The Path of Purpose off the Pontchartrain: A Journal of Dope Sh--!

"My life is dope and I do dope sh--." Kanye West.

I sat clickety-clacking at the computer on the ivory countertop in my highrise Central Business District apartment located off Canal in the heart of New Orleans. It was January 2016 and I was living that Kanye West quote as I poured out the fantastic story I had planned to submit for my first official contest and short story publication.

My story was dope and I wrote dope sh--!

Man, you couldn't tell me anything. I had a winning story idea that I finally had the nerve to put on paper and submit for critical review. While living in the most unique, dangerous, and magnificent city in the United States.

Dope Sh--!

Rest assured, I knew what the outcome was going to be as I wrote that story. I could visualize what was about to unfold. I would get thousands of views, publish offers, and finally. people in the industry would be exposed to my genius!

I finished that story in 4 to 6 hours, ate a Muffaletta, checked the word count, and with a smug smirk and a finger peck, I sent that story into the ether, on a journey of conquest.

I went up on the rooftop, leaned over the edge of the building, and watched a cruise ship saunter down the canal, eager for my ship to come in.

I remember these details, because, I journaled them.

I wrote down the steps I took to reach my purpose while living in a city tucked in between the Deluge and the Desire. A place where I would achieve my dream or drown in obscurity.

I wrote down actions, expectations, affectations, inspirations, infatuations, jubilations, accumulations, insinuations, and a few good recipes for memorialization.

All of this Dope Sh--!

But just like the end of Mardi Gras, when the street sweepers come out to clear the refuse from our revelry. My journaled dreams of jubilee were cut short when the contest results were submitted.

My story was an unclaimed parade favor, an armful of beaded necklaces weighing down the magnolia trees.

My story received only 4 reviews.

One of them was from me.??

I was angry. Perplexed. Hurt. Surely these people were uneducated and unrefined. They couldn't have read my story, I journaled, They were the ones at fault, I made a point of underlining this fact.

They couldn't understand a man who attended masquerades, drank Belle Glos Pinot Noir, and scraped the elbows of the New Orleans Elite.

I wrote this in my journal.

My life was dope and I did dope sh--! May those who didn't recognize my exceptional abilities drink unboiled water during the boil alert or may they be caught in a traffic jam on the Causeway Bridge.

I sulked and wrote my pitiful protests in my journal.

Finally, I came to the following conclusion.

Maybe-no-certainly, I am not as dope as I think.

Sh--!

The truth was, the story was a novice rendering. At best it was a good scene, at worst, it was, well, unprepared writing from someone with the wrong mindset.

I wrote down these thoughts because, though my pride was hurt, the real victim could have been my purpose.

I had to face the truth that I had more work to do.

I am glad I had my purpose journal as a guide. I feel it was the guidepost that led me back to the correct path of purpose.

Here is what I found useful, let me know what you think.

Action Step:

Set aside time each day to journal about your experiences, especially when faced with setbacks or challenges. Reflect on what went wrong, what lessons you can glean from the experience, and how you can apply these insights to future endeavors. Track your progress over time, noting any patterns or recurring themes that emerge.

Set SMART Goals and Track Progress:

Armed with a newfound sense of clarity and purpose, set out to improve your craft and pursue your purpose with renewed determination. Recognize the importance of setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to guide your journey. With your journal as a companion, you can outline concrete objectives for your purpose. In my case, writing, I learned how to master storytelling techniques, refine my narrative voice, and submit my work for review to reputable writers for before submission.

Action Step:

Identify three SMART goals related to your purpose or passion. Break down each goal into actionable steps and create a timeline for achieving them. Regularly revisit your journal to track your progress towards these goals, celebrating milestones along the way and adjusting your strategies as needed.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset Through Daily Reflection:

In your journaling practice, embrace a growth mindset, and view setbacks as opportunities for learning and development rather than insurmountable obstacles. Make a habit of reflecting on your progress each day, acknowledge your successes, and identify areas for improvement. By cultivating a mindset of continuous growth and self-improvement, You remain resilient in the face of adversity and commit to your journey of pursuing purpose.

Action Step:

Incorporate daily reflection into your journaling routine. Take a few moments each day to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and reflect on the lessons learned from challenges or setbacks. Write down one thing you are grateful for and one thing you aspire to improve upon. By nurturing a growth mindset through daily reflection, you can stay motivated and focused on your journey towards fulfilling your purpose.

Journaling is a powerful tool for unlocking your purpose and navigating the ups and downs of life's journey. By incorporating these three measurable, trackable action steps into your journaling practice, you can gain clarity, set meaningful goals, and cultivate a mindset of growth and resilience. Remember, your journal is not just a record of your experiences, but a roadmap for realizing your dreams and living a purpose-driven life.

Do these things and I promise.

Your life will become dope and you will do dope sh--!

I'm going to leave the link to my first published story right here. Review for inspiration and motivation. I know I do!

The Mother of Drums