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 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 individuals in the coming weeks, stay tuned.
Chloé Wong | makeup artist and exotic dancer
The best advice I could give to someone facing a roadblock is to stay focused and committed to their main goal they are trying to reach. Obstacles in perspective are an opportunity to learn and grow, it should not be seen as a barrier to success. If everything in life was easy to achieve there would be no satisfaction in victory.
Website: Amazingbeautybar.com
Instagram: @bxadgyal
YouTube: youtube.com/chloewong
Matthew Palpal-Latoc | Photographer/School Teacher
Have the belief in yourself, faith, and trust in others. Too many times we back down from challenges because we are too afraid of failure and the feeling of inadequacy. We all have the ability to overcome and exceed expectations, the first step in doing so is have that self confidence and faith in what is next to come. Each and every moment in our life is an opportunity to learn and grow, so regardless of outcome, we must walk away from it having learned something new.
It’s okay to look for others for help. Look towards others for advice to gain another perspective on things. We tend to get very prideful in certain aspects, but sometimes the best solutions come from when we seek the aide of others.
Take things day by day, don’t put any unnecessary pressure on yourself or others, and whatever happens, happens. Make the most of everything and you will be able to overcome all odds.
Instagram:@m.palpallatoc
James Gielow | Senior Content Writer
The most important thing to realize when you’re feeling overwhelmed is that the feeling is simply one perspective and perspectives can change. Easier said then done? Perhaps. But if you try to narrow your focus on just one small step towards your goal, it’s much more manageable. Once you’ve completed that small step, your perspective begins to shift and what once seemed overwhelming will lessen and give you more drive and focus to tackle the next step. So don’t try to take on everything at once and if you find you can’t shake that feeling no matter what you do, then go take a walk in the garden or go grab a cup of coffee. Sometimes a change in your environment helps break persistent gnawing anxiety.
When Archimedes was completely dumbfounded after weeks and weeks of trying to determine a method for testing if gold was real or not, his wife was slowly going mad and had enough. She told him to go soak in a bath and get away from his work space. He begrudgingly did so and when he got into the bath the water overflowed and spilled out onto the floor. In that very moment, when he walked away from the problem, the solution appeared. Displacement was “”discovered”” and the problem was solved. He then ran down the street naked and covered in suds screaming ‘Eureka!!’. Keep this lessen to heart, but just make sure you’re dressed before celebrating your vistory!
Website: mindyourdirt.com
Instagram: @mindyourdirt
Jaqueline Gonzalez | Full time mommy/momprenuer and Parent advocate/ DAC Vice chairperson at CVESD
I’m a survivor of a major and postpartum depression. I went through some dark times but through it all I knew there was a God watching over me. My relationship with God grew stronger and at some point after facing divorce I gave my life to Jesus. I have never experienced the peace I have within me. My days are full of joy and I get to spend them with my two beautiful daughters. Be still and know that I’m God. Psalm 46:10
Instagram: @thefulltimemommydiaries
Tyler Adkins | Woodworker
Insurmountable odds: As a California based small furniture business, the odds are stacked against us every day as we compete with large scale box stores importing furniture at very low costs. My advice to readers facing insurmountable odds would be to first take a step back and evaluate what it is that must be accomplished. Once the objective is fully understood, break down the monstrous feat with achievable tasks and milestones. Momentum is critical and it often can be hard to see yourself making any real progress when only focusing on the end goal. It goes without saying but I’m going to say it anyway, never ever give up! The excitement our clients have when receiving their custom furniture is what drives us to battle against the odds every day to deliver the best possible product that big box stores cannot compete with. Truly visualizing and believing in yourself accomplishing the goal and beating the odds couldn’t be more important!
Website: www.adcowoodworks.com
Instagram: @adcowoodworks
Geovana Perez | Mom/party and balloon styler
I have always believed that things happen for a reason this has been proven true to me in many circumstances such as in personal pursuits, my career life, and my crazy life as a mom. One piece of advice I would like to give to anyone who is facing an obstacle that may seem too hard to overcome would be to believe in yourself, be brave, and take risks. Always remember to dream big.
Email: geovanaperez36@gmail.com
Instagram: @geos_decor
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Geosdecor/
Lillian Nguyen | Calligrapher
One of my favorite quotes is “don’t get bitter, get better”. During difficult times it is easy to let negativity take over and slowly drag you under. But get better and don’t give up, reflect on how far you have come, your ‘why’, and re-routing your way of thinking. The past year had been rough. I focused my energy on negative areas, compared myself to others, and all that did was stop me from moving forward. I was stagnant while time kept moving. Starting the new year, I realized how short life is. It’s too short to focus all of our time on the wrong things, to dwell on hardships, to be afraid. Learn, understand and grow. “Don’t get bitter, get better,” it’s all about switching the letters.
Instagram: @Letter.Lilly
Calli O’Brien | Co-Founder My Matcha Life Inc / Health & Fitness Advocate
Believe in yourself, find a purpose higher than you, then keep going – step by step.
Website: https://mymatchalife.com/about-us/
Dasha Vovk | Journalist
I think all of us are familiar with the feeling of helplessness and powerlessness when It seems that there’s no way out of our circumstances. I’ve had such feeling many times in my life. The most powerful thing I can do during those times is to keep believing in myself and remember that circumstances will eventually change, they always do. Don’t let those temporary hardships break your spirit. Remember that faith is the most powerful thing that can break through even the most insurmountable odds.
Instagram: @dasha_vovk
High Tide | Bem’s Artist with a cause
No matter how well you plan life we are bound to face disappointments and failures.
It may be overwhelming to face such issues in life. So instead of worrying about your failures and setbacks,
try to focus on what you still have. Focus on the blessings rather than the challenges.
” Even when a person has an abundance, his life does not result from the things he possesses.”
Luke 12:15
It is important to not become self-absorbed, instead, try to use your experience to comfort and help others.
Website: www.hightide2shop.com
Instagram: @hightide2018
Barbara
April 5, 2019 at 10:41 pm
I can especially relate to Allison Lindblom’s home organizer. I moved from New Jersey to Florida. New home/new job with a lot of “baggage” I took with me. Thank you for your insight and positive feedback.