Stories of Resilience from Women in the Passionistas Sisterhood (Part 1 of 2)
On this episode, we've invited members of our community to share their journeys of stepping into their power. Through their inspiring stories, each woman reflects on a moment of self-realization, resilience, or transformation, offering unique insights on defining success and embracing authenticity. Join us as we celebrate these moments of courage and personal growth.
Listen to the full episode here.
LINKS
ON THIS EPISODE
[00:00:00] Introduction Power of Your Story Episode
[00:01:20] Kingsley’s Letter “Welcome to the Kingdom, Letter to My Younger Self”
[00:07:37] Griselda Provencio’s story about helping moms and children with dyslexia because I was that child
[00:10:03] Sophie Zollmann’s story of resilience
[00:16:44] Kimberly Harms’ story of her journey of resilience through multiple personal losses
[00:23:58] Dr. Christiane Schroeter’s story of how she overcame self-doubt
[00:28:02] Samantha Kaye Harris’ story of her powerful decision to take control of her life
[00:33:41] Mary Dibble’s story of how she transformed her life to help moms believe in themselves and chase their dreams
[00:39:45] Lilian Sue’s story of how her personal transformation has shaped her approach to coaching
[00:47:54] Debbie Crouch’s story of overcoming self-doubt and using creativity for healing
TRANSCRIPT
Passionistas: Hi, we're sisters, Amy and Nancy Harrington, the founders of The Passionistas Project. We've created an inclusive sisterhood where passion driven women come to get support, find their purpose, and feel empowered to transform their lives and change the world. On every episode, we discuss the unique ways in which each woman is following her passions, talk about how she defines success, and explore her path to breaking down the barriers that women too often face.
In this episode, we've invited members of our community to share their journeys of stepping into their power. Through their inspiring stories, each woman reflects on a moment of self realization, resilience, or transformation, offering unique insights on defining success and embracing authenticity. Join us as we celebrate these moments of courage and personal growth.
This episode contains conversations about situations that might trigger PTSD and emotional trauma or cause discomfort to some listeners. Please consider your own sensitivity before listening.
First up, we have Kingsley, an indie pop songstress sharing a deeply personal story, Welcome to the Kingdom, Letter to My Younger Self.
This heartfelt message offers a glimpse into Kingsley's journey and the invaluable wisdom she's gained along the way.
Kingsley: Welcome to the kingdom, to the little girl with big dreams and an even bigger voice. This is my letter to you. Hey you, it's been a while since we've chatted. I just want to tell you some things that I wish you knew.
You didn't know it then, but Kingsley saved you from yourself time and time again. She was the confidence, You so desperately craved, remember when you wanted to ask that boy out in middle school, and you never did. She became the boldness you only had access to when you were angry. And child, you were angry.
She is the freedom you didn't know you deserved. Because you didn't always feel it. You didn't know it then, but the only way the world made sense was when you became her. You didn't know it then, but the name called to you. It was who you were truly meant to be. So you ran to your computer downstairs.
And you searched and you searched and you searched. Just to find one that represented the star you knew you were meant to be. And when you first heard it, it was like a scene from Chicago. You know, the one where her name is in lights and they're whispering. Now I understand that you and Roxy shared so much innocence when it came to dreaming of a life of fame.
You didn't know it then, but the person you wished you could be was really you all along. You didn't know it then, but the first time you stepped onto the stage, a piece of home was carved out in your heart and it will always and forever be there, no matter where you go in the world. You can always come back to that place.
I mean, even at 31, after spending two years on the road and coming back broker than ever in your parents’ basement, you still have that place you call home. You didn't know it then, but the opposite side of your depression is expression. You didn't know it then, but the first song you wrote for the first boy you ever loved would be a revelation on how you process emotions to this day.
It's how you connect with the world around you. And how you use your voice to make others feel, seen, heard, and loved. You didn't know it then, but your third studio record, Come and Find Me, would be a pivotal moment in truly finding yourself. And not just to be sexy, but to feel it. You didn't know it then, but finding your calling even before you knew who you were is a life that not many others get to have.
And every moment when you weren't on that right path, it felt like back when you were in high school, and you really wanted to do the school musical. But you had to go to state, and you ran away into the music hallway, away from the friends, and the teachers, and the guidance counselors, and you cried so many tears, you never thought you could cry again.
You didn't know it then, but you will be breaking so many generational curses. You didn't know it then, but your ability to captivate the crowd is a sacred gift. And though it started off in classrooms and talent show stages and with your friend group, you have and will always be able to create more joy, love, and happiness.
