Finding Your Calling: Don’t Just Work, Become – A Deep Dive into Purpose and Passion

In a world where the lines between work and life often blur, our latest podcast episode, "Finding Your Calling: Don’t Just Work, Become," takes a profound dive into the essence of purpose and passion.

This episode features an enlightening conversation between Joshua Daniels and Paulette Hallam , both of whom have traversed challenging paths to discover their true callings.

Here, we unravel their journey, emotional revelations, and timeless wisdom, enriched by the contributions of Dr. RAS ?? ?? Geddes , Tamara Mathew Gladys Delancey- Bolding Ph.D. Angelica Corral ??? and our ever-insightful moderator, Ms Kim ,

Joshua Daniels: The Journey of Becoming

Joshua Daniels, a seasoned professional and dedicated mentor, began by emphasizing the different phases of life. He explained that from birth to 18, we are primarily learning and building the muscle of curiosity. It's during these formative years that we can start to identify areas of passion.

Joshua highlighted the importance of not just settling into a job for the sake of paying bills but striving to align one’s career with personal values and passions.

He eloquently put it: "Life is the top category, followed by phases of life and then how you apply them." This framework helped him understand that while everyone needs to make a living, it's crucial to stay focused on personal growth and happiness.

Joshua's reflections were rooted in his own experiences, growing up working multiple jobs, playing soccer, and even selling newspapers.

Joshua's story is a testament to resilience and determination. Growing up in a challenging environment, he was often torn between the need to survive and the desire to pursue his passions. His journey was not easy, but it was this very struggle that shaped his perspective on life and work.

Joshua's ability to turn hardships into learning experiences is a powerful reminder that our past does not define us; rather, it prepares us for our future.

Paulette Hallam: Resilience and Survival

Paulette Hallam, a former managing director turned philanthropist and author, shared a poignant story of her childhood, marked by early responsibilities and immense hardships.

At 13, she found herself in a care home after a physical altercation with her mother. Despite these challenges, Paulette's resilience shone through. She worked hard, eventually becoming a managing director at the age of 20, only to retire at 55 due to ill health. Now, she writes books to help children navigate difficult situations.

Her words were deeply moving: "I don't regret my past. I always look forward. Even if you are in something you don't want to be in, see it as a short period in your life and this will pass. Acknowledge you will surmount stronger." Her message of positivity and forward-thinking resonated with all of us.

Paulette's journey is one of incredible resilience and unwavering determination. As a young girl, she faced challenges that would have broken many.

Her mother's stroke forced her into a caregiver role far too early, and the financial struggles that followed added to her burdens. Paulette's story of hiding from debt collectors while taking care of her family is a stark reminder of the realities many face. Yet, she chose to fight rather than succumb to her circumstances.

Her story is a beacon of hope for those facing similar struggles, showing that with perseverance and a positive mindset, one can rise above adversity.

Joshua and Paulette on Resilience

The discussion took a deeper turn as Joshua asked Paulette about the moments she wanted to give up. Paulette recalled hiding from debt collectors, unable to pay them, while caring for her mother and siblings. This experience forged her into a survivor, one who chose to fight rather than run.

Joshua wrapped up the segment by stressing the power of choice: "In life, we get these experiences which we choose - do we own this or become victims?" Paulette chose to own her situation, exemplifying the strength and resilience we all aspire to achieve.

The Power of Purpose

The podcast also delved into the significance of setting "expiration dates" on phases of life. Joshua emphasized that we must define when it's time to move on and have a clear vision for what comes next. He illustrated this with a parable: "Where there is no vision, the people perish."

The notion of setting expiration dates on life phases is profound. It encourages us to continuously evaluate our paths and make conscious decisions about our future. Joshua's parable highlights the importance of vision and purpose in our lives. Without them, we drift aimlessly. With them, we navigate our journey with intention and clarity.

Dr. Ras Geddes: Embracing Our Experiences

Dr. Ras Geddes, a renowned psychologist known for his work in resilience training and emotional intelligence, added depth to the conversation by discussing the psychological aspects of embracing life’s experiences.

He said, "We all receive through our five senses, and it's our mind that processes these inputs. What we experience shapes us, and our responses define our journey." He emphasized the importance of resilience and how our mindset can transform challenges into opportunities.

Dr. Ras’s insights underscored the importance of perception and response in shaping our lives. His emphasis on resilience as a mental and emotional muscle that we can develop over time provided practical advice for listeners. By changing our mindset, we can turn obstacles into stepping stones, and challenges into opportunities for growth.

Tamara Mathew: Gratitude and Growth

Tamara Mathew, a philanthropist shared her perspective on gratitude and its role in personal growth. "I resonate with gratitude. Every challenge is a stepping stone. Appreciating the little victories helps us stay focused on the bigger picture." Her words reminded us of the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity.

Tamara’s emphasis on gratitude as a tool for personal growth was a refreshing reminder of the power of a positive outlook. Her approach to challenges as opportunities for learning and growth resonated deeply with the audience. Gratitude, as she described, is not just about appreciating the good times, but also finding value in the struggles and the lessons they bring.

Dr. Gladys DeLancey Bolding: Finding Purpose in Struggles

Dr. Gladys DeLancey Bolding, a scientist and bestselling author known for her work in holistic health and happiness, brought a wealth of wisdom to the discussion. "We all need to know we are where we are supposed to be at this time. See your struggles as temporary. Change your attitude, stay focused, and don’t let others impede your progress. Know what you want and create a plan." Her insights were both grounding and inspiring.

Dr. Gladys’s wisdom, drawn from decades of life experiences, provided a grounding and inspiring perspective. Her advice to see struggles as temporary and to stay focused on our goals was a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and a positive mindset. Her emphasis on planning and self-awareness provided practical steps for listeners to take control of their lives and their futures.

Angelica Corral: The Power of Community

Angelica Corral, a community advocate and mentor, emphasized the role of community in overcoming challenges. "We need each other. Building a supportive network can make the toughest times bearable and the good times even better." Her message underscored the importance of connection and mutual support in personal growth.

Angelica’s focus on the power of community highlighted the importance of connection and support in our personal journeys. Her insights reminded us that we are not alone in our struggles and that a supportive network can provide strength and encouragement. Building and nurturing these connections is essential for personal and collective growth.

Ms. Sally Kimangu: Moderation and Guidance

Our moderator, Ms. Sally Kimangu, a distinguished financial innovator and digital inclusion champion, skillfully guided the conversation, ensuring each voice was heard and each insight explored. Her thoughtful questions and reflections added a layer of depth to the discussion, making it a truly enriching experience for all.

Ms. Kim’s moderation was integral to the flow and depth of the conversation. Her ability to ask probing questions and elicit meaningful responses ensured that each participant's insights were fully explored. Her thoughtful reflections added depth and nuance to the discussion, making it an enriching experience for all involved.

Closing Thoughts

As we wrapped up this emotionally charged episode, the common thread was clear: resilience, gratitude, and purpose are the keys to transforming our lives. Paulette’s closing words echoed this sentiment: "Positivity is very important. Even in the darkest times, look forward, stay positive, and believe in your strength."

To our listeners, we leave you with a question to ponder: What steps can you take today to align your work with your true passion and purpose? Share your thoughts and join the conversation. We’d love to hear from you!