Kamalayan
Kamalayan

Not One Calling, But a Lifelong Quest

Aug 16, 2025, 7:15 AM
Tato Malay

Tato Malay

Columnist

In our quest for a meaningful existence, I’ve learned that life isn’t a simple recipe of chasing passion or chasing bliss. It’s more like listening for a whisper beneath the noise: a subtle nudge toward something unique that only I can offer. I’ve asked myself: what if the key to a life well-lived isn’t a single grand achievement, but the steady uncovering and sharing of my own gifts?

We each arrive with a set of capabilities, a purpose waiting to be unveiled. My time on Earth feels like a window, a chance to release, express, and give the talents that seem almost inevitable when I lean into them. Yet so often I see people around me—perhaps including parts of my own past—reaching the end without realizing their true potential. Wealth and possessions can glitter for a moment, but they rarely measure the depth of a life.

Discovering my gift hasn’t been simple. I’ve tried many paths—acting, singing, directing, teaching, writing, playing music—hoping one would feel like home. Some of these efforts stirred me, others faded quickly, and a few left me doubting whether I’d ever find anything that truly fit. The journey of exploration can feel heavy, even discouraging. But I’ve learned that it’s through these trials that I gain clarity, not through a smooth, linear path.

For me, a turning point came later, after years of experimentation. I realized that my deepest fulfillment isn’t simply in performing or producing, but in guiding others to uncover their own gifts and to have the courage to share them with the world. My purpose found me when I embraced the role of mentor, encourager, and facilitator—someone who helps others see their potential and takes joy in their discoveries. That realization lit a spark in my soul and in my daily work.

Understanding purpose isn’t about a distant, perfect destination; it’s about direction. When my actions align with a sense of purpose, I notice a wellspring of motivation, enthusiasm, and resilience—especially when life gets tough. Purpose doesn’t demand billion-dollar outcomes or universal praise. It asks for integrity, consistency, and a willingness to contribute in ways that matter to others.

I’ve learned that the pursuit of purpose should not be driven solely by money or external validation. Financial stability matters, yes, but it isn’t the yardstick of a meaningful life. True fulfillment arises when I live in harmony with my deeper gifts, when my work—however modest in scale—has a positive ripple effect on other people.

As I look back, the question isn’t “What will I gain?” but “How can I use what I have to help others discover their own gifts?” Resting in paradise isn’t my aim; I want to create a sense of paradise within myself and in the lives I touch. By embracing purpose, I build a life of significance that leaves a lasting mark—an echo of who I truly am.

So I continue this quest, not chasing a single calling, but leaning into the process of discovery, using my talents to inspire, uplift, and empower others. If I can help someone else unlock their potential, I’ve already begun to shape a legacy that outlives me.

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