empowerment – The WateringWhole

The Resilient Woman Series

Courage Tenacity Persistence

Posted first by Al Bell November 25, 2018

Welcome back! I hope you find this site enlightening and refreshing as the title implies. If you are here, you’re in for a treat.

I would like to introduce you to the Resilient Woman series. The guests have been absolutely fabulous. To catch up on why the series was even started, click this.

This weeks guest can be described in a word…courageous! Although battling introvert tendencies and daring to speak openly concerning culture, this never stopped her from the goal of sharing and informing the World. Meet Anna, my friend.

TWH- Hi Anna! Hope all is well. Can you share a bit about yourself and your mission?

Hello, I’m Anna! I’m from the Midwest, married, and a mom to 2 amazing children with the biggest hearts in the world. I’m also a true introvert, but learning to break that shell little by little, hence the very recent re-brand of the blog to what it is now. I share my journey of building this through my blog.

I write about Autism parenting, the good and the bad. I am Hmong, which is an ethnic group of SE Asia and I write about culture, the good and the bad. My blogs are personal views and may hit “touchy” subjects that the (Hmong) community doesn’t talk about. Each category or topic coincides with each other. Yes, in the beginning, I used an undercover name to protect the people I care about so I never had a profile attached to it.

I just want to end this with a huge “Thank You” to Al for even considering me to do this, I’m truly grateful. It was totally unexpected!

TWH– No problem whatsoever! Really appreciative of you willing to share your experience.

So Anna…

TWH-What is your definition of a strong woman?

A woman who can hold her ground, one who practices what she preaches, and comes back stronger every time she has reached failure. This woman is self-aware and has high emotional intelligence. She breaks the status-quo.

TWH-A Resilient Woman possesses these qualities. Explain.

There so many, but here’s the top three on my list.

Self-Awareness – having high emotional intelligence; knowing what she needs, what she doesn’t, and when it’s time to ask for help

Respect – showing kindness, she knows her worth and the worth of others

Consistency – her words and action follows through

TWH-Could you name a few situations that highlight or showcase a Resilient Woman in action?

Not just a situation, but a whole movement. The Women’s Rights Movement from 1848 – 1920. It didn’t include just women in action, but men too, however, the common cause for this movement is extremely powerful to me. It took almost a century of protesting to get this ratified. Women being able to vote has only existed for 98 years. It seems like a big number, but it really hasn’t been that long.

TWH-What barriers if any may a Resilient Woman encounter?

The number one barrier every woman will face is herself. I still struggle with this daily. How do you talk to yourself when you’re under pressure? How do you feel in your own skin? Your mentality, being in the present and embracing what is in front of you matters on how you carry yourself to break patterns.

If you look at the way you encourage a friend through their hardships, that’s “exactly” how you should be encouraging yourself to reach your potential. Culture; the way you were raised, what you’re accustomed to, and your beliefs, are all factors to the barrier. Sometimes to get to the next level, you must experience things you’re uncomfortable with.

TWH-Is society recognizing the Resilient Women today and if so how?

Yes, in some areas they are, however, I still feel in certain areas that we have a long way to go especially amongst the Corporate world or any Leadership position. They want to embrace diversity, they advocate equality, yet they’re still reluctant to give Women that opportunity to lead.

TWH-Who is your example of a strong woman? If more, its ok to share that too.

Everyone has a story to tell, but one that touches me the most are the women and girls who have been and are still going through a genocide of their people.

It makes me think of my Mom during the Vietnam War. She had to flee from the only home she’s ever known with 2 children in her arms. That’s a whole story itself, but women who live through the horror, surviving war zone, and the strength to do whatever it takes to keep their Life.

TWH-Do you feel there are limits to being a strong woman?
Yes, absolutely there are limits. This goes together with having self-awareness. A woman should learn to be aware of her limits and not be afraid to fail or ask for help. It’s not about the number of times you fail, but how you accept the failure and get yourself to try again.

TWH-If you could help guide someone to being a strong woman how would you help them?

I’d start off by listening. Everyone has a story to tell. What she’s going through at that moment, the journey on how she got here, and what keeps her moving forward.

I’d hope to bring value to her, find common ground, and offer words of encouragement to never stop fighting towards her passion.

My superpower is helping people in any way I possibly can. Always be yourself.

Well said, Anna. Thanks again for participating in this series. Your thoughts are certainly enlightening and your courage to speak out and inform can definitely be seen.

