Do you ever wonder why you you’re here? It’s a big question that many have struggled to answer. Reverend Cyril Simmons and Chelsea Nicholson are hosting a workshop today that will address life’s purpose.

The pair met at a talk on Christians and social justice two years ago; they promise this event will have a broader appeal.

“It’s not religious. It transcends what we would probably term ‘religion’,” Rev Simmons said.

“This is a subject that is near to my heart. I believe that there are a lot of people who live unfulfilled lives largely because they have a lack of awareness of their life purpose.”

It’s something he thought about as a teenager, having read Myles Munroe’s In Pursuit of Purpose.

“That book really changed my life in terms of discovering more about why I was placed here on Earth and how we all have a purpose whether we know it or not and even whether we like it or not,” the 42-year-old said. “We’re going to be discussing some of the principles from the book and helping people to uncover a sense of purpose if they don’t have it. And, if they do have it, help to refine that a little bit more.

“Some people sense a calling to do something but feel somehow inadequate, whether through their own abilities or lack of resources. We’re going to talk about where to go from here.”

He is passionate about having a fulfilled life or, as he calls it, “living life on purpose”. It’s a message he teaches at Ebenezer Methodist Church in St George’s, where he ministers.

Also a senior private banker at Clarien, he found his purpose at a young age but recognises that not everyone is so fortunate.

“What happens when you come to a crossroads and you’re undecided? Your life’s purpose can give you a clue.

“Young people who are going off to university — there’s that age-old question of what should I study? When we do things that relate to our life’s purpose the path becomes a little clearer than being motivated by what is most lucrative.

“Sometimes the framework that we give our young people is somewhat flawed.”

Getting waylaid doesn’t have to be “cataclysmic”, he insisted.

“Your life’s purpose can also be somewhat of a fluid concept. We often think that there’s an edict from on high when the fact of the matter is that there are points of fluidity that we have to be aware of as well.

“Have I been through those crossroads? Absolutely. And I have been through seasons of doubt. If you’re at a crossroads and you choose the other path, there’s always grace to bring you back on the path that you should be on.”

Ms Nicholson believes people should work just as hard at improving their mental health as they do their physical appearance.

“There are infinite number of ways one can improve their mental health,” said the 28-year-old who has bipolar disorder and set up a mental health support group last year.

“One such way is to have a strong sense of purpose in life; knowing who you truly are and what your mission in life is.

“Everyone, no matter their age or gender, can achieve great personal success by understanding their purpose or purposes in life.

“Knowing that you are here on Earth for a reason is important for everyone’s mental health. Nothing is worse than aimlessly wandering through life with no purpose. Even if your purpose is small and unique to you, still find and embrace it.”

• Chelsea Nicholson’s support group meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at Bermuda Red Cross, 9 Berry Hill Road, Paget, from 6pm. Your Life’s Purpose Lunch & Learn takes place today from 11.30am to 1pm at Grace Methodist Church, 167 North Shore Road, Pembroke. For more information: 707-1336 or chelsea.rose.nicholson@outlook.com; 295 2220 or gracechurch@logic.bm