Ladies, let’s be real, life is a wild ride. One minute, you’re feeling like a Zen master, sipping your matcha tea in perfect harmony with the universe. The next, you’re standing in the kitchen, holding a half-eaten banana, wondering why you walked in there in the first place. Somewhere between our to-do lists, taking care of everyone else, and managing the ever-growing expectations of modern life, we can lose our sense of purpose.
It happens to the best of us. But don’t worry, Buddhism has our back. The Buddha taught that life is full of change, and losing our way sometimes? Totally normal. The good news? We can always find our way back. Here’s where many women lose their sense of purpose, and how to reclaim it with a happy, Buddhist-inspired twist.
1. The Trap of Never-Ending Busyness
If you’ve ever said, “I don’t have time for myself,” congratulations, you’re officially a member of the Overwhelmed Women’s Club. Between work, family, friends, and that one cousin who always needs advice, life gets packed. But here’s the thing: Buddhism teaches us that busyness is an illusion. What truly matters is how present we are in each moment.
How to Get It Back: Try a “pause practice.” Set an alarm three times a day. When it goes off, stop whatever you’re doing and take three slow, mindful breaths. This tiny act of awareness brings you back to yourself and reminds you that you exist beyond your to-do list.
2. Trying to Make Everyone Else Happy
Raise your hand if you’ve ever sacrificed your own happiness to keep the peace. (Yep, same here.) Women are natural nurturers, and that’s beautiful. But Buddhism reminds us that real compassion starts within. If you’re constantly giving without refilling your own cup, you’re running on spiritual fumes.
How to Get It Back: Practice “metta” (loving-kindness) meditation, but start with yourself. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and silently repeat: May I be happy. May I be healthy. May I be free from suffering. Only when you fill your own heart with kindness can you share it with others without burning out.
3. Forgetting That Life Is Impermanent
Buddhism’s big truth? Everything changes. Your kids grow up, relationships shift, careers evolve. When we cling to how things used to be, we suffer. But when we embrace change as part of life’s flow, we stay open to new possibilities.
How to Get It Back: Make peace with change by practicing gratitude for this moment. Every night before bed, list three things you’re grateful for, big or small. Gratitude rewires your brain to focus on joy instead of what’s missing.
4. Comparing Yourself to Others
Ever scroll through social media and suddenly feel like everyone else has their life together while you’re still figuring it out? Comparing ourselves to others is a surefire way to lose our sense of purpose. Buddhism teaches us that we each have our own path, and someone else’s success doesn’t mean we’re failing.
How to Get It Back: Unfollow accounts that make you feel inadequate and replace them with ones that uplift you. Better yet, spend less time on screens and more time in nature. Walk, breathe, and remember, you are enough, just as you are.
5. Forgetting That Joy Is in Simplicity
We often think purpose has to be this huge thing, like starting a non-profit or writing a bestselling book. But Buddhism reminds us that joy is found in the simple moments: sipping tea, laughing with a friend, feeling the sun on your face.
How to Get It Back: Do one thing every day that makes you feel truly alive. It could be dancing in your kitchen, gardening, meditating, or just lying on the grass looking at the sky. Your purpose isn’t something you have to find, it’s something you live.
6. Overthinking Everything
The Buddha once said, “Rule your mind, or it will rule you.” And wow, isn’t that the truth? We overanalyze, worry, and play out worst-case scenarios like a Netflix drama. But purpose isn’t found in thinking, it’s found in being.
How to Get It Back: When your thoughts start spiraling, use a mantra. Try saying, Right here, right now, all is well. Let it bring you back to this moment, because this moment is where life happens.
The Takeaway: You’re Already on Your Path
Losing your sense of purpose isn’t a failure, it’s a sign that you’re human. The beauty of Buddhist wisdom is that it gently reminds us: we don’t need to chase purpose. We simply need to wake up to it.
So, take a deep breath. Smile. Trust that even when you feel lost, you are exactly where you need to be. Your purpose isn’t waiting somewhere in the future, it’s here, in this moment, just waiting for you to notice it.
Now, go pour yourself some tea and enjoy being you.
