At one time or another we end up asking ourselves, “What is my life’s purpose?” and although we face this difficult question on several occasions, it is typically a struggle to find the answer, each and every time.
Most look for “one big thing” to fulfill that feeling of our lives having some type of meaning, but this is often where we go wrong. At least this has been the case for me.
I now understand that no “single life’s purpose” exists, rather, there are little ones that arise throughout our life’s journey. This realization occurred to me only a couple years back and it all began after a conversation I had with my sister.
Two years ago, I went to her after having a really horrible day, my eyes were filled with tears, and my mind overloaded with confusion, I asked her, “What is my life’s purpose?”
She turned to me with the most serious expression on her face and said,
“Amanda, you have a voice that carries! When you walk into the room and begin speaking, everyone stops and listens! Use that and find your purpose!”
After listening to my sisters encouraging words, a light bulb went off in my mind. I wanted to make a difference.
Time went by and it wasn’t until after I joined the team at Build-A-Brand, where I needed to think about my own personal branding, that I found myself asking, once again, “What is my life’s purpose?”
Even though I knew that both finding a purpose and building a brand existed, It just never occurred to me how similar they are to one another.
When I needed to conduct a self-evaluation to assist in building my own unique brand at Build-A-Brand, I learned I could apply basically the same process to properly uncover my purpose.
It did take some time and introspection for me to learn something I have always known about myself; I love helping people.
My eyes were opened, I realized that there is a reason I am where I am, doing what I do; it was to get me to recognize, sometimes you find your purpose and at other times it finds you.
Similar to making a brand work; your purpose does not exist if it is only talked about with little to no action.
If you think about it, as I have, a person’s purpose and brand is about: the identity, image, value, and the reputation you create for and about yourself.
Ultimately — What do YOU want to be known for?
Of course, personality and style also have their roles to play in each, but to my core, I knew I wanted to be of help to others in need.
I decided I wanted to make a change in my life, to help people in and around my community change theirs, for the better.
When I told this to my boss, Cameron Moore (which whom I reluctantly call “Boss” because in actuality, he is a Leader) he was excited and motivated me, on several occasions, to focus on taking the necessary steps to fulfill my purpose.
I began researching and looking online for a place I could help with fundraising in my local community. I found myself heavily relying on my faith to lead me down the right path, to where I am meant to be.
One day, I was sitting at my desk and as I looked down, my eyes focused on the verse 5:14 from the book of Matthew, “Be the Light.”
I just knew this was the sign I had been looking for because I want to be the light in the dark world we live in.
I knew then, I wanted to start a movement, one that is dedicated to helping a new organization, each month, with fundraising for their cause, so this is exactly what I did.
I took some time for planning and decided to create a Facebook Page about my new movement, to not only encourage others to get involved in their communities, but to also provide the opportunity to follow along with my journey of helping others.
My Facebook page is aptly called, Journey 5:14.
Cameron was always there to encourage me to put my purpose into action, which I truly appreciated for it helped me feel supported with my new endeavour.
When it came time to find the first place to help with fundraising, I chose to go with something close to my heart.
I came across a picture of, Hayley’s House, online, and instantly knew I found the first organization of my movement.
Hayley’s House, is a part of the organization, Tried and True, founded by Caroline Ketchings and Jake Linton. It is a sober living home for women, which is located in the heart of DeSoto County.
Knowing some of my family members have struggled with addiction, I wanted to help any way I could.
I contemplated asking for monetary donations, but I ultimately decided to place my focus on asking for physical items the women could actually use during their stay.
I started making flyers, writing blog posts about Hayley’s House, as well as, capturing videos, and reaching out to others in my community about this important cause.
I cannot truly express how pleased I am with the response I received, thus far.
My goal was to collect enough donations so that each women would have their first month covered with necessary items, like soap, toilet paper, drinks, cereal, shampoo, etc.
I even had people from Missouri wanting to ship items to donate!
I just couldn’t believe how many people were just like me; looking to find their purpose through helping others.
Just thinking of how generous and kind people can be, puts a big smile on my face.
As of Friday, August, 17th 2018, we received 150 donations and I am happy to say we have surpassed our goal!
If you or someone you know would like to donate items to Hayley’s House, there’s still time!
Donations are being accepted until August, 24th. At this time, we particularly need toiletries, but all other non-perishable items given are greatly appreciated.
I must say, over the past few months I have spent a lot of time with those who have conquered and continue to conquer addiction, and I am extremely proud to call them my friends.
In fact, I formed some of the most genuine friendships I have ever had, during this time.
It is important to me that these women, and others like them, know there are people who believe in them and who want to support their journey to sobriety.
I can honestly say, with the help and support of my sister, the team at Build-A-Brand, and the people of my amazing community, I have found my purpose.
I am able to pay it forward— the help and support I received during my journey; I can now give to helping and supporting others with theirs.
I look forward to making positive changes in the lives of others as people have made in mine for many months to come.
I want to end this by saying, “THANK YOU!” to all those who donated and chose to make a difference in the lives of others.
You, are an outstanding individual and I truly appreciate all that you have done!