By Guest Blogger Angela Thorne
Do you remember what it was like to be a child, brimming with unwavering awe and wonder for the world around you? Before the weight of cultural influences gripped your spirit, urging you to conform? While some may find it challenging to reconnect with that pure, untarnished state, I invite you to take a moment to envision the boundless curiosity and joy that once defined your existence. We’re called to approach life with childlike faith, yet we’re also aware of an adversary whose singular aim is to thwart our destiny.
For many of us, this reality is all too familiar. In my journey, the enemy sought to steal my purpose through early traumas. It’s a pattern he employs early on, aiming to snatch away our sense of purpose. But let us remember, even armed with the knowledge of the adversary’s tactics, we serve a Higher Power with a promise to provide abundantly beyond our expectations—life in its fullest until it overflows (John 10:10 TPT).
So, how do we bridge the gap between this truth and our lived reality? In this blog, I will outline three fundamental steps that I traversed to align with the destiny that was ordained for me long before I was meticulously crafted in my mother’s womb.
Pursue Healing
Step One is crucial to coming back to the basics. It will tear down every wall that was built up for you to survive. It will soften the heart of stone. It will allow you to have eyes to see and ears to hear your next steps! Just as a wound requires time, care, and attention to mend, so does our inner self. Early traumas and wounds inflicted by the world can create barriers that obstruct our ability to perceive and embrace our true purpose.
Recognizing and addressing these wounds is an act of self-compassion and an acknowledgment of the value inherent in our existence. Healing encompasses a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and learning to extend grace to ourselves. It involves seeking professional help if needed, finding solace in therapeutic practices, and embracing activities that nurture mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Engage With A Community
Oftentimes, others hurt us, whether it be family, individuals at school or church, or through romantic encounters. However, even though we may have been hurt through relationships, we can only heal through relationships. That is why step one is so important because it will allow you to trust again. No one is an island, and finding purpose is a communal endeavor. Surrounding yourself with a supportive and nurturing community can provide the fertile ground in which your purpose can take root and flourish. In the embrace of a community, you’ll find encouragement, understanding, and shared experiences that affirm your journey.
However, even though we may have been hurt through relationships, we can only heal through relationships.
Angela Thorne
This network can comprise of friends, mentors, family, or like-minded individuals who resonate with your aspirations and offer constructive feedback. Engaging with a community not only provides emotional sustenance but also widens your perspective, offering new insights and opportunities that you might not have discovered on your own.
Continual Self-Reflection
Self-reflection is the cornerstone of purpose discovery. It involves delving deep into your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and contemplating your unique strengths, passions, and values. This introspective process is not about seeking external validation or conforming to societal expectations. Instead, it’s a journey of self-discovery, where you discern what truly resonates with your soul and aligns with the person you aspire to be.
Engaging in practices like journaling, meditation, or prayer can facilitate this process, providing the space for your authentic self to emerge and for your purpose to crystallize. This is an ongoing practice I have made part of my routine. We are fluid beings, and we are always growing. It is important to stay attuned to what our Creator is doing in each season to stay on the right path to destiny!
Putting it All Together
Rediscovering your purpose is a journey of healing, community, and self-reflection. It’s a return to the essence of who you are, unburdened by the impositions of the world. By nurturing your inner self, surrounding yourself with a supportive community, and engaging in introspective practices, you pave the way for your purpose to unfold organically. Remember, your destiny was written long before you were formed, and it awaits your embrace. Embrace these foundational steps, and step boldly into the fullness of your purpose!
With Love,
Angela Thorne
