You might think that given all the content I produce, both for myself and for my clients, that I’ve somehow graduated from the chaos of the creative process. That I’ve transcended the doubt and disarray. That I sit down to write and something clear, potent, and original filters through my fingertips like magic. But you would be wrong.

Inside me there are at least two voices—no doubt more, but let’s start there. One is loud, sharp, and extremely opinionated. She’d make a great lawyer—fast, ruthless, never unsure of herself. That’s my ego. The other is strange and ephemeral. It floats somewhere around my mind, occasionally landing right between my eyes like a nagging thought. It doesn’t tell me what to do. It just gestures quietly, like: That way. That’s the voice of my gifts.

We’re all born with a blueprint of who we are. Made up of a unique cocktail of DNA and traits—we are a reservoir of potential crafted by nature to be distinct. But as we grow, society tries to smooth out those rough edges, molding us into something more acceptable, more “normal.” So, how do we begin this journey of rediscovering who we are? Here are four ways to start embracing your uniqueness and letting it guide you toward a life that’s truly yours.

If you’re anything like me, you feel that distinctly human longing to craft a life from your deepest truth and give voice to what makes you unique, in the short time you have to be alive. But let's face it, the whole thing is kind of elusive. So how can we figure it out?

Imagine being awoken each morning by the pulse of excitement coursing through your body; a deep sense of life direction permeating your mind. Now, imagine the implications it has on your health and quality of life—this is the power of knowing your puporse. 

Every great story has a central question. The same is true for you; you are a story of the universe’s writing, and thus, your life has its own central question. This is what I call your existential question.