girl – The WateringWhole

The Resilient Woman

In her DNA is Courage Tenacity Persistence

Hello Friends! Continuing on with the theme “The Resilient Woman”, this weeks’ interview is from one of your sweetest travel bloggers, Dianna Allen.

The previous post, highlights the reason behind the theme and its intentions.

Dianna has had her share of tough circumstances. Growing up, she encountered bouts of racism in addition to handling a tough home life. Through it all, she has learned to be gentle but tough skinned when necessary. Overcoming these challenges has also helped her to see the world differently by not being afraid to accept responsibilities and clearly handling business in life when necessary. Dianna likes to have fun, loves to travel and always encourages a smile.

So Dianna,

TWH-What is your definition of a strong woman?

Dianna-To me, a strong woman means fearless and determined. Strength comes in the form of overcoming hardships and not being afraid to do what must be done is required. Because of this, being determined comes naturally when you’re fearless.

TWH-A resilient woman possesses these qualities. Explain.

Dianna-Being resilient means that you are not affected by the negative. Holding your head high every day and keeping a positive attitude is key when it seems like your world is falling apart.

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

Dianna-I can name quite a couple just from my own life. I’ll start with when I was 18. I actually was living in a tough household, I won’t get into too many details, but for my own mental health, I needed out. I didn’t know how to live on my own at the time, but I made it work. I balanced college and working full-time to ensure I was still able to create the best life for me. Even though those years were tough, in the end, I made the right decision. And not only did I save myself, but I also saved relationships with my family because of my actions.

On a smaller scale, I remember times I’ve been faced with racism. Being part Asian and a woman, I’ve received my fair share of racial and woman jokes. My resilience in these situations has always been to not let rude remarks affect me, however, do not allow it to be tolerated either. If it’s uncalled for, I let that be known and walk away from the situation. Trust me, you should never surround yourself with negativity. You can always walk away.

TWH-What barriers if any may a resilient woman encounter?

Dianna-Doubt. People will doubt you, it’s inevitable. Don’t take it personally. Instead, see it as an invitation to prove them wrong!

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

Dianna-Society is definitely recognizing resilient women across the world! Let’s talk about current events and look at Meghan Markle, for example. That is a woman who has defied many odds through her life. From re-directing her character roles from being over-sexualized to actually respected personas and of course, how she has married into the British Royal Family as an American.

This day in age has been all about women. They are more empowered and respected than ever, and they are making sure their voices get heard.

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

Dianna-For me, a strong woman is, of course, my mother. For reasons that are similar to me. When she was 23, she left her home in the Philippines and immigrated to America. An accomplishment that no one else in her large family had ever done. If that’s not fearless, then I don’t know what is! I’ve been traveling for many months now, mostly in Asia, and seeing the world she came from has truly opened my eyes to how courageous she chose to live her life.

She’s also strong because now she has to deal with missing me on the other side of the world. 😉

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

Dianna-None. Never.

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

Dianna-Don’t ever let someone tell you can’t do something. And in those times where you feel like you can’t do something, do not let it discourage you. Do not give up.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Harry Potter and ever since I heard it, I always think about it when times seem rough. Maybe it will help out the next person who hears it as well:

“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

Thanks so much for participating and sharing your thoughts on “The Resilient Woman” Dianna.

There you have it, friends! Another unique perspective. Please show some love for Dianna. If you need the motivation to travel, Dianna can share a tip or two.

Dianna’s contact and social media information:

Twitter https://www.twitter.com/outglobing/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/diannamallen/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/diannamallen

Blog/website https://www.outglobing.com

The Resilient Woman

Courage Tenacity and Persistence

The Resilient Woman

Hello friends! Welcome back to my blog site called The Watering W(h)ole. Half the year is almost past and I have been thinking of another topic I believe warrants our attention. Courage, tenacity, and persistence have been the underlying thought of this next theme I want to share with you all.

Now, I have not totally abandoned my regularly shared health and wellness posts highlighting my transition to a healthier lifestyle but will revisit once this segment is complete.

