We recently connected with Becky Andrews, LCMHC and have shared our conversation below.
Becky Andrews, LCMHC, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My intention each day is to try to make a difference in the world and approach each day with that perspective. Perhaps, it is simple – kindness
to someone; lifting another’s burden, and other times it has become more
long lasting.
One of those days that comes to mind that was a turning point for me
happened many years ago and was life changing. I was a young mom with
two children. My husband had just left for work and I was navigating this
summer day with so many mixed emotions. So very grateful and also
feeling grief / loss. My eyesight had decreased significantly from
RetinitisPigmentosa and I was now navigating it as a blind mom learning to
use my cane, the bus, etc. etc. I recall that morning sitting on the front
porch and recognizing that I had a choice in that moment. My feelings
were valid and I would have more times of feeling loss. However, what if I
also looked at this as an opportunity to grow. What if Retinitis Pigmentsa
could teach me some remarkable lessons about compassion, grit, tenacity,
and resilience. My perspective shifted and when the kids got up I pulled
out my cane, the bus schedule and we went on an adventure. I didn’t know
the term then, but I had begun to see life from a growth mindset.
As I did this, it also expanded my desire to reach out, connect and help
others along the way. I returned to school to get my master’s degree in
counseling. I learned the tools and techniques to navigate as a woman
who is blind of which I continue to learn. I applied to a guide dog – currently
am with my fourth beautiful guide dog, Kalimba.
Eighteen years ago I started my own individual, marriage, and family
therapy practice – Resilient Solutions, Inc. Now, 20 remarkable therapists
are on our team. I’m in awe of the ways that this space has made a
difference in individual, family and our community’s lives.
Eight years ago I sat in an empowering group with other therapists and
thought I want to do this with other women who are blind / low vision.
Daring Sisters, a nonprofit, for women who are blind / low vision was born.
It is a space for authentic connections with other women. It is a space
where we cheer each other on to live brave. We offer both virtual and in
person retreats: Daring to own your story TM. 167 women from 37 states
and four countries are part of our Daring Sisters Community and it
continues to grow. Each time I get to be with these remarkable women I
feel a sense of gratitude and love.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Certainly! Besides my work at Resilient Solutions, Inc and my commitment to Daring Sisters, I love spending time with my family and being outside in
nature – whether that is on the tandem bike, hiking, running, or another
adventure.
Steve and I have tandem biked thousands of miles including a coast 2
coast trip last year from San Diego, CA to St. Augustine, FL. This activity
that at first seemed like plan b when I could no longer ride a single back is
one of our favorite things to do together. This year we celebrate our 40th
anniversary and looking forward to celebrating with more adventures on the
tandem.
Running is another one of my loves. I start many mornings running with
two friends that are also my guides. We have run ten marathons including
Boston twice and NYC twice and many other runs together with a small
tether that serves as the way I can run as a blind runner.
Navigating life with a guide dog by my side has been amazing for the past
27 years. Currently I am with my fourth guide Kalimba who loves a
adventure whether it is traveling by plane to visit grandkids or hiking
through the trails of beautiful St. George or simply transporting to work.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Once I saw resilience as that super power — so many doors opened up. The power of the stretch and to be open to being transformed and to learn
and grow through what we go through.
Compassion both self-compassion and for others. Giving ourselves grace
and kindness for what we are navigating really does help us move forward.
Gratitude. Seeing and being grateful in each day brings us so much joy.
That doesn’t mean we don’t listen and honor all our feelings. To do actually
gives us more space for gratitude.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My wonderful parents believed in me. They instilled in me a sense of you can do that, find a way, grit and determination and compassion. They were
an incredible example of service and love.
Through their example I saw a large perspective of the world that expanded
mine and helped build my compassion. Through their support in me I knew
they believed in me and had confidence that I could do it. I learned to work
hard and if I was determined there was a way.
Whether it was as a little girl navigating blindness and them getting creative
on my trick or treating or believing in me as an adult that could go to
graduate school; they have been there for me.
They showed me by example to ‘do what you can with what you have
where you are.’ T Roosevelt We each can truly make a difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.resilientsolutionsinc.com; www.daringsisters.org
- Instagram: @becky__andrews; @daringsistersbvi; @resilientsolutionsinc
- Other: To inquire about Daring Sisters – [email protected] to inquire about Resilient Solutions – [email protected] to reach me – [email protected]
