Powerful Women of Purpose Series. Meet Karlene Johnson

This week we know you will be inspired, re-charged and ready to shine beautifully in your purpose after reading about our Powerful Woman Of Purpose!

Karlene States:

I am a funky chick who loves the Lord and lives life to the full. I cherish my roles as wife, mother and now grandmother. In years past I worked in advertising and public relations, and currently work full time as a flight attendant, and part time as a certified teacher of young children with special needs. I am a published author of the children's storybook, Anthills and Racing Feet- a boy leaves his island village to live in big city, New York. My hobbies include writing, running, and collecting artifacts from around the world.

What's your definition of purpose?

Purpose, for me, is that function for which God has specifically designed and gifted you, to bless your own life, and to change the lives of others.

When did you know for sure what your purpose is and what you wanted to contribute to the world as a your career?

I knew in my high school years that my purpose would take a creative and independent route because that is where my gifts lie. That took me into doing a degree in Mass Communication and later specializing in Advertising in a Master's. I spent 15 wonderful years working and consulting in the advertising agency world where I learned what it means to be truly creative in thought and in writing. I have taken those creative skills in writing, as well as a broad and creative world view into my general life, and I believe that writing in some form will be with me for the rest of my life.

To date what's your most significant accomplishment?

God gave me a task. He blessed me to bear and help raise two amazing children, now adults, who have faced the world with love for God, intellect, courage, and a selfless desire to make a difference. In them I see both my creativity and my independent spirit.

What's one tip you would give to someone trying to figure out what their purpose is, and living it no matter what?

I would say pause to reflect, pray and listen. Search through your life for the things you do that give you greatest joy. That you almost always do well. That you get affirmation from others on. That make you smile everytime. Find the common thread. Then talk to God about how that thing can be expressed in a way that changes the lives of others. Figuring it out is the hard part. Living it is fun.

What's your definition of beauty and how do you celebrate your individual beauty?

Beauty, for me, is a combination of several things. It is self-awareness, health, symmetry, wholeness, depth. I am thankful that I was raised to appreciate the physical beauty of my black heritage. In my now mature years, I enjoy my silver crown and unwrinkled skin. In my twenties, I learned the importance of facial skin care and have cared for my skin as best I knew for the last thirty-five years. I'm glad I did. Running helps me to maintain good health and form. Stimulating conversation with others of differing views helps keep my mind sharp. Every day is an opportunity to celebrate my unique mind, body and spirit. Reading God's words about the beauty He sees in me gives me reason to celebrate.

Besides the Bible what's your favorite self development book?

The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale was a favorite in my 20s. I'm definitely an optimist by nature so many of those principles were core defaults even then. In more recent years, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren is one I've enjoyed because it focused not so much on "self development" but on discovering and following God's plan for a successful life. I've enjoyed these and many others.

To find out more about Karlene's work check out and like her Facebook Business Page at https://www.facebook.com/AnthillsandRacingFeet/