Purpose 2025
“Life is filled with unanswered questions, but it is the courage to seek those answers that continues to give meaning to life. You can spend your life wallowing in despair, wondering why you were the one who was led towards the road strewn with pain, or you can be grateful that you are strong enough to survive it.” J.D. Stroube
Our topic for this week is purpose and this fits in nicely with the recent conference I attended on “Rural and Remote Mental Health”. Many of the people attending work in this space, either as a clinician or peer, those with a lived experience – both as a person experiencing mental illness or caring for someone with a mental illness.
We all come into this field for different reasons and for me on reflection, this was heavily influenced by witnessing my father’s experience with chronic health and then being mentally unwell due to this. This is a memory from my primary school years.
There were many presenters at the conference and due to being held in four rooms, I could only watch one presentation at a time. One whose presentation I did witness, had a “lived experience” and spoke honestly and bravely of their own journey and what has helped them during this time, due to traumatic upbringing, suicidal thoughts and identity issues. This person stood and stated that they have chosen to use their story to help those following behind them have an easier path to travel. Such an honourable purpose in my opinion and such a privilege to hear their story.
This led me to think about my purpose and own journey. I know that I fell into social work through my work as a financial counsellor and this changed my university degree quite dramatically. From a Bachelor of Business to completing the Bachelor of Social Work.
My initial work as a social worker, reinforced my thinking that all aspects of life impact on our mental health and wellbeing. When I undertook further study, I included a mental health stream and my then supervisor – encouraged me to apply to a role as a mental health clinician. I then worked this role for many years and have continued to circle back, both in employment as a community wellbeing officer, palliative care and now as a private practice owner.
I believe that my purpose in my professional life is to help others navigate their journey and walk with them as they find their own way. In my experience, life’s events impact on us all. Whether a physical illness, mental illness, being a carer, financial issues or traumatic events – they all impact on our mental health and wellbeing. At times, speaking with another who doesn’t have a vested interest can be beneficial and can assist alleviate the symptoms and/or find a way forward. What is your purpose in life and why do you do what you do?
PS: my orchid is flowering after a 2 year hiatus – that is it’s purpose (for me).