The Journey of the Five Friends
Join five tightly knit college friends as they embark on a pivotal hiking trip. From a mountain vista, they see the Horizons of possibility and dare to ask the question: Am I truly living a purposeful life? More than just a story, this is an invitation to listen in on their profound, often joyful, self-analysis as they strip away professional titles and societal expectations to find the pure baseline of meaning.
The 'Aha' Moments
Tucked into every chapter, we offer powerful, real-world proof that purpose can be found anywhere. These sections spotlight incredible human transformations. These inspiring stories show that a purposeful life can arrive with a dramatic awakening, or it can be uncovered in the small, consistent acts of raising others up. Take a moment to reflect on the quiet callings you might be missing in your own life.
Building Your Own Guidebook
This is your opportunity for deep, interactive self-discovery.The narrative is specifically designed to raise your consciousness about the true meaning of purpose. Each chapter presents thought-provoking questions, acting as prompts for you to document your own findings. By the time you finish, you won't just have read a book, you'll have authored your own personalized guide to purposeful living.
About Horizons: Finding Your Purpose
This short novel will take an average reader approximately 76 minutes to read. Reflection question response time will depend on the depth of your responses. Have you begun to think about your life's purpose? For many that’s a common experience. You may be looking for a purpose that is more fulfilling and a way for you to use your talent to meet a societal need. We invite you to join five young people as they pursue their purpose journeys. Horizons will not give you the answer to your purpose. That must come from you. What Horizons will do is to engage you in self-reflections about your purpose as you accompany our five young persons on their journey. Ralph Waldo Emerson has said: “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it makes some difference that you have lived and lived well.” As you experience the purpose journey explorations in Horizons you will find joy in knowing how to make a difference with your life. Please join us as we begin our journey.
Testimonials
Horizons is the latest of Dr. Byrd’s thought-provoking series designed to help us learn more about ourselves and each other. I incorporated this reflection series as part of my weekly routine and really appreciated the moment to pause mull over different concepts of my career, interests, and personal life. I’d highly recommend this series for anyone of any age, but especially those just starting their careers with a growth-mindset who might be asking themselves “why am I here?” Or “what’s next?” Hopefully Horizons will become part of your routine too!
Horizons prompted me to move on from accepting that things were alright as they were and to start considering what could make my life more meaningful. From the first few chapters, I was able to start recognizing changes I wanted to make to refocus myself and my priorities on what matters, and each chapter pushed me toward better refining that. Horizons is a great fit for anyone thinking, "Now what?" and ready to look inside and act on what they find.
Horizons is great for anyone feeling stuck in their careers and not sure what way to turn. The stories are relatable in many ways and the questions provided at the end of each chapter allow each person to reflect on their lives and how they can uncover purpose in what they do. I recommend giving it a read for anyone feeling “stuck” or looking to feel more fulfilled in their lives.
The opportunity to read Horizons came at a great time in my life as I could feel my career getting a little stagnant and my true purpose in life becoming a little cloudy. The book contains a combination of relatable stories, life lessons, and reflection questions that forced me to think about what I truly want my life and career to look like. After reading the book and answering all the reflection questions, I was able to see immediate results in aspects of my life and career that I’ve always aspired to be involved in. Outside of work, I have taken on leadership roles in multiple community impact organizations where I’ve helped many people in my local community. At work, I pushed myself to explore other opportunities and recently accepted an assignment to work in Australia for six months. No matter where you are in your life or career, I highly recommend reading the Horizon’s story.
At the time I received the invitation for the program I had been spending a lot of time reflecting on my career and life post-grad and looking to understand my goals and objectives for the future. I was a little skeptical before starting the program since the idea of "finding your purpose" seemed too large to be accomplished or understood in a virtual course with short readings. However, as I worked through each of the chapters and reflection questions, I found myself surprised at how the stories helped me reflect on my experiences and use those reflections to understand my strengths, values, and goals. This opportunity for self-reflection has ultimately provided me a path to finding my purpose. Each of the students within the readings had very different backgrounds and were at different phases of their purpose journey and through each chapter I was able to relate and resonate with many of the different stories. Horizons was a quick and interesting read that really helped me understand what it means to find your purpose and the work and self-reflection that goes into that. I still reference the course and use some of the lessons/reflections as I continue to navigate finding my purpose.
Horizons offered a thoughtful and accessible way to explore the idea of purpose without making it feel overwhelming. What stood out most to me were the reflection questions woven throughout the story—they invited me to step into the shoes of the characters and apply their experiences directly to my own life. Through that process, I was able to identify areas where I wasn’t fully living in alignment with my purpose and begin to imagine practical ways to bring more intention into my everyday choices. The story helped transform purpose from a broad, nebulous concept into something tangible and approachable, reminding me that purpose isn’t just something you “find,” but something you practice daily.
