My 5 siblings are extremely musical and, in my humble opinion, very talented. I love my siblings dearly, but no matter how many times I was put on stage with them I always felt the same way, “different”, and I couldn’t wait to finish so I could get back to my seat before my stomach lurched again. Even though I loved music I couldn’t stand the concept of performing, particularly after any family conflict.

Whenever there was a gathering there was inevitably one person who would send out a request for a song from us. I found myself wanting to avoid gatherings of any kind and started to complain whenever we went to family events.

I could understand why people wanted to hear us. They witnessed the remarkable sounds of these kids who blended harmonies in perfect pitch most times. I believe the remarkability of the music between siblings is an outcome supported by parents who make them practice, and of course, having the same genetic make-up. It gives people chills to hear it when perfect harmony happens.

My little sister had the best voice among us, and she was also a gifted writer, but shortly after losing her young son to a drowning accident, Cancer ravaged her body and she fell asleep permanently, taking with her the dream of having a successful music career.

My other siblings are still involved with music; on television, radio, or in a band, but who was the one offered their dream? The least likely of all, me. It was many years ago, but it was an actual recording contract I didn’t want.  I couldn’t understand.

A part of me wanted to do it for them, but as I searched inside my heart I knew it wouldn’t have been my dream coming true, it would have been theirs. It left me with one question; “What was my dream?”

Over the next several years I took a road less traveled to find internal peace instead of temporary satisfaction in the external world of music. I needed to find what my purpose was – for me.

When I finally understood how gratitude and generosity played a huge role in life my eyes were opened to the purpose. I was able to clearly state what I wanted to do and whether or not my siblings finally accepted my decision was not for me to worry about.

You see, to fulfill someone else’s dream is a choice you can make but you will subconsciously try to search for something else. You have a purpose that is solely yours, a divine appointment if you will, a God-given vision about why you are here.

Search within yourself but know you aren’t meant to worry about what to call it, or how it will happen, just look inside and know that if you are different, it’s quite ‘Okay’ to be.

The external will take care of itself with new courage IF you decide to take care of the internal first.

When my siblings struggle with relationships, or their company needs a new creative plan, they call me to talk. I love that, not because it’s what I do for a living, but just because they feel loved by me when I sincerely listen, and I can serve them with all my heart in this capacity.  To serve others and live generously is my purpose and it’s brought more joy than you can imagine.

Even if I never sing again, I’m living out my dream to inspire as many people as I can, to connect their head and heart and to dream the impossible.  When you learn more about living with intent, living out your purpose, you will also find hope, faith and love in the process.

So…if you know you have a purpose, allow quiet moments of doing nothing to be your first order of business.  Clarity and vision will come as you do nothing but listen.  Your mind will focus and plans will begin to take shape.  Create a habit of doing nothing for at least 10 minutes a day.  Mindful practice is just the beginning of becoming a great leader, servant and friend.