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.

Bonnieruth Rolf

Purpose is a word I believe holds much depth to it. it is not one dimensional. I do not have the belief that we only have one purpose. I find this to be true within my own story. After 19 years of infertility, 3 miscarriages, chronic health issues, a hysterectomy at 40, I was not going to be a mom. It is one aspect of my desires and what I felt was part of my purpose. Imagine being faced with the decision to have to choose to let go of part of your dreams and then feeling left feeling forced to rediscover. I had wanted to birth my own children since I was young, did I ever believe this was my only purpose no, but I did want it to be a big part of it. What I have come to discover is that birthing my own children wasn’t the purpose, it was legacy….I want to build, create, and leave a beautiful legacy.  Read more>>

Gauri Sharma

From a young age, I constantly envisioned myself as a successful individual, determined to achieve great things in life. While others around me often told me I was too young to focus on work and should be enjoying my childhood, I knew that pursuing my goals was the path I wanted to take. It was almost as if choosing a different path or prioritizing something unusual was seen as a crime, but I remained resolute. Read more>>

Alexandra Duhl

Our story of finding Travel as our Life Purpose & how we ended up helping other families travel:

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but in this case, I think it’s worth a lot more than that. Never in a million years did I think that I would be in Nicaragua, out on a boat in the middle of a volcanic lake, with a baby monkey crawling on top of my head. (To be honest, before that day, I don’t think I would have been able to pick out Nicaragua on a map.) Whenever my husband Nate and I look back at this picture, one phrase always repeats itself- “pure joy.” Travel had never really been something that was high on our my bucket list-until that very moment on the boat that changed everything. Wanderlust had hit. We decided to sell our house & start our adventures. Read more>>

Dr. José Miguel Santelices

Finding my purpose was a journey rooted in my lifelong passion for music and a desire to empower others through the transformative power of the arts. As a performer and educator, I’ve always been inspired by the way music connects people across cultures and how it enables individuals to express their truest selves. My path became clear during my doctoral studies in voice performance when I realized that my purpose extended beyond my own artistry—I wanted to create a space where others could thrive, grow, and discover their unique voices. Read more>>

Daniela Sanchez Vegas

From the very beginning, my life has been a canvas, painted with a kaleidoscope of challenges, colors, and moments of transformation. I grew up in Caracas, Venezuela, surrounded by the vibrant hues of my culture and the natural beauty of my homeland. Even as a child, I felt the pull of colors—not just as visual elements, but as emotions, dreams, and possibilities waiting to be expressed. Read more>>

Lily Hall

“Finding your purpose” is such an interesting concept to me. As a mental health therapist, I work with a lot of clients who experience distress around this idea. It’s something we humans seem to struggle with a lot! I believe defining and examining what purpose means to each of us individually is a really important piece. What many people believe their purpose is can actually stem from fear based places- like people pleasing, overachieving/proving our worth, etc. When our “purpose” stems from those places, it can lead to feeling burnt-out, empty, or not enough. Read more>>

Joan Schoettler

Finding my purpose continues to be part of my literary journey in life. While many authors share how they knew at a young age they wanted to be a writer, my interest and passion for writing came toward the end of a long, full career in education. I began teaching in elementary school, but soon decided to focus on one subject instead of teaching across the curriculum. Children’s literature? Art? Social Studies? My desire to deepen my understanding of how reading persuades, informs, and entertains led me to study children’s literature, but my curiosity and regard for art and social studies remained strong. Becoming a writer never crossed my mind. Read more>>

Brandi Olson

I can remember being about 6-7 years old and walking my “birthday baby” is what I called her- my favorite doll- around my small town in her baby stroller. I know most little girls enjoy playing with dolls, but I really, really loved it and would dream of what it would be like to have my very own baby one day. However, when asked “what do you want to be when you grow up”, I never thought being a “mom” was a real answer… that’s not really a career… right? So I would think instead about being a lawyer, or a doctor, or maybe a teacher. Fast forward to high school and my early college years, I primarily babysat and worked at daycares. As I was nearing adulthood, I knew I wanted to pursue something where I could be around people, kids specifically, and help them.  Read more>>

Emily Norris

Growing up in a modest but happy household with my parents and three sisters, I discovered my passion for music on an old, out-of-tune upright piano with broken keys. Despite its flaws, it became my gateway to learning and excelling at the piano. Later, my parents gifted me a small electric keyboard—far from an ideal instrument, but it didn’t stop me from advancing and deepening my love for music. Through those experiences, I realized that passion and perseverance matter far more than perfect tools. Today, as the founder of EBN Music, I’ve built a piano and voice studio that welcomes students of all backgrounds, no matter their resources.  Read more>>

