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.
Brian Buturla
I found my purpose through other strong men being kind to me at a young age, my parents guidance and God himself talking to me.
Sounds like a good story right? So at 53 years old now – I look back and say that everything was always there for me and that is why I am here for others.
My father bought me my first weight bench, barbells and dumbbells during my middle school years. Real men were my gym brothers growing up who helped me get into shape, lose weight and change my entire being. They were strong, approachable and kind. Read more>>
Camilla Mann
Coming out of high school, I landed at a university with the goal of becoming an attorney who did pro-bono work for environmental agencies and organizations. I had interned at the local District Attorney’s office as a teenager and declared history as my major. I knew that would hone my skills of reading, writing, and critical thinking. Four years in I declared a double major with philosophy as my second and tacked on a minor in English literature, extending my stay in Berkeley. However, I had several friends who were older than I was who left for law school, came home for the summer, and showed me that their idealism had been stripped away after one year. I was devastated and crafted a new plan that was really not a plan at all, according to my parents. Read more>>
Joslyn Christman Ryan Haltom
In the heart of Carson City, Nevada, Joslyn and Ryan are redefining what it means to own and operate a family-run business. Together, they built Hometown Air, an HVAC and refrigeration company, from the ground up—one thoughtful decision at a time. But their story is more than one of entrepreneurship; it’s a tale of resilience, transformation, and purpose. Read more>>
Stephanie Heinatz
I’m an Army brat – a title I wear proudly. My father served for 30 years, retiring as a sergeant major. In the early 90s, as a young girl living in Germany, my father deployed to Iraq and Kuwait as part of the first Gulf War. He left in the middle of the night just before Christmas and while we got the occasional letter, it was through the stories in the Stars & Stripes newspaper and television news that my mother got most of her updates. She was glued to any news she could get. We (my brother and I) didn’t really appreciate the totality of what was going on, but we did know that Mom needed to hear the stories from the frontlines to feel connected. To stay connected. Read more>>
Bruce Palmer
Finding my purpose was a journey. After 12 years in the military, where I was constantly told what to do, I struggled to figure out my own path. I explored various fields like photography, technology, and even becoming a flight attendant. It wasn’t until I decided to grow my hair that I discovered my passion, which ultimately led to starting my business. Read more>>
The Trills
As a music group that utilizes social media, there’s nothing more gratifying than seeing a comment or receiving a message that tells us that we’ve made a difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s that our music made someone’s day, helped them through a tough time, or that our videos make people smile when they’re struggling, those small differences are what make us realize that what we do is special, and the joy we’re able to bring to our audience is real. Read more>>
Prakriti
I always knew I wanted to do something with art. I loved painting as a child, my art teacher in elementary school was an amazing artist! He inspired me a lot throughout my school life. I was a big fan of the show called “Art attack”, I remember making sculptures, vases, stationary decorations…etc. I learned so much from the show, you can make art out of literally anything and find inspiration everywhere.
I didn’t have any interest in fashion till late high school. It was the peak tumblr grunge era, we all were inspired by indie music, dark aesthetics and social media. I started experimenting with my personal style and slowly got sucked into the technical aspects of fashion. I also worked as a student in high fashion clothing brand for couple of years. I gained a lot of experience there and enjoyed working too. Read more>>
Micheal Anderson
Once my two daughter’s went away to college, and I became an empty nester, I felt somewhat displaced. Up until that point, so much of my time revolved around being a mother to my girls and a wife to my husband. Our lives had become comingled to the point where I lost my own identity. Around this time, I was approaching a milestone birthday … I was turning the BIG 50, and this was the perfect time to set out on a journey to rediscover who I was.
I came up with a list of 50 new experiences that I wanted to accomplish before my 50th birthday. I gave myself approximately one year to complete the list. To be clear, these experiences were intended to push me outside of my comfort zone and help me to rediscover who I was. I did everything from taking my first train ride in Ireland, having tea in London, to taking a belly dance class and I blogged about every single experience. Read more>>
Bakari Stout
I Feel As Though I Always Somewhat Knew
My Purpose From The Beginning.
