Recognizing your purpose.

You are valuable.

I am a firm believer that each individual on this planet holds a gem that serves as a powerful component to God's divine plan for His world. Some recognize their God-given purpose at an early stage. For others (like myself) this realization may take a bit longer. Whether you are an early or later bloomer, please know and embrace this one notion: your existence holds valuable meaning.

Here's my story: From as far back as I can remember, I've had a special love for writing. Throughout my adolescence and adulthood, I've filled journals upon journals with my daily experiences, poetry, short stories, and I even doodled a little bit when I couldn't put my thoughts to paper. I've documented a span of occasions in my life -- from my first kiss to the 9/11 attacks. In school, I never stressed over written assignments as some of my peers did. I actually felt a bit of excitement when my teachers assigned a paper. Yes! For me, this meant freedom of expression. Not the mundane, black-and-white answers in math class. (I'm not exactly a math whiz nor do I even remotely like the subject.)

As I became older and more confident in my writing, I noticed that friends, family, co-workers, classmates, even supervisors began to ask me to review pieces of writing. I found myself glancing over and marking up research papers, resumes, resignation letters, recommendation letters, company proposals, and the list goes on. Some asked me, "How much do you charge to write/edit (such and such)?" At the time, I couldn't fathom asking my loved ones for repayment for something that I loved to do. To me, it was just a favor.

Time went on, and I realized that this love of mine was more than just that. Those whom I helped almost always came running back to me to share a success story. Whether it was an "A" on an assignment, a college acceptance, or multiple job offers, I was able to assist others in reaching pivotal life goals. I found myself receiving referrals. Then, it hit me. Wait a minute...I think I've struck a gold mine.

The things that excite us are often things that, if set in motion, will clear paths for us. Our purpose may not be a physical talent, and it is certainly more than just a responsibility. Our purpose is a calling that sits within the things that ignite a fire within us, where we find most fulfillment, and/or the positive impact that we have on others.

If you ever feel stuck and purposeless, I hope that you find comfort in knowing that you are not left by the wayside. Scratch below your surface and zero in on the positive things that make you happy. Study the influences and impact that you have had on others rather than your everyday tasks. Though realization of your amazing contribution to this world may seem a bit delayed, it is right on time and is probably already revealed to the world without you even recognizing it. Others likely see it in you before you recognize it in yourself. There is no one on Earth who holds your worth but you. Embrace it and live in certainty that you, too, have a purpose.

You are valuable.

#purpose #valuable #value