Positioning Myself for Purpose
The Beginning of June’s Nest
Finding My Purpose
I’ve always dreamed of having something that was truly my own, a space for creating, growing, and finding my purpose along the way. For a long time, I thought that meant launching a nonprofit, something meaningful that helped people and filled the gaps. This vision is what initially drew me into social work.
But over time, my focus shifted. I realized that creating something of my own isn’t just about “owning a thing”; it’s about creating, problem solving, and finding new ways to make things better. Creating something of my own has always been about finding my purpose, not perfection. As Psychology Today explains in The Power of Purpose having a sense of purpose can shape how we grow and connect with others.
Somewhere along the way, the name June’s Nest came to me, and it simply stuck. I had no idea what it would become, I even bought the domain long before a real plan existed. Looking back, I think I was manifesting it before I even realized it.
The name is personal to me. One day, a blue jay landed right outside my window, my grandma always said my dad would visit me as a blue jay, and that bird showed up at a time I really wished he could be there. Since then, I’ve been leaving out peanuts, and the blue jays keep coming back. I’ve been on a bit of a “bird kick” lately, and it feels like my grandmother is with me because birds were always her thing. That’s how June’s Nest came to be, a name that feels like a little piece of home finally taking shape.
Growing Through the Work
I’ve worn many hats within social services, from residential programs and substance use treatment to volunteering with youth and working in schools. Each role was a lesson, but there were always pieces that didn’t quite fit.
By the time I interviewed with the Department of Child Services (DCS), I was ready to give up on the field entirely, and finding my purpose felt like a dream of the past. Taking the job was a last-ditch effort with the attitude of “what’s the worst that could happen?” That role was a true turning point. I worked with families during their most vulnerable moments, made hard decisions no one ever wants to make, and was exposed to a world you will never understand unless you do it yourself.
My time at DCS truly shaped how I see the world and played a huge role in finding my purpose within the work. My team felt like a true home, a place where we could show up authentically and grow through the chaos. I’m forever grateful for that experience.
Eventually, I realized the role itself wasn’t sustainable for me long-term. You don’t realize how much of yourself you give to that work until you step away; the personal sacrifices are real.
While I loved the purpose, I needed space to grow in new ways. This realization led me to my current position, which unexpectedly opened doors I didn’t even know I was looking for.
“Working with families in their most vulnerable moments changed me in ways I’ll never forget.”
Embracing New Opportunities
In my current role, I finally felt encouraged to bring new ideas to the table and they were embraced. I connect people with resources, do community outreach, and actively participate in events and system of care meetings. Within my first few months, I suggested a new process to help with productivity and it was implemented.
It was the first time I felt seen for my ideas and supported to grow them. That encouragement gave me the push I needed to go back to school for my Master of Social Work. I’d always considered it, but the timing finally felt right. It also reminded me to really listen when people point out your strengths and to start seeing in yourself what others already see in you.
Around that same time, I watched two of my coworkers grow their own small businesses, and seeing them flourish reminded me of that spark I’ve always had, the one that loves building things from the ground up.
Little Projects, Big Lessons
As I leaned into creativity and problem-solving, I realized I’m happiest when I’m building something, even if it’s small. Whether it’s an idea, a project, or helping someone bring a dream to life, I love the process of creating and connecting.
One of my favorite examples was helping my friend bring her dream of self sustainability to life. She had the passion and wanted to start a farm stand. I dove into research on cottage laws, brainstormed sellable items, helped design her logo, and encouraged her to see the bigger picture. Before long, she was crafting, her husband built the stand, and the whole family got involved. Watching their dream take shape reminded me how much I love helping others build theirs, not just the product, but the process, the teamwork, the growth.
That same creative energy carried into other projects this year. I started A Weekend with a Gnome, a simple idea meant to bring a little joy to people’s lives. Each gnome travels from person to person, with hosts taking photos and sharing their adventures before passing them along. So far, one’s made it to Germany, another joined a parade, one hit the skate park, and there’s even one heading to New York. It’s been such a fun reminder that connection can be lighthearted too, that joy is just as meaningful as purpose.
Around the same time, I launched Countdown to You, a 90-day intentional living challenge that began 90 days before the new year. It focuses on gratitude, mindfulness, and self-care, giving people (myself included) space to slow down, reflect, and start the new year with intention. It’s become a great way to stay accountable and connect with others on similar journeys.
“Each of these projects taught me something different, how creativity can spark connection, how small ideas can build community, and how joy can be just as powerful as healing.”
Positioning Myself for Purpose
As I continue my MSW journey, I’ve been thinking more about what’s next. Recently, my supervisor encouraged me to start networking, to talk with professionals in different roles and learn from their experiences.
I knew she was right. But if I was going to do this, I wanted to do it my way, not just coffee and questions, but something with creativity and reflection mixed in. To keep it fun and authentic, I created three stacks of cards labeled Heart, Growth, and Spark. Each person I interview will draw random questions from each stack, making every conversation unique and meaningful. These interviews are the start of my “Purpose Takes Shape” series.
In the months ahead, I’ll be talking with people who inspire me, whether they’re in social work, community work, or simply making a difference in their own way. Some I’ve met through work, others through curiosity. My goal is simple: to learn from their experiences, see what sparks their passion, and reflect on how each story helps me keep finding my purpose. Maybe others will find inspiration along the way too.
I used to love writing, and that’s where June’s Nest begins, a creative space to explore ideas and experiment freely. The blog may be one part of it, or it might grow into something completely different as I discover what this space can become. At the very least, it will hold me accountable and give me a place to create.
“Purpose Takes Shape” Series
June’s Nest is Finally Taking Flight
For me, June’s Nest isn’t about building a business or a brand, at least not yet. It’s about giving myself room to rediscover creativity, curiosity, and the parts of myself I once put aside. June’s Nest started as a quiet dream, and now it’s become my way of creating something of my own, rooted in purpose, creativity, and connection.
It’s about positioning myself for purpose and embracing the fact that this is a work in progress. I don’t know exactly where this will lead, and maybe that’s the beauty of it. This is me stepping into a new chapter: learning to trust the process, to listen, to connect, to create, and to stay open to wherever life leads.
June’s Nest may have started as a name I tucked away, but it’s become something much more.
I’m excited to see how June’s Nest continues to grow and what connections it brings. If you’d like to reach out or share your own story, connect with me here!
From my nest to yours. Thank you for being here.
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