You didn't know it then, but your art will lead you to finding your why. And it will be the connector to all of the strings in life that sheds a light on what brings you the most joy. You didn't know it then, but your why is helping others become their most authentic self. Because you are your most authentic self.
You didn't know it then, but your ability to chase after your dreams will inspire hundreds, thousands, millions, so many you've lost track of the names and the moments in which you've connected to, but you remember the faces. The way you boldly say what you want in life is so impactful that others have no choice but to reach higher.
You didn't know it then, but the world could not wait for you to arrive. You didn't know it then, but you are a trailblazer. Someone who is willing to take life each and every day and create magical ideas. No matter the resources, you make things. No matter the no's, you create things. And honey, you will get, you will get a lot of no's.
You, you, you didn't know that. You didn't know you'd get a lot of no's. More no's than yes's sometimes. But you creatiously show the world each part of your becoming through all of your magical, magical expressions. You didn't know it then, but you have always been my hero.
You didn't know it then that you'd even get a chance to write a letter to you with so much gratitude, so much love, and so much grace. Thank you for dreaming big. Thank you for becoming a Kingsley. I love you, girl. XOXO, Kingsley.
Passionistas: Next we hear from Griselda Provencio, a dyslexia coach and founder of Dyslexia Warriors. Griselda shares her story of unknowingly battling dyslexia as a child, facing challenges with reading and memory, and now helping other children by empowering their moms with tools to unlock their potential.
Griselda Provencio: Hello, I'm Griselda Provencio and I am passionate about helping moms and children with dyslexia because I was that child.
I struggled to remember sight words. I practiced and minutes later, I could not remember how to spell the word. Reading in class filled me with anxiety. I just wanted to be overlooked and also wanted to disappear. I had to come up with my own strategies just to remember what I had studied, but the road wasn't easy.
My mom helped me any way she could, and I studied for hours, wondering why it took me twice as long as my siblings to finish homework. The older I got, the harder the challenge. By the grace of God and my mom's support, I passed every year, but it took a lot of dedication and hard work. It wasn't until I started working with children with dyslexia that I saw the red flags in myself.
After being evaluated, I found out I was dyslexic. The relief was overwhelming. I realized my struggles weren't from a lack of intelligence, but from dyslexia. Even today, I struggle to organize my thoughts. I know exactly what I want to say, but it's hard for me to put it on paper. This is something I have had to overcome in my journey to earn my degree and build my business.
That's why I created Dyslexia Warriors, Mom's Igniting Potential. I want to help moms recognize the signs of dyslexia and give them the tools to support their kids at home. My mission is to make sure every child with dyslexia gets the help they need early on. I was fortunate to have my mom's support.
I've seen many children struggle at school because they don't get evaluated early on. It's sad to see their potential unrealized. These children have so much to offer and I don't want their purpose in life to go unfulfilled because they were misunderstood. Help me spread the word and bring awareness so we can stop the cycle of missed opportunities for these incredible individuals.
Passionistas: Now we introduce Sophie Zollman, CEO and owner of SophieZo Next Level Business Support. Sophie's story is one of resilience, recounting her journey through business success, failure, and rebirth, highlighting how intuition and mindset have been her keys to growth.
Sophie Zollmann: Hello, I'm Sophie Zollman, the owner and CEO of SophieZo Next Level Business Support.
I'm a digital marketing expert, bestselling author and speaker, and I'm also an 80s pop, Stevie Nicks, witchy woman, Harry Potter nerd extraordinaire, poker player, beach lover, and I'm a grandma too. And today I want to bring to you the story of my business birth, growth, success. Epic failure and rebirth into something bigger and better because the epic failure was that pivotal moment when I really stepped into my power and knew what I wanted to do, how I wanted to get there, et cetera.
So 23 years ago, I was a stay at home mom of two small children needing to make money. Going to work in a job would have just gone to daycare. So, I jumped into the online space. I became a remote worker before it was a thing. I worked for an e commerce company for a little over four years. I grew it from 50, 000 a year to half a million a year, uh, all at 12 an hour.
I was burned out, fried, done with that. So, I So I retired to be a stay at home mom again, and eight months later, the house started breaking. I had to go back to work. So I jumped into the online space again, this time in transcription. I met my ideal clients that I now have today by transcribing teleseminars from them back in the day.
In 2009, I relaunched myself as a virtual assistant, and I got on social media. And I became very well versed in networking and connecting and making friends and making business acquaintances and connections. In six months, other VAs were hiring me to do work for them. Lo and behold, my business was born.
Back then, it was SophieZo, virtually there for you. It was a VA business. And then an agency. And then I went solo again after certifying in a few areas of expertise. And then in 2018, I made the decision to go exclusive with a client for six figures. I finally hit my six figure success. I was ecstatic. I was on fire, so to speak.
