We recently connected with Erika Archer and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Erika , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Over the years I have really done a deep dive into who I really am. I credit my faith, the Bible and my relationship with God in developing my confidence and self esteem. I dealt with low self esteem, rejection and not feeling good enough during my formative years. I would shrink myself to fit in. It took me getting to know myself on a deep spiritual level to build up my confidence, boldness and self esteem. This journey hasn’t been easy. There was a lot of unlearning of poor thinking and learning how to love myself. I truly love walking in boldnesss and confidence and in my true identity. My younger self would be so proud.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an Air Force Veteran, Finance Officer, Singer and Author. I am a person who wears many hats but I will focus on my journey as a children’s book author. My book was inspired from me growing up with low self esteem and being bullied. I wanted to write a book to teach young readers to love themselves for who they are and how to be good friends. I teach them that our words have power and can affect someone for future years to come. As someone who was bullied when I was a child, I truly know how important it is to develop our children’s self esteem at an early age. So many young children are dealing with an identity crisis because they are unsure of who they are. My book can also be used as a tool to help parents and children navigate the topic of self esteem, bullying and forgiveness. My favorite part about being an author and speaker is that I get to positively speak into young children’s lives. I can’t wait to share my new book with everyone soon.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Resilience, perseverance and a strong sense of purpose are the qualities that have been the most impactful in my journey. I have been through betrayal, hurt, pain and frustration and almost quit many times. Something inside of me would never let me quit no matter how hard it got. I would tell anyone to never give up and to keep going after your dreams. Your character is being perfected in the journey and you will come out stronger in the end. Every step you take is always one step closer to achieving your goals. I always say I want everything that God has for me. I never want to live a life of mediocrity. I never want to look back over my life and say well what if I didn’t quit and what if I heavily pursued the goals in my heart. I want to achieve everything I was put on the Earth to do. Just because the road may be difficult, doesn’t mean you are not called to walk on it. Someone is waiting on you to create that invention, write that book, write that song, create that business and this list can go on. Your purpose in this life is always connected to others. Do not abort the plans and purposes due to a difficult season. Get back up and try again.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed I make sure to pray, meditate on the word of God, listen to encouraging worship music, listen to encouraging podcasts and I also make sure I get a good work out in. I also will take a much needed break to rest and regroup. These strategies really help me to stay grounded and to keep going. I always think of the greater purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/Allison-You-Beautiful-Erika-Archer/dp/B0C5SDGVXW
- Instagram: Author Erika Archer
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