Yet, genuine fulfilment is found in introspection, self-validation, and staying true to our unique journey.

Yesterday, I experienced a vivid reminder of this while meeting a stranger at Parker's Piece. Although planned, this meeting had no structured agenda—a rarity in my tightly scheduled life. It felt out of place in the usual rush, yet profoundly necessary. What unfolded was an honest conversation about life, work, happiness, and our challenges, especially as professional women. With no judgment or performance pressures, it was a rare moment of shared vulnerability and reflection, a much-needed pause in an otherwise hectic week.

By the end of the conversation, I felt lighter and more grounded—a reminder that validation and assessment of our paths often come from within.

The Importance of Self-Validation and Self-Assessment

In today's society, success is frequently measured by external achievements: promotions, accolades, or approval from others. This external focus can easily disconnect us from our inner selves. The absence of external validation can make us question our value, leaving us feeling inadequate. This is where the vital practice of self-validation comes in.

Self-validation is about recognising your worth and accomplishments, independent of others’ opinions. It is the art of trusting yourself, acknowledging your journey, and valuing your efforts. Unlike fleeting external validation, which depends on circumstance, self-validation cultivates a solid foundation of self-worth that sustains us through both triumphs and challenges. It ensures we are guided by our truth, not someone else’s expectations.

Complementing this is self-assessment, a practice that offers deeper reflection. Regularly examining our decisions and progress ensures alignment with our values and long-term goals. It allows us to understand what works and where we need adjustment. Through self-assessment, we grow by continuously reorienting our actions to stay connected to our purpose rather than chasing achievements for their own sake.

During my conversation at Parker’s Piece, I realised that I had been so focused on personal and professional accomplishments that I had lost sight of what truly brings me happiness. That conversation served as a reminder to slow down, reflect, and reassess the direction of my journey.

Aligning Happiness with Purpose

Happiness is not a static achievement. It is a dynamic process of aligning our actions with our inner purpose. Often, we are tempted to chase societal markers of success without considering whether they resonate with what truly brings us joy.

For me, happiness is intertwined with a sense of purpose—doing work that aligns with my values and nurturing meaningful connections. My conversation at Parker’s Piece reminded me to reconnect with those anchors. In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to get swept up in tasks and obligations. True fulfilment, however, comes from ensuring that what we do daily aligns with what matters most to us.

Rumi’s words—“Unfold your own myth”—urge us to live authentically, trust our unique journey, and be the authors of our stories. This requires continual reflection and self-awareness. It demands the courage to let go of external narratives and live by our values, even when they diverge from societal norms.

Teaching the Next Generation the Power of Self-Validation

As I left Parker’s Piece feeling refreshed and more connected to myself, I thought about the next generation. Today’s youth face unprecedented pressures to conform and achieve according to external standards. Social media floods them with idealised images of success, often at the expense of personal authenticity. They are told what to strive for, but rarely taught how to validate their own worth.

To cultivate resilient, confident individuals, we must begin teaching these principles of self-validation and self-assessment early. These aren’t just personal development tools—they are essential life skills. Without them, young people risk growing up feeling disconnected from their true purpose, lost in constantly pursuing others’ approval.

By teaching children to reflect on their actions and validate their worth from within, we equip them with the strength and clarity needed to navigate modern life. They will understand that they are the authors of their stories, empowered to create a life that aligns with their deepest values rather than living to meet external expectations.

Moving Forward with Purpose and Connection

This meeting at Parker’s Piece, initially a small interruption in my schedule, became a powerful reminder about the importance of connection—to ourselves and others. In a world that often prioritises productivity and external accomplishments, moments of reflection, validation, and reassessment are not just beneficial—they are essential.

As we progress in our personal and professional lives, true success is not measured by external achievements alone. It is found in the depth of connection we feel to our purpose. We can live more fulfilled, meaningful lives by validating our worth internally, regularly assessing our progress, and staying aligned with our values.

Rumi’s call to “unfold your own myth” reminds us of our responsibility to our own story. By embracing the practices of self-validation and self-assessment, we equip ourselves to thrive. Passing these skills on to future generations ensures that they, too, are empowered to live their truths and write their own stories.