Pondering Purpose: Because Everyone Needs Something to Laugh at While Procrastinating

...and would you pass the popcorn?

I know life is hard. The surrounding landscape is changing at such a pace, it leaves many of us breathless.

Politics. Publishing. Technology. Natural Disasters. Economy. Relationships. Jobs. War...and the list goes on. A seemingly endless storm of conflict and opposition that pummels you as soon as you step out the front door.

Everyone and their dog want to tell you of the next horrific thing happening near you, and they phone, text, or blab across In-Yer-Facebook.

I know you’re scared. Frankly, I have moments when I’m not sure whether to cover my head or grab a bat. None of us honestly knows what tomorrow will bring.

But it’s not the end of the world. There are reasons for everything around us. The circumstances we find ourselves in, the people we meet. Everything can and will work out for our good — if we allow it to and exercise patience.

What you need to focus on...is finding your purpose. That one key thing you do, not only for yourself, family & friends, but for the world around you.

Then walk it.

Somewhere inside you is an amazing purpose.

You might not feel that way, but there is something special in you — just waiting to come out. I’d venture to guess that you’ve felt it quivering in your stomach, beating in your heart or scratching at the back of your mind.

Maybe you’re like me and small voices rise in you, whispering, hissing, taunting you and telling you it’s impossible...that you lack the skill or that the odds are overwhelmingly against you.

Guess what? It’s a lie.

Humans are created to succeed.

Engineered for success and destined for greatness....

All we have to do to lay hold of that blessing is to pursue the path that we were meant to walk!

Don’t give up and don’t give in. It will be hard, I promise you that.

…but I also promise you it will all be worth it.

Nothing worthy of your effort comes without a sacrifice, without pain and even suffering. The reward you receive will be equal to the tests you endure and conquer. People will probably ridicule you and judge you. They will watch you set priorities they cannot understand and criticize you for it.

Let them.

Don’t allow others to place their doubt, lack of conviction, and determination on your shoulders.

Not your problem, not your monkeys.

Find what you were meant to do. Find the things that make you happy. Find out what you can do to help make this world a better place in which we can all live, laugh and love.

Find your purpose.

I believe in you.

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BONUS: 25 summer outdoor sports ideas for families:

This is week three of the summer ideas. Hope these are helping, and that you’re having fun with the family. As always, I’d love to hear any suggestions of activities I missed…

1. Soccer: Set up a soccer game in a local park or your backyard. Divide into teams, set up goals, and enjoy a friendly match of this popular sport.

2. Basketball: Install a basketball hoop in your driveway or find a nearby outdoor court. Engage in a game of hoops, practicing shooting, dribbling, and teamwork.

3. Baseball/Softball: Grab gloves, a bat, and a ball and head to a local baseball field. Take turns pitching, hitting, and fielding in a fun-filled game of America's favorite pastime.

4. Tennis: Find a public tennis court and enjoy a game of singles or doubles tennis. Improve your skills, get a great workout, and have fun rallying with your family.

5. Frisbee Golf: Visit a disc golf course and play a round with your family. Use Frisbees to aim for designated targets, testing your accuracy and strategy.

6. Volleyball: Set up a volleyball net in your backyard or at a nearby park. Enjoy a spirited game of volleyball, bumping, setting, and spiking the ball.

7. Golf: Head to a driving range or mini-golf course and enjoy a family golf outing. Practice your swings, work on your putting skills, and enjoy the outdoors.

8. Biking: Go for a family bike ride on local trails or in a designated bike park. Explore nature, enjoy the fresh air, and stay active together.

9. Hiking: Find local hiking trails suitable for families and embark on an outdoor adventure. Enjoy the beauty of nature, explore new surroundings, and engage in physical activity.

10. Rollerblading/Skateboarding: Put on your rollerblades or grab a skateboard and hit the pavement. Enjoy cruising around your neighborhood or at a local skate park.

11. Cricket: Learn and play cricket as a family. Set up wickets, take turns batting and bowling, and enjoy this popular sport with origins in England.

12. Badminton: Set up a badminton net in your backyard or at a nearby park. Engage in a friendly game, enjoying the fast-paced action and strategic shots.

13. Ultimate Frisbee: Play a game of Ultimate Frisbee with your family. Work together to pass the Frisbee and score goals in this exciting and inclusive team sport.

14. Archery: Find an archery range or a safe outdoor area for target practice. Learn archery techniques and have a friendly competition to test your accuracy.

15. Swimming: Take advantage of local swimming pools, lakes, or beaches for a family swim. Enjoy recreational swimming, practice water games, or learn swimming strokes together.

16. Disc Golf: Play a round of disc golf with your family. Navigate through a course and aim to land the disc in the target basket with the fewest throws possible.

17. Croquet: Set up a croquet course in your backyard and enjoy a classic game of skill and strategy. Take turns hitting balls through hoops with mallets.

18. Pickleball: Find a pickleball court and give this fast-growing sport a try. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis and is suitable for all ages.

19. Orienteering: Engage in orienteering, a navigational sport that involves finding checkpoints using a map and compass. Explore local parks or designated orienteering courses.

20. Water Polo: If you have access to a pool, try playing water polo as a family. Divide into teams, pass the ball, and score goals in this energetic water sport.

21. Obstacle Course Training: Create an outdoor obstacle course in your backyard or at a local park. Incorporate various challenges like crawling, climbing, and jumping to test your family's agility and strength.

22. Kayaking/Canoeing: Find a calm lake or river and go kayaking or canoeing as a family. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, paddle together, and experience the joy of being on the water.

23. Relay Races: Organize relay races in a park or your backyard. Designate different stations for running, hopping, or balancing, and compete in teams for a fun-filled race.

24. T-ball: Set up a T-ball game for younger family members. Use a batting tee to practice hitting the ball and introduce the basics of baseball in a fun and accessible way.

25. Kite Flying: Head to a park or an open field and fly kites together as a family. Enjoy the thrill of seeing your colorful kites soar through the sky on a windy day.