Horizons is the latest of Dr. Byrd’s thought-provoking series designed to help us learn more about ourselves and each other. I incorporated this reflection series as part of my weekly routine and really appreciated the moment to pause mull over different concepts of my career, interests, and personal life. I’d highly recommend this series for anyone of any age, but especially those just starting their careers with a growth-mindset who might be asking themselves “why am I here?” Or “what’s next?” Hopefully Horizons will become part of your routine too!
Horizons is great for anyone feeling stuck in their careers and not sure what way to turn. The stories are relatable in many ways and the questions provided at the end of each chapter allow each person to reflect on their lives and how they can uncover purpose in what they do. I recommend giving it a read for anyone feeling “stuck” or looking to feel more fulfilled in their lives.
At the time I received the invitation for the program I had been spending a lot of time reflecting on my career and life post-grad and looking to understand my goals and objectives for the future. I was a little skeptical before starting the program since the idea of "finding your purpose" seemed too large to be accomplished or understood in a virtual course with short readings. However, as I worked through each of the chapters and reflection questions, I found myself surprised at how the stories helped me reflect on my experiences and use those reflections to understand my strengths, values, and goals. This opportunity for self-reflection has ultimately provided me a path to finding my purpose. Each of the students within the readings had very different backgrounds and were at different phases of their purpose journey and through each chapter I was able to relate and resonate with many of the different stories. Horizons was a quick and interesting read that really helped me understand what it means to find your purpose and the work and self-reflection that goes into that. I still reference the course and use some of the lessons/reflections as I continue to navigate finding my purpose.
Horizons prompted me to move on from accepting that things were alright as they were and to start considering what could make my life more meaningful. From the first few chapters, I was able to start recognizing changes I wanted to make to refocus myself and my priorities on what matters, and each chapter pushed me toward better refining that. Horizons is a great fit for anyone thinking, "Now what?" and ready to look inside and act on what they find.
The opportunity to read Horizons came at a great time in my life as I could feel my career getting a little stagnant and my true purpose in life becoming a little cloudy. The book contains a combination of relatable stories, life lessons, and reflection questions that forced me to think about what I truly want my life and career to look like. After reading the book and answering all the reflection questions, I was able to see immediate results in aspects of my life and career that I’ve always aspired to be involved in. Outside of work, I have taken on leadership roles in multiple community impact organizations where I’ve helped many people in my local community. At work, I pushed myself to explore other opportunities and recently accepted an assignment to work in Australia for six months. No matter where you are in your life or career, I highly recommend reading the Horizon’s story.
Horizons offered a thoughtful and accessible way to explore the idea of purpose without making it feel overwhelming. What stood out most to me were the reflection questions woven throughout the story—they invited me to step into the shoes of the characters and apply their experiences directly to my own life. Through that process, I was able to identify areas where I wasn’t fully living in alignment with my purpose and begin to imagine practical ways to bring more intention into my everyday choices. The story helped transform purpose from a broad, nebulous concept into something tangible and approachable, reminding me that purpose isn’t just something you “find,” but something you practice daily.
Table of Contents
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1
Introduction
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Are You Ready?
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I am...
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How To Read This Book
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Answering Questions
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Introduction
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Chapter One: Hiking Your Purpose Trail
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Chapter One - Hiking Your Purpose Trail
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Questions for Hiking Your Purpose Trail
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Interlude One - A Purposeful Life
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Questions for Interlude One - A Purposeful Life
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Some Thoughts About Purposeful Living 1
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Chapter Two - Purpose: No Laughing Matter
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Chapter Two - Purpose: No Laughing Matter
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Questions for Purpose: No Laughing Matter Questions
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Interlude Two - Finding Purpose in Soaking Feet
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Questions for Interlude Two - Finding Purpose in Soaking Feet
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Some Thoughts About Purposeful Living 2
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Chapter 2 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Three - Joy and Purpose
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Chapter Three - Joy and Purpose
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Questions for Joy and Purpose
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Interlude Three - True Joy
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Questions for Interlude Three - True Joy
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Some Thoughts on Purposeful Living 3
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Chapter 3 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Four - Going From Joy to Purpose
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Chapter Four - Going from Joy to Purpose
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Going From Joy to Purpose Questions
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Interlude Four - Combining Our Talent with Purpose
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Questions for Interlude Four - Combining Our Talent with Purpose
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Some Thoughts on Purposeful Living 4
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Chapter 4 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Five - Purpose and Careers
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Chapter Five - Purpose and Careers
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Questions for Purpose and Careers
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Interlude Five - Using Your Career Talent to Support Others
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Questions for Interlude Five - Using Your Career Talent to Support Others
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Some Thoughts on Purposeful Living 5
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Chapter 5 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Six - Finding Purpose Through Connections
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Chapter Six - Finding Purpose Through Connections
