Back in 2019, I found myself in my seventh country in the seventh month of the year (technically the eighth, if I counted the overnight stay in Oman, thanks to a visa expiration). Even then, I had no regrets about my decision to “drop my whole life in the U.S.” and leap into the unknown. It truly was an adventure.
During that season, I learned a great deal about myself—my strengths, weaknesses, limitations, likes, dislikes, and even my emotions. That journey brought me closer to clarity about my life’s purpose and the people I was created to serve. Most importantly, I was learning how to trust the process.
Around that time, I came across Steve Jobs’ 2005 commencement speech at Stanford University. It was profound. I saved it to my YouTube playlist and listened to it repeatedly. The nuggets he shared resonated deeply with the space I was in. He told three stories—Connecting the Dots, Love & Loss, and Death—and each one spoke powerfully to my own path of self-discovery.
Here are three excerpts from his speech that I believe can inspire anyone navigating their own journey of purpose.
Connecting the Dots
Steve Jobs once said,
“If I had never dropped out, I would have never dropped in on this calligraphy class, and personal computers might not have the wonderful typography that they do. Of course, it was impossible to connect the dots looking forward when I was in college. But it was very, very clear looking backwards ten years later.”
That resonated with me so deeply. When I dropped my whole life in the U.S., I never imagined I’d end up in my seventh—or technically eighth—country by mid-year. My original plan was simple: three countries at most, and plenty of time to relax and embrace my new role as a housewife to a footballer. But God clearly had other plans.
What I’ve learned is this: you don’t always get to script the journey, but you can trust the Author. The dots may not connect right now, but one day they will. Until then, I’m choosing to surrender, trust the process, and believe that every step is leading me toward something greater than I could have planned for myself.
Love & Loss
Steve Jobs once said,
“You’ve got to find what you love…. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”
That was another powerful life nugget—and confirmation that I was on the right path. Back then, I started keeping a list called “Things I Love.” What surprised me was how easily the list came together. I never hesitated to edit a speech, draft a blog post, research a new travel destination, or immerse myself in a good book. Writing lit me up, speaking energized me, exploring new places thrilled me, and reading always grounded me.
In 2019, I made a conscious choice to fully immerse myself in what brought me joy. I didn’t have all the answers, but I trusted that as I leaned into the things I loved, the process itself would reveal my life’s true assignment.
Death
Steve Jobs once said,
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma—living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your inner voice. And most important, dare to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
Another aha moment for me.
When I decided to move over 7,500 miles away, I kept it close to my chest. Not because I wanted to be secretive, but because I didn’t want the fears of others to cloud my decision. I knew deep down this leap of faith was necessary for me to grow into the woman God created me to be.
Since then, my focus has been on the most important project of my life—ME. Every day I’m sharpening my mind through reading, strengthening my body through exercise and healthier food choices, and feeding my soul through prayer, fasting, and meditation. I’m not just listening to my inner voice anymore—I’m practicing obedience to it.
And here’s the real nugget: death is inevitable. Some of us later, some sooner, but the truth is—none of us get out alive. That reality is why I leapt. Why play it safe if the ending is already written?
I’ll be honest—I lost focus at the start. Probably why God even allowed me a brief separation from my husband. Love can be a beautiful distraction, but sometimes God needs to clear space for your growth.
July 19 Prayer Plug
I’m so grateful You make me uncomfortable, Lord! When I’m uncomfortable, it’s a clear sign I’m growing. I won’t grumble about not knowing all the answers because it’s increasing my faith & making me wiser. I want a life of spiritual, emotional, mental & physical growth so I understand why You have to stretch me in every area. You’ve already written my destiny & You know exactly what I need to overcome every battle! Bless me with peace through the process & gratitude for the lessons. I learn through the journey. I want Your abundant ways to shine in my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Now it’s your turn. What leap of faith have you been putting off because of fear, opinions, or distractions? Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment—it doesn’t exist. Trust your inner voice, take that step, and allow the dots to connect.
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