We’re starting 2025 the right way! We’ve selected some of the best words of wisdom from a few of our past featured women from the 2024 Woman Wednesdays. Happy New Year, everyone! Let’s do our best to make it the best year yet!
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Lyudmyla from Ukraine says: “You’re one of a kind. Embrace everything that makes you, you. Your quirks, your dreams—they’re what make you special. Fear is okay; it’s a sign you’re growing. Don’t shy away from challenges; they’re stepping stones to something amazing. Be brave. Be you. Don’t follow the crowd if it doesn’t feel right. Be brave enough to be yourself, and amazing things will follow. You’ve got this! Your journey is yours, and it’s going to be amazing.” Read full article here.
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Iesha from Delaware, United States, says: “What I have learned through my journey through life is that as you keep going, you will come through on the other side and there’s life after.” Read full article here.
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Shannon from California, United States, says: “It’s a common assumption these days to feel burnt out and say you need to take a vacation. Or go to the spa, or go shopping, or treat yourself, or to do something relaxing. While traveling and these other things do help with self-discovery, they don’t help with healing, reprogramming the subconscious, or unlocking potential! Not to mention, there’s a whole world of self-development and spirituality accessible to us. Things like manifesting can be fun and life-changing!” Read full article here.
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Michelle from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, says: “Take chances and make mistakes! Lots of them. If you really feel for something, do it! Do it no matter how unlikely it may seem. Unlikely things can happen all the time. And like I tell my children every day: ‘You do you! Do not care about what others think.’ It’s our daily mantra. I wish someone had been whispering or shouting this in my ear when I was young and naive.” Read full article here.
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Philomena from Dublin, Ireland, says: “Once I got into personal development, things started shifting. I learned that I wasn’t powerless, and I didn’t have to wait around for life to change. I could take control of the narrative and create the life I actually wanted. It’s funny because once you start working on yourself, you realize just how much power you’ve been giving away. And here’s the thing: it’s not some overnight, magical transformation. It’s daily work.” Read full article here.
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Ginny from Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, says: “One of the main things I would say to people is to trust your own intuition; it is your compass that will help you through life, keeping you safe and leading you on your true path. I believe every one of us has a mission here, to be kind, compassionate, and to treat others how we would like to be treated ourselves. Once all of humanity starts to live like this, we will truly create the new earth. It is our destiny to make this world a better place for our children and grandchildren.” Read full article here.
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Valencia from Maryland, United States, says: “I’ve embraced the principle of trusting the process and resisting external pressures to conform to someone else’s expectations. Early on, I recognized that I may not resonate with everyone, and I’ve come to accept that as a natural part of life. Embracing my authentic self has become a paramount aspect of my identity, and I navigate life with the unwavering confidence to be true to who I am without hesitation.” Read full article here.
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Archie from Baguio City,Philippines, says: “One of the most valuable lessons life has taught me is the transformative power of resilience. In the face of adversity, it’s our ability to bounce back, learn, and adapt that defines our journey. Growing up in challenging circumstances, facing financial hardships, and the loss of my mother at a young age, I learned firsthand the importance of resilience. It’s not about avoiding difficulties but about navigating through them with determination and a positive mindset. I’d like others to understand that setbacks are not the end of the road but rather opportunities for growth. Every obstacle, every tough moment, is a chance to discover your inner strength and capabilities. Embracing challenges, rather than fearing them, can lead to personal and professional breakthroughs.” Read full article here.
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Maria from Bogota, Colombia, says: “I feel like the most valuable tool I have and what has helped me the most has been prayer/meditation. Being able to ask for divine guidance and really taking the time to listen will help you take the steps needed that are in alignment with your true purpose.”
“Remembering that we all put our pants the same way in the morning keeps me humble and grounded; it allows me to expand from a more authentic and empathic place, and to really take the time to listen to others…sometimes it’s important. To be of service is important. Walking without judgment is growth. Everyone is their own world, and oftentimes, we forget people are fighting battles we don’t know about. Being kind is important. A life of service is a life well-lived.” Read full article here.
