I firmly believe that long before we set foot on Earth, we are given a unique mission: our life’s purpose(s). It reminds us of our being, a directive guiding us towards fulfillment. And while it’s possible to have multiple callings, the journey of self-discovery is not a smooth sail. It’s a tumultuous path that becomes prominent and happens in divine timing. Doubt, societal expectations, and inner turmoil are only a few of the forces that derail us from knowing, understanding, and reimagining our purpose. Diving deep within, we can return to the root of what fuels us, using the necessary tools to shine our light and carry out what we came here to do. Cultivating unwavering faith and actively pursuing our greater purpose is essential for a fulfilling life.  

As a little girl during my sun-soaked summer camp days, my heart found its rhythm in the pool or zoning out during arts & crafts. Throughout my life, whether I was painting, drawing, or letting my thoughts flow on paper, I felt most free in those moments. No matter the shifts and changes in my life, I held these creative passions near me like precious treasures. And now, as an adult, my artistic expression knows no bounds, manifesting through vibrant and varied mediums from fashion styling to poetry, painting, DIY projects, and writing. I have found a sanctuary where my vulnerability allows me to peel back the layers of my soul, connect with people, and share my authentic self with the world. Yet, embracing what I have been called to do has been a path filled with peaks and valleys. The whisper of my life’s calling tiptoed around my consciousness throughout my early twenties, growing louder each year until it could no longer be ignored.    

Towards the end of 2022 and through much of 2023, the reflection staring back at me in the mirror seemed like a stranger, a woman caught between familiarity and disconnection. I could see an array of emotions within the depths of my eyes. A blend of love, brightness, and a glimmer of hope mingled with exhaustion, worry, and the heavy weight of uncertainty. I cried nearly every day, multiple times a day. Depression and emotional instability were two clouds constantly hovering over me, washing away most of the energy I had to participate in my life’s purposes. As the world shifted under the weight of economic strains, my once-thriving freelance fashion styling projects slowed down. Brands and companies tightened their purses citing inflation and structural changes, leaving me to find ways to make my bank accounts boom again. Despite much applause for my art, the conversations almost always stalled once money entered the equation. I pitched essays to editors, only to be ghosted or strung along. My dream of financial freedom and a $0 balance on my credit card felt distant. I no longer had my natural-light-filled apartment in Brooklyn, and all my belongings sat in a cold, dark storage unit. I was stuck; a constant loop of everything going wrong played in my head like a movie reel. 

Amidst the darkness, I clung to the faith I had left, for that glimmer of hope still guided me through the shadows. My healing and spiritual journey had been years filled with introspection, raw honesty, grief, surrendering, and gratitude. But healing, I quickly came to realize, is non-linear. New challenges and experiences will arise unexpectedly—it’s inevitable, but it means a new approach is needed. Sometimes, we only need time to rest, recharge, and reevaluate. After a long crying session in my car, pouring my heart out in prayer to God and in conversation with my ancestors, asking them to show me, tell me, and guide me to a better version of myself, I began to see the light shine as I neared the end of this dark tunnel. 

Awareness washed over me like a tidal wave in that moment of surrender. I understood, with crystal clear certainty, that my purpose, my calling, was far greater than the sum of my obstacles. To have a testimony, you have to have a test. I have already accomplished things that those who came before me never got the chance to, and this is only the beginning. It encompasses my aspirations and the collective duties to create a better life for my family, my legacy, and future generations. With renewed determination, faith, and strength, I shifted my mindset and perspective. Though I am human and still a work in progress, I was able to view life’s challenges as stepping stones for a better tomorrow. Giving up was never an option. If I had gracefully stepped back and walked away, neither I nor anyone in my family would witness the boundless possibilities awaiting us on the horizon. Reflecting on this journey, I can now see that weathering this storm has granted me clarity, confidence, and more wisdom, allowing me to shine brightly and share my light with the world while realigning with my life’s purpose—and that’s a truly beautiful feeling.

What do you feel you are meant to do with your life?