We recently connected with AsyrRia Ejanna and have shared our conversation below.
AsyrRia , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and finding self-worth has been a journey close to my heart, especially due to my sheltered upbringing. In a world where my family’s support was my main source of celebration, I often felt like an outsider among various social circles at school. It’s important to note that my friends were amazing, but I struggled to find my place.
On top of these challenges, living with a chronic illness added another layer of complexity, often leading me to feel like a burden rather than someone deserving of celebration. However, I found a way to break free from this cycle. I learned to celebrate every victory, regardless of its size. From the simple act of waking up to the monumental achievement of functioning while battling immense pain, each step forward became a reason to honor and cherish myself.
Remember, celebrating YOU is a powerful way to reclaim your self-worth and conquer Imposter Syndrome. It’s about recognizing your strength, resilience, and the beauty of your unique journey. So go ahead, celebrate yourself – always.
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’m AsyrRia Ejanna, a proud Minneapolis model and a dedicated advocate for both chronic illness awareness and the benefits of marijuana. While I’ve taken a step back from the modeling world, my focus has shifted towards championing the cause of chronic illnesses and advocating for the responsible use of marijuana.
The recent legalization of marijuana in Minnesota has ignited my excitement, as it provides me with an opportunity to openly share the incredible benefits I’ve personally experienced by incorporating marijuana as a natural remedy for my chronic illness journey.
For the past eight years, I’ve battled relentless chronic migraines. These migraines brought along a host of debilitating symptoms, from excruciating headaches and blurred vision to heightened sensitivity to light and noise. My journey took a surprising turn when an adventurous day tubing on the lake resulted in a traumatic incident, leaving me unconscious in the water after a forceful impact. Subsequent medical examinations unveiled a concussion and the discovery of a sizable cyst on the back left side of my brain. Although the cyst was ruled out, it led to a diagnosis of a Traumatic Brain Injury, setting the stage for my ongoing battle with chronic migraines.
My life became a revolving door of various medications in my quest for relief. However, a turning point arrived when I courageously halted my medication regimen after high school, seeking solace in the power of cannabis. For nearly four years, cannabis became my ally, offering respite from my chronic symptoms. Eventually, my journey led me to the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, where I participated in a groundbreaking clinical trial for an injectable medication.
Combining this innovative medication with my mindful use of cannabis has been nothing short of transformative. My chronic symptoms, which once held me captive, have dramatically diminished, allowing me to embrace life more fully and passionately. This journey has not only propelled me towards healing but has also fueled my dedication to advocating for others who may find solace and relief in similar paths.
Together, we navigate the terrain of chronic illness, paving the way for a brighter, more empowered future.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The journey I’ve embarked upon has honed three vital skills that have not only shaped my path but can resonate deeply with anyone seeking their own transformation.
Communication, a cornerstone of every life facet, has been my guiding light. The art of conveying thoughts, needs, and emotions is the bedrock upon which I’ve built my journey. From candid conversations with designers when unforeseen hurdles arise in shoots or fashion shows, to heart-to-heart dialogues with my doctors, transparency has empowered me to navigate challenges with grace.
Vulnerability, though initially elusive, emerged as an invaluable ally. Embracing authenticity in sharing my health journey wasn’t easy. Yet, as I shed my reservations, I discovered that vulnerability wasn’t a sign of weakness, but a testament to strength. It fostered connections, enabling me to create a network of support that lifted me higher.
Perseverance, a trait etched into my spirit, became the armor I wore in the face of adversity. Navigating through torrents of setbacks, I learned the profound power of resilience. Bouncing back from waves of disappointment, I grew stronger and more determined. This journey taught me that setbacks are but stepping stones to eventual triumph.
To those treading a similar path, my counsel is simple yet profound: Stay anchored in your authenticity. As individuals come and go, you remain the unwavering constant in your narrative. Let your inner compass guide you, for your journey is uniquely yours to sculpt. Break free from the allure of conformity; embrace the symphony of your individuality. Your path may intersect with others, but it will always bear the distinct rhythm of your soul.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Embarking on my current odyssey presents a captivating challenge: a poignant return to the enchanting realm of modeling, intertwined with the delicate balance of nurturing my well-being amid chronic illness. This journey weaves through the tapestry of my life, where days unfold as a symphony of restful solitude with my cherished dogs and beloved fiancé—moments I’ve learned to treasure, allowing me to embrace the low tides and flow of life’s rhythms.
The echoes of an unfortunate incident, etched nearly a year ago, linger in my thoughts. Amidst the whirlwind of a fashion show, my heart sank as treasured belongings were whisked away, revealing the shadowed underbelly of an industry where trust can be elusive. This revelation stirred a desire for change, as the industry’s embrace of models often fails to truly honor their boundless creativity and precious time.
The clarion call of protection for models resonates deeply within my spirit. The adversity I encountered ignited a fervent advocacy, a rallying cry for a world where models stand as pillars of value, respect, and safeguarding against transgressions.
Amidst these noble aspirations, a sense of solace emanates from the pure essence of my dreams. The pursuit of fame and a multitude of Instagram followers pales in comparison to the genuine yearning for shared moments of camaraderie among my fellow models. United shoulder to shoulder, we bask in the incandescent glow of each other’s accomplishments, kindling a radiant beacon that illuminates our collective path.
In essence, my journey reverberates with a heartfelt appeal, beckoning an industry to harmoniously blend passion, purpose, and protection. It’s an impassioned plea to preserve the ethereal beauty of modeling, to weave a tapestry where each artist is not only celebrated but enveloped in the cocoon of honor and safeguarding as they tread their luminous path.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jusscallme__ria
Image Credits
ZooZatz B.Rucker Co
