As I’m paving my own path, living by my own identity and letting knowledge and understanding guide my thoughts. I can feel myself inching closer to the heart of my own virtue.

There are two very significant lessons that connected me to my passions; to my very purpose of being…

…I was about 18 years old, tired of negative influence and feeling like I didn’t belong. I was broken by betrayal and my trust in others diminished. I remember filling out my university application and remember writing exactly what I was expected to write. Just so someone could grant me access into an academic institution of no real value to me or my life. My only frame of mind was escape, so long as I didn’t have to face the reality of my intentions, I played by the rules.

So there I was, naïve, free and finally without the burden of responsibility nor tradition. I met 3 very different individuals, ambitious, influenced and as fresh-faced as I.  Individuals who taught me that being me was all that was necessary. Teaching me the true value of my own life and that I shouldn’t give a f*** about anything else other than the present and being present.

Although, I still found it very difficult to be present towards graduation. It was at the end of this experience and returning home, when I realized the importance of the two lessons. Lessons that guided my successes, moved me around the world and gave me the confidence to dream and to pursue that dream.

Lesson #1 – Identity

• To embrace and nurture all aspects of my identity.
• Stay true to who I am and let truth guide my aspirations.
• To let that truth shine, so that others could connect. So that I could connect.
• An identity of my own so that my mind and my life remained in my own control.

 Lesson #2 – Awareness

• To be present in the moment and to be very aware of it.
• Experience what’s happening now so that I could navigate my future.
• Being aware of others, aware of my actions and aware of my environment.
• So that I could protect myself from negativity and any threat to my identity.
• Aware of myself; my identity, so that I could work on my weaknesses and build upon my strengths.
• To be present in the moment of opportunity.

These two lessons taught me more about myself and the world I live in, than any manuscript, guru or drug ever could.

However these two lessons do not work well unless they’re connected. You can’t truly be aware unless you understand and know yourself. On the other hand you cannot fully develop your identity unless you become more aware and present.

The bridge that connects them, is emotion.

Emotion is by far, the most significant tool you have, when it comes to building a life you’re fulfilled by. It sounds so simple, but because emotions are so complex and varied, many of us fail to notice how simple life can actually be, if we pay attention to what we’re feeling.

Ever notice how a child experiences life? Free, uninhibited and curious. They’re present in the moment and full of character. Notice how the very thing that motivates and stimulates a child’s eagerness to learn and engage, is emotion. A child can love easily and has an abundance of love too, allowing them to connect to others and for others to easily connect.

When I returned home, I quickly noticed how much I ignored my emotions to pursue a life of false fulfillment. The more I allowed myself to feel, the more I became aware and the more my identity rose to the surface. It was emotion that allowed me to embrace the above lessons, that guided me to the success and fulfillment I have in my life today.

So learn to listen and experience your emotions. Build that bridge so you too can discover, and confidently live by your identity. To help you become more aware, so that you know what it is you need to do to find fulfillment.

As you begin to live life by these two lessons, build the bridge that connects them. You’ll begin to discover your passions; discover your own virtue, thus enabling you to pave a path of your very own.