Purpose and Healing
Have you ever had the sense that there was something bigger meant for you? Some unique impact you were intended to have while living this life?
That quiet pull—toward meaning, contribution, and connection—can be what helps us weather the darkest seasons. It’s the sense that maybe all of this isn’t meaningless… maybe we can use it as the foundation for something deeper to emerge. That belief is what helped Viktor Frankl survive his time in concentration camps, as he describes in Man’s Search for Meaning. It’s the driving force behind ikigai, the Japanese concept of a “reason for being,” and it parallels what Buddhism calls Dharma—one’s sacred duty or righteous path.
This isn’t a concept exclusive to one culture or belief system. It’s a thread that runs through many traditions, philosophies, and lived experiences. Whatever name you give it, purpose gives your life circumstances a bigger context. Rather than simply being about hardship, adversity can become part of a path to impact.
That doesn’t mean suffering is good or that trauma should be minimized. The pain is real—and can be lasting. But when we are able to reflect, sometimes we discover a deeper story unfolding—one that includes meaning, growth, and generativity: the desire to contribute to the well-being of others.
When Pain Sparks Growth
Painful experiences may feel like detours or even dead ends, but they can become the foundation for something more integrated, meaningful, and enduring.
While trauma can make it difficult to step into our purpose (ikigai), it can also be the very thing that inspires it. This process of transformation is known as Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG)—a phenomenon where individuals experience positive psychological change after facing adversity.
Research shows that 50–70% of people report experiencing moderate to high PTG after trauma, and some studies suggest that up to 89% experience at least one meaningful shift—like deeper relationships, stronger personal values, or a clearer sense of life direction (APA, 2016; Linley & Joseph, 2004; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004).
While pain itself is not necessarily a gift, the reflection it provokes can bring to the surface what really matters—things that may have been unknown to you or hidden.
How to Begin Exploring Your Purpose
Finding your purpose is rarely a one-time event. It’s more like a layering process—of paying attention, releasing expectations, and tuning into what calls you forward.
Here are a few ways to begin:
Identify Core Values
Your struggles may have clarified what matters most to you. Purpose gives you a way to live those values out loud.Notice What Feels Important
What do you care most deeply about? What would you stand up for?Pay Attention to What Angers You
Righteous anger can point to areas of passion and injustice—often where you’re most motivated to make a difference.Consider Your Natural Strengths
What do others come to you for? What feels effortless but creates meaningful results?Track What You’re Drawn To
Recurring themes in the books you read, causes you support, or conversations you engage in can offer powerful clues.Try the Ikigai Framework
Explore the intersection of:What you love
What you’re good at
What the world needs
What you can be paid for
Journal Your Time and Energy
Track how you spend your time and where your energy flows. Purpose often hides in your routines and rhythms.
Stay Curious
One exercise—or even two—may not get you there right away. That’s okay. What matters most is your curiosity. Keep your eyes open. Pay attention to what stirs you. Some people have a natural pull toward what they’re meant to do, while others uncover it more gradually. Either way, it’s a journey worth taking.
Ready to Go Deeper?
If this post resonated, consider these next steps for continued healing and growth:
🔹 Explore Additional Resources – Read more articles on trauma recovery, resilience, and nervous system regulation.
🔹 Coaching Support – For those seeking personalized guidance, one-on-one or group coaching is available to support meaningful progress and healing.
🔹 Book Lilli Correll to speak – Bring trauma-Informed insight to your events, conferences, or team trainings focused on trauma, stress, and resilience.
📩 Questions or inquiries? Visit the website or reach out via email. No one has to rebuild belief alone—support is available every step of the way.
References
American Psychological Association. (2016, November). Growth after trauma. Monitor on Psychology, 47(10), 48. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2016/11/growth-trauma
Linley, P. A., & Joseph, S. (2004). Positive change following trauma and adversity: A review. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 17(1), 11–21. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOTS.0000014671.27856.7e
Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). Posttraumatic growth: Conceptual foundations and empirical evidence. Psychological Inquiry, 15(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327965pli1501_01