And yet in the back of my mind, in the hollow of my gut, something was telling me This wasn't a good idea, but I thought I'd made the big time and I ignored it. And I worked for this company throughout 2018. And the longer it went on that year, the more that voice started talking to me more and more. And finally, I realized that though I'd made six figures, I knew this was going to be a plateau where I wouldn't get much bigger and I wanted more.
I wanted to do more. So listening to my intuition and my gut, I soft launched a digital marketing agency at the end of 2018. Approximately two weeks later, my exclusive client let me go. I lost it all. I in the moment had nothing. I was devastated. And everyone around me, my husband, my coach, my team from that coaching program, all looked at me and said, good.
Of course, I was freaked. But after, you know, taking a little time to wallow, to process, to get through the emotion of it, I jumped right back in with this digital marketing agency concept I just launched and learned that A, intuition is very important in what you're doing in life and business, and B, that mindset is also huge in this world because the biggest thing from my coach that empowered me and allowed me to step into my power was when he told me.
To reframe my phrase, I've lost it all, I have nothing, he turned it right around and said, I have everything I need to succeed. My husband stepped up and worked with me to finance. The restart of my company gave us, gave me six months worth of funds and support to start over. And that is when everything clicked.
And I stepped into my power into who I am and into the well rounded decision making that I make today to keep me going through the ups and downs of life and business, because there always will be ups and downs in life and business. And that moment of losing it all and taking a bright idea that had just come about into not only six figures, But multiple six figures year after year with other evolutions and pivots and shifts going through a pandemic and all of it, I am here to say that that moment in time was a key moment for me to step up and know I got this.
I can do this and I surround myself with people that help me continue that mentality, continue that empowerment. And I've stepped into more, doing more and more with the business, with becoming a bestselling author for doing everything that I can to empower other women. And other business owners to keep going when times are tough, even if you do lose it all and need to start over, find your passion, do what you love, surround yourself with people who support you in it.
And no matter what, don't give up because even if you fail, you can turn it around into success. On your terms, defined by you and how you want your success to be measured and done by you and the people around you. So if you're going through a tough time in your business or your life. You got this. You can do this.
You just got to keep going.
Passionistas: Our next storyteller is Kimberly Harms, an international speaker and award winning author. Kim shares her profound journey of resilience through multiple personal losses and the strengths she found to rebuild her life and find a new identity.
Kimberly Harms: Hi, my name is Kim Harms and I've been around the block a couple of times in life.
I was born in 1956, and at the time I was born, I was missing some fingers on my right hand, so it was a little traumatic for my mother and my father. My parents were divorced when I was three, and I was raised by my wonderful, beautiful mother and her mother, my grandmother, Fran. When I was six, My father found out that the drug thalidomide, which my mother had taken for morning sickness and for motion sickness as she traveled across the country, had probably caused my lack of fingers.
My mother was devastated. from this news and she ended up going into a mental institution where she remained the rest of her life. But I had six wonderful years with my mom and although emotionally she wasn't very stable, she was the best mother ever. Mental illness does not preclude you from being a good parent.
Lack of love does and she was a very loving mother. And I was so glad for those six years. After that, we went to live with my father and my stepmother who was not excited about having to take care of three kids. And we lived in an environment of resentment. We knew that as soon as we were 18, we were on our own.
When I started college, one of my first days at college, I met this really cute guy. His name was Jim Harms, and he wanted to be a dentist. And at the time, I'd never heard of a woman dentist. Again, this is back in the seventies. But I figured, you know, if I went to dental school, I could have a good job and maybe Jim would marry me.
Now, I am so sorry to tell this story because do not ever choose a career because you want to marry somebody. It was a big mistake, but this time it just happened to work out. It just happened to work out. So I went to dental school and even more importantly, I got the guy. So it all worked. My plan worked.
Not a good plan, but it ended up working. Jim and I were married for 44 years until his death. Life after dental school was great. We were commissioned officers in the U. S. Public Health Service. We bought a practice in Farmington, Minnesota in a small town. We had three gorgeous, beautiful, wonderful children and we became active in the community.
I was on the school board. I was chair for a while. I was the first woman president of the Minnesota Dental Association and a national spokesperson for the American Dental Association. Things were going well until 2007, when my brother Mike died of a sudden heart attack at 56. My husband Jim was diagnosed with liver cancer and given only a few years to live.
But fortunately, a miracle happened. Jim was given a liver transplant and a new lease on life, and we were happy again. But on January 31st of 2009, Our world shattered into pieces when our son Eric took his own life. Eric was an amazing young man. He was kind, caring, compassionate. He was recruited by Columbia University.
