Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rosalinda Guerra. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Rosalinda, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Reflecting on the path that led me here, I am reminded of the transformative power of therapy, resilience, and the motivation from my three young daughters.
As a Latina woman navigating through life’s challenges, I’ve often felt the weight of societal expectations and cultural stereotypes pressing down on me. However, through the guidance of therapy, I’ve learned to embrace my identity with pride and confidence. Therapy provided me with a safe space to explore my thoughts, confront my fears, and unravel the layers of self-doubt that had been holding me back.
One of the most empowering decisions I made was to build my private practice and stepping into an entrepreneurial role. It wasn’t easy stepping into the role of an entrepreneur, but with determination and perseverance, I turned my passion for helping others into a thriving business. Each success, no matter how small, bolstered my confidence and reinforced my belief in my abilities.
Being a Latina adds another layer of complexity to my journey. I was raised by my grandparents in Mexico and then went off to live with my parents in the United States. My parents pushed me to be greater than myself. My dad, especially, not fitting the “machista” stereotype of a Hispanic man, was my biggest cheerleader. I’ve faced prejudice from my own extended family, questioning my life and work decisions, but I refuse to let it define me. Instead, I use my heritage as a source of strength and resilience, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of my culture.
Above all, my greatest motivation comes from my three daughters. As I watch them navigate their own paths, I am reminded of the importance of leading by example. I want to show them that they can overcome any obstacle, break through any barrier, and achieve their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem. I want them to see that being a woman, and being Latina, are sources of strength, not limitations.
Through my journey of self-discovery and empowerment, I have come to realize that my worth is not defined by external validation, but by the love and respect I have for myself. Today, I stand tall, confident in my abilities, and ready to inspire others to do the same. As I continue to grow and evolve, I am filled with gratitude for the journey that has brought me to this point, and excited for the adventures that lie ahead.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a Hispanic female of many roles! I am a mom, wife, employee, and entrepreneur to name a few. I have multiple jobs stemming from being CEO of my own business, school counselor, mental health advocate, Mental Health First Aid trainer, and community leader for the startup National Alliance on Mental Illness in my region. My multiple roles show just how much ambition and passion I have in ending the stigma related to mental health. I love what I do and I wake up every day with excitement in providing my services and advocacy to adolescents and adults who are underrepresented, especially in my Hispanic community. I specialize in treating Hispanic women with anxiety, stress, burnout, and self-doubt, because of my own personal experiences. Many Hispanic women need guidance in building empowerment and evolving into the best they can be! I am currently accepting new clients!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as the most impactful to me:
Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and adversity was crucial in my journey. Life is filled with challenges, but resilience allowed me to persevere, learn from my experiences, and grow stronger in the process. Developing resilience involved cultivating a growth mindset, practicing self-care, and building a support network of friends, family, and mentors who can offer encouragement and guidance during tough times.
Self-awareness: Understanding myself, my strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations was essential in navigating my journey. Self-awareness allowed me to make informed decisions, set meaningful goals, and align my actions with my values and aspirations. I developed self-awareness through reflection, introspection, and a willingness to explore and accept all aspects of myself.
Courage: Stepping out of my comfort zone, taking risks, and pursuing my dreams required courage. It meant facing fears, overcoming self-doubt, and embracing uncertainty. I believe that courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act in spite of it. Cultivating courage involves challenging my limiting beliefs, building confidence, and embracing discomfort as a necessary part of growth.
In summary, developing resilience, self-awareness, and courage were instrumental in my journey towards personal growth and empowerment. My advice for those early in their journey is to embrace these qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge as foundations for their own paths. Cultivate resilience, deepen self-awareness, and summon the courage to pursue your dreams relentlessly. Remember that growth is a journey, not a destination, and every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to realizing your full potential.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
My confidence and self-doubt are still things I have to actively work on. As any human, the doubts will occur, but it needs to be something you continuously work on. I challenge my negative self-talk through becoming aware on how the negative thoughts and beliefs are affecting me. I practice self-compassion and remind myself to offer the same kindness and understanding as I would a friend going through something similar. I also practice self-care! I practice it and I advocate it to all my fellow women – especially women juggling multiple roles in their life. I have to schedule time for activities that bring me joy and relaxation, whether it’s spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, or practicing mindfulness and meditation. Prioritize self-care as an essential part of building my confidence and self-esteem. Lastly, I practice assertiveness, because it is a challenge I face almost daily. I have to set boundaries and effectively communicate my needs and wants with others. This is challenging, especially when it comes to friends and family, but it is necessary to advocate for myself in various situations. Remember that building confidence and self-esteem is a journey that takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself, and recognize that progress may come gradually. Celebrate each step forward, no matter how small, and continue to prioritize your growth and well-being. You are capable of cultivating the confidence and self-esteem you desire, and you deserve to live a fulfilling and empowered life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.evolveandthrivecounseling.com/
- Instagram: instagram.com/evolveandthrivecounseling
- Facebook: facebook.com/evolveandthrivecounseling
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/rosalindaguerralpc
