Perspective & Advice for Those Facing Insurmountable Odds

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.

Milan Mobley | Serial Entrepreneur | Publicist | Public Speaker, and Business Influencer

Toonty M. Visuals

In any situation you feel insurmountable, you have to reflect on how far you’ve come. You also have to change your mindset, I’m a strong believer that you manifest what you believe in. Believing in yourself and carrying the mindset of manifestation you can overcome the largest of mountains and the biggest doubts. You change your mind you change your life.

@theemilanmobley
@umanagement.PR
@EntrepreneuHERs_Brunch
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Ecaterina Busuioc | Podcast Host and Mentor

If you are facing a challenge that you feel is insurmountable then the first thing you should do is tell yourself “I’m going to get through this.” Repeat it to yourself a million times until it sticks. Write it on a post-it and stick it up on your mirror to see everyday, whatever it takes. Because here’s the thing with challenges, once you overcome it you’ve just now leveled up. You’re now stronger, wiser, and more resilient. You need to find it within yourself to be your best cheerleader. Nobody else is going to help you, you have to learn how to help yourself. So my advice to you is to just start reassuring yourself that “I’ve got this!! And I have great things to accomplish so I’m not gonna let a little challenge stop me from where I’m trying to be!

@itsfromkatush

Risma MoNae | Instagram Influencer | Youtuber

In life we will face many challenges. Some of those challenges may seem never ending and hard to overcome. In the midst of that challenge never lose sight of where you want to be. Put forth effort to change the situation. Yes, some days you won’t even have the energy and that’s okay. Everyday your eyes are open is another chance to keep pushing. YOU GOT THIS!

@rismonae

Sarah Burchfield | Dancer

No challenge is insurmountable if you know who you are. Each time I find myself in a difficult situation, I challenge myself to remember what kind of person I want to be. I encourage anyone facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge to recognize how much you have already overcome to become this version of yourself. Your actions should reflect who you are, regardless of how difficult your situation is. You are growing into yourself; always keep in mind who you aspire to become.

@sarah.burchfield 

Gina Minyard | Yoga Instructor E-RYT 500 & Authorized Teacher of NeelakanthaMeditation as taught in Blue Throat Yoga

Jamie Hopper Photography.

Life is full of challenges and obstacles as we act from our desire and vision for the life we want to create. The precursor to inspired action in the face of navigating a challenge, or in moving forward with life in general, is to slow down, to listen, to align yourself with life. What does that mean? In the traditions I study and practice it is understood that there is an over-arching supreme intelligence that governs the flow of life. Though we have free will and act in the play of life, the most fulfilling and easeful stance, ultimately, is to let this bigger energy lead the way. We can tune in to this intelligence and sense its guidance when we unplug, when we do practices like yoga and meditation, or spend time in nature without distraction. As we listen we sense more into what we should more fully step into, and also perhaps what we should not. Sometimes this is the meaning of an obstacle – something put in our path to redirect our attention or action into a different arena, one that is in greater integrity with ourselves and our contribution to the whole. Or, as we listen, we may get more clear that the arisen challenge is one we are meant to face and to surmount, and we may find inspiration and creative ideas on how to work with, through, or around the challenge. In this tradition challenges are part of the path – either to re-direct us, or to assist us in our growth and deepening in a way that easeful conditions alone can’t generate. In any event, skillful action – whether in navigating challenges or deepening purpose – begins with inner alignment to this intelligent flow of life. This is the essence of yoga and meditation – to join our individual will and action with the greater consciousness that we are all a part of. This refines our desires and opens unforeseen pathways, and really changes the whole perspective on how to life in a meaningful way.

Along the way, allow yourself to be real with your struggles, to sit with what you are experiencing, and be brave in the face of the unknown. To choose to align oneself with life is to welcome a sense of support and flow, but also transformational change. There is often a need to release outdated thinking and identities which can be scary, but ultimately so empowering and fulfilling. Be sure to get help – teachers, mentors, coaches, friends. You are not alone – the flow of life supports us in the most tangible ways as well as through infinitely mysterious and often unseen forces.

ginaminyard.com
@GinaMinyardYoga
@ginaminyardyoga

Nina Edmonds | Realtor® with Keller Williams Peachtree Road

The best advice that I can give to anyone facing a challenge that they feel is insurmountable is to elevate their mindset and consciously decide that they can and will conquer any challenge presented. Once that individual realizes the power of their mind then all things in their world change almost instantly. Some ways that I personally elevate my mindset on a regular bases is through reading, surrounding myself with people who think big and perform at a high level, and meditation. We have a saying in Keller Williams, “what you focus on expands”, so you have to be very mindful on focusing on positive outcomes.

