The Annual Needle Stick
Today I endured the annual “blood- letting” ordered by my doctor.
In preparation, I consumed “mucha agua”, a giant intake of water to artificially pump up my microscopic veins.
Although I’ve donated blood throughout the years, I was turned away from one blood bank because my veins were too small…a blood bank reject. I’ve always envied those men, my father being one, who touted gigantic veins almost begging to be punctured.
Oliver
On the way to the doctor, I heard a song on the radio from the musical “Oliver”. I’ve always loved musicals. One of my parents must have been a Broadway” wanna-be” because Broadway musicals flooded the airways of my childhood home.
The song that captured my attention was “As Long As He Needs Me”.
As I listened to the lyrics, it struck me. This song is about life purpose. Her purpose, at least in her estimation, was taking care of her man.
Taking care of him gave her life meaning. Maybe it’s even what she lives for…what gets her out of bed in the morning and gives her a feeling of relevance, importance, belonging, and drive.
Where would she be without this sense of purpose? We can only guess. But if you listen to the song, her voice conveys a high level of conviction. She’s married, maybe literally, to this belief. You get the feeling she’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
She’s a lucky woman, and in that sense we should all be so lucky. We should all have the have a reason to get out of bed, feel excited about our lives and our futures, and above all, feel relevant.
Even if it takes some digging, discovering your purpose lowers depression and amplifies joy.
Pippin
I’ve always loved the song, “Corner of the Sky” from Pippin. I imagine it’s about seeking out your purpose.
Because most people have a purpose that involves helping others in some way, it’s beneficial on both accounts.
I guess what I’m suggesting is there are many paths leading to your purpose, including the messages from musicals.
So, which path is calling your name?
Minute Meditations for the Soul 