My morning meditation was about purpose.

“Ask yourself silently what’s your purpose,” the guide instructed.

I asked, but I didn’t get an immediate response. I fell back on my pat answers: to help others, to make a difference.

Before the meditation app session had finished, my phone chimed. It was my daughter’s tone.

Three days prior, Link had been sick. He’d picked up the 24-hour stomach bug making its way around. Then a day after he got better, she started. Finally, her husband had it, too.

Do you want me to come up? I texted.

Yes, please, she answered.

So I got up and dressed and headed out the door.

Instead of spending the day working on my freelance writing, I spent the day with Link at his uncles’ house while his parents recuperated at home. We played, swept and mopped the floor, went for a walk around the block, did the dishes, made pancakes and napped. Well, he’s napping. I’m writing this.

And in the middle of it all, I realized this is my purpose right now. I’m supposed to be here for him. For them.

So yes, my purpose is to help others and make a difference. But not in a big way. Just by being here for my kids and my grandson. Work will wait. And I’ll spend precious time doing something more important.

How to Be a Better Writer Tip

Re-read for meaning

When I wrote this, I started with this sentence instead: My morning meditation was on purpose.

See how the meaning could be different? Of course, I hadn’t intended that, but I was writing quickly, just wanting to get my thoughts down while I had a few moments.

Be sure you take time to re-read what you write to ensure your meaning is clear.