The Inner Ramblings of a distracted and self-aware scientist…..
So, I've been delving a bit more into psychology lately. While the jury is still out on whether or not you can classify psychology as a science, we will say that it is since the scientific method is commonly used in this field.
Ever the analytical thinker, I desire to know more about myself, my behaviors and how I can improve myself by having a firm grasp on who I am, who I am not any longer, and who I desire to become.
SO! Psychology bombards us with a bunch of theories to describe certain behaviors and behavioral patterns, and psychologists use their knowledge of these theories in various settings.
Some psychologists feel the need to help people through counseling and therapy, others prefer to use their knowledge to formulate hypothesis, test them, and develop new theories about why people are the way they are (Boom! Simple break down 101, ask me how I do it!).
So in my mind, psychology is a science and I respect anyone patient enough to WANT to delve into and understand the minds of others...(I have a tough time just understanding myself).
You do know I'm rambling right? Okay, good.
ANYWAY! As I'm waiting for my MTS assay to incubate (used to basically count the number of cells living on the surface of a plate) I challenge myself to attempt to understand my turbulent emotions (which I hear are normal at my age) regarding career, life, and purpose.
Psychology today published an article (I'm not sharing the link because there are some grammatical errors and I don't want what I'm saying to be dismissed by typing error) that talked about finding ones purpose and how it can help motivate a person, and how not knowing that purpose can lead to cycles of depression.
My question as I was reading this article immediately becomes, "Well what if you think you know your purpose but can't operate in it... cuz you know, LIFE? Does not this too lead to cycles of depression?"
After much self reflection, the answer is yes... SO! (lol) now I'm faced with the challenge of understanding what obstacles are preventing me from achieving the goal of walking in my purpose, and identifying ways to make that ish happen.
I challenge you to do the same. If you don't know your purpose, I challenge you to think about what makes you happy. Identify your gifts, your strengths and your weaknesses. Are the areas you're weak in where you think your passion resides? Take steps to strengthen them. And if you're into this the way I am, ask God to take the reigns and lead you.
If you're like me... you think you know your purpose but cannot fully operate in it, attempt to identify what's preventing you from doing it. Take steps to eliminate those obstacles, and create an outlet that allows you to walk in what you love at least some of the time.
For example, I'm passionate about people. Specifically young, college aged people and their success. I love learning about science. I get excited when I mentor someone. I love exposing people to new things. I loooooove running my mouth. Because I know these things about myself, I created Stupid Science as an outlet for my passion and I'm taking steps to be in position to educate and create awareness in my community about the importance of people of color in STHEM (Science, Technology, Health, Engineering, and Mathematics (ew math lol))