He was elected to student government there. He was part of the jazz program. He was a brilliant jazz pianist. He loved jazz piano. And when he came home the first semester, he was on top of the world. He'd even made the dean's list in engineering. He was so happy. But just two weeks later Into a second semester, again, 45 minutes after a breakup with his girlfriend, he was gone and our lives we felt were over.
After Eric's death, I fell deep into the grief pit. I couldn't eat. I couldn't sleep. I felt like I didn't want to go on. I was dead on the inside trying to look alive on the outside, like a zombie. A few months after his death, I was walking out of our dental office and I saw my husband, Jim, engaged in a very serious discussion with his cousin.
A few minutes later, his cousin came over to me, very angry, wagging his finger in my face, saying, Don't you ever let your remaining children feel that they are not enough. His words hit me like a bolt of lightning, because I realized that he had lost his brother at about the same age as Eric, and he felt that he had lost him.
His parents to grief at the same time. And I didn't want that to happen to my family. My children were suffering enough as it is, I didn't want them to suffer anymore and at that moment when I realized that my grief just wasn't about me, it was about everybody around me, I was determined to kick and scream and fight and claw my way out of that grief pit.
And it took a long time, it took a number of years, but I can breathe the fresh air again and I know the joy of being present in life as it is. A few years ago, four years ago, my husband Jim passed away. And again, I fell back into the grief pit, but not quite as far, and I was able to fight my way out again.
And what I discovered is that over time, we need to re identify, re create ourselves, find a new identity, time and time again. We may lose our identity as a daughter, we may lose our identity as a mother, we may lose our identity as a wife, and each time that happens, we have to shift and figure out who we are and what our purpose in life is.
After Jim died, I realized that I'm sitting in this really kind of crazy place between menopause and death, and I have to deal with one and, and plan for the next. So I became impassioned about helping people get through the final quarter of their life and get things planned to reduce grief. And to reduce conflict in the next generation.
So I wrote a book, Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For, which is focused on doing that, just that. And finding that new passion, finding that new plan in my life has given me a purpose. It's given me something that I'm excited about, given me something that I can do every day. And that's what I really would like to recommend to you.
Two things. First of all, if you find yourself in the pit of grief, fight, kick, claw, and scream your way out of it. Not just for you, but for your family. And when you find your identity changes, take a big deep breath. And take a look to find your purpose and find a purpose. Get busy, help people. It's amazing how enriching it is for your life.
Passionistas: Up next is Dr. Christiane Schreuder, a professor, coach, and author who inspires women to embrace their strengths. In her story, she shares how she overcame self doubt to establish a fulfilling career and empower others to succeed without overwhelm.
Dr. Christiane Schroeter: Hi, everyone. I'm Dr. Christiane Schroeter. I'm a professor, business and wellness coach, and I'm also author of How to Master Your Goals and host of the Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast.
I'm so honored to be here today and share my story with you, because the story is about finding my voice, embracing my strength, and how that moment of stepping into my power transformed my life. And now the lives of women everywhere. When I grew up in Germany, I actually never thought I would be here today speaking to all of you.
I had really big dreams, and like many women, I struggled with self esteem. I questioned if I was ever enough. Smart enough, brave enough, capable enough, and the turning point really came when I decided to study abroad. I applied and I was accepted to study in the United States, so I left my home. And in that moment when I was sitting at the airport, wondering if I could truly ever make it on my own, that's when I really, it kind of settled in.
Something powerful is waiting for me. I knew that Fear would always be there, and I could choose to step into my power anyway. And so I did it. I went for my graduate school, I earned my PhD in Applied Economics, and it definitely was not easy, but with each step I learned that success comes from betting on yourself and believing in your own journey.
And so for me, it wasn't just about achieving that PhD for myself. It's actually about giving back. I became a professor, a coach, an author, and also a podcast host because I want to empower other women to find their own strength and their path to success. And that's also why I wrote How to Master Your Goals.
It's a book about Creating a simple and proven path that any woman can follow to reach her goals. And that's also why I named my company Hello Happiness, because I believe that every woman deserves a space, a nest, where she feels supported, empowered, and inspired to grow and thrive. Both personally and professionally.
So my mission is really to create that space through coaching, through resources, and through communities so women can take control of their journey without feeling overwhelmed. So, I wanted to let you know I see you. I know what it's like to juggle everything, to feel completely overwhelmed by all the demands that life throws at us and still have those dreams burning inside.
