We were lucky to catch up with Alexandria Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alexandria, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My entire life I have been showered with love, appreciation and reassurance. As I got older and had different life experiences through school, camps, church and sports, I realized that not everyone has been given that gift. From that moment and through following my parents footsteps I knew that it was my purpose to give love to all around me, no matter what. Initially this started with becoming a camp counselor, resident advisor in college and eventually a teacher. Through teaching my heart expanded to not just giving love and having empathy but giving access to as many things and emotion as possible and helping others find their purpose. My students taught me more about resilience, compassion and patience than I ever thought I needed. When I decided to step away from education, I knew I had to continue to live in my purpose and to take those lessons into a new career. That brought me to the running industry. Initially, I felt that I had to change my purpose or to force my love and care on others in order to feel like I was making a difference. When I removed myself from the equation, I started to see the true change, others opening their heart to new people and experiences. That alone reminded me of my purpose – to freely give love.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I have the pleasure to coordinate running events in the city of Charlotte that supports non-profits and various organizations in our community. Along with that I serve as a leader with Mad Miles Run Club where my focus is to help provide access to running through education and experiences. I am a daughter of a parent with Parkinson’s Disease who helps bring awareness and funding to find a cure. I recently have become a Board Member for the Move for Jenn foundation, a nonprofit that provides funding for activewear prosthetics to those with limb loss due to sarcoma cancer or other affiliated diseases. I want others to keep moving, encourage others to do so and feel good doing it!
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?
– Openness to learning
– Organization
– Communication
My advice is to ask questions and get deep into the work that makes you happy. When you’re in it and truly feel it, you grow and find a greater purpose.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Time. The ticking clock is always over my head. Finding time for my family, my parents as they age, my nephews as they grow up as explorers and myself as I need time to rest and recover. Not only that but time for all the ideas floating in my head, the projects I start with friends and partners and the miles that I desire to run. It is all scary and seemingly impossible when I think about it. To tackle this challenge or chip away at the fears that come with it, I remind myself that I can only be in the minute I’m in. I try to remain present, still plan but know that I can’t get there until I get through the current minute. It usually helps – not always but most days!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/araej
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandria-johnson-9750345a
Image Credits
@kiaratheinnovator
@cltnativeagain
@johnlarracas
@jchapell
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
