Now
What???
As a single woman and mother of young adults, who have begun
to live a life independent of their mom, I’ve asked myself many times, now
what? Now what do I do with myself and all this alone time I have? How do I
begin to fill in the pockets of time when I find myself sitting in a quiet
house with no one to talk to? How do I utilize the gifts God has given me to
allow my experiences, good and bad, to be used to help and encourage others?
Over the past nine years I have experienced a tremendous
amount of growth. I attribute this growth first and foremost to my heavenly
Father and second, to my education. If it were not for God giving me the
strength and desire to continue my education I would have never gone back to
school; where I not only gained knowledge but also self-esteem and confidence. It
was through this new found confidence that I found my place and my purpose. As
women we tend to lose our identity at times because we consume ourselves with
our families and their need for us. When our kids grow up and no longer need us
as much we become depressed and feel empty inside. We haven’t the slightest
clue of who we are or what we enjoy as individuals. Some might call this a “mid-life
crises”. I call it an opportunity for “self-discovery”. If you’re reading this
you’re probably wondering “OK, how do I begin this journey of self-discovery?”
Well, that depends on you. My journey may look a lot different than your
journey. Mine started on a path of education through one little success at a
time. Then it grew into a mentor-ship through my job that allowed me to use my
own personal experiences to help and guide others on their path.
Not every person’s path of self-discovery will be the
same. If you are ready to discover who you are, what your purpose is in life
and what your talents are then I encourage you to go to the source, God. Begin
by praying and asking God to show you your God given gifts and abilities, to
show you your purpose in life and I promise He will begin to reveal Himself in
you. Yes, I said that right, in you not too you! The next thing I encourage you
to do is begin to take an inventory of the things you are passionate about. Are
you passionate about helping others? Do you find joy in organizing events? Are
you talented artistically? Most often, what we are passionate about is where we
will find fulfillment. Once you have discovered your gifts and passions begin
to explore ways you can use them. You will find that you are now becoming who
God intended you to be, using the gifts He gave you to do what He called you to
do.
Should you decide to go on a journey of “self-discovery”
I would love to hear how you plan to embark in answering your own “Now what?" or where your “Now what?” has led you. If you have come to the end of the journey in discovering your "Now what?", please share so that others are encourage to start their journey.
~A Self-Discovered Diva~
