Building a Life of Purpose
I believe that every human being is born with a unique and meaningful purpose. We are not here by accident. Each life has value, and within that value lies potential—potential to make a difference, to touch lives, and to serve something greater than ourselves.
Yet, in the chaos of daily life—paying bills, raising families, pursuing careers—many of us lose sight of this truth. We find ourselves in a constant race for survival. And often, it’s only when life jolts us—through loss, suffering, or major change—that we pause and ask the deeper questions: What is my purpose? Why am I here?
These reflections become even more vivid when we hear of someone passing—whether young or old. Death reminds us that time is not infinite. Our days are numbered, and we have a responsibility to make them count. For me, moments of tragedy or adversity always stir this inner conversation. I’ve seen people full of dreams cut down by accidents, illness, or life-altering mistakes. I’ve seen brilliant minds and bright spirits broken by depression. And in those moments, the urgency to live a meaningful life becomes very real.
And then, at the age of 32, life gave me my own wake-up call: a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer. In those raw, uncertain days, I wasn’t thinking about to-do lists or achievements. I was thinking about my children, my husband, and what legacy I would leave behind. Would my life have made a difference? Had I truly lived from a place of love and purpose?
That experience cracked me open—and I’ve never been the same since. It became clear to me that real fulfilment is found not in accolades or titles, but in how we show up for others. That’s when I chose to root my life in kindness. Not the fluffy kind, but a powerful, courageous kindness that lifts, heals, and leads.
As I continue to explore the depth of purpose, I often find myself turning to the works of great thinkers and changemakers—Simone Weil, Martin Luther King Jr., and Albert Schweitzer. Each of them lived in service of something far greater than themselves. Their lives were marked not just by intellect or action, but by a deep, unwavering commitment to humanity. And it’s no coincidence that their legacies endure. It becomes so clear to me that those who live for a bigger cause—those who choose to serve—also live longer through the impact they leave behind.
If you’re wondering how to find your own purpose, I invite you to explore the path of service. Not necessarily the grand or public kind—often, it starts in quiet, simple ways. These are some of the ways I’ve found meaning through service:
1. Mentor someone.
You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to show up. Mentoring is one of the most fulfilling things I do—whether it’s young professionals, women in transition, or fellow leaders. Every story you listen to, every word of encouragement you give, can become a lifeline for someone else.
2. Turn your pain into purpose.
When we share our wounds, we become witnesses of hope. My cancer journey taught me to live each day with intention. It also taught me that sharing your scars doesn’t make you weak—it makes you real. Whatever you’ve survived, someone else needs to hear it.
3. Speak for the voiceless.
Whether it’s through advocacy, storytelling, or community action—use your voice. I often speak on stages about leadership and kindness, but some of the most meaningful moments have been the quiet ones—when someone says, “Thank you for saying what I couldn’t.”
4. Be present.
You don’t always need to “fix” things. Sometimes, your calm presence is the greatest gift. Sit beside someone in pain. Look them in the eye. Listen. That is service in its purest form.
5. Volunteer.
I’ve led and volunteered in many organizations over the years, and each experience has expanded my heart. Whether you’re helping at an event or running a mentorship program, volunteering reminds you that you are part of something greater.
6. Reflect regularly.
Purpose often reveals itself in hindsight. I keep a journal and often ask myself simple questions: “Who did I uplift today?” or “Where did I practice kindness?” These reflections help me recalibrate and reconnect.
7. Listen actively.
In a world that’s always talking, the act of deep listening is revolutionary. When we truly hear others, we begin to understand their hidden battles—and we learn how to serve them with empathy.
8. Practice empathy.
Empathy isn’t a buzzword—it’s a muscle we can strengthen. When we take the time to imagine what someone else is experiencing, we become more compassionate, more human. That’s the soil in which purpose grows.
9. Give generously—of time, energy, knowledge.
Legacy is not built by what we hoard, but by what we share. You may not have wealth to give, but your attention, your network, your wisdom—they are treasures that can change lives.
Conclusion
Purpose is not a destination—it is a practice. A way of being. A daily choice to love, to serve, to show up with presence and grace.
And here's what I’ve learned: when we live in service of others, we don’t become smaller—we become more fully ourselves. More connected. More fulfilled. That, to me, is what it means to live a life of powerful kindness.
Whether you're at the beginning of your journey or walking a path of reinvention—know this: it’s never too late. You don’t need a title. You don’t need permission. You just need an open heart and a willingness to serve.
That is how we build legacies that last.
Much love, Barbara.
PS For more information about my work: https://www.barbaravercruysse.com/
