We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tiona Lynn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tiona , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Finding one’s purpose is often portrayed as a moment of epiphany – a single, defining moment where everything becomes clear. My journey, however, was anything but instantaneous. It was a gradual process marked by experiences, growth, failures, self-reflection, and self-acceptance. Through time, introspection, and patience, I started to piece together the things that brought me joy and fulfillment. I realized that my purpose wasn’t tied to a specific job, activity, or income, but to a set of values and passions that resonated deeply within me.
As I delved into self-discovery and opened myself up to experiences, conversations, and vulnerability, I found that I am passionate about helping others, fostering self-empowerment, and making a positive impact on the world. This understanding wasn’t an overnight revelation; it was the culmination of countless failures, reflections, and moments of growth. I recognized that my true calling was to leave people better than I found them. This became the essence of who I am at my core.
Armed with this newfound clarity, I began to align my actions with my values. I sought opportunities that allowed me to contribute meaningfully and express my true self. This journey took me through various phases of my life, each one enriching my understanding of my purpose. I went to college with the intent to help individuals in a broken system by studying Criminology and although my career path took an unexpected turn, it led me to People Operations, and the underlying purpose still remained the same: to leave people better than I found them. This purpose also inspired me to start a blog focused on empowerment and navigating this crazy, beautiful, complicated, joyous life with balance.
Finding my purpose was not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new one. Living my purpose is an ongoing process that requires continual growth and adaptationI now approach each day with a sense of curiosity and openness, knowing that my purpose can evolve over time. Each day presents new opportunities to learn, grow, and align my actions with my core values.
Embracing my purpose has given me a profound sense of freedom – freedom from the shackles of societal expectations and predefined roles. Purpose is not a constraint; it is liberation. It allows me to live authentically and make choices that resonate with my true self. This freedom enables me to pursue what truly matters to me, without being confined by external pressures or superficial standards of success. One of the most empowering lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Purpose is not a destination but a journey. It’s about embracing the unknown, learning from everything that comes my way, and staying true to oneself. Each step, no matter how small, brings me closer to a deeper understanding of my purpose.
Finding my purpose has been a transformative experience. It has taught me the profound importance of self-reflection, the power of aligning actions with my values, and the beauty of embracing life as a continuous journey. My purpose – to leave people better than I found them – guides me in every aspect of my life. This mission shapes my career in People Operations, inspires my blog on balance and empowerment, and drives me to treat everyone with respect and kindness, showing them they are not alone in this crazy world.
Purpose is freedom. It frees us from societal constraints and empowers us to live authentically and meaningfully. I hope my story inspires you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and purpose. Remember, it’s not about finding the right answer but about asking the right questions and being open to what you discover along the way. Embrace your journey, stay authentic, and let your purpose guide you to a life of fulfillment and freedom.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m excited to share a bit about what I do! By day, I work in People Operations for a tech start-up. The start-up world is a whirlwind, and I thrive on the thrill it brings. Start-ups allow me to unleash my creativity, build solid foundations, experiment, and see my ideas come to life. It’s a dynamic environment where I can connect deeply with my colleagues, build lasting relationships, and genuinely listen to their needs. I’m not one to be just a cog in the wheel—never have been, never will be. I also enjoy speaking on panels and advising for Change Engine, an employee communications company.
In the evenings and on weekends, I immerse myself in my passion for blogging. I cover topics such as life, style, beauty, wellbeing, and leadership. Additionally, every Wednesday, I share inspiring quotes aimed at bringing joy to my readers and encouraging them to trust their journey, reminding them they aren’t alone. Life is messy, complicated, and beautiful for everyone, and my blog is a space where we can explore and celebrate these experiences together.
Check my blog out – you might just find something that resonates with you. Let’s navigate this beautiful, messy life together!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three most impactful qualities and areas of knowledge in my journey have been:
A Hunger for Learning: Embracing the fact that I don’t know it all has been pivotal. I love the quote, “If you are the smartest in the room, you are in the wrong room.” It’s crucial to keep adapting, learning, and growing at all stages of life. We can do this through education, trainings, webinars, or certifications, but don’t forget about books, experiences, and conversations. This mindset has kept me curious and continuously evolving.
Self-Reflection: Regular self-reflection has helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses, and gain deep insights into my thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It has also allowed me to understand my personal identity and unique characteristics, shaping me into the person I am today and guiding my values moving forward.
Authenticity and Vulnerability: Learning to trust and be my most authentic self was a game changer. When I embraced vulnerability and became comfortable in my own skin, I found the freedom to live life to the fullest, on my terms, without letting judgment hold me back. This authenticity has been key to my personal and professional growth.
Advice for those early in their journey:
Stay Curious: Always be open to learning and growing. Seek knowledge from diverse sources and be willing to step out of your comfort zone.
Reflect Often: Take time to understand yourself deeply. Self-awareness will guide you in making decisions that align with your true self and personal values.
Be True to Yourself: Embrace your authentic self and don’t be afraid to show vulnerability. This will not only enrich your own life but also create genuine connections with others.
Embark on your journey with these in mind, and you’ll find yourself growing in ways you never imagined!
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
We all know this feeling. Being overwhelmed resonates with all of us. But you are not alone in this. Here are some pieces of advice from someone whose plate typically seems to be overflowing:
Re-prioritize: When I feel overwhelmed, I always re-prioritize. This can look like moving things around, focusing on the most critical tasks, and letting go of what’s less important. Break your to-do list into manageable chunks and tackle one thing at a time.
Take a Rest Day or Break: Sometimes the best thing you can do is step away. Whether it’s a full day off or a short break, giving yourself time to recharge can work wonders for your mental clarity and energy levels.
Journal: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you process what’s overwhelming you. It’s a great way to clear your mind and gain perspective on what truly matters.
Practice Mindfulness or Meditation: Taking a few minutes to meditate or practice mindfulness can help center your thoughts and bring a sense of calm. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through quick, effective sessions. You can also find free versions on Youtube and Spotify.
Get Moving: Any type of physical activity, whether it’s a walk, yoga, or a strength workout, can help reduce stress and boost your mood. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural stress relievers. Walking is my favorite way to relieve stress.
Talk to Someone: Sometimes, sharing your feelings with a friend, family member, or therapist can provide relief and new perspectives. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support. I have an entire list of mental health resources on my blog if you aren’t sure where to start!
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no when you need to. It’s okay to protect your time and energy. Setting boundaries helps prevent burnout and keeps your workload manageable.
Engage in a Hobby: Doing something you love, whether it’s reading, cooking, or painting, can be a great way to unwind and take your mind off stress.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Acknowledge that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and give yourself grace. Self-compassion can be incredibly soothing in tough times. We are human and everyone gets overwhelmed sometimes. I can assure you, you are not alone.
Plan and Organize: Sometimes, getting organized can help reduce feelings of overwhelm. Use planners, apps, or even simple lists to keep track of your tasks and deadlines. Cleaning/reorganizing your space, getting rid of clutter, or going through your clothes can help create a sense of order and calm, making it easier to focus and reducing feelings of overwhelm. A tidy environment often leads to a tidy mind, allowing you to feel more in control and at peace.
Experiment with these strategies and find what works best for you. Remember, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes—what matters is how you handle it and take care of yourself in the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tionalynnblog.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tionalynn/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiona-nicholas-701887178/
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