Meet Christie Johnson

We were lucky to catch up with Christie Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Christie, 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?

Resilience has always been a defining trait in my life, and I attribute much of it to my mother, Carolyn Davis, Winrow Blevins. Growing up, I had the privilege of witnessing her navigate countless challenges, always emerging stronger and more determined to provide for her family. My mother faced adversity with a grace that left a profound impact on me, shaping my understanding of what it means to persevere. Watching her, I learned that resilience isn’t just about surviving difficult times; it’s about maintaining love, compassion, and a sense of purpose even when life seems overwhelming.

My mother’s resilience is deeply rooted in her unwavering faith in God, a faith that she passed down to me and my siblings. I firmly believe that God’s presence in our lives has been a guiding force, helping us through the most trying times. This spiritual foundation has not only strengthened our family bonds but has also given us the courage to face life’s uncertainties with hope and confidence. I carry this faith with me daily, knowing that it is the bedrock of my resilience.

Having a front-row seat to my mother’s journey taught me the importance of resilience in both personal and professional aspects of life. Her ability to endure and still be a loving, nurturing mother serves as a constant reminder that resilience is not just about enduring hardships but about thriving in spite of them. It’s a lesson I carry with me in everything I do, whether it’s in my career, my community work, or my personal life. Resilience, to me, is about finding strength in faith, family, and love, no matter what challenges come my way.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Christie Johnson is the proud mother of four and grandmother of five. Growing up as one of seven siblings, she experienced the strength and resilience of family firsthand. Her parents, Luther and Carolyn Blevins, were together for over 40 years, instilling in her the values of dedication and perseverance. At just 16, Christie became a teenage mother, a journey that was challenging yet deeply rewarding. Determined to provide her children with the best upbringing possible, she embraced the role of both mother and father, ensuring they grew into responsible and compassionate adults. Her journey as a young mother taught her invaluable lessons about strength, sacrifice, and the power of love.

Now at 52 and an empty nester, Christie is entering a new chapter of her life—a chapter she has long awaited. For years, she put her dreams on hold to prioritize her children’s needs, making sure they grew up in a safe and stable environment. But with her children now grown and thriving, Christie has shifted her focus to herself. She sees this stage of her life as her time to shine, to pursue the dreams she once set aside. Moving to Las Vegas three and a half years ago was a significant step in this journey, a decision that symbolizes her commitment to living life on her terms. Despite the challenges, she feels a deep sense of fulfillment and belonging in Las Vegas, a place she now calls home.

Professionally, Christie is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Whether through her work in nonprofit organizations, community organizing, or her advocacy for at-risk youth, she is driven by a desire to uplift and empower those around her. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and relentless pursuit of her dreams. As she continues to grow and evolve, Christie is dedicated to inspiring others to chase their own dreams, no matter how big or daunting they may seem.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, faith, and adaptability. Resilience has been the cornerstone of my life, enabling me to face the challenges of being a teenage mother, raising my children on my own, and navigating the ups and downs of life. It’s the strength to keep moving forward, even when the road is rough, and to see obstacles as opportunities for growth. Resilience has given me the courage to overcome adversity and continue striving for my goals.

Faith has also played an essential role in my journey. My faith in God has been my guiding light, providing me with the strength and hope to persevere through difficult times. It has given me a sense of peace and assurance that, no matter what challenges I face, I am never alone. This spiritual foundation has been a source of comfort and inspiration, helping me to stay grounded and focused on what truly matters.

Adaptability is another key quality that has helped me succeed in both my personal and professional life. The ability to adjust to changing circumstances and embrace new opportunities has been crucial. Whether it was transitioning from raising my children to focusing on my career or making the move to Las Vegas, being adaptable has allowed me to thrive in different environments and take on new challenges with confidence.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to develop resilience by embracing challenges as chances to grow stronger. Nurture your faith, as it will provide you with the strength and guidance to navigate life’s uncertainties. Cultivate adaptability by staying open to change and being willing to step out of your comfort zone. And most importantly, find your sense of purpose—let it be your compass, guiding you through every decision and challenge. With resilience, faith, and adaptability, you’ll be well-equipped to face whatever comes your way on your journey.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

One of the most impactful books in my recent development is “The Six Habits of Growth: Get Unstuck and Create the Life of Your Dreams” by Brennan Bart. This book arrived in my life at just the right time, as I’ve been focusing on studying successful people and their habits. I believe that understanding and adopting the routines of those I admire can have a profound impact on my own journey. One of the key takeaways from this book is its advice on leadership, which deeply resonated with me. Burchard introduces the concept of leading from a “CUP,” an acronym that stands for Compassion, Understanding, and Praise. This simple yet powerful idea struck a chord with me because it aligns perfectly with how I aspire to treat others as a leader. No matter where I go or whom I encounter, I strive to lead with compassion, understanding, and praise—ensuring that I always lead from the CUP.

Another book that has played a significant role in my growth is “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success” by Deepak Chopra. This book was so engaging that I almost finished it in a single day. It’s filled with profound wisdom, and every chapter offers valuable insights, but the one that stood out to me the most was the Law of Detachment. Growing up, we often develop attachments to things, people, or ideas that can shape us in ways that aren’t always beneficial. The Law of Detachment teaches us the importance of letting go—of not being bound by these attachments. One powerful line from the book says that “anything you want can be acquired through detachment,” emphasizing that true power comes from trusting in your true self rather than clinging to external things. This concept has been incredibly freeing for me and has helped me re-evaluate my attachment style and work on detaching healthily.

The lessons from these books have been transformative. “The Six Habits of Growth” taught me to lead with compassion, understanding, and praise,while “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success” enlightened me on the importance of detachment in achieving true success. I encourage everyone to explore these concepts and apply them to their own lives. Understanding your attachment style and practicing detachment can lead to greater self-awareness and freedom, empowering you to grow into the person you’re meant to be.

In conclusion, I can not end without highlighting three additional books that have been pivotal at the beginning of my journey of self-discovery. The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz this book has taught me the importance of aiming high and believing in my potential. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz this book has provided me with practical wisdom on living authentically and with integrity. Finally, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill emphasized the power of desire and persistence in achieving success. These books have been instrumental in shaping my mindset and approach to life.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamChristieJ?mibextid=LQQJ4d https://www.facebook.com/iamChristieJ?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/christie-johnson-mhr- 8466a219/

Image Credits

Christie F Johnson