Discovering Your True Purpose
A Journey of Empowerment and Self-Acceptance
Navigating the journey toward discovering your true purpose can be overwhelming, especially when doubts about your current situation arise. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, these doubts can be compounded by societal pressures and the challenge of living authentically in a world that doesn’t always embrace diversity. It’s easy to get caught up in fears about what could go wrong—whether you feel you’re too old, too broke, or too entrenched in your current path. However, finding your purpose and aligning your life with it requires a willingness to see things from new perspectives and embrace the bold changes that may follow.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to maintain your momentum as you embark on a path of self-discovery and growth. By examining how others have reinvented themselves and applying practical strategies to broaden your perspective, you can gain the insight needed to move forward with confidence. Remember, your unique voice and experiences are invaluable contributions to the world, and embracing them fully is a powerful act of resistance and self-love.
Find Your Spark
What makes you come alive?
There isn’t a single path to discovering your life’s purpose, but there are countless ways to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and what you can contribute to the world. For those of us in the LGBTQ+ community, finding what truly inspires us is not just about personal fulfillment—it’s also about honoring our identities and the journeys that have shaped us.
So, what are the topics and subjects that you could discuss endlessly? What ignites that fire within you? What will propel you to new heights, into something greater than you are now?
This doesn’t mean you need to declare today that you’ll be the next trailblazer in your field. Instead, it’s about beginning to connect with a cause that’s bigger than yourself but still aligned with what you care about. Remember, your passion is a reflection of your truth, and living authentically in your truth is a powerful way to inspire others.
“They who have a why can endure any how.” — Friedrich Nietzsche
Listen to Your Body
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Pay attention to what your body is telling you.
When you’re in your element, you not only become more productive but also bring greater value to your environment and the projects you’re working on. How do you know if you’re in your element? You’ll recognize it by a spark of excitement within you—you might find yourself sitting up straighter or even leaning forward in your seat.
This feeling might arise during an engaging conversation, while listening to a captivating podcast, or when you’re deeply engrossed in a topic that fascinates you. This sense of excitement likely happens more often than you realize, and it’s important to take notice when it does!
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, it’s vital to recognize and celebrate these moments of excitement as expressions of your true self. If you’re struggling to recall the last time you felt truly “alive,” try exposing yourself to more content that reflects and celebrates LGBTQ+ experiences. Whether it’s queer literature, film, music, or art, surrounding yourself with affirming and inclusive media can help reignite your passion and pride.
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive, then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” — Howard Thurman
Embrace Your Strengths
What can you do that others struggle with?
Can you recall a time when someone was struggling with something and asked for your help, and you quickly figured it out? Perhaps it was assembling furniture, finding the perfect outfit, or editing a piece of writing.
We all possess unique talents that make us stand out—each of us is gifted with different strengths. These strengths often include resilience, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex social landscapes. The challenge often lies in identifying what those strengths are and recognizing how they can be used to uplift both yourself and others.
Take a moment to think about what you’ve always been naturally good at or something you find easy that others might struggle with. Are you naturally creative, with a knack for coming up with out-of-the-box solutions? Maybe you’re a natural rebel, skilled at spotting flaws in the status quo. Perhaps you enjoy diving into details, excelling at tasks others might find tedious. Or maybe you’re a big-picture thinker, comfortable with visionary ideas that others avoid.
Remember, embracing your strengths isn’t just about personal success—it’s about contributing to a community that thrives on diversity and inclusion. By owning your strengths, you empower others in your community to do the same.
“Build upon your strengths, and your weaknesses will gradually take care of themselves.” — Joyce C. Lock
Seek True Fulfillment
What fills your cup?
There are often things you’re good at but don’t enjoy doing. If you find yourself completing tasks but dreading the work, it may be time for a change.
Once you’ve identified your strengths and how you can add the most value through them, you can start focusing on opportunities, roles, and paths that bring you the greatest sense of fulfillment. For those in the LGBTQ+ community, this might mean seeking out roles that allow you to be your authentic self and contribute to causes that matter deeply to you.
If you reframe the idea of adding value as solving problems, you can better determine where your unique skills are most effective. What types of problems do you excel at solving? What issues ignite your passion?
