Living with purpose: Inspire Me Women by Chris Korako
There are times in life when we’re invited, sometimes gently, sometimes forcefully, to ask: ‘What is my purpose now?’
For me, that question came after years of transformation. In my teens and twenties, I was a confident young woman thriving in corporate sales. By 28, I was a sales manager at a global company. Then life shifted beautifully. I became a devoted wife and mother to four wonderful boys born within five years (no twins). My life was full, active, and rich in community and family.
When the boys became independent young men, I struggled with this question. Beyond them, who was I? Yes, I had supported my husband’s business and political career, involved myself with the school PTA and even dipped my toes in governance. Yet when it came to making a decision on what my purpose was at that point in time, I wasn’t quite sure.
This is what I’ve learned along the way: Like us, purpose evolves. What drives us in our twenties may not fulfil us in our forties, fifties and beyond. That’s growth and that’s fine.
If you have ever stood at that uncertain crossroad, you will understand the value and benefit of surrounding yourself with positive people who will listen, encourage and even guide you to rediscover yourself in a way that aligns with your life journey.
Purpose, I’ve come to believe, is about living each day in step with your core values. It is found in meaningful conversations, the causes you support, the time you give to others and the love you both offer and receive. It’s in the small moments, as well as the milestones.
Take time to identify your values. Whether independence, compassion, creativity, or connection, you will begin to make choices that honour you. That is how Margie Foster and I connected to form Inspire Me Women 8 years ago.
We both felt a deep sense of purpose in creating space for women to grow their networks and friendships, and we still do. You don’t need complete reinvention, just a commitment to living with intention. Start where you are, talk to trusted friends, write down the things that you love to do, trust your instinct and plan your next step.
The journey itself is the purpose.
