“Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I must listen to my life telling me who I am.” - Palmer J. Parker Educator, Author and Activist
How does one determine their unique purpose and mission in life? What steps can be taken to discover one's true identity?
Is discovering your calling or purpose an innate ability evident at a young age, or is it a process that requires going through various trials and challenges? These are fundamental questions that many individuals, including myself, ponder daily. The quest for these answers is a journey that we all undertake at some point in our lives. Some of us are fortunate enough to identify our talents and gifts at an early age, which propels us towards our purpose or, at the very least, provides us with a glimpse of it. My two sons are excellent examples. From a young age, they have demonstrated exceptional artistic talents, which come effortlessly to them and bring them joy. I support and nurture their talents, hopeful that they may serve the world in some capacity. On the other hand, I discovered my passion and purpose during one of the darkest moments in my life.
If you relate to me or the millions of individuals worldwide, determining your passions may be challenging. You may have found yourself at a crossroads, questioning, "What is my purpose?" "What am I passionate about?"
Understanding your purpose in life is crucial as it imparts direction and significance to your life. In its absence, you may merely exist, but not truly experience life.
Initially, let's define the term "purpose". It pertains to the motive behind the creation or execution of something. Purpose determines the existence of something. Life purpose refers to the reason we wake up every morning and is what motivates us. It's our contribution to the world, a reflection of the Creator's breath of life within us, which inspires us to share our ideas, talents, and gifts with the world.
In my opinion, an individual's purpose can become apparent and unambiguous at a young age, and one's life experiences can also shape and reveal purpose. Some hold the belief that a person is assigned a soul contract before birth, outlining how challenges will manifest in their life. However, this contract doesn't determine how one responds to such situations, and it's through these experiences and responses that one gains self-knowledge and personal growth. While I cannot verify the truth of this belief, I am certain that discovering one's soul purpose is an unmistakable experience.
If you were aware of your purpose from the moment you were born, would you still choose the same path and undergo the same experiences that shaped you into the person you were meant to be?
Individuals who are living in their purpose exude a remarkable level of confidence and expertise. This level of mastery, however, is not achieved overnight. It may take considerable time and effort to develop the necessary skills and overcome moments of doubt and insecurity before one can walk in their full purpose. For instance, a musician must practice this skill to achieve perfection, and similarly, mastering your purpose requires continuous practice. This process of growth and development is all part of the Creator's divine plan to shape us into better versions of ourselves.
There are a few questions below to get you started on discovering your purposes. Keep in mind, no one can tell you what your purpose is, this is why you will have to go within and be aware of your desires, passions, gifts and life situations to discover it.
It's advisable to document the following questions in a journal for future reflection. This is an opportunity to be honest with yourself. Often times, you may find yourself striving to emulate someone else's purpose or pursue something intended for another person to achieve riches or fame. However, this approach will only lead to long-term frustration, underutilization of the unique abilities bestowed upon you by our Creator, and a sense of unfulfillment. Therefore, it's essential to answer these questions truthfully to help unearth your authentic self.
These questions can lead you to where you are meant to be.
What are your passions? What are you absolutely passionate about? What brings you joy? What makes you happy? What was your favorite thing to do as a child? What can you spend hours doing? These answers can give you an idea of the direction of what you are meant to do, your compass.
These questions can help you discover the qualities and talents you have to help others.
What makes you unique? What comes natural to you? If you asked your family and friends, what will they say you are good at? What advice do people come to you for? What can you become a Master at? These answers will help you to determine some of the tools you’ll have to help others.
These questions will help you discover Your vision and what you want to be. Visions are Attainable.
Where do you see yourself in the future? What are you doing in the future? Who are you with? What will make you feel whole and complete? What would you do for free? What is your dream story? What are your wishes? Goals and aspirations? The answers here will determine your vision. Use your imagination!
These questions will help you to discover your impact and your contribution to the world.
What causes do you care about? What situations have you had to face but got through them? If you were asked to give a five-minute speech to the whole world, what would it be about? Who do you want to help? Why do you want to help them? How would you help them? How would it make you feel? How would it make them feel? This is your impact and contributions to the world or your community.
Once you’ve written these answers down, go over them. Do you notice a common thread in each answer? Does something stand out and give you a good feeling? You may have just discovered one of your purposes. If so, write down how you can start walking in that purpose today. What steps can you take right now, what skills can you learn today, what books can you read today to get you closer to that purpose?
In summary, every individual has a distinct purpose on this planet, and it need not be a grandiose one, such as being a public figure or a celebrity. Parenting or being a devoted spouse and partner is equally significant to being a motivational speaker, teacher, astronaut, or renowned artist. Your purpose is unique to you, and only you can contribute it to the world. Although there may be others with similar purposes, nobody can deliver it quite like you or have the same impact on those you touch. The Creator inhaled in you something special that requires exhaling into the universe.
Leftovers: Use the tools to discover your purpose and write down ways to start pushing and aiming towards that purpose today. All you need to do is take one step at a time. The world needs YOU!
Food for Thought:
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, Destiny by T.D. Jakes, Why?: What Your Life Is Telling You about Who You Are and Why You’re Here by Matthew McKay
Food for the Soul: Inspirational songs
“Get Up” Mary Mary
"Golden Time of Day" Maze ft Frankie and Beverly
“Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” Stevie Wonder
“Golden” Jill Scott
“New Attitude” Pattie Labelle
“Eye of the Tiger” Survivor
“We are the Champions” Queen
“Happy” Pharrell
Check out a few more blogs I’ve referenced from and that are great reads:
Thank you for breaking bread with me and I hope you are full until the next time. God bless you and Namaste’
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