"Just Around The Corner"

“Are you sure you know where you’re going?” I asked as my sister made a series of unfamiliar turns. We were headed to a park I could have sworn I knew how to get to. The route she took didn’t seem or feel quite right to me but as a passenger I attempted to stay in my lane. Sensing my anxiousness she smiled and assured me we’d be there in no time. A few minutes went by and we were still in a strange part of town. I then urged her to turn around. “We can’t possibly be headed in the right direction. I’ve been to this park before and it ain’t near here.” I advised with frustration. My sister didn’t say a word. She offered only a confident smile as if she knew something I didn’t know. Low and behold right around the corner the park came into view. She just shook her head and I stared ahead in disbelief. There are many times in our lives where we’ll feel like turning around, changing directions or worse giving up completely. This seems to happen right after we’ve come so far but frustration sets in and begins clouds our vision. Many have thrown it all way when they were just around the corner from the manifestation of their dreams and desires. 

 "But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward." Dr. Martin Luther king Jr. inspired us all when he uttered those words many years ago. His words of wisdom still ring true today. Giving up just cannot be an option. There may be times perhaps when we will have to re-calibrate, adjust or make changes but giving entirely can never be apart of the plan. To live how others can't will require us to do what other won't. The world around you is full of people who have given up on themselves and they'll encourage you to do the same. You must not fall into the trap. The life you've always wanted to live will require you press through the difficult and uncertain times. The days of starting things and never finishing must become a thing of the past if you plan to make it to the promised land of dream fulfillment. Imagine how you'll feel when you see your goals, ideas and aspirations come to pass. Just think about it for a moment. Close your eyes and visualize what it will feel like to have finally done it. It feels good doesn't it? 

You have to believe in yourself. You have to trust the process within your life. You won't always know exactly what to do or how to do it but that is never an excuse to stop trying to figure out the way. Everyday must be dedicated to learning and growing. I like many of you, is still charting my own course. Everyday I make a little progress here and a little progress there. Small steps each day lead to dream fulfillment. Rarely do monumental things happen overnight. Keep your eyes looking forward and believe with everything within you. There will be a day when everything you ever wanted will be right before you. Until then, you're just around the corner. 

“Stumbling Through The Dark”

 "Ouch", I said as I hobbled further into the darkness. I stubbed my foot yet again while looking for something I misplaced. As the pain subsided I laughed at myself for the obvious realization that I was not blessed with night vision no matter how I seemed to carelessly believe otherwise. Besides, it probably would have made better sense to just turn the hallway light on so I could actually see what I was doing. Silly me. No, foolish me rather. How should I have been able to see if I could not adequately see what I was doing?  It's a lesson that many of us have painfully learned at some point or another. Life in a lot of ways mirrors this illustration. Walking through life without a clear sense of direction can leave you feeling lost, vulnerable and most of all, unfulfilled.

Each day reintroduces new uncharted territory as we attempt to make sense of our time here on earth. Why am I here? What am I good at? How will my life affect the next man or woman for the greater good? These are all questions that man has tried to answer for centuries. The great quest for meaning and purpose, I like to call it. A life void of meaning is like walking aimlessly through the dark feeling around in search of something to hold on too. Discovering what makes you tick and how you want to impact world is truly what creates a life of meaning. A life of purpose is quite frankly a life well lived.

I stumbled through the dark for many years. It's an unavoidable part of the process, unless you were born knowing exactly what you were supposed to do in life. Every month I had a new idea and new dream that ultimately fell flat. I found myself standing yet again on the outside of my dreams looking in. It was hard. Trying to find your purpose can feel like searching for a dime in a sea of nickels. Every single one of us has a gift that is meant to help others but the challenge is finding what it is and how to use it. 

We were sent to this planet with a host of special traits, talents and opportunities to make the world a better place. I'll be honest, it isn't always easy because of everything that is required of us on a daily basis. We have jobs, friends and family obligations. Someone of us pack our lives to the point where things are busting at the seams. Finding time to eat becomes a quest in and of it self. Slow down and take a step back. Take time to clear your mind. That’s when the magic happens.

Our purpose could be standing right in front of us and we wouldn't even know. That's why slowing down is such an integral part of the journey.  For me, writing was that thing that hovered in front me for many years. It was always something I loved to do but it never occurred to me that it would be something that would give my life meaning. Once I grabbed hold of that, my life hasn’t been the same since. Living your truth and operating in your purpose changes the way you view the world.

The discovery process can seem like an endless cycle especially with all the distractions floating around. Everyday the news is filled with so many scandals, tragedies, corruption and other distracting events. We owe it to ourselves to live as courageously and as fulfilled as we possibly can. Embrace the journey. Take some time out today to take an inventory of how you have been spending your time recently. Think of what gets you excited. Think of what makes you feel like you’re at your best. That should give you an idea of where to begin your search. Many people say life is short but I dare to believe the good Lord gives us just the right amount of days to impact the world in an epic way. I encourage you today to live audaciously, love others and find that thing that fills you to the core. Living your best life requires that. If you do that, you'll change your world and the world around you forever.