Finding Purpose in Life – The Motivator

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is proud to introduce the latest edition of The Motivator, now available in both print and digital editions! This edition’s cover story, “Finding Purpose in Life” discusses how the concept of 'Purpose in Life' has been shown to dramatically affect one’s emotional, mental, and physical health.

Read an excerpt from our cover story below:

What is my purpose in life?

That’s a question many of us have likely pondered at some point, especially when standing at one of life’s many crossroads. It is, after all, natural to question your direction, your goals, your hopes, and a desire to help others. But did you know that finding and embracing that purpose may actually play a part in your physical and mental health? Additionally, some data suggest that the risk of developing certain autoimmune diseases may possibly be reduced.

To see how and why, let’s take it back to the beginning and Viktor Frankl, the Viennese neurologist and psychiatrist credited with introducing 'Purpose in Life' to medicine for the first time. A holocaust survivor, Frankl credited his ability to survive his time in concentration camps to what was, essentially, his purpose in life (PIL) – to bring attention to PIL’s place in the medical world.

He shared his thoughts on PIL and how it helped him to survive those dark years in his book, A Man’s Search for Meaning. In a nutshell, Frankl believed that we are instinctively wired to have a purpose in life, and that having one, and pursuing one, will keep us healthy. This purpose, he says, differs from person to person as everyone has his or her own individual mission.

Read more about the purpose in life theory

You can continue reading the cover story online, access a digital edition for easy reading, or order a physical copy at MSAA’s website today!