There you go, my friend. Words of encouragement spoken by another sincere example of courage, tenacity, and perseverance.

Anna is on a mission of which she shares on social media. You can connect with her through these platforms below.

Twitter – Anna MV @anunusualpath

Instagram – www.Instagram.com/anunusualpath

Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/AnUnusualPath/

Blog/website – https://anunusualpath.com

Pics: Courtesy of Anna

The Resilient Woman series

Courage Tenacity Perseverance

Hello, again friend! Welcome to the Resilient Woman series.

My next guest is no stranger to speaking in front of others. As a matter of fact, that was her profession on a daily basis. As fate would have it, she now channels her experience online while supporting her family.

Meet Deanna. Read on as she shares her work and family life experience. Hi D!

Al I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to share and be a part of your series!

TWH– Your welcome and thanks for accepting.

So my name is Deanna. I’m a single mother of four wonderful kids. My youngest are twins. I’ve been on my own for a while now. Everything I do, I do for them. I hope they inherit my values, morals, and love for Jesus…and may they exceed all their own goals.

I have a degree in Business Finance. I also have extensive training in Human Behavior and Leadership. John C. Maxwell is one of my favorite people! I used to speak in classrooms and on stage. I have now transitioned that into my online coaching program at LuckyLoveLife.com. I’m a success and mindset coach. I help people turn a five-year plan into one.

My goal is to help transform one person, one family, at a time to get them financially free so they can live a life full of amazing miracles and choices!

An online business is simply another job if you don’t learn how to leverage it for your personal benefit.

TWH– Good point Deanna. Definitely, need to know how to use an online business to your benefit, not a detriment.

So,

TWH- What is your definition of a strong woman?

My definition of a strong woman is one who uses her moral compass and faith to guide her life in all facets. She isn’t swayed by hate, injustice, or drama. It’s not that she doesn’t care or have an opinion. She simply refuses to be “offended” by all the things or let the circumstances of the world steal her joy.

TWH- A resilient woman possesses these qualities. Explain.

A resilient woman can disagree without being hateful. She can trust God to take care of her when times are tough and thank him when times are good. She knows the difference between grace and mercy and shows both to others consistently. A resilient woman goes after her dreams and uses each day to pursue her best life. When she reaches those goals, she helps others reach theirs. Pay it forward so to speak.

Deanna

TWH- Could you name a few situations that highlight or showcase the Resilient Women in action?

I feel like any woman building a business to give herself and family a better life is an excellent example. It’s not easy. Believing in one’s self consistently. Doing what others tell you is a pipe dream. I applaud those who really take chances on their ideas and goals.

TWH- What barriers if any may the Resilient Women encounter?

I think media has really put an ugly image on what successful and resilient woman are. They paint the resilient woman as a victim or the successful woman as the rich b*tch. This does not have to be the case. You define you. Bouncing back from adversity can make you tougher but it doesn’t have to make you jaded. You choose. Becoming wealthy doesn’t have to make you greedy. You can choose generosity and love.

TWH- Is society recognizing the resilient women today and if so how?

Yes, society does recognize resilience and in my eyes, this has been a double-edged victory. Women like Oprah are so inspirational for those striving to make any kind of dream come true. So for the stage of education, career, and even sports, absolutely.

TWH- Who is your example of a strong woman? If more, its ok to share that too.

Jessica Alba is an awesome woman! Talk about resilient. When Hollywood basically asked her to be nothing but a pretty face, she simply walked away and started a multi-billion dollar company. A company that focuses on healthy products for families at that. What a rock star. And who can forget Helen Keller? That woman earned a degree despite multiple disabilities. Mother Teresa exemplified a life of selfless giving and love.

TWH- Do you feel there are limits to being a strong woman?

Yikes, that’s a loaded question but I believe in honesty. I think there should be limits to being strong. We should always be strong in faith, family, values, and the pursuit of our passions. But I’ve witnessed a change in culture where some women have pushed so hard for equality, that they’ve nearly killed chivalry. Can I open my own car door and walk myself to the front door? Heck ya, but if that guy wants a second date he’d better offer. Unfortunately, many don’t anymore for fear they’ll “offend” a strong woman. I think men and women are different in many ways and some of those ways should be celebrated, not crushed. I believe there is an appropriate place for softness.

TWH- If you could help guide someone to being a strong woman how would you help them?

