introversion vs extraversion
My story is important because it is a story of hope, resilience, courage and a drive to pull myself out of a childhood of poverty, welfare, abuse, foster care system to rise to graduating from college and then earning my Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame Law School. I have so many stories within my story that I believe will inspire, encourage and bring hope to those who may feel hopeless and despair.
People face different challenges throughout their lives, many of which are difficult to overcome. Sometimes, these challenges can overlap due to a variety of experiences. Learning how to overcome them, then, is a process. Sharing our stories can be an outlet through which we can release our truth, and a way for others to learn from our experiences find their own truth.
The main challenge of mine has been a sense of shame, embarrassment and humiliation. I've always tried to conceal my identity, which includes my childhood and my Latinidad. However, as I approach 50 years of age, the more I realize how important it is to step into my truth, reclaim my identity and self-worth. I now desire to share it with others so that they may find healing and hope. My spiritual life and resourcefulness to solicit the support and mentorship of others has been a key to overcoming many obstacles and achieving success.
Personally, I would consider myself courageous.
The definition of courage is: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. From living in a camper on a truck, to foster care homes, to being the first to graduate from high school, to stepping on a college campus, to taking the Bar Exam to practