Stepping Out On Faith with Sherri Vanderpool

Sometimes we find ourselves on a life path that has been dictated by the expectations of those we love, respect, or want to appease. These can be verbalized expectations, and sometimes there are no words ever spoken, but we read the non-verbal signs so clearly, and then follow suit. How often do we as women find ourselves allowing other people to live out their goals through our life, at our expense? This can be a parent, a child, sibling, or partner. But it’s stifling our personal or professional growth. The great news is that we all have our tipping point, and when today's guest arrived at her point when she refused to allow her green card to expire. This pushed her to make a drastic change and take a huge leap of faith. She quit her job and left the country, without a clear plan of what was next. She chose the path that felt right for her, she made a decision based on what she knew she needed and wanted in her life for the long term, and then went for it wholeheartedly!

As we go through phases in our life the personalities that influence us and how we move, often shift. We have to always listen to our inner selves and trust that we are the best person to advise us on our own life. After all, Who knows you better than you?

Today’s guest is Sherri Vanderpool, former radio host on Collie Buddz’ VIBE 103, better known as Sherri Berri. With education and an established career in Social Work, she also has a love for modeling and all things entertainment.

Throughout the next decade of her life, Sherri began to actively pursue her passions, taking risks, and stepping out on faith at every turn! Even when fearful, she found her voice, chased her passion, and is now living out the moments that she wanted to achieve. She’s been a host on a #1 radio station, she walked a runway in an international fashion week, she has her own podcast that was waiting in the planning stage for years. Do you know how fulfilling it is to be able to review the last few chapters of your book of life and be able to say… yeah, I did that. Ticking off some boxes and eagerly anticipating what you will achieve next.

We can be surprised when we hear of how people perceive us from the outside looking in. It is so common for people to admire, respect, or be inspired by us … but we feel that we don’t live up to that vision of who they think we are. We have to remember that there is always someone that is watching, that we are inspiring, that we are motivating, or teaching by example. And we need to live our lives for our own purpose and shine brightly, as it may be a lighthouse for those that are truly in a dark space and need to follow the path you are creating.

Every path will have obstacles along the way. It is how we face those obstacles that really speak to our character, our discipline, and our passion. When we get stuck, often it helps to just pause. Be still. Breathe. Clear your head and then when the world doesn’t appear as foggy you can recalibrate and refocus on where you want to go. More importantly, begin the steps to get there. You always want to be heading in the direction of something that you genuinely desire. Yes, there will be things you are doing that are not necessarily in line with your passions. It may be out of need, or out of greed… but the more you minimize these things and consciously pursue your true purpose, the more you find genuine happiness and fulfillment.

Sometimes we can make carefully executed plans and other times we just need to step out on faith… but whatever you do don’t sit still and do nothing. The journey is half the fun, so begin to travel to your next destination.

Instagram @givingh.e.d.