Not knowing why you are going wherever it is that you are going sounds silly, but so often folks live life without thinking about their purpose. We believe that thinking about your purpose and trying to identify what it might be is one of the most impactful things you can do to level up your life, career, and general level of happiness and fulfillment. Having a sense of what your why is will help you become a better decision maker which inevitably will improve your life. Below, you’ll find some interesting discussions, stories and perspectives around find your purpose.
Florina Petrescu
Hello. I am Florina and I am happy to join Voyage’s Bold Journey Series. Thank you so much for having me. This question is an interesting one. I believe there is a problem with having to find “our purpose” in life. There is so much burden in this question, I feel I am carrying a big boulder on my shoulders. There are so many people in this world who think that if they did not find their purpose, they are failures and their lives don’t have any meaning. Read more>>
Cathy Nelson
“To be so deep in alignment with your purpose that your dreams start to chase you, this is the goal.” Billy Chapata Read more>>
Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino
When our youngest son, Quaid went to first grade, I thought it would be a brilliant plan to get suited back up and go back to work. I became the vice president of a financial services firm and soon understood the grass wasn’t greener. While contemplating my options, one day I closed my office door and began to brainstorm. Read more>>
Robin Lapre
Finding purpose, at least as how it pertains to my nonprofit Saving Cheatham Animals Mission PAWSible, was all a bit of happenstance and necessity! My “background” is that I am a physician who works part time at an urgent care in Williamson County, and I was looking for something to do with my teenage daughter about six years ago. We started walking dogs at our local animal shelter in 2017. Read more>>
Dr. April Givens
From early on at the age of 12 I said I wanted to be a Pediatrician. Once I started at the University of Louisiana at Monroe after majoring in Biology/Pre-Medicine, somewhere along the way I decided that this wasn’t what I wanted to do anymore. I knew I wanted to be in the medical field or helping field because I enjoyed helping people but I didn’t know what I wanted to do. Read more>>
Josh Scheutzow
I grew up with incredible parents who were both self-employed. They taught me the importance of family, community, and generosity. We had some tough times at various points in our life but we always had food on the table, and more importantly, an environment of love and support. I remember calling my parents and telling them I was going to drop out of college, and they didn’t blink and supported me every step of the way in the journey to where I am today. Read more>>
Nick J. Santore
At the age of 7 years old, I remember visiting my family in the suburbs of Chicago the summer after our move to Arizona. Every few weeks my grandma would take my brother and I to “Mr. Z’s,” the local supermarket, where we would each pick out our own collection of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla wafer cookies. As we approached the checkout I saw a huge display for a Disney themed coloring contest, where my grandma urged me to sign-up. Read more>>
Dana Laag (DAL)
As I mentioned in a previous story, things were not always stable for me or my family, and imagination and creativity have always provided me with not only the ability to cope, but also the ability to maintain and act on my dreams. I have always known that there is a part of me that loves to nurture others, and at first I thought that looked something like being a therapist or an educator. Read more>>
Kaity Martinez
My purpose came from being in touch with what lights me up from a young age. When I was in middle school I began to pick up the camera and play around with it. I left it in my high school years; however, once I became a mom I realized it was important to do things for me! I picked up the camera again and felt a passion that I had longed for. Experiencing watching my clients light up as they were able to be their creative self on camera became clear this has always been my purpose and passion! Read more>>
Sierra Devoe
Purpose is such a funny and multi-layered concept. Everyone is trying to find theirs and often time we are aiming at something that is a moving target and it can look various ways and different in each season of our lives. So when it comes to my purpose, it is whatever impact I want to have in that moment. Of course, my actions are guided by how I want to show up in the world, which is as a light. Read more>>
Precious V Wright
My passion for hair developed at a very early age. I totally loved how you could change a look in one appointment that could change not just the look but the person’s overall mood. However, finding my purpose in it all came from my personal pain in my own personal life. I suffered some devastating life changes in my health, my relationship, and life as a whole. Read more>>
Katie Mann
My purpose found me. Read more>>
DaVeon Smith
With “Young Black San Antonio”, I found my purpose through seeing a lack of intentional opportunities for the Young Black Professional segment of the city to congregate. Moreover, I realized that coming to San Antonio can be tough socially. Due to the city’s urban sprawl, it can be tough to find like minded individuals or even social outlets that appeal to you as a Young Black Professional in the city. Read more>>
Hope King
I found my purpose shortly after having my son. Being a new mom was hard enough. But I felt so alone and had ZERO support. I was struggling to care for myself and my new baby. While I was pregnant I learned what a Doula was and how they can not only assist you while you’re pregnant but also postpartum. I never wanted any other birthing person to feel alone. Read more>>
