Walking In My Purpose
How many of us have been existing year after year, working and going to school, not knowing or understanding what our purpose is?
How many of us have been existing year after year, working and going to school, not knowing or understanding what our purpose is? Some are blessed enough to have identified their purpose early in life and are walking in that purpose. Growing up our parents and grandparents used to call it "finding yourself." For me, my journey was quite a bit different. I always thought walking in your purpose was doing what you were good at doing. When I was in college, I was an art major, so I thought my purpose was to be an Artist. That career didn't pan out, so I became a teacher/coach. During that time, I thought being a Teacher/Coach was my purpose. However, it wasn't until I retired as a Principal due to health issues that I truly began to understand and Walk in my purpose. Needless to say, I was not ready to retire. I considered myself still young; I had a son in college. I was looking to work for at least 8-10 more years. However, the medical consultation results revealed a different story. Therefore, I was faced with "What now!?!?! Remember, I thought your purpose was tied to what you did. I now realize it is much more than your career, job, or position.
What started my journey in this process was the reaction I received during my retirement celebrations. The first two were held at school on my last official workday. The first was a student assembly, and our Assistant Principal asked if any of the students would like to say anything. I had several current and former students who spoke about how I had impacted their lives over the years, and I kept it real with them. Then after school, current and former faculty and staff gathered and shared stories about my impact on them both professionally and personally. Also, how they considered me as their mentor. Hard-headed as I am, I still didn't get it! A month later, my family hosted another retirement celebration, where guests could write little notes to me. A few weeks after this event, I sat down and began to read them. After a few of them, I began to see a theme emerge. I also reflected on the words from my students, faculty, and staff. It was like I had an ah-ha moment. The following themes emerged: leadership, encouragement, and motivation. In addition, I realized my son had begun to contact me and asked me to periodically send a short video with words of encouragement to his friends. Ironically, he had no idea I was wrestling with trying to identify my uniqueness and purpose in life. This was a confirmation.
These themes were what made me unique from everyone else. I thought my purpose was tied to the title and position I held, but it was tied to the unique talents, skills, and attributes I brought to that position. As you reflect on your own story, what do people say about you as you perform your daily responsibilities in your career, job, or position? Do people say you are helpful, encouraging, patient, uplifting, make them laugh (brighten their day), etc. Do you have leadership skills, the ability to teach, entertain, do hair, dance, act, analytical, creative…. What are your passions, and what makes your soul feel full? These are deep questions & ones you cannot come up with quickly off-the-cuff answers. The process is in-depth but can be rewarding because once you identify your uniqueness, you can begin to boldly walk in your purpose.
