It's always the top shared Facebook post, or an Instagram picture with a ridiculous amount of likes, or a reality TV show contestant who causes viewers and judges to break down in tears. Family's torn apart by tragedy, a little girl who never realized her potential until one day in music class was told by her teacher she was good. Inspiring comeback stories of those who have lost homes or loved ones, those who have overcome sickness. Different stories, same message. People everyday share these inspiring stories of their passions, how they have shaped their purpose in life and how they are different and better people for it.

While I find these stories incredibly inspiring and uplifting, I can't help looking at myself when I hear them. What tragic event has shaped my life? Whos actions have permanently effected me? What message do I preach because of it? What talent did I discover at a young age that I have kept a secret? What passion have I found in music or art or acting that I have always had the urge to persue?

For years I have pondered this question, thinking maybe, just maybe, I would wake up one day and find the answer to it.

For 18 years I had thought that a secret talent or a hidden passion is what would shape my purpose in life and the reason why I was put here. I worried that I needed to find something specific in my life that has shaped me. Whether that be something I had picked up from a young age that I have always wanted to persue. Or an event that has forever changed me. I constantly looked for these things, but I could never find one specific passion or event that has given me purpose.

As frustrated as this has made me, it caused me to look a little deeper. Do I really need a sad story to cause me to live life to the fullest or to take more risks?

I realized I didn't.

I now understand that only I can pick my own destiny. I don't need something or someone to cause me to think any differently about decisions and risks I take everyday. I finally realize that I don't have to have a talent or a passion for some deep, philosophical stuff that makes me who I am or in anyway defines me. I define myself through the little stuff that I enjoy and find love for.

I love the beach. I love my friends. Heck, I love Chipotle. I define myself through the things I enjoys and I don't need something different or abstract in my life to help me realize that.

I don't have to experience tragedy or interpret double meanings to find my purpose in life. As much as I admire people that do, I am now at a point where I realize that I don't have to define myself by things that don't happen to me.

I was put on this Earth for some reason. I don't have to know that reason or, for that matter, even begin to try and figure it out. I will just remind myself everyday that I have a purpose, I have a reason- and that is motivation enough for me.