I recently watched the Pixar movie, Soul. There are so many different takeaways one could have from watching this movie. I’m only going to mention a snippet in case anyone wants to watch it too. One’s “purpose” or “spark” were running themes throughout the movie. What does either mean specifically? How does one find their purpose or spark? We each get to decide that for ourselves.

One character in the movie felt like a loser. She didn’t think a spark or purpose existed in her. She only heard thoughts and saw images in her head of all the ways in which she had “failed” or never had “become anything” because those were the words she heard from others. Sadly, that’s what she came to believe about herself. For a time, she became a “lost soul” —wandering in darkness and despondency culminating in ferocious anger.

However, a different movie character recognized something special in her; this so-called “purposeless loser” demonstrated how much purpose her life really had by the way she lived every single day. Just by the way she excitedly walked down the street and experienced the beauty of simple things. Or, how she expressed appreciation to another, how she recognized the passion someone else had or how talented they were at something and then made the effort to reflect that back to them. Or, how she savored the taste of a favorite food, or noticed a “whirligig” floating through some trees. This character had felt he was so full of purpose and spark and was trying to help her find hers – only to realize she helped him see so many things he’d been missing in his own life. Her purpose was far-reaching even though to some it was viewed as purposeless!

At one point in the movie, she thought maybe her purpose was walking because she felt she did that well. And, she did, because her “walking” was her enthusiastic love of life. She lived each moment to the fullest and from her heart, and in a natural, organic way, she validated those she crossed paths with.

I don’t know about you, but that feels wonderfully purposeful to me!

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, please call, chat, or text 988. There is hope. 

Cheri Thomas

Cheri works as a Peer Support Specialist for RI in Arizona. She has experienced loss and grief which has led her to write for the masses to bring voice to those in similar situations. Cheri possesses a deep passion to share with, encourage, and inspire others on what she calls the Journey of the Heart.