But I Haven’t Always Run Towards It.
Adolescence Teaches Us Resilience
Through Struggle & Chances Of Success.
I Made My Growth, My Way Of Life
& In Doing So, Found My Purpose. Read more>>
Tracy “twinkie” Byrd
My purpose is Storytelling. Storytelling has always been in me due to my love of reading. When I read books, my imagination creates films in my head. I would cast and produce the book/films with actors from Movies and Television shows. My passion was in me from my love of reading and my love of reading came from the encouragement from my big sister Terry. Reading showed me my purpose. Read more>>
Joe Yurick
We served our country, now we serve our community! We are a Veteran owned and operated junk removal company. Beyond only hiring Vets, we do our best to keep items out of the landfill. Anything that we can repurpose, we take to our garage. There we store items to donate to Veterans in need. We also open it up to the public, the last Saturday of the month and sell these items. Garage sale style, so everyone can enjoy them! Read more>>
Jacklyn Rohlik
I found my purpose through my own journey of recovery in a 12 step program. This experience not only transformed my life but also gave me a profound sense of direction and meaning. As I worked through the 12 step program I realized the power of connection, support, and the ability to help others who were struggling with similar challenges. Over the years I have witnessed first hand how individuals can change their lives with the Right support and guidance. People battling substance use in mental health issues became more than a job – it became my calling. Read more>>
Koji Steven Sakai
One of the best ways to find purpose is to try everything. People sometimes think that if you don’t like something or if you’re not good at it, it means you failed… when in fact, it’s the opposite. When you try something and find out it’s not right for you, it means you’re one step closer to finding your true calling (or in my case, accepting your calling). Out of college, I didn’t think people could make “real money” as a writer. So I went corporate. I hated it. Every second of it. I couldn’t imagine doing it for the rest of my life. It made me realize that I needed to do what I was supposed to do or my life was going to be VERY long. Read more>>
Sharae Jenkins
In my late 20’s, I began to ask the questions, “What is my purpose?” and, “What am I put on this earth to do that extends beyond myself?” I knew that helping people in some way was how I could make the greatest impact. I have always been passionate about many things, but what was something that many people find hard to do that I have successfully done? What then came to mind was my own health journey. In 2008, I was the heaviest I have ever been and knew it was time for a change. I didn’t need another quick fix, but I needed a lasting fix. I was young and had a full life ahead of me, and I not only wanted to look my best, but also feel my best. There as so much that I didn’t know, but I couldn’t allow that to hold me when there were resources available to help me at least start somewhere. Read more>>
Terence Elliott
Music has been my voice even when I did not like to talk much. From elementary to high school, I was more of an introvert but still somewhat popular. I never was that interested in studying music or even playing like someone else. I enjoyed being creative and finding my own songs for inner expression. One of my deepest wounds was my father having dementia/Alzheimer’s disease and me not being able to help him overcome it. That’s when in 2007, I first began learning how Music Therapy can help with this disease and more importantly, I came across the concept of Sound Healing and the progress it was having on dementia patients. My arrival to Sound Healing was too late to have a big effect on my father. However, it has changed the direction of my life. It made my purpose with music clearer. I have been a performing musician and a music educator for most of my life. Now, my true calling/purpose is to be a Music/Sound Healer. Read more>>
Leslie Collin
Ever since I can remember, I’ve known the importance of stories. I’ve seen how stories can elevate someone’s mood, how they can captivate a room, or how they can bring people together. I’ve seen how stories can impact people to make a change. I’ve noticed this not just in books that I read but in television shows, movies, and music. The stories people hear, witness or experience create this atmosphere that delivers in various ways. I’ve always wanted to be part of something that could affect people’s disposition, be it by getting them excited, convincing them of something, or elevating their mood In the process, hopefully, I can help them live a better life. As cliché as it sounds, my purpose found me. I just decided to stay resolute whenever adversity came my way. Read more>>
Thomas Dawson
Finding your purpose is often a journey shaped by pivotal experiences, reflections, and choices. Based on the foundation of your entrepreneurial ventures, your book Choices: A Journey to Uncharted Purpose, and your commitment to inspiring others, here’s a narrative that aligns with your journey:
For me, finding my purpose was not an overnight realization—it was a process born out of adversity, reflection, and a desire to create something meaningful. Like many people, I went through periods of uncertainty, questioning whether I was on the right path. Losing my main source of income and facing financial challenges was a turning point. It forced me to reevaluate what truly mattered to me and what I could offer the world. Read more>>
Jenn Gruber
I spent much of my adult life struggling to find out my purpose. I’d taken a nonlinear career path, working in a variety of fields both before and after a period spent primarily as a stay-at-home-mom, as well as serving in a number of volunteer roles. I felt like my life was made up of a mishmash of random experiences, and I kept hoping that my purpose would reveal itself before it was too late to pursue it fully. Read more>>
Diana Antillon
My purpose became clear when I looked at my own children. I wanted them to have experiences that were truly magical, filled with wonder and joy. I realized that by creating these unforgettable moments for other children, I was fulfilling a deeper purpose bringing happiness and excitement into young lives. I’ve always been passionate about creativity and working with children. When I started Padme Tea Party I realized that I could combine these passions into something meaningful. Seeing the smiles on kids faces as they engage in our activities is incredibly rewarding. That’s when I knew I had found my purpose to share my love for creativity with the next generation. Read more>>
Beanchor Campbell
I find purpose through a magnitude of situations. I found my purpose first through my love and passion for food. From my early days, I was always surrounded and intrigued by cooking. Spending time sitting in the kitchen watching my mother and father make delicious spreads for my siblings and I inspired me to want to assist them in preparing meals for our family as I got older. Moreover, I find purpose from my deep passion and appreciation for my Jamaican heritage. I learned tremendously from my culinary-talented family and how our Jamaican food culture triggers both purpose and creativity, which ultimately is the key motivation for my business. The most important reason for my drive is the determination to master my craft and become a culinary giant locally, nationally, and globally. Read more>>
Lace
We dont always get to choose our purpose. Mine was thrust on me when our second son, Caspian, was born still only a month before his due date.
With a toddler at home, I had little choice but to keep going. Every day, to wake up and take care of one son while desperately missing the other. It’s like being torn between two worlds. I was surviving, but only just.
As is common with grief and depression, none of my previous passions or hobbies brought me any joy. Read more>>
Katie Thompson
When I was in junior high school, I enjoyed reading and became engrossed in a book about a young woman who volunteered for a medical mission trip abroad. The idea of volunteerism rooted itself deeply in me, and I started doing what I could in my small community of 300 people. I spent afternoons and weekends at the nearby nursing home and organized toy drives at Christmastime through the local crisis center. I knew I loved helping people from a young age, but I had no idea where that book would carry me in life. I told myself I couldn’t go on a mission trip and leave my family behind for months. I told myself I would only be able to contribute to my local community. I told myself I likely wouldn’t explore the world. Admittedly, I was curious but also afraid of the unknown. Read more>>
Bruce Barnes
I believe our purpose often reveals itself through whispers—subtle nudges that guide us if we’re willing to listen. For me, the journey began in my teenage years when I faced severe health challenges, including multiple hospitalizations. As my health declined, I lost the ability to visualize my future—something that had always come naturally to me. It felt like staring at a blank screen, which bothered me. But after a life-saving surgery, everything changed. I regained the ability to imagine my future. Read more>>
Brynna & Tori Bongiovanni
It started long before we met, when I was young. My mom suffered from depression and addiction and yet, neither of those could hide her light. I thought she was magic. We all did. And yet, those closest to her knew that she didn’t see any of it. I remember wishing she could see herself through my eyes, just once. I knew it would change everything. We lost her when I was 15 and although sad, I felt peace that she was no longer battling herself in this world that can be so unkind to those suffering from mental illness. I was lucky to have a dad that was just as magical. Again, everyone around him felt the same. Read more>>
Robyn Katers
It took a while for me to find what my true purpose in life was. I randomly decided to persue Prenatal Yoga training in 2017 not knowing it would eventually lead me to become a Doula years later.