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Dr. Satabdi from Assam, India, says: “Some life lessons that I learned: (a) Make yourself necessary and you will be needed. (b) Listen to advice from others, but never let others make decisions on your behalf. (c) Accept what you are, acknowledge your deficiencies, and try to be better. But never become someone else to gain acceptance in society as such fame is short-lived. (d) Never play the role of a victim; wake up and fight back. To fight back is the demand of the universe, even though people may call you the villain.” Read full article here.
Tune in every Wednesday to read about a new featured woman!
We’re starting 2024 the right way! We’ve selected some of the best words of wisdom from a few of our past featured women from the 2023 Woman Wednesdays. Happy New Year, everyone! Let’s do our best to make it the best year yet!
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Mary from the Philippines says, “Your story can be your most powerful tool. Everyone has their own fight, whether chronic diseases or not, personal or not personal, all of us have our own fight. If I have a chance to help you, that would be to teach you how to win your fight and turn it into a breakthrough. I have won five times against cancer, and I know cancer can start the fight again, but definitely, I’m the one who’s gonna end the fight.”
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Shivaun from Jamaica says, “Something valuable that I hold close to my heart is to walk in your own purpose and focus on your journey because God’s timing for everyone is different. Also, learn to celebrate the small wins and enjoy the journey to the next goal.”
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Shellece from Utah, United States, says, “When my babies were born, I stayed home with them and we had to live extremely frugally because we were living on less than $20,000 a year and my husband was still in school. As a matter of fact, I thought we were rich when my husband got a raise to $20,000 a year. I worked my tail end off doing meal planning, budgeting, sewing clothes for my girls, and taking the best pictures I could of my babies. I learned how to make bread to save money. We basically lived off of homemade bread, egg burritos, macaroni, and hot dogs for about four years. I felt like I was drowning and I was scrambling trying to think of ways to make some money on the side. I remember one week we had $16 for groceries. I had some food storage, so we made it work. I spent occasional weeknights drawing and painting when my girls were in bed and I had friends and family who paid me to paint custom portraits of their loved ones and I taught some art lessons. Other good friends paid me to do some photography for them. Those difficult few years were extremely stressful, but I gained some practical skills that I appreciate and use now.”
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Michelle from South Florida, United States, says, “You are enough. The “rules” you were taught are only your rules; no one else is going to follow them, so you might as well throw them right out the window. When I look back, believe me, I have a lot to look back on…I see a young person who was afraid to not follow the rules, this limited me and kept me from exploring all the things I could have. But obviously, my personality and confidence led me to push forward and break the rules. There were a couple of quotes that always rang true, “…leap and the net will appear…feel the fear and do it anyway.” At the time, I didn’t quite understand what they meant, but now I am much better at doing it and asking for forgiveness later. Whatever you think you want to do, do it.”
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Aja from Missouri, United States, says, “Growing up, I was the weirdo. Now, it’s a badge I wear proudly, but when you’re at an age where you’re learning who you are and want to be, not being like “the other kids” isn’t so great. The problem was that I actually really liked myself. [She laughs.] So, I kept on being weird. I never vibed with the ways I was told to live and be in the world. You see, I love change. I used to change everything: my hair, my style, my room, my interests, and my food. And, as an adult, I changed husbands, and my favorite change of all besides my self-concept is changing homes…We’ve been taught that change isn’t okay and if you want to get ahead (especially in business) your business has to look a certain way. I’m here to show MIMs there’s a different way. Our way! Our rules! There’s nothing wrong with us. I’m here to let them know that their perceived flaws are their formula for freedom and fulfillment for going from dream chaser to dream catcher.”
