Purpose is Beautiful | Finding Your Purpose

I recall reading  “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren many, many years ago. It is an amazing book for anyone who is struggling to answer the question “what on earth am I here for”? I read the book and then I went on to college and then Graduate school, and carried on with my life.  But all this time I was also playing small. I wanted to stay in the background, and for a long time, I ignored that gentle nudging that was pushing me into my purpose. I was SCARED!

As I look back on the course of events over the past 5 years (this year) since I started blogging, I smile because I know that God was preparing me to step into the shoes that he had already picked out for me. He placed people and opportunities in my life to help me navigate the “road”. He protected me from myself and from the things I thought I wanted. He was grooming me. I am a firm believer that God’s timing is perfect because I am a living witness.

Purpose is Beautiful | Thoughts on Finding Your Purpose

I know that my purpose in life is to use my talents, gifts, abilities and experiences to help people. I know you’re probably thinking, “well, isn’t that what everyone’s purpose is?” The thing is God has given each person a unique set of experiences and gifts and it is our job to use those gifts and experiences in service of others.

Your purpose is not about you. 

This quote from “The Purpose Driven Life” sums it up nicely.

“The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfilment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose. ”

By now you know that last year I launched my Apparel brand, Ven & Rose. Outside of being scared, I was also hesitant because “so many other people were doing it.” What I knew for sure, was that I didn’t just want to sell t-shirts, I wanted to create something that would inspire and encourage people. I wanted my customers (and those who they came in contact with) to feel encouraged and inspired when they wore my apparel. I wanted it to be a brand with a purpose. In the 5 months since I launched the brand, I have received many warm messages and compliments.
However, last week I found myself literally in tears when one of my customers reached out to let me that she intentionally picked one of my tees, to wear to what turned out to be a life-altering doctor’s appointment. This lady received a diagnosis that would forever change her life, but she said my But God tee served as a source of comfort and encouragement for her.  I bawled like a baby. Even now as I write this post, tears are streaming down my face. What if I had continued to ignore what God called me to do?

You can do more than one thing.

For a long tim, I wrestled (somewhat) with this. I am a multi-talented, multi-passionate person. I am very good at a lot of things, but I often found myself sticking to one thing, because I had become known for that particular thing. What I have realized is that there are infinite ways to use your gifts and talents to serve others, and actually you have a responsibility to explore them all.

Last year at the Steve Harvey SOAR Retreat I met Valorie Burton, world-renowned life coach and Author. Her presentation was like a punch in the gut for me. When she said, “successful women never miss the opportunity to live life on purpose” it resonated with me so much, that I was inspired to create my “Purpose is Beautiful” Tee.

Purpose is beautiful and I want to celebrate that while encouraging others to live their life on purpose. If you’re struggling to figure out your purpose, take yourself out of the equation and think about this, “how can I make someone’s life better by using my gifts and talents?” If you can answer that question, you are on the right track.

If you need some more “nudging”, for starters check out, “Whose Shoes Are You Wearing” by Christine St. Vil & Julian B. Kiganda, and “Successful Women Think Differently” by Valorie Burton.

This post turned out to be much longer and much deeper than I intended to go, but I felt compelled to write it. Before I go, here’s another thought that Doreen Rainey shared at the SOAR Retreat, that was another punch in the gut for me. “Someone else’s success is hinged on you living your life on purpose”.

Once you discover what you’re here for, it is your job to DO it! Purpose is beautiful!

Love my tee? Find one HERE

YOUR TURN: Are you living your life’s purpose? Let’s chat in the comments