It took me a number of years to figure out what mine was! Through plenty of trail and error, I finally discovered my purpose; being of service to others! For me, it is through small deeds, offerings, education and presence. It fills up my cup and rejuvenates my soul. However, this journey was definitely not an easy one for me.

For many years, I found myself trying my hand at various things but I just felt I didn't quite "fit in". Until finally, I liberated myself from social expectations; who I should be, what I should do, when I should do it at, where and how! I've always been the "outcast" from a crowd; a leader in many ways but definitely not a follower. Therefore, I just accepted that I was somewhat "different" and tried not to betray my authentic self for social conformity, and then, my true calling just stepped foreword!

When you find your life purpose, you find joy, fulfillment and meaning. It seems like a worthy process, right?? Sure does, but hey Alex, how can you find your life purpose and change your experience of life you may ask?

Now, in order to find our life purpose, we will say what Aristotle said about human life is true;

Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence

And now, we need to derive our purpose on the basis of this aphorism. Before looking at ways to find purpose, let us define the meaning of purpose. What does purpose in life mean?

Purpose of life means an

Underlying reason why you do anything

that you do. It is at the core of happiness and fulfillment.

So, what are the few things you can do to find purpose, passion and meaning in life, and ultimately recognize your life's purpose?

1. Take steps to improve your level of self-awareness

You cannot find your purpose unless you live a conscious life. A conscious life is a self-aware life.

If you do not make the effort to understand yourself; your strengths, your weaknesses, what turns you on fire, what puts you off, then life will move from one station to another and you wouldn’t know why you are making those decisions. So, conscious self-awareness in getting to know yourself first is a key factor and a priority before any additional steps.

2. What does personal purpose mean to you?

Sit with this thought for some time, journal about it to help you find out what this word really means to you. Reflect upon your main core values and beliefs, they will form the backbone to your purpose and intentions in life. What does it mean to you to have intention in your life? And when you do find out what that is, how can you access it?

3. Reflect upon the past without judgment and bring forth acceptance

Study your life as an outsider from a third party's point of you. What has your life been like so far?

What are your experiences? Any lessons learnt? Any particular events that come to mind? Any traumas, pain, hurt, etc? Any positive moments you can reflect on? Take your time working through this space, acknowledging the past moments.

4. Find your motivations, goals, dreams & desires

Just like understanding your intentions and purpose, in order to find the inner motivation to proceed in action, you must look within - study yourself; what are your goals in life? Do you have any dreams and aspirations? How about your desires, needs, wants; are they being met? Once you do that, you can better understand what motivates you!

And through that motivation you can take the final step of action.

5. Build an action plan

Without an action plan there is no moving foreword in life. Once you are clear on your prioties you can create a tangible plan that works best for you to work through those intentions and achieve your purposeful goals in life!!

So, now it is time for you to go out and put all of this to practice!!! You've got this Sis, I believe in you!!!