646.342.7797
ninae@kw.com
@mizzninae
ninaetherealtor.com

Venus D. Austin | Owner | Founder of BLANK Wardrobe

When you are facing a challenge that feels insurmountable, start off by acknowledging it so that you allow yourself to process your feelings, which will make it easier for you to move forward with a little bit of clarity. After allowing yourself to acknowledge and process your feelings, break your challenge down into manageable parts. Begin to schedule those parts out and knock them out one by one. After completing any of your tasks, be sure to celebrate and be proud of what you accomplished. Small wins count, too. And they oftentimes lead to your big wins.

blankwardrobe.com
@theblankwardrobe 
@iamvmil
@blankwardrobe

Kendall Rosenberger | Model | Social influencer

The challenges we face in life are only as big as we let them be. For someone facing an insurmountable challenge, the best advice I could give would be to face it from another perspective. Think of someone who you look up to or view as an empowering figure, and put yourself in their shoes. How would you imagine them overcoming this situation? Then, realize that you are just as capable as they are, and understand that your mind is your own worse enemy. Going into a challenge with the right mindset will allow you to stay strong throughout the fight. To coincide with this, talking to the people you trust is a great strategy for coping with these kinds of situations and staying optimistic. No matter how insignificant you think the challenge that you are facing may be, it is never too small to ask for help. Rather you are talking to your friends, family, or anyone else you trust, if they are getting involved in your situation or just there for moral support, it will make a huge difference.

@kendallrosenbergerr
@kendallslookbook

Alize Doughty | Dancer | Choreographer

My best advice to anyone who is facing any challenges in life that they feel is insurmountable would be to sit down, and write down/create a plan/goal, knock off every step, while praying daily. Never allow any obstacle or test to stop you. Never give up! Push through and work hard no matter what it looks like. It’s always light on the other side of the tunnel. Nothing worth having comes easy. It’s always a fight before the sunshine. Have the mindset that you can’t stop, won’t stop!

@alize.doughty
herexquisitehair.com
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Victoria Swilley | voice talent | potter

You have a choice. Either go for it wholly, with grit and passion, or decide it’s not something you want to pursue right now, and let yourself off the hook emotionally. I’ve tried a lot of hard stuff in my life. Some things have worked out. Some I dedicated years to without achieving like I’d hoped. I left those things behind eventually. And some have succeeded beyond what I could have imagined. The more you can keep from getting your sense of self bound up in your work or problem, the better for you emotionally.
And if you feel stuck, talk to someone. A friend or counselor or therapist, someone who can pitch ideas to help you figure out how to come at the problem from a different angle. Be open to their ideas. Be flexible. It’s probably not as insurmountable as you think.

victoriaswilley.com
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@backyardkiln

Dr. Krystal Conner | Coach & Speaker

My advice for someone who is facing a challenge they feel is insurmountable would be : Just keep moving! Even if the steps seem small and like you aren’t moving – just keep going.  Surround yourself with positive people that will encourage you and push you when you feel like you can’t keep going.

