{THE WHOLE WOMAN BLOGSHOP}: TANGIE HENRY HELPS YOU FIND THE "PATHWAY TO PURPOSE"

Knowing who God created you to be is one of the most important components of being whole. Without it, it feels as if you're walking aimlessly through life trying to figure out (in the words of Rick Warren) "What on earth am I here for?" Today, life coach, Tangie Henry gives some guidance on finding the "pathway to purpose." Be sure to get the Whole Woman Worksheet at the end of the feature. Also, stay tuned for "Pursuing Your Passion", an inspiring feature by make up artist, Patrice Parrish.

Tangie Henry, Life Coach

The upcoming retreat that you will be hosting fits right in with this series. Can you share some details on your upcoming Pathway to Purpose retreat and what it will entail?
The Pathway to Purpose Retreat is all about helping women discover, rediscover or affirm their purpose. I meet so many women who are not really maximizing their potential for one reason or the other. This retreat will give them the opportunity to not only get inspired to do great things, but provide an opportunity of rest, as well. Oftentimes, the pathway to our purpose is obscured because we’re just tired: Tired of managing everyone else’s lives while trying to live our own. This will be an opportunity for ladies to get clear & refreshed so that they can go back to their environment & conquer the world!

I am also taking this opportunity to honor women who are busy making things happen in their communities by hosting an awards ceremony highlighting Inspired Sistahs everywhere.

What advice would you give to someone who is trying to discover her purpose? What steps would she need to take?
That is such a great question. I would tell her to look within. What is that “thing” that comes so naturally to her that she could do without much effort? What is it that she would do all day long for free without taking a break? Sometimes we shun our natural talents and abilities because we don’t think that we could make a living doing them. But the reality is that we were all designed for a specific purpose. You have the power to get wealth within your hands by using your natural grace & ability. If you submitted yourself to that grace, you could then, get in the position to receive creative insight and favor and learn how to, not only make a living, but live abundantly from the fruit of your hands.

If I had to offer steps, I would say first, seek God for wisdom and clarity. And then take an inventory of your interests, even that thing you may have abandoned as a child. Think about what comes so easy to you and is just a natural extension of who you are. For example, maybe you’re the “Girl Friday” who everyone can come to and you can help them draft a resume, do their taxes and program their smart phone. Do you know there are people who will pay for your gift? That’s exactly how it was designed. And, finally, just do it! Release the fear and do it anyway. Start where you, with what you have and watch the doors fly open.

Can you share your purpose story? How did you discover your purpose?
When I think about my journey, I realize that I’ve always been an Inspired Sistah. Even as a teenager, I was the sober, sane, girlfriend who everyone came to talk to when they were in a “situation.” I’ve always been really interested in helping people in times of transition. Thus, I gravitated to the nursing profession where I get to help women in times of great vulnerability. I fully embraced my passion, though, a couple of years ago when I realized that my greatest joy comes from encouraging women to live extraordinary lives. I realized that my ability to do that was, indeed, a gift. And that God took my mess of a life and made something beautiful out of it so that He could usher His daughters to greatness. I count it a privilege and I am humbled by it daily.

What, to you is the greatest benefit of knowing your purpose?
I believe the greatest benefit to knowing your purpose is being able to be in a position to live the life that you were intended to live. When you don’t know your purpose, you will take jobs, get involved in relationships and participate in activities that don’t serve you. When you don’t know the purpose of a thing, you will abuse it. Thus, when you don’t know why you’ve been equipped with certain gifts, you’ll dishonor, neglect or abuse them. The way I see it, God is a “business man.” He wants a return on His investment. Remember the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30? We’re expected to, not only use the talents we were given, but to sow them so that they will produce even more seeds.

Earlier, you mentioned that oftentimes, the pathway to purpose is obscured because we're just tired. What other obstacles could get in the way of discovering your purpose?
Fear! Fear of making a mistake. Fear of not being good enough. Fear of failure. Fear of success. Fear, fear, fear! When we operate in fear, we’re not exercising our faith. We start having negative self-talk and we start doubting if we can really do it. We start asking ourselves questions like, “What if people don’t like what I’m doing? What will others say?” So then we get stuck in the “paralysis of analysis” and never move forward.

What scriptural reference would you give to encourage someone along their journey to discovering their purpose?
Romans 12:4-8, Matthew 25:14-30

You are also known as Inspired Sistah. In closing, can you give some more inspiring words to COAFW readers that would further encourage them to find their purpose?
Everyone was born with purpose within them, but not everyone has had that seed nurtured. As a result, they start gravitating toward what’s popular or what they think will make them the most money. And then they find themselves many degrees and dollars later still unfulfilled. You will never be at peace until you’re fully embracing the purpose God has placed within you. I say that from personal experience because I have a lot of varied interest and several college degrees, but the thing that gives me the most satisfaction is being in a position to encourage and inspire women to live victorious lives. And I position myself so that everything I do supports that mission. In the wake of all that’s going on in the world: Lay-offs, unemployment, uncertainty, this is a perfect opportunity for people to “try” their hand at the things they’ve been dreaming about. Maybe they’ve wanted to go back to school and get an Art Degree instead of the Accounting Degree they currently have. Maybe they’ve always wanted to make pretty dresses. Maybe they’ve wanted to be a missionary in Africa. Whatever it is, Just Do It! This is the season. The whole world is waiting on the manifestation of YOUR gift. Believe it!

Visit Tangie on her site Inspired Sistah

Visit the Pathway to Purpose retreat site here

WHOLE WOMAN WORKSHEET

Tangie gave some very practical steps about discovering your purpose. Use the worksheet to start your own "pathway to purpose".

1. What is that "thing" that comes naturally to you without much effort? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What is something you could do all day for free without taking a break?
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3. What do you think is the greatest benefit of knowing your purpose?
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4. What obstacles may be hindering you from knowing your purpose?
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5. Do you have a favorite scripture to stand on? If so, list it/them. (Tangie shared two very helpful scriptures: Romans 12:4-8, Matthew 25:14-30)
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6. Inspire yourself: Write some encouraging words to yourself to help you on your pathway to purpose. Don't forget to read them from time to time.
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*BONUS: Start your purpose story (even if you're unsure of what that might be, write that too)
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