"نمی‌دانستم می‌خواهم چه کار کنم، اما همیشه می‌دانستم می‌خواهم چه زنی باشم"

It's funny, isn't it? We often find ourselves at crossroads in life, uncertain about which path to take. We've all been there, not knowing what job to pursue or which hobby to stick with. This quote speaks to a deeper sense of identity and purpose beyond just career choices. It's about having a clear vision of the kind of person you want to become, even if the specific details of your journey are still a bit foggy. It's like knowing the destination but not the exact route to get there.

Historically, the sentiment behind this quote has resonated with many people, especially women. Think about the era of the women's liberation movement in the 1960s and 70s, when societal expectations were profoundly shifting. Women were breaking free from traditional roles and forging paths that had previously been inaccessible. It wasn’t always about knowing exactly what job they wanted but understanding the type of individuals they aspired to become—strong, independent, and self-sufficient.

Take the example of Oprah Winfrey. She didn't always know she would become a media mogul and one of the most influential women in the world. Her early life was filled with hardship and uncertainty. But she had a clear vision of the woman she wanted to be: someone who was compassionate, strong, and capable of making a difference. Oprah's journey wasn't a straight line. She faced numerous setbacks, yet she persisted, guided by that inner vision. And look where she ended up!

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by reflecting on your core values and the qualities you admire in others. What kind of person do you want to be? Write it down. Keep that vision in the back of your mind as you navigate through different experiences and opportunities. You might not have all the answers now, and that's okay. The key is to let your envisioned self guide your decisions and actions.

Imagine you're at a coffee shop with a friend, spilling your thoughts about feeling lost in your career. You don't know what you want to do, but you do know you want to be someone who helps others and makes a positive impact. Your friend listens thoughtfully and says, "Why not start with volunteering? It aligns with who you want to be and might just lead you to discover what you want to do."

And there it is—your first step. You start volunteering, maybe at a local food bank or an animal shelter. It feels good, fulfilling even. Over time, you gain clarity, realizing you want to work in a nonprofit organization. Your vision of the person you wanted to become helped guide you, even when the path wasn't clear.

Life is filled with uncertainties, and you won't always have a crystal-clear picture of your career or life path. But if you hold on to that inner vision of who you want to be, it can serve as a compass. It’s less about the job title and more about the qualities and values you embody. So, next time you find yourself wrestling with indecision, take a step back. Focus on who you want to become. The rest will follow—maybe not immediately, but in ways that will surprise and delight you.