Meet Sherri S Wick

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sherri S Wick. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sherri S below.

Sherri S, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

My confidence and self-esteem were deeply rooted in the foundation my mother laid for me, starting with my faith. She instilled in me the belief that as long as I focused on God, He would carry me through any situation. This unwavering belief provided me with a solid foundation of security and strength.
My mother’s unconditional love also played a crucial role. She made our home a sanctuary, a place of safety where I could thrive. She taught me the importance of applying myself fully and prepared me for the reality that I often needed to work twice as hard as my counterparts. Yet, she always emphasized keeping my heart aligned with God and approaching life with discipline and belief.
As I grew up, I began to discover the activities and areas of study that brought me joy and fulfillment. These pursuits and those that challenged me helped me develop a deeper understanding of myself. Journaling played a significant part in this journey—I started with books like “Chicken Soup for the Soul” and eventually progressed to writing about my goals and setting out to achieve them.
My confidence and self-esteem truly blossomed when I went to college. I took on leadership roles, such as the Director of Student Activities on the student council and Director of Community Service with Black Student Union. I led a city-wide cleanup effort and was a founding member of EIUnity, an organization dedicated to bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion to our campus. Through these experiences, I built internal trust and proved to myself that I could accomplish the goals I set out to achieve.
Even through challenging times, my determination to be the best version of myself deepened my self-esteem. I continue to meditate, pray, and affirm myself, engaging in activities that provide me with a profound sense of self-awareness and confidence.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Sherri S. Wick is a licensed clinician with over a decade of experience in mental health. She is a speaker, consultant, and facilitator with a proven record of captivating audiences nationwide through her transformative presentations. She holds dual licenses in Illinois and Texas, showcasing her adaptability, and brings a diverse background in community mental health counseling, for-profit and non-profit leadership, higher education, and successful entrepreneurship. Motivating and equipping people with the tools for transformative life changes, she ignites others to embrace daily self-care practices for sustainability.

Sherri’s unique gift lies in her ability to facilitate self-reflection and empower individuals to make mentally healthy, value-aligned decisions that lead to personal and professional success. In 2022, Sherri launched her Mindful Journal: A Faith-Filled Journal Incorporating Mental Wellness, Faith & Meditation (https://a.co/d/3mT5THL). This journal encourages individuals to find a space to reflect and process their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It includes scripture to encourage healing and embrace a mindful life, making it a powerful tool for personal growth and spiritual development.

She holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University in Lisle, IL, and a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. She is a National Board Certified Counselor, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and an Intercultural Development Inventory Administrator.

Sherri is a dedicated wife, mother, and dog mom!

Her core values are:
God (love)
Gratitude (Joy & Peace)
Service (Seeking to serve and support others)

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Experience builds resilience over time, especially when facing challenges and setbacks. My advice is to embrace obstacles with curiosity and as opportunities for growth and development. Lean into difficult situations, learn from them, and learn about yourself while going through them. Develop a mindset that sees every challenge as a stepping stone rather than a barrier. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your growth, and remember that resilience also means knowing when to rest, reflect, and recharge. The ability to bounce back stronger each time is a key factor in long-term success and developing excellence.
Spirituality is about being connected to a being higher than yourself and aligning your actions with your core beliefs and values. My advice is to reflect on what matters most and how your values and beliefs guide your decision-making. Stay connected through prayer, meditation, and journaling, allowing you to remain grounded in your faith or guiding principles. By aligning your actions with your faith, you create a foundation of purpose that will carry you through even the most challenging times.
Leadership and empowerment are about more than just taking charge—they’re about inspiring and uplifting others. To develop these qualities, start by leading yourself with integrity and purpose. Be intentional about your growth and seek opportunities to serve and support those around you. Leadership isn’t confined to formal roles; it’s demonstrated in how you interact with others daily. Focus on building meaningful relationships and empowering those in your circle to reach their potential. The most impactful leaders are those who elevate others, creating environments where everyone can thrive. One of my favorite quotes is by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others? “

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to a combination of practices that help me find peace and joy, release tension, and refocus on what truly matters.
First and foremost, I pray. My faith is a cornerstone of my life, and turning to prayer helps me center myself and find the strength to navigate difficult moments and a way to show my gratitude. I also read devotional books that bring me continual peace, reminding me of the deeper purpose behind everything I do.
Laughter is another powerful tool for me. Laughter is good medicine for my soul, so I make it a point to find joy and humor even in challenging times. When life is heavy, I allow myself to cry—it’s one of my favorite forms of release and a way to let go of the stress I may be holding onto.
Physical movement is also crucial for me. I stretch to reconnect with my body and listen to its needs. Closing my Apple rings is a daily practice that helps me take ownership of my physical well-being. I love engaging in Peloton cycling classes because the instructors are like motivational speakers to me, offering inspiration and encouragement when I need it most.
Connecting with my husband is another source of comfort and strength. Our conversations help me feel grounded and supported. I also enjoy running and walking—they help clear my mind and provide a sense of clarity and calm.
In moments of overwhelm, I focus on what’s important in that moment, allowing everything else to fade into the background. And I make it a point to smile as much as I can, even on days that are tougher than others. A smile, no matter how small, is a reminder to myself that I can find light even in the darkest times.
My advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed is to find the practices that bring you peace and stick to them. Whether it’s through faith, physical activity, connection with loved ones, or simply taking a moment to breathe, make time for the things that restore your sense of balance and calm.

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Image Credits

Photography by Dominique: https://artisticelegancephotography.com/

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