Living on purpose isn’t just a trend-it’s an ancient quest that’s shaped our humanity. 

As someone who’s spent years guiding women to embrace their authentic selves, I believe understanding the roots of purpose can help us all find more meaning, confidence, and sparkle in our lives. Let’s journey through the evolution of purpose, and see how it can illuminate your own path.

Purpose: A Universal Quest

Purpose is more than a buzzword. Psychologists define it as a long-term, personally meaningful goal that makes a positive mark on the world-something that pulls us beyond ourselves and inspires us to grow; But this isn’t a new idea. The search for purpose has been at the heart of philosophy, religion, and psychology for centuries.

Ancient Beginnings: Purpose as Cosmic Order

The story starts in ancient Greece. Philosophers like Aristotle believed everything-from the tiniest bug to the brightest star-had atelos, or purpose. For humans, this meant living our best lives through virtue and reason. The Roman Stoics, like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, took this further, teaching that purpose was found in aligning with nature and the universe’s order.

The Middle Ages: Purpose as Divine Union

Fast-forward to the Middle Ages, where thinkers like St. Thomas Aquinas blended philosophy and theology. Here, purpose was about uniting with the divine-living in a way that brought us closer to something greater than ourselves.

The Enlightenment: Purpose Within

The Renaissance and Enlightenment flipped the script. Philosophers such as Immanuel Kant argued that purpose wasn’t handed down from the cosmos, but found within-through our moral compass and sense of duty. This was a radical shift, inviting each of us to seek our own meaning in life.

Modern Times: Purpose as Personal Responsibility

The 19th and 20th centuries saw another transformation. With Nietzsche declaring “the death of God,” purpose became something we create for ourselves. Existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre insisted that freedom comes with the responsibility to define our own purpose-a heavy but liberating truth.

Today, thinkers see purpose as fluid and shaped by culture, history, and personal experience. It’s not set in stone. It evolves as we do.

The Science of Purpose

Modern psychology has caught up with these ancient ideas. Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, observed that those who found purpose-even in suffering-were more resilient and hopeful. He defined purpose as a stable intention to accomplish something meaningful that benefits the world beyond ourselves.

Research now shows that purpose isn’t just about happiness. It’s about being useful, honorable, and making a difference. Surveys like the Purpose in Life Test and the Life Regard Index measure how much meaning and direction we feel, highlighting the importance of having clear aims and a sense of significance.

Purpose in Practice: My Approach

At Mrs V, purpose is about living authentically and embracing every part of yourself-even the bits you’re unsure about. My own journey has been one of radical transformation, accepting my whole self, and trusting that my soul has a plan. 

I believe:

• Purpose is personal: It’s about your unique gifts and the impact you want to have.

• Purpose is holistic: True balance comes from nurturing every aspect of life-health, creativity, business, relationships.

• Purpose is a journey: It evolves as you do. Change is inevitable, so learning to navigate it with joy is key.

• Purpose is empowering: When you recognize your potential and clear away what holds you back, you reclaim your power and creativity.
  

Finding Your Sparkle

Purpose isn’t a destination. It’s a practice-a commitment to personal growth, love, and authenticity. Whether you’re seeking clarity, confidence, or a sense of direction, remember: you already have everything you need to build a life that feels true to you. So, as you explore your own purpose, ask yourself: What feels meaningful? What impact do I want to have? And trust that your journey-sparkles, stumbles, and all-is exactly where you’re meant to be.

With love,
Mrs V

Ready to explore your purpose? Dive into our workshops, guidance sessions, or browse the shop for inspiration to help you shine.