DearQueer~ Finding Life Purpose

Gayly Giving Advice Straight from the Heart ~ August 2024

DearQueer,

What do you say to someone in their 60s, divorced, and no longer working, who is looking for purpose, as well as deeper community connection?

Signed,

Christine

Dear Christine,

First, I will say, thank you for asking. It takes a brave soul to honestly inquire about one’s purpose, and I sense your courage. Next, I will say finding purpose is as simple as following the trail of joy. How do I know? Because I was you. Ok, not exactly, but close enough. Different boats in the same waters, as the saying goes. Recalculate a few years, toss in some life-threatening diagnoses, and I hit the same bumpy currents as you. Divorced, no longer working, searching for my purpose, and craving community connection. Luckily, as you might, I experienced a significant turning point after e-mailing a complete and total stranger. If you’d like to read about it, click here: The time I wrote New York Times bestselling author, Jodi Picoult. It’s an inspiring true story and on point with your question.

For now, please grab a pen and paper and make yourself cozy. Reflecting on the life you’ve lived so far, go ahead and jot down a minimum of 3-5 joyful experiences for each decade of your life. There’s no rush- take as long as you’d like strolling down memory lane. Next, search for any common theme. Did you sing in a choir, play…