View from the Front Porch: Finding your purpose

By Phil Cobb | May 9, 2025 |

“Purpose is the place where your deep gladness meets the world’s end.” — Frederick Buechner

When we are children, we are often asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I remember telling everyone I knew I was going to be a famous newscaster or on a Broadway stage.

Whatever it was I was certain it would be something grand and I would be famous because of it.

I ended up at Northwest Missouri State getting a Bachelor of Science in radio and television. While I was never famous, I was on the local radio station everyday where listeners got to “know” me. That time in my life was so much fun. Playing my favorite songs, reading the news, writing and producing commercials for businesses, it truly was a dream job!

When Dave and I decided to have a family, I knew all I wanted to do was be a stay at home mom. Even though I absolutely loved it, I felt like a piece was missing. I needed to express my individuality beyond just being a Mama. I needed a new challenge and a new perspective.

One afternoon while the kids played I sat down to identify what truly made me get out of bed in the morning. What made me lose track of time and brought me joy. For years I had been running and lifting weights. After years of being out of shape, it was such a blessing to be strong and fit. It was something I felt so strong about that I began a club called “Momfit.”

Each month we would gather at my place to share healthy tips, recipes, worries and concerns. Occasionally we would take a walk together, too. My little club grew into something that fed my soul and helped me realize that encouraging other women was my passion.

As the years went by, the kids grew older and I had more time to explore new interests. When I found art journaling an entire world opened up to me that I never knew I needed or would end up loving so much.

So many times we think we are too old to begin something new let alone offer it to others. After all, what makes us the expert when it’s relatively new to us?

Let me just say right now — when you find something that lights you on fire and makes your heart sing and you want to keep doing it forever and ever — then friend, that is your purpose no matter your age!

You and your purpose are not confined to a specific age or role. In fact as you evolve and grow, your purpose evolves and grows, reflecting your experiences, values and aspirations.

I found this renewed sense of purpose in my mid-40s and it continues all these years later. Writing classes, holding workshops and retreats as well as creating a whole on-line presence has been a life-line for me during some really hard times.

As we age, our roles and responsibilities often shift — children leave home, careers wind down and life transitions occur. These changes can lead to feelings of uncertainty or loss, but they also present an opportunity to explore new facets of your identity. Discovering purpose allows you to embrace new interests, skills and passions, creating a refreshed sense of self! It truly is a beautiful thing!

If you are a person of a certain age, it’s never too late to discover your purpose! Just the opposite, in fact. It can be a transformative experience, bringing joy, fulfillment and a renewed sense of identity.

If you are not sure just what you should be doing, make a list. Write down everything you get lost in, think about, can’t wait to have time to do. By embracing new opportunities and connecting with others, you can pave the way for a life rich with meaning and purpose.

If you’d like to see what I am up to or need some direction on living a purpose-filled life, I invite you to join my Facebook Group: Sacred Feather Soul Journaling. You can also read my blog and see my art on leslieackman.com.

Leslie Ackman is a former writer of The Forum and currently a local business owner.