We were lucky to catch up with Gina Carrillo recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Gina, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Every morning I started to read quotes. Then I started writing daily affirmations! I read a lot of motivational poetry and get inspired by the works of other creative artists! My self-esteem took years of therapy. I graduate Domestic Violence Therapy this week after six years with Bridges of Williamson County! I’ve also done some Co-dependents therapy and Al-anon in the past. I’ve even been to some zoom therapy sessions. I worked hard on raising my self-esteem, built good boundaries, indulged in self care and created a safe space for having self love too! By working on my insecurities and now being able to navigate through life with these tools I’ve learned I’m able to move freely with confidence!
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?
At this time I’m working on my next Book which will be called ~Stained Glass Mosaics of Light. It will have more poems than my last book and include my artwork too! My Poetry Crew The Prodigal Poets recently Performed at Vanderbilt’s Porchfest in Nashville! We have an announcement to make, Franchesa Kirkpatrick will be taking over The Prodigal Poets Collective out here. I have been able to achieve my dreams of moving to the beach and I will continue my Artistic life in Spain and traveling the world!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The Artists that you meet along your journey can truly change your life and perspectives. I’ve learned from reading, performing with and watching other Poets. Collaborating with writers helped me challenge myself to write in new ways. Performing on The Poets Playground on Instagram inspired me to write new pieces. I’ve also been able to promote one of the Poetry Anthologies I was in at their events at Island Vibes in Nashville. When newcomers come to a show, hearing the words of others can encourage them to get up on the stage too!
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
When I beat Stage 3 Brest cancer I realized how close to death I became. I decided to start to do all my bucket list activities! I went skydiving recently and it was such an incredible adventure! I decided to retire last year from my Customer Service Position and go back to school full time. I just got my Psychology Degree in the mail today! My next plan is to help with Domestic Violence Therapy! I also have different cities and countries that I’d love to visit! I fly out soon and I’ll be traveling through Amsterdam and Madrid next week! My Poetry and Art is going overseas!!
Contact Info:
Image Credits
The Prodigal Poets Pictures were done at the Parthenon in Nashville at the Centennial Park by the Amazing Photographer Samantha Lyons Stewmon.
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