In life, our purpose often hides in our experiences. Our journey to discovering our purpose can feel like a tough ride through the highs and lows of life. But within these ups and downs lies the true discovery of who we are and what drives us. As we navigate through life’s challenges, it’s not just about seeking success; it’s about uncovering the deeper meaning behind every event, every triumph, and every tragedy. And sometimes, like the protection offered by insurance, our purpose is discovered when we reflect on the things we wish we had secured but never thought we needed—until life teaches us otherwise.
Trials and Tribulations
Reflecting on my own journey for purpose, I realize it’s a journey rooted in my upbringing and the trials I faced. Raised in a culture where family ties were strong yet complex, I experienced a moment of displacement that made me question my identity. Returning to my parents after years with my grandparents, I found myself struggling to belong and to be accepted.
Amidst the trials I faced, I adopted a new identity to meet the expectations placed on me. I molded myself into the image of success defined by my mom and dad– an engineer, and a doctor. Yet, despite this achievement, I still felt unsure in life. It’s as if I were living a life without adequate protection—thinking I was covered, yet feeling exposed to a deeper sense of unfulfillment. Much like a life insurance policy, I was ticking off all the boxes of a “successful life,” but the true coverage was missing—the deep fulfillment that comes with living authentically.
Searching for Authenticity
It wasn’t until I embraced my real identity, and the authenticity of my experiences, that I began to find the path to my true purpose. In each triumph and tragedy, I discovered some parts of my true calling that were waiting on me. Throughout the process, it didn’t make sense as to why I experienced the things I did, but in the end, everything connected into one. Finding authenticity in my purpose felt like securing the right kind of coverage: it was the personal insurance policy I needed to weather life’s storms. It wasn’t until I started to genuinely connect with who I was meant to be that I realized all the struggles and challenges along the way were there for a reason—to prepare me for the life I was meant to lead.
The Life Map
I call it the “life map” – a roadmap of our past, the highs and lows that have shaped us into who we are today. By navigating these emotional trials, by healing the wounds that still linger, we unlock the door to our purpose. The moments you experience are pivotal to our personal self-discovery. Once you find that, you must start working on healing those pain points and noticing what brings you joy.
Just like building a solid foundation for insurance, building a life map takes time and careful attention. We have to assess the areas where we are vulnerable, where we need more coverage, and where we feel protected. Our life map isn’t just about the places where we’ve succeeded, but also about the areas where we felt uncertain or exposed. The beauty of this map is that it allows us to see where we’ve grown and where we still need to heal.
The Connection Between Protection and Purpose
In the same way that we safeguard our physical health and assets with insurance, protecting our emotional well-being and our true purpose is just as essential. There are unexpected life events that come up—much like accidents or health crises—that remind us of the importance of being prepared. When we live intentionally and work to understand our deeper purpose, we’re able to better navigate challenges, just as we do when we have the right insurance in place. Knowing our purpose provides clarity and emotional protection, making it easier to overcome obstacles.
As we embark on this journey of self-discovery, we must remember that our purpose extends beyond ourselves, and what we do always impacts someone else’s life. In serving others, and effecting positive change in the world, we fulfill our highest calling – to be doers of compassion. The right protection, whether it’s physical, emotional, or financial, allows us to move forward with the peace of mind that we’re covered—able to give more of ourselves without fear of losing what matters most.
In the end, purpose is about finding what truly aligns with our hearts. But just like a strong insurance policy, it’s also about knowing that, no matter what happens, we’ve taken the necessary steps to protect what we hold dear—our passions, our well-being, and the legacies we hope to leave behind.