SRQ Magazine | October 2021 | Women Who Roar Special Feature

WOMAN WHO ROAR | FALL 2021

MELISSA LARKIN-SKINNER, MA, MBA, LMHC

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CENTERSTONE-FLORIDA

"I often find myself thinking and saying 'this too shall pass'. My next thought or statement is always about moving forward and finding solutions."

I BELIEVE I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MY OWN HAPPINESS.

Things happen in life that are beyond my control (like COVID) and as much as I want to be in control of them, I know I cannot. However, I know that I can control the actions I take in response. I may temporarily experience uncomfortable emotions; I may be confused, upset, or in shock. No matter how deep the pain, I force myself to focus on my belief that although I am uncomfortable right now, I know it is temporary. I know I will eventually feel less uncomfortable. I think about what I can learn from my experience and how I can use that knowledge in the future. In a way, I share this philosophy with others through my work–our work in behavioral health is centered around helping people see and respond to the world and their experiences; we offer people support and solutions for thriving.

391 Sixth Avenue W. Bradenton, FL 941-782-4299 | Centerstone.org