Meet Lereca Monik

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lereca Monik . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lereca , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
From my earliest years as a young girl, I clung steadfastly to my dreams, even when confronted with formidable challenges. My family bore the weighty consequences of the war on drugs, an enduring struggle that continues to impact my cousins today. By the tender age of seven, I had already weathered all ten adverse childhood experiences, navigating a landscape marked by persistent abuse across physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual realms. In the midst of these adversities, I often found solace in daydreams that painted a picture of a brighter, more promising future.

Despite the daunting hurdles before me, I wore a resilient smile as I doggedly pursued my aspirations and began to taste the fruits of success. The journey was arduous, yet I persevered, ultimately finding myself in a position of power and influence today. Reflecting on the journey from that young girl with a dream to the person I am now, successfully navigating life’s difficult and challenging moments can be attributed to three key elements.

Firstly, my resilience emanated from a profound spiritual connection. This anchoring force provided me with the strength and guidance to weather storms and emerge stronger on the other side. Secondly, I held onto a vivid vision—a mental blueprint of the life I aspired to lead. This vision served as a North Star, guiding me through the darkest nights and motivating me to press on. Lastly, my unwavering commitment to overcoming all odds drove me to do whatever it took to surmount challenges. It was this tenacity that propelled me forward, even when the path seemed insurmountable.

Looking back, I see a young girl who refused to be defined by circumstances, who held onto hope, and who, against all odds, transformed adversity into a stepping stone towards personal growth and achievement.

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?
Throughout my career, I’ve held leadership roles in the nonprofit sector, currently serving as the founding Chief External Affairs Officer for a national nonprofit. This new position marks a turning point in my journey, allowing me to focus on personal growth and development as a leader. My passion for this role is deeply rooted in the need for representation within the field of external affairs. While navigating this leadership path, I discovered a profound sense of purpose and underwent a transformative journey in my own identity and how to walk in my authority and leave behind mindsets that no longer served me.

A decade ago, becoming a mother to my daughter LeReine became a catalyst for change. Her presence inspired me to embark on a path of self-improvement, exploring spirituality, mastering energy management, and fostering meaningful connections.

This introspective journey led me to the realization that my purpose is centered around practicing unconditional love, which I call AGAPE, for both myself and others. Overcoming personal struggles with abandonment, I chose to redefine my life’s course and discovered a unique contribution: helping others recognize the significance of love.

Now, as I reflect on my experiences, I’m excited to launch an evolved coaching program this spring. The Agape Advantage is where our sense of being, our need for belonging, what we are bringing, who we are becoming intersect, forming the foundation of this program. I’m eager to share this transformative journey with others, fostering a deeper understanding of love and its profound impact on our lives.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful:

1. Embracing Uniqueness: One of the most transformative experiences was learning to embrace my uniqueness. Often, the aspects that make us uncomfortable or different hold the power to be our superpowers. I discovered that leveraging my individuality could be a catalyst for positive change in the world.

2. Investing in Growth: Life’s lessons taught me the importance of focusing on continual personal growth. This encompasses the development of the mind, body, and spirit. Committing to ongoing growth has yielded results beyond my wildest imagination.

2. Leaning on a Higher Power: Building a relationship with a higher power has brought me a profound sense of inner peace, motivation, and purpose. Connecting with an infinite source has guided me towards becoming the best version of myself.

For those early in their journey, my advice is threefold. Firstly, embrace your uniqueness. Recognize that what makes you uncomfortable might be your greatest strength. Utilize your individuality as a tool to effect positive change and showcase your authentic self to the world. Secondly, prioritize personal growth. Set goals that span various aspects of your life, including mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Dedicate yourself to lifelong learning and watch how this commitment propels you toward unprecedented achievements. Lastly, build a relationship with a higher power. Take time to unplug from the busyness of life, engage in moments of silence, prayer, meditation, or a simple walk. These moments create a space for communication with the higher power. Write down audacious goals that may scare you, practice extreme gratitude, and if you’ve faced adversity, recognize that your experiences can be a source of inspiration and blessing for others.

In summary, by embracing uniqueness, investing in personal growth, and leaning on a higher power, you can unlock your full potential and navigate the path to personal and professional fulfillment.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Currently, my primary challenge revolves around summoning the courage to confront and overcome lifelong internal barriers—scars that have historically hindered me from taking bold risks and seizing promising opportunities. As a survivor-thriver, embracing vulnerability, making a commitment to heal, and exercising ongoing grace is crucial.

In alignment with this personal journey, I recently hosted an online speaker series named “Silencing the Shame,” addressing the frequently overlooked issue of domestic violence. This mission is deeply personal as I, like one in three women, have experienced domestic violence. I nearly lost my life and sanity to it, and childhood trauma and abuse made recognizing adult abuse challenging. Determined to break the silence and shame surrounding survivors, I speak out to give a voice to this critical issue.

Navigating this journey is often challenging because the people closest to me remained silent after the incident occurred. I lost many loved ones, forcing me to make a decision and a personal vow: to learn that as I continue to evolve, my circle might get smaller. I gave myself permission to foster relationships that give me life instead of relationships that discredit, demean, or devalue me. I’ve learned how to bless, release, and love despite of.

Continuing to manage my backstory and reshaping my story- because coupled with GOD my story is being written. I believe that sharing my story, despite the pervasive force of shame, is a testament to my resilience. I’ve learned that releasing shame leads to inner peace, self-acceptance, and true healing. Now that I’ve found my voice, I refuse to stay silent. I speak not only for myself but for those suffering in silence, aiming to inspire others to embrace their authentic selves. I am actively seeking opportunities to fortify this resilient spirit, I navigate this ongoing journey of personal and collective power.

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