Meet Melissa Rivera

We recently connected with Melissa Rivera and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?
I avoid burnout prioritizing my well-being and not compromising on the boundaries I have set for myself. Whether these are related to customers, finances, or personal relationships. I make sure I eat well during the day, exercise, and meditate as well as have a hobby that is just for me. I try to keep cool and calm and keep my reactions in check in any situation. This makes my caregiving job emotionally sustainable.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Currently, I own an in-home childcare facility. I mainly care for babies from 0-4 years old. I have seen how the pandemic and the lack of exposure to other children have affected this generation a lot! My goal is to help the kids reach their milestones, develop, and thrive. Of all the things I have done in life, pouring into little kids is the most fulfilling. For 2024 I am planning to change locations and launch a preschool program that will help reach more kids.

When I am not caring for children, I am taking improv classes at The Groundlings Theater or taping an audition.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Resourcefulness: I am often surprised at my ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties. I don’t let obstacles and constraints say what I am meant to do or capable of doing. I decide first, then find a way. This includes being really flexible. Sometimes it is time to strap my boots and work, and so I do. When I think about resourcefulness, I also think about creativity, ingenuity, curiosity, and moxie.

2. Innocence: If I stop and think about the state of the world, I would be paralyzed with fear and not do anything. I approach every situation with the hope that it will work for the best, that there are good people out there, and that I can do it!

3. Determination: Sometimes I have set forth to accomplish my goals and found the reality of how tough it can be. It is my determination that has kept me going.

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?
I have found the most helpful person in the world to me has been my therapist. Therapy for me has been fundamental in making discoveries about what has been hindering me and how to overcome it. I get to process what I think in a safe environment and have learned essential tools like meditation. It has expanded my emotional vocabulary and improved my communication skills. Everyone could benefit from finding a buddy they can be safe with.

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