Luana M. Graves Sellars
In college, even though I knew that to some degree, I wanted to work in Communications/Journalism and enjoyed learning about Black History, I was searching for where my career would land. As a result, I couldn’t decide and earned a degree in Journalism with a dual minor in Business and Black History. Regardless of my education, I didn’t use my journalism or Black History degrees until recently. Read more>>
Nicole Roberts
I’ve always had an inner knowing I wanted to be of service and a source of light for others. Read more>>
Sarah Beth Locke
Trial and error. Read more>>
Emily Vermeer
I never stop searching for it. Our purpose, I call it my assignment, is how we get to use our giftings to better the world, How do we do this? Changing 1 person’s world at a time changes the world as a whole. It’s through our giftings that bring the unique way to do this. But how do we find it? we never stop pursuing it. Read more>>
Jingxi Zhu
Ever since I was a child, I’ve been captivated by storytelling, writing plays and novels that often took the form of comedies. In high school, I created a mesmerizing time travel drama based on the Four Great Classical Novels, performing it on the school art festival stage. This unforgettable experience ignited my passion for storytelling, becoming a guiding light in my life’s journey and inspiring me to share my feelings and stories with the world. Read more>>
Marin Beardslee
I found my purpose within my art. No matter what I’ve done in my life or career, the arts were sewed into every fiber of my being. It is something that began as a hobby but bloomed into one of the best outlets for my mind and heart. In a way you can say my art is part of my therapy. Something I can always go back to, whether it be paint and a canvas, a tablet and pen, or a needle and thread. Read more>>
Dr. Erica Rodriguez
I have been an athlete my whole life. After college basketball was over I knew I wanted to continue to be a part of the game. I decided to pursue sports medicine after sustaining an injury while playing college ball and needed extensive rehab to return to the game. The process was hard to go through. I knew that I wanted to help athletes reach their goals and play at their highest potential. Read more>>
Deborah Kruger
Finding my purpose has been a life time activity. I am fortunate that since childhood, I knew I was an artist. I have had many people shine a light on that path for me over the years and they have helped validate my purpose. Having these mentors has prevented me from struggling with imposter syndrome. And knowing my purpose has helped me cultivate a life style which includes self-care, self-discipline and the pleasure of accomplishment. Read more>>
DR.TANYA DAVIS
While recovering in federal prison, I discovered an unexpected talent for cutting hair with a toenail clipper. This newfound skill ignited my passion for making women feel beautiful, and upon my release, I seized the opportunity to turn it into a career. Attending beauty school and obtaining my license allowed me to open my own salon, where I spent 33 years honing my craft and touching the lives of countless women from diverse backgrounds. Read more>>
LaKeisha Moore
I found my purpose while navigating through my own challenges. Like many others, I went to graduate school thinking it was the one path to my then-idea of success. After starting my journey in graduate school, I felt confused and disappointed when I was being told “No” to several roles because I was either still in the graduate program, or graduated and was told I didn’t have enough hands-on experience. Read more>>
Flora Ekpe-Idang
It all started in 2005 during high school. While sitting in health class, I was introduced to the doll test – a renowned 1940s experiment that explored the psychological impact of segregation on Black children. A group of kids were presented with a white doll and a Black doll and asked a series of questions, such as which doll they found prettier, smarter, or more likely to succeed. Read more>>
Traneir Fraiser Crystal Kay
In the words of Traneir Fraiser (Founder of EVOLution): “In December of 2016 I was almost shot and killed, having my life flash before my eyes. I saw myself losing my way. I was trying to be someone I wasn’t, trying to be popular for all the wrong reasons for things that can really make a person lose sight, especially of themselves and who they really are. Read more>>
Townsend
For 9 years, I was a Speech Therapist in the Nursing Home/Skilled Nursing Facility setting. I have always loved helping people and making them smile. My goal, every single day, was to make each patient feel less alone. Fast forward to 2020, COVID and the global pandemic hit, which was devastating for facilities like these. Read more>>
Sasha Nicole
Finding my purpose was definitely a journey. I have always felt a strong connection to the Disability Community but also an interest in entertainment and marketing. I had a hard time finding a career option that merged my passions and felt I had to pick just one. Read more>>
Sierrah Chavis
I found my purpose through the different painful events that I have gone through in life. I truly believe that what does not kill you only makes you stronger, wiser and bolder. I am able to walk in my purpose today because of the painful things that I had to endure in my life. for most of my life I’ve had to overcome things that most would never have gone through, cancer, domestic violence and a daughter that has had severe health issues. Read more>>
Chuan Ching Ho
I feel like I don’t actively seek a specific purpose or goal, but my curiosity and the sense of fun and enjoyment in trying new things always lead me to unconsciously learn and experience new things. Read more>>
Twisted Heel Productions
