We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Deja Leonard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Deja, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilient spirit has always been a guiding force in my life. One particularly memorable moment that showcases this resilience is when I was pregnant with my son. In November 2019, I discovered that I was expecting, just as my graduation in December was approaching. Despite facing excruciating pain caused by a dermoid cyst in my ovary that was growing alongside my son, I pushed through each day. I can vividly recall dragging myself from one class to another, moving from building to building, all the while battling physical agony. In addition to the physical suffering, I was also grappling with feelings of depression stemming from the circumstances surrounding my pregnancy. Nevertheless, I persisted. Despite the challenges, I managed to successfully complete all of my final presentations for school. As I walked across the stage during graduation, a sense of immense pride washed over me. I wasn’t walking alone – my son was right there with me, a symbol of strength and resilience. In that moment, I was determined to set a powerful example for him, showing him that he too can overcome obstacles and achieve anything he sets his mind to.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I see myself as a complex individual with diverse interests. My main professional pursuit lies in the field of mental healthcare, where I have dedicated the past decade of my life. Currently, I am on the cusp of completing my master’s degree in mental health counseling. Deep down, my true passion lies in caring for others and I thrive on being a nurturing presence in their lives. Bringing light and positivity to someone’s day or even transforming their entire outlook on life is incredibly fulfilling to me.
On the flip side, I am also deeply passionate about fashion. It is through fashion that I am able to express my unique personality and creativity.
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?
The pillars of my personal journey have been my faith, resilience, and the willingness to surrender when necessary. My faith has been a source of strength and perseverance during challenging times. Learning when to let go and accept help has proven to be a valuable tool in my growth. My advice to others is to be open to receiving assistance when needed. Seeking support from external sources like therapy can be incredibly beneficial.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
I am currently in the process of breaking out of my comfort zone. Despite being a naturally creative individual, the demands of daily life can sometimes stifle that creativity. I am actively striving to overcome my shyness and explore the aspects of life that bring me genuine joy beyond my primary career.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms_deja9?igsh=MWF4MWFyaTg3MTB0bw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@deja_93?_t=8pVu4mCzda2&_r=1
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