I gave birth to my two boys and hired a doula for each birth. I didn’t know exactly why I wanted a doula but knew I would need one. Read more>>
Donna Cochran
My youngest daughter, Ansley, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at 2 years old. She fought against cancer for over 19 years before she passed in 2018. Ansley lived her life with purpose, generosity and positivity. It was important to me that her story be shared, and her lifelong battle not be forgotten even though she was no longer here to share it. I made the decision within hours of her passing that her fight would not end with her last breath. The Ansley Foundation was officially recognized as a non-profit organization exactly 90 days to the day that Ansley passed. Read more>>
Tracy Mcfarland
I have always been a seeker. I came into this world wanting to sing, to tell stories, and to make people laugh and feel good. I knew my purpose was to serve in some way. As an empath (and not knowing what that meant for much of my life), I learned that when the people around me felt good, then I felt good. But that meant I gave away my energy and carried others’ emotions. I didn’t have any boundaries, I couldn’t say no, and I wasn’t in touch with my own needs. I ended up falling apart and experiencing a health crisis. Through the process of putting myself back together, I found my life’s work as an artist and healer. I am now learning how to take care of myself first, to maintain my sovereignty, and help others on their healing journeys through my shamanic practice, which includes singing and storytelling. I suppose I have found my true purpose by living life—I think that is how it works! Read more>>
Emma Pineda Fortin
My relationship with purpose has ebbed and flowed. I come from generations of women that have worked hard to survive and am the first generation to have the opportunity to even contemplate this question. So, with that huge weight on my shoulders, I set out to find my one true purpose. For decades, I felt lost, simply following the next step on the plan set out by my culture and society at large. Until there came a point when the author, Elizabeth Gilbert, gifted me the question – what if my purpose in life is as simple as living? If there is no “one purpose” I am free to live and experience in ways that are easeful and joyful. I truly believe that my purpose is to play and experience myself and this earth. Read more>>
Lade Akande
Finding my purpose has been a journey of merging personal experiences, cultural heritage, and professional aspirations. Growing up in a family with deep spiritual and educational values, I witnessed how equity, compassion, and service could transform lives. My paternal grandparents’ devotion to their respective religions, my maternal grandmother’s role as one of the first yoga instructors in the West, and my exposure to diverse faiths and philosophies taught me that fostering connection and purpose are essential to a meaningful life. Read more>>
Erin Johnson
I suppose finding one’s purpose is a lifelong journey of twists and turns that somehow leads you where you are meant to be if you are patient enough to stay the course.