Derald Gray

I found my purpose when I realized that my God-given talents in music and video production could create more than just art — they could create joy, connection, and lasting memories. From a young age, I was drawn to storytelling through visuals and sound. Whether it was capturing moments with a camera or curating the perfect playlist to lift spirits, I always felt most alive when I was creating something that brought people together. These passions became more than hobbies; they became the foundation of my professional journey. But it wasn’t until I started using these skills to help others celebrate life’s most important milestones that I truly understood my calling. Read more>>

Liam Arnold

Finding Film was a journey for me. I always loved making videos with my friends and writing stories but it didn’t click until I was 16. I joined my school’s theater company at the start of the school year and made a lot of friends with both the actors and tech crew. That influenced me a lot. Over the course of the year, I started watching more movies, plays, and reading more. After a few months, I decided I wanted to try making my own movie and started writing a feature-length script. I had no idea how I would make the movie, I just wanted to write a story. Read more>>

Deneen L Garrett

My purpose has evolved over time, and I’m probably on its third iteration. Simply put, I prayed for it. While preparing for my 2009 move from Detroit to Las Vegas, I prayed to discover my purpose and passion. Several months later, after attending my company’s Employee Resource Group Conference, it was revealed to me. That experience inspired me to pursue a career in Diversity & Inclusion—a role that perfectly aligned with why I initially pursued a degree in Social Work: to make a difference in the lives of others. Read more>>

Abby King Roberts

“He understood terrible purposes. They drove against all odds. They were their own necessity.” — Frank Herbert, Dune

Oh, terrible purpose…

These words resonate deeply because I know what it feels like to be swept up in a purpose so vast and so necessary that it feels like both a gift and a burden. For much of my life, I’ve felt that sense of inevitability—the pull of something bigger than myself, even when I didn’t understand it. At first, it felt like a curse. Only later did I realize this terrible purpose was also my medicine. Read more>>

Gabriela Mejia Cervantes

I started playing the guitar when I was 7 years old, but didn’t pursue a career in music until now that I’m 31 years old after getting two degrees, opening various businesses, and married with two children. As a daughter of Mexican immigrant parents I never imagined pursuing a career in the arts was appropriate because my parents were strong advocates of higher education which I’m grateful for because I think its what gave me my purpose. I studied sociology as an undergrad at UCLA and I discovered my passion for culture and human behavior studies. I got my master in social work from USC and have been a medical social worker for 8 years now. Thanks to social work I realized that there was so much music that had yet to be written, especially in the regional mexican genre. I worked with thousands of families and got to see how much we all share in the human experience and in turn, inspired me to write music that I felt was missing. I never imagined that my journey in higher education and experience as a social worker would lead me to find my passion for Mexican music. Read more>>

Megan Williamson

Finding my purpose in photography and business didn’t happen overnight—it was a journey that took years of perseverance, self-discovery, and faith. My story starts with a challenge: being diagnosed with dyslexia in the first grade. I was held back, placed in special education, saw specialists outside of school, and spent countless hours learning how to overcome the hurdles that dyslexia presented. Despite the difficulties, my parents and teachers never allowed my diagnosis to be an excuse not to learn. Instead, they pushed me to do my very best, no matter how hard it was. Read more>>

Furwa Hussain

Finding my purpose early in life was probably one of the biggest blessings in shaping my course of life.

I’ll enter my very first job as a teacher at seventeen. It was not so much a choice as a calling for me. Almost immediately, I saw how that bond with children- kindergartners, my peers, or students a couple of ages older than me-was something I shared. Teaching was providing knowledge, of course, but it was also meeting young souls where they are and guiding them toward their potential while learning from their boundless curiosity. Read more>>

Alexander & Whitney Ethridge

After serving in the military, we always knew that we wanted to start a business to create a better life for ourselves and to give our future children opportunities and experiences that we never had. Our family is very dear to our hearts and we wanted to do something that would honor them. Whitney’s grandmother had her own special recipe for biscotti, an Italian cookie that is commonly paired with coffee. This inspired us to think about opening a coffee shop specializing in biscotti and other pastries. For now, we serve our custom “Black-Tri” blend coffee and family recipe biscotti out of a vintage 1971 Shasta Starflyte camper turned food truck. Eventually, we strive to own a brick and mortar café and bring on more family recipes, like Alex’s sister’s homemade conchas, a Mexican pastry, or Whitney’s niece’s cranberry-orange scones. Read more>>

Erika Allison

While attending nail school, I discovered my true purpose. Many clients came in seeking pedicures, but I often had to turn them away because they had underlying foot issues that required medical attention. I referred them to physicians, but time and time again, these clients would return to me without ever seeking the professional care they needed. It became clear to me that individuals with foot problems often turned to nail salons for help rather than visiting a medical professional. This realization ignited a spark in me to bridge the gap between beauty and healthcare. I became determined to combine the artistry of nail care with the medical expertise needed to address foot health issues. My goal was to create a comprehensive solution that catered specifically to these clients, ensuring they received the proper care they deserved in a setting where they felt comfortable and understood. Read more>>

