Editor’s Note
Purpose isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes, it’s subtle and quiet. It can be a persistent pull, a deep knowing that refuses to fade. Walking in purpose requires strength, resilience, and faith, not just in the vision itself, but in the process, the uncertainty, and the sacrifices it demands.
In this Suburban Guest entry, Chantaeu Munroe reflects on her personal journey, the challenges, the doubts, and the unwavering commitment to fulfilling what she knows she’s called to do. It’s raw, honest, and deeply personal, yet profoundly relatable to anyone who has ever questioned whether the road they’ve chosen is the right one.
Regardless of belief systems, backgrounds, or experiences, the pursuit of purpose is something we all navigate. As you read, may you find pieces of your own journey woven into hers.
Though the messages written, edited, and shared by Suburban Guests may resonate with The Suburban Girl JA®, they are not our own and they do not necessarily reflect the thoughts and ideals we value.
Signed,
The Suburban Girl JA®
An honest reflection on the emotional and spiritual weight of walking in purpose, and the strength it takes to keep going.
I’m one year and five months into my entrepreneurship journey and, whew!! Nothing, and I mean, nothing, could have prepared me for the mental and spiritual warfare that comes with it.
People talk about the grind, the hustle, and the sleepless nights, but no one tells you about the silent battles: the tension headaches that make you question your very existence, the constant doubts, the anxiety, the fear, the unexpected weight loss. The part of the journey that makes you quietly ask yourself, “Did I make the right decision?”
Even if someone had warned me, some things just don’t hit until you’re in the thick of it. You start to truly understand what seasoned entrepreneurs meant when they say, “This is not for the faint of heart.”
Let me be honest with you, this is hard!
Despite it all, there’s a deep, unrelenting pull that keeps me going. It’s something bigger than me. Something divine. Something I now know as purpose. I’m not in this for applause or validation. I’m here because lives are connected to my obedience. Every workshop, every post, every moment of vulnerability, is a lifeline for someone else.
Purpose, I’ve learned, isn’t just a buzzword. It’s like giving birth, you don’t just walk away from it. Once it’s here, you have to nurture it, fail forward, pivot, adjust, cry, get back up, and keep walking with crazy faith that it will all make sense one day.
I’ve lost connections, some I thought were for life, only to realise they weren’t fit for where God was taking me. And that’s okay. In every season, God has provided the right people and the exact resources I’ve needed to survive, grow, and thrive.
Editor’s interjection: Though this Suburban Guest post is more of a personal reflection of one’s journey towards living in their purpose, I’d like to highlight that the purpose and mental fortitude that Chantaeu speaks of can also be supported by a number of psychological theories. Since she operates in the mental health space and has rooted connections with psychology based one her work, this is most appropriate. Below, I mention three theories that are, perhaps, not as well-known as others like the self-determination theory, but can be applied to the experience she speaks of.
Grit Theory: Popularised by psychologist Angela Duckworth, grit is the combination of passion and perseverance toward long-term goals. This theory emphasises that mental toughness is not just about talent but about sustained effort and commitment over time.
Growth Mindset Theory: Proposed by Carol Dweck, this theory suggests that individuals who believe their abilities can be developed through effort and learning are more resilient. A growth mindset fosters perseverance and adaptability, which are essential for mental fortitude.
Logotherapy: Developed by Viktor Frankl focuses on finding meaning in life, even in suffering. Frankl argued that having a sense of purpose helps individuals endure hardships and maintain psychological strength.
Many of us tend to prefer references of people who are skin-folk and I completely understand. Whereas I couldn’t identify psychologists in Jamaica or the Caribbean (not that they aren’t in existence) who focuses solely or heavily on the topic at hand, I was able to identify some Black American names who almost a close second. Below are two Black women who help women and girls do what Chantaeu’s journey currently captures.
Dr. Cheryl Grills: A leading figure in African-centered psychology, Grills has contributed to discussions on Black mental health, resilience, and purpose. Her work aligns with theories of self-determination and growth mindset.