drkclifecoach.com 
@drkrystalconner

Ann Elizabeth | Sales Counselor and Hairstylist

There is nothing that is insurmountable  I’ve come from a family where  A lot of things had to be earned. My family is not American so they have faced a lot of challenges in their lives, even just by coming to America. coming from a Haitian  household a lot of things didn’t come to me easy how they did with everyone else. I didn’t have anything close bad childhood. My parents made sure EVERYTHING was set for me, but my regular life it wasn’t perfect. I used to get teased in school just for being from Haiti, and I  used to have to work harder for certain things that I have and wanted. every time i did something whether it was business, projects in class, sports or even getting a job I used to always feel left out or just wouldn’t include myself from the start because I knew the outcome. I was always lacking self confidence and never believed in myself. If it was up to me I would have Stayed in Fort Lauderdale FL, but my parents pushed me otherwise. That’s why to this day family is the most important thing to me after my God. Due to my life being like that I would never tell anyone that ANYTHING is impossible. Not only Being from another country I was also overweight so being overweight affected ALL of life especially when I got to college, nobody ever took me serious even the friends I thought I had! Which really cause me to be teased even more due to the fact that I didn’t look like everyone else and doing things that are insurmountable really made me want to change the world! After that everything changed , for example I was the biggest cheerleader in HS that could jump high, I wouldn’t be where I am right now if I thought things were impossible and over for me, I am now in corporate America in the TOP North American sales company for cemetery and funeral arrangements  in the entire world,  I also work for myself as an entrepreneur selling hair and doing hair building. My own salon. I’m growing to this day& plan to excel higher than anyone expected me to do . I do plan to make a certain amount by the time I’m 30 but I say always with prayer and spiritual awareness everything is always possible so I would never tell anyone nothing is insurmountable. I will always keep my positive faith to keep me going because without God. I wouldn’t be anywhere that I am now.

Molly Dunham-Friel | IBD and Gut Health Advocate

No matter what obstacles are coming your way, you got this! You are stronger than you think and the challenges you are facing are secretly pushing you to become a better version of yourself.

Be kind to yourself. Give yourself room to feel the emotions that come along with struggle.

Find your tribe and share your journey. No matter what you are up against there is likely a group of people on a similar journey. Find those people and use the power of community to fuel your strength. Lean on your tribe and lend a hand when you can.

betterbelliesbymolly.com
betterbelliesbymolly.com/blog
@betterbelliesbymolly
@betterbelliesbymolly

Abby Byrd | Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Allison Pedigo

The “”big picture”” is an exciting way to see our goals, but when setting out to crush that goal, it’s important to have baby steps too. When I go for a run and come across a big hill, I concentrate on the steps in front of me and not the top in the distance. When we see how far we have to go, we may talk ourselves out of something that may seem impossible but is achievable. My husband altered a famous quote to say, “”How do you wash an elephant? Bit by bit.”” He tells me this to remind me that as long as I keep showing up each day, I will arrive at my goal. One of my favorite quotes this year is, “”Everything you want is on the other side of consistency.”” It doesn’t take one try or one day. Keep going. You got this!

abbybyrd.com
@abbybyrdphotography
@abbybyrdphotography

Tracey Brown | Personal Trainer | Nutrition and Mindset Coach

PUSH THROUGH!” That was my mindset and my mantra during the period in my life navigating through my Ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment and it will always be my mindset when I’m faced with any challenge. The word insurmountable is all about perspective. If you tell yourself what you’re facing is insurmountable, then that is exactly what you’ll get. From the beginning, you have to make the decision to not allow any challenge to define or defeat you. How you address challenges, all begins with your mindset. You are not the first and won’t be the last to face the hardships of adulting and its many challenges. Remember, storms don’t last forever and nothing is impossible with God!

@traceydenisefitness
traceydenisefitness.com
@traceydenisefitness
youtube.com/channel/UCEzfsnlDLOdrYTqGBNz1JWQ

Tia Dowler | Business owner & Jewelry Designer

@lindsaywphoto_fitmomlife

The best advice I can give to anyone facing a challenge that feels insurmountable is to recognize that you yourself decide how you will process and face the situation. Will you face it with confidence or will you face it with fear? That is up to each of us to decide. I also believe that challenges are opportunities for us to grow if we embrace those challenges. We do not grow when things are easy. We grow when we face adversity. We cannot control the cards we’ve been dealt in life but we can control how we play the hand.

I have come to understand and appreciate that all experiences in life (both positive and negative) have a purpose – to teach us lessons that we need to know to live happy and successful lives. I, for one, would be the first one to say… “No more pain.” However, I know from personal experience that when my life seems the darkest, a new and better day is coming. It is important that we keep the lessons but throw away the experiences.

