Defeating The Odds
Hey, Fashioned Fam! I hope you all are doing GREAT. I had the opportunity to share part of my life story with a group of realtors. Years ago, I would not have shared at all. Yet, do to where I am with my walk with Christ and my goals to be FEARLESS. I didn't think twice about sharing.
Also, I have the opportunity to be a part of a great Toastmasters club check out Tallahassee Realtalkers. Being a part of this group has really pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone as I improve my public speaking and leadership skills.
I truly thought I was going to speak with a small group of people. Yet, the realtors team leader was leaving and it ended up being between 75-100 people. I didn't sike myself out as I didn't know the amount of people until I had to park in the overflow area. I always pray before speeches and when I have to administer training as a trainer.
Check out the Inspirational Video:
I hope you are inspired as sharing is a part of the healing process. I do have my days where something happens and triggers the feelings of what I went through as a child. Yet, I push myself to focus on the POSITIVE and be joyous. That even consists of adding joy to someone else's day or making someone smile. I complete this through words of encouragement, simple gifts, and sometimes a hug. Also, I pray consistently that I am showing and displaying the same love that Christ shows me daily.
Here are some tips to Defeat Any Odds:
1. Time: It takes time to heal and forgive after any traumatic event. Others may
encounter similar situation and may have had the ability to move forward. Yet, it may
take you time, don't rush yourself.
2. Pray, Meditate, and Journal: Without my faith in Christ, I truly believe I would not be in
the place to share ANY of this with you all or speaking it in front of a group. I pray
constantly as it helps to ensure I am moving forward, I am truly loving others as
Christ loves me and I'm forgiving. Prayer couple with meditation helps as well with any
anxiety I may feel.
Journaling has been a life saver. Seriously, I started journaling and writing around the
age of 10 or 11. I had to get all of my feelings out. It became my outlet and my voice. As I
stated for the longest I couldn't share yet, I journaled.
3. Seek Counseling: Therapy! Yep, I said it see a therapist, talk through some of those
feelings with a professional. Also, I sought spiritual counseling, yet, seeing a therapist
helps a bunch.
4. Forgive: This is really important. You have to learn to forgive others. Forgiveness does
not consist of throwing it in their face every time you see them. That is not forgiveness.
Also, you have to forgive yourself. For instance, I was sexually abused as a child, I
blamed myself for it. Yet, it was never my fault. Again, this took time and did not happen
overnight.
5. Share Your Story: I use to think if I shared my story people would look at me a certain
way or treat me differently. I was wrong. I had to first share it with my closest family
members and friends. Regardless of what response I received I still shared. This did not
happen overnight about 2 months ago, I shared it with my mom. Please ensure you
share with people you can trust to not share your information until you are comfortable
to share it on your own.
Again, I have reached a time in my life where I am sharing. I truly hope this helps someone and inspires change. I would love to hear an odd that you had to defeat or overcome!! Feel free to share. As always "Embrace God, Defeat the Odds, and Be Fashioned for Hem!"
~ Shishandra D.
Disclaimer: I am not a psychologist, therapist, or a counselor. I am sharing what helped me. Please remember what works for me may not work for you.