Finding Your Why

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.

Tameka Tammy Edwards

I found my purpose because of my children. After my second son I found myself lost and confused. I knew there was more to me but because life was lifing I couldn’t see. So I prayed for purpose. Being a boy mom and wanting to be a healthy mom lead me to dig deep into authentic healing. Which lead me to my purpose of Energy healing. Read more>>

Kristen Chimack

You know, it’s funny – my purpose was hiding in plain sight all along. Looking back at my childhood, I was always the one organizing things, creating experiences, and helping others. But somewhere along the way, I got caught up in what success was ‘supposed’ to look like – climbing the corporate ladder, chasing titles, checking all those boxes society tells us matter. Read more>>

Leslie Noyes

When I was very young, I wanted desperately to be an astronaut. My folks were fans of campy space science fiction movies watched from the comfort of our family sedan at drive-in movies, so my idea of what an astronaut was might have been a bit skewed. Nevertheless, anytime I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, that was my answer. Read more>>

Lisa Szilagyi

My whole life and purpose changed when my daughter Emily was born in 1989 with a genetic disorder called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Emily has had significant medical challenges throughout her life, including brain surgery, open heart surgery and surgery to remove part of one of her kidneys, following a diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma, all symptoms related to TSC. In addition to these challenges, Emily also has uncontrolled epilepsy. Emily has experienced seizures nearly every day since she was 2 years old, resulting in significant cognitive impairment and a loss of spoken language.  Read more>>

Cecily North-rudow

In 2014, I was in a job that I didn’t feel successful at. I will always say it was the hardest job I’ve ever had. And life circumstances were changing so I knew I would be leaving this job and wasn’t sure what the next step was going to be. So I started doing research on how to find what you love to do, what you were meant to do. The one question that I came across that continues to stick with me was “If money were no object, what would you do with your time” and my immediate response was “Drive.” I love driving, I love road trips, I love exploring the area around me and taking the back roads that most people don’t know about. Read more>>

Derreck Kayongo

governance, operations management, and advocacy, culminating in the Global Soap Project. Operationalizing this project was a journey of perseverance and impact. By diverting soap from landfills and redistributing it to those in need, we addressed both environmental and social concerns. Today, our efforts have influenced the hospitality industry, significantly reducing soap waste and enhancing corporate social responsibility standards. As a matter of fact, when you go to most of the hotel’s bathrooms you will see no more than three bars of soap. Rather you will see three canisters mounted on the walls of the shower room in liquid form. This is a direct result and impact of our work. Read more>>

Meg Harris

I was in the worst domestic violence relationship for 16 years. God put me through this because God knew what I would do. I’ve always helped others, but when I was younger it was never in a healthy way. Four years before I left the abuser I started going to Al-anon. Al-anon is a support group for those that have family members and friends who have a problem with addiction. It was in this support group where I learned that I no longer have to accept unacceptable behavior. I left the abusive relationship eventually and started immediately giving back. I started a support group for domestic violence survivors. Read more>>

Mike Moore

I think I found my purpose from refining my interests in life and seeing how my professional life and my personal life could somehow work in harmony to create a mutually beneficial path forward – if that makes sense. I have worked many jobs over the years but I was always doing something as a service. I started working with primary age kids when I was in high school. They let me come over and work with 1st graders for an hour out of the day. After I got my college degree I wanted to travel and see the world, but when I came home I knew I had to find something that interested me. I found my way through many jobs in the service industry before coming back into working with kids. I got my master’s degree while I was starting a family and went into elementary teaching and have kept at that for over 10 years now. Read more>>

Landon Thomas

It has been a journey. When I was four years old, my mother introduced me to the movie “The Temptations” which at the time I had no clue was filmed in my hometown. The movie is a biopic about one of the greatest singing groups ever and it started my dream and my journey. However, I feel it became more definitive when my father went to prison. As a kid, I began writing and started seriously writing music. It was always like that setback and tragedy at the time propelled me into my dream and even though a few life choices deferred my dream, I never drifted off the path of pursuing this dream. Read more>>

