Discovering and Embracing What Makes You Uniquely You?

We’ve all been there. You wake up one day and wonder, “What am I even doing here?”

It feels like everyone else has their life together, while you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere with no roadmap in sight. Guess what? You’re not alone. Figuring out your purpose can feel like a mystery, but you can start with discovering and embracing what makes you-you, and it doesn't have to be all serious and heavy. In fact, it can be pretty fun if you approach it with curiosity and a little creativity! 

Here are some playful yet meaningful ways to explore your passions and start uncovering what really lights you up so you can live your life according to your unique purpose and make the world around you a better place. Let's make it an adventure!

1. Create a Passion Scrapbook (Yes, Like You Did in Middle School!)

You remember scrapbooks, right? You’d cut out pictures of your favorite celebrities, quotes, and random things that made you happy. Well, why not make a “Passion Scrapbook” for your life?

Start by collecting things that you feel drawn to. It could be photos, magazine clippings, song lyrics, or even notes from your friends. Anything that makes you go, "Oh, I love that!" belongs in this book. Pay attention to what themes pop up. Do you have lots of travel photos? Maybe exploring the world is your thing. Are you hoarding quotes about kindness? Maybe your purpose is to help others.

This creative process is not about perfection; it’s about capturing what excites you. Once your scrapbook starts coming together, you might see patterns - clues to what truly matters to you.

2. Start a Gratitude Journal, Even on Bad Days

Purpose doesn’t always show up in neon lights. Sometimes, it’s found in the little things we overlook. Keeping a gratitude journal is one way to connect with what's important to you. The trick? Don’t just write about the big things. Sure, you're grateful for your health, friends, and family, but also think about that random sunset you saw or the hilarious meme your friend sent you.

Take five minutes each day to jot down what made you smile or feel good. Over time, you’ll start to notice trends in what you appreciate, and these tiny pieces can point you toward your purpose.

3. Host a "What If?" Party (Yes, Even if It's Just You)

Have you ever sat around with friends just talking about the wildest ideas? What if we lived on Mars? What if we could teleport? What if you could have any job in the world, no questions asked?

Well, why not host a solo “What If?” party where you throw out any and all ideas about what you could do with your life? Write them down—no matter how ridiculous they seem. What if you became a surfer? Or started your own bakery? What if you combined your love of animals and photography? 

You don’t need to act on every idea, but letting your imagination run wild can help break down the barriers you’ve put around yourself. Maybe the purpose you’re seeking isn’t something traditional but a blend of your quirky and unique passions.

4. Embrace Your Inner Child: Try Creative Play!

When was the last time you created something just for fun? Not for school, not for work - just because you wanted to? Tapping into creativity can open new doors to your purpose. Whether it’s doodling, writing silly poems, or even building something out of Legos, creative play helps unlock parts of yourself that might be hidden. The goal isn’t to create a masterpiece, it’s to rediscover the joy of creating without pressure.

Try scheduling a “creative play date” with yourself. Pull out some art supplies, write a mini story, or design your dream room with zero limits. Your imagination is often a powerful compass for discovering what you love.

5. Volunteer (Even If It’s Just Once)

Sometimes the best way to discover what you care about is by helping others. If you're feeling stuck, try volunteering for a cause that tugs at your heart. It could be at an animal shelter, a local food bank, or a youth center. You might not feel an instant “aha!” moment, but being in an environment where you’re giving back can bring out parts of yourself you didn’t realize were important.

It’s a win-win. You’re doing something good for the world, and in return, you might just stumble upon your purpose.

6. Create a "Purpose Playlist"

Who says music can’t be part of the process? Create a playlist that reflects how you want to feel. What songs make you feel alive? Empowered? Hopeful? Find music that resonates with the energy you want more of in your life. Maybe it's all about chasing dreams, or perhaps it’s about slowing down and appreciating the moment. Either way, listening to these songs will remind you of the kind of life you want to live and help you immediately be transported to your ‘happy state.’

7. Talk to Your Younger Self

Grab a piece of paper and write a letter to your younger self. Think back to when you were a kid. What did you love to do? What made you excited? When we grow up, we sometimes push aside those childhood dreams in favor of being “realistic.” But maybe your younger self was onto something.

Ask yourself: What would little _____ [Your Name] think of the life you’re living right now? What advice would they give you? What would they like to be doing?

Sometimes, reconnecting with who you were before the world told you who you should be can help you find your way back to what truly matters.

8. Remember You Were Created on Purpose

If it resonates with you, consider the idea that you were created on purpose for a purpose. You might even find great comfort in the belief that your life is part of a bigger plan, and that God has a unique role for you to play. If that speaks to you, exploring ways to connect with God - whether through prayer, reading spiritual texts, or simply being open to divine guidance - can be a meaningful way to discover your path.

9. Be OK with Not Knowing

This might be the hardest, but also the most important tip: it’s ok not to have all the answers right now. Purpose isn’t always something you find overnight - it’s something you create and shape over time. It’s okay to feel lost. In fact, being lost is often where the best adventures begin.

So, take a deep breath, have fun with the process, and remember that your purpose is not some distant destination. It's the little things you do every day that bring joy and meaning to your life.

And remember, life is like a giant scrapbook - piece by piece, you’ll figure it out.