Rising to Your Purpose Through the Power of Passion and Possibility
Our purpose can seem elusive and intangible to us, yet many of us are driven to find it, because it brings meaning and definition to our lives. It makes all the struggle, chaos, and confusion worth it in the end, and affirms our value. But the truth is we do not need to focus so intently on finding our reason for being in order to validate our self-worth. We just need to follow our hearts; we are already born worthy.
Our universal purpose lies in being who we sincerely are, in bringing warmth, love, understanding and laughter to others along the way, and in all we bravely seek to create. We can ask ourselves a question, “how many hearts can we raise, uplift, and ignite through the power and attraction of our own?”
Rising to Your Purpose Through the Power of Passion and Possibility
Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.-- Oprah Winfrey (more quotes)
Passion is our inner flame of wanting, craving, and deep yearning. It is an energy of action that lights us up from the inside -- our hearts trying to gain our attention. It needs to be heard and heeded. When we dull the surge of that call, we move further away from what our soul desires. We do not need to explain what we are magnetically drawn to, not to ourselves or others -- we should not attempt to dissect and deflate desire. Instead, we trust the rush of that energy to lead our way forward.
READ: How to Follow Your Heart and Live Your Personal Legend
The journey to our true calling is the journey of our self-discovery -- to our authenticity, innate creativity, and natural talents. When we tap into our inner dynamism and truly master the art of following our heart we begin to view life through a different lens. We disengage with mind clutter, foreboding and fears, and we enter a liberating space where our inner voice speaks to us through coherent and crystal-clear speech. We listen tentatively because we have learned to trust that tug from within.
The call of passion
I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply all my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy.-- Og Mandino
When we are guided by love, curiosity, and enthusiasm we carve a path forward toward the picture of what may be; these are the architects of our dreams. We unlock our potential by pushing back the limits that we set for ourselves. Our purpose may not be something that inspires great and super-quick monetary gain; it is not a dream or vision we sculpt for selfish or egoistic reasons. It is our magnanimous offering to ourselves and the universe; it is embracing our gifts so we can share them with others.
When we are driven by financial gain, we frequently lose. We end up stripping back at our possibilities when they are defined by external measures. However, when we're focused on what we can give rather than receive, we find a new path that aligns with a more wholesome and altruistic way of existing. It is the call of our passion that drives us to climb the highest mountains and reach the tallest heights. It is the call of our passion to meet our supreme cause and to take the risks in order to reap the commendable rewards.
Where your passion meets your talents
The starting point of discovering who you are, your gifts, your talents, your dreams, is being comfortable with yourself. Spend time alone. Write in a journal. Take long walks in the woods.-- Robin S. Sharma
Our deepest purpose is often found where our flares of passion meet our talents. Together they embolden us and stir us into action. When we perplex and bewilder ourselves by trying to find our purpose, we generate more mental disharmony and emotional turmoil. We look at other people and wonder how they are living their dream when we are yet to realize ours. In doing this, we set ourselves adrift from our true centre and lose sight of our own unique path. In simplicity there is a subtle strength: we can refine rather than pollute our minds with tangled thinking.
READ: Why Looking for Your Purpose Is Crushing You (and What to Do About It)
Very often we can fall into our purpose by accident. The push that steers us toward one dream might indirectly lead us to something more meaningful. Or we may find our passion meets our talents in the form of something that we loved to do as a child but as an adult had long since forgotten. Perhaps we accept a job opportunity that at first does not look like it will amount to anything fulfilling, only to find that it is the perfect fit. The possibilities are endless as long as we keep living for them rather than the guarantees. As Rumi said, what we are seeking is often seeking us too.
Exploring our full potential
Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.-- Ashley Smith
We never miss out on anything when we focus on experiencing the full promise and escapades of life. It is an exploration of truth, beauty, pain and sorrow, and all the ephemeral joys that create enduring memories. The gifts we have are open for our discovery when we look within for each spark of passion, and each prospect of chance that finds its way to us.
READ: Finding Your Why: How to Discover Your Professional Purpose
We are strengthened by all we feel makes us weak, and fused together by everything we fear may tear us apart. Our potential is unlimited, boundless, and immense, and only we can accept all it holds.
Keeping our hearts wide open
Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.-- Swami Sivananda
We can find our bliss when we follow our passion and wire ourselves to create. This is how we learn to settle into our skin. We fuel ourselves with the wonder of our full potential and what pumps a wakeful beat to our heart -- this is how we rise to our monumental talents. The journey to our purpose is an adventure through mysterious lands: we may walk toward it with our eyes closed, but always with our hearts wide open.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.