Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Corine Barnes . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Corine, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
As a business owner and mental health therapist, my journey toward developing confidence and self-esteem has been deeply rooted in self-discovery and growth. During my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I embarked on a transformative path where I confronted my traumas, including generational and environmental influences. This process allowed me to understand the origins of my lack of confidence and self-esteem and equipped me with the tools to address and overcome them.
Through education, I not only gained theoretical knowledge but also practical strategies to enhance my sense of self-worth. By delving into my history and experiences, I learned to recognize my intrinsic value and cultivate a belief in my worthiness of love and belonging.
Furthermore, my professional experiences and successes have served as powerful affirmations of my capabilities, further bolstering my confidence. Additionally, prioritizing my physical health through regular exercise and nurturing my spirituality have contributed significantly to my overall sense of self-esteem.
Ultimately, my journey has been a holistic approach encompassing education, introspection, professional growth, and personal well-being, all of which have played integral roles in cultivating my confidence and self-esteem.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Corine Barnes is a trailblazer, breaking barriers as the first high school and college graduate in her family. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, and ongoing studies toward a Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on Organizational Leadership, she exemplifies a commitment to lifelong learning.
In addition to her academic accolades, Corine holds certificates in Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, Emotional Intelligence, and Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP).
With over 8 years of experience in the Mental Health field, she has held diverse roles, including Program Specialist and Therapist in inpatient behavior hospitals. Her dedication continued at Youth Guidance, where she initially served as a WOW (Working on Womanhood) counselor for Chicago Public Schools, eventually rising to the position of Curriculum Specialist, spearheading the creation of a 6th-grade pilot curriculum.
As she pursued her Doctorate, Corine’s expertise expanded as a Program Manager, where she developed curriculums for Reentry, Workforce Development, Victims Support Training, and Servant Leadership Staff Development programs for a Nonprofit Organization in Chicago, IL.
Now operating as an independent contractor, Corine provides support for individuals, groups, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Currently serving as the Chief Program Officer overseeing 10 nonprofits in Illinois, she continues to make significant contributions to her field.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful:
Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and adversity has been crucial in my journey. Developing resilience involves cultivating a mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. To enhance resilience, I recommend focusing on building a strong support network, practicing self-care, and embracing a positive outlook. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you, engage in activities that nourish your mind and body, and cultivate gratitude for the lessons learned from difficult experiences.
Continuous Learning: Lifelong learning has been instrumental in my personal and professional development. Embracing a growth mindset and actively seeking out opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills can open doors to new possibilities. Whether through formal education, workshops, mentorship, or self-study, prioritize learning and stay curious about the world around you. Seek feedback from others, be open to constructive criticism, and remain adaptable in the face of change.
Self-awareness and Reflection: Understanding oneself deeply and reflecting on personal experiences are essential for growth and self-improvement. Take the time to explore your values, strengths, and areas for growth. Journaling, meditation, and therapy can be valuable tools for enhancing self-awareness. Regularly assess your goals, progress, and challenges, and adjust your course as needed. Remember that self-awareness is an ongoing journey, and be compassionate with yourself as you navigate it.
For those who are early in their journey, my advice is to prioritize these three qualities:
Start with resilience: Understand that setbacks are inevitable, but how you respond to them ultimately determines your success. Cultivate resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and building a strong support network.
Commit to lifelong learning: Stay curious and never stop seeking opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. Whether through formal education or informal experiences, prioritize learning and growth.
Embrace self-awareness: Take the time to understand yourself deeply, including your values, strengths, and areas for improvement. Regularly reflect on your experiences and use them as opportunities for self-discovery and growth.
By cultivating resilience, committing to lifelong learning, and embracing self-awareness, you can navigate your journey with confidence and purpose. Remember that growth takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress along the way.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Currently, my primary obstacle revolves around navigating my personal life following my decision to pursue a divorce from my ex-husband and embark on a new chapter that aligns with the life I know I deserve. The associated court fees and lingering trauma from this relationship have created challenges in maintaining focus on my professional endeavors, particularly in serving my clients and utilizing my spiritual gift to assist nonprofit Executive Directors in envisioning solutions for at-risk communities.
To address this obstacle, I’ve prioritized bolstering my faith and spirituality, anchoring myself in a mindset of peace despite the surrounding negativity. By remaining steadfast in my focus and nurturing a sense of tranquility, I’ve found that my responses are no longer driven by negativity but rather guided by a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach. This approach has empowered me to reframe my thoughts regarding my ex-husband, shifting from a negative perspective to one of understanding and empathy. Recognizing that his actions stem from his hurt has enabled me to respond with compassion and maintain a positive outlook, even in challenging interactions.
Above all, I am committed to keeping our child as the primary focus amidst any adversities, ensuring that their well-being remains paramount despite any attempts to sow discord. Through these strategies of maintaining peace of mind, shifting perspectives, and prioritizing the needs of our child, I am actively working to overcome this obstacle and navigate this transition with grace and resilience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.corinelogics.com/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100082753001787
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corine-barnes-4584751a4/
