I had a feature, called Julie’s Jewels, on Norns Triad Publications’ blog. I used it to share tidbits about my life, which I tied into book suggestions (because you know I love books). I thought it might be fun to do something similar here. Hence, the birth of this series, #NorthupNews.
The cool thing is that my partners, Sahara Foley and Karen J. Mossman, have similar features on their blogs. It is a way for us to connect with our readers. Hopefully, it is as interesting to you as it is for us.
Recently, some friends asked the question, “why would you work if you didn’t have to?” My answer was simple: for purpose and to feel like you are helping to make a difference.
Everyone wants to know why. Why are we here? Why do we live at all? Why should we do anything when all we do is die and get forgotten? Again, my answer is simple: why not? You don’t know what came before nor what comes after. However, shouldn’t you make the most of what we have?
According to AI Overview: “Meaning and purpose are distinct but interrelated concepts that play important roles in human life. Meaning is the emotional significance of what we do, and the importance we place on something. It’s why we do what we do, and it’s closely linked to motivation. Purpose is the cumulative effect of meaningful goals, and it’s the impact we want to have on the world. It’s the reason for which something is done or created, and it’s the driver that motivates us to do our next action or make our next choice.”
Differentiating Between Meaning and Purpose, And Why It Matters by Luis A. Marrero, M.A., RODP, LLP, Boston Institute for Meaningful Purpose, for the Positive Living Newsletter (July 2017): “Hence, in our method, as previously explained, meaning (logos) is how something or someone is defined, as well as an intention or reason for doing something; while purpose (telos) is the fulfillment or consummation of the meaning. One intends, the other accomplishes..”
Now let’s consider meaning because asking why seems to bring us this. Afterall, why we do something is the meaning while the intent is the purpose. For me, the meaning, or why, is always to bring positivity or betterment… to enhance life for others and self. The purpose, or intent, is to leave things better than I found them. Shouldn’t we all do things to try to improve and enrich life? Isn’t that why we are here?
J.M. NORTHUP 