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Jennisha from Suffolk, England, says, “While I enjoyed the playful side of life, education wasn’t a top priority for me during my early years. However, around the age of 14 or 15, I found God. Around the same time, I had an epiphany about the importance of education. This realization sparked a significant shift in my attitude, perspective, and behavior. From that point onward, I committed myself to academic excellence, consistently achieving high grades throughout my educational journey…Despite my initial dislike for school, I am now pleasantly surprised by how much I have grown to love learning. It became evident to me that God and knowledge opened doors to opportunities and personal growth. Eventually, I graduated from university with a degree in marketing, advertising, and public relations. It’s remarkable how my perspective on education evolved, transforming into a genuine passion for acquiring knowledge and expanding my horizons. Reflecting on my early years, I recall a specific interest in decluttering and organization. Even as a child, I found joy in clearing out my nanny’s junk drawer and assisting my aunt in tidying her flat. Little did I know back then that these experiences would shape my journey in helping others with decluttering and organization tasks. These early memories of creating order and finding harmony within spaces laid the foundation for my current passion and expertise in home organization. Childhood interests should not be overlooked, as they can provide a foundation for pursuing meaningful endeavors.”
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Coryn from Tennessee, United States, says, “While it’s important not to be too hard on yourself, it’s equally crucial not to be too easy on yourself either. You have to be your biggest motivator and your toughest critic. Recognize your strengths, but also acknowledge and work on your weaknesses. Embrace your failures and use them as stepping stones to move forward. Pursuing your dreams is not an easy task, but with self-belief, perseverance, and a willingness to push yourself out of your comfort zone, you can achieve great things.”
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Freja from Denmark, says, “I have taken the experience of my mom’s burnout with me and have been very aware of taking care of myself with quality nutrition, walks in nature, meditation, exercise, etc. to make sure that I didn’t hit a wall and fell into burnout. But I have always felt a bit torn because, besides my passion for holistic health, I am also a singer-songwriter and feel like it is my mission to get my music out into the world. So, a couple of years ago, I had been working intensely for two years on my album besides working full-time as a medical doctor, and finally, everything was written, arranged, and recorded, and I released my album. I felt amazing! But after the release concert, I suddenly felt different than I had ever felt before. I felt empty and with no energy whatsoever to do the work to spread the news and get the music out into the world. And it occurred to me that I had completely forgotten to take care of myself while working on my album.”
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Ale from Mexico City, Mexico, says, “Life is not static, and we come to enjoy life. Allow yourself to transform, be authentic, and always do what you love, what is aligned with your core values, and what you feel and what your intuition tells you is your mission in this life. Life is tough, yes, but if there weren’t challenges, life would be so boring. What has brought so much joy in my life is learning to neutralize what has happened to me. See life as a sum of experiences that build you up, and maybe this can be of help to you.”
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Haley from North Carolina, United States, says, “I grew up in various places around the world, in Germany, the U.S., Venezuela, and Brazil. I believe that seeing different cultures made a huge difference in my view of the world, and compassion for different people, and viewpoints. I think that a lot of times, we, as humans, forget that just because something isn’t our view, it doesn’t make it wrong. Diversity of thought is a beautiful thing. There isn’t a single right way that always works. There are many different ways to achieve an answer.”
Tune in every Wednesday at 8 A.M. EST to read about a new featured woman!
We’re starting 2022 the right way! We’ve selected some of the best words of wisdom from our past featured women from our 2021 Woman Wednesdays. Happy New Year, everyone! Let’s do our best to make it the best year yet!
Annie A. from South Carolina
“Don’t try to fit a mold that wasn’t made for you.”
Priya from Chicago, Illinois
“If you can just take a moment and tune into yourself, you’ll get the answers to the right next step.”
JeanetteA. from Wilmington, DE
“Never give up on your dreams and, more importantly, never give up on you. You are worthy of all things great!”
Charli B. from Sydney, Australia; born and raised in Brisbane, Australia
“We are growing in a world that is rapidly changing and open to change. It’s time, now more than ever, to start believing in yourself and creating a life you’re proud of.”
Shaliah from Dolton, Illinois
“Never solely depend on one stream of income.”
Kathy from Katy, Texas
“The world is literally waiting for you to go out and be all you can.”
Kris from Durango, Colorado
“If you don’t fail at some point, you don’t really appreciate how great the great is.”
Devin from NY, living in Austin, Texas
“Discomfort is an important part of growth. When you are pushed to your edge, you learn how much farther you have the capacity to expand.”