Jarrell Swann

A good friend of mines named John Scott he told me I’ll be selfish if I don’t give back
Them words motivated me to be a coach
He helped me find my calling he also gave me my first coaching job. Read more>>

Kristy Kristinek

I found my purpose through experience. From a very young age, communicating creatively always felt comfortable to me. Whether through ballet, drawing, painting, cooking, or exploring in nature I felt connected to sharing my experiences with others.
Being a very shy child I felt this was my way to expand on my ideas in my head that could connect to other people in similar ways. I always used art as a form of processing ideas and dance as a form of communication through movement. Read more>>

Diana Vee

I found my purpose by discovering that special thing about me, that thing that makes me smile every single day. Something that no one can take away, as it is not physically. Which happens to be the art of having fun. The fun in making art and discovering a new part of yourself each time. Read more>>

Dr. Manmeet Rattu

I love this question. Purpose, for me, was not just found overnight. It was cultivated over time. I knew I had personal strengths, as we all do, but for a long time I dimmed my own light with self doubt and criticism. I lacked direction and purpose. Although I spent a lot of time acquiring skills through my education and work experiences, I lacked the confidence to actualize my purpose for a long time. It wasn’t until I started to invest more in myself that I began to value my time and energy in a meaningful way. Over years of personal development and inner work, I became more clear on my purpose. Read more>>

Ziv Sade

I found my sense of propose in my early 20’s after being an amateur photographer for a couple of years, I was a closeted kid, very shy and insecure, photography helped my cope with that reality, photography gave me a sense of propose and existence, it gave me validation, it gave me the sense of self. Photography helped me protect myself and learn about how to communicate with people, photography helped me channel my curiosity and fascination with the world, so when I started my professional career, I wanted to implement these elements into my work and give others that sense of wonder, visibility and curiosity, I wanted to make photos that will inspire others to exist, and to find people that inspire me to continue and have that initial sense of propose. Read more>>

Eszter Polyák

I found my purpose through a mix of inspiration and challenges. I was born into an artist family—my father was originally a sculptor, and my brother is a painter—so art has had a profound influence on me from a young age. With my brother’s influence and mentors like Sushi, I discovered the incredible possibilities in this field. As the years went by, however, I struggled to feel comfortable in my own skin, and I began searching for my true self. Initially, I started experimenting by redesigning my own wardrobe, and gradually, I delved deeper into my own dark, artistic world—a kind of escape from reality. That’s when I began designing pieces for my first collection. Read more>>

Lauren Gonzales

It took alot of ups and downs, alot of challenges, situations where I had to ask myself… what gives me life? Joy? For me it was always photography. Being able to bottle up time for a moment by creating an image… that to me is so beautiful.
I was able to create an environment within my business that allowed any and all to have a space where they could feel loved, beautiful and appreciated.
My purpose is to make sure that your life, your love and legacy lives on, through our time together. Read more>>

99 Athletix

We found our purpose through prayer and is a guiding force behind everything we do which led to the creation of 99 Athletix. There was a time when we were seeking direction, feeling like we were meant to do something more with our passion and be a disciple by spreading the message of Jesus. Read more>>

Karen Akouri

It all began when I thought I was making a healthy salad for my family and ran out of the Ken’s dressing I was using and thought I could save myself a trip to the store by adding some ingredients that I already have. When I looked at the ingredient list, I realized I did not have di-sodium inossinate! I did not have poly sorbate 60! and I did not have titanium dioxide, which when I googled it, I learned was a whitening agent used in industrial paint! That’s when I decided I will never buy conventional dressings again and I will make my own! At that point, I realized, that the world needs better, healthier options. Read more>>

