Baring It All (No not that way): Transforming What Hurts to What Helps
The first time I peeled back the cover of the book, “Succulent Wild Woman” in the nineties, I became an avid fan of SARK. Unabandoned self-acceptance resonates deeply within me in both my personal life and my business endeavors. So, after receiving an emailed challenge to transform something that hurt into something that helped, I decided to write this blog.
Like many, I come from a tumultuous background. Kept out of school to work with a carnival for year at age eight, barely escaping a terrible fire and popping though a car windshield at age nine, abandoned in the country at ten, homeless at twelve, all cumulating in a drugged family member trying to kill me in my teens, poses quite the family history.
For many years I was embarrassed and mortified to share details about my upbringing. Even today, I still hesitate before sharing because there are people who judge me harshly based on these happenings beyond my control. However, here’s the thing; because of this history, I am extremely solution-oriented in every aspect of life. Whatever problem gets thrown at me, I’m confident I can tackle it successfully. For example, when finding myself homeless while attending high school, I was still able to work the midnight shift at a fast food joint, get to school and earn scholarships to college. Challenging. Yes. Impossible. Not even close.
Although I can’t begin to count all of the positives I’ve gained through a rocky youth, I am most thankful for my solution-oriented, problem solving abilities instead of getting hung up on problems or feeling like a victim. I know that with enough drive, research and work, I will find the solutions.
This creative problem solving ability has provided me with the skills to accomplish goals such as getting my first management job running a limousine company at the age of 20 to increasing profits 300% within nine months at a Girl Scout retail store to training supervisors in leadership skills at a multi-million dollar call center. Am I proud of my accomplishments? Of course.
My experiences have provided me with a toolbox full of rare, useful tools to utilize in a myriad of situations. However, the six years I decided to devote myself to teaching business communication to at-risk youth in public high school allowed me to most directly share my experiences. I know I made a positive impact and was actively thankful for my history because of this. What I learned, however, is that my life was made so much richer for knowing these teens. Now that I’m back in the business world, I have constant inspiration and a more varied taste in music.
And now? I live my life doing my best to make the world a better place every day…in business and in life. And this is one of the many things I’m thankful for this season. Best wishes to you this Thanksgiving and beyond.
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Beautiful, thank you!
Wow, what a brave fantastic lady you are. Amazing!
I found you through the Sark challenge, which I will do too.
Thank you for sharing with honesty. Lifted my hopes to look wider.
Thanks x
Thank you, Jayne. I believe we all have a story. I look forward to learning yours. You made my day with your kind comments. Best wishes to you today and always!
Thank you, Lani. I appreciate your kindness. This one was a tad difficult to post. Best wishes to you today and always. Smiles.
Miki,
What a gift you share with others by telling your story. In my darkest hours, I found hope as I listened to the stories of others who had overcome their nightmares. When I recognized all the beauty that they had created from their challenges, I knew I could do the same—and did. I hope you will continue to write from your soul. We need you!
Misa, thank you for your kind words. This means much coming from you. It’s obvious that you bring a special light to the world. Best wishes.
There is nothing to be embarrassed about in your post. You should be extremely proud. I don’t think people can truely be happy until they are able to find the positives in negative situations and find peace with whatever is thrown at them. Good for you
Thank you, Ashlei. Wise words. Smiles to you and best wishes today and always.
Hi Miki, I found your blog through SARK’s challenge as well. I’m a copywriting and “digital media buzz-icist” so I love the angle of your blog. I’m not shy (quite the opposite ha!) but there are a lot of marketers who are shy and you give a refreshing new spin on marketing. I’ll definitely have to follow your blog.
I loved reading your blog – honest and sincere. Our experiences are what make us who we are. I also come from a turbulent household/childhood and we all have our own ghosts and challenges. That’s awesome about your successes and how you’ve helped at-youth risk. I’m so glad I found you via SARK’s site.
Therese, plain and simple, I think we could be friends. Ok, I admit that your kind words and flattery are appealing. But, believe it or not, I most value people who speak the truth, albeit kindly. I think what draws me is your phrasing. Your word choices and imaging reflect the powerful force within. Know that, should you too participate in the challenge, I will be lining up to read to read your work. Thank you for the kindness and validation. Best wishes to you today and always, my friend.
Miki,
You are absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing your story. I know how hard it can be to decide to share of yourself in this way … your story is one of strength and triumph. It is a testament to the person you have become. Our experiences don’t make us who we are, it is how we handle those experiences that shapes and molds us. Again, thank you for sharing. Oh, and rock on
Darlene, you are such a powerful force in this world, shedding light wherever you go. Thank you for your kind words. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for being your wonderful self. Best wishes always!
now THAT’S resilience. Amazing.
and so creative.
creativity, i’m convinced IS resiliency.