As a kid, I was told to pick a job and stay there forever—preferably a government job or a company with a long history. There was no consideration for talent, skill, ambition, goals, visions, or what some might call ‘random flights of fancy’. These flights of fancy were my creative sparks, my moments of inspiration, my unique ideas that didn’t fit the traditional job descriptions. I come from a working-class home where that’s just what you did. You chose a job based on your pension options at the end of your tenure. The other advice I often heard was, ‘Once you get one of these good jobs, do your work and keep your head down.’

So, my ideas of being creative were not encouraged or celebrated; they were flat-out discouraged. I was sent off into the world to find my way into the job market. I knew that I had multiple interests, could figure most things out easily, and wanted to help people. The only problem was that I could not decide on the direction I was supposed to go with this information.

For the longest time, I grappled with the feeling that something was wrong with me. When I was asked what I wanted to do with my life, I would say, “I wanted to help people.” But then some well-meaning adult would ask, “But how?” And I had no clue. It was a struggle I’m sure many of you can relate to.

Now, as I turn 47 years old, I realize that my desire to help people is the reason why I’m able to do multiple things and execute them at the highest level. When God sent me to Earth, He equipped me with everything I needed to fulfill the assignment He gave me. It is up to me as His child to seek His face and ask Him what He wants me to do with the gifts He has given me. God’s divine guidance is a source of reassurance for me, as I navigate through life, and it can be for you too.

Romans 12:2 New King James Version states, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” It is not my place to conform to someone else’s idea of who I should be. The only approval I need to be concerned about is my heavenly father.

The best part is that it is never too late to go back to the things that set your soul on fire, the things that make you feel truly alive, the things that make you who you are. It is the combination of talents, interests, and experiences that make you who you are and guide you to the path that God has laid before you. For some, it may look as if you are all over the place, but you’re not; it’s just the way He wired you.