The best way to contribute to the world is by doing something that makes you feel good. And for many in our community, feeling good also means creating spaces where others can feel safe, seen, and celebrated.
“If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right to your purpose.” — Bishop T.D. Jakes
Take a Stand
How will you measure your life?
People who don’t stand for something are more likely to fall for anything. Deciding how to measure your life’s successes involves taking a stand for a set of values and purpose, then living your life in alignment with them. For the LGBTQ+ community, standing up for your values might include advocating for equal rights, supporting queer youth, or simply living openly and authentically in a world that sometimes asks us to hide.
Living with purpose means focusing on what matters most. Pursuing your biggest dreams and goals can feel challenging, especially when obligations seem to get in the way. However, you can start moving toward where you want to be by changing how you think about the work you’re doing now.
Consider how your current experiences can serve as a stepping stone for your next move. Reflect on the meaning you can derive from your daily activities to help shape your next step toward growth. Regardless of your job, you can find meaning in it and discover your greater purpose by focusing on how you approach what you do.
“Great minds have purposes; others have wishes.” — Washington Irving
Letting Go
Sometimes you just have to walk away.
As you carve out a new path for yourself, you’ll find that growth naturally brings change. You’ll start shedding old habits, and sometimes that means leaving toxic people behind as well.
As you move away from a life that holds you back, change becomes inevitable. When you encounter people who can’t or won’t evolve with you, it’s time to let go and move forward without them. This is an act of self-love and protection, and it’s a critical step toward living a life that aligns with your true self.
This mindset of saying “okay then” and moving on can also apply to negative feedback and critics who may voice their disapproval of your work or identity. Remember, if you’re passionate and your work fills you with purpose, you must keep forging ahead.
“One of the most courageous decisions you’ll ever make is to finally let go of what is hurting your heart and soul.” — Brigitte Nicole
It’s Never Too Late
There are a million reasons to say no and give up.
When thinking about the future, it’s easy to get bogged down by thoughts of what could go wrong or reasons not to move forward. You might think you’re too old, too broke, or too far along the path you’re already on, and wonder where to even begin. These doubts have likely crossed your mind.
However, there’s a powerful reason to take the leap and dive into the unknown: Nothing feels as rewarding as becoming who you were meant to be. And for many people, this journey is about more than just personal fulfillment—it’s about reclaiming the right to live your truth, free from societal constraints.
“It is not death that a person should fear, but they should fear never beginning to live.” — Marcus Aurelius
Finding Your Footing
Five small steps for when you’re feeling like you’ve lost perspective.
You’ve already shown that you’re ready for change, but how do you keep that momentum going? These next five "assignments" will help you step back and broaden your perspective to better understand where you might fit in.
1. Look at old things in new ways: When we focus on the same problem for too long, we can lose the ability to solve it. Choose an object in the room and spend three minutes brainstorming different ways to
use or present it.
2. Play reporter: Find someone who does something you don’t quite understand. Spend time talking to them about what they do—ask questions and discover what they love about it.
3. Tell a story: When you’re stuck on a problem, tell your story out loud to a friend, then ask them to describe the situation back to you. Hearing it from another perspective might reveal new possibilities.
4. What would ____ do?: Think of someone you respect and consider how they would approach the problem or situation you’re facing. This could be an artist you admire, an athlete, or even a mentor who has supported you in your journey.
5. What if you could?: Finish this sentence: “I can’t ______.” Now, cross out “can’t” and imagine you can. How would your life change if you could do that thing? Try living as if you could achieve it, even if just for a day.
“The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.” — Oprah Winfrey
As you take these steps toward change, remember that embracing new viewpoints and experimenting with different approaches will help you uncover where you truly fit in. By continuously challenging yourself to see beyond the familiar and embracing the possibility of transformation, you’ll find that nothing compares to the fulfillment of becoming who you’re truly meant to be.
Each step forward is a victory, a reclamation of your right to exist authentically. Stay focused on what ignites your passion, and keep forging ahead—your journey is worth every step.
If you're not feeling your best, we are here to support you at Rooted in Sound. Let’s connect and explore how we can collaborate on a plan to help you feel better. Your well-being is important, and together, we can work towards finding strategies and solutions that align with your needs, goals, and true identity.