When Your Fear Leads To Your Greatness
I recently visited Lagos, Nigeria. I must admit, I was a little reluctant to go initially…but that was based on fear. I’ve been learning not to let the fear of making something happen, cause me to make nothing happen. So I quickly defeated that giant. However, I totally underestimated the impact of what was suppose to be “a speaking engagement”. I’ve never experienced anything like it. I felt as if my heart met more its purpose.
I’ve never seen poverty on that level. USAF Global Business Development and the USAF Global Foundation afforded me the opportunity to both speak at a Global Leadership Conference and be part of a greater good. Over the course of a week, I was engulfed with the people, the culture, their plight, and most importantly the potential of making a difference. I am now working with them to provide programs and services in the areas of education, social services, and emergency relief.
I’m excited to help, the schools lacked resources like running water and restrooms not to mention books, supplies, or playgrounds. The more I saw, the more I wanted to help. Their faces are forever engrained in my mind. Some smiling, others hurting, many struggling…but living nonetheless.
It was hard to see the children squatting to use the restroom on the side of the school. Or the mother walking miles to sell peanuts, windshield wipers, candy….whatever in order to buy food to feed her family. Then I began to see just how my transition is creating clarity for my path. I love giving…that’s what I love to do. But not just material things, I love giving hope, inspiration, motivation…opportunity.
At my core I’m a giver. Truly, I am. I love to give, it brings me great joy to be a blessing to others. It’s tied to my DNA, it’s how God made me. Okay, so you should know that I am going through a bit of a transition. My transition is good…it’s just different. So everyday I’m learning more about myself, and everyday I’m accepting more about myself. I’m becoming comfortable with who I am. The funny thing is, the more I peel back the layers, the more I understand why my transition is essential.
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall
The point is, everything we do should ultimately align with who we are and our purpose. Life is too short for anything else. Knowing why you were created is the second best feeling in the world next to doing what you were created to do.
Nigeria helped get me closer to fulfilling my purpose. So, will I work to help provide running water in the Lagos government schools, absolutely. Will I continue to encourage moms to be great women and extraordinary moms, you bet. Will I advocate, promote and advance early childhood learning, with all of my heart. But before I can do any of those things, I have to choose to live a life of purpose. That means that I say yes to things that aligns with my beliefs, to uncover my core that I’m always my most authentic self, and be open to the evolution of me. Otherwise, I’m doing what’s best for others and run the risk of not soaring in my own life.
You were created for a purpose….seek it out, it’s in you. Share this, it may help someone make the decision to overcome their fears and pursue their purpose.
[latoyia]