Leah from Duluth, Minnesota, living in Cape Coral, Florida
“One thing that I’ve learned the hard way is to pursue your passion, not just the easiest path in front of you.”
Rumaisa from Quad Cities, IA
“We can truly change the circumstances in our life by shifting the way we think and feel about ourselves.”
Nicole from Spokane, Wa
“There are going to be a lot of people who don’t like you, not because you’re a bad person, but because there is something you have that they want.”
Mariam from Montreal, Canada
“I seek out to channel the lessons I’ve learned from Khadija every day.”
Mai from Tacloban City, Philippines
“Although not everyone will listen to you, or other people might think that you’re weird or different, I think that’s the beauty of it all–being unique and understanding who you are will really help you gauge who your people are and who you resonate with.”
Courtney R. from Vancouver, Washington
“We all need a great circle of empowering strong women to push us on all the hard days but also celebrate our wins.”
Stacy from Diego Martin, Trinidad, living in Morvant, Trinidad
“Life is not promised; we can be here today and gone the next. Cherish every moment. We, too, will get old.”
Elaine T.from Nassau, Bahamas
“I have learned to never ignore your passion. When you are walking in your purpose, your passion will indeed bring value to those you are meant to serve.”
Catriona from Scotland, living in Berlin, Germany
“When I gave up architecture after studying for seven years, people thought I was crazy, but I knew it wasn’t right for me. And I followed that feeling, and I have ended up in a place I would never have imagined, but it’s exactly where I’m meant to be!”
Tammi from the USA
“Start now!”
Clairafrom Helena, MT, living in Missoula, MT
“You deserve to thrive, simply because you are alive.”
Jemma from Essex, UK
“To fail simply means, to me, first attempt in learning.”
Rachel from Atlanta, Georgia
“When you learn to manage your mind, you can do anything!”
Brenna R. from Minneapolis, Minnesota
“…when you have a “why” that’s greater than yourself, you will do anything to see it succeed.”
Bruna from São Paulo, Brazil, living in Hungary
“There is no problem impossible to overcome if you have the will and faith in yourself to start.”
Holly R. from a small town outside of Philadelphia, PA
“Be your own advocate.”
Lauren T. from Milford, CT
“You deserve to have happiness. Sometimes, that may mean facing pain to make it to the other side of the rainbow.”
Valentine from Kenya, Africa
“Be the driver, but let passion be the drive.”
Camille from Nueva Ecija, Philippines
“Just do what you love; it’ll take you somewhere far.”
Michelle from Tampa, Florida
“Get to know others, step out of the bubble, and really connect with people. This is how we grow.”
Lisa from Mackay, Queensland, Australia
“If you can dream it, you can do it.”
Jacquelynn from Hattiesburg, Mississippi
“Life is so short and so beautiful.”
Dr. Naieema from Charlotte, North Carolina
“Homelessness was one of the most impactful experiences of my life.”
Topaz from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
“When your cup starts to overflow, get a bigger cup.”
Courtneyfrom Walla Walla, WA, living in Charlotte, NC
“Logic would have never told me to quit my stable job, sell everything, and move to a country where I had no job and didn’t know anyone, but it was the most life-changing experience of my entire life.”
Stephanie from Washington, U.S.
“I always find myself coaching and connecting with truly exceptional people–people who have challenged society’s expectations of them, have risen to the call they hear deep within, and are committed to creating their own story.”
Hanah H. from Indianapolis, Indiana
“We get to determine what our success looks like because we have control of our life.”
Terri from Korea, raised in Virginia, and living in Los Angeles, CA
“They’re just thoughts, yet we often let them define us, hold us back, shape our reality, etc.”
Megs from New South Wales, South of Sydney, Australia
“Your body is your gateway to your intuition and abundance. Let your body guide you.”
Cynthia from Malta, Europe, living in Ibiza, Spain
“Don’t let go of your vision.”
Maura from Venice, Italy, living in Raeford, North Carolina
“It is pointless to regret the past as we cannot change it. All we can do is understand that it is a piece to the puzzle.”
