For the past few weeks we’ve made some life-changing moves. Week 1, we made the decision to start walking out our dreams. Week 2, we made the decision to believe that they have a right to come to pass. Week 3, we gave ourselves permission to say “Yes” to work toward them. But with all of those commitments, I am sure some of you are still saying, “I am definitely ready to walk this thing out, but I still don’t know what my dreams are- what is my purpose?” It’s a legit question that is difficult to define.
I believe most of us reach a point in life when we say to ourselves, there has to be more to life than this. I want to be intentional about my quality of life and how I impact others. That’s when purpose comes to the forefront of our minds. If it’s any relief, purpose will not fall into your lap in one day. You will not get the full picture all in a moment’s time. There are ways, however, that have helped me identify my purpose and what I am to fulfill on this Earth little by little, and I believe I can help you. I put some thought into how I could help by using body parts associated with our five senses for quick reference:
- HANDS represent what you do. There is at least one thing you naturally do very well with very little effort. It is something others may find difficult, but for you, it’s easy. Maybe you are very detailed oriented- others see the broad picture while you focus on how the broad picture can be accomplished. Maybe you are wonderful with animals- it takes time for animals to adapt to most humans but they automatically feel comfortable with you. While some see black and white, you are naturally creative and use your imagination to create new opportunities and different approaches. Your gifts will definitely be used in achieving your dreams.
- EARS represent listening. Listen to what others constantly say about your strengths. Maybe you consistently hear…
…You are so artistic. You should think about dancing.
…Kids just love you. Have you thought about working with kids?
…You are such a great listener. Have you considered counseling?
…Wow! It all make sense now that you explained it like that! You’d make a great teacher!
These are strength indicators that can point you in the right direction.
- EYES represent what you witness. What do you witness regularly that brings you delight or burdens you? Does it burden you when animals are abused? Do you delight in being outdoors? Maybe part of your purpose is to join a volunteer group to help rescue animals. Does it burden you to hear of human trafficking? Does it delight you to work with groups of people to accomplish a goal? Maybe you should lead initiatives to help those victims. Does it burden you to see children partake in unhealthy eating habits? Does it delight you to garden? Maybe you are to grow a local garden where families can grab all the healthy foods they want for free. What delights and/or burdens you is at the core of your purpose.
- The MOUTH represents your story to tell. We each have something we have overcome. Through those obstacles, there were lessons learned, growth, and maturity. Use your story of overcoming sexual abuse to help those victims. Use your story of overcoming stress to help those with anxiety attacks. Use your story of persevering to help those that want to give up. Your story is the founding message that your purpose is built upon and will be used to inspire others.
- The NOSE represents memories. I know- very weird to associate the two, but it’s a scientific fact that your sense of smell can jog several memories deep within your subconscious. When you go through memory lane, are there moments that continually happened? Are there moments that have had a profound impact on your life? Maybe those moments are trying to tell you something. For example, since I was in 6th grade, I have been in leadership positions. With several of those positions, I didn’t feel qualified. Finally, I allowed those events to speak to me. It was God reminding me that I was indeed qualified and born to be a leader. I then knew part of my purpose was to lead, initiate and help people know they are qualified as well.
So let’s bring this full circle. Wendy, who was in high-school, had an awesome gift of storytelling. The way she could captivate an audience and relate her stories to life lessons was so compelling that people would often tell her to take her storytelling on the road. During the evenings she brainstormed, she would often hear children crying in the apartment next door to her because their mother would leave them home alone for hours on end. This burdened her. As she became an adult, Wendy started an after school program for children whose parents worked late into the evenings. There, she shared her phenomenal stories to teach life lessons. She also shared how storytelling was her saving grace, helping her to overcome a severe speech impediment. This beautiful story gave children hope to overcome too.
See how those things all work together? Hopefully this has helped to steer you in the right direction. If there is an opportunity presented that encompasses one of these five things, build up the courage to take it. Create time to think about these areas, write them down, and I promise you, it will direct you to where you are supposed to be. For videos, challenges, and daily encouragement, click here.