 | I believe everyone is on earth for a reason. None of us are here merely to exist. Yet, far too many people roam about life in an aimless state. Like a ship adrift without a rudder, they lack direction. As I observe people, I realize everyone has gifts, unique abilities that set them apart. People have these gifts for a reason. But as with any skill, it needs to be harnessed, refined, and perfected. Often, it’s simpler to choose the easy path instead of utilizing our natural talents. And while fear of the unknown is a tremendous obstacle that dissuades personal success, those willing to get past insecurities, dig deep, and pursue their reason with everything they have will lead a fulfilled life. |
What is my reason? That’s easy; I’m meant to write. It wasn’t until my late thirties I figured this out. You might say I am a late bloomer, but that’s ok, I’d rather show up late to the party than not attend. Writing is a challenge, a craft no one will ever master, and I’ve learned over the years improvement takes focused discipline while progress often comes in small measures.
Your reason might not be to write, but you do have a purpose. Take the time, search within, and figure out why you’re here. Nobody else can do this; it’s a responsibility for you alone.
I had the pleasure in January to meet my favorite author, Brad Meltzer, and spend a few minutes with him after an event in Atlanta promoting his book with Josh Mensch titled The First Conspiracy. Brad knew of my struggle to break into the publishing world and gifted me with a simple phrase consisting of six words. “Don’t let anyone tell you no!” For me, this statement reinforced a long-held belief while at the same time encouraged an internal drive as I achieve my literary goals.
You may not be a writer and breaking into the publishing world is not your reason. That’s ok since Brad’s advice stretches into every aspect of my life and should yours as well. Obstacles and interference are a part of life no matter what path we take, but it’s how we react to challenges that reveal what lies inside. It’s not only outside forces that try to dissuade us from our reason, more often nagging doubts comes from within.
A few pieces of advice as you pursue your reason:
Your reason might not be to write, but you do have a purpose. Take the time, search within, and figure out why you’re here. Nobody else can do this; it’s a responsibility for you alone.
I had the pleasure in January to meet my favorite author, Brad Meltzer, and spend a few minutes with him after an event in Atlanta promoting his book with Josh Mensch titled The First Conspiracy. Brad knew of my struggle to break into the publishing world and gifted me with a simple phrase consisting of six words. “Don’t let anyone tell you no!” For me, this statement reinforced a long-held belief while at the same time encouraged an internal drive as I achieve my literary goals.
You may not be a writer and breaking into the publishing world is not your reason. That’s ok since Brad’s advice stretches into every aspect of my life and should yours as well. Obstacles and interference are a part of life no matter what path we take, but it’s how we react to challenges that reveal what lies inside. It’s not only outside forces that try to dissuade us from our reason, more often nagging doubts comes from within.
A few pieces of advice as you pursue your reason:
- Surround yourself with encouraging people and distance yourself from those who discourage you.
- Nothing in life worth achieving comes without bruises and scrapes. Nothing.
- Follow your heart, not someone else’s. You alone will live with life’s decisions, and on that account, you need to be the one to make those choices.
- Rejection hurts, but success tastes sweeter when failure precedes victory.
- Own your choices and never apologize for doing what you know is right.
- Above all, speak up for yourself. There’s only one voice who can express your reason.
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