Almost everything is multisided – including the occurrences that give us pain. So, we asked some of the most enlightened folks in the community to share how they have harnessed their pain to help rather than hurt them.

Charlie Waters

I think a lot of people quietly battle with self-worth. From my own experience, you can be told you’re loved a thousand times, but until you take ownership of your own value, it won’t stick. What helped me was creating three non-negotiable things I do every single morning—small actions that reinforce who I am and what I stand for. That routine helped me push through self-doubt and build real confidence. Facing adversity forced me to confront those struggles, and in the end, it gave me a stronger sense of security and a deeper belief in myself. Honestly, it turned out to be one of the best things that could have happened for me. Read More>>

Giselle Gonzalez

Many people know that I’m a huge bookworm, and as a mom of a 1-year-old, one of my biggest hopes is that my son will grow up sharing that same love for reading. I always have a book nearby—whether it’s a physical one or on my Kindle—and it’s something that brings me so much joy. Recently, I noticed him starting to pick up books on his own, flipping through the pages with so much curiosity. It made me feel insanely proud, because it was a reminder that children really do absorb everything they see around them, the good and the bad. Read More>>

Margaret Ying

Outside of work, the biggest source of joy honestly has been my little family. It is such a gift to watch my kids grow everyday and see the tiny new things they discover, like putting on shoes by themselves, or saying a new word. I used to get so excited about every little business win, but now the most exciting things to me have become the small milestones my kids reach. Read More>> 

Alex Lobos

It’s my personal relationship with God! My church family has also been a tremendous blessing for my spiritual growth. A lot of people have told me I look so peaceful and happy. They are drawn to my new energy! I’m honing my identity and know my purpose in life. It’s so fulfilling to live this way and totally worth sacrificing popularity for authenticity. For so long, I’ve hindered who I was for the sake of pacifying others. I was suffering the mental consequences of not being my true self.  Read More>> 

Lakesha Quarles

Right now, I feel like I’m being called to step into bigger leadership and visibility—to share my experiences, lessons, and voice on a larger platform. In the past, I sometimes held back, worried about whether I was “ready” or if my message would resonate. But I’ve realized that growth often lives on the other side of fear, and the very things that scare us are often the things we’re meant to do. Read More>> 

Raheim Fender

Well…some persons might not know but I am a serious action figure, comic and graphic novel collector. I am literally addicted to them. I currently have over two thousand figures and around five thousand comics and graphic novels majority of my collections are as old and even older than my baby brother and he’s thirty eight. I have recently started to collect Super 7 Ultimates Thunder Cats and Silver Hawks (Don’t judge me) lol. I have been asked why as an adult you collect toys and the truth is mainly for nostalgia. Read More>> 

Elizabeth blake-thomas

I’m going to make quite a bold statement here, I think people struggle with being honest about their feelings. This might be anything from feeling angry to hurt or exhausted and sad. As a society we don’t really allow the space to be honest about our feelings. There are repercussions for speaking out. As a Brit we are taught to “get on with it” and “have a stiff upper lip”. Read More>> 

Jen Rulon

When the alarm goes off, I rarely hit snooze. I get up, head to the kitchen, and start my morning routine by making coffee and prepping 32 ounces of water with lime and a teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt; hydration first, always. After that, I’ll brush my teeth, take care of a few personal things, and make the bed. Read More>>

Candace “Ms. Trill” Alston

Integrity is the most important characteristic to me because who you are when no one is looking. IS WHO YOU ARE!!! When someone shows you who they are believe them. Read More>>

D.L. Hannah

Definitely writing. There was a time when a college professor at Youngstown State University took an interest in my work. She asked me to write an essay for a project. I acquiesced to her request, yet stopped writing shortly after. Mentally, I wasn’t prepared to go where she wanted to take me.

It’s odd. I don’t remember her name, but I remember the look on her face once she realized that I was a good writer. I was very young…and scared. At the time, I was complacent with normalcy and staying under the radar. At that time, I didn’t have anyone to look out for–to fight for. Read More>> 

Lisa Rawling

As and individual and business I will have to say integrity. Why? Integrity helps us build a solid foundation of trust within our dynamic. Doing what’s right even behind the scenes, because what’s done in the dark always comes to light. I feel integrity helps me as a whole and and a business because I care deeply about the connection of my friends, customers, and my product. Read More>>

Duke Kroger

I’d have to truly say it’s what I’ve left behind on my own journey. I’ve had a lot of successful cooks and Sous Chefs that come to me or reach out down the line that found success in what they were taught or simple life lessons I was able to pass on. A kitchen is tribal, we’re all learning from our elders to try and right the path we’re on ourselves and avoid the pitfalls of those before us. I’ve had a lot of success being able to nurture good people, not just good chefs. Read More>> 

Diane Woodford

The first 90 minutes of my day are a sacred ritual an intentional practice of gratitude, presence, and self-awareness. My day begins with a resounding “THANK YOU!” Sometimes it’s a quiet whisper in my mind, other times I say it aloud, letting the sound fill the space around me and echo within. Either way, it grounds me in appreciation. Read More>> 

Carlene Levy

Lately, what brings me joy outside of work is spending quality time with family and friends. Whether it’s traveling to see my family, sharing laughter while having Sunday dinner, or catching up on life with my friends. These moments fill me with a sense of joy and gratitude. I’ve also found real fulfillment in surrounding myself with individuals who uplift, inspire, and encourage a growth mindset. Being in that kind of energy has helped me stay grounded and focused on the things that truly matter. Read More>>

Reverend Sol Flowa Nulah

That is a good question. I was about to say school, and although I certainly enjoy learning and expanding to be more intimate, I will save that. So, for me outside of work, I enjoy writing books. I have published 4 of my own books and 1 for a friend of mine, and I am finding a lot of joy in putting my wisdom and downloads into art to share with the world. I never was a kid that enjoyed reading coming up, but I did always enjoy writing, you could find me on any given day with a pen and a pad in my hand.  Read More>> 

Carolina Mejías

When I sit down, and I start to write, without thinking what is gonna be exactly, when is just the flow going through me, the pen and the words, sometimes turns in to poetry, sometimes lyrics, sometimes just a phrase that I bring with me the rest of the day. Another moment that helps me lose track of time and find myself again is when I travel, to a new city or can be also to a city that I already being before, and immerse myself in the culture, get lost around the streets and find myself again. Read More>>