Throughout our journey with Voyage, the one thing we have learned over and over is that hidden within every challenge is a blessing or opportunity. It’s up to us to determine whether a challenge we face will be a step back or the catalyst for a step forward.
We had the honor of connecting with some of the city’s brightest female leaders and role models and we asked them our question of the month: What is the best advice you have for someone who feels like they are facing insurmountable odds.
Below, you’ll find their advice and links and other info so you can learn more about them, their work and how to connect with them. We’ll be interviewing many of these amazing women in the coming weeks, stay tuned.
Nadja Amahn | Artist & Model
My advice would be to take 10 steps back! … I’ve learned this myself, it’s the best way to fully understand your surroundings and get a fresh pair of eyes. Whether that take you 1 day or 1 year to conquer, stay confident in yourself! You’re only growing during the process. This is where the stories and memories are made, embrace the challenge!
Elizabeth Sara | Makeup Artist & Influencer
I believe that nothing is ever impossible, to overcome. Sometimes, As humans we may think that one bad experience means the end of the world, but the reality is ‘Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations’. In other words, take care of yourself whatever you may be going through, it’s okay to take breaks, maybe you don’t see the light today but It will shine through, and lastly, Believe in yourself because at the end of the day, that is the first step to becoming the best version of oneself.
@makeup.by.elizaa
youtube.com/channel/UCF_Bk7FSBOordnF17ji7mXg?view_as=subscriber
Paula Meirelles | Tattoo Artist
Have focus, determination, and faith. Be a warrior, never give up on your dreams, come up with strategies and go for it.
baructattoo.com
@paulabaructattoo
Samantha Ulm | Stylist & Arbonne Entrepreneur
I think the best advice that I would give is that knowledge is truly the greatest power you can harness. When you’re feeling unqualified to take the first step toward one of your goals, remember that YOU can learn anything to become anyone you desire to be. When you are able to flip those negative emotions into a powerful and positive mindset, you can acquire anything in life that you have always dreamt of! As cheesy as it sounds, every time I turn a negative moment into a positive one, great opportunities always find their way to me. Also, be the change you want to see, and be honest about your life! When you embrace your true self, others respect you more and look up to you because you did something that they might have been to fearful to pursue. Be you, and always challenge yourself in these insurmountable moments because those moments are when YOU truly grow and become the best version of yourself! Throw fear out the window and never look back!
beautynbones.com
@beautynboness
youtube.com/channel/UCipsvETJAWs6Jd6sVrAXjkw?view_as=subscriber
Asha Marie Lorensen | Yoga Instructor
Tessa Thewes Photography
Life is FULL of obstacles, some greater than others. Some you take with ease, and some feel like you’ll never breakthrough. In the moments you feel resistance, just take a breath. Feel your heartbeat. Get grounded. Take a step back. Connect with yourself. Know that you are supported. Take your time. Plant the seed. It is something I cannot stress enough with my students both on and off the mat. You may not be able to control the situation, but you can control how you react to it. Honor yourself. Embrace the experience. A simple breath is a great place to start. There’s a great quote by Anne Lamott I try to remember when a challenge comes to surface “Almost anything will work again when you unplug it for a few minutes. Even you.”
ashamarieyoga.com
@ashamarieyoga
@AshaMarieyoga
Zoë Bright | Inspirational content creator | social media influencer and lifestymodel
No matter how rough things get, hold your head up high, if you have faith and believe things could get better, they often do. Do your best with what you have now, and you never know, sometimes what looks like a disaster or an insurmountable situation is the very thing that might change your path and point you in a direction to a more beautiful ending than you could have ever imagined.
zoebright.com
@zoe.bright
@zoebright.blog
Dr. Danielle Richardson | Yoga Instructor & Optometrist
Ciarra Walters
My best advice is to firstly pause and take a deep breath. When we’re faced with challenging situations, our emotions run high and the body immediately begins to become tense. First and foremost, close the eyes, take a deep breath, and relax the shoulders away from the ears. The process of deep breathing anchors us to the present moment, releases tension, and provides space for a bit more clarity to face our challenges. Life is cyclical and seasons will change so always remember Spring comes after the Winter. Be optimistic and have faith that this too shall pass. No matter what just keep moving forward — one deep breath at a time!
fierceclarity.com
@FierceClarity
Hayley Hallmark | Mom | Content Creator
I would say that we are all capable of more then we think we are. I think often our own selves can get in the way of something we think we “can’t” do and in turn we retreat or back down and we don’t take the leap. In motherhood, I have faced numerous challenges,daily even, and I will say that having a like minded community of mothers, close friends and family, a support system and people you can lean on really does help to make those insurmountable challenges a little less scary! They can give you that boost of confidence.
