Discerning the shape in the fog

What is the real outline of the hours and actions one pursues?

There may be a purpose you believe you follow, or maybe you just respond to the stimulii provided?
Or maybe, for you (for us all?), there is another guide pointing out what you are really following.
An underlying or looming, indistinct shape. A tiny figure...or maybe titanic but remote...

One may ask again and again: what is it? Ask again...and again...and again
What follow, if anything does? A deepening silence, confusion, frustration?
Maybe, if one is persistent, and lucky -- some small reward.

So one tries to discern critical 'why's and 'what's? Why bother at all?
Examine the brushstrokes up close, the painting is lost at that point.

If you actions are your self-portrait ... are you satisfied?