Memoir Monday #47 (1/27-2/2) - If you had to summarize your purpose in life in one sentence, what would it be and why?


MM.jpg

Memoir

/ˈmemˌwär/ noun. a record of events written by a person having intimate knowledge of them and based on personal observation. Usually memoirs. an account of one's personal life and experiences; autobiography. the published record of the proceedings of a group or organization, as of a learned society.


Life, at its core, is simple. It’s people who complicate it—with their conditions, expectations, self-sabotage, and relentless attempts to control others. These behaviors often lead to sadness and disappointment. The first step to transforming your life into something meaningful and fulfilling is to define your purpose. That’s exactly what we’ll explore in next week’s Memoir Monday prompt.

Memoir Monday has grown so much that I won’t be able to comment on everyone’s posts anymore (and get my own work done) but I’ll still be supporting your posts with reblogs, votes, and shares on my other social media accounts (X, Facebook, etc.).

For all of those who’ve regularly participated in Memoir Monday - keep going, you’re making great progress in chronicling your very own life story for future generations to enjoy.

For those who missed the inaugural post explaining what the Memoir Monday initiative is all about you can find it here.


Now for next week’s Memoir Monday prompt:

If you had to summarize your purpose in life in one sentence, what would it be and why?


My answer:


What is My Purpose in Life?

My purpose in life is both simple and profound: to become the best version of myself, even if that means taking just one small step forward each day.

It took me more than half my life to truly understand the profound importance of daily practice. Self-improvement begins with one crucial realization: the unwavering commitment to take full accountability for our own lives. No employer, partner, teacher, or self-help book can create the change we seek. The power to transform our lives rests solely within ourselves.


“When you complain, you make yourself a victim. Leave the situation, change the situation, or accept it; all else is madness.” - Eckhardt Tolle


Eckhart Tolle encapsulated this idea perfectly: “When you complain, you make yourself a victim. Leave the situation, change the situation, or accept it; all else is madness.” This perspective isn’t just empowering—it’s transformative. The moment we stop seeing ourselves as victims, we reclaim our power. That shift, however small, creates momentum and unlocks opportunities we never even knew existed.

I believe that self-betterment is why we are born into being. Life is about learning, evolving, and growing into who we’re meant to be. And it all starts with cultivating the right mindset. Simply put, we attract what we expect in life. If we focus solely on the negative, negativity follows. But when we shift our attention to possibility and positivity, the universe begins to work with us instead of against us. It’s as though life becomes a willing teacher when we take on the role of a humble student.

Imagine a world where everyone committed to self-improvement. Our collective potential would be limitless. And when you align your actions with your purpose, something remarkable happens: life seems to conspire in your favor.

Once you’re in harmony with the universe, the next crucial step is gratitude. Gratitude isn’t just a trendy buzzword; it’s a deeply personal practice. It’s not about showing the world how grateful you are—it’s about truly feeling and internalizing gratitude for the blessings in your life. This genuine gratitude keeps the positive energy flowing and fuels further transformation.

On the surface this might sound like the idealistic nonsense of a Gen-X'r, but I encourage you to test it. Begin the amazing journey of turning your life into the ultimate experiment. Take one small step toward becoming a better version of yourself and observe how life responds. The results might just surprise you.

~Eric Vance Walton~


Growing weary of the ads and divisiveness on mainstream social media? If so, why not try Hive? Click on this link to sign-up and join our growing global community.

Let’s Keep In Touch

www.ericvancewalton.net

Sort:  

To raise my son to be a fine young man.

A great one!

Leave a legacy. Or, "father children, build a house, plant a tree, write a book".
Because otherwise, why bother?

I think if we strive to become better each day our lives become examples for others to follow.

That is one thing I couldn't be less sure about. ..

First of all, the definition of "better" is culturally defined. To illustrate with a caricature, in the US culture "become better" = "have more money". In Europe it would be somewhat different. In India, perhaps escaping one's social status (see the "White Tiger" movie). In ISIS: "kill more infidels" and so on.

Second, this "exemplarity" thing exposes one to being game-theoretically "dominated" by one's fellows. It's a losing strategy.

