How My American Heritage Showed Me My Purpose (And How To Find Yours)

For the longest time, I thought purpose was something you stumbled upon—an “aha” moment that hits you like lightning. But for me, it was more like discovering roots that had always been there, quietly waiting to be noticed.

Growing Up American

I grew up surrounded by symbols—flags on front porches, stories of freedom and resilience passed down at the dinner table, holidays filled with fireworks and gratitude. But it wasn’t until I started asking why we do the things we do, and what they really mean, that I began to understand the deeper layers of being American.

My heritage taught me about struggle, sacrifice, and self-discovery. It taught me that real freedom isn’t just about independence from control—it’s about having the courage to define who you are and the integrity to live that truth.

The Turning Point

It was during a visit to a historical site—a quiet battlefield in Virginia—that something shifted in me. Standing there, surrounded by echoes of the past, I felt a powerful connection. The people who came before me had lived with purpose, even in the face of overwhelming odds. They fought for something bigger than themselves.

That’s when I realized: My purpose is to use my voice—to speak, write, and create with honesty and hope. To stand for truth. To connect past and present. To remind people that the American dream isn’t just about success—it’s about service, courage, and legacy.

How You Can Find Your Purpose

You don’t have to visit a battlefield or read every history book to discover your purpose. But you do have to listen—to yourself, to your roots, and to what moves you deeply.

Here’s what helped me:

1. Reflect on your heritage – Where do you come from? What values were passed down to you? What do they mean in today’s world?
2. Notice what breaks your heart and what lights it up – Purpose often lives in that tension: the intersection of your compassion and your passion.
3. Ask yourself who you want to serve – Purpose isn’t just about what you want to do, it’s about who you want to help, uplift, or inspire.
4. Start where you are – Purpose doesn’t need a perfect plan. It needs a first step. A conversation. A commitment.