We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maya Mapp a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Maya, 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?
In sharing my story about cultivating the characteristic of resiliency, I am aiming to inspire others that no matter what happens or is thrown your way in life there is always a purpose to persist in moving forward towards your destiny. In 2021, I experienced a physical illness that almost ended my life. Through this experience, I decided at that very moment, if I ever got the chance to get back on my feet again then I would spend the rest of my days striving to become at least 1% better every day. Everyone has a purpose and a calling on their life, it’s our responsibility to live it out daily.
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?
I’m currently serving in the non-profit sector, supporting various clients through transformational projects. I never really saw myself entering into this space in a professional sense, but this journey has taken me by surprise and proven to be extremely rewarding for countless reasons. I truly enjoy identifying an area of improvement for a client, then assessing it to implement supporting processes, resources, and policies to transform the overall end goal. I’ve been able to utilize my experience as a project manager to re-imagine how I would like to proceed forward with managing my brand and its expansion. Originally, “Mapped Out” was just a food blog website, and then over time and through life experiences it expanded to a podcast which is now titled “Hello Darling”, and then onto a Youtube channel. It’s my hope that within the next few months, I will be able to offer a monthly subscription box to my followers, that would include my favorite products, Mapped Out Merch, and a book.
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?
Vulnerability, faith, and love are three characteristics and skills that I lean on and into. I’ve found that each of these qualities can enhance lives and relationships. So, I would like to share how you can cultivate each:
Vulnerability requires you to have the courage to show up authentically as yourself. Allowing yourself to be seen, heard, and understood. It is the foundation of deep connections and personal growth. By sharing my vulnerabilities with others, I have been able to create spaces for empathy, compassion, and connection.
To cultivate vulnerability:
Start with self-awareness: Reflect on your own emotions, fears, and insecurities. Understand that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength that fosters growth.
Practice self-acceptance: Embrace your imperfections and recognize that vulnerability is an inherent part of being human.
Build trust: Surround yourself with supportive and trustworthy individuals with whom you can share your thoughts and feelings openly.
Take small steps: Begin by sharing your thoughts and emotions with someone you trust, gradually expanding your comfort zone as you experience the positive outcomes of vulnerability.
Faith is a pillar in my constitution, this requires me to submit myself to God and trust his plan for my life. It provides me with hope, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
To cultivate faith:
Explore your beliefs: Take time to reflect on your values, principles, and what matters most to you. Engage in activities that align with your beliefs and provide a sense of meaning.
Seek inspiration: Surround yourself with positive influences, whether through books, mentors, spiritual leaders, or communities that inspire and nurture your faith.
Practice gratitude: Cultivate a mindset of gratitude by acknowledging the blessings and positive aspects of your life. This can help strengthen your faith and perspective during challenging times.
Embrace uncertainty: Recognize that faith often requires embracing the unknown. Accept that life’s journey may be unpredictable and have faith that you have the resilience to navigate through it.
Love is a powerful force that covers a multitude of sins. I’ve learned to lean into this quality to foster true connection and understanding. God’s love has healed, inspired, and transformed my life.
To cultivate love:
Practice self-love: Nurture a positive relationship with yourself by practicing self-care, self-compassion, and embracing your strengths and weaknesses.
Cultivate empathy: Seek to understand and relate to other’s experiences and perspectives. Engage in active listening, compassion, and kindness in your interactions.
Foster meaningful connections: Invest time and energy in building and maintaining relationships that are based on mutual respect, trust, and support.
Engage in acts of kindness: Extend love and care to others through random acts of kindness, volunteering, or supporting causes that resonate with you.
Remember, cultivating vulnerability, faith, and love is an ongoing journey that will be a strong foundation for any business, family, or partnership. Be patient with yourself and embrace the learning process (aka the pivot). I encourage each of you to intentionally incorporate these qualities into your life, so you can create a positive impact on yourself and those around you,
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Tabitha Brown’s book, “Feeding the Soul,” has been an invaluable lifeline that helped me emerge from the depths of heartbreak. From the very first 20 pages, I found solace and a profound sense of connection. It was as if the universe conspired to deliver this book to me, guided by a divine hand.
“Feeding the Soul” served as a powerful reminder that every individual embarks on a unique journey, one filled with both triumphs and tribulations. This journey is far from a linear path; it demands resilience and an unwavering attitude. The book illuminated the significance of our outlook and attitude towards life—a determining factor in the distance we travel. When we choose to speak life into ourselves and others, we unlock the boundless potential for a fulfilled existence.
Undoubtedly, adopting a positive mindset is easier said than done. Yet, “Feeding the Soul” instilled in me the importance of intentional thinking. By deliberately focusing on empowering thoughts, we reshape our world and unlock limitless possibilities. It is through this intentional shift that we can truly embrace our purpose on this earth.
God used Tabitha Brown’s testimony to offer me healing but also provided the sound advice necessary to navigate the complexities of life. It has reminded me of the transformative power that lies within us, urging us to embrace our journeys with an open heart and an unwavering belief in the beauty that awaits us.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.mappedoutmeals.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamapp/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-a-mapp-m-ed-86a87a199/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi_ZQCIkcuA4_agVOPQY3hg
Image Credits
Andrew Huth
