I will never stop speaking out about what I feel is wrong or right.
I will never stop learning and unlearning and growing.
I will not dampen my voice or shrink my presence or water down my opinions to make anyone else feel better or more comfortable.
And nor should you.
Even if we disagree.
It took me a long time to figure out why I’m here, on Planet Earth, and what I’m doing with my time.
For the longest time, I drifted through my life half-asleep. I bought into the idea that we must follow a set life path and not deviate.
The very idea of deviation conjures images of, well, deviants. People who are wrong. Different. Other.
And so, we toe the line. We don’t want to be shouted at by loud voices who use fear, shame, and humiliation to silence those who disagree with them.
I don’t toe anyone’s line but my own anymore.
My purpose won’t let me.
My purpose is to write. To share my stories and other people’s stories – especially those people whose voices are muffled and marginalised. People who stand up for humanity and thoughtfulness and against oppression and cruelty and blind adherence to a doctrine that makes no sense.
Today, maybe you’d like to read this article by Brené Brown – then watch Chadwick Boseman’s commencement speech on living with purpose.
He said:
“Purpose is an essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history. Your very existence is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfil. Whatever you choose for a career path, remember, the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose.”
We don’t have to believe in gods or spirits or anything in particular to realise the truth of this. I don’t believe in destiny.
I believe we find our purpose through our actions and choices.
And I believe we can find purpose in anything. We don’t have to do massive Earth-shaking deeds to live with purpose.
We do it every single day, in the tiniest actions we take and choices we make.
Whatever you do and whatever your purpose is, live it every day.
Hit the comments or send me an email and tell me what your purpose is.
p.s. my other suggestion: read everything Brené Brown has ever written, then start on her podcast.
Start Writing Your Book Today
If you want to learn more about how to write, self-publish, and market a book for your business, snaffle yourself a copy of How The Hell Do You Write A Book? Then check out the blog and podcast for more articles and guides. If you want a little (or a lot) more help, find out how you can work with me.
About Vicky…
Vicky Fraser is the founder of Moxie Books and author of How The Hell Do You Write A Book and Business For Superheroes. She helps business owners write life-changing books, connect with readers and new customers, and grow their businesses. When she’s not doing that, she’s hanging from a trapeze by her feet.
