It has been my experience that many of us set ambitious goals without truly understanding why we set them in the first place. For me, the “Why” is bigger than any individual goal. Over time, I’ve found that while goals may shift, the reason behind them—my deeper purpose—remains steady.
In the beginning, my “Why” was externally driven; I wanted to distance myself from being my father’s only child who had been to prison, battled addiction, and left a trail of harm. This motivation held me firm, keeping me from retreating into the life that felt easy but ultimately hollow. Over time, though, I knew I had to connect with my “Why” in a more profound way. That’s when I developed my own personal mission statement—a compass that both defines and drives my purpose. It reads:
“With integrity, love, and compassion, I will be an instrument of change in my life and the lives of those struggling. I will continue to be someone the world needs by being the best version of myself daily, inspiring others to be the best versions of themselves.”
This is my “Why” and my commitment to how I show up in the world. I’ve learned that I’m the author of my story, responsible for what’s written in the book of my life. And for anyone seeking to uncover their own “Why,” I encourage you to show up to the process with curiosity.
You can’t hate your way into a life of purpose; it takes kindness, patience, and a willingness to explore. Seek out those who challenge you yet make you feel seen and heard—these connections can be the bridge between intention and transformation. Purposeful living requires both awareness and action. Knowledge alone is powerless; it’s only when we apply what we learn that it becomes the fuel for our growth.
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