My favorite season is finally here! While driving home from work one day I could not help but pull into a side lot and drink in the colors of autumn. It’s as if the greatest artist on Earth took a paintbrush and dipped all of the trees in delicious hues of gold, before their time of slumber for the winter.  When I think of autumn, I think about the crunch of leaves and the steam of coffee during the first 30-degree day. It is also a reminder that sometimes we to need to “change our colors” and shed our former selves in order to renew, grow, and mature in the coming seasons.

This month at my church, we had a phenomenal series on how to renew and grow in our own lives.  My pastor said that if you do not live in your purpose, you will- at BEST, live a mediocre life. Many people live lives of mediocrity while their true passions, their innate talents, and abilities live in the perpetual slumber of winter. So in today’s blog, as I reflect on the change in season, I also want to reflect on possible changes I can make to pursue my passions in life.

• What makes you come alive?
• What are your innate strengths?
• Where do you add the greatest value?
• How will you measure your life?

Now obviously a few quick questions aren’t going to lead me to a purpose driven live BUT it may help identify what changes could be made to help in my first steps in discovering my personal “WHY”.  The minute you become stagnant in life you stop growing. So this autumn I am pushing myself to hone in on my personal strengths and passions to help clarify my purpose. Like the seasons in Detroit, it’s time to doff some of my preconceived notions and make time for personal and professional growth.

**Questions credited to Margie Warrell, of Stop Playing Safe photo credit: www.southwestdetroit.com