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.
Justina M. Jefferson | Makeup Artist | Hair Stylist | Content Creator & Business Owner
Kimberley Asante
DON’T give up! Stay consistent, keep your head down and focus, remember this is a Marathon not a race. It’s okay to have bad days, just remember WHY you started! Lean on your friends, co workers, and other people who are like minded; they’re in your life for a reason.
@JMJMUA
@StyledbyTheBest
justlimitless.biz
Anna Godoy | Actress and Psychology Student
The best advice I can give them is that we all go through difficult phases in life. Just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean you’re alone. I’ve felt broken and frustrated a lot of times, but I try to keep my positive outlook and attitude to overcome all the possible negative thoughts that can to through my mind. Sometimes it’s hard to stay positive, yes, but you have to remember that everything happens for a reason. Didn’t get the job you wanted? a better one will come up. Didn’t work out with the person you loved? someone in the future will give you the love you were giving them. Always remember why you have a heart beat. You have a purpose in life. Don’t hesitate, you will get there.
Gabby B | Pop Star
Never doubt your abilities. Heart and determination will get you over that hump as long as you believe in what you’re doing!
Angelica Maria | Youtuber and Instagram Influencer
Never forget that challenges you face do not block your path, they are the path. You need this obstacle to bring your success.
@baddangelofig
youtube.com/baddangel
@baddangelfromig
Zoey Bullock | Business Strategist & Empowerment Speaker
When you are struggling with an overwhelming challenge, instead of internalizing things, find channels to express yourself. Share with other people what you are going through in that moment. There is always someone out there that will be inspired by the challenge you are facing and may have light to help your in your journey. When you feel like there is no hope, find support to help you overcome that challenge by sharing your story. For the longest time, I was afraid to open up and tell people what I was going through. But when I started sharing my story on social media 7 months ago, everything shifted and I was able to overcome it with ease and felt supported by everyone inspired by my bravery.
bettychronix.podia.com/chronixculture
@bettychronix
Gaby Diaz | Real Estate Advisor & Mortgage Loan Originator
Often, when a challenge feels too great to overcome, it can seem like the only option is to give up before you’ve even begun. This way, one can eliminate the prospect of failure. I find that breaking up a challenge into smaller, more manageable tasks makes it easier to replace the feelings of fear with a sense of accomplishment. Once you begin to chip away at a challenge, it gradually becomes easier to follow through to the end.
So my advice for facing insurmountable challenges: just start somewhere. Even if it’s just a minuscule portion of the work ahead, at least you’ve begun. Always remember that “A Little Progress Each Day Adds Up To BIG Results”, so always celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small you feel they are!
gabydiazinvestments.com
@GabyDiazInvestments
@GabyDiazInvestments
linkedin.com/in/gabydiazinvestments
Camila Perez | Esthetician & Massage Therapist
I believe that nothing is truly insurmountable if hard work is put into whatever you want to achieve. I came from a different country, I started this profession in this country in my 40’s and don’t speak English properly- I still am in shock that my hard work is starting to pay off. My experience has shown me if you do what you need to do and try continuously you can thrive in whatever you work for. Whatever is meant to be, will be as long as you put yourself out there!
@camilaperez.mt
@mhdbycamilaperez
Janelle Alisha, MPH | Beauty & Health Educator
While attending Florida A&M University as a young mother with four sons, I faced many challenges that felt insurmountable. However, I kept a smile on my face and a small positive circle. I would pat myself on the back for small accomplishments while remaining poised and gracious.
Regardless of your situation, remember “”Stumbling is not falling.”” (Malcolm X quote) You see the stars in the dark.
Overcome any challenge or friendship without losing your integrity. Have faith and be grateful for what you have and the positive people in your life. Your dream will become your reality.
Bree Bohannon | Scientist
Remember your why – write it down if you have to. There were moments when working on my PhD when it felt like it would be impossible to get all of my work done. One day I took an afternoon and wrote down my story: what inspired me to go into science and research, the things that fascinated me and that I wanted to learn more about, how my PhD and training is helping me to get there. Reminders of my sense of purpose and reconnecting to my passion for neuroscience and understanding how the brain works really helped to motivate me even when I felt so far from my goals. And I always had that little written story there to remind me when I felt particularly overwhelmed. A little more on the practical side: make a plan that includes simple, manageable steps. Once you break down all of the components of this great big challenge, it will look much less daunting.
