Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Marcelline Girlie. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Dr. Marcelline , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
The search for purpose is a profound and transformative journey that often defines the essence of our existence. As I reflect on the path that led me to discover my purpose, I am reminded of the myriad experiences, challenges, and epiphanies that shaped my understanding of myself and the world around me. My quest for meaning was not an overnight revelation; it was an intricate tapestry woven over time, woven by introspection, self-discovery, and a willingness to embrace change.
My journey began with a seemingly innocuous curiosity about the world beyond my immediate surroundings. As a child, I was a voracious reader, and the pages of books became my portals to distant lands and unfamiliar cultures. My heart longed to explore the far reaches of our planet; understand the depths of science and to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. This early fascination laid the groundwork for my desire to seek meaning beyond the ordinary.
During my teenage years, I started questioning the status quo and societal expectations. This period of self-doubt and introspection marked the beginning of my genuine search for purpose. I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, determined to understand my passions, strengths, and values while in college. Engaging in various activities, such as volunteering, creative pursuits, and my college studies, allowed me to explore different facets of myself. I discovered my love for helping others, my affinity for creativity, and my determination to make a positive impact.
As I moved into adulthood, life presented its fair share of challenges and obstacles. These hardships tested my resilience and provided invaluable lessons. The adversity taught me to confront fear, embrace change, and find the silver lining in even the darkest of times. These moments of growth were instrumental in shaping my purpose. I realized that my purpose was not a fixed destination but an evolving journey, and each challenge was an opportunity for growth. I leaned on my faith in God for the answers to the questions that no man could possibly give me and daily realized that my purpose was written before my existence and I must be willing to actively cultivate my calling.
An essential aspect of finding my purpose was cultivating empathy and deep connections with others. Engaging in meaningful conversations and actively listening to others’ stories exposed me to a multitude of perspectives. It reinforced my belief in the power of empathy to bridge gaps and foster compassion. I discovered that my purpose lay in contributing to a world where people felt seen, heard, and understood, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.
Once I grasped the essence of my purpose, I was determined to align my actions with my newfound clarity. I pursued higher education, seeking knowledge and skills that would equip me to contribute meaningfully to society. I explored career paths that resonated with my purpose, and although the journey was not without uncertainty, I remained steadfast in my commitment. The choices I made, what I told myself and the people I surrounded myself with all had one thing in common and that was to strengthen my self-awareness. Once I realized this, I was able to start to see the puzzle pieces of purpose coming together for my life.
As I continued to live my purpose-driven life, I witnessed the profound ripple effect it had on those around me. By embracing my purpose, I encouraged others to do the same. The connections I forged, the projects I initiated, and the impact I had on individuals and communities reaffirmed the significance of living a purpose-driven life. Because I live purpose, for a purpose and with a purpose, I’ve given others permission to do the same without reservation. I often say, if something doesn’t align with your values and purpose then walk away because life is not counted in seconds, minutes, and hours; nor is it counted in days, weeks, months or years. But it is counted in purpose fulfilled so don’t waste your purpose.
The quest to find my purpose has been a transformative and fulfilling journey, filled with self-discovery, resilience, and compassion. Through introspection and a willingness to embrace change, I uncovered my passion for connecting with others, making a positive impact, and contributing to a more empathetic world. Finding my purpose has empowered me to lead a more meaningful and fulfilling life, igniting a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond personal achievements. I am now driven by the belief that each person has the potential to find their purpose and contribute to the betterment of our global community. I will continue to embrace the ever-changing path of purpose, knowing that my journey has only just begun.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a proud Haitian-born native of St Martin. I grew an interest and passion for the healthcare field since I was a little girl. I enjoyed helping others feel better while figuring out what was causing them discomfort. But in high school I found myself caring for my mother after a major life-saving cardiothoracic surgery. And as I watched a nurse named Jessica, effortlessly, gracefully and skillfully work to keep my mother alive, I knew then that healthcare was the path for me and I didn’t care what I had to do to get there. I attended the Great Bethune-Cookman University and completed their rigorous yet stellar nursing program then matriculated to Robert Morris University and the rest was history. After many years of caring for patients I found myself yearning to help people live their most abundant and most vivid lives from the inside out. This brings me to the present as a practicing dual board-certified Family Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I offer comprehensive and compassionate psychiatric care through a telepsychiatry practice, Vivid Minds Mental Care. I take a very unique approach by combining my healthcare expertise with a captivating approach, empowering my patients in Florida to prioritize their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Driven by my passion for philanthropy, I co-founded a nonprofit organization Imperial Legacy, Inc with my sister, where we spearhead initiatives in family literacy, language acquisition, health literacy, and financial literacy. I am so excited to embark on the journey of seeing other’s read and speak the English language. Many don’t know that as a child my siblings and I took it upon ourselves to teach my Mother how to read, write and speak the English language. Coming from a 3rd world country education was a luxury so the opportunity to gain an education was not priority. But now she has been a 2 time business owner and has thrived beautifully after having had the opportunity to gain literacy skills. I am very passionate about this journey.
