2-Take Ownership of Your Story

What if you stopped waiting for the perfect opportunity and stepped into your calling today? In this episode, I’m sharing my personal journey of discovering my identity, purpose, and belonging—and how I stopped waiting for someone else to invite me into my calling.

From a vision of speaking on a stage to actively build my own business and ministry, I realized that the only way forward was to take action in faith. I want to encourage you to be your own advocate, trust that God has equipped you, and stop waiting for the perfect moment or the right invitation.

We’ll talk about:
✔ The moment I realized I needed to create the opportunities I was waiting for
✔ Why identity, purpose, and belonging are deeply connected to leadership
✔ How to overcome fear, self-doubt, and waiting for permission
✔ The power of self-leadership in stepping into your God-given calling
✔ The struggles I faced along the way—and how I learned to trust God’s process

Free download: The Story Reset Guide

Key Takeaways:

1. Stop waiting to be chosen—God already called you. Your purpose isn’t dependent on someone else’s validation.
2. Self-leadership is essential. When you learn to lead yourself well, you’ll be prepared to lead others in any sphere of influence.
3. Your struggles don’t disqualify you—they prepare you. Every challenge and season of searching is shaping you for the story you’re called to tell.

StoryMaker Challenge:

🔹 Selah (Pause & Reflect): What is one step of faith you’ve been hesitating to take? Ask God for clarity and courage to move forward.
🔹 Scripture to Meditate On:

• Ephesians 2:10 – You are God’s masterpiece, created for good works.
• Jeremiah 29:11 – God’s plans for you are good, filled with hope and a future.
• 2 Timothy 1:7 – You were not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.

🔹 Speak Truth: Declare this: "I am called, chosen, and fully equipped for my God-given purpose. I will step forward in faith, trusting that He will lead me."
🔹 Surround Yourself: Connect with like-minded women who encourage and challenge you to step into your calling.

Journal Prompts for Deeper Reflection

• Have I been waiting for permission instead of stepping into my calling?
• What fears or doubts have held me back from taking action?
• How has my past prepared me for what I am called to do?
• If I fully trusted God’s plan, what would I do differently today?

The Next Thing

• Share this episode: Know someone who needs encouragement in their journey? Send them this episode!
• Connect with me: Follow me on Instagram @coachlauramalone and share your biggest takeaways.
• Step into your calling: Learn about coaching at Sterling & Stone Mentoring, and become a CRI Responder with Crisis Response International.

✨ You are a StoryMaker. You are powerful, chosen, and capable. Step into your calling today. ✨

Music by https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day. License code: 6RD7Q6IO81E7MI2S.