Sometimes your purpose may change direction but not its intention!
When I was a child, I felt I was called to serve others. At first, I was interested in serving by teaching youngsters because I witnessed the value of education. You see, my mother had to work after eighth grade; and my dad lost his father at a young age and had to work in the family business. Dad only made it to sixth grade. They never enjoyed literature, read history books, or expressed their own thoughts in eloquent style.
Both sets of grandparents emigrated from Italy and could not read or write in English; I often accompanied by Grandmother Longo (Angelina) down West Avenue in Stamford, CT to her reading/grammar classes. I watched her struggle with the language but her steadfastness made me more determined than ever to seek knowledge and truth through learning.
I was also intrigued by social work but my deepest desire was to be an actress— be in theatrical plays.
Subconsciously, perhaps I took those things I loved and the talents I had and used them for a life of purpose—serving in ways that at first seemed unrelated but now seem very connected and meaningful.
So, when I think about my purpose—my reason for being here—my calling as a teacher, media specialist, wife, mother, entrepreneur, fitness expert, sports psychologist, vitamin/beauty consultant, writer and radio host, I see that my purpose never changed—just the direction in which I would serve.
I could inspire and minister in my life—through joy and sorrow because that is what I was meant to do—take meaning and opportunity from every encounter and learn. I intentionally chose (or maybe it was chosen for me) to experience all I have to give back to others what I uncovered and now know.
Some individuals do not know their purpose or think they have one; but exploring and discovering what it is you are meant to do any stage of your life---even in retirement—is a real adventure. It instills in me a sense of curiosity; for, I believe, when you stop being curious, you avoid possibilities. Who know what lies ahead?
I never knew that my journey would take me on exploits where I would meet the most amazing people in my life—whose narratives impacted me greatly. Over the past two years, I have spoken with individuals whose lives were touched by pain, purpose, and passion. And those accounts developed into a complying of 22 inspirational and compelling short stories that is now available on amazon.com.
It is fittingly titled: “Pain, Purpose, Passion: That Was Then, This Is Now.”
I hope that you will read this book (my own short story is included) and be inspired to find your purpose wherever you are right now.
Got purpose? Be curious!