I truly believe that everything that we do and everyone that we meet is put in our path for a purpose. There are no accidents; we’re all teachers – if we’re willing to pay attention to the lessons we learn, trust our positive instincts and not be afraid to take risks or wait for some miracle to come knocking at our door. ~ Marla Gibbs ~
- Who are you?
- What do you do?
- Who do you do it for?
- What do they want or need?
- How do they feel as a result?
These are the questions that Adam Leipzig asks in this week’s video. At his 25th college reunion from Yale, Mr. Leipzig learned that many of his friends were unhappy with their life. His friends were largely monetarily well off, yet still dissatisfied. What was the problem and what was missing from their life?
This week’s video was prompted by finding out that a couple of friends will be leaving us soon to return to North America. While it’s not unusual to see people leaving our community, I think for many there has been surprise and sadness for this comes not with a need to care for an elderly parent, for a new job, or for health reasons but simply because they are ready. I choose to see it as a time to be happy for them that they are ready to move on and find another purpose.
One of the commonalities of living in this small community has been that we often get asked one question by newcomers or those thinking of making the move; “So, what do you do?” For many of us being defined by what we do for a living seems like another life time ago. How many of us describe ourselves and how we fill our days is entirely different and yet equally or more fulfilling (for most) than what we did in the past. After all, shouldn’t the real purpose in our lives be to be happy, and what is the point of being here or doing something if you’re not happy? I know that our friends will take those lessons back with them…from the campo.
In Da Campo 
Sadly, so many people define who you are by what you do. We just ARE and live our daily existence the best way we can. Be who you are~ 🙂
I agree. There is so much more to our lives and who we are than what we do for a living…if we only just look. 🙂
You find that a lot of people do not know what to do with themselves or how to define themselves when they retire. It is really sad to see that here and people just keep working even though they certainly can retire and be comfortable with the income. But there are all kinds of people in this world, who am I to judge. It is making them happy, I guess. Blessings on this Sunday!
There was an interesting post from a Boquete guy today about how we have less government here, but this means the community has to come together to fill in the gaps of things not provided by government. So, it is the responsibility of each of us to volunteer, donate, get involved, and help out. Someone commented – what is wrong with just being retired and not being obligated? Now when people ask what I do, I am retired. I have defined myself by my job in the past, but no more and it feels good.
But I think overall the best thing you can do is to be happy. The happiness spreads around to others and positive energy is a good thing. I am really happy. That is my current purpose 😀 Hopefully I spread some of it to others.
OK, enough philosophy for today. Thanks for a great post.
I agree, our main purpose in life should be to be happy and not cause harm. You, who must be one of the happiest people I know and who wouldn’t even squish a bug meet the criteria in full. Truthfully, although I do enjoy helping out in the community I also enjoy just “being”. I think that is what called “balance”. 🙂
Aww thank you 🙂
Maybe I am more of an individual helper rather than a community helper. I’ll find something for a person, or do something for them faster than I’ll get involved in organized things. But, if we all try to be a positive force in our world it’s all good.