We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dionysia Ross a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dionysia, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience stems from my faith and belief in God. From a young age, I faced numerous challenges, yet despite adversity, I have continued to give myself grace, stay connected with God, and prioritize my mental and physical well-being, no matter what life throws my way.
Growing up, my childhood was complex and multifaceted. My mother, though well-intentioned, struggled with her own trauma, which often led to a home environment filled with tension and uncertainty. She ensured that I was financially cared for, but due to her upbringing, I had to learn how to navigate life as an emotional being. Despite these challenges, my mother’s unwavering support and resilience in the face of adversity had a profound impact on me. On the other hand, my father was absent, dealing with his own trauma.
During my teenage years, like many others, I struggled with my identity and who I was becoming. As I navigated the challenges of school, social pressures, and family issues, I often silenced my voice, unable to internalize and understand my feelings and emotions. This led me down a destructive path until I was about 18 years old.
If you ask me what changed at 18, after having so many adults write me off, being betrayed by people I thought were friends, and searching for love in all the wrong places, I would say it was the grace of God.
Every day is a work in progress, but I have learned to approach obstacles with a growth mindset, to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth, and to cultivate a sense of self-awareness and self-compassion.
Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered numerous setbacks and disappointments, but each time, I’ve drawn closer to God. I’ve learned to pick myself up, dust myself off, and keep moving forward.
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?
My name is Dionysia Ross, BSN, RN, and I’m an Adolescent Mental Health Nurse, Teen Life Coach, and the host of The Beautiful Teenage Imperfection Podcast. My mission is to support teenage girls and their families as they navigate the complexities of adolescence, focusing on mental health, personal growth, and fostering strong family connections.
I am currently focused on expanding my reach with The Beautiful Teenage Imperfection Podcast as it prepares for its third season, set to air in early 2025. This new season will continue to empower teenage girls while also providing valuable insights and guidance for parents, helping families better understand and support their daughters during these critical years.
In addition to the podcast, I am excited to be hosting more workshops and developing a family bonding activity game. These initiatives are designed to strengthen family ties and improve communication, offering practical tools and activities that engage both teenage girls and their parents.
Through the podcast and these new resources, I aim to create a platform for open dialogue, practical advice, and shared stories that resonate with teenage girls and their families. By addressing the challenges and celebrating the unique aspects of teenage life, I strive to build a community that embraces growth and understanding.
As I expand my reach and launch these new initiatives, I’m thrilled about the opportunity to connect with a wider audience and make a meaningful impact on family dynamics and the development of teenage girls.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Vulnerability: Embracing vulnerability has been a powerful part of my work. It’s about being open and authentic, showing that it’s okay not to have all the answers. This openness helps build genuine connections with teens and their families. If you’re starting out, don’t be afraid to share your own experiences and challenges. It’s in these moments of vulnerability that true understanding and empathy can flourish.
Faith: Having faith—both in myself and in the process—has been essential. It’s about trusting that even when things get tough, there’s a way forward. For those early in their journey, I’d encourage them to cultivate a sense of faith in their abilities and the impact they can have. Whether it’s through meditation, reflection, or connecting with a supportive community, find what strengthens your belief in yourself and your path.
Empathy: Understanding and connecting with others on a deep level has been invaluable. It’s about creating a space where teens feel heard and understood. To develop empathy, really listen to people’s stories and imagine walking in their shoes. It’s amazing how much you can learn by simply being present and open-hearted.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I’m always excited to partner and collaborate with individuals and organizations who share our passion for empowering and supporting teenage girls and their families. We are particularly interested in collaborating with:
Mental Health Professionals: Therapists, counselors, and psychologists who specialize in adolescent mental health and are interested in sharing their expertise.
Educators and Schools: Teachers and educational institutions looking to contribute to discussions on teenage development and wellness.
Podcast Guests: Individuals who want to be a guest or collaborate/partner with “The Beautiful Teenage Imperfection” podcast. We’re eager to hear from parents of teenagers, college students, and adults who have a story to tell about their teen years.
Please email us directly at dionysia@beautifulteenageimperfection.com
Contact Info:
- Other: https://beacons.ai/_dionysia
Image Credits
Marta Skovro
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