We recently connected with Vanessa Bedoya and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Vanessa, 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?
Life has been my greatest teacher when it comes to resilience. Everyone has a story, and mine began as a first-generation American. Growing up in Texas in the early ’80s, I experienced firsthand how racism can shape a person’s reality. I learned early on that not everyone will accept you simply because of how you look.
While my parents worked hard to climb the corporate ladder, my brother and I were often left with caretakers. This exposed us to different cultures and traditions, teaching me adaptability at a young age. Adding to this, I attended a different school every year until seventh grade. Constantly starting over taught me to focus on the present moment and embrace change.
At 14, I faced my first significant health challenge: scoliosis, which was as severe as someone untreated for decades. By 21, I lost sensation in my legs and was diagnosed a year later with multiple sclerosis. At the time, MS was a mystery to many, with only four treatment options available. When my doctor told me to “rethink” my future because I might not live a full, independent life, it was a pivotal moment.
Thankfully, my 16 years of martial arts training had already instilled a mindset of perseverance. Martial arts taught me that when bad things happen, you have two choices: you can be the victim, or you can be the hero of your story. Earning my black belt reinforced my belief in the power of the mind. I learned that by harnessing your thoughts, you can take control of your life.
These experiences shaped my resilience, helping me overcome adversity with strength, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in my ability to defy the odds.
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?
At ChoiceMD, we’re on a mission to make navigating healthcare easier and more accessible for everyone. What began as a personal passion project has grown into an award-winning website and a Google-recognized news source, all designed to connect individuals to the resources and services they need. Healthcare challenges can be overwhelming and scary, and our goal is to eliminate those barriers by partnering with over 50 nonprofit organizations that share our vision of helping people thrive.
Recently, we’ve taken our mission a step further by focusing on the root causes of health challenges. After learning about the science behind Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their profound impact on lifelong health, we launched a grassroots initiative in partnership with Mayor Levine Cava. The momentum from our November summit has been incredible, leading to the formation of the ChoiceMD Cares Foundation.
The foundation is dedicated to educating the community about ACEs with the goal of prevention, while also connecting individuals to resources that can help mitigate the effects of past trauma. By addressing these issues early, we’re working to create healthier futures for individuals and families throughout the county.
I’m incredibly proud of the work we’re doing and excited about what’s to come as we continue building partnerships and creating real, lasting change.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: creativity, adaptability, and perseverance.
Creativity: Many neurodivergent individuals, like myself, are naturally creative. I have ADHD and have been a daydreamer for as long as I can remember, which has been a driving force behind my ideas and solutions. Creativity flourishes when nurtured, so it’s important to explore practices that resonate with you—whether it’s drawing, writing, brainstorming, or experimenting in your field of interest. The key is to make it enjoyable so you’ll stick with it and allow yourself to grow.
Adaptability: This is a skill anyone can develop, and for me, it was forged by necessity. Growing up, I moved constantly, which meant adjusting to new schools, environments, and social dynamics. To develop adaptability, put yourself in new situations—volunteer for different roles, take on unfamiliar projects, and step outside your comfort zone. Learn from setbacks and approach challenges with a growth mindset. It’s not about avoiding difficulties; it’s about learning to navigate and thrive through them.
Perseverance: This was a skill I strengthened during my martial arts training. The mindset of “never giving up” has been invaluable, especially in entrepreneurship. When you create something unique, you’ll face both support and criticism. Perseverance helps you stay focused and resilient in the face of doubt or discouragement. Financial challenges, in particular, require a creative and determined approach. Building an impenetrable mindset will carry you through tough times and keep you pushing forward toward your goals.
Advice for others: Focus on developing these traits by embracing challenges and looking for opportunities to grow. Creativity is like a muscle—find ways to exercise it regularly. Adaptability comes from being open to change and learning from every experience, and perseverance requires building mental strength by tackling obstacles head-on. With time and practice, these skills will become second nature and guide you on your journey.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been in personal development. ChoiceMD’s commitment to mitigating ACEs is deeply personal for me, as I have an ACE score of 7. This realization made me confront how my early experiences shaped my opportunities for growth. Since learning about ACEs, I’ve immersed myself in the journey of reprogramming old patterns and building a healthier foundation for myself.
While I’m not yet where I want to be, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made. These changes have already positively impacted my career, and I’m optimistic about how they will continue to influence my relationships. Our upbringing shapes how we navigate the world, but it’s up to us to take responsibility for creating a better path forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://choicemd.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choicemd.miami/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChoiceMD
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vbedoya/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ChoiceMD
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
