A Conversation About Purpose, Generosity—and What Makes Life Meaningful

Dear Friends,

What if one of the keys to living a healthier, more fulfilling life isn't simply what we do for ourselves, but finding greater purpose in what we do for others?

That question was at the center of an inspiring conversation I hosted recently with Allison Aubrey, NPR health correspondent, CBS Sunday Morning contributor, and author of the new book Your Turn: How to Create a Midlife You Love, we called “The Science of Purpose Meets the Practice of Generosity.”

It was an especially meaningful discussion for me because Allison's work and mine approach a similar question from two different directions:

What helps us create a life of greater purpose and fulfillment?

Allison has spent years exploring the science of purpose, meaningful engagement, and well-being. As a Generosity Coach, I help people explore one very practical way of putting purpose into action: how we choose to give back.

During our conversation, we talked about why purpose doesn't have to come from one extraordinary accomplishment. It can come from understanding what matters to us and finding meaningful ways to contribute our time, talents, experience, and resources.

That's something I've experienced in my own life—and it's at the heart of the work I now do with others.

I'm excited to share some of our conversation with you.

To see our entire conversation, click here.

Warmly,

Wes

You Don't Have to Find Your Purpose. You Can Build It.

The word purpose can feel intimidating.

We sometimes imagine we're supposed to discover one big calling that explains what we're meant to do with our lives.

During my recent conversation with Allison Aubrey, she shared something she encountered repeatedly while researching her book Your Turn: people often felt overwhelmed by the idea of purpose. They compared themselves to someone who had started a nonprofit, devoted a career to helping others or accomplished something extraordinary.

But purpose doesn't have to look like that.

Allison told the story of a woman who spends one hour each week reshelving books at her local library. It's a small commitment, but she leaves each week feeling that she has contributed to something she cares about. As Allison put it, there are many ways to find purpose.

That idea resonated deeply with me because giving back can be one of those ways.

The question isn't necessarily, “What is my purpose?”

Perhaps a more useful place to start is:

What matters to me—and how do I want to put that into action?

Your answer might involve mentoring someone, sharing professional expertise, volunteering in your community, serving on a board, supporting an organization financially, connecting people who can help one another—or some combination of these.

This is where my work as a Generosity Coach begins.

I help people who are already committed to giving back explore the connection between what they care about, what they have to contribute, and the difference they want to make.

Because when those things come together, generosity can become more than something you do.

It can become an expression of your purpose.

And that leads to a question worth considering:

What role does giving back play in the life you want to create?

If that's a question you've been thinking about, let's have a conversation.

Ideas for a More Meaningful Life

Why Midlife Might Actually Be Awesome

Midlife may offer more opportunities for growth and fulfillment than its negative reputation suggests. Research shows that people can continue developing their personalities, gaining wisdom, strengthening relationships, and finding greater purpose throughout midlife. Rather than focusing only on potential losses, the article encourages viewing this stage as a time for reflection, meaningful change, and contributing to others.

Volunteering and Other Kind Acts Help the Helper, Too

Research highlighted by the American Psychological Association shows that volunteering and acts of kindness can benefit the giver as well as the recipient. Giving to others is associated with greater happiness, less depression and anxiety, and reduced loneliness—benefits that often come from feeling more connected to others. The research also suggests that generosity is most rewarding when it is voluntary and when people can see the difference their actions make.

Rewired, Not Retired

Recently, Allison Aubrey spoke with Allison Ash, who spent decades as a Silicon Valley engineer before discovering a new sense of purpose raising service-dog puppies. Her story illustrates the idea of being “rewired, not retired”—returning to forgotten interests, values, and sources of joy. Midlife can offer permission to explore, experiment, and pursue work that feels meaningful. Check out Allison Aubrey's Substack for this and other inspiring stories about living your best midlife.

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