What do you actually want to be in your life? As a kid you can dream about being an astronaut or brain surgeon or sports superstar. As an adult it’s not so easy to answer that question, and it’s especially difficult if life has thrown you a curveball and if you’re navigating trauma or hardship.
In that case, when you’re struggling to put one foot in front of the other, “Purpose” might be the last thing on your mind. But purpose might be the thing you need most. That’s Kandice Bateast’s theory.
Kandice Bateast spreads positive life-affirming vibes around Tula Tacos on Out to Lunch Acadiana
By day, Kandice is a school psychologist in St. Martin Parish. But many more people know her as an author and podcast host.
Kandice went through a tough breakup herself and found purpose of her own: helping others put the pieces back together and get right with God. Her podcast Goodbye Heartbreak, Hello Purpose helps listeners heal by finding strength from within. Kandice wrote a book with the same name that tracks with the podcast. It’s a 365-day devotional, walking listeners through the post-breakup journey.
Sometimes your purpose is right in front of you. In Donielle Watkins’ case it was her son Logan, who has spina bifida.
Donielle Watkins, creating better lives for kids through the power of meat pies
Donielle has been an accountant for 20 years and in 2007 she founded DREAMS Foundation of Acadiana. DREAMS was the first organization of its kind in the area. It focuses on disability rights and inclusion. And the concept came from Logan.
Logan asked Donielle a simple question: Mom, when can I play basketball? It struck Donielle that there wasn’t any good reason that he shouldn’t. So she organized activities for Logan and kids just like him.
DREAMS has grown to serve around 700 people from ages 5 to 60. And it preaches self-reliance. Today, Donielle, who was born in Breaux Bridge and now lives in Lafayette, has 21 people employed in a manufacturing facility that produces Cane River Meat Pies.
Donielle Watkins ready for business in the Cane River Meat Pies truck
Out to Lunch Acadiana is recorded live over lunch at Tula Tacos and Amigos in downtown Lafayette. Photos by Astor Morgan.
Christiaan Mader lines up for his meat pie outside Tula Tacos