Eric Johnson

Back when I was a teenager, I started out as an artist. Inspired by Eminem and Tupac who were hugely influential at that time, I was rapping and performing. Later on, after moving to LA with my bandmate who produced for me, we formed a pop group that got signed by a major management team and agency. We had many years of playing great shows, office meetings, collaborations with big name producers and other artists. However, we never crossed that proverbial “finish line.” Our dream was to get signed by a major label and become superstars.  Read more>>

Ramiro Leal

My purpose comes from being fully in tune with what I’m meant to do in this world. It’s not just about the moments of clarity and peak performance, but about holding onto that purpose even through challenging times. When I’m in a state of true inspiration, I can clearly see what drives me, and I use that vision to fuel me through the tougher moments. It’s this constant push for growth, to strive for more and be better, that gives me purpose in everything I pursue. It’s a cycle that keeps me grounded and motivated, knowing that each step I take is part of a greater journey. Read more>>

Miracle Pelayo

I found my purpose when I asked the Holy Spirit for my vocation at 4. Jesus kept showing me a vision of the acting marker and a set chair for me on a set with my name on it. I also kept seeing the color green, which is the color of Cerebral Palsy. I also saw His face through the camera lens, smiling at me. I then realized that He was calling me to the industry where He wanted people to see Him and bring Him with me in every aspect of my career. I then heard Jesus say to me so clearly, ” I WILL GIVE YOU A TALENT THAT WILL CHANGE THE WORLD AND BRING MY CHILDREN TO ME, BE THE VOICE OF YOUR OWN KIND.” Read more>>

Valerie Chiang

My journey to finding my “life purpose” has been filled with many ups and downs over the years! I have struggled for most of my life when it came to finding my deepest sense of purpose and fulfillment. I started with a nursing program at the University of Pennsylvania, but my path took a turn towards graduating with a degree in linguistics, leading me to explore various career industries in the last decade—from cryptocurrency to cannabis and more. The monotony of a 9-5 job and a toxic work environment at my last corporate job pushed me to try to make a living on my own, leading me to even more new and exciting industries such as graphic design, astrology, energy healing, and divination. Read more>>

Jamie Vranich

Life Experiences: going through some of the challenges that I have gone through, my purpose is to talk about the hard stuff with people because maybe my story will help them. Service and Contribution: being a part of something greater. planting trees / fundraising… helps your heart grow. I aim to protect and restore the planet, advocating for sustainable practices that preserve our world for future generations. Read more>>

Mallory Rhodes

I think often times our purpose stems from our pain. I know this has been true for me. I don’t believe any of us have only 1 purpose. I believe our purpose will evolve as we do. Today, I’m passionate about helping others with their health & wellness desires/struggles.. My parents both passed at early ages and with my own rock bottoms in my health, followed with my journey through healing … I’ve learned how important it is to be our own advocate. As an Aesthetician for over 13 years and now a Certified Integrative Health Coach, I offer virtual skin/health consults that start with skin, makeup, and hair products we use on a daily basis that are affecting our bodies more than we realize. It’s the small, daily habits that make a difference for better or worse. I chose the Beauty Industry at 20 years old for an entirely different reason than why I choose it now. Beauty to me, starts on the inside. Read more>>

Rick Ochoa

I have always been a leader and not a follower. I knew at a young age that I wanted to work for myself and have my own company, because my father owned his own furniture store for 18 years that he had since he was 21 years old. He always showed me to be independent and to find my purpose in life. I knew I was going to go to college and I ended up being the first one in my family to graduate college with a degree. Read more>>

Eesha Patkar

One of my favorite quotes is from an essay by Joan Didion: “We tell ourselves stories in order to live.” Whether it was writing for a newspaper, an auction catalogue, or my thesis film screenplay, I have always found a sense of purpose in the craft of storytelling. Read more>>

Priya Sam

I had a passion for storytelling from a young age and as I got older that evolved into a passion for helping people find the power of their stories It started with a love of reading and that turned into a love of writing. I studied journalism in university and went on to become a reporter, news anchor, and morning show host at a local TV station. Five years into my career, I was offered an incredible opportunity to fill in on a national morning show as the news anchor and one of four co-hosts. Unfortunately, I experienced working in a series of toxic work environments where I experienced discrimination. I knew I needed to make a career change for the sake of my mental health. Read more>>

