:: "You have a purpose, but are you living it?" by Esther Whoo ::

I think that deep down, we all have this sense that we are supposed to be a part of something greater than ourselves. That the life we get to live now will make a difference in the generations to come. We sometimes don't know what to do with the gifts we've been given. We either don't recognize them or are too afraid to do something with them. I want to share a few questions that I've had to work through to figure out my purpose in life.

What's the 'why' behind my dreams?

What do you love to do? What are you good at? What do your friends ask for your help with? Find the ‘why’ behind your dreams. Chances are that there is much more purpose behind your dreams than you realize.

If your dream is to become a flight attendant because you want to travel, that's fine. But find the 'why' behind it. Why do you want to travel? What do you want to accomplish? Will that bring purpose to your life? Traveling won’t make you happy long term unless there is a reason for your traveling. Finding the ‘why’ behind your dreams is one of the most important questions you can answer and it plays a huge role as to whether you will be successful in following your dreams. Have a good reason and you will make a way!

What's stopping me?

The biggest enemy of your dreams is fear. Failure isn't what kills gifts, fear is. At what point will you be confident enough to take a risk and step into the role you are meant to take? Your role in your family, in life, at your job.. Step into it- even if circumstances aren't exactly what you imagine they should be. I've realised throughout my life that the same fear that will keep you from starting will keep you from finishing. Don’t let fear rule your life and your decisions. Stand up for something. For yourself, for what you believe in, for what you love.

What price am I willing to pay?

Find what it is that you are called to be and take proactive steps to get there. I say proactive steps because being brave doesn’t always mean dropping everything to follow a dream. Sometimes it takes planning- we need to set ourselves up for success, surround ourselves with the right people and have the right support system.

Plan, work hard and don’t be afraid to make some sacrifices while doing so, knowing that if you are living your calling, sacrificing will never hurt you in the long run. Make wise choices when it comes to sacrificing. Don’t sacrifice those things that are most valuable long term. Sacrifice short term pleasures and resist the temptation to take shortcuts. Decide when you are strong who you will be when you feel weak. Make hard decisions that will leave a lasting legacy as you fulfill your dreams and calling.

You have a unique purpose and our world needs you to live it.