My book, How to Master Your Goals, is about more than just worksheets or tips. It's about finding the tools to take control of your journey just like I did. Because what I've learned through all of this is that stepping into your power means owning your narrative, breaking down barriers, and showing the world what you're truly capable of.
And that's why I coach women. I want to help you see the strength that you already have, and I want to give you the support and guidance that you deserve. So I'm truly passionate about empowering others because I've been there, I know the struggle, and I also know the joy that comes when you finally realize you are enough.
So my message to you is simple. If you've ever doubted yourself, know that your story has the power to inspire change. Not just for yourself, but it's for women everywhere. My hope is that through my journey and through my book, you'll find the encouragement to step into your power. We all deserve that chance and I'm here to guide you through it.
Thank you so much for listening and thank you for being part of this journey toward changing the narrative for women, one goal at a time.
Passionistas: Now we'll hear from Samantha K. Harris, a certified life coach. Samantha's story explores her struggles in a male dominated environment and her powerful decision to take control of her life and demand the respect she deserves.
Samantha Kaye Harris: Hi, my name is Samantha K., and I help women thrive in male dominated industries. Women in male dominated industries, where they are the first, few, and only, walk in bold, courageous, excited, to be in these arenas where women don't get the chance or don't take the chance to thrive. But something happens during the time that they're there.
And I know this because I am a woman who has worked for the past two plus decades in male dominated industries. The challenges, some of the challenges we face is mansplaining, over talking, our ideas stolen, and a host of more. And we get to the point where we want men to understand us. We want men to respect us.
We want men to fight for us because of the challenges we face. And then we become tired. We become exhausted. And I get this and I know this personally. I had a time when I had supervisors. That were my supervisors come to me and tell me because I gave directives to a man that And who was offended because of the way I gave him a directive, letting him know my title, letting him know exactly what I needed him to do, that I was too animated, that I needed to bring it down.
Anytime that I'm assertive in the room, I'm labeled aggressive.
But the thing I believe that, that I know for a fact that got me was at a time my boss asked me to write a project, and I did. I did it willingly because I assumed he was an ally. I assumed that he was someone that had my back, especially since he had given me an opportunity. But was he when he was taking my work and giving it and passing it off as his own?
I was taken aback because I assumed that he would have given me the credit for the work that I did, but he did not. I was sad, I was angry, and I didn't voice my opinion at first. I allowed this to consume me until I felt I was almost broken. I was angry. I isolated myself. I was very, I spoke aggressively towards everyone.
Everyone became the villain that I worked with. And it just exhausted me. I was tired. I didn't feel that it was worth me staying. I've started looking for new positions within the same company, but more that would fit. With my personality, with who I was, I doubted myself. That's what I did. I doubted myself.
I doubted my abilities to be seen and to be heard. But something happened. Something shifted in me. When I started doing the work on myself, I started working on my personal self and understanding that I was changing. I was shifting. I was becoming a shell of myself because, because of that. Societal norms, the ancestral norms, because wanting to be liked, wanting to be accepted, wanting to be seen as that go to person without getting the credit.
I was sad all the time until I realized it wasn't me. It was society and doing the work on me is what helped me stand up for me. I no longer write anything unless I'm getting credit. You are no longer sending me an email privately asking me to write something. And I say, no, and I don't feel bad. I'm not angry.
I'm not sad about it, but I am direct and I am assertive, which we get to do as women. We get to stand up. So being heard and being seen and having your own back is essential. Not waiting for your allies to have your back, not waiting for someone in your family to tell you good job, or if you're so unhappy, leave.
You get to stay. for listening. And you get to stand and I teach you how to do that. I teach you how to stand up and show up for you. And I wish you the most amazing day.
Passionistas: Next we have Mary Dibble, a life and success coach and host of the Radiant Mom Rising Podcast. Mary opens up about her journey through addiction and burnout and how she transformed her life to help moms believe in themselves and chase their dreams.
Mary Dibble: Hi, I'm Mary Dibble. I am a wife, a mom of three, a life and success coach, and the host of Radiant Mom Rising Podcast. I am someone who grew up in a small town, Wilkesboro, North Carolina. I was born in New York, but somehow we found ourselves to the south and Um, growing up in the small town, I was very insecure.
I really never felt like I fit in anywhere. And it was a challenging experience and having low self esteem, uh, led me down some pretty dark paths as I became a teenager. I struggled with drug addiction, you know, having sex at an early age, but I will say that as I've grown older and becoming a mom. And my 20s really turned my life around.
Not only was I able to overcome the addiction in life, thank God, I really turned my life around. And I want to say that the one thing I have conquered in my life, besides of course, getting off the drugs, is truly addiction. Embracing who I am, loving who I am, and no longer putting myself on the back burner and trying to please everyone else.