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Questions for Finding Purpose Through Connections
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Interlude Six - Transformational Connections
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Questions for Interlude Six - Transformational Connections
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Some Thoughts on Purposeful Living 6
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Chapter 6 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Seven - Revitalizing Past Joys for Purposeful Living
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Chapter Seven - Revitalizing Past Joys for Purposeful Living
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Interlude Seven - Looking Back to Find Your Purpose
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Some Thoughts on Purposeful Living 7
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Chapter Eight - Gaining Purpose by Fostering Belonging
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Chapter Eight - Gaining Purpose by Fostering Belonging
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Questions for Gaining Purpose by Fostering Belonging
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Interlude Eight - Belonging Together
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Questions for Interlude Eight - Belonging Together
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Some Thoughts on Purposeful Living 8
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Chapter 8 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Nine - The End of One Hike but the Beginning of a Purpose Journey
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Chapter Nine - The End of One Hike but the Beginning of a Purpose Journey
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Questions for The End of One Hike but the Beginning of a Purpose Journey
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Interlude Nine - Finding Your Why
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Questions for Interlude Nine - Finding Your Why
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Some Thoughts on Purposeful Living 9
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Chapter 9 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter 10 - Essential Dimensions of Purposeful Living
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Chapter 10 - Essential Dimensions of Purposeful Living
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Questions for Chapter 10 - Essential Dimensions of Purposeful Living
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Exhibit A Sources of Purpose
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Exhibit B Dimensions of Purpose
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Interlude Ten - A Purpose Driven Life
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Questions for Interlude Ten - A Purpose Driven Life
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Some Thoughts on Purposeful Living 10
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Chapter 10 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Eleven - Excuses (Lies) for Not Pursuing Our Purpose
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Chapter Eleven - Excuses (Lies) for Not Pursuing Our Purpose
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Questions for Chapter Eleven - Excuses (Lies) for Not Pursuing Our Purpose
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Interlude Eleven - A Reason for Being
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Questions for Interlude Eleven - A Reason for Being
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Some Thoughts on Purposeful Living 11
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Chapter 11 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Twelve - Purpose as a Gradual Discovery
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Chapter Twelve - Purpose as a Gradual Discovery
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Questions for Chapter Twelve - Purpose as a Gradual Discovery
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Interlude Twelve - Purposeful Living Skills
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Questions for Interlude Twelve - Purposeful Living Skills
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Some Thoughts on Purposeful Living 12
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Chapter 12 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Thirteen - Reflecting Back and Moving Forward
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Chapter Thirteen - Reflecting Back and Moving Forward
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Exhibit C - Notes from the conversation with Dr. Atha
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Questions for Chapter Thirteen - Reflecting Back and Moving Forward
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Interlude Thirteen - Hannah’s First Story
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Questions for Interlude Thirteen - Hannah’s First Story
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Some Thoughts on Purposeful Living 13
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Chapter 13 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Fourteen - Learning How to Walk
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Chapter Fourteen - Learning How to Walk
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Questions for Chapter 14 - Learning How to Walk
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Interlude Fourteen - A Story of Purpose (I)
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Questions for Interlude Fourteen - A Story of Purpose (I)
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Some Thoughts on Purposeful Living 14
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Chapter 14 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Fifteen - First Steps in Finding Your Purpose Part One
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Chapter Fifteen - First Steps in Finding Your Purpose Part One
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Questions for Chapter Fifteen First Steps in Finding Your Purpose Part One
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Interlude Fifteen - A Story of Purpose (II)
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Questions for Interlude Fifteen - A Story of Purpose (II)
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Some Thoughts on Purposeful Living 15
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Chapter 15 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter 16 - First Steps in Finding Your Purpose
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Chapter Sixteen - First Steps in Finding Your Purpose Part Two
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Questions for Chapter Sixteen - First Steps in Finding Your Purpose Part Two
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Interlude Sixteen - A Story of Purpose (III)
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Questions for Interlude Sixteen - A Story of Purpose (III)
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Some Thoughts on Purposeful Living 16
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Chapter 16 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Seventeen - First Steps in Finding Your Purpose: Belonging
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Chapter Seventeen - First Steps in Finding Your Purpose: Belonging
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Questions for Chapter Seventeen - First Steps in Finding Your Purpose: Belonging
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Interlude Seventeen - A Story of Purpose (IV)
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Questions for Interlude Seventeen - A Story of Purpose (IV)
