Maya Angelou said, “…but still like dust, I’ll rise.”
By Dr. Michelle Mitcham, LMHC-S, NCC, CCMHC
EMPOWERING WOMEN ON THEIR JOURNEY OF GROWTH
EMBRACING SELF COMPASSION
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n this issue, as always, we celebrate women doing amazing things, such as the determined cover woman, Kristel.
I am inspired by Kristel’s story of rising and reaching for the stars. I wanted to share some thoughts on selfcompassion as I reflect on so many young women who have had challenges or experience disappointments in life. Do not give up and please give yourself some grace. Life gets better. In the whirlwind of life, it's easy for women to become their harshest critic as they reflect on their younger selves. As they say, hindsight is 20/20, right? We scrutinize past decisions, questioning whether we could have done better or made different choices. But here's the truth: We made those decisions with the best information available to us at the time. It's crucial to remember that we are constantly evolving, learning, and growing. Each experience, no matter
us to advocate for what we value and to use our voices. Additionally, Oprah Winfrey, a beacon of inspiration, once said,
"The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change their future by merely changing their attitude." This powerful statement reinforces the transformative power of self-belief and a positive mindset. WORDS OF WISDOM FOR MY YOUNGER SELF: 1. Embrace your uniqueness: You are one-of-a-kind, and that is your superpower. 2. Embrace failure: Failure is not a reflection of your worth but an opportunity to learn and grow.
how challenging, contributes to our journey of selfdiscovery. As seasoned individuals, we have a unique opportunity to mentor and guide others, especially the youth. We can share our wisdom with our daughters and sons, students, and mentees, providing them with the support and encouragement they need. By imparting the knowledge gained from our life experiences, we empower them to navigate their paths with resilience and confidence, although the journey of life is an individual experience.
"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." - Ruth Bader Ginsburg Believing in oneself is a cornerstone of personal growth. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an iconic figure who left an indelible mark on history, reminds us that change is a gradual process. Each step we take towards self-belief and self-acceptance counts, no matter how small those steps may seem. She taught
3. Prioritize self-care: Nurturing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is essential. 4. Surround yourself with positivity: Surrounding yourself with uplifting and supportive individuals can fuel your journey. 5. Embrace the journey: Life is a series of ups and downs; enjoy the process and trust in your resilience. Remember, dear women, you are constantly evolving and blossoming into the incredible individuals you are today. Be kind to yourself, control your self-talk, and celebrate the growth that accompanies each experience. Consider reaching out to a licensed therapist or credentialed life coach to help support your journey. You are not alone.
tallahassee woman | 47 | june • july 2023
