Question of the Month: How Do You Step into Purpose From Tragedy?

How Do You Step into Purpose From Tragedy?

My personal story of losing my son to a senseless murder and the resulting path that my life has followed is one I have shared in my musings (archived on my website here) many times. My TedTalk is about the shift from a place of loss and suffering into a state of peace and acceptance. My choice to turn the most horrific experience in my life into a new career path and perspective has continued to bless me with a life full of more purpose and spiritual fulfillment than I ever could have imagined in those initial dark days of mourning.

We are all mourning something this year; whether it be the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job or income, changes in health or relationships, or the multitude of other uncontrollable results from this pandemic. Though the path ahead might not be clear at this moment, the best way to step forward into a brighter future is as simple as taking the first step.

Reflect on this year and find the spark of clarity, the silver lining, the opportunity for you to be the person you were meant to be that is hidden within the situation at hand.

As you envision the coming new year, meditate on what it is that you are most passionate about and where your unique skills and gifts can be of the most service to the world. Follow that path and watch the beauty unfold!

As I have mentioned in previous musings, my life after Tariq’s murder took a completely different path than the one I had intended. I have found tremendous peace and purpose along the way, pivoting from an international businessman to an author, thought leader, speaker, teacher, coach, non-profit founder, and Board member (to name a few of my titles over the past 25 years). I have made a career out of traveling as a speaker and peace activist on accountability, altruistic leadership, empathy, compassion, forgiveness, and peacebuilding. Until now, I have had a very busy schedule traveling around the world in this capacity. I, too, am stepping into a new purpose because of the pandemic.

I am pleased to announce that I have decided to blend my 25 years of non-profit experience, coupled with my extensive international business background and expertise to now selectively serve on corporate boards. The USA has a robust nonprofit sector doing amazing work. But many corporations have ample resources and yet have not been successful or able to integrate racial equality, multiculturism, inter-faith acknowledgment, and become service orientated exemplary social citizens.

As a multilingual citizen of the world, I am now called to impact society by inspiring service-oriented, morally-unified, and inclusive communities as the next chapter of my life. Corporations can rise to this challenge! Being the melting pot of the world America has this timely opportunity to lead the world.

Stay tuned for more announcements in the new year!