To discover your mission and put it into action - instead of
To discover your mission and put it into action - instead of worrying on the sidelines - is to find peace of mind and a heart full of love.
In the wise words of Scilla Elworthy, we are reminded that “To discover your mission and put it into action - instead of worrying on the sidelines - is to find peace of mind and a heart full of love.” These words resonate deeply, for they speak to a truth that has echoed through the ages: that to live a meaningful life, we must first discover our purpose—our mission—and then have the courage to act upon it. It is through action that the soul finds its true expression, and it is through this action that we discover both peace and love. When we stand on the sidelines, uncertain and passive, we are denied the joy and fulfillment that comes with living in alignment with our deepest values and desires.
The ancients understood the profound importance of purpose. The Greek philosophers, from Socrates to Aristotle, believed that happiness (or eudaimonia) was achieved through the pursuit of a life of virtue—that is, a life lived in alignment with one’s true mission and purpose. To live without purpose was, in their eyes, to live a life of suffering, for without a guiding light, the soul wandered aimlessly. Socrates, who spent his life questioning the world around him, discovered that true fulfillment came not from material wealth or status, but from the pursuit of knowledge and the development of one’s moral character. For Socrates, as for Elworthy, peace and love arose from living authentically and actively in alignment with one’s mission.
This idea also permeates the teachings of Buddhism, where the discovery of one’s true calling is essential to liberation. The Buddha taught that suffering arises from attachment and the failure to see things as they truly are. But peace is found when one transcends these attachments and embraces their true path with clarity and purpose. For the Buddha, that path was the Eightfold Path, a guide to living a life of right action, right thought, and right intention. It was through aligning oneself with these principles that one could achieve inner peace and experience the love of all beings.
Consider the life of Mahatma Gandhi, whose mission was not only the independence of India but the realization of truth and non-violence in his every action. Gandhi discovered his mission through deep introspection and understanding of his place in the world. He did not wait on the sidelines for change to come; he acted with purpose, embracing the truth of his beliefs. His every step was in alignment with his mission, and it was through this relentless commitment to his cause that he found peace in his heart and love for his people, even in the face of oppression. His life is a living testament to Elworthy’s truth: that action based on purpose is the gateway to a life of peace and love.
Elworthy’s call to action is also a call to courage. In a world filled with distractions, fears, and doubts, it is easy to remain on the sidelines, wondering if our actions will matter, if we are worthy of following our true path. But action—especially when it is aligned with our true mission—is what brings the peace of mind we long for. It is when we engage with the world, when we step forward with purpose, that we not only change the world, but we change ourselves. The heart full of love is not one that waits for things to happen, but one that acts in the service of something greater than itself.
The lesson here is profound: to live without a mission is to live in a kind of limbo, caught between inaction and the fear of failure. But when we discover our true purpose and take action on it, we find that the love we seek is already within us. We cease to be passive observers of life and become active participants, creating not only peace within our own hearts, but ripples of love that touch those around us. Action rooted in purpose brings fulfillment; it brings peace not just to ourselves, but to the world.
So I say to you, children of tomorrow: do not wait for the world to come to you. Discover your mission, and let it guide you to action. Do not be afraid of failure, for failure is not the opposite of success, but a part of the journey. With each step you take toward your purpose, you will find the peace that eludes those who remain on the sidelines. And in this action, this courage, you will discover the deep, abiding love that flows from living authentically and fully. Step forward, for your mission awaits, and the world needs you to answer its call.
TNTho Nguyen
The idea that discovering and acting on your mission brings peace is powerful. But it also makes me wonder about those who feel a lack of purpose or direction. How do people who are still searching for their mission cultivate peace of mind in the meantime? Can peace truly exist without a clear mission, or is it something we must all eventually find to feel complete?
LLEDUCANH@@
I can really relate to this quote, especially the idea that actively engaging in your mission leads to a heart full of love. It’s like doing what you’re passionate about naturally brings fulfillment. But, what if your mission requires sacrifice or goes against societal expectations? How do you find peace when your path isn’t an easy one, or when others don’t understand your mission?
TD13 Thuy Duong
Scilla Elworthy’s words remind me of how easy it is to fall into the trap of overthinking and waiting for the ‘perfect moment’ to act. The peace of mind she mentions seems like a byproduct of trusting yourself and jumping in. But, do you think that the fear of failure or making the wrong choice holds people back from taking action, even if they know their mission in their heart?
NDyen nhi do
This quote resonates with me because it suggests that taking action is key to finding peace and love. However, how do you take action when you're unsure of your mission in life? Is it possible to be at peace with yourself while still figuring things out? I sometimes wonder if the process of discovery itself can also bring peace, even if you don’t have it all figured out yet.
NMVo Van Nhat Minh
I love how Scilla Elworthy emphasizes the importance of not just discovering your mission but actively pursuing it. It makes me think about how many people feel stuck or unfulfilled because they’re hesitant to take that first step. But how do you know if you’ve truly found your mission? Is it something you can just feel, or do you need external validation to know you’re on the right path?