We recently connected with Vanesia Bowden and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Vanesia , thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism is a direct correlation to my faith. The more I believe God and take him at his word, the more I trust him with the outcome knowing all things work together for my good.
Additionally, I have been blessed to experience God coming through for me and showing his mercy towards me. So when very challenging situations arise, I remind myself of my victories and optimism grows.
Lastly, I genuinely believe I am worthy of good experiences and blessings so I live from that place of expectancy.
Yes, I have very challenging seasons like everyone. But, I do my best to maintain the right mindset throughout those seasons.
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?
Greetings, I am Vanesia Bowden, your wellness and learning ambassador.
Growing up I had a distinct love for health and education, that continues today. With much research and guidance I pursued a career in pharmacy, though I have been teaching since high school. See, as it relates to health I was sure of my path as a pharmacist. however, as it relates to education I was sure because I had a feeling my place was not a classroom teacher.
After completing my pharmacy training and started practicing as registered pharmacist, I experienced an almost eureka moment when I uncovered my deep desire for special education. I started on my journey to being trained as a teacher and trainer, while I continued practicing as a pharmacist. Upon completion of my teacher training, I did some training in special education with Walden and became a certified cognitive coach specializing in autism, ADHD, dyslexia and anxiety.
It was long after the Lord started nudging that I should start writing, after deciding to walk in obedience, He shared that I should share my experiences as a mom with a neurodivergent and special needs child coupled with my expertise in both health and education. Getting to that point of yieldedness took great faith because I wasn’t ready to share my story.
Today, I continue to serve as a pharmacist, educator and trainer, founder of Shammah’s Care (where we manufacture and distribute organic solutions for haircare, skincare and aroma therapy, as well as founder of Hannah Moments Neurodiversity and Empowerment solutions that promotes awareness and advocate for inclusion of neurodivergence, disability and special needs. And more recently, bestselling author and speaker, special needs parenting coach and neurodiversity specialist.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Foras long as I can remember I have had a deep desire to fulfill my life’s purpose. This desire has helped me to remain focused and avoid distractions. And importantly, it has helped me to remain prayerful about my life. This prayerful approach has benefitted me greatly in numerous ways but I will highlight increasing my awareness, awareness of self, circumstances, purpose and my place in God’s kingdom.
Another trait about myself that I will take little credit for is my ability to bounce back. From a tender age I knew how to encourage myself and how to keep moving regardless of my circumstances. Consequently, I don’t spend a long time in mourning disappointments and setbacks. I acknowledge them for what they are, seek to learn the lesson and then just keep moving. I take little credit for this because it feels like second nature.
Genuinely believing God and looking to him as my source while acknowledging resources have made a difference for me. Sometimes, God gives us instructions and desires that exceed our current capacity. Trusting God truly makes the difference with developing the capacity or staying at the same place in disobedience.
I would encourage persons early in their journey to develop their faith, by feeding your mind on things that will get you to your destination. For example, if you have an inclination that you are supposed to teach,watch videos of good teachers,listen to teachers and allow yourself to teachable. Another important thing to do is to keep moving, it is better to go slow than to wait on perfection. It is also important to start with what you have, when you start clarity and resources will fall into place.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
The past 12 months have been a faith journey for me in a significant way. When God instructed me to share my expertise in nurturing neurodivergent, disabled and special children from the point of view of a mother, a pharmacist, an educator as well as a certified cognitive coach, I was scared. I didn’t want to share my story and I didn’t want the society to label or judge my child.
I had to face my fears head on and deal with them one by one. I recall even being attacked by the spirit of fear.
When we receive an instruction, yes we should seek to walk in obedience but we should also seek to uncover the why. Having a thorough appreciation for our why and building our faith to help us tremendously in facing our fears.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hannahmoments.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanesiabowden?igsh=emZrZXd6cjZhdXV0
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanesia.bowden?mibextid=kFxxJD
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanesia-bowden-32997a35?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