@seabreezelife
@_seabreezelife_
bree-watkins-6dq6.squarespace.com
TAMI SPENCE | LIFESTYLE BLOGGER AND CONTENT CREATOR
My best advice for someone who is facing a challenge they feel is insurmountable is to assess the situation and develop a plan to tackle the challenge– one step at a time. I have learned when life throws you curve balls, you must be willing to change your own life. Step outside of the problem and consider different ways to overcome it.
The most important thing to remember is that setbacks, trials, and unfortunate events are temporary. They totally suck when they are happening, but you can get through them. Instead of succumbing to the situation, make a choice to be resilient and take control of your life.
If you’re going through tough times, setbacks, trials or tribulations, please consider that better days are ahead. You may not see the bigger picture now, but the chips are falling into place. You can totally bounce back from mistakes and learn during the process. I challenge you to consider that 5 years from now, things will be totally different. Everything is figure-out-able, but you must be obligated do the work.
simplytami.com
@itssimplytami
@itssimplytami
@itssimplytami
Maria | Holistic coach & Hormonal health expert
Celia | Culinary nutrition coach & yoga teacher
To be flexible in the process of finding a solution, you never know if you are open minded where the answer could be. Take baby steps and have self-confidence in the process.
mialife.net
@mialife10
hola@mialife.net
Cristina Sotomayor | Student
My advice would be to look back on your greatest accomplishment or the time when you used to dream and wish for where you are today. I bet there was a point where those goals or aspirations felt impossible too, but nevertheless, you succeeded. You got this too. Create your own circumstances, don’t be too hard on yourself, and the rest will follow.
Laura Diaz | Blogger & Small Business Owner
The best advice I can give someone is to KEEP GOING! I mean, you don’t really have a choice anyway, right? It is so easy to get caught up on everything going WRONG, that we forget “”this too shall pass!”” I’ve faced quite a few challenges in my life that felt insurmountable. They have left me feeling hopeless, pessimistic, desperate! People ask as if there is some secret recipe to overcoming life, but the answer for me is somewhat simple- KEEP GOING, don’t give up. I’ve wondered myself time and time again how I can be so strong after being asked. Personally, I always choose to stay on the bright side: to fight the good fight! Get up everyday and tell yourself “”today will be the day it all changes.”” Perspective is HUGE. Some days it works, some days it doesn’t. #shrugs Even then, you’re taking it day by day and TRYING. Every day seems the same until you look back a couple months and realize so much has changed. Think ahead to how your experience will help and guide someone overcome their funk. It sounds weird but I manage to feel pain AND hope at the same time. Cry, scream bawl- but ALWAYS know “”this too shall pass.””
Katherine Victoria | Dog trainer and Veterinary Technician
I strongly believe that anyone who is facing a challenge, regardless of the circumstances, should always see the light at the end of the tunnel. I like to remind myself and others, that how we react to adversity is what makes all the difference. We as human beings tend to allow our emotions to take control of our behavior and we think that their is no solution, but because we let our emotions take control, we don’t allow ourselves to see the solution. Keep pushing, someone is making it work with less opportunities at hand!
Angelica Cruz | Actress & Entrepreneur
We can all overcome any difficult situation in our lives, we just have to be strong minded and believe in ourselves. We human beings have the power to be and get anything and everything we want by putting enough effort and commitment, there is no limit to fulfill our dreams, life is beautiful and full of opportunities you just have to take advantage of them.
Doris Acosta O’Hare | Broker-Associate with Compass Miami Beach
I’m Ecuadorian-American, however, I relocated to the US alone after my 18th birthday and learning English was my personal mountain to conquer. It took me two years to feel comfortable with the language and culture change. I honestly believed I would never learn. Time and hard work got me to the top and I conquered what seemed insurmountable. My advise is to work with what you have and never give up on yourself. You set your goals, you make them happen. This is why my life motto is Let the Sunshine In. Life can be light or darkest. I dream in the dark and live in the light.
@doris305_
@Doris305
@TweetDoris305
youtube.com/channel/UCnTlkaDPHRY_RfeNbfAaSsA
Doris305.com
Alexis Dawson | strategic marketing professional
My motto? Keep Moving Forward. Whenever I am put in a challenging situation, I tend to take a short pause and look at the bigger picture ahead while connecting with my roots. In an ever-changing 24/7 world that we live in, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. It’s also important to collect your thoughts before you take action. Taking the time to reflect helps bring clarity while being consistent with your moral compass. If you are true to yourself, than you can continuously move forward in the right direction, taking action fearlessly and moving forward to surpass any challenges that come your way.
@dawsonslife
dawsonslife.com
alexismdawson.com
Gabriela Briceno | Capuhealthy | Healthy Chef & Culinary Nutrition Expert
Whenever you are in a tough situation remember that the best fights are giving to the best soldiers! Continue, go on because you will see the trophy 🏆 at the end of the path. Trust in God and Believe in yourself. You are capable enough to do anything you like.
