Where Does Your Story Begin?

Where does your story begin?

I'm not asking when you were born, but when did you discover yourself?

What moment in your lifetime becomes the beginning of the next chapter? The moment you look at yourself and ask, "Who am I?", "What do I want to be?", "Where do I go from here?". Some moments start with wonderful memories:

• It could be your first day of leaving home and starting college

• The first day of your first career job

• The day you discovered your hobby

• Your first or real relationship

• The birth of your firstborn

• The first day with an empty nest

However, some of those moments can also be sad times:

• The death of a loved one

• A near-death experience

• An accident

• Losing your job of 10+ years

• Dropping out of college

Many events can be the turning point in our lives. What is yours? How did you react when it was happening? Was it an immediate revelation that things were different and going to change, or did it take years to put the pieces together?

My story began when I was 10 years old and fully regained awareness after being in and out of a coma for 4 days. On the 4th day out of my coma, my senses heightened. I watched everyone and everything, as much as I could remember. Unconsciously, I knew what happened and where I was, but consciously, I couldn't recall anything from that moment. I was physically present and knew everyone. However, I couldn't remember anything mentally. I could recall general information from the past but no specific details. Mentally, I was starting over with reality. I was at the mercy of others to fill in the blanks. I was at my mercy, lost in the process of rediscovering myself. Relearning my likes, dislikes, and hobbies and interacting with others helped me to think and defend myself while finding new qualities. I was learning to navigate a world where my mom was no longer present, the one person who knew my strengths and weaknesses. I realized that death was part of life and learned how to navigate through the trials. It all came with its challenges, but it wasn't without resilience.

My story stopped and resumed sixteen years ago today, November 30th, 2008. While I lost my mom to death, I lost myself to life. I only lost 4 days, but it was just enough for me to lose control of my sense of time and purpose. For me, losing my mom was just a part of my journey that only led me to my purpose in this world. I had a second chance at life, physically and mentally. It may be selfish of me, but I was looking for answers to why God spared my life, and I only endured what I did. Today, I am proud to say after all the mental, emotional, and spiritual warfare with myself and my loved ones, I can tell my purpose has become more apparent, and it's revealed to me every day. Unfortunately, it has taken over 10 years to discover. Only through trial and error, prayer, change of perspective, and forgiveness of myself and others have I been able to see more clearly. With each challenge, God has revealed new insights that changed my perspective and taught me more about His ultimate plan. However, God revealed each item at distinct moments, knowing I was ready to receive His insight. It took patience and faith, but I was open to receiving.

I don't know what you are struggling with or what life's journey has taken you on, whether negative or positive. Where does your story begin? What has been the turning point in your story that made you discover or feel a sense of purpose? If you haven't found your purpose yet, be patient and forgive yourself for not knowing it. Embrace new possibilities, even those that seem unfamiliar or unlikely. Don't sit there whining about what could have been; start pushing forward. The road ahead is not easy, nor is it for the weak. I firmly believe that we are strong enough to make it to the other side in everything we go through. We aren't given more than we can bear. Whatever is for you will find you, but you must make yourself present to receive. I strongly feel nothing will be in vain. "Your temporary pain can lead to an everlasting gain: your purpose."