Dr. Joy Harden Bradford: Founder of Therapy for Black Girls, she focuses on mental wellness, self-care, and personal growth. Her work encourages individuals to embrace their purpose and strengthen their mental health.
If you know of local (Jamaican), regional (Caribbean), or diasporan individuals who align with the work of these phenomenal people, feel free to share their names in the comments. This post could serve as a valuable resource—you never know who might benefit from it.
Tools & their accompanying lessons for welcoming and living in purpose
One of the hardest, yet most freeing lessons when you’re walking in God’s purpose is that He’ll bring you to a place of full reliance on Him. Not partial, not “when things aren’t working.” Full reliance: because regardless of your effort, the door won’t open unless he does it. When that happens, no man can shut it because His way is better than mine.
I’ve had to build my mental strength to traverse this journey, but not without some necessary tools Here are three tools and accompanying lessons that I’ve had to develop just to stay grounded and sane in this season:
Radical Gratitude
Lesson: Nothing is promised, not even the next breath. I’ve had to learn to be thankful for everything, even the little things. That shift alone has changed how I see my life. The Bible encourages us to focus on what’s lovely, true, praiseworthy and that mental shift literally saves me when I feel like I’m drowning in discouragement.
Patience in the Process
Lesson: God’s timing is not mine. Just like fruit doesn’t grow the moment it’s planted, purpose takes time to manifest. My job is to nurture the seed, do the work, and trust Him to bring the increase. Delay doesn’t mean denial, sometimes it means development.
Celebrate Every Win
Lesson: No matter how small, I show up with gratitude and excellence. Why? Because if God can trust me with little, He can trust me with more. Sometimes we’re asking for more while mismanaging what’s already in our hands. I’ve learned to honour the “small” things because they’re never really small.
Editor’s Interjection: Chantaeu references The Bible and God quite a bit in this reflection. It would be remiss of me to not include a fitting verse. So, as taken from Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse is a powerful reminder that each person has a divine purpose. It reassures us that God has a plan for our lives, encouraging us to step into our calling with confidence. Proverbs 19:21 – “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” A reminder that while we may have our own desires, God’s purpose is ultimately what will stand. Psalm 33:11 – “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.” A powerful reassurance that God’s purpose is eternal and unchanging.
So, no, I wasn’t ready for how mentally and spiritually demanding this would be. But I’m still standing. Still showing up. And I’m grateful, because even in the wrestling, I know this is purpose. I know lives are being transformed. And I know God is not done yet.
If you’re on this journey too, keep going. It’s not easy. But it’s worth it.
Read Chantaeu’s second entry for the Suburban Guest series! –> Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: How Childhood Trauma Impacts Long-Term Health | Suburban Guest – Chantaeu. This entry to the series explores the long-term effects of childhood trauma on physical and mental health, emphasising that unresolved trauma can manifest in chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Chantaeu highlights how trauma embeds itself in the nervous system, keeping the body in a state of hypervigilance, which leads to breakdown over time. She advocates for self-care as a radical act of healing, urging individuals to reclaim their right to rest, reflect, and receive support. The post also references Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) research, including editorial references made about Dr. Nadine Burke Harris and Professor Wendel Abel, to reinforce the connection between trauma and long-term health outcomes.
Chantaeu Munroe is a certified clinical trauma professional, Christian life coach, and the author of Layers of Healing: Discovering Purpose in Pain and Trauma. As the founder of CKM Healing Consultancy, she empowers individuals, couples, and organisations to overcome trauma and embrace transformation.
A former finance professional, Chantaeu now inspires change through tailored coaching, impactful storytelling, and advocacy, including co-producing the acclaimed short film “I Was Only Twelve.”
Connect with Chantaeu on Instagram @Chantaeu Munroe & @ckmhealingconsultancy | Facebook @chantaeumunroe & @ckmhealingconsultancy | LinkedIn at Chantaeu Munroe | Website: www.ckmconsultancyja.com & Email: ckmhealingconsultancy@gmail.com
The Suburban Girl JA® 
This is such a solid piece! Love even the Bible, one’s relationship with the creator and Psychology connects with the human touch!
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