I Am Jack’s Sense of Purpose

We’ve all heard the phrase, “anything is possible”. It’s been drilled into us since childhood. “You can do anything if you’re willing to work hard enough.” It sounds nice, even motivating. But the harsh reality is that at best, it’s simply untrue and at worst, it’s psychologically damaging.

What about someone who is wheelchair bound with a brain injury. What if this person’s dream was to become a sniper in the Marines? What if this person was continuously told, “anything is possible.” Granted, laws and rules could change but as it stands, anyone with a disability involving  lack or limited use of limbs can not serve in this prestigious branch of the 

military. This is a true story of someone I know. And the psychological toll placed on this person is hard for my heart to bare. I can’t imagine how it feels for 

him. 

So back to the “Anything is possible” mantra. I think we should ditch it. This doesn’t mean we’ve given up. It simply means we have come to terms with the idea that what we are able and not able to do doesn’t have to define our success or even our contentment. 

The most well rounded people I know are the ones who don’t expect things to happen but are able to roll with whatever life brings. This is who I aspire to be. Life doesn’t always pan out how we plan. Often times it is out of our control. 

In this manner, I follow the philosophy of the Stoics, set aside that which you can not control and put your energy into what you can control. I believe that is where contentment and purpose stems from. I am Jack’s sense of purpose amidst the anarchy that is life.