Good day, Ladies of Hive!
Have you ever sat down and asked yourself, “What am I really doing here? What is my purpose in life?”
I have asked myself these questions many times, especially as I got closer to my 30s.
The other day, I was scrolling through Facebook when I came across a video of a woman helping people deal with past trauma. She was doing her work with so much passion, and I remember thinking to myself, “This must be her calling.”
Then I started thinking about myself. What is my own calling? What am I meant to do that will make a difference in other people's lives, especially the next generation?
You see, when I talk about purpose, I don't mean just getting a job or making money. Of course, we all need money to survive, and there is nothing wrong with earning from what you love to do. But I believe there is something more to it. I mean doing something that helps others and leaves a positive mark on their lives.
Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a freelancer. I wanted to work from home, offer my services to different people, and earn a living doing what I enjoyed. But life didn't go exactly as I planned.
During my first pregnancy, I was still young and had a lot to learn about relationships and life in general. I gradually lost sight of that dream as I focused on what was happening around me.
Looking back now, I realise that life has taken me through different experiences, some of which I never planned for.
Let me take you back to my NYSC days. I was posted to a medical centre called Kedi Health, where I worked under the HIV/AIDS department as a counsellor, tester, and distributor.
At the time, I was simply doing my job. I didn't know that one day I would look back at these experiences and start asking myself what they meant for my life.
I remember a woman who was living with HIV and had thought about taking her own life. She didn't want her family to find out about her condition, but eventually, they did. Instead of pushing her away, they drew her closer and supported her. Today, she is working and doing well.
Whenever I remember her story, I realise that sometimes, just being there for someone can make a big difference in their life.
So, where am I with my dreams today?
Looking back, I am glad I went through the things I did. Those experiences have taught me a lot and helped me grow as a woman. I have come to understand that discovering my calling is not something that happens overnight. Sometimes, it takes going through different experiences before you begin to understand what you really want from life.
One thing life has taught me is that if I want to make my dreams come true, I have to step out of my comfort zone and face reality. I cannot keep waiting for someone to come and make things happen for me. I have to take the first step myself.
When I was younger, I was a very shy person. I often wondered how I would be able to put myself out there and work with people online. But as I started stepping out of my comfort zone, I realised that many people were just like me. They were also trying to find their feet, earn a living, and build their dreams of working online.
Today, I am learning skills in scriptwriting, video editing, and YouTube monetisation and I work as a part time counselling staff. I am still figuring things out, but I am happy that I have started taking steps towards the dream I once had.
I may not have discovered my full purpose yet, but I am beginning to understand that the experiences I have had, the things I have learnt, and even the challenges I have faced are all part of my journey.
Thank you, Ladies of Hive, for reading my story.