Do you consider your job 'work,' or a 'purpose'?

Do you look forward to your workweek, or groan, "Ugh! It's another Monday morning?"

One would hope you'd say, "Great, it's time to go to work again -- to fulfill my purpose in life, to keep living, rather than dying within." Things are changing now, from what they used to be, concerning one's job.

A few years ago, people often followed in their parents' footsteps because it was a family tradition, or sometimes took any job to make a living. Many still do, but it's more common to look around and investigate what you truly want to do in your life. There are many more opportunities now.

The United States is genuinely the land of opportunity, a place where you can become what you would like if you are willing to exert the effort, time and ingenuity to pursue your dreams.

Don't the words "pursuing your dreams" sound magical, enlightening, possible and like a fairy tale? Well, that's exactly what we all need to do. Life is too short to spend it doing something you hate. You say, "I can't do anything else." Yes, you can! Step out and chance it!

However, it takes patience, will, courage and a bit of good fortune -- and most of all, sheer persistence and endurance to reach those goals you have stored in your mind and heart -- those goals that promise happiness and fulfillment. Don't lose heart saying you have to do anything to survive. If that's the case, work on your dreams in the evening, on the Internet or on days off from your current job. If you persist -- keep the dream in your mind day after day -- it will, out of necessity, come to fruition. You can't stay within a space that doesn't fit. You'll eventually break your chains and expand into what you want to be and do -- into what you've always dreamed about.

When you're fulfilling your purpose, rather than just treading water, you'll know it. You'll feel God is guiding your steps and you've finally come into your own. Rather than dreading getting out of bed in the morning you can scarcely wait for your feet to hit the floor. You'll dance with joy, rather than dragging yourself to work each day.

When your life has purpose, you're serving other people in some way. You're working toward a goal, but the journey is what's important. Once you reach the goal, the trip will be over. Hopefully your purpose will only be fulfilled when you die.

Life is to be enjoyed with a sense of fulfillment, not necessarily constant pleasure. Age is of little concern unless your health is receding and you've lost your zest and will for living.

I watched a 103-year-old woman being interviewed recently; she was the epitome of living. She was living life to the fullest. She was going on zip lines and other exciting adventures. She had experienced few of those escapades earlier in life because she had to take care of other people. Now she was having a wonderful time fulfilling her dreams. She expressed that it saddened her to see young people who seem to derive little joy from life.

It's disheartening when you see those who are able to contribute and reflect happiness constantly complain, unaware of how fortunate they are. Look within and try to find God's purpose for your lives. Share your unique gifts that only you possess.

Often, people wait until later in life to begin looking for their purpose. Your direction can change with your stage in life. You can have a different mission after your family is grown, but it is hoped you discovered your calling early.

Don't settle for just any long-term job. Look inside yourself and see where your heart is guiding you.

Ask, what brings you joy and excitement? Then you, too, will love facing the day. It's never too late.

Ellen Shuck holds degrees in psychology, religious education and spiritual direction.