Fabi from Caracas, Venezuela, living in Miami, Florida
“I believe that the most impactful thing a business can do is get massive clarity on their brand message.”
Kate B. from Myersville, Maryland
“There are always affordable places to move to in each country.”
Jaycel from Papua New Guinea, living in England, UK
“I remember one of my uncles discouraged me to take up law as he believed it was a male’s profession. I did not let that crush my spirit and dream of becoming a lawyer. I proved him wrong.”
Ivana from Croatia, Europe
“Your vision of your business is going to guide you to where you want to go, but your energy of excitement and joy is going to make it a success.”
Natalie from Melbourne, Australia
“When things become stressful, it’s your values that will drive you.”
Cassandra from Boston, MA, living in Tampa, FL
“Don’t be afraid to sacrifice who you are right now to become who you are meant to be.”
Anessa from USA, living in British Columbia, Canada
“You have far more influence than you think, even when you don’t speak.”
Normadelle from Jamaica
“Know your worth, your skills, and your value.”
JoAnnfrom Sicily, Italy, living in Georgian Bay, Canada
“A theme that I include in my novel is that of the immigrant experience, the struggle, and prejudice experienced by many hardworking new immigrants.”
Stephanie from Western Australia
“Therapy and counseling and talking about our issues can be helpful when we just want to be heard and have someone to listen to us, and sometimes, it can be all we need.”
Christie from Utah, USA
“It took a lot of work and persistence.”
Katherine from Chile, living in New York, New York
“You will always be the problem and you will always be the solution.”
There you have it! Happy New Year! Take away all these words of wisdom to help you live your best life this 2022! Let’s make this the best year yet!
*Note: Woman Wednesday is a part of our blog. Each Woman Wednesday post will feature a woman who would like to share information in the hopes of inspiring and motivating other women. Comments are welcome below.
We’re starting 2020 the right way! We’ve selected some of the best words of wisdom from our past featured women from our 2019 Woman Wednesdays! This post is not meant to be read once; it is meant to be read again and again to be applied to everyday life. It takes constant practice in order to form new habits. Happy New Year, everyone! Let’s make it the best year yet!
Love [for yourself] is all you need.
“So, if you want to make it anywhere in this world with happiness and contentment, you need to be your own best friend and get to a level of self-awareness that supports your lifestyle and personal expectations.”
Alison, Queensland, Australia
Don’t be afraid to be your own teacher.
“One of the most valuable things I’ve learned is that sometimes we need to realize that when we look for the smart person who knows all the answers and can lead us through the challenges, we need to look in the mirror.”
Elena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Shine bright!
“Don’t dull your shine for someone else.”
Sona, Orange County, California
Don’t put off what you can do today.
“I have learned that not making a choice is a choice in itself. If you want something specific and you have a vision for your life, just take some action. Take small steps towards that vision…even if you’re not 100% ready. If you wait until you’re ready, you will forever be waiting.”
Ellen, Pemberton, British Columbia
Find beauty in the small things.
“My favorite quote is ‘There’s a sunrise and sunset in every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss any of them.’”
Stacy, Florida
Say “yes” to new opportunities.
“I signed up for one design class and absolutely loved it! I found that I not only had a passion for interior design, but I had a God-given gift to envision a space based off my clients’ wants and needs.”
Ariel, Collin County, Texas
Reflect on your past experiences.
“The most valuable thing I’ve learned in life is to never lose the lesson life teaches.”
Margarete, Ulster County, New York
Don’t be so serious.
“Allow yourself to try things and treat life like a game.”
Jamie, Vancouver, Washington
Do all the things you want to, while you still can.
“I kept thinking, ‘When I’m 80, will I regret not trying to open this place?’ And the answer was yes, every time. If we opened, and it closed in a year, at least I can say I tried.”
Mandy, Kansas
Know that it all has purpose.
“Nothing is a mistake. Everything happens for a reason, and don’t regret a thing because it’s all a part of your journey.”
