We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andrea Tait. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andrea below.
Andrea , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from understanding that challenges are a part of life for everyone, and these challenges are meant to help us grow. I take a holistic approach to facing life’s difficulties, incorporating practices into my daily routine that build my resilience. I focus on the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical aspects of my well-being, which create balance, and inner peace, and strengthen my grit to protect me from the negative effects of stress. Part of being resilient is recognizing what you’ve already overcome, knowing you can do it again, and maintaining the mindset that giving up is never an option.
I follow my “FEEL DEAL HEAL” approach in life. First, I allow myself to feel the pain, instead of hiding from it. Then, I deal with what’s in front of me by finding solutions. Finally, I heal from the trauma or pain so I can emerge stronger and continue growing.
My connection to God and my inner life are the foundation for my strength.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a licensed physical therapist specializing in children with special needs, and I also wear several other hats. I’m a girls’ tennis coach, a wellness coordinator for staff, a holistic health and wellness coach, and a life coach for teens and adults. In addition, I work as a contract writer for a wellness company, contribute a monthly wellness column to a newspaper, and speak as a motivational speaker for teachers, parents, and teens. I am also the owner of Thrive Wellness.
On a personal note, I’m the proud mom of a wonderful 20-year-old daughter, who I consider my best friend. Raising her has been the most joyful and meaningful experience of my life. One of my true passions is teaching other moms how to parent “consciously,” so they can build strong, positive relationships with their teens.
I’ve faced my own share of personal struggles, divorce, heart attack, traumatic surgery, death of a parent, etc..which I’ve confronted with humor, perseverance, and grit. Through these experiences, I’ve come to see myself as an expert on resilience—how to “fall down and get back up stronger.”
The core principles I live by are: “Change your mindset, change your energy, change your life,” and “Turn your tragedy into triumph.”
My Purpose and Mission
My mission is to help others discover the internal spark that empowers them to thrive. I believe that a positive mindset, a focus on gratitude, choosing joy, and prioritizing mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health are essential for well-being. This approach leads to improved job satisfaction, stronger personal and professional relationships, and a higher quality of life. This is my blueprint for living a thriving life.
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?
The three key ingredients that have shaped who I am today are:
1. Nurturing a strong relationship with both God and myself.
2. Protecting my inner peace and balance by caring for my mental, physical, and emotional well-being—through practices like meditation, setting boundaries, letting go, prioritizing my time and energy, cultivating gratitude, and taking care of my physical health by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
3. Embracing a positive growth mindset.
My advice to others is to take care of yourself on every level—spirit, mind, and body. Find what works for you in all areas of your life, and start making small, daily changes. Stay disciplined and show up for yourself every day. Reach out for support and guidance when needed to strengthen and build you up.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I disconnect from distractions, step back from obligations, and find a quiet space where I can be still and silent. I meditate and pray to reset my nervous system, restore my balance, and reconnect with a sense of inner peace. This practice helps me gain clarity, so I can take inspired action to remove or limit external stressors—whether it’s situations, people, or other things weighing me down. During these moments, I might realize I need to carve out more downtime to simply “be,” instead of constantly rushing around. My intuition may also guide me to set better boundaries and say no more often, to reduce the mental and emotional strain in my life. Turning inward always helps me return to a grounded, balanced state.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://andreataitthrive.com
- Instagram: andreatait_thrivewellness
- Facebook: Andrea Tait
- Youtube: THRIVE Wellness
Image Credits
Kristen Hogan photographer
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