Throughout my PA education, I always knew I wanted to work in addiction medicine which was rooted in personal connections to those who battled with addiction.
After graduating, I struggled to find a position in addiction medicine that was open to new grads. I eventually accepted a job in a different specialty, and although I enjoyed the specialty, I felt in my spirit “This is not it.”
I wasn’t passionate and I didn’t feel a sense of fulfillment. I was just going through the motions. Thankfully, a year and a half later, two relocations, and countless moments of uncertainty, I finally found myself back in the work that feeds my spirit.
Recently, I attended a conference that reminded me why I chose this path. I listened to Dr. Stephen Loyd, the addiction medicine king of Tennessee, speak with such raw passion about his journey and the work he does. I left the conference feeling inspired. Inspired to be a better provider, to be a better person. I felt grateful to have found one of my purposes in life —to help marginalized communities and those who often are forgotten by society.
That experience got me thinking…how does one truly find their purpose in life?
What Is Purpose?
Purpose is the “why” behind what we do. It’s the meaning that threads through our actions, the reason we get out of bed with intention instead of obligation.
For some, purpose is singular; a lifelong pursuit. For others, it’s a collage of smaller callings that evolve as they do. Some people spend their whole lives seeking it and others stumble into it without even trying.
When I think of discovering ones purpose, three words come to mind: insight, passion, and direction.
Insight
Insight is the mirror that reflects who we are. It’s an ongoing process of self-awareness, shaped by our experiences and how we respond to them. Without insight we risk living reactively, actions driven by circumstance rather than intentionality. Purpose requires that we ask hard questions: What truly moves me? What do I value most? What kind of person am I becoming? Understanding ourselves helps us recognize the “why” behind our choices and that understanding is often the first step toward understanding our purpose.
Passion
Passion fuel’s purpose. It’s what keeps us steady when challenges test our commitment. When you’re passionate, you’re willing to show up again and again, not because you have to, but because something within you must. Passion helps you release fear and judgment. You stop living for others’ approval because you’re too busy living in alignment with what’s true for you. But passion without insight can lead us astray. We might chase what excites us in the moment rather than what sustains us long-term.
Direction
Purpose without direction is like a ship without a compass. The ship may move, but it won’t necessarily arrive anywhere meaningful. Direction gives structure to our intentions. It’s the plan, the small daily steps that translate meaning into motion. You can’t fulfill your purpose if you have no idea where you’re going or how to get there. Direction doesn’t have to mean having every detail figured out, it just means you’re willing to take the next best step.
Ultimately…
Insight shows us who we are.
Passion reminds us what we love.
Direction guides us toward how to live it out.
Together, they create a rhythm that leads us closer to our purpose and purpose, in turn, gives life its richness.
Personally, I can’t imagine life without purpose. It is what makes the struggle worthwhile and it doesn’t have to be grand or world-changing. Sometimes, purpose is simply being present for others, creating small pockets of hope and healing wherever we can.
For me, that’s working with those society often overlooks. For someone else, it might be creating art, raising children, or simply spreading kindness in the world.
Have you discovered your purposes?
Stay blessed. Remember, you are loved ❤️