First, congrats on giving up alcohol. I did the same 3.5 years ago, best decision of my life.
I do train martial arts (Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai), have a garden, like to cook, read, etc.
But I've never found any real purpose for life, although I love Buddhism, and felt most complete when I was traveling through Bangkok with my girlfriend, visiting temples, meditating, and just living life.
Buddhism gives me a clarity of mind and a feeling of happiness that I was lacking without it. The purpose, essentially, is to end suffering in the world (as well as within yourself). Life is suffering. We can put out the flames, little by little.
In general, I think life philosophies are what people lack. You might try reading the Stoics and see the ways in which they recommend living life, or, like me, adopt a branch of Buddhism. But do explore as many philosophies as you can. Find one that clicks for you. And don't forget to travel.
One of the key components of Buddhism is that it is experiential. While Buddhism is definitely a religion, it greatly differs from Judeo Christian / Islamic theologies. I would try to pause before applying the same sort of biases or lenses you may have towards other religions. Buddhism is meant to be experienced in the right now, the moment to moment life as you are living it.
I highly recommend digging into it, whatever doesn't resonate - move on, and what does go deeper. There is no wrong way to do it.
As we lift our veils and truly see what life entails, we really get into the nitty gritty of our own lived experience and things begin to greatly change. We discover the broader context that we live in.
Contributing towards this beautiful broader context has given me an immense amount of purpose. I can think of no greater gift I've received than having this click into place.
Aside from that, I highly recommend doing a retreat of some sort. Wether it be a meditation retreat, yoga retreat, or wilderness retreat. Even just a few days can be absolutely life changing. I have seen it with my own eyes.
And finally depending where you are, what your social circle is like, what your mental and physical health conditions are, what traumas you've experienced in your life and simply your access, a guided Mushroom or Ketamine journey may be of great value.
The question you are asking is a deeply important one, may we all spend the rest of our life exploring and finding answers that lead to more questions.
My favourite 'good in the beginning, middle and end' book on Buddhism is Thich Nhat Hanh's The Heart of the Buddha's teaching.
It is not like the typical western Buddhist/mindfulness books that obfuscate or obscure the Dharma.
It contains a wealth of wisdom and helped me overcome fundamental misunderstandings with regard to the Four Noble Truths. Suffering is exists, but not all is suffering!
I'd recommend this to anyone curious about wanting to know more about the Buddhist path.
I am currently on this path as well. Here are a couple of sources that I like to recommend:
The TV show Midnight Gospel touches on a particular existential philosophy in each episode and includes a lot of interesting perspectives.
Alan Watts produced a lot of entertaining discussion that bridges the differences between Eastern and Western philosophies, primarily Zen, Dao, and Advaita Vedanta.
I do train martial arts (Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai), have a garden, like to cook, read, etc.
But I've never found any real purpose for life, although I love Buddhism, and felt most complete when I was traveling through Bangkok with my girlfriend, visiting temples, meditating, and just living life.
Buddhism gives me a clarity of mind and a feeling of happiness that I was lacking without it. The purpose, essentially, is to end suffering in the world (as well as within yourself). Life is suffering. We can put out the flames, little by little.
In general, I think life philosophies are what people lack. You might try reading the Stoics and see the ways in which they recommend living life, or, like me, adopt a branch of Buddhism. But do explore as many philosophies as you can. Find one that clicks for you. And don't forget to travel.