A Millennial’s Journey to a Purposeful Life.
I have always carried an independent and individualistic mindset. I grew up understanding that if there was something in life that you wanted that you had to work to make it happen. Over the years I have applied the same approach to my happiness, wellness and health and have constantly analyzed how I can live in a way that makes me feel most complete.
When I first began sharing my story I was in a dark place in life, I was 18 years old, and I had recently left a cult-like religious organization losing in the process life-long friends, mentors, and my two older sisters. I made this decision based on a deeply rooted value I have now come to fully embrace, which is freedom. I felt that I lacked the freedom to choose what I would become and what I would make out of my life, and this was a conflict that I couldn’t shake or move past no matter how hard I tried to. Therefore, at 18 years old I left my home and community and began a life-long journey into discovering what made me feel most complete and fulfilled.
8 years have passed since that time and through the years I have learned quite a few things about myself, other people and the influences that move us into making the decisions that slowly shape our lives. I have discovered how important those decisions are and how hard it can be to choose the ones that guide you towards a life that is more fulfilling and purposeful.
The reason, I discovered, is because making the “right” decision isn’t sexy, it isn’t straightforward and at the beginning it doesn’t even feel like the right decision. Making changes in your life towards purpose is scary, uncomfortable, anxiety-driven, and honestly, very discouraging. The only thing that will beat out these negative emotions and keep you from abandoning your plans is a fierce determination and persistent passion in what you are working towards.
Last year I made a big decision, one that I felt was right for me and something that I could see myself dedicating the rest of my life to. I decided to change my career and fully commit myself to the work on mental health and wellness by pursuing a doctorate degree. Mental stamina and well-being have been a focus of mine for years and it has greatly impacted the quality of my life, and I desire to help others through my research, passion, and experience.
I would be lying if I told you I knew what I am getting my doctorate in, that is still something that I am debating, but of course it will serve the goal of contributing to the mental health field specifically in the research of mental resilience, which is a topic I am very passionate about. This decision has come with its share of challenges since for academic purposes I am looking at 9–10 more years of school and this begins to clash with other expected goals for women, namely, getting married, settling down and starting a family.
Although it isn’t something that I have to face just yet, these are life choices that I know are hard for many women who may want to change careers in their life but must balance their desires for a family with personal financial or academic goals, areas in life that are constantly clashing in some way. Another challenge I experience are the constant thoughts of imposter syndrome that tell me that this isn’t a goal meant for me. As a first generation American raised by a single mother with my two sisters, higher education was never an expectation, nor was it a possibility. It wasn’t until my mid 20’s that I decided that I could rewrite that narrative and create the opportunities that I would have wanted to have as a young adult.
Although many others my age are turning the next chapter in their life by buying houses, getting engaged and doing all those other “adulting” activities, I feel like I am starting all over again in a way and pushing all those other plans off until my first goals are achieved.
Like in true Laurie-fashion, once I decide to pursue a goal and prioritize it- I go all in, despite the sacrifices. Not to say that risks and sacrifices of goal pursuit shouldn’t be considered and calculated, but I do believe that we all get to choose what type of life we will live, and the rest of our efforts should go into making that vision possible. Some people strive to be parents, some strive to be successful financially and others just want to make a difference. I admire those that have clearly in sight what makes them feel most complete and pursue just that.
Personally, I am working hard to contribute to society in a meaningful way that is bigger than me, and this is something that holds priority. I understand how hard it is to live a life chasing purpose and fulfillment, but I also understand how rewarding it can be. The decisions I have made in my life have led me to where I am today and although I am grateful for everything I have, I am even more grateful to have the opportunity to dream. And that is something that I want for everyone who comes across my work; the opportunity to dream of a better life and future, because once you are able to envision possibilities, you will be inspired to work towards them.
My goal with my writing is to inspire others to create the life that they desire to live as well as provide an optimistic and unique perspective on life and life challenges, a perspective that has led me through some of my toughest moments in life and continues to allow me to prosper. In addition, I will share my journey and research in the work of mental health, personal resilience, and overall well-being to help those looking for practical and meaningful ways to improve their life.
I hope my writing can be a useful resource for those seeking a happier and healthier life.
If you would like to read more of my research and personal journey, please subscribe! If you would like to reach out to me personally, my page on Insta is @iamlauriejimenez.
