"There are two great days in a person's life--the day we are born and the day we discover why." William Barclay

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Many of us confuse our purpose in life with our job or profession and neglect to find our real purpose.

Purpose is larger than your profession--more than your role in society. You may enjoy your job or relish your role as mother or wife, but that's not your purpose. Your purpose is the over-arching thing you were sent here to do.

You will recognize your purpose as that which brings you joy,  provides you with energy and improves the lives of others. According to Edward Diener, a psychologist and researcher at the University of Illinois, one of the main ingredients necessary to experience a joyful life is the belief that your life has a greater meaning. Those who have a sense of purpose in life, live longer and healthier lives.

Some, of course, experience the joy of finding a profession that allows them to further their purpose in life, but that is not always the case. In Happy for No Reason, Marci Shimoff  shares that a 2005 study revealed that less than 20% of working American's are passionate about their job, leaving 4 out of 5 Americans spending 40 hours or more a week occupied by tasks that do not promote their real purpose in life. If you find yourself one of those 4, it's time to find your passion, harness your purpose and get on with finding real joy in your life.

May your purpose be clear, and your path to happiness come into focus today, as your strive to reach your goals and fulfill your dreams.

Today, I am grateful to be alive, for the ability to pursue my dreams and for the wisdom to recognize my life's purpose. 

I am grateful  for worn comfy slippers that warm my toes, for snow that has enveloped my world, and my husband who tirelessly clears the driveway.

I am grateful to be blessed with two wonderful children who never cease to amaze me with their concern for others, their selfless giving and their sense of right and wrong.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your joy be full and your purpose be clear as you go forth to claim happiness for no reason.