TEDx Memphis: Finding Purpose in a Quarter Life Crisis

TEDx Memphis is a platform that brings together individuals from various fields to share their ideas, experiences, and insights. It is an honor to be a part of this event, and I believe the timing is perfect. As a 26-year-old who has recently crossed the threshold of a quarter-life crisis, I can offer a unique perspective on this topic.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, a quarter-life crisis is essentially a midlife crisis that happens at a younger age. It is a period of questioning and self-reflection, where individuals ask themselves important questions about their identity, purpose, and aspirations. Who am I? Am I making the most of my time? What do I truly want to achieve in terms of family, career, and personal well-being?

This phenomenon is particularly prevalent among millennials. According to the Center for Disease Control, one in three millennials has a diagnosed anxiety disorder, and anxiety is a key component of any crisis. As millennials, we are navigating this crisis in a world that is unlike anything humanity has experienced before. We have limitless information at our fingertips, and we live in a time of great innovation and prosperity. However, we also face persistent inequalities that seem to have remained unchanged for centuries. Additionally, climate scientists warn us that if we do not change our ways by 2050, irreparable damage will be done to our planet.

In this context, finding purpose becomes a daunting challenge. The question of what we want to do with our lives takes on great significance. However, I have a theory that our focus on purpose may be keeping us stuck. Instead, we should shift our attention to wellness, as I believe it holds the key to the answers we seek.

From a young age, I have been keenly aware of my deepest fear - the fear of not being here anymore. This fear became apparent to me during a visit to Trinidad, where my family is from. I was holding my grandmother's hand, and for the first time, I noticed the wrinkles on her fingers and the prominent veins. It dawned on me that she was getting older, and one day, I would too. This realization sparked an existential crisis in my eight-year-old mind. However, I quickly pushed it aside to reassure my grandmother that I loved her by squeezing her hand tightly.

That moment shaped my approach to life. I made a conscious decision to cherish my loved ones, strive to be a good person, and pursue my purpose with passion. In college, I joined various clubs and took on leadership roles. I became a resident advisor, taking care of 30 women every year. I immersed myself in my studies and extracurricular activities. However, despite my achievements, something felt off. I didn't feel like myself.

It was during this period that I realized that true fulfillment comes from aligning with our authentic selves and prioritizing our well-being. Instead of obsessing over finding our ultimate purpose, we should focus on cultivating a sense of balance, self-care, and mindfulness. By taking care of our mental, emotional, and physical health, we open ourselves up to the possibilities and opportunities that life presents.

So, as we navigate our quarter-life crises and beyond, let's remember that purpose is not a destination but a journey. Let's prioritize our wellness and trust that by taking care of ourselves, we will find the answers we've been searching for. And let's embrace the challenges of this unique era in history, knowing that we have the power to make a positive impact on our lives and the world around us.

In conclusion, being a part of TEDx Memphis is a humbling experience. It allows me to share my quarter-life crisis journey and the lessons I've learned along the way. By focusing on wellness and embracing the uncertainties of life, we can navigate our quarter-life crises with grace and purpose.