Finding My Purpose: A Journey Toward Solitude, Self-Discovery, and Service

Lately, I’ve been feeling an overwhelming desire to unplug from the world—to step away from the noise, the constant interruptions, and just sit in complete solitude. There’s something about silence that reveals truths we often drown out with busyness.

When I first came to the shelter, I was asked a question that, at the time, felt impossible to answer: “What would be your dream job?”

I had no idea.

As much as I’ve always loved hospitality, the reality was hard to ignore—I couldn’t make enough to survive on my own. That truth was difficult to accept. But sometimes, clarity comes in the most unexpected ways. For me, it was the realization that going back to school might be the answer—not just for financial stability but for a sense of purpose.

I’ve always known I wanted to give back, to work with people in meaningful ways. Despite being encouraged to pursue medical coding and billing—a more "practical" choice—I chose to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). I craved that face-to-face connection, the ability to directly help others rather than sit behind a screen.

But here I am, 10 months later, and something inside me is shifting again.

I’m realizing that what I really want—what’s been quietly tugging at my heart all along—is to do charity work. I want to create something bigger than myself. A nonprofit. A space where I can help those who are less fortunate, where I can be a light for someone walking through their darkest days.

I want to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

This isn’t just about finding a job anymore. It’s about finding my purpose. It’s about understanding that sometimes the path isn’t linear. We grow, we change, and what we thought we wanted may evolve into something even greater.

Right now, I’m learning to sit with that realization—to honor it. To give myself the grace to pivot, even when the world expects me to stay the course. Because deep down, I know that living a life of purpose means listening to that quiet voice within, the one that speaks loudest when everything else is still.

Maybe solitude isn’t about escaping the world. Maybe it’s about finding the clarity to return to it—with open hands and a heart ready to serve.