We were lucky to catch up with Salina Miller recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Salina , so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
Self-care, to me, goes beyond superficial indulgences like manicures, pedicures, or getting my hair done. It’s a holistic approach to taking care of myself. First and foremost, my relationship with God plays a pivotal role in keeping me self-aware and grounded. Establishing healthy boundaries in my life is a fundamental aspect of my self-care plan.
When I experience stress, anxiety, or grief, I prioritize reaching out to my therapist and relying on my circle of support. Being a mother to two individuals with autism, juggling two ministries, and fulfilling my roles as a wife and grandmother, among other responsibilities, underscores the importance of ensuring my own well-being. It’s crucial not only for my own sake but also for the effectiveness of everything I undertake.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am delighted to share what I do and what makes it special. I wear many hats as an entrepreneur, community advocate, teacher, counselor, public speaker, and author. What truly excites me is the opportunity to support individuals on multiple levels, focusing on their spiritual journey and mental and emotional well-being through my Matters of the Heart Christian Counseling service. This work is incredibly rewarding as it allows me to help people establish a stronger connection with God and find healing.
Additionally, through my non-profit organization, Mother 2 Mother, I work with families who are caring for loved ones impacted by disabilities. Mother 2 Mother is more than just an organization; it’s a village of support, offering resources, and education, and a platform for parents to advocate for their children within the community.
What sets my work apart is the genuine passion and dedication I bring to every role. I believe in the power of faith and the strength of community support. My goal is to make a positive impact in the lives of those I serve, whether it’s through counseling, advocating for families, or sharing my experiences as an author and public speaker. I’m here to make a difference, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do so.
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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?
Empathy and Support: My ability to nurture and support individuals through challenging times has been paramount. It’s essential to genuinely care for and understand the people you’re working with, which helps build trust and fosters a supportive environment.
Resilience and Perseverance: I’ve developed a remarkable level of resilience, enabling me to push forward even when faced with life’s most challenging storms. This quality has been instrumental in my journey, as setbacks are inevitable, but it’s the determination to keep going that often leads to success.
Perspective and Open-Mindedness: I have a knack for considering various viewpoints, which has given me a broader understanding of life. Recognizing that life is not just black and white but full of nuance and complexity is a valuable perspective to hold.
For those starting their journey, I’d offer the following advice:
Cultivate Empathy: Learn to truly empathize with the people you’re working with. Understand their needs, fears, and desires, and offer your support without judgment.
Build Resilience: Understand that challenges will come your way, and they can be opportunities for growth. Develop the resilience to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward.
Embrace Open-Mindedness: Be open to new ideas and different perspectives. This will not only help you gain a broader understanding of the world but also lead to innovative solutions and better communication.
Develop Relevant Skills: In addition to these qualities, focus on building practical skills that align with your goals. Organization, administrative, and communication skills are all highly valuable in many fields, so invest time in honing them.
Remember that your journey will be unique, and these qualities and skills can be tailored to your specific path. Stay true to your passion, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to adapt and evolve as your journey unfolds.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I experience overwhelming moments, my approach is to take a step back and engage in a process of self-reflection and seeking guidance from God. I assess where I might have deviated from my intended path, identify the specific commitments or factors contributing to my feelings of being overwhelmed, and then address them head-on.
My advice to others facing overwhelm is not to ignore this feeling, but rather to investigate its root causes. If you discover that you’ve overcommitted yourself, consider asking for help or delegating tasks. If rest is what you need, schedule dedicated time for self-care. Most importantly, incorporate prayer into your process. Seeking divine guidance can help you gain clarity on your priorities and purpose, which in turn can reduce the overwhelm you’re experiencing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bit.ly/3ENuU8y and Mother2Mother.info
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theheartmatters1/ and https://www.instagram.com/mother2mother32
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Theheartmatter1 and https://www.facebook.com/mother2mother32
Image Credits
Jessie Steimle and Sean Korey