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More Thoughts on Purposeful Living 17
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Chapter 17 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Eighteen - Forming Habits of Virtue
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Chapter Eighteen - Forming Habits of Virtue
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Questions for Chapter Eighteen - Forming Habits of Virtue
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Interlude Eighteen - A Story of Purpose (V)
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Questions for Interlude Eighteen - A Story of Purpose (V)
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More Thoughts on Purposeful Living 18
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Chapter 18 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Nineteen - Sustaining the Purpose Journey
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Chapter Nineteen - Sustaining the Purpose Journey
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Questions for Chapter Nineteen - Sustaining the Purpose Journey
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Interlude Nineteen - Habits of Virtue
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Questions for Interlude Nineteen - Habits of Virtue
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More Thoughts on Purposeful Living 19
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Chapter 19 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Twenty - The Neuroscience of Purposeful Living
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Chapter Twenty - The Neuroscience of Purposeful Living
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Questions for Chapter Twenty - The Neuroscience of Purposeful Living
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Interlude Twenty - Striving for Purpose
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Questions for Interlude Twenty - Striving for Purpose
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More Thoughts on Purposeful Living 20
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Chapter 20 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Twenty-One - Purposeful Living and Health
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Chapter Twenty-One - Purposeful Living and Health
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Questions for Chapter Twenty-One - Purposeful Living and Health
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Interlude Twenty-One - Aging Well
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Questions for Interlude Twenty-One - Aging Well
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More Thoughts on Purposeful Living 21
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Chapter 21 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Twenty-Two - Helping Others Begin Their Purpose Hike - Part One
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Chapter Twenty-Two - Helping Others Begin Their Purpose Hike - Part One
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Questions for Chapter Twenty-Two - Helping Others Begin Their Purpose Hike - Part One
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Interlude Twenty-Two - The Many Lives of Purpose
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Questions for Interlude Twenty-Two - The Many Lives of Purpose
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More Thoughts on Purposeful Living 22
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Chapter 22 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Twenty-Three - Helping Others Begin Their Purpose Hike - Part Two
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Chapter Twenty-Three - Helping Others Begin Their Purpose Hike - Part Two
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Questions for Chapter Twenty-Three - Helping Others Begin Their Purpose Hike - Part Two
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Interlude Twenty-Three - Reason for Purpose
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Questions for Interlude Twenty-Three - Reason for Purpose
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More Thoughts on Purposeful Living 23
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Chapter 23 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Chapter Twenty-Four - Sixty Years Later: Over the Horizon
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Chapter Twenty-Four - Sixty Years Later: Over the Horizon
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Questions for Chapter Twenty-Four - Sixty Years Later: Over the Horizon
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Interlude Twenty-Four - Paying it Forward
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Questions for Interlude Twenty-Four - Paying it Forward
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More Thoughts on Purposeful Living 24
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Chapter 24 Questions - My Purposeful Living Discoveries
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Further Musings on Purposeful Living
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Further Musings on Purposeful Living
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About the Creator
Jack Byrd, Jr. Rather than present my background in a traditional academic format, I would like to share my career journey, since that is what this course is about. I came to West Virginia University (WVU) from Fairmont, WV. My first memory as a child was being told by my parents that I needed to do well in school because I would be going to WVU. I chose engineering as a major because I liked math. I have never been a social person, and the thought of giving presentations was very frightening. I didn’t want a career where I would be asked to do presentations. I had an internship with Eastman Kodak. The plant employed more people than lived in my hometown (22,000). I loved the work but was disappointed by how little of an impact my work had at this massive site. I decided to continue in school to get my Master’s, largely because our basketball team was going to be great. After finishing my Master’s, I decided to continue on to get a PhD. I never gave much thought to my career decisions. A turning point in my life was when a classmate of mine lost his father unexpectedly. He asked me to take his classes. Although I had a real fear of public speaking, I agreed. I found out that I loved teaching. I was given an opportunity to stay at WVU when I graduated with my PhD, and accepted. I’ve always been very creative, so developing research proposals was something that was easy for me. I was awarded one of NSF’s top awards for young scholars. When I presented my work at a research conference, I had another career epiphany. I just couldn’t imagine a career where the scope of my work was limited to a ballroom of people. Early in my career, I was awarded the first Faculty Merit Foundation honor of being the best college professor in the state. This gave me some freedom to focus my career on teaching. Now in my 7th decade of teaching, I believe I have taught more students at WVU than any other professor. In April of 2019, I found out that I had cancer. Originally, I thought I could resume classes after a summer of treatment, but the treatment was too challenging. Reluctantly, I had to retire. But I couldn’t stop teaching. I taught online classes during the one year of treatment. When my surgeon came to see me the morning after a six-hour surgery, I was grading papers. I told him, “I love what I do.” He just shook his head. I hope that you will find an equally satisfying career and that this course will give you the ability to find your own purpose as I have done.
Find Your Purpose
Start your self-led purpose journey!