I distinctly remember being a sophomore in high school and going on a class trip to a group home for troubled teens. They were not there that day but we cleaned the house, decorated with pictures we made, and baked cakes for them. I felt a sense of heaviness for them and wanted their environment to be as comforting as possible even though I had never met them. We left that day and I decided I wanted to work in a group home someday. Read more>>
Brashauna Winbush
My purpose in life has always been right in front of me, even as a little girl. I’ve always had a caring spirit and a deep desire to help others overcome their obstacles. I was blessed with the ability to empathize and connect with people from all walks of life. Strangers would often open up to me, sharing their deepest pains, and then say, “I don’t know why I just told you all of that.” Read more>>
Sean Flikke
My purpose found me over and over again, in spite of my efforts to run, shun and/or out-flank it. I had been fostered as a toddler, then adopted by a family with two disabled parents who struggled to care for me. My father was a disabled Vietnam war veteran, and my mother was an artist who struggled with schizo-affective disorder – bi-polar type and was hospitalized in a state psychiatric hospital for many years. While I was loved, I had a lot of tough days and nights a young person, bouncing from home to home. I had to be both internally tough enough to move through a lot of uncertainty while learning empathy for self and others in the midst of so much struggling. Read more>>
Kathy Motlagh
At the impressionable age of 12, I arrived in the U.S. with my family from Iran, unable to speak English, a stranger in a land where being an immigrant from Iran was unwelcome. My classmates offered kindness, yet others told me to “go home,” treating me with a disregard that left me bewildered. How could those same people, so harsh to me, show warmth and affection within their own circles? Read more>>
Dawnn Monique Clisby
I found my purpose by serving professionals in the black and brown communities that were not able to get in front of hiring managers and decision makers at both profit and non-profit organizations. Corporate America was not allowing people of color to get their foot in the door and when they were, they were not advancing. Read more>>
Ariadni Kidonis
It’s interesting—before I even knew what my career would be, I always felt a deep desire to help others, even as a child. Over time, I realized how powerful music can be in impacting people’s lives, and it became a way for me to connect with and inspire others. I’ve always had a heart for people, and it brings me so much joy to see them grow and overcome challenges. Read more>>
Angela Fach
When I reflect on how I found my purpose, it really comes down to following the creative spark that’s been with me since childhood. From an early age, I loved drawing, painting, and making things—whether that meant crafting my own clothes and jewelry or experimenting with different design ideas around the house. Creativity always felt like a form of self-expression that allowed me to bring my imagination to life. Read more>>
Vida Liu
I discovered that I can contribute my life to benefit my community. Read more>>
Luan Nguyen
Our mission is not only our food and drink that makes you happy but also to take care of customers’ services to gradually make us stable on the market!
Banh Mi Zon provides only the best and freshest ingredients for your daily meal. As well as working diligently to create a delectable cuisine for your palate, we also include additional nutrients to benefit your overall health. Besides that, we also use to learn new things to create the best flavor for your daily meal when tasting our food! Read more>>
Cheri Arellano
Born of divine light and ancient wisdom, my journey as a Starseed began in 2012, a pivotal activation year. It was a time of rapid awakening, filled with exploration of spiritual modalities, from energy healing to multidimensionality. Though isolating at times, this path led me to profound truths and the discovery of my own divinity. Along the way, I learned vital lessons in discernment, overcoming heartbreak from false gurus to embrace my role as a guide for others seeking truth. Read more>>
Happy Baa Baa Land
Our spiritual mentor stated in her book “Lotus Recollections”:
” Respect all living beings, big and small, and give them the right and space to live.”
“Cherish all lives in their unique existences.”
“Celebrate the joy of living with all lives in harmony.”
Her teaching of loving others as ourselves has deeply influenced all of us, and it has become an important guide for our daily practice. If it weren’t for this belief in respect and love for all living beings, how would it have been possible for us to taste the nectar of joy derived from walking with and caring for our rescued 4-legged friends on a seemingly impossible path? Read more>>
Lemia Astarabadi
I had a master’s degree in education, was teaching grades 6-8 math and science, living with a boyfriend of 10 years, and a homeowner in Southern California. Instead of feeling happy and fulfilled, I was extremely unhappy and unsettled. There was something missing in my life, but I didn’t know what it was. I had obeyed the rules and went through all of the “steps” in life that I had been taught to follow in order to be happy and successful, only I didn’t feel that way. One of my sisters lived in New York City, and I went to visit her one summer. I got a massage from a Lomi Lomi practitioner that my sister had gone to and said was amazing and powerful. In 90 minutes, I received a healing experience that felt like several hours. I had visions of painful experiences in my life, I cried, and I even coughed up black tar looking material at one point. Read more>>
