You have a fire within you.

Will it burn you…

… or will it fuel you?

“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” – Oprah Winfrey

I spent years lost in myself – I didn’t know who I was or where I was meant to end up. It ate away at me – and every time I would head in a new direction, I would hear a little voice in my head saying: “Do more. Be more.”

Although I felt that I was chasing the most “more” I could think of, the voice inside my head never silenced. Until I finally found the most me.

I still remember how I felt before I got here – for lack of better words, I felt unfinished.

Some people are lucky – they know exactly what they want to be when they grow up from the time they are young. Some of us need a little time for self-discovery.

So, if you’re in the midst of learning your purpose in life, here are some things you can do:

Volunteer

When you take away any potential of earning ability, you can really see what you gravitate toward.

By volunteering, you can (completely selflessly) choose a cause that speaks to you. When you think about volunteering, where do you think about spending your free time? An animal shelter? A hospital? A recycling plant? An activist group? Big Brothers, Big Sisters?

Where do you want to make a change in the world?

I like to think that we all have the drive to do something that has the opportunity to change a little corner of the world.

What foundation, organization, or cause, is enough to get you out of bed in the morning?

Look At Your Hobbies

After a long day at school or your 9-5, what do you plan on doing?

Some people want to read, and some want to socialize. You’ll find some people at the gym lifting weights, and others with an easel and paintbrush.

How do you unwind?

By knowing how to really find what you’re interested in, you can follow your passion.

Listen To Yourself Talk

The way you express yourself, and the direction that you drive traffic can be a signal for your passion.

You might find yourself getting intense with specific topics. Keep an eye on the conversations that fuel you and how you handle yourself when it comes up.

When you’re talking to someone you trust, and you’re comfortable putting your walls down, you may find out more about yourself.

“Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman

What Do You Read or Watch?

What genres do you like? What storylines do you appreciate the best? What kind of books do you gravitate to in a bookstore? What TV shows or movies do you have most frequently saved on your PVR?

Ask Yourself What You’re Afraid Of

It’s in my experience that – more often than not – you’ll know exactly what you’re passionate about. You’ll know what makes you tick deep down.

However, it’s more probable that you’re too afraid to reach for it.

Chasing something that you truly love can be terrifying – and many people may find they let their fear get in the way of something they genuinely care about.

Paving the step stones to your life can be scary, messy, and painful – but when you’re finished, you’ll be happy you took the first step.

“When your passion and purpose are greater than your fears and excuses, you will find a way.” – Nishan Panwar

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Self-discovery is one of the best trips you can take. Just remember that it isn’t a sprint. It can take years to get to know yourself – so enjoy the uphill battle and be aware of yourself.

“It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.” – Mae Jemison

Written by Celina Dawdy