What Am I Good At?

Whenever I move somewhere new, I make it a point to find

a coffee place that acts as a constant in my life. This always helps me to feel a sense of belonging, no matter how short or long I've lived there.

In Jacksonville Beach, the place is called Southern Grounds. They've got great food, strong coffee, and occasional live music in their outside courtyard- seriously, what more can you ask for?

Now that I have a little too much free time on my hands, I find myself here a lot. I'll walk in, wave hi to the servers who definitely think I look familiar but probably don't know my name, order my drip coffee (because it's the cheapest drink on the menu), and then find a seat by the window. I used to spend my time here lesson-planning and grading papers, but that turned into calling places to host fundraisers for my internship and applying to serving positions at local restaurants.

Earlier last week, I spent the entire time researching what I wanted to do with my life. I sat there thinking, "What am I good at?", hoping that would get me to an answer.

But then it hit me. I've been told I am good at working with kids, creating fun lesson plans, discussing books, collaborating... and that led me right down the path to teaching. I am not at all saying that I will never teach again. I'm trying to drive home the point that being GOOD at something versus being PASSIONATE about something leads to such different results.

So I changed the question I was asking myself to, "What am I passionate about?". The fact that I found this question so challenging to answer completely showed me I had been on the wrong path.

After a few cups of coffee and a sore brain, here's what I found: I am passionate about forming connections. I am passionate about making others feel good. I am passionate about organizing people & events. I am passionate about exploring new places. I am passionate about my faith. I am passionate about making a difference.

I'm not the life of the party, but I enjoy meeting people.

I'm not a saint, but I try to show kindness.

I'm not the slightest bit organized, but I have creative ideas.

etc. etc. etc.

Being GOOD at something vs. being PASSIONATE about something... totally different.

"If you can't figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose"- Bishop T.D. Jakes

Now that I've taken some action to figure out what I care most deeply about, I feel more confident that I will find something I love to do. I still have NO idea what my purpose is yet, but at least I am one more step in the right direction.

I'll leave you with one last piece of (biased) advice:

I believe that passions can change. Passion leads people to stay in the same job for 40 years or switch jobs every 1 (or in my case, 5 months). As long as you feel that what you are doing is worth your time, I don't see how you won't always be good at it.