It’s a new year, and I've got a question: Are you right where you thought you'd be this year? Well, here I am, a millennial woman, chugging along steadily, but every now and then, I find myself stuck in life's traffic jam. The truth is, I've developed an appetite for more - more opportunities, more growth, more love, and, of course, more life. Turning 30 has given me a new perspective on the world.
From this new vantage point, I've started entertaining those "what ifs." You know, the ones that could turn daydreams into reality. But there's a little hiccup in my plan. I've been in the waiting room for so long that I might've put my feet up and gotten too comfy. This stuck feeling has me thinking: How do I shake things up and shift into the "more" lane?
The lightbulb moment hit when I realized it was time to revisit the core of me. In this blog, I'll take you on a journey as I rediscover my purpose. It's all about finding the courage to ditch the mundane and dive into a life filled with more. Let's turn the "what ifs" into "heck yes ( My mother won’t let me put what I really want to say)!
Self-Reflection:
Rediscovering my purpose, well, let me tell you, it all began with a little self-reflection. And you know what? My self-reflection had a twist — it came in a dream. I'd been pondering and daydreaming endlessly about how to break free from this stuck phase I was in. I mean, it had become my full-time job just thinking about it.
One night, I had this dream, and guess who showed up? None other than Jalen Hurts from the Philadelphia Eagles. Ladies, you know he's a fine specimen of a man created by the heavens above. Now, in this dream, Jalen and I were having the realest conversation.
In a nutshell, he drops this gem on me: "Sis, you ain't dreaming big enough. Your life goals are too small for your big, beautiful purpose." And then, like a real pro, he whips out a Nike-style commercial, showcasing what my life could be if I aimed for the stars.
But here's the kicker: He hands me a crumpled-up paper towel and says, "Keep pushing, you got this." I wake up from the dream, and guess what? I'm clutching that crumpled paper towel in my hand like I'd just won the lottery.
I'm scrambling in bed to turn on the light, thinking he must've slipped me his number or a secret note on that paper towel. But when I finally open it up, it's empty, nada. Zip.
Yet, that blank paper towel somehow sparked a fire in me that couldn't be extinguished. It was the wake-up call I needed, the moment that launched me on this wondrous journey of self-discovery. And hey, who needs a paper towel with words when you've got your own story to write?
Set Those Goals:
So, once I had that "aha" moment during my deep self-reflection, I knew it was time to roll up my sleeves and get down to business. Before I could dive headfirst into this exciting journey, I had to pause and get my ducks in a row. Let's be real; we've all been guilty of catching that motivation wave and just riding it without a roadmap. Personally, I've been a serial offender in that department. So, with all the enthusiasm bubbling within me, I decided to press pause.
First things first, I had a prayer session with the big guy upstairs. I asked God for guidance, wisdom, and a touch of divine GPS to align my actions with His master plan. Then, it was time to play architect and sketch out my plans and goals. I had to create clear objectives, which gave me a sense of direction and purpose. But here's the hack: break those goals into bite-sized, conquerable tasks. It's like turning a mountain into a series of manageable molehills. Tracking my progress is a game-changer. My journal becomes my trusty sidekick, witnessing my wins and helping me course-correct when needed. It's like a combo of motivation and self-discovery, all neatly packed between the pages.
Identify Your Passions:
Picture this: stuck in the comfort zone, doing the same ol' things that were about as exciting as watching paint dry. Been there, done that. Juggling multiple jobs and being a part of various organizations had me drowning in busyness. And let's face it, when you're running on fumes, passions tend to take a backseat. It's the classic tale of becoming a pro at everything but forgetting what truly sets your soul on fire.
Don't get me wrong; community involvement and career boosts are great. But you can hustle hard and still feel like you're missing the zest. So, I had to hit the brakes and ask myself, "Do I really want to do all of this?" This is where I started exploring my interests and passions, searching for those activities that light a spark within. Because, my friend, pursuing what truly makes you come alive? That's where purpose takes center stage.
Learn Continuously:
Constant learning – it's like a VIP pass to self-discovery and success. Invest in yourself, whether it's snagging certifications, binging on enlightening videos, or making therapy your own classroom. Learning isn't just about taking a test; it's about leveling up in life. And trust me, if I ever hit pause on my learning, I'm pretty sure I'd start collecting dust. So, here's to soaking up knowledge because, in this game of life, the more you know, the more you grow!
Take Risks:
Embarking on this journey to rediscover my purpose, I couldn't help but flashback to the dream I had about Jalen Hurts dropping wisdom on me. "Sis, you ain't dreaming big enough," he said. Well, talk about a wake-up call! It hit me – I need to stop playing it safe and start taking some calculated risks.
You see, the best experiences often hang out just beyond our comfort zones. But here's the tea: when you're venturing into the unknown, make sure you've got your ride-or-die crew cheering you on. Surround yourself with folks who support your hustle and push you to greatness. And hey, a little heads up – not everyone's gonna be throwing confetti at your risk-taking parade. Some folks just don't see the vision, and that's okay.
Don't let the naysayers dim your sparkle. Also, don't forget to throw a little celebration every time you accomplish a goal, no matter how small. It's like giving yourself a high-five in the mirror – boosts your motivation and self-appreciation game.
Stay Positive:
Embracing a positive mindset and weaving gratitude into my daily life has been my go-to in this journey of living with purpose. It's like my secret sauce, helping me tackle challenges with a boss mentality.
Let's keep it real, though – this purposeful living gig is a marathon, not a sprint, and setbacks? Oh, they're part of the deal. When faced with obstacles, I've learned to be persistent and resist the urge to throw in the towel. It's all about viewing setbacks as personal growth moments, opportunities to learn and evolve.
In my world, setbacks aren't roadblocks; they're like those unexpected detours that lead to the most surprising and significant breakthroughs. Living with purpose means turning every stumbling block into a stepping stone on this personal journey.
Closing:
As we come to the end, I hope you've found inspiration in these words. Maybe you've even found a little bit of courage to break free from the mundane and dive into the extraordinary. Always remember, it's when we pursue our passions, embrace constant growth, and take risks that we truly start living.
So, here's to you, my friends, as you continue on your own journey toward self-discovery and purpose. May you dare greatly, dream big, and live with determination. And as you navigate the twists and turns ahead, may your heart be your compass, guiding you towards a life that is truly yours.
Stay fearless, stay focused, and above all, stay true to your purpose that beats within your heart. Your adventure is waiting - go forth and make it extraordinary.