Purpose
“We’re gonna get to that place.
Where we really want to go, and we’ll walk in the sun” 1
Purpose
- determination; an aim or goal; intention
Having a purpose in life is something for which we are striving. There is more to this life than existing.
This post is not a statement of my purpose in life, but rather my purpose for this blog. For starters, this is the beginning, and it will evolve over time.
Initial purpose is to be an outlet for me to write. Thomas Merton, the Trappist monk, wrote to figure out what he thought. That is where I am going with this. Not the monk part or to even come close to Merton, but to figure out my thoughts.
My thoughts sometimes keep me up at night. They need a better outlet than causing insomnia. I guess my next bout of insomnia is better spent writing instead of trying to sleep.
Reading is one of my pastimes, learning from the writings and experiences of others. My problem is remembering and applying what I read. The various book note-taking methods I have attempted have yet to stick. I highlight my books and add notes in the margins or endpapers, but that’s usually where they stay.
7-Word Summary
I am trying something new, the 7-Word Summary. I stumbled across this system recently on Medium.com. It is a member-only story, so if you have a paid account, take a look at it here. If not, here is the gist:
- Keep one document, digital or hardcopy, for your notes
- After each chapter or interesting section of a book, summarize in 7 words or fewer your key takeaway
- Morning or evening, or both, review a few of those notes
- Weekly, review notes again but pick one to apply in your life
- Share a note with someone during a casual conversation
One of my regular intended posts will be 7-word summaries (7WS) of the books I have read. I will reread or skim many books I have already read. I’ll pick out my highlights for my 7WS notes.
Closing
I look forward to this adventure and seeing where my writing will lead me. There won’t be a comment section, but if you have some feedback, reach out to me at one of the links below.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28, ESV
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Born to Run, by Bruce Springsteen, 1975. ↩︎