Extracting Meaning and Purpose

A Journey of Experience Examination

In the depths of personal struggle, I sat on the curb, tears streaming down my face. The pain of losing my marriage and home to a fire weighed heavily on my heart. To make matters worse, I was stuck in a mediocre job to make ends meet. But amidst the chaos, one thing kept me going: running.

Running was not merely a physical activity for me; it became a pathway to self-discovery and personal growth. It taught me the value of hard work, dedication, and self-discipline. So when my husband abruptly ended our 26-year marriage, leaving me to pick up the pieces, I was devastated. The shame of a failed marriage consumed me, and reaching out to others for help proved futile. However, I found solace in the experiences of friends who had also gone through similar heartbreak, realizing that I was not alone in this journey.

While training for my ninth Chicago marathon, I experienced a moment of profound grief, shame, and helplessness. Collapsing on the curb, I allowed myself to embrace the pain entirely. At this moment, I realized that some of life’s greatest gifts come from our moments of suffering.

Summoning my inner strength, I vowed: “This is my life, problems, and responsibility to figure out.” Taking personal accountability has always been a fundamental principle in my life. From selling calendars door-to-door as a child to forming a cheerleading squad in fourth grade, I have always strived to create opportunities.

Throughout my journey, I encountered both triumphs and setbacks. I started my own aerobic business, faced bankruptcy, and returned to school to fulfill my lifelong dream of earning a doctorate. Along the way, I had the privilege of meeting influential figures like Jack Lalanne and Norman Vincent Peale, who inspired me with their resilience and wisdom.

2005 my divorce was finalized, marking a significant turning point in my life. Tentatively, I ventured into online dating, stepping outside the comfort of a long-term marriage. Through my own experiences and the stories of others, I realized that we all carry burdens and endure hardships in different ways.

The underlying message of my meandering journey is clear: personal accountability is the foundation upon which we build our lives. It is not about seeking rewards or punishments but about being true to ourselves and our beliefs. When we fall short of our goals, we must examine why and learn from our shortcomings. Accountability extends beyond individual actions; it influences how we treat others, the example we set for our loved ones, and the choices we make in life.

Today, I invite you to join me in reclaiming agency and redefining accountability. Let us break free from outdated notions of power, command and control, punishment, and reward. Let us embrace responsibility as a personal journey of growth, love, and care—for ourselves and others. As we navigate the complexities of life, let personal accountability guide our actions and bring meaning and purpose to our existence.

Together, we can extract the true essence of our life experiences and create a future grounded in authenticity, compassion, and personal transformation.