We recently connected with Judith Diaz and have shared our conversation below.
Judith , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my purpose through a profound healing journey, emerging from a background marked by trauma. As I ventured into the depths of my experiences, I learned to close the chapters that no longer served me, embracing the lessons they imparted. This process of healing my inner child transformed my perspective on the world; I began to see not just the pain, but also the beauty and potential for growth in every moment. With each step forward, I discovered a seed of resilience blooming within me, equipped with the tools to help others navigate their own struggles. My purpose crystallized in the realization that I could break generational cycles of toxicity, not only for myself but for my family as well. This journey taught me that we all deserve healing and that, through this transformation, we can become a better version of ourselves—one filled with hope, dreams, and a renewed sense of purpose. It’s a powerful gift, one that no one else can provide but ourselves, through healing and a connection to something greater.
In my book, “Finding My Way Back to Jiji,” I take readers on a journey through my life, tracing my evolution from a little girl to a teenager and ultimately to the adult I have become. While my story encompasses the trauma I have faced, it is the healing experience that takes center stage—a crucial aspect that I believe deserves more attention. I want my readers not only to read about my struggles but to truly experience what healing looks like. Often, we equate healing with visible wounds, like cuts that form scabs and eventually leave scars. However, inner healing is a profound process that connects deeply with our souls and transcends the physical realm. It involves confronting the emotional and psychological wounds that may not be immediately visible but are just as significant. Through my narrative, I aim to illustrate that healing is not just a destination, but a journey filled with ups and downs, moments of clarity, and instances of doubt. I want my readers to connect with my experiences, to understand that there is a way out of the hardships that life presents. In a world where anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts are alarmingly prevalent, it is vital to convey the message that healing is possible. The way we live our lives today does not have to be the end of our story; rather, it can be the beginning of something greater than we ever imagined. Each person has a purpose and discovering that purpose is an essential part of the healing process. I believe that everyone is deserving of a life filled with hope, joy, and fulfillment, and my story serves as a testament to that belief. As I recount my journey, I emphasize the importance of resilience and the power of vulnerability. It’s through embracing our pain and allowing ourselves to heal that we can truly find our way back to our authentic selves—much like I found my way back to Jiji, the essence of my childhood joy and innocence. This journey is not linear; it is filled with twists and turns, moments of uncertainty, and breakthroughs that lead to profound self-discovery. I want my readers to realize that they are not alone in their struggles and that there is a community of support available to them. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to embark on their healing journeys, to seek help, and to understand that it is okay to not be okay. Healing is an act of courage, and it is a journey worth taking. Ultimately, “Finding My Way Back to Jiji” is about reclaiming one’s life, embracing the past, and stepping into a future filled with possibility. It is a call to action for anyone who feels lost, reminding them that they can rise from the ashes of their pain and create a life that reflects their true selves. Together, we can break the cycles of trauma and cultivate a world where healing is not just a dream but a reality for everyone.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As the CEO of Say It Out Loud Jiji LLC, a company dedicated to personal development, trauma healing, and life purpose, I have been passionately working to empower individuals since our establishment in 2018. My journey began with a focus on women empowering women, fostering a community where we uplift one another through shared experiences and support. We maintain a private Facebook group where I provide monthly empowerment exercises, and today, our outreach has expanded to include teens and individuals from all walks of life. Say It Out Loud Jiji celebrates diversity at its core, building a strong foundation of people aligned with our mission. The branding of our company is a reflection of my artistic skills, which emerged from my own therapeutic healing process, ensuring that everything we create is intentional and purposeful. Additionally, I serve as the chief editor of Say It Out Loud Magazine, which supports small business owners by distributing free magazines throughout Camden County, and eight other states. My work has also led to recognition as an award-winning author, and I am honored to have been featured on the front cover of the Anointed Newsletter Journal by Chris Collins. Our business is centered on helping people heal from their past, discover their purpose, and foster positivity in all aspects of life. We utilize various methods, including art, dance, and communication, to navigate life’s challenges. Excitingly, we are launching our workbook, “Your Growth Plan,” in 2024, which will be distributed to middle and high school students in the City of Camden. This personal development workbook consists of ten programs designed to help individuals understand themselves better, set healthy boundaries, boost self-esteem, break negative habits, express themselves, heal from past traumas, let go of limiting beliefs, and ultimately find their starting point. The final program, “Let’s Just Talk,” encourages open dialogue and reflection. This workbook is intentionally crafted to enable teens and adults to visualize their present reality, as we all possess the answers within ourselves; sometimes, we just need to be asked the right questions. The beauty of this workbook lies in its longevity—it serves as a lifelong tool, allowing individuals to revisit and reflect on their answers over the years, revealing the evolution of their thoughts and feelings. At Say It Out Loud Jiji LLC, we believe that the power to heal and grow resides within each person, and we are here to guide them on that transformative journey.
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?
Throughout my journey, three qualities have emerged as profoundly impactful in shaping who I am today. First and foremost, discovering what self-love truly looks like has been a transformative experience that I will never compromise on again. Embracing self-love has become a non-negotiable aspect of my life, guiding my decisions and interactions. Secondly, I’ve learned to embrace mistakes rather than fear them; they are my trophies, the milestones that have allowed me to learn and evolve. Each misstep has been a valuable lesson, teaching me resilience and growth. Finally, I’ve come to understand the importance of using my voice and sharing my story. Speaking my truth is crucial because I never know who might be listening and who I might inspire along the way. This realization has been a significant turning point in my journey. My advice to anyone out there is to embark on your healing journey. Through this process, you will come to understand what real love feels like—something you will never have to negotiate again. Protect your inner peace and mental well-being. While it’s essential to learn from mistakes, don’t let the fear of making them hold you back. Many view mistakes negatively, but I see them as opportunities for growth. There is beauty in learning from our experiences, as long as we strive not to repeat them. I encourage everyone to love themselves enough to speak their truth without fear or shame, regardless of how others may perceive it. Remember, you are living your life for yourself, and people will always have opinions. However, once you realize that opinions are merely reflections of others and hold no power over you, you can embrace your authentic self with confidence.
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?
When reflecting on who has been most instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and build myself up, I can’t help but think of my little sister, Carter. To some, it may seem surprising that a younger sibling could have such a profound impact on an older sibling, but I remember the day she was born as if it were yesterday. I saw her as my very own baby doll, a little human toy to cherish and play with. As she grew, I noticed how she looked up to me, wanting to be involved in everything I did. It struck me deeply that someone so innocent and full of potential was watching my every move, eager to emulate me. Throughout my struggles and mistakes, Carter became my anchor, the one person who inspired me to keep fighting to be a better version of myself. I realized that I had a responsibility to my hero, to make better choices and heal from my past, not just for me but for her as well. She became my best friend, my confidante, and a reflection of everything I aspired to be. Witnessing her grow and bloom into her own person filled me with a sense of purpose; I understood that I possessed the power to make a meaningful impact on her life. That realization meant everything to me. Even as I evolved into a mother of twins, Carter remains that guiding light in my life, the one who has continually supported me on my journey. I will forever be grateful for her presence, as she has helped shape who I am today and continues to inspire me every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sayitoutloudjiji.com
- Facebook: Say It Out Loud Jiji
- Linkedin: Judith Diaz
- Other: Email- judithdiaz@sayitoutloudjiji.com
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