Life: As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the tranquil waters of Oresjö Lake, an old man posed a simple yet profound question, “What is the purpose of your visit to Oresjö Lake?” His words lingered in the air, inviting introspection amidst the serene beauty surrounding us.
The Enchanting Allure of Oresjö Lake
Oresjö Lake, nestled just a short twenty-minute drive from the bustling city of Borås in Sweden, is a sanctuary of natural beauty. This picturesque landscape, with its shimmering blue waters and lush green forests, offers a captivating blend of tranquility and inspiration. It was here that my colleague Mikael and I, in our quest to escape the routine of daily life, found ourselves drawn to the allure of the lake’s untouched beauty.
A Serendipitous Encounter
Our spontaneous adventure led us to a solitary figure seated at the water’s edge—Alfred, a 95-year-old entrepreneur with a twinkle in his eye and tales to tell. As we settled beside him, the conversation unfolded like an ancient scroll, revealing layers of wisdom and experience. Despite his age, Alfred’s zest for life was palpable. He shared tales of founding and leading four tech companies and his passion for cycling and fishing. His presence was a testament to the vibrancy of a life well-lived.
Unveiling the Purpose
As we chatted, Alfred posed a question that seemed simple, yet echoed with depth: “What is the purpose of your sightseeing?” Caught off guard, I fumbled for an answer, instead mirroring the inquiry back to him. With a knowing smile, he explained his visits to Oresjö Lake were more than mere fishing trips—they were opportunities for introspection and self-discovery.
“Every action has a purpose,” he mused, “even if you haven’t realized it yet.” With that, Alfred introduced us to the “Purpose Game,” a playful yet enlightening exploration of the meaning behind everyday elements of life.
The Purpose Game: A Playful Exploration
Through laughter and stories, Alfred challenged us to consider the purpose of cows, sparrows, and even mosquitoes. His tales, woven with historical references such as the Chinese Civil War and the “Four Pests Campaign,” highlighted the interconnectedness of all creatures and the roles they play in the ecosystem.
Alfred’s reflection on the purpose of a cat, adored and nurtured yet seemingly without a grand purpose, served as a metaphor for human existence. Many live life like this beloved pet—eating, sleeping, raising families, and passing away without leaving a significant impact. However, Alfred was determined to carve a different path, seeking a deeper meaning to his existence amidst the solitude of nature.
Embracing the Journey over the Destination
Mikael, offering a different perspective, suggested that life might be a series of random events, devoid of a singular purpose. Alfred, ever the storyteller, acknowledged this viewpoint, emphasizing the power of narratives in shaping human experience. His story of a missed castle in Örebro, leading him instead to a breathtaking vista, underscored a poignant truth: sometimes, the journey itself holds more value than the destination.
Lessons from Nature’s Classroom
As our time with Alfred drew to a close, he pondered the existence of mosquitoes, notorious for spreading diseases yet serving as a crucial food source for other creatures. This reflection on vulnerability and resilience offered a metaphorical lesson: even the smallest of beings can challenge us, reminding us of our place within the grand tapestry of life.
Reflecting on Personal Purpose and Connection
Left alone by the lake’s edge, surrounded by nature’s symphony, I found myself contemplating the purpose of my own life. In the stillness, the whispers of the wind seemed to speak directly to my soul, encouraging me to explore the deeper facets of my identity and existence.
As we returned to the city, the insights gleaned from our encounter with Alfred lingered in my thoughts. The purpose of our visit to Oresjö Lake had evolved from mere sightseeing to a profound journey of self-reflection and discovery.
About the Author: Rana Sohail Ahmad
Rana Sohail Ahmad, a multifaceted author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his storytelling. As the founder and CEO of four global companies, Rana seamlessly blends his expertise in engineering and business administration with a deep interest in psychology, history, technology, and social sciences. His passion for cycling, yoga, and health training reflects his dedication to holistic well-being.
Through his Quest of Happiness Foundation (QHF), Rana aims to spread happiness and well-being, conducting workshops on happiness, physical health, and career planning for teenagers and university graduates. His upcoming book promises a unique blend of personal growth and social responsibility, centered around the theme of happiness and scientific management practices.
