We are all born and without purpose, at first its does not matter we are happy, bright-eyed, and entertained easily as we learn and explore the world around us.
Time goes on and some people start to question meaning, life, sometimes even purpose itself. Who are you really? Are you your experiences? your trauma? your skills? your social groups? Or are you a combination of all of these things melted down and tempered by the way your mind has been shaped by the very same. You are all of your experiences and in the same moment you are that which will shape the experiences to come in a loop ad infinitum until you are no more.
I'll remind you that during this whole mess of a journey you are surrounded by other people some like you some nothing like you and you are shaping them as much as they shape you for better or worse.
Now it's time for the main question for this first chapter. I don't know what my purpose is how can I find it what do I do? There is no answer and anybody who tells you they have it is a liar "see the buddha kill the buddha"
The intention: If you were a warrior soldier,Servicemember, whatever word you prefer. At some point in your life and have since been disconnected from that culture and moved on though, not really. Like sheathing a blade like holstering your weapon the first step is intent. You cannot remain the same this doesn't apply to all, dear reader but if it applies to you and you are lost read further. Purposelessness is a dangerous position for any human being to be in wether you are the 22 year old "One and done" contract done and so am I type or the "20 years and a pension" salt dog type. The tide of society and reality do not care for time or how much time you did or did not put be wary of your ego's entitlement to recognition and merit it will only lead you to disappointment again some of these words will apply to you others will not only you know if they do. You have to be honest with yourself you went from structure and limited freedoms to the entire world before you the paralysis of this much freedom is a very real force you have to come to terms with regardless of what terms you've come back to society on. I believe this all applies even if your loss of purpose has nothing to do with the military. The military is just an excellent example because of well known time frames and examples look them up. You're gonna want to buckle up for this obvious hint, ready? Nobody is coming to help you all of your friends all of the resources in the world will not be able to aid you no matter how hard they try you must undergo the struggle that your ancestors went through for generations you have to endure it all, you are the marble and the sculptor. The path ahead is difficult but as long as you have the intent to start you have already done more than most who will remain floating, more on them later. Dear reader you have to sheathe your blade whatever it may be your hands are holding on to you cannot mend yourself with tired hands gripping something you no longer need. You cannot read books or hug your loved ones you cannot eat sushi in the bed of your truck with a beautiful woman or embrace her. Disarm yourself, release whatever old purpose still binds you to a longing for a past that is gone only then will you be able to grasp at the stars for a brighter future.