It’s easy to accept things as they are. To adjust to the stations we have been assigned to since birth. But when I think about all the wonderful, awe-inspiring people I have come into contact with it encourages my soul. To believe that there is more to life than living in the pain and agony of false facades.

So many of us have been reduced to wearing multiple masks. Oftentimes, we meet and love people that never truly get to know us as individuals. What is honesty in a world of various societal taboos? In this capitalist county, we look for material means to discover true happiness, joy and love. But it’s totally meaningless. It’s devoid of value and empty.

I have seen people chase after popularity on social media by convincing themselves that they will be more at ease with increased social media followers and likes. Posting content that has little to do with their real lives for the sake of attracting the eyes of fickle watchers. A lot of times, I have seen people sell their souls and get nowhere. And if they do get somewhere is it worth it?

I attended a conference once and I heard the presenter speak and it had quite the effect on me. A bright eyed young black man wearing a blue suit spoke to an auditorium full of teenagers. He asked a profound question that shook my thought process at the time. He said, What is your why? I took it to mean, What is your purpose in life? What motives you to get out of bed in the morning?

I quickly realized that moment that my motivation and drive needed to be deeper than obtaining money or connections. My objective up until this point had been success and glory. But after graduating and achieving all I could in college, the accolades, awards and extensive networking did little to increase the overall quality of my life as far as happiness was concerned. I still had a large gaping hole in my heart.

Sometimes it’s the things we don’t talk about and the insecurities we don’t express that eat us up inside. I used to party, surround myself with friends and workout twice a day to address the pain inside. But I quickly recognized that my efforts were in vain. Within a matter of months my life fell apart.

My Mother became ill, I quit my job and for the first time in years I didn’t have any love interest in my life. I would love to say that in a matter of months my life worked out but that would be a lie. In actuality, it took years and years. Ultimately, I believe it took so long because I was living and working for the approval of others and never truly dealing with my internal issues.

It took me years to figure out who I was and discover my purpose in life. So with that in mind, I pose the same question to you. What is your why? What are you fighting for?

Till next time, Esha <3