Lasheika, Miami, Florida
Face fears.
“Feel through the fears, and make moves anyways.”
Helen, Phoenix, Arizona
Keep on going!
“There is a whole life out there to be lived. No matter what and how much has been taken away from you, maybe you’ll never get over it, but you can get on!”
Emily, Denmark
You can change your destiny at any time.
“I once felt like a slave to my debt. It controlled nearly all of my decisions. I learned how to take charge! I want everyone to know, you’re not alone!”
Kristen, Texas
Know that you have all the power.
“No one can force you to do anything, be anything, or act a certain way.”
Melissa, Utah
Mistakes are like falling; you’ve got to get back up!
“Resilience has been essential for me in the past few years to really go for my dreams, fall on my face, and get back up.”
Chloe, Sydney, Australia
Don’t make excuses! We all experience pain.
“Life is all about working with what bothers us, not giving power to the problem but looking for solutions. And it is precisely why I tell my story. I had all the reasons to give up and be a ‘no one’ in life. Seeing the transformation in people is something incredible. Many times, people just need help, a word of motivation to help them take a step and get out of their current situation, turn their passions/ideas into a business, or make decisions. I like to work for causes, give a voice to those that can’t talk, help the needy, put on the worker’s boots, and reach out to those who feel lost. These things bring me emotion.”
Nancy, Puerto Rico
Hard work matters.
“I grew up the eldest of three in a single-parent household. There was trauma that I was exposed to early in life, including the absence of my father. I learned early the importance of hard work to change my circumstances.”
Porsche, Nashville, Tennessee
Stop others from dragging you down with them.
“My abuser controlled me in many ways, but one thing he would do was threaten to commit suicide if I didn’t forgive him. If a person uses suicide as a way of getting out of guilt from bad things they’ve done, give them a self-help pamphlet and please run away as fast as you can. I know that’s harsh, but even if you think you can help them, you can’t; they can only make that decision themselves.”
“There was plenty to do that didn’t involve drinking when you knew where to look for it, and about two years into sobriety, when I had worked on myself, not just through CBT, DBT, meditation, and the steps, I had rebuilt the life and identity I never had the chance to when my world came crashing down at age 12. Like the woman I had only imagined, I would be my wildest fantasies—calm, patient, clever, understanding, selfless, and rational—I began to build a life and welcome people into it who made me feel happy.” Glamour feature here.
Helaina, New York, New York
Search deep inside yourself to find what gives your life meaning.
“I felt something was missing. I needed to be more and think beyond what to sell next and how to make more money. I talked to my mom about the meaning of life and she pretty much dismissed my question as something frivolous and overreaching. I can’t blame her though; she comes from a generation where having a white picket fence was the dream). After that talk, I went even deeper into depression. I was living my life void of any life. I would go from one task to the next and have no memory of doing so.”
Maria Tan, Philippines
The only opinion that matters is your own.
“Actually, when I let go of worrying about what other people thought of me, and was open to new opportunities and possibilities, and that was when my life changed. I cared too much about what other people thought of me, and it prevented me from doing the things I wanted to do or being who I truly was. This has given me a sense of achievement, purpose, and community and a profession where I can be my own BOSS. Every day, I have the opportunity to help people change their quality of life both physically and financially. That feels pretty amazing.”
Felissa, Atlanta, Georgia
Expect hard days.
“If I could give any advice to people starting out pursuing a life of financial freedom, it is DO NOT GIVE UP! Yes, some days will be harder than others, and yes, some days you will be lucky to break even. Yes, it’s going to seem like people around you are taking off before you, but stay patient.”
Cierra, Dallas, Texas
Learning you can overcome any challenge is life transforming.
“I believe my struggles, my life stories, and living with constant uncertainty developed this passion inside me to overcome, to learn, and to discover that life is not defined by circumstance but instead comes from an understanding of yourself and your true power. I am living proof you can transform your outside world and life from within your mind.”
Keisha, Antigo, Wisconsin
Tough times are strengths—not weaknesses.
