Meet Darlene Gaston

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Darlene Gaston. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Darlene below.

Darlene , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I think purpose evolves and changes over time in a person’s lifetime. First, my purpose was that of a child who learned and grew. Then, later, my purpose grew. I became an adult with decisions of where to live, where to work, who to be friends with, and larger decisions. As I grew, I became a wife, then a mother. I then decided to homeschool my two children, go to church, and grow spiritually. Later, as my children were grown, I became an author. But all of those things prior to writing formed who I am and what my purpose became right now. Just as writing will form my further purpose as my life continues.

So, I do not think of purpose as an end result but as a continuing path in each individual’s lifetime. When we tend to see it as an end purpose, we may get frozen trying to “figure out” what our purpose is. This, in turn, can cause our inability to see or realize our purpose right in the moment we live in. Being able to accept the purpose we have in this moment of our lives, I believe, helps form our next purpose.

All that to say, nothing is a waste of your time when you choose to do the best you can in the moment you are in with the knowledge you have right now.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I recently visited Phoenix, Arizona, to receive the International Impact Book Award and deliver an acceptance speech for my book, “Time to Really Live Free”, which won in the Christian Non-Fiction genre. The award honors books that impact individuals and the world, so I was deeply honored and humbled.

I’ve just finished re-editing “Time to Really Live Free” with Cadia Book House for its third edition, set for release in early November. I’ll debut the release online and at The Shoppe at Hillcrest in Reno, Nevada, in mid-November.

In spring 2026, I’ll join two others for an event, speaking on living whole and free as people seek their purpose in today’s world.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I believe these three qualities were the most impactful on my journey:

1. Understanding I was born for such a time as this
2. Determination
3. Grit

When I realized I was born for such a time as this, I understood I had everything I needed to face any circumstance.

Determination is a vital quality for life. I decided that no matter what challenges arose, I would trust that God is for me. This gives me great hope, knowing God loves me, supports me, and is always by my side.

Grit, to me, is like dirt. It means getting down in the dirt to help others rise into the potential they were born for. Through my writing, I aim to lift others up, which requires engaging with the messiness of life and helping people see who they are and who they can become. This work has demanded much study and time, but it’s worth it to see others grow. These three qualities have been immensely valuable to me.

For those early in their journey: Embrace the time you live in—you have unique contributions to offer. Determination grows through adversity. Choose to face hard things and push through them; this is how you overcome. Grit complements determination. Do the hard things and help others see their potential, but first, recognize your own. Understanding who you are and whose you are will make all the difference in the world.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I utilize these three strategies:

1. Make lists (so I don’t forget anything) and or write down my thoughts
2. Sing, dance, or do both at the same time
3. Pray or meditate

I usually make my lists before, during, or after singing, dancing, or praying/meditating. These three practices help me the most when life feels overwhelming.

Life will always bring challenges, but having music, faith, and the ability to write down my thoughts while listening to the still, small voice of God carries me through each day. I wholeheartedly recommend these three things to anyone feeling overwhelmed.

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