Finishing up the book "Leaving Your Mark Without Losing Your Mind," I needed to write an "afterward." This got me reflecting on the content of the book, which covered a lot of material. It came to me that it all really boiled down to the following three principles ... and these are my core beliefs about living with meaning and purpose:
1. Happiness
and fulfillment in life are the result of living with meaning and purpose. We need more than mere amusement or the satisfaction of manufactured desires (eg. for comfort, pleasure, and status). We have a built-in craving to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, to leave a mark in the world in some way. Discovering and devoting ourselves to this kind of service, whether it be on a large or small scale, is the
important work of our lives.
2. Doing this important work is not easy, especially today. There are many distractions, obstacles, and challenges. Unless we get help and support in the service we do, and find ways of doing our life’s work in a wise and sustainable way, we will burn out, give up, or gradually give in to resentment, disillusionment, and cynicism.
3. There is a way to serve God and others wholeheartedly, and do it in a way that enlarges rather than diminishes us. There is a way to be busy but not hurried, fully engaged but not stressed-out, and committed but not anxious.
This “way” is essentially what this book is about. This way includes adopting certain ideas
(ie. spiritual principles), and engaging in specific practices. The spiritual principles are sprinkled within the various chapters of this book. The specific practices that will help are written about in the final chapters of each section (labeled “next steps” or “antidotes”).
Be blessed as you seek to leave your mark in the world!