When I used to speak in classrooms, this is exactly what I was brought in for. I now teach some of those same principles in my coaching program. I help women overcome their self-limiting beliefs, uncover what it is they truly want (not what someone else convinced them they should want) and teach them financial success and business habits that can create freedom! In the age of the internet, this has become more accessible than ever.

I think the other way you can help women become strong is simply by setting a good example. Be honest. Be brave. Follow your values. Crush your goals. Rinse and Repeat.

WoW! Well said Deanna and great examples of success in the face of challenges. There you go, friend. Another example of taking life head-on with all it has to offer and pressing through.

To connect with Deanna and be apart of her success movement follow her on these social media platforms. She would love to have you be apart.

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/D_LuckyLoveLife/

Instagram: d_LuckyLoveLife

Pinterest: LuckyLoveLife

The Resilient Woman Series

Courage Tenacity Perseverance

Hi! So glad you stopped by. If you’re here then you are in for a treat!

The Resilient Woman series has been a joy and encouragement. Each interviewee has been fabulous. Their authentic interviews are uplifting and motivating, instilling in the reader a variety of emotions from empathy to self-awareness to empowerment. If you have not read as yet, I encourage you to do so.

This weeks guest is Alanna Paige! She is a determined mother who promotes the vegan lifestyle. Although tough at times persuading the young ones to this lifestyle she continues on, being an example. She enjoys cooking and finds it therapeutic. I personally see this when I visit her Instagram page. One thought…mouth-watering.

Being an introvert, She also loves meeting and chilling with others who’ve adopted the vegan lifestyle.

So Paige, thanks again for being apart of the Resilient Woman series. My first question…

TWH-What is your definition of a Resilient Woman?

A strong woman is someone who can take care of herself despite how others feel. She’s able to put herself first because she knows she isn’t good to anyone if she isn’t taking care of herself. She has to be kind and patient. She has grace and knows when to walk away from a situation.

TWH-Could you name a few situations that highlight or showcase the Resilient Women in action?

Myself! I was going through a rough divorce and my ex-was just so cruel. I was a stay at home mother so it was very hard for me to wrap my head around being the sole provider for my son. I snapped out of it and went to school to become a nurse assistant. I worked during the day while my son was at school, I took classes online and just did what I had to do.

TWH-What barriers if any may a Resilient Women encounter?

I think one of the main things women deal with is stereotypes. Assuming that we can or can’t do something because we are women. I used to hate when people would assume I can’t accomplish something because I had children. No! Its possible to have kids and still be successful. Its hard, but it is very possible. Another issue I have is when people assume you aren’t being a good mother because you also have a career. I’m not going to even begin to comment on that.

TWH-Is society recognizing the Resilient Women today and if so how?

In my opinion, not enough. I feel at the end of the day we still have to fight for too many things. We aren’t respected enough.

TWH-Who is your example of a strong woman? If more, its ok to share that too.

Phylicia Rashad is amazing in every single way!

TWH-Do you feel there are limits to being a strong woman?

No. There is never a limit and because of that, we are strong women.

TWH-If you could help guide someone to being a strong woman how would you help them?

I would have them focus on themselves. It’s so important to make sure that you’re being taken care of. We all fall victim to putting others before ourselves. We can’t do that anymore. We put our children before ourselves, our spouses before ourselves, It is never-ending. I would help them grow and become the best version of themselves. Once they are able to do that; they will be invincible.

Well said, Paige! I understand about having to deal with stereotypes and being pre-evaluated based on a situation. Wonderful testament! Thank you again for sharing your thoughts!

There you go, folks! Here we have another example of courage, tenacity, and perseverance in the face of life’s challenges. my hope is that you have been encouraged to press on.

Paige is active on social media outlets. You can find her on…

Twitter- @paigethevegan

Instagram-www.Instagram.com/paigethevegan/

Pinterest-www.Pinterest.com/paigethevegan/

Blog/website- www.paigethevegan.com

The Resilient Woman Series

Courage Tenacity Perseverence

Hello friends! How are you? Guess what? The year is three-quarters of the way thru and we are fastly approaching the end. Time certainly flies when you’re having fun! Well, I hope things are moving in the direction you desire.

Welcome back to the site and I hope you are prepared to be uplifted. If you are already, that’s great! Be prepared to be encouraged even more.