I spent so much of my life trying to be what I thought everyone wanted to be, trying to always help everyone and, and carry the weight of everything on my shoulders. I wanted everything to be perfect and, and I always had to be right there on time for everything, and it was. Quite exhausting, quite stressful, but it just was what I wanted to do to make everyone else happy.
The problem with that is, is I never realized how unhappy it made me, how stressed out and overwhelmed and burnt out I was. You know, I loved being a mom, but I even then put my dreams on the back burner. I never really believed that I was, Allowed to want more. I was allowed to dream big. Someone like me in a small town, like who am I?
Who's going to listen to me? Who's going to care? And I'm so grateful that I found my path and my way to learning about myself through coaching, through life coaching that turned my life around and really taught me the values of myself and self care, self love, and self acceptance. You know, there are things about myself that I wanted to change growing up that I'm so grateful for that I wasn't able to because growing up and realizing I am amazing just the way I am.
I am beautiful. I am capable. There's nothing wrong with me. I don't need to change anything. I just need to embrace my full potential. I need to embrace who I am. And since I have taken that path, it has changed everything. I have attracted my soulmate. I have attracted a beautiful life. I am able to live in flow now.
I am able to allow things to just happen as they're meant to, trust in God that things will unfold. I am putting myself out there in ways that I never thought I would, including doing my podcast and starting my own business as a mom with three kids, two toddlers, a teenager, and I'm doing all the things.
I'm meeting people all the time, having incredible conversations. I love, love, love this journey that I decided to take when I took it because it has truly transformed my life. It has helped me to not only get to know myself better, but to meet some of the most incredible people around the world and really make an impact.
I'm really working to find my purpose. And I'm finding my way and I love it because there's no, there's no pressure anymore of like, I have to do this. I have to do it this way. It's like, I get to just be me. I get to show up as me. I get to figure out who does me, who do I want that to be? Right. And that's my mission is to help moms out there to believe in yourself.
It's to chase after your dreams, to stop putting yourself on the back burner, to go after the life that you want. It is possible. It is waiting for you. And the only way you're going to find what you're meant to do in life or who you're meant to be with is by putting yourself out there and trying new things and, and just allowing things to happen for you and taking those chances and looking for those opportunities and believing and trusting in it, that it's there and then it's on its way to you.
And then just taking one step at a time, even one baby step can make such a big difference. So for anyone out there who is just on the fence or feeling really burnt out or hopeless, like what do I do with my life? Go live it. Go do something. Go find that. I'm telling you, there's so many things out there, so much resources, so many people who are going to love and support you.
And it's been my, the greatest decision I ever made was to take chances. Start the business. Start the podcast. Just do it. Just do it. Even, even if it seems impossible or like you're too busy, you always have time. There's always time to do what you need to do for yourself. You matter. Your life matters.
Your kid, everyone matters, but you matter and your dreams are just waiting for you. They're just waiting for you. So thanks for the opportunity to come here and let me share my story. I am someone who has overcome a lot in my life and I am only getting started and I'm so excited to see where this takes me and I'm so excited to connect with those people that I am meant to serve.
Passionistas: Following Mary, we have Lillian Sue. A PR coach and speaker who found freedom and joy by investing in her own mindset work. Lillian's story highlights how this personal transformation has shaped her approach to coaching and helping clients with their mindset blocks.
Lilian Sue: For a time that I stepped into my power, I really want to focus on the last major crossroads epiphany moment that I had.
Going into the pandemic. I had what seemed like a promising full time opportunity fall apart on me, and I had decided once and for all to re devote myself to my business as a publicist. But I had a problem. I was burnt out. I wasn't happy anymore. And I thought to myself. I don't want to be 65 and a service provider, but I need to get help.
I can't do this on my own anymore. And thanks to that full time opportunity, I had the money to invest in business coaching and mindset coaching. It was through the business coaching that I was presented with the idea of becoming a PR coach, a public relations coach, because my business coach had said to me, you are coming across a lot of entrepreneurs right now, in the early days of the pandemic, who have said they want to work with you, but they can't afford a campaign.
And you have a decade of education, knowledge, and skills that you want to impart upon them. The other thing I realized was the fact that so many prospective clients came to me. And would say things like, I'm scared and anxious of getting in front of a camera. I'm scared of being judged when people hear my story.
I don't want to be selling myself and opening myself up to a bunch of strangers. That doesn't feel good. And I realized that I had the opportunity to really educate and empower them to take PR into their strategies. And use it to achieve their goals. But in order to do that, I needed to help them build strong mindsets.
