We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yolanda Williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Yolanda, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
My self care journey starts with simply taking a walk. 5 days a week, committing to 30 min but often ending up with 1to 1.5 hours of walking. Walking is always promoted as a weightloss but its more than that.
For me, self-care is a comprehensive journey, tied to my dedication to empowering others, particularly incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women. As the National Field Director for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women at GirlTREK, my self-care routine revolves around daily walks—an activity I’m currently extending into a 100-day journey, each day dedicated to incarcerated women who can’t experience the freedom of a simple walk.
This plays a pivotal role in my life to relieving stress. Walking provides a necessary outlet, allowing me moments to think, breathe, and find solace.
Walking with other women amplifies the impact. It becomes more than a physical activity; it’s an opportunity to build relationships and a sisterhood. As we walk, talk, and share our experiences, it becomes a space where we solve problems.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Yolanda Williams, a woman of many hats. From advocating for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women with GirlTREK to running my graphic company, giving fresh cuts as a barber, diving into stock and crypto, and being a social media motivational influencer, my journey is all about embracing diverse experiences.
There’s something incredibly passionate about advocating for women who often don’t have a voice. With GirlTREK, we’re not just promoting walks; and radical self care, we’re creating a movement of taking back our health without having to ask for permission while reaching our goal of extending women of color life expectancy by 10 years in 10 years.
Being that Im big on health and wealth I am heavily involved with stock and crypto investments and I hold the position of President of Millionaire Divas LLC. It’s not just a title; it’s about cultivating a community of women of color embracing financial freedom and success.
As for what form of advocacy is taking place—I’m currently on a 100-day walking journey, dedicating each day to incarcerated women who can’t take a walk. I have been behind those walls, so I know what it’s like to not be able to take 30 min to myself to just breathe and meditate.
So, in a nutshell, what I do is all about motivation and growth among women of color. It’s about breaking barriers and inspiring others to do the same. And if you’re wondering what’s next, well, the journey is just getting started!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities that stand out as the most impactful are persistence, diligence, and integrity.
Persistence:
Reflection: The ability to persevere through challenges, setbacks, and uncertainties played a pivotal role in my journey. It allowed me to navigate obstacles and maintain focus on my goals, especially during moments of doubt.
Advice: To those early in their journey, I emphasize the importance of cultivating persistence. Understand that setbacks are part of the process, but it’s the determination to keep moving forward that distinguishes success. Break down large goals into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate the victories along the way.
Diligence:
Reflection: Diligence, characterized by consistent and earnest effort, proved instrumental in achieving milestones and overcoming hurdles. It’s about putting in the necessary work, staying committed to the process, and being thorough in every task.
Advice: Early in your journey, focus on developing a strong work ethic. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Set realistic goals, prioritize tasks, and stay organized. Diligence is not just about working hard; it’s about working smart and efficiently.
Integrity:
Reflection: Integrity, the foundation of honesty and moral principles, was the guiding force in my decisions and actions. Upholding ethical standards and being true to oneself fosters trust, both within oneself and in relationships with others.
Advice: Cultivate a strong sense of integrity from the start. Make decisions aligned with your values, even when faced with difficult choices. Trust is built over time, and maintaining integrity ensures a solid foundation for personal and professional growth. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who embody similar values.
Advice for Early Journeys:
Embrace the Learning Process: View every experience, whether positive or challenging, as an opportunity to learn and grow. Be open to new ideas and perspectives, and use each encounter as a building block for personal and professional development.
Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from mentors, experts, or those who have walked a similar path. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives and shortcuts to success.
Stay True to Your Values: Regardless of external pressures or trends, stay true to your values. Integrity is a compass that will guide you through ethical dilemmas and contribute to a fulfilling journey.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
The first thing I do is step outside and take a walk. Walking serves as a powerful reset button for me. The rhythmic movement and fresh air help me breathe, bringing a sense of calmness and clarity to my mind. Effect: Sometimes, the act of walking allows me to pause the chaos in my head. It’s a simple yet effective way to distance myself from immediate stressors and gain a broader perspective on the challenges I’m facing.
When overwhelm sets in, I practice mindful breathing exercises. Deep, intentional breaths help slow down my heart rate and bring my focus back to the present moment.
Effect: This practice not only helps in managing stress but also creates a space for reflection. It’s a grounding technique that allows me to center myself amidst the chaos.
To simplify tasks and regain a sense of control, I make a to-do list. Breaking down overwhelming responsibilities into smaller, manageable steps helps me prioritize and organize my thoughts.
Effect: The act of listing tasks and creating a plan of action provides a structured approach to tackling challenges. It turns overwhelming situations into actionable items, making the path forward more clear and achievable.
Advice for Others:
Simply commit to taking a walk 30 min a day, solo or with a crew. Walking is only the beginning of our life changing. Walking will affect everything. From mental clarity to motivation to healthy living. It helps me breathe thru that present moment no matter what is going on.
Make selfcare a priority! You have only ONE YOU. Take care of YOU
Contact Info:
- Website: shedographics.com
girltrek.org - Instagram: @i_am_the_evidence @she_do_graphics_llc
- Facebook: Yolanda Williams
- Linkedin: Yolanda (I am The Evidence) Williams
- Twitter: @IamtheEvidence
Image Credits
self taken