I see it differently. I believe there’s a universal layer of “better” that most humans instinctively recognize—a kind of moral or ethical baseline that transcends cultural differences. When we act against this intuitive understanding, we tend to suffer in some way, whether emotionally, mentally, or even physically, even if that suffering manifests subconsciously. The exception might be individuals with deep sociopathic tendencies or those profoundly shaped by trauma. Embracing this universal sense of “better” doesn’t inherently make us more vulnerable to being “dominated.” On the contrary, it often fosters resilience and authenticity, which can be powerful in their own right.

"I just want to be a millionaire, living poor is very miserable" 🥰🥰

Money doesn't solve all our problems but it sure does makesmany aspects of life easier.

Agreed with you

Simply put, we attract what we expect in life.

So so true, and I absolutely agree with you what a very different world this would be if everyone worked towards a better version of themselves!

When I read the question, I found myself stumped- how to answer this?
But you have said it all, if only everyone could think like this!

I've seen it play out so many times in life and the great thing is its something that we can test. In a sense, life is really like our own playground. It took me a while to decide what to write about this time. As you can tell I was later posting next week's prompt! : ) I hope you're having a wonderful weekend Lizelle!

It's been another very hot weekend! I'm taking it easy, having physio for my neck, hope it resolves the nerve impingement!
Have a wonderful weekend Eric.

Oh, how I wish I could feel some of that heat! Best of luck with the physio and I hope it helps. Thank you and take care, Lizelle!

Saving the really tough ones for last aren't you? That's definitely a rough one. I think I would need a couple weeks to try and figure this one out. Though I guess people probably spend their whole lives trying to pin this down.

This was a tough one for me. It took a lot of thought to distill it down to the lowest common denominator.

@tipu curate

It's a very difficult question to answer and I'm sure many people leave this world without knowing the answer!!!! It's good that you know it, because that makes it easier for us to go through this world or at least we are more focused on the things we want and are fundamental for us. I also believe that the word has power and life gives us what we desire, ask for, attract. Gratitude is an excellent way to tell the univer “I want more”. I live in infinite gratitude because I know that I am one of the favorite daughters of the universe!!!! A big hug for you, Eric.

So true! Many don't even take the time to figure it out because it takes work. Living in infinite gratitude is a wise way to walk through this world, Nancy. It's not always easy but I try my best and sometimes find I have to snap myself back in synch. I hope you're enjoying what's left of your weekend! Thanks for the comment.

Do you know that sometimes I usually think why are we actually living?

I agree with your ideas brother... we have the potential to lead an incredible life... it depends on our effort, clarity of objectives and resolution to live it to the fullest...

An interesting question, it is also one of the reflections that lately is latent in the social networks, although I think this is very personal.

Greetings @ericvancewalton

Travel and discover as much as you can!

Great prompt! I might try to participate a little more often. See how I go as I juggle all the writing in all the places. !LOL

Meanwhile, I LOVE this quote you have at the top of your post with the typewriter: Write. Save. Travel. Repeat. Sounds perfect to me!

Why should you never brush your teeth with your left hand?
A toothbrush works much better.

Credit: reddit
@ericvancewalton, I sent you an $LOLZ on behalf of consciouscat

(6/6)
Farm LOLZ tokens when you Delegate Hive or Hive Tokens.
Click to delegate: 10 - 20 - 50 - 100 HP

When you complain, you make yourself a victim

Once I was there and I testify how negatively impacts the habit of complaining. It destroys our potential and leaves us feeling helpless. When we take the accountability of our lives, we grow for sure.

I agree with you on the point thatt gratitude is a powerful tool. It's not about the word of mouth but about the attitude we keep towards our lives and their circumstances. Gratitude makes us value what we have and thus we are able to make the most of the things we have acquired.

Thanks for the inspiring message @ericvancewalton

I love that philosophy of getting a little better every day. I also believe that it is possible to change, we are not condemned to be the same. Sometimes what we need is to cultivate patience to be able to go step by step. Thanks for the initiative dear. A big hug from Maracay.

I was thinking about the answer to the question according to my life and thought about the same - "to become a better version of myself," like you said. It's so simple but profound because it's the base of every other thing.