Story 2 - Endings

A very strange thought just popped into my mind as I was pondering what to call this story, and at times one must simply go with what presents itself first. The word ‘Endings’ may seem so final, and it could evoke feelings of sadness and uncertainty. However, when you look again, you will see that it is in its plural form and that by adding the ‘s’, the possibilities of endings becomes innumerable.?

So what does the title of this story have to do with my life you may be wondering. Quite simply, if I do not share my story with the world, and with those that may need to hear it, the possible endings to their lives would be lessened, and my impact on the world diminished. This is by no means a negative thought to have, but rather a question I ask myself on a daily basis. "The way I live my life, does it inspire those around me to live their lives authentically and to the full?"

Going to the loo at 3h30 in the mornings is not only good for one’s bladder, but it often is in the quietness of the morning that we are most challenged by thoughts of life. “Why do I exist?”,?“Where to from here?” and “Does it all matter?” I then thought of my personal purpose. This in itself has become quite a movement over the last couple of years, and has pushed many towards higher levels of influence and living out their individual truths. Sadly so many people have fought against this, as the fear of what they could lose outweighs the hope of what could be gained.?

Looking back on my life, how I have lived and the change I want to bring to the world, helped me to write out my ‘Personal Purpose’ statement which goes as follows, “To inspire those around me to live their lives with purpose, to reach their full potential, to be their authentic selves. So that through each and every thoughtful act, we make the world a better place.”

Now even a mediocre philosopher or theologian would take this statement and break it up into smaller components, trying to explain each in further detail to the reader. However, in trying to explain something, its true essence can be lost. An effective ‘Personal Purpose’ statement wouldn’t exist if it was too long-winded, or required further interpretation to be understood. At the cold face of life, where the rubber hits the proverbial road, and where hearts reach out to each other, the ‘Personal Purpose’ statement must clearly state its intentions and the impact it hopes to have.?

At times my life does get quite busy. From running around booking flights for training trips, compiling new learning content, taking my mom and sister on shopping trips and to their medical appointments, and ensuring my bank account balances at the end of each month. This financially savvy citizen also remembers to take in enough fibre, as being regular isn't just good for one's health, but for peace in the home as well. In this ‘busyness’ of life, and often ‘messiness’, I need to remind myself of my ‘Personal Purpose’, which immediately grounds me and helps me to slow down and be in the moment. I then ask myself whether or not what I am doing is adding to my purpose or taking away from it.?

When I started my ‘unmoulded’ initiative, I started using small quotes in my daily status updates to express my thoughts and emotions. I have learnt in life that if I do not write down my thoughts during the moment of inspiration, that they can be lost in the blink of an eye. One of these quotes came to mind and it speaks directly to the end of one’s life, as well as its beginning and everything else in between. May it remind you that ‘Endings’ too, can add depth to your story.

“You alone are there at the beginning and the end of your life. Between these points, don’t let others have a say.” – unmoulded.