Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rosa Kennedy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Rosa, 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?
Resilience isn’t something I learn, it’s more like a strength I build over time through experience and habits. Resilience is not about being invincible; it’s about embracing life’s experiences, both joyful and difficult, as opportunities for growth. By recognizing the turning points and cultivating the habits that support us, we can all build our own personal wellspring of strength and bounce back from life’s inevitable curveballs.
It has taken me years to realize that the celebrations and challenges I have faced and the relationships I have made are the pillars for my positive attitude and healthy habits.
In order to build resilience I have had to embrace changes in my views and doings. There are some things that contribute to my resilience over the past four decades, I call these Turning Points. Difficult times you’ve been through in the past can teach you that you are capable of handling hardship. I have endured childhood trauma, addictions, life as an immigrant, cancer, and now navigating a divorce, all key to who I am today in my self-care journey!
Having supportive friends and family to lean on during tough times can be a huge source of strength yet difficult times also open the opportunity to set strong boundaries for those relationships you no longer need in your life.
Through the years I learn that being optimistic and hopeful tends to help me bounce back from setbacks more easily. I also have learned that taking care of yourself physically and mentally through hardships can all contribute to your ability to cope with stress.
Building resilience is an ongoing journey, a process of embracing change and adapting our perspectives. Throughout my four decades, I’ve encountered several key “Turning Points” that have bolstered my ability to bounce back.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been passionate about sharing knowledge and empowering others. Whether it’s been teaching languages like English and Spanish, guiding students through yoga poses, or simply offering a supportive cheer, I’ve found immense joy in being a lifelong teacher and instructor.
My life motto thrives on a beautiful cycle of learning and growth. I believe that the most impactful lessons are often the ones we teach. This fuels a constant desire to be a lifelong learner, eagerly acquiring new knowledge and skills. Every experience, from the triumphs of celebrations to the valuable lessons gleaned from challenges, becomes wisdom. Sharing these insights, not only with my students but with the world around me, is the driving force behind everything I do.
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?
I like to remind myself that resilience is a journey, not a destination. By cultivating these 3 qualities, you can build your own strength and navigate life’s challenges with greater ease:
1. Growth Mindset: My life motto, “I teach what I need to learn,” highlights a growth mindset. This refers to the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. This likely fueled my lifelong pursuit of knowledge and my ability to see challenges as opportunities for growth.
2. Self-Awareness: My ability to recognize the impact of my experiences and relationships, whether they were positive or toxic, indicates a strong sense of self-awareness. This allows me to identify areas of strength and areas where I might need additional support.
3. Lifelong Learning: My passion for teaching and learning throughout my life demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning. This keeps me engaged and adaptable and allows me to continuously improve my skills and knowledge to share with others.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Implementing self-care practices while letting go of relationships that were standing in the way of my self-care. Making hard decisions to prioritize myself. Saying No when I needed it and also yes to love myself first and foremost. Here are a few of my self-care takeaways:
Embrace challenges and setbacks as learning experiences.
Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new things.
Focus on the process of learning and improvement rather than just the outcome.
Take time for introspection. Journaling, prayer, meditation, sound healing, or talking to a therapist can all be helpful tools for developing self-awareness.
Pay attention to how you react to situations and identify patterns in your behavior.
Develop a curiosity about the world and a desire to learn new things.
Read books, take classes, watch educational videos, and surround yourself with people who inspire you to learn and grow.
Contact Info:
- Other: To contact me:
Rosa Kennedy
Email: rmksavvi@yahoo.com
Text: 402-981-3272
Image Credits
Personal Photo: photographed by Vanessa Mitera Owner and Founder at Mitera Branding
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