And it wasn't until just over four years ago that I actually realized that I still had mindset blocks. I also didn't want to share my story. I spent years relying on testimonials and customer client reviews. Thinking that that was going to tell people what it was like to work with me, give them the results of what it was like to work with me, when in reality, what it wasn't telling them was, who am I?
Who exactly are they getting when they decide to work with me? What are they getting when they decide to work with me? They weren't hearing from me how I could help them because I knew exactly where they were coming from. Four plus years ago, my anxiety was so bad, it was actually triggering episodes of my chronic illness.
To the point where the flare ups would cause so much pain, I'd be on my living room floor, middle of the night, hugging a pillow and trying desperately to get back to sleep. Because the pain was too much. It took me years, over five years, to live with a chronic illness before I recognized that, hey, my anxiety is triggering this.
And it wasn't until I decided to work with my mindset coach that I actually sat down with her and she asked me, what do you think is triggering your anxiety? And I said to her, I think a big part of that is is wanting control over my business. Like I really want people to respond to what I'm putting out there.
I want people to work with me. And she said to me, Well, where is that need for control coming from? Working with her, I was able to develop healthy coping mechanisms using meditation on a daily basis, using self hypnosis, but the absolute major breakthrough moment that I had that really allowed me to step into my power, transform my business.
And actually find freedom came when we did an EFT, a tapping session. In that session, I went back to a time where I was being controlled in my childhood. I realized that in my childhood, I didn't have control. I was being controlled. And my obsessive need for control over my business Stemmed from the fact that I wanted some say, I wanted some choice in my life. And it wasn't until I went through that exercise that A, I could recognize that as a child, I did the best that I could to survive with the tools that I had. And I learned how to forgive myself for not doing more, for not being able to have control. And when I reached that breakthrough moment, The monkey fell off my back.
The weight came off my chest. My anxiety lowered to the point where my chronic illness flare ups are almost non existent now. I was able to have that sense of freedom in my business and recognize that, hey, I don't need to control everything to be happy. I don't need to control everything on a daily basis to feel productive.
Or feel accomplished or satisfied. My motto today is that if I am able to complete one thing a day, then it's a great day. I'm satisfied. I feel accomplished. And that is my breakthrough moment that I share with my clients all the time. I understand where their fear and their anxiety is coming from, because I've been there, I've been judged, I've been controlled, I wasn't giving choices.
I give them the choice to help create. A more sustainable, consistent business that also helps conserve their energy and bring them joy. And I was able to do that because I first went through the work. to help myself discover what does it mean for me to have a strong mindset. Why don't I have a strong mindset?
Where is my fear and anxiety coming from? And how can I push past it in order to make an impact? Thanks for listening to my story.
Passionistas: Finally, we close with Debbie Crouch, a therapeutic art tutor who shares her journey of overcoming self doubt and using creativity for healing. Debbie encourages listeners to unlock their creative potential as a path to personal growth and well being.
Debbie Crouch: I never thought I would be good enough for art. That was a message I carried with myself for years. It started in secondary school, when my art teacher told me, I don't know why you're doing art, you'll never be any good at it. Those words crushed me. I loved art, but I was the good girl who wanted to please everyone.
And after hearing that, I believed her. I dropped out of art class, even though it was one of the few things that brought me joy. I felt ashamed, like I wasn't worthy of pursuing something I loved, and for years I carried that weight. I told myself that art wasn't for me, that I wasn't talented enough. It was heartbreaking because deep down I knew how much I loved it, but those words played on repeat in my mind and I didn't know how to shake them off.
I realize how those words affected how I saw myself, not just as an artist, but as a person. At school, I struggled to fit in. I was bullied, often loner, and felt like an outsider. My childhood wasn't happy. An art could have been my escape, but I let that one comment take it away. Even so, deep down, there was always a part of me that believed I was meant for more.
I just didn't know how to find that more. And as I got older, my life wasn't easy. I developed neurological disorders that added to the challenges. I left home at 19, and survival became my focus. I needed to work, so I bounced between jobs, never really feeling fulfilled. I was married for 14 years, and I loved my children and family, but I still felt lost.
I was so busy being the person everybody needed me to be, I forgot who I was. And when my marriage ended in divorce, It was painful, but it was also a turning point. As a single parent, I had to rebuild my life, and it was during this time that I started to find myself again. I slowly learned to love myself, to listen to my own voice, and to start living life on my terms, not by anyone else's expectations.
And in 2018, I remarried, and this relationship has been a blessing. And for the first time in my life, I felt truly accepted and embraced for who I am. It gave me the space to heal and rediscover my passions. But the biggest shift came after I hit rock bottom. Years of pushing through the pain led to a mental breakdown, and I had no choice but to face everything I had been running from.