In the end, I’ve learned that it is important to focus on what you can control when facing obstacles and let go of what you can’t control. I’m thankful for my struggles because without them, I wouldn’t have found my strength.

beautywithtia.com
@tiadowler
@tia1971

Angel Woods | Natural Braider

We all have a path, and we aren’t suppose to take the same route. If that was the case, there would not be a street way other than taking the express way. Every little goal and step matters.

@a.superstar personal
@__anjelicaa

Keisa Carroll | Personal Chef | Caterer and Food Truck Owner

Both in my personal and professional life I approach challenges the same- what can I control and what is not a controllable. Once you decide what you can positively impact, tackle that in order of priority. This method will never fail you. You will feel accomplished because you are in control of the situation. This will help you maintain a healthy mental balance while you juggle life and business. Remember that challenges force us out of our comfort zone giving us an opportunity to grow as individuals. I love a challenge because I am able to be my most creative self in those moments of discomfort.

goodazzfood.com
@goodazzfood
@goodazzfood

Christina Paz | Fine Art Family Photographer and Designer

Its okay to take a moment to step back and breathe. The truth is that even the biggest names out there have felt this way at one point or another in their life. You are not alone. Breathe. Seek out advice from those you trust and know will help you see clearly. Then tackle the challenge head on. Many times regret is worse than failure, so try and try again.

@rootedtapestryco
@littlemisscpaz   
rootedtapestryco.com

Zabi Mulwa | 2020 MPH Candidate & MUA

Over the course of the past year I faced a ton of challenges that I really never thought I would get through. For me there are a couple pieces of advice that I have for someone going through an insurmountable: 1. Document it, whether that be through pictures, video, in a planner/diary/journal that you have….document it. This will help you on the other end and serve as inspo for when you think that it’s not going to get any better.
2. Have a support system that is there for you, someone or some people that can help get things off of your mind. For you to laugh until you cry, dance, watch a movie, or just to listen!
3. Self care, I know everyone talks about self care. For me it was not bringing my work home with me in the evenings or during the weekend. Going out by yourself, cooking, trying something you would have never done before (I went athletic speed dating lol), therapy, etc find what makes you happy and keeps you happy.
4. Most important pray, meditate, go to church, therapy find something that gives your spirit peace!

@ameiva.mua
youtube.com/channel/UCcEH2VW5QLBq6NLgnetpnYQ
@zmulwa15

Leslie Quackenbush LCSW, MPH & Erin Mitchell | Dog Runner & Social Worker

Challenges are challenging for a reason – without them we would never learn, improve, or grow. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Sit with that for a minute, then look back at other life challenges you’ve overcome in the past and realize that you are capable of great things. Breaking a larger task down into smaller ones is a great way to get started. Then, remember to recognize your achievements along the way, especially when you feel discouraged by not being “there” yet. Slow and steady wins the race!

ruffrunnersatl.com
@RuffRunnersATL
@RuffRunnersATL

Meg Ehman | Digital Strategist & Website Designer

@checreates

When I’m facing any challenge, the first thing I do is go to my support network. I decide who the best person is to talk to about the particular issue, either because they are older and have more life experience, are familiar with the specific topic on a personal level, or they have known me for a long time and genuinely care no matter what. If you don’t have a support network, start creating one asap – this includes family, friends, coworkers and mentors – and be a support to others in return. If there is no simple solution, or you know the issue is more long-term, I highly recommend getting into a routine of meditation and some type of workout. It forces you to focus on breathing and nothing else. Plus, developing physical strength and beating personal records is a great way to boost your confidence mentally.
Finally, try writing the problem out on paper, and breaking it down into steps. This can help you come up with action items for each part and tackle them individually. Or you might come back and re-read what you wrote the next day and realize it’s not as dramatic as you thought it was!
Last last thing – check in with your body. Have you eaten something healthy in the last few hours, are you dehydrated, is it a certain time of the month, are you getting enough sleep? It’s easy to forget how connected our emotions are to our bodies and solving physical symptoms can help immensely.

@mwecreative
mwecreative.com 

Markeyia Callahan | Fashion Maven

Live by faith & not fear. Use your testimony as a way the help heal. Your testimony could be someone’s breakthrough!