Susan Mensink | Blogger & Wife
The best advice I have for someone facing a challenge they feel is insurmountable is to remind yourself that you’re stronger then you think. Be surrounded with people that know what you’re going through, who can lift you up and support you 100% Life can be so heavy but if you have the right people that help guide you through it, it becomes so much easier. It’s so important to not hide your challenges, share them and express how you feel. It truly does get better.
Lea Finley | Fashion Designer
Focus on the small things you can accomplish rather than the big picture. It’s too overwhelming for the brain if you’re thinking about a massive challenge. By breaking things down into the essential components, you can slowly start to chip away at your goals.
Classyfabulousdaydreams.com
@classyfabulousdaydreams
Alondra Martinez | Fashion Blogger
For those facing a challenge that they feel is insurmountable I would recommend to take a moment and view the situation from different angles. There will be a way to overcome the situation as long as one is willing to dedicate the time and effort into the challenge they are facing. The feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment will be much greater than if one did not try to overcome their problem. Just remember, these challenges do not last forever so do your best and enjoy that feeling of accomplishment. If I would have let a challenge overwhelm me then I would have missed out on so many amazing opportunities. Now, looking back, those difficult situations were only a small moment in time while the positive results last a lifetime.
@A.mariem
youtube.com/channel/UCrFiPxLfTtY9qe7-rc9HFiw/featured
Ashley Lomelin | Brand & Content Management
Honestly, take it one day at a time. One of my favorites phrases is “If it can be solved, there’s no need to worry, and if it can’t be solved, worry is of no use.” I have heard that the phrase itself is incorrect, but the meaning behind the phrase works well with keeping anxiety away. When I have had a challenge in the past, I like to remember that regardless of the “fear” it may bring, I can’t let it overwhelm me – assuming I am trying my best. Then I take it one day at a time. It is easy to feel impatient when you are overwhelmed. As if what you are doing isn’t enough. But don’t let that keep your momentum come to a halt. As as you are tugging away at the challenge, just remind yourself of how much you are succeeding by pushing through a challenge. Facing it is a reward in itself.
millennialgoingdown.com
@itsashleynicole.xoxo
Julie Hauptmann | Entrepreneur & Real Estate Investor
Always remember that everyone faces life challenges and these challenges make us stronger. If you are facing a challenge that is insurmountable, you have to let go of negativity and have a positive mindset. Write down solutions and focus on the most practical ones. Don’t hesitate to ask help from positive thinkers, your family, and friends including mentors. Your success depends on your mindset. With the right people and proper direction, overcoming a tough challenge becomes easier and less stressful.
Crystal O’Connor | Skincare | Wellness & Lifestyle Blogger
My best piece of advice for someone who is facing a challenge that feels insurmountable would be to surround yourself with good energy that brings out the best in you. If you need time to yourself, take it, but always remember you’re not alone. Sometimes it might feel like it, but there are so many people going through similar situations who will support you. As cliche as it sounds, give things time. Use that time to feel, reflect and grow.
@lifewithcrstl
@lifewithcrstl
lifewithcrstl.com
Marissa Alexis | Friendly Neighborhood Hobby Collector and Content Creator at Experience Optional
Problems or obstacles have the ability to mask themselves into anything. A simple homework assignment will drag you into the wee small hours of the morning. A relationship will consume you heart, mind, and soul and you begin to think you will never be you again…I’m not an expert in homework, relationships, or life but I do know that things get better as long as you’re working forward. Focus on things that are going to help your future. Do things that are going to help your mental health. It can be something so small like reading a book to something so large like moving to a new city. Trust your instincts. Work hard. Focus. I promise, life finds a way as long as you’re moving forward.
@meeowissa
Experienceoptional.com/about
Jenny Wallis | 9-5 job | Office Manager for a FinTech company
The one thing you can control regardless of what live has thrown your way is your attitude. Regardless of the challenge you are facing, know that you are loved and have the capability to look the challenge in the eye, acknowledge it and accept it. Sometimes life happens and it feels too great to overcome but it is okay to recognize that. It’s okay to say “this is a shitty situation”. Once you acknowledge it you can learn to accept it and move forward.
Christina Golka | Lifestyle Blogger & Eyewear Connoisseur
When I was about 18 years old I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and one of the biggest demons in my life: anorexia. I am now 26 and have finally come to realize that life will never ever be perfect. That’s what I wish I knew when I was in high school. Life hits you in all sorts of directions, no matter how big or small. Obstacles may come and go, but the way you deal with situations that seem insurmountable shows the kind of human being you truly are! Be bold, be proud, be unapologetically YOU.