So what is it that you are describing? Before I so boldly share in depth with you the theme, let me kinda describe to you my motivation. Over the years I have often wondered about the topic concerning what it means to be a strong woman? Viewing strictly from an open mind I could only make a response based on observing how my mother handled life.

Life for her was in the baby boomer age and involved raising two boys alone. I could only tell you that we always had a roof over our head, clothes on our back and food to eat. This was all I saw on the surface but never knew the depth of what she really had to endure. Being a woman of color, she undoubtedly had to endure social and economic barriers.

Thankfully she never let those challenges discourage her from pressing on to provide for her family.

That being said, she has been the inspiration behind the segment “The Resilient Woman”

I am in no way an expert on who or what encompasses a Resilient Woman so I have to ask for help. I have requested input on the topic from several women. The women come from various ethnic backgrounds, economic status, and age groups. Through a series of interview questions, each will share their perspective on what encompasses the Resilient Woman.

My hope is that we all are better educated and well informed on the Strong and Resilient woman.

My first guest is originally from Canada but now resides in the United States.

Meet Heather Spindler.

Heather is the oldest of three sisters who has trooped through life successfully. Other than dealing with personal challenges, she has progressed as an example to her younger siblings, by pursuing higher education at the college “The Ohio State University”. After graduating she was hired on full time as a pre-certification representative and has progressed to the current position as manager. In her spare time, she enjoys bike riding and walks in the park.

Heather,

What is your definition of a strong woman? My definition of a strong woman is one that is able to take care of herself and those around her (depending on her life situation), while also being able to identify when she needs to ask for help or get assistance. She is also one who continues to learn new things and is willing to teach others the strengths that she possesses.
A resilient woman possesses these qualities. Explain. Determination, flexibility and a willingness to step out of her comfort zone. I am a firm believer that if you stay in your comfort zone, you will miss out on experiencing new things and learning new skills. Having said that, if you aren’t able to be flexible in situations, you will find yourself stuck in a rut or put in a box by those that you know. Finally, a determination will help you attain goals that you have set for yourself and might be the one thing that gets you through a hard situation. Stick with it – you will see results!
Could you name a few situations that highlight or showcase the resilient women in action? I admire women who have been single parents and successfully raise their children to be successful citizens. There is so much we don’t know that she has encountered and overcome. I also see successful women in the workplace. Ones that have not only become valuable employees but have mentored others to follow their lead. I have the privilege of working for such a woman. She is constantly learning new skills but takes the time to teach those things to those that work under her. She makes us better employees.
What barriers if any may a resilient woman encounter? I feel that sometimes a resilient woman may be looked at as being too strong or independent. The skills that allow her to meet the needs of her life could seem to others are standoffish or as if she doesn’t need anyone. Nothing could be further than the truth – we all need those around us.
Is society recognizing the resilient women today and if so how? I think that society is starting to recognize these women, but there is still room for improvement. I think it is the responsibility of each of us to find these women and honor them. Mentoring is so important and what better way could we honor those that we have learned from than to pass that legacy on to others?
Who is your example of a strong woman? If more, its ok to share that too. My grandmother was one of the most resilient women I know. Early in her married life, her husband and young son passed away, leaving her to raise two children on her own. She was a proud woman, but knew when she needed help and sought out that help. Although she did not have much herself, she met the needs of her children and those around her that were worse off than she was. She had a deep faith in God and brought up her children to honor God. I know that some of the qualities that I possess are a direct result of what I learned from her. She was willing to pass along those life lessons she learned to her children and grandchildren.
Do you feel there are limits to being a strong woman? I think that sometimes others put qualities onto a strong woman that may not be true. They may think that when she is determined or stepping out on her own that she is unwilling to learn from others or has a “know it all” attitude. Or that because she is strong she can’t also be vulnerable or feeling. It’s so important that you get to know her, to know what is important to her or what she may need.
If you could help guide someone to being a strong woman how would you help them? I would encourage one to find a woman that personifies the qualities that you find important and be willing to learn from them. You have to be willing to hear that a decision that you made might not have been the right one, but what is important is how you respond to those situations. Know that you aren’t going to get it right every time, but learning from those situations will help you in your future decisions and how you respond can be so important.