Capuhealthy.com
@capuhealthy
@capuhealthy
Airica D. Kraehmer | Marketing CEO | Bestselling Author & HT Survivor
Lance Andrews
There will be times in your life in which it is hard to evaluate if life is worth it. I’ve been through a lot of terrifying situations, outlined in my bestseller Amazon book Models Stop Traffic, and these challenges did not defeat me. Sure, even after a terrible loss or trauma the pain or backlash does not end. But the reality is, after hardship is the opportunity to rebuild. Do not expect things to be easy right away. Just expect and work toward them being better.
storytellingmarketingagency.com
airicakraehmer.com
@airicakraehmer
amazon.com/Models-Stop-Traffic-Enslavement-Pursuit/dp/1732077827/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=models+stop+traffic&qid=1563201453&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Laura March | PreMed Student & Model
There’s a sentence I love and always say “My present is NOT my future” meaning that anything a person is going through will not last forever, with patience and a positive thinking everything will be better.
Daniella Liranzo | Makeup artist | beauty blogger | business woman
Accept the challenge and face it, because nothing in this life comes easy. We must work hard to achieve anything that we desire. But at the end of it all the challenge is what makes the victory so much more valuable, so cherish the challenge and believe in yourself.
Nekeisha Francis | Founder of Vegan Bites With Nekei and Vegan Bites Near Me
Always make the best decision based on the information you currently have. Sit down, think it through and there will always be a solution to your problem. Once you do this you can overcome anything and live without regrets.
@veganbiteswithnekei
@veganbitesnearme
Raiza Gomez | Newborn & Child Photographer
Adrian Basart
The best advice I can give someone who is facing a challenge is to NEVER EVER give up!
Whenever I am having a difficult day the quote I live by is “”Nothing worth having comes easy.”” Do not compare yourself to others, everyone has their own unique journey. Focus on the path set ahead of you.
I always sing to my daughter, in Dory’s words “”Just keep swimming, just keep swim”
Alicia Pizarro | Hotel Manager & Professional Photographer
My advice is never to give up. Take a deep breath and be honest to yourself but never stop fighting. Every day brings to you a brand new opportunity to succeed and accomplish your goals. Obstacles are just “things” that are there to teach and strengthen us for the journey that lies ahead. We must, therefore, not view them as insurmountable problems that prevent us from achieving our goals, but rather as small — and at times significant — stepping stones that are required we need to pass. If you don’t find success the first time, start all over. The bigger is the challenge the greater the reward.
Elizabeth Lugo | Makeup Artist | Stylist and Art director
Sometimes is better to just let it go, in that moment you won’t understand why is this happening, or why you can’t fix it, but the time will tell why…and the only then you’ll understand and learn, every hard situation is just a lesson that you must learn to go on, just believe, that no matter what is the result, you are always winning!
Zuly Calderin | Realtor & Entrepreneur
The best advice I can give to someone who is struggling or starting a business is remember to be grateful for what you currently have and not focus on what you don’t have. Stay persistent and work very hard!
facebook.com/zuly.calderin
@zcalderinrealtor_
Sophie Zembra | Creative director ANTIDOTE
My advice is to be positive and think everything is possible, all the difficulty can be pass if mentally you are ready for. But also is important, to be honest and facing the reality: for my experience, I’ve made some pivot in my life when you see that you made the maximum but you cannot solve your problem it’s maybe because you don’t take the right path.
Jessica Toye | Personal Trainer & health enthusiast
The best advice I can give to someone who feels that they are facing a challenge that is insurmountable is that, whatever you think will happen, will happen. It is all about your capability to have unwavering belief that you will achieve whatever challenge you are trying to master. If you constantly tell yourself I can’t do it, 10 times out of 10 you won’t do it, same as if you constantly tell yourself I can do it and will do it you’ll 100% get it done. What your mind thinks your body will follow with action. For example, in terms of exercising, when I am in my final set finishing up my last repetitions and I begin to feel myself becoming exhausted I instantly get into a mindset of positive thinking. I say to myself “I can do it”, “you’re almost done”, “finish up strong Toye or something along those lines, within those split seconds I receive a quick burst of energy being able to dominate my workout. All in all, no matter what you are facing it will always come down to how you think and approach the situation. Whether you THINK you can or can’t, you’re right.
Ana Perez | Fashion Lover and Blogger
Remember to stay positive. I believe in surrounding yourself with as much positivity as possible. And to stay close to their beliefs.
