Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Adelia Johnson . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Adelia, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism is birthed out of gratitude. While there could be so many things not going my way per se, when I pause and consider the life I have, the resources I’ve been favored to have access to, and the people that God has blessed me to do life with, it creates a sense of appreciation and this keeps me optimistic.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Professionally I am a Social Worker and Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor. I get to serve people in their most vulnerable moments and advocate for them. Everyday is an opportunity to problem solve and connect someone to resources that will empower and equip them to improve their current life situation. As a Youth Mental Health First Aider I get to train adults on how to get young people to the appropriate help when they are in a mental health or substance abuse crisis. The most exciting part about my work is to witness progress in those I assist. What may be considered a small win, is a win all the same. Acknowledging progress, no matter the gap between where they were and how they’ve improved, should be celebrated because it motivates them to continue moving in a progressive way. This work is so very special because I’m often allowed into the innermost thoughts and feelings that most people protect. I find it an honor to do this work.
This is why I started I Am My Morning Coffee®, LLC. I use my business and brand to inform, educate, and promote mental wellness and education through my Social Media, Events, and Live Broadcasts. The concept is that the same way that coffee pushes and perks someone to get the tasks in front of them done, is the same way we can pull that same energy from the inside of us. WE ARE OUR OWN MORNING COFFEE. We push ourselves, challenge ourselves, and wake up each day striving to be better than we were before while extending ourselves grace when we fall short.
I have an upcoming event called the #SisterHypeSquad Brunch which will bring 100 women together to celebrate one another, be motivated, encouraged, and the prayer is that they will leave with a connection that will improve their lives. I am striving to train 500 Youth Mental Health First Aiders by December 31, 2023 and I am over half way there. I Am My Morning Coffee is expanding its reach soon to in person audiences and panels.
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?
On my journey I would say that the three qualities that most impacted my journey was faith (trust), being okay with not knowing, and being okay with failing. These qualities were so important because we often see people and admire them at their point of public success, but very rarely do we want to celebrate the endurance, the failures, and the stamina that it took to keep pressing even when it didn’t seem things were going in a favorable direction. If I could give advice to anyone early on their journey I would say that the worst thing that they think will probably happen almost never happens. To develop these skills of trusting, being okay with not knowing, and failing I would encourage them to get around people that are doing or have done what they desire to do, or if they are the first to do it then to surround themselves with wise counsel. Anxiety sometimes can consume us when we are doing something new or scary, but the not knowing is what builds our trust. Trust yourself and your gut on this journey and when it all works out you’ll be thankful for all of the lessons, failures and faith building that took place. It’s all meant to keep you in a place of humility.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
At some point along the journey feeling overwhelmed will happen. This is not anything abnormal. The greater the reach of your assignment, the more likely that being overwhelmed will happen. It’s important to develop a strategy to help combat that feeling because it’s difficult to make wise decisions when feeling overwhelmed. As a Social Worker by profession, I have realized that it is important to try to stay ahead of the feeling as much as I can. When I begin to feel overwhelmed I send my friends and family what’s called a “Safety Card”. It has some of my favorite things on it, how to make me feel better, and things they can do to help me. I call on my village when I’m feeling overwhelmed or if I need a moment alone then I will sit quietly and pray until I feel lighter. Sometimes I will listen to some of my favorite songs, read some of my favorite quotes, or just read scripture. I try to quiet my mind and my spirit and then try to start tackling things one at a time. The feeling of being overwhelmed is typically when we have too much on our minds or we are trying to tackle too many things at one time. I try to show myself grace and be kind to myself when I’m feeling overwhelmed. I also turn to laughter so I may pull up my favorite comedian and just distract myself for a little while.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammymorningcoffee/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iammymorningcoffee/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQj1cf4I28GdddsgNpFny7g