Kaitlyn Rodriguez | Baker

My advice for someone who is facing a challenge is to never give up. Always keep pushing and moving towards your goal. Remember to always stay positive. Whenever you feel like giving up, think About why you started and keep going. You are destined for GREATNESS!

@kaitlynscupcakes44 
@kaitlynscupcakes44

Sadricka Thomas | lifestyle Blogger and Educator

I would say it’s okay to feel defeated, to not shy away from any challenges, or obstacles thrown your way. Take your time there is no clock you are racing against. Lastly, keep the faith that everything will be okay in due time.

@sadricka.thomas
@journeyenstyle

Charlsie Niemiec | Freelance Marketing | Social Media | Branding Strategist

Challenges aren’t supposed to be easy, but to make it through a challenge that feels insurmountable — you have to focus on your end goal. Strategize how to work towards it. Put the work in. Don’t cut corners. Let yourself recognize it feels insurmountable but know you can make it through. Enjoy the sunshine when you make it to the other side of your challenge and relish in the work you did.

charlsieniemiec.com

Erin McCarthy | Monster Maker | Artist & Entrepreneur

The best advice I have for someone who is facing a challenge they feel is insurmountable is to have a plan! When I feel like I am up against a task that seems impossible to accomplish I always break it down into smaller pieces. I figure out what I can accomplish both short term and long term and tackle the more immediate aspects first. I make lists and I try to work towards a small goal every day that will eventually help me take down whatever challenges I am facing. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed and feel like a challenge is impossible but by breaking it down into bite size pieces things become less anxiety inducing and more manageable.

@dunwitch
dunwitchmasks.bigcartel.com

Diana Imani | Visual Artist and Philanthropist

We don’t develop courage by being happy every day. We develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.” – Barbara De Angelis The greatest gifts of life are its continuity and unpredictability. If everything were easy all the time, then we would never grow, we would never learn, we would never adapt. We would never learn resilience, perseverance, or flexibility.

In my lifetime, I have seen some extraordinary people, accomplish some extraordinary things. People who are just like you and me. People who understand their circumstance and push past them to break down barriers that only exist if you let them. Barriers that will stand stronger and taller if you give them too much energy and too much power over your life. These extraordinary people think not only outside the box, but through and sometimes even around the box.

One thing that’s important to remember is that these, accomplishments do not come for free. They come at the cost of sleepless nights, countless hours of work, and stretching your imagination beyond its horizons. They come at the cost of defining, defying, and redefining barriers so that you understand the challenge better than the challenges understood you.

Today, media and technology make us available to each other 24/7. It allows others to dictate your narrative freely and in real time. The key is to not let others assign a sense of urgency to the challenges that you face. Take a step back and tackle them on your time, at your own pace. When things are difficult and challenges seem insurmountable, all you have to do is remember that you are strong. Remember your strength. Remember that you are not first person to face difficulty, and you will not be the last.

No matter the challenge, there is always a way. When a challenge arises. The best solution, may not always be the easiest or the quickest way to navigate a difficult situation. Understand that there are some challenges that may seem so overwhelming, that appears to be no way out, and no way over, and no way around. But then again, sometimes the only way out of the struggle, is through. And biggest thing is, to remind yourself that struggle is okay. Understand what is making you feel defeated, understand why, break those barriers downs one by one, accept the challenge, and rise to the occasion. I promise you will come out wiser and stronger than before. You will adapt.

dmanistudios.org
@itsdianaimani  
@D.Mani_studios 
@D.Manistudios
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@itspbass

Stephanie Cowman | Elementary School Teacher & Teacher Entrepreneur

The best advice I can give to someone who is facing an insurmountable challenge would be to realize that you are not alone. There are so many people who care about you and want to help. Reach out to those you are close to and share how you feel, how you are struggling. It will surprise you how much your family and friends can help you move past obstacles and give a fresh perspective. But I would also advise someone to reach out to people you don’t know. There are people who are experts who have faced the same challenges and will understand where you are coming from, probably because they have been in the same place. Don’t be afraid to reach out, you never know who will be able to help you overcome that seemingly insurmountable challenge!

@mrscowmansclassroom 
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