How Depression Paved the Way to Finding My True Purpose

Purpose is something that's often right in front of us, yet so many never truly find it. Some people are fortunate enough to discover their purpose early in life; others might find it at 50, while many may never find it at all. It took me 30 long years to finally uncover mine.

I spent years chasing after different dreams—football, music, and a list of other pursuits—but nothing ever seemed to click. I thought that achieving success in these areas would bring me happiness, but it didn't. You see, true happiness comes when you're aligned with your purpose. Many people are unhappy simply because they’re in the wrong profession or haven't discovered what truly drives them.

The Uncomfortable Truth About Purpose

One thing I've realized through my journey is that uncomfortable situations often serve as a guiding light to help us find our true purpose. I believe that when life gets difficult, it’s not just by chance; it's a sign from God leading us toward a new beginning, a deeper calling that we may have been ignoring all along.

When life isn't working out the way we planned, it's often because there's a greater purpose waiting to be revealed. I say this with confidence because I found my own purpose in the most unlikely and uncomfortable place: the forest.

A Society-Driven Mindset That Broke Me

Growing up, I was taught to believe that if I worked hard in school, got good grades, and complete school passing all my exams, my life would be perfect and I will land a good job. But after all the hard work, there was still no job. Depression hit me hard as I watched my friends, whom I had outperformed in school, move ahead with their lives, securing jobs, cars, and stability.

I was hurt even more when a friend told me, "Get a life, William, we’re all moving forward." Those words stung deeply, pushing me further into my depression. I was in a society where men weren't allowed to show weakness, where saying "I'm hurting" or "I'm struggling" was seen as a sign of failure.

The Decision to Escape: A Journey Into the Forest

In my desperation, I made a decision that would change my life forever—I left the city to live in the forest, away from the pressures and judgments of society. The forest was nothing like the life I knew. It was rough, uncomfortable, and miles away from the comforts of home. There was no electricity, no clean water—we drank from a green stream that even the animals used. We would walk four to five hours into the farms, work all day, and then walk back carrying heavy loads of cassava on our heads.

The forest was challenging, but I forced myself to adjust. Little did I know that this discomfort would become the backdrop where I would finally find my true purpose.

The Moment I Found My Purpose in the Forest

In the midst of this hardship, something incredible happened. The young men in the forest started coming to me with their problems and misunderstandings. Without even realizing it, I would speak to them in ways that gave them hope and clarity, helping them see solutions they hadn't thought of before.

Whenever they thanked me, saying things like, "God bless you, William," or "You healed me, William," I felt a sense of fulfillment that I can't put into words. That feeling was something money couldn't buy. It was in those moments that I discovered my purpose—to speak, to inspire, to give hope.

That’s the magic of finding your purpose—it fills you with joy and satisfaction that no amount of money can match. When you’re living your purpose, it doesn’t matter if you’re getting paid for it or not, because the inner fulfillment is priceless.

From the Forest to the World Stage

I continued sharing my story and giving hope to those who needed it most. This journey led to some remarkable milestones: winning the Caribbean Global Award in the UK, being featured on the US Times Square Billboard, and inspiring thousands with my story.

All of this happened not because I was chasing fame or money, but because I was living my purpose consistently, day in and day out. I truly believe that if you find your purpose and commit to it, results will always follow.

The Power of Persistence

I urge you to keep pushing, even when the going gets tough. Sometimes, those tough moments are life's way of guiding you to your true calling. For me, it was joblessness and depression that led me to the forest, and that discomfort is where I found my voice—a voice that now powers the mission of "NO HUMAN IS USELESS."

If you’d like to learn more about my journey or how I can help you find your purpose, reach out to me at www.nohumanisuseless.com. or send me a DM. Remember, your purpose is closer than you think. Don’t be afraid to seek it out, even if it means stepping into the most uncomfortable places.

Together, let’s embrace the journey of finding our true calling.

To learn more about my journey and "No Human is Useless" Click Here Now

— William Plange - www.nohumanisuseless.com

Author of “No Human is Useless”| Global Award-Winning Depression Recovery Advocate🇬🇧 | Inspirational Speaker