Twisted Heel Productions started in 2022. It all began with an idea to one day change the face of Reality TV and film. Two sisters from Detroit, MI shared the same vision to help their communities and bring light to the forgotten. When the world was placed on pause for Covid-19, it allowed their creativity to take flight in hopes of one day manifesting. With one idea and much faith in God, a dream became the reality. Read more>>
Rich Levine
For years, I worked different types of jobs. I was usually happy doing the work, but over the last 7 or 8 years I felt a pull toward photography. I used to shoot photos when I was younger. Over the last decade my interest in photography grew
to the point where I was taking it very seriously and starting to get hired to photograph weddings and other events. Read more>>
Jane Hall
Through many trials and errors! Although I’ve been working since I was 16 yrs old, I’ve had several different jobs and it took a while to find my true calling. Mostly in my adult life, I worked as a Realtor and to be honest, I never really liked it but once you get into something and stay with it, it’s harder to make a big change. Read more>>
Jennifer Love
Wow, what a great question, How did I find my purpose. Honestly, I never understood and knew if I would find my purpose. It took me having mental break down to stop take time for me. To heal the pain and the stress that I had put on myself with work, family, friends, and trying to proof that I was worthy to everyone but myself and God. Read more>>
Jef’free Atchison
If I’m being completely honest, my purpose found me! Photography has been in my life since I got my 2nd cell phone in 2003… talking photos was always so intriguing to me. Looking at Moments I captured just felt good for my soul. It was at that moment I knew what y purpose was. Read more>>
Noah Way
When I realized life is ultimately meaningless. When I figured that out, I became free. I asked myself years ago “What if mattering didn’t matter?”. What would I be doing with my life? Originally I thought my purpose was meant to be successful, earning accolades, or gaining notoriety to display I was good at my craft. Except what fulfillment would that bring my soul, since it would never be enough? Read more>>
Valerie Aiello
I always say that one of my superpowers is never doing anything that I do not want to do. Avoiding daily drudgery is totally possible. Not to mention, something that I consider a powerful skill that helps anyone find their purpose. I know what it feels like to have a life-defeating job that makes you feel powerless to quit, and “The Legend of the Rent” fears of being past due. It is just one of the problems we all must solve when we are growing up and figuring out our own unique life puzzle. Read more>>
Monique Lynn
My purpose found me. Since becoming a fitness trainer, I have experienced so many affirming moments where I realized the importance of what I do. Being able to help my clients transform their lives not only physically but mentally as well has given me the clarity that I am aligned in my purpose. It feels good to have a positive impact on my clients and it encourages me to want to help more people on a grander scale. Read more>>
Melissa Chin
I discovered my purpose at the intersection of my passion for music and my background in psychology. As a therapist, I saw the incredible power of music as a therapeutic tool in healing and connecting with others. Combining that with my lifelong love for music and teaching, I started Melissa T Music Lessons. Read more>>
Kathleen Busching
I found my purpose by getting sick from Lyme Disease. It affected me neurologically and took me years to overcome. This period of my life forced me to look at my life through a different lens. I was unable to do the things I usually did to provide myself with validation and worth. I can recall questioning my life’s purpose. I went through month’s where I was unable to work or when I was able to work, I felt like a burden to my coworkers. Read more>>
David Zilmer
I believe there are moments in people’s life’s where they rise to the occasion when a challenge is presented.These challenges are but stepping stones to sharpen one’s character,there is not a singular moment I can recall.but there was a series of moments from an early age and possibly even before I was born that would lead me to my purpose. Read more>>
Jameson Kendrick Glover
First, I paid close attention to the things I cared about the most. I asked myself, “What makes me happy? What do I want to change in my surroundings?” Read more>>
Eric Thompson Jr
I believe in life we all have many purposes. Finding our own unique purpose is a never ending journey. One of my main passions in life is to help others recognize their power. The search to uncover my purpose is really achieved by just living life and following my passions. Read more>>
Cassondra Ruprecht
This is an interesting question. It cannot be answered simply because purpose cannot come from just one thing in life. If you find purposed from just one thing, then I believe it to be something that will let you down eventually. Purpose, accomplishments, and success ebb and flow from all the different journeys you are living. Read more>>
Michael Piekny
When I was finishing law school and preparing for the bar exam, I needed some type of outlet and place to rest my mind between all the cramming, and I turned to a pile of books on my nightstand. I wasn’t yet a “reader,” even though I had always bought books and casually stuck my head in them, but picking up those books at that time in my life, and starting to read with curiosity, completely changed my life as a reader and a person. Read more>>
Snowy Rodeo
I always knew that I was going to be a person who was at service for others in humanity. Working as a Psychic Medium and Empath, I have always felt a strong connection towards other people and their story. I recently decided to go through my 200 hour yoga teacher training in March. One week in, my mother passed away. The cloud of grief hovered over me for months, but nature, yoga and meditation were a big part of my coping mechanisms. Read more>>