Dr. Ana María López Caldwell

Throughout my career, I’ve experienced both incredible mentorship and deep feelings of isolation. At times, I felt supported and uplifted by a community that believed in me; other times, I felt disempowered and like I didn’t belong. I’ve learned firsthand that having a support system makes all the difference, which is why I’m committed to being that champion for other Latino leaders. As a coach, I root for their success, empowering them to lead authentically and achieve their fullest potential in every leadership space. Read more>>

Big Mood Records

By combining our passion for analog music (vinyl & cassette tapes) along with graphic design & photography, our complementary skills.

We decided to translate this vision by creating a music label providing tangible, physical experience of music we enjoy. Read more>>

Destiny Foreman

My purpose found me through life’s twists and turns. Growing up, I was always surrounded by culture, creativity, and the beauty of tradition, but I didn’t fully understand how those things could become my calling.

After working in corporate America, I realized I was chasing stability but not fulfillment. It wasn’t until I started reflecting on my love for African art, culture, and handmade goods that I discovered a way to connect my passions to my purpose. To Live A Colorful Life became my way of celebrating African heritage and sharing it with others through curated, vibrant, Afrocentric pieces that bring joy and tell meaningful stories. Read more>>

Amy Leiter

I truly believe that our purpose is written in our DNA and is a vital part of our Soul’s Path. In my work, I blend Astrology, Human Design, Gene Keys, and Mindfulness with Psychology to help heal, shift, and transform our lives so that we can live in alignment with what truly lights us up. This process allows us to step into a life of deep fulfillment. The year 2025 is set to be groundbreaking in the realm of purpose, as Pluto transitions from Capricorn into Aquarius—a shift from rigid, collective ideas of success to individuals redefining success on their own terms. It’s a call to honor your unique gifts and qualities, embracing the freedom to create a life in tune with your authentic self. Read more>>

Lorna Bell

I found my purpose through my early experiences in life. Growing up in a family of 7 children, being the youngest and only female we struggled a great deal in those early years. I found myself being in survival mode most of the time with low finances, minimal emotional support and no discussion of feelings or emotions. I was emotionally neglected and often felt like i did not matter. I worked diligently to find solace and comfort by journaling and practicing what is now considered Mindfulness and lots of prayer. I wanted to be a source of hope for others experiencing anything similar. I knew there was a calling on my life to help evoke healthy and positive changes in the lives of the people I’d encounter. I followed the past of Psychology and more specifically, Counseling Psychology. I wanted to understand myself and why I thought and behaved the way i did. As I grew into adulthood, Read more>>

Janisa Garry

I had to be about 10 years old and I picked up the first issue of teen vogue and everything I ever thought I wanted to be before that moment changed. Flipping through those glossy pages and watching ANTM made me realize I wanted a life in the fashion world, to be a model. I will admit it was lost within for a long time but by the time 2021 started I knew it was now or never to live in my purpose and shine. Read more>>

Nicole Scimone

Right around the time I was filling out my college applications, my dad was going through a stem cell transplant for leukemia. To say that whole experience changed me, is a gross understatement. Seeing my dad come back from a treatment that could have killed him, did something to my brain chemistry. I felt like I had witnessed something so heartbreaking in yet miraculous and inspiring. Before he came home from the hospital, my mom encouraged me to write him a letter, one that would lift his spirits, because he certainly needed it. Writing him that letter, and watching him read it in our living room is a feeling I will never forget. The impact of that entire experience stayed with me and I think maybe the seeds for my future were planted right then and there. Read more>>

Liam Garcia

My purpose found me.

It all started with my first college class, English 1102, during my senior year of high school at Augusta University. At first, I struggled with the workload and expectations of college, often staying up late to catch up. Despite the challenge, I found myself radicalized by the end of the semester, thanks to Professor Guirdex Massè. His passion for the Earth was contagious. Every poem, essay, short story, and book we read in that class was centered on climate change. Read more>>

Jone Capone

My name is Jone Jie-A-Fa Dyer AKA Jone Capone and I am a singer/rapper, and songwriter, who was born in Paramaribo, Surinam, which is in Northern-South America part of the Caribbean and West-Indies, known as the Dutch-Guyana. I am a multi-racial female, born on the third of January, a true Capricorn. I do not claim it but I represent the symbol of the Goat so, “I am the Goat! I am practical, ambitious, disciplined, a hustler. A hard worker I have been working as an HR Manager over 18 years and worked 3 jobs at one time not because I had to but because I like nice things so I can buy what I want, I never wait on nobody to get things for me. I am stubborn but very loyal and reserved! Finding my sense of self purpose is a creation of ones self journey, which is different for everyone. I discovered it late in life because it is a self reflection of my passions, strengths, values and experiences!  Read more>>

