Meet Shifra Wylder

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shifra Wylder. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shifra, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Finding my purpose was a journey that began with my early experiences and the values instilled in me by my mother. She emphasized the importance of helping others and doing good deeds.

As an adult I explored volunteering and mentoring in non-organizations to understand where my passions lay. It was rewarding to be able to help others.

A pivotal moment came after my brother died from a heroin overdose. I decided to go back to college get my degree in psychology and become an addictions counselor.

Working in treatment facilities was a profound experience, both empowering and inspiring as well as emotionally exhausting. After ten years, I developed adrenal and compassion fatigue and had no choice but to quit my job, rest and heal. In the process of healing, I began taking art classes and workshops and was creatively inspired to return to my love of art.

Finding my purpose of combining creativity, counseling and coaching has had a transformative impact on my life. It has given me a clear direction, a sense of fulfillment and the motivation to overcome challenges.

This path allowed me to align my professional life with my personal values and passions. I feel a deep sense of fulfillment knowing that my work as an artist, writer and counselor is contributing to positive changes in people’s lives and in my own.

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Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

It’s important for me to be around a supportive, creative community because as artists, we are our worst critics. I foresee producing well-rounded exhibits and workshops, collaborating with and featuring like-minded artists, painters, writers, poets and musicians. These exhibits and self-discovery workshops will embrace various forms of expressive talents and aim to help people heal through the power of creativity.

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If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The consistent theme now and throughout different aspects of my life are introspective self-healing, perseverance, adaptability, problem-solving, and a positive mindset. As an artist I tend to walk the line between solitude and isolation. Supportive mentors are imperative. Through experience I’ve learned to listen to my intuition rather than other’s standards or perceptions and to trust whatever I’m doing, is exactly what I’m supposed to be doing at the time it’s being done. I try not to measure time, have no expectations or measured results. I look at what can be learned about what not to do again and in what ways I’ve grown in my personal and professional life.

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Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

The hardest part about feeling overwhelmed is asking for help. I suck at it! I’ve found that most people are willing to help when you ask. Even just talking to someone you trust about your thoughts or concerns can provide relief and perspective.

Practice Deep Breathing. I do this often and repeatedly. When you’re feeling overwhelmed take a few deep breaths. It can help calm your nervous system and reduce stress. Try techniques like the 4-7-8 breathing method: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. Or a deep breath inhale through your nose for 2 seconds and exhale out your mouth for 4 seconds. Repeat these methods several times until you feel calmer.

Taking time out to practice yoga, mindfulness or meditation helps to feel less overwhelmed. Being in the present moment, not judging, only observing. Going for a walk also helps to clear my head and it soothing to be outside in nature.

Find what works for you and do that.

Contact Info:

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