Additionally, because fashion is an outlet for many to heal, I created CurvEssentials, an e-commerce boutique that inspires plus-size women to embrace their curves with confidence, reflecting my commitment to helping others live vividly from the inside out. I have embarked on a journey since 2020 of designing our own suit line to better serve the women of the plus-size community who are climbing the corporate ladder; managing and running their own companies and going places.
I wear multiple hats, but the mission and the message remains the same, which is to equip others with what they need that will empower them to change and evolve into the best versions of themselves.
What I would like others to know about me is that I want to meet them right where they are. No need to put up a front or disguise their needs. Just be honest, open and transparent. I might meet them where they are, but I won’t leave them there alone. They will be equipped to shift and this flows through anything that I do or am involved in.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, I firmly believe that three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been the most impactful in shaping my path towards realizing my dreams: resilience, optimism, and loyalty to myself and those I commit to serve. These core values have been the driving force behind my accomplishments and have empowered me to overcome challenges, maintain a positive outlook, and stay committed to my purpose. For those who are early in their journey, here is my advice on how they can best develop and improve on these crucial qualities:
Firstly, Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep moving forward despite obstacles. It is an essential quality in any journey, as challenges and failures are inevitable. To cultivate resilience, one must embrace a growth mindset, viewing difficulties as opportunities for learning and growth rather than insurmountable barriers. Additionally, building a support system of friends, mentors, or like-minded individuals can provide invaluable encouragement and help in times of difficulty.
I encourage you to embrace challenges as stepping stones to success rather than stumbling blocks. Stay committed to your goals even when the path seems arduous. Seek support from others and be willing to learn from setbacks. Celebrate your progress and small victories along the way, recognizing that each step counts towards your ultimate destination.
Secondly, Optimism is the ability to maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity. It fuels perseverance and the belief that a better future is possible. Cultivating optimism involves shifting focus towards solutions and possibilities, rather than dwelling on problems. It also involves practicing gratitude, acknowledging the positives in life, and surrounding oneself with positivity.
I can’t emphasize enough the importance of developing a habit of positive thinking and self-affirmation. When faced with challenges, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this situation?” or “What are some potential solutions?” Seek inspiration from others who have overcome obstacles and achieved their dreams. Practice gratitude daily, focusing on the things you are thankful for, no matter how small.
Thirdly, Loyalty to oneself means staying true to one’s values, passions, and purpose. It involves setting clear boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and being honest about one’s strengths and limitations. Loyalty to those you commit to serve involves building trust, being reliable, and maintaining a genuine connection with them. Both forms of loyalty are essential drivers in staying motivated and accountable on your journey.
I often tell others to take the time to understand your values, passions, and purpose. Stay committed to your authenticity and avoid compromising your beliefs to please others. Prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Show genuine care and empathy for those you commit to serve, and nurture strong relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
In conclusion, as I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the impact that resilience, optimism, and loyalty to myself and others have had on accomplishing my dreams. These qualities have provided the strength to face challenges, the optimism to persevere, and the integrity to stay true to my purpose. To those embarking on their journey, I encourage you to nurture these qualities within yourselves. Embrace resilience as a powerful tool for growth, cultivate optimism to fuel your perseverance, and maintain loyalty to yourself and those you commit to serve. Remember that your journey is unique, and staying true to these core values will pave the way to fulfilling your dreams and making a positive impact on the world around you.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
After God, the most instrumental person in helping me overcome challenges, and build and develop the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge needed for success has been my husband. He has been more than just a partner in life; he has been my unwavering cheerleader, my staunch supporter, and, at times, my fellow dreamer. His influence on my personal and professional growth has been profound, and I owe much of my achievements to his unwavering presence and support.
My husband’s support goes beyond mere words of encouragement. He actively engages in my journey, challenging me to reach for higher goals and offering guidance when I face difficult decisions. His ability to initiate the hard conversations has been invaluable in helping me confront obstacles and identify areas for improvement. Through these discussions, he encourages me to reflect on my actions, motivations, and aspirations, fostering a deeper understanding of myself and my aspirations.
One of his most remarkable qualities is the perfect balance he strikes between motivation and understanding. When I find myself on the verge of giving up, he applies the right amount of gentle pressure, pushing me to persevere and stay committed to my dreams. He reminds me of my capabilities and strengths, inspiring me to overcome self-doubt and keep moving forward.
At the same time, he serves as a protective shield, safeguarding me from external pressures that could potentially disrupt my journey or steal my joy. His unconditional love and unwavering belief in my abilities create a safe haven where I can explore, learn, and grow without fear of judgment or failure.
His unwavering support and belief in me have fueled my confidence and motivated me to take on new challenges and pursue ambitious goals. He celebrates my successes with genuine pride and stands by me during moments of disappointment, offering unwavering comfort and encouragement.
In all aspects of my life, whether personal or professional, my husband has been an anchor, providing a sense of stability and belief in my potential. His constant presence and support have become an integral part of my journey, and I recognize that I would not be able to achieve all that I have without him by my side. He makes life musically beautiful and sweet which allows me to keep doing the work I do gracefully.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vividmindscare.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vividmindsmentalcare/
- Facebook: Facebook.com/vividmindsmentalcare
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/vividmindsmentalcare
Image Credits
Justin Wu with The Wu Gallery
