On Purpose

Life is about the everyday encounters with everyday people creating everyday experiences teaching every day lessons.

On a trip to visit my friend in Sacramento, I decided to go out for a run in the neighborhood. While I was getting ready to leave, something prompted me to take some cash with me. I had no logical reason to but I stuffed $15 in my pocket and headed out. About 2 miles into the walk, I came across a homeless woman. She asked, to no one in particular “Excuse me, do you have any spare change?” There was another man in the periphery, so I took this as an excuse to keep going. “She was probably talking to him”, I reassured myself “plus, I need to finish up some work before i catch my flight and what if she wants to chat? I don’t have time to talk.” The fact of the matter is that I got to the airport with plenty of time to spare, I did not use the money I put in my pocket, and I am still thinking about that woman today.

Sometimes our desire to work towards a grand purpose for our lives comes at the expense of acknowledging and devoting time to our smaller purposes. One of my favorite life mantras. is “bloom where you are planted”. This quote is a reminder that I have everything I need to make a difference right where I am. It is also a reminder that the little things count the most. Next time you feel aimless or confused about your life plan, ask yourself “how can I be a blessing to the people, environment and circumstances I am surrounded with TODAY?”