Maximilian Scott

I find purpose in the the beautiful world I live on, discovering its past, understanding its present, and most importantly protecting its future. When I walk outside I see an elaborate symphony of complex Earth systems, a gorgeous song in which each instrument – the rocks, the water, the air, the life and more – is integral to maintaining its serene harmonies. Whether I’m digging up a fossil, witnessing a bear trot wearilessly through the woods, or watching a monarch build its chrysalis to metamorphose into the next chapter of its life, I feel inspired to use the the scientific study of deep natural history of the world around me to steward its future and educate others about their part. Nothing is more important to me than this planet, and that’s what gets me out of bed every morning. Read more>>

Andrea Keller

As a child I had a vague idea that I wanted to be an architect, so I could make buildings and cities and beautiful stairs that moved through space. But I also had other interests, such as making crafts with my hands, a love of complex patterns, a need to deeply connect with people on a soul level, and a desire to immerse myself in other cultures – I thought these things were not part of my purpose and so I pursued the path of a “normal” architect. Read more>>

Alina Delfino

I’ve always loved photography, but I never thought I could make a living from it. While studying at university, I looked for part-time jobs to support myself and tried different fields — I did manicures and makeup, and even taught music (I play the guitar). Then one day, photography unexpectedly came into my life.

I enjoyed participating in creative shoots as a model for photographers, simply because I loved being photographed. One day, I received the raw files from a shoot and tried editing them in Lightroom, even though I had zero experience with the software. I gave it a shot, loved the process, and thought — why not try photography myself? Read more>>

Tammy Mcgee

Finding my purpose is not what I wish for any mother. My only son Conner was killed in 2019 after hopping into a car with a recently transferred teen leaving his junior homecoming dance. The driver left the parking lot speeding and had to go 1 mile but only made it 500 feet. The car was traveling at twice the legal speed limit leaving the road in a curve, hitting a tree, flipping the car and killing all 3 travelers. Read more>>

Sanam Pejuhesh

I am lit up every day by the work I get to do with children and families in our community and beyond. I would define my purpose as supporting children and their parents to be deeply connected to themselves, to shine brightly and be their authentic selves.
I found my purpose because of a void in my own life– growing up in an abusive environment where I did not get this need met to be my true self, be seen for who I am and have a voice. Somehow in my core, even when I was very little, I knew that the possibility of being a healthy, vibrant person was available to me, even if the foundation for it wasn’t provided to me. And eventually the void I’d experienced became my life purpose! Read more>>

Danya Shaar Dewolfe

As a former gymnast and figure skater, I had always admired Pilates from a distance. Like gymnastics, it is a repertoire of graceful movement purely controlled by mental and physical strength. As I grew into adulthood, I knew I wanted to embody everything Pilates encompassed. On one weekend morning in 2006, I was in search for a space to stretch and warm up in my college gym. By happy accident, I approached the wrong room and found the Pilates studio. I peeked at the studio schedule and returned an hour later for my first Pilates reformer class. It was magical. At first I found the intricate moves to be intimidating, but creating power in the body to control the movements was one of my best accomplishments. The fluidity, the core control, and the counting in and out of breath work was unlike any other athletic training I had endured. It was unique and different and corrected the posture of the human body unlike anything else. Read more>>

Yilin Xu

As a freelance illustrator and a full-time interior designer, I always find myself combining my passions for both artistic expression and spatial design. My background in interior design and architecture has provided me with unique opportunities to work as an architectural illustrator and visual artist. This intersection of disciplines has significantly shaped my creative mindset, allowing me to create illustrations that highlight the profound impact of environment and spatial design on human emotions. Read more>>

Christina Bombay

My purpose became clear to me through a combination of personal experiences and my professional journey. As a nurse, I’ve always felt a deep desire to care for others, but it wasn’t until I started working closely with families and new mothers that I truly found my calling.

I realized how transformative – and often challenging – the early years of parenthood are, and how much support women and families need during this time. What stood out to me was how impactful it is to spend the time they truly need with them – listening, educating, and offering personalized guidance. Those moments of connection allow me to make a real difference in their confidence and well-being. Read more>>

Tatiana Chams

From February 2015 – September 22, 2019 I was in an abusive relationship. During that time I was held hostage, physically, mentally, and emotionally abused and tortured. I had endured physical abuse that I, realistically, should not have survived, and even had a near-death experience. God got me out. I knew that I wanted to help other victims and survivors, by sharing my story, to show others that life can get better after abuse and there is hope. I truly believe God saved me so that I can help others. Read more>>

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