Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shavone Williams-Moss. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Shavone, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I grew up in a single parent home where my mother suffered from homelessness, intimate partner violence, substance abuse and mental illness. As a young female life was challenging without having that maternal figure. My father showed me lots of love and support and as a young child, I would always feel bad in school or other events where a mother should be present. My father was present but because everyone else had their mother, I would cry and feel alone. My father would search the streets, homeless shelters looking for my mother to bring her to me. When she would visit, I would give her my shoes, clothes etc. I didn’t know at that moment ; I had found my purpose until years later in my 20’s. I was at the Galleria in Kentucky shopping, and I saw this woman who resembled me. I walked up to her, and I knew instantly she was my mother because we favored so much. I asked her if she knew who I was. She said she did, I took her to eat, I could see she was still homeless. After eating , I asked her where she lived, and she told me she stayed at the local shelter. I dropped her off at the shelter but then after returning home. I thought, even though this woman is a stranger to me, she is still my mother, and I cannot in good conscious let her live in a shelter. I drove back to the shelter and asked her if she wanted to live with me. She said yes. I moved her in and a year later she died of heart failure. As a child, I prayed that she would not pass away and I, not know. My prayers were answered. Good or bad, I got to spend a year with mother, and I know her final resting place. This is where I found my purpose. After her death, I decided to become a Social Worker and help others like her. The homeless, the forgotten, the discarded. My purpose was clear, and I have been living this purpose with no regrets only happiness and fulfillment every time, I change someone’s life for the better.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I currently work with those who are homeless and suffer from substance abuse. I also own my own private practice. Mental Movement Therapy & consulting where I provide individualized therapy to those who suffer from depression, bipolar and anxiety. The most exciting part about my role is I am making a difference every day. I am living up to my purpose. I am helping people like my mother who needed that extra hand, and it was not offered. I had several speaking engagements at high schools, colleges and churches providing awareness to mental health and its importance. I do not have any current events on the calendar but when someone calls, I gladly answer.
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?
Three qualities:
Empathy- Having experienced struggles firsthand, I possess a deep understanding and empathize with individuals facing adversity. I can connect with clients, validate their experiences and provide a safe supportive environment.
Resilience- Growing up in the environment, I grew up in required resilience to overcome the mental struggles, but it also equipped me with strength and determination to persevere despite many challenges or my social economic status.
Determination- I was determined to be better, to do better, and to make a difference no matter how small. If I only changed 1 person’s life in this lifetime, it’s better than never changing 1 life.
My advice is never give up, hard work pays off. Sometimes it seems as if things are not going to get better, or you can overcome this situation, but you can if you know your why. Why are you moving forward? what is your purpose? How many people are you hurting by not continuing to move forward with your purpose. We all have gifts, and it doesn’t matter if the cards you were dealt where not the best, keep playing your hand and do not give up because the next hand is more than likely, the hand you have been waiting on.
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 had 2 mentors who showed me what a normal life should look like. They taught me things, like how to save money, to read books, to invest, took me to seminars to change my mindset. Theses 2 mentors helped me see a different life or what life could be for me with some effort. Now when I am faced with challenges in life, I know where to find my answers. I become the expert of my challenge. I find a book. A book that will help me understand the challenge and I face it head on, without fear- false expectations appearing real.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mentalmovementherapy.com
- Instagram: @mentalmovementherapy
- Facebook: Mental Movement Therapy
Image Credits
Mental Movement Therapy & Consulting Logo.