“My younger years weren’t filled with rainbows and unicorns. My amazing mom suffers from bipolar disorder and 20 years ago, when I was growing up, there was not as much support or understanding around the topic. This meant that I was more the parent in our relationship. I believe this experience is the catalyst to why I carry so much compassion towards women and the reason behind my passion as a coach.“
Sophie, Lichfield, England
There are no barriers.
“Nothing and no one is stopping you from reaching your full potential but yourself. Go for it; it is never too late! I have sacrificed so much throughout my journey and honestly, I still am. Never let anyone influence your decisions for your life. Do what you love to do instead of what you see others doing. What works for them may not work for you. Your happiness comes before anything. When you have a happy life, great things fall into place for you. Train your mind to think positive thoughts. Turn every situation you go through into a learning experience. Do your best. Trust the process. Enjoy the journey.”
Moesha, West Memphis, Arkansas
Keep moving!
“The doctors told me I might never walk again. When you’re faced with that kind of news, you have a choice—accept what you’re being told or try and do something about it.”
Kezia, Warwickshire, England
One word: karma! You get what you give.
“We live in a self-absorbed society where it’s all about the selfie. It’s natural to think about ourselves because we are human, but we must fight that urge and continue to put others before ourselves. Live in your gifts; when you do, service will come naturally.”
Marie, Charlotte, North Carolina
First things first: prioritize!
“Life gets busy. In the last year, I’m being intentional to prioritize my mental health. Making time to rest and slow down when necessary. In order to be productive with work, I have to take care of myself by sleeping, eating healthy, exercising, spending time with God through prayer, and meditation as well as reading my Bible. I have to be intentional about making time for myself, family and friends, as well as work. It’s okay to say “no” or “not yet” sometimes. I cannot fill the cups of others when my cup is empty. It’s also okay to ask for help—whether it’s in prayer, family and friends, community, or therapy.”
Ruby B. Johnson, Sierra Leone, West Africa
Don’t waste time on things/people that aren’t worth it.
“I found the right guy because I didn’t waste my time. Before my marriage, I hadn’t celebrated an anniversary with a guy. I didn’t waste time on dates that I didn’t think sparked joy. I didn’t make excuses for them. If we weren’t a fit, I was candid and wasn’t afraid to be alone. I didn’t beg to stay and I didn’t need a conversation when it was over. I hadn’t even planned to stay with my husband initially; I told him my career was important and a priority. Rather than pulling away, he respected that and pursued me.”
Lachelle, Oceanside, California
Know your worth.
“Two, do NOT sell your services for less than you are worth. There are too many stories, some of my own, that after the service is done, you do not ask for enough money. This is a physical labor service, so take pride in your work and make sure you let the clients know it is about quality. Since each job is different, I have learned to pay yourself by the situation NOT by the hour. The person behind my rise in confidence to become an entrepreneur told me, ‘Give me 1% of your trust, and I will prove the other 99%.'”
Ashlee, Boca Raton, Florida
Be patient with yourself.
“There will be messy days, 2-steps-backward days, and you’re-rocking-it days, but as long as you keep showing up to your life, it’s progress.”
Jessica M., Baltimore, Maryland
Don’t compare yourself to anyone—except your old self.
“Something valuable I learned from a young age, due to my limb difference, is that sometimes you have to find your own way. You have to figure out how to do things yourself and not try to imitate someone else’s process because it might not work for you. I think this idea is helpful in life and in business. Comparison is the thief of joy. We are resilient, and it is amazing what we can do when we let go of traditional mindsets about how to do things and figure out what works for us. I’ve also learned to laugh at myself more.”
Alison W., Virginia Beach, Virginia
Negative comments can’t hold you back, unless you let them.
“I have had others question the purpose of my writings. I’ve had strangers publicly speak negatively of me because they thought I had malicious intentions, but at the end of the day, my books were successful; thus serving their purpose to help someone learn from my experiences!”
Erika, Memphis, Tennessee
There you have it! Happy New Year! Take away all these words of wisdom to help you live your best life this 2020! Let’s make this the best year yet!
The Woman Wednesday Blog 