Christopher Sherry

I believe it found me. I can’t remember when I wasn’t involved with art. From my earliest memories, there was always a crayon or pencil in my hand, and working on a piece of paper or the chalk board. Read more>>

Keshia Williams

I found my purpose with my business when I fully gave my life to Jesus Christ. From that moment, I knew I wanted to do more than just cater to women like myself—I wanted to share the gospel through my work and make an impact in the lives of the women I serve. My goal with Slayy Hair Boutique is not only to provide premium, time-saving hair solutions but also to create a space that empowers and uplifts. I’m committed to bringing confidence, beauty, and faith into each woman’s life, showing them that they are loved and valued in every way. Through this journey, I’ve found true purpose, blending my passion for business with a mission that reflects my faith. Read more>>

Tynesia Heath

I found my purpose after I left an abusive relationship.
I was with someone who didn’t respect me, didn’t show up for me and put a lot of blame on me for who I was and the way I wanted to live.
I fully felt controlled and isolated from the people I loved and cared about.
I thought I was doing it out a place of love and respect to my partner, but I learned, that I was doing it out of fear and people pleasing. Read more>>

Lora Williams

My journey to finding purpose began with the challenging experiences of my childhood and teenage years. Growing up in a poor community, I faced the realities of a broken home, which eventually led me into the foster care system for a period. These experiences shaped my understanding of hardship, resilience, and the importance of community. As I grew in my faith, I began to see my past as a catalyst for change, not just for myself but for others in need. Read more>>

Eray Zhang

On a flight back to China from the United States, I found myself unable to sleep and accidentally stumbled upon the Project Runway channel on the plane’s TV. I never would have guessed that this brief 13-hour episode would change my life’s plans from that point on. Read more>>

Josiah Arment

My family on my Father’s side was always a very musical extroverted type of family. Everyone either sang, played guitar or piano or all three. They performed many times and were well known across Vail and Aspen CO. I remember my very first time on stage I was 4 singing “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash at a big church venue in Vail. Since then a lot had changed but I always kept that little spark in me that knew I was meant to be an example out there. I knew I was meant to be an entertainer! Years went by and a lot of hard times until one day when I was 19 I found that spark again. I began performing in a lot of venues with different bands across Denver.  Read more>>

Ovni Michaels

Rachel Scher

Starting my business was unexpectedly how I found my purpose. While working in a corporate job, I felt unmotivated and hopeless, a sign that I needed a change. I’ve always loved dogs, and during hectic days, dropping my dog off at daycare sparked a recurring thought: “I can do this.” After sharing these persistent thoughts with someone, the pieces began to fall into place. Read more>>

Adam Turner

I’m not sure if I’ve ever identified my ‘purpose’ per se, but I do believe in walking through open doors, and every door you walk through, another layer of the onion of purpose is revealed. I think when I ultimately lay on my death bed and review my life, I think my sense of purpose will be very visible. But… to give a practical answer to the question… my purpose is to keep moving forward, keep my eye out for open doors and opportunity and to never take them for granted. Read more>>

Tyshawn-chop Douglas

My purpose was driven by being a young black man who comes from the average black background, but I had to find a way and purpose that just having the average black man’s story. So I created Black Arizona. Read more>>

Gabriela Patania

Since I was a child, my passion has been to know about the universe—the galaxies, planets, and stars. I always had the certainty that its greatness and magnificence are also within us. When I grew up, I felt a conflict with myself. Wars, fights between people, and even families had nothing to do with what I knew within me. I believe that war was extinguished, something that we just studied in history at school. Even so, the world and society show me something totally different. So I grew up following that feeling, studying music, and English, reading about history, philosophies, and science, and trying to understand more what I felt and why it was so different from what I could see in the world. Read more>>