Jacky Inturias | Electrical Engineer & Fitness/Fashion Enthusiast
Geraldson Evangelista
I believe that any goal you set for yourself will always come with a bunch of obstacles. Some might even seem insurmountable (as you say), but regardless how difficult it may seem, never be scared to fail. Always go head on, and give it your all. Yes you may fail but that’s not always a negative thing. See it as a positive learning/growing experience. It’s all in your perspective.
@jackyinturias
Jackyinturias@gmail.com
Divya Patel | Influencer
I would first advise them to look at the big picture and then break the large tasks down into smaller and more manageable pieces. Once you have accomplished those smaller steps you will be closer than when you first started. Every challenge is a learning lesson so don’t be scared to ask for help and step out of your comfort zone.
Poison Roza | Artist
I like to tell myself; there is no rainbow without the rain, therefore, There’s no happiness without the pain. Meaning, you must go through the hardships and struggles of life to get what you want.
June Shompa | Fitness Coach
Take a moment and step away from the problem. Literally give yourself even just five minutes to switch your lens and view the problem from a wider perspective, a “bird’s view”. Reminding myself that I have been through many challenges in the past allows me to see the challenge in front of me as part of my journey — not a roadblock to my desired destination or outcome. The truth is we will face many hardships in our individual journeys, however, each challenge can serve your individual growth if you allow it. So when something feels impossible, hopeless, take a step back and ask “how can this situation serve me?” “what is this situation trying to teach me?” “how can I respond to this challenge in a way that would make my future self proud?” While challenging situations are uncomfortable and overwhelming, they present us an opportunity to grow and elevate into the next best version of ourselves. We cant control what challenges we face but, we can control how we respond to those challenges and how we respond will directly shape our reality.
Estelle Cho | Model and world traveler
The best advice I can give to someone who is facing what feels like an impossible obstacle to conquer is to not be afraid to ask for help. There are some tasks that require help whether it be financial or emotional from loved ones. In the end it is still you who completed the task. Also, ask for advice from those you look up to. Always look to improve whatever it is that can be worked on. There us always something valuable to be learned.
Angelica Herrera | Lettering Artist / Letters by Gigi
Life will throw you challenges that may seem too hard to overcome, every one of those challenges holds a lesson you can learn from. When facing insurmountable odds try to think back to what motivated you to start in the first place. Avoid beating yourself down when times get tough, rather stay positive and remember everything you have already achieved and had to go through to get to where you are today.
lettersbygigi.com
@letters_by_gigi
Ruby Wang | Healthcare Investor & Part-time Blogger
Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.
Sana Dee | Model & Entrepreneur
I would first advise the individual to question themselves on what their WHY in life. Your WHY should answer the goals you are accomplishing and the reasons behind it. Next, I would ask them to understand their roadblocks and write down as many solutions as possible. Lastly, I would do positive affirmations in the present tense stating how I have surpassed my obstacles. With these three steps, you allow your mind to push past your roadblocks and put you in a positive mindset to conquer anything you put your mind to!
Ruby Woo | Recording Artist
Keep going, keep believing in yourself no matter what! Your gift will make room for you!
iamrubywoo.com
@iamrubywoo
@iamrubywoo
@iamrubywoo
Giselle Singer | Songwriter | Musician & Animal Lover
Nothing is too great to overcome. It may feel like it is just for a second or even for months or even a year! It may feel like the end of your world. Trust me, I’ve been through those times. But what you need to remember is this: keep pushing forward while working hard and putting your heart and soul into what you love. You can achieve anything no matter what roadblocks you may face.
@itsgisellemusic
itsgisellemusic.com
open.spotify.com/artist/2y1tauTn9SjZ0Rq3v9BNww?si=DVtQMb3TT3uH2MX60BtLmg
Diana Jiménez | mexican model | actress and journalist
Life is a roller coaster, sometimes we feel so happy, and sometimes we’ll have moments feeling that anything is going as we want it to be so we’ll want to give up. But here is where we need to have the courage to keep going and show not to the people but to ourselves how far we can go. Because it doesn’t matter how many times we fall but how many times we stand up again. Just remember to be happy, you don’t know how much time you have left of your life, ’cause is not one more day but one day left.
Cee H
March 5, 2019 at 15:54
Women are just born with some extra perseverance! They better say this! I’m here for it.
Karine Dantas
May 8, 2019 at 10:29
I loved it!! Do not give up, girls !!! You are already winners for fighting for your dreams. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Baker
June 22, 2019 at 08:48
Im proud to say that I know Jaimie Tucker. Shes is completely authentic and inspiring.
Thank you to all of these ladies for giving this generation such great role models! x