Meet Wislene Augustin

 

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

Hi Wislene , great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.

Coming up on the one year anniversary of me losing my brother to cancer, I have reflected a lot on the value of life over the last year. The experience of losing a loved one in this way was incredibly heart wrenching and I honestly do not wish it upon anyone. However it fundamentally reshaped my perspective on life and risk-taking altogether. Before his passing, I believed that I was risk taker, the butterfly of the group ready to spread her wings at any given moment and take off. I did not realize how much I actually was sitting on the sidelines watching life go by, I often feared failure and the unknown, wanting everything to be absolutely perfect. However, witnessing his courageous fight and his ability to face life’s uncertainties with such resilience made me realize how precious and fleeting life is.

This shift in perspective taught me that taking risks is not just about professional advancement but also about living life fully and authentically. I constantly remind others and myself that every day is a precious gift and to be able to breath, walk, talk is nothing short of a miracle. I’ve come to see risks as opportunities for growth rather than potential pitfalls. I’ve become more proactive in seeking out challenging projects and embracing new opportunities in all areas of my life, knowing that even if the outcomes aren’t always as planned, the experience gained is invaluable.

In essence, the personal growth from this experience has given me a renewed sense of purpose and a willingness to embrace risks as a means to achieve at life.

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?

Ah, the life of a paralegal in Boston is both thrilling and, in some ways, poetic! By day, I’m deeply immersed in the legal world working in the trust and estates department—juggling case files, conducting research, and supporting my legal team with precision and care. But by night, I trade my legal brief for a pen and dive into the world of poetry and absolutely anything creative. Whether it’s dance, theater, exploring the newest restaurants in town or traveling around the world, best believe I am there.

What’s truly exciting about my role is the blend of structure and creativity. The legal field requires meticulous attention to detail and rigorous analysis, while my artistic pursuits allow me to explore and express my emotions in a more fluid, imaginative way. I find that the discipline and focus I bring to my legal work enhance my creativity, and vice versa. It’s like having two different worlds where I can channel different facets of my personality.

Currently, I am mainly working at my big girl corporate job and finding ways to channel that creative energy. I am constantly looking for opportunities to perform spoken word and share my stories. I actually submitted for a live poetry event last night in Boston (fingers crossed I get it!).

So, if you’re curious about the intersection of law, art, travel or just want to chat about the latest in Boston’s cultural scene, I’m your girl!

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, I’d say the three qualities that were most impactful in shaping my path are a dash of curiosity, a sprinkle of resilience, and a generous helping of creativity.

Curiosity: Think of it as my trusty compass that guided me through the twists and turns of both my legal career and artistic pursuits. I believe that when you stop being curious it is when life stops as well. There is a plethora of people to learn from, books to read, the world to explore and so much more. It’s like being on a perpetual treasure hunt, always seeking out new knowledge and experiences. My advice for those starting out in the legal world is to stay endlessly curious. Ask plenty of questions, explore different areas of law that you may be interested in, and never be afraid to dive into the unknown. It’s amazing what you can discover when you keep that spark alive.

Resilience: This one’s like having an invisible shield. In both the legal field and the arts, you encounter challenges and setbacks, but resilience helps you bounce back stronger. It’s about embracing failures as stepping stones and finding the strength to keep going. My tip for newcomers is to cultivate a growth mindset. Understand that setbacks are just part of the journey, and each obstacle is an opportunity to learn and improve. If you never try then there will always be a wandering “what if?” in the back of your mind.

Creativity: This quality is my secret sauce. It’s what allows me to think outside the box, whether I’m crafting a legal argument or writing a poem. Creativity helps in problem-solving and finding unique solutions. For those early in their careers, I recommend exploring different creative outlets and techniques. Whether it’s brainstorming new ideas or experimenting with new methods, let your creativity flow freely. It can be a powerful tool in any field.

So, if you’re embarking on a new journey, remember to keep your curiosity burning, your resilience strong, and your creativity flowing. This will be your ultimate toolkit to fuel your passion for life, tackle challenges and seize opportunities.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

I like to think that I am superwoman and I am able to do everything, however reality definitely reminds that I am not constantly. So when I feel overwhelmed, I use a few key strategies to regain my balance and focus:

Prioritize and Organize: Especially in the line of work that I do, there are demanding deadlines so feeling overwhelmed is one that I have been accustomed to. I will look at all the tasks that I have, make a list and prioritize them by most urgent to least urgent. Once I see everything is laid out, it’s a lot easier to tackle one thing at a time. I use tools like to-do lists or my calendar to keep track of deadlines and break down larger tasks into manageable steps. This helps me feel more in control and less daunted by the big picture. At the end of the day the work will get done.

Take a Break: Sometimes, we need to step away from work or the situation so that we can provide a fresh perspective. I find that a short walk, listening to some music, watching a tv show, or even just a quick change of scenery can help clear my mind and reduce stress. I have a joy list on my phone that I keep and whenever I get stressed out or am feeling down, I look at my joy list and see if there is anything that I can do on there to help lift my spirits. It could be from traveling to Greece to something simple as eating my favorite meal. It’s amazing how a brief pause can recharge your mental battery and make you more effective when you jump back into life.

Reach Out for Support: I wholeheartedly believe that it takes a village to do life. I believe in the power of collaboration and communication. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, I don’t hesitate to seek advice or support from colleagues, friends or mentors. Sometimes, just talking things through can provide new insights or solutions that I might not have considered on my own. Life is not meant to be done alone, so use the people around you that are here to support you!

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, my advice is to remember that it’s perfectly normal and part of the process. Take a deep breath, prioritize your tasks, and give yourself permission to take breaks and ask for help when needed. It’s all about finding what strategies work best for you and allowing yourself the space to manage the stress when it comes.

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