Continuing on with the series “The Resilient Woman” this weeks guest is as I describe a “Get It Done” example. Her name by definition means “friend”. If you follow her in the social media arena you see quite quickly that she has plenty of ideas, is quite personal and engages everyone. If you want an example of setting goals and pursuing them then one only needs to connect with Ruth.

Welcome, Ruth! Glad you could be apart of the series. Could you tell us a bit about why you started blogging?

Hi, I’m Ruth and I originally started my blog as a place to write about my journey with mental health after being diagnosed with anxiety and depression. It has since blossomed into a place where I try and help others and make them feel good, as well as sharing some blogging tips along the way. So, my tagline has become “your personal cheerleader, on a one-woman mission to make your life brighter and your blog better” and I love what my blog represents now.

That is awesome! You and your blog certainly stand out as being an exciting place.

With regards to the Resilient Woman series…

TWH- What is your definition of a (strong) Resilient Woman?

A strong woman to me is someone who keeps on trying, even when she’s failed before, or feels like everything is against her. Sometimes, a strong woman is the woman who gets out of bed, even though she’s exhausted and her limbs feel heavy. Other times, she’s the one who walks along the street, full of confidence with her head held high. A strong woman has so many different meanings, each worth as much as the other.

TWH- A Resilient Woman possesses these qualities. Explain.

Determination – you must have some degree of determination to keep going!
Hope – I think resilience comes from a place of hope; of believing things will get better.
Courage – Nobody likes failure so to put yourself out there and risk facing that, again and again, takes a whole lot of bravery in my opinion!

TWH- Could you name a few situations that highlight or showcase the Resilient Women in action?

The first one I have to mention is single mothers. I think these are a magnificent example of the lengths some women will go to provide for their children and ensure they know they are loved. I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to raise a family by yourself and I have the utmost respect for women who are in this situation.

The other one I’m going to choose is female entrepreneurs. Although some progress has been made, I think it’s still difficult for women to become successful business women and I love it when a new one emerges! I know there must have been so many times when it felt as though they weren’t getting anywhere and they probably felt like giving up so I can’t help but feel delighted when they achieve their goals.

TWH- What barriers if any may the Resilient Women encounter?

The thing about a resilient woman is they encounter plenty of barriers, they just don’t necessarily get stuck behind them. So, maybe there is self-doubt in there, or other people telling them they can’t do it, but they keep pushing forward.

TWH- Is society recognizing the Resilient Women today and if so how?

I’d say yes! There is definitely some way to go with it, but I feel like strong women in society are much more celebrated now. One of my favorite examples is Michelle Obama. I feel as though she didn’t hang back in the shadows of Barack Obama and his glory, but stood beside him, and people loved her for that.

TWH- Who is your example of a Resilient Woman? If more, its ok to share that too.

I have two, and I’m proud to say they are the women in my family. The first is my mum who, no matter what life has brought her way, has managed to keep a smile on her face and the sun in her heart. She always manages to find the bright side. Life has knocked her down, but never out. I have admired her for this throughout my life and will continue to do so for as long as I live.

The second is my older sister. She is independent and fierce. I have always been the one who was quick to get into relationships and find comfort in that, whereas she is happy to do her own things. Both have worked for us in their own ways, but I really look up to her and feel incredibly proud of her.

TWH- Do you feel there are limits to being a Resilient Woman?

Everybody has their limits, and I don’t think strong women are an exception to that, but I feel they may hide them better. I believe a certain amount of pressure comes from it. You feel like you have to live up to it and set an example, so you are constantly pushing yourself. Every now and then, it’s good to slow down, take a day in your pajamas and eat some ice cream.

TWH- If you could help guide someone to being a Resilient Woman how would you help them?

I’d tell them to believe in themselves. This is a skill I am still learning with the help of a counselor, but I am seeing there is such a power to it. I’d like to put it to you in reverse: consider how much energy you use in making yourself feel bad, and filling yourself with doubt. Think of how completely hopeless it makes you feel. Now, imagine using the same power to celebrate yourself, and all that you are. Incredible things would be possible. It all starts with one sentence: “I am worth more than this.”

WOW! Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and participating in the Resilient Woman series. Your words are definitely encouraging.

So, there you have it, friends. If you want a friend for life, Ruth is your connection. If you have not already, Ruth would love to have apart of her crew and be that personal cheerleader.

Connect with her below through these social media platforms.

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ruthinrevolt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthinrevolt

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ruthinrevolt
Blog/website: https://www.ruthinrevolt.com