Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maria Villafane . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Maria, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from my trust in the Lord and knowing that my story as well as my desire to help others conquer their past imprints at least one person. Having overcome a domestic abuse relationship, suicidal thoughts and other sensitive topics is my pain that birthed my purpose. The journey through it built my resilience. I grew up a knowing God, so I always knew he was on my side no matter what I been through, he protected me. (Literally, I am suppose to be dead right now!) But as I grew older and rededicated my life to him, I have witnessed his grace and love abundantly.
Let’s chat about the process of building resilience through healing from all this past trauma. For one, I needed to quit the pity party. I put myself in certain situations that caused pain. I also allowed negative people to influence and break who I was. So it was up to me to embrace the change I needed to create.
I had to start a process of healing and maintaining a positive mindset. I am a mother of one energetic young boy, who needed a model or a hero. I gave myself the permission I once looked for in others. Permission to be me and love myself how I should be loved. I also built a support team. People who supported me through it all. With my faith in God and empowerment around me, I knew I could be resilient and bounce back.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As you know my a name is Maria Esther Villafane, I am God fearing mother of one and the owner of Conquering Yesterday. Conquering Yesterday is a faith blog that aims to help others better their self and of course their faith in Christ. It excites me to know that my testimony and motivational posts inspire others to be their best self and seek ways to conquer their yesterday. I like to think of myself as the modern Esther. Not just because it’s my middle name but because I am someone who is bold and courageous enough to stand up for the truth and fight for the good in others. To be the voice to the voiceless. An advocate to mental health and praying warrior to those who need someone in their corner.
I also am a copartner in a ministry called Graceful Promise. A ministry with my sister in Christ Amber Tookes creating events inspired to bring together people from diverse backgrounds to collectively celebrate the power of prayer, foster interfaith dialogue, and promote unity within our community. Our goal is to create an inclusive space that encourages understanding, love, and compassion among participants. Our next event is on February 17, 2024, called Dear Heavenly Father. Tickets have already been selling and can be found on my website under the Graceful Promise Tab.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey would be: Adjusting my fixed mindset into a growth one. I needed to be okay with change, be okay with letting go the things that no longer served me joy, peace and love. We need to be okay with continuously learning, whether through books or experiences acquiring new knowledge and skills it contributes to personal development.
Practicing Meditation, and gratitude ! It’s not just about praying but about fighting the voices that take over our mind when we are in silence. It helps us remain focus and exercises our breathing techniques for when anxiety arises. It also allows us to gain control of our emotions. I for one needed to be able to do so when life threw curve balls at me. “Not every action needs an instant reaction.” Practicing gratitude enables us to be joyful for what we have an how far we have come.
Lastly, I could say perfect my self-care. But that includes, setting realistic expectations in any goal setting and creating a village. Know that you aren’t alone and you have someone who does care about you. Aside from caring for your physical health, take yourself on dates and care for your emotional and mental health too. I found ways to adventure, build patience and self forgiveness.
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?
The number one obstacle I am facing is probably public speaking. Most importantly speaking about God. I can write my story countless of times, rerecord my reels until they are great, have a conversational interview but when it comes to standing in front of a crowd and truly speaking… I am a mess. I am still memorizing verses and organizing my words from thoughts about God.
I am so eager to continue uplifting others and draw them closer to their purpose in Christ, I am to just continue being bold in my purpose. I would like to collaborate with other public speakers and get as much practice as possible. I network at various events and having done craft shows I can get comfortable with speaking genuinely and not edited. (lol).
Contact Info:
- Website: conqueringyesterday.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/conquering.yesterday
- Facebook: Facebook.com/conquering.yesterday
- Other:instagram.com/_gracefulpromise facebook.com/_gracefulpromise