I attended recovery college, and that's where the real work began. With the help of a psychologist, I started to unravel the trauma of old wounds that had been controlling me for so long. This process wasn't easy. I had to confront my past, acknowledge the hurt, and learn how to be strong in the face of it.
But in doing so, I found a resilience that I didn't know I had. And during my recovery, I reconnected with art. And this time, it wasn't about proving myself to anyone. It was about healing. I realized that art didn't have to be perfect. It just had to be mine. And this was the breakthrough for me. I stopped thinking about whether I was good enough and started creating because it made me feel alive.
Art for Wellness. That's how Art for Wellness was born. I wanted to create a space where people could experience the power of creativity, not as something that was judged or graded, but as a way to heal, collect and grow. Because creativity can be an incredible form of therapy and it can open doors to parts of yourself that you might not even realize needed attention.
Art for Wellness is about using creative activities like painting, drawing or crafting to help people improve their mental health and emotional well being. So what if you've been through trauma? Stress, anxiety, or just need a safe outlet. Art can help you express feelings that are hard to put into words.
And the beauty of this If you don't have to be a professional, or even consider yourself an artist to benefit, here are some of the key benefits of Art for Wellness. It's an emotional release. Sometimes we don't even know how much we're holding inside until we start creating. Art gives people a non verbal way to release emotions, helping to process grief, anger, or sadness.
Stress relief. Engaging in creating activities can lower stress levels by promoting mindfulness. Because when you're focused on creating something, even for a few minutes, it allows your brain to break from worries and overthinking. Building confidence. Many people, like me, have been told they aren't good enough for art.
But in Art for Wellness, it's about the process, not the product. As you create, you gain confidence, not just in your art, but in yourself. Connection and community. My workshops and groups are about more than just making art. They're about building a supportive community. You're not alone in your struggles, and creating alongside others gives you a sense of belonging and collection, self discovery.
Art can reveal hidden strengths, passions, and new parts of yourself. You might start on a piece, not knowing where it's going to end up, but yet discovering something wonderful. About yourself in the process. How to find me? I run workshops, online sessions and community events to make art accessible to everyone, no matter their background or skill level.
My goal is to expand art for wellness into a physical space. A place where there's a gallery to showcase the work of local artists, a cafe where people can relax and connect, and a shop filled with beautiful creative pieces. And this space will also host workshops and therapy sessions where people can experience the healing power of art firsthand.
If you're interested in joining one of my workshops, attending a community event, or simply learning more about how art can help improve your well being, you can find me online, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or website and the links will be shown in the notes below. So whether you've never picked up a paintbrush or you're a seasoned artist, I want you to know this, you are capable of creating something beautiful.
Art can be your tool for healing, self expression, And finding peace. And if I can do it, after being told I would never be good enough, then so can you. Because art became a way, not just to heal myself, but to help others heal too. And my message is simple. We're all capable of creating art, no matter what anyone says or what circumstances we face.
The journey has been long and at times incredibly painful, but stepping into my power wasn't about proving others wrong, it was about proving to myself that I am enough. Just as I am, I am stronger, more resilient, and more capable than I ever knew, and so are you. So as a final thought, if anybody says anything to you, then that person doesn't really know the whole you.
And if you want to create, don't let anybody stop you. Your creativity is yours and you're more than enough.
Passionistas: Thanks for listening to the Passionista Project. If you've ever felt uphold to share your own story, but aren't sure where to start, If you have a story or wonder if your story would truly resonate, know that you're not alone, and through our anthology book and video presentations for the Power of Passionistas Women's Equity Summit, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Imagine writing a chapter in our anthology book, one that showcases your unique experiences and perspectives, produced alongside a video presentation directed by us to bring your story to life. You don't need to have it all figured out, because we'll guide you through the process with the same skills we've used when we've interviewed people like Dr.
Jane Goodall and Carol Burnett. Having conducted over 1700 interviews, we are experts in helping people uncover and articulate their most impactful stories. You'll have access to our experience, as well as a cohort of other writers who are right there with you, offering support, encouragement, and feedback www. ThePassionistasProject. com If you've ever felt that your story might be too quiet to make a difference, or that finding the right words seem daunting, this is your opportunity. We're creating a safe space for women to speak boldly, authentically, and together, with the support of a compassionate, Dedicated team and an inspiring community.
We're excited to help you take this next step and make your voice heard in a way that feels empowering and true to you. To learn more, email us at info at thepassionistasproject.com and put, I want to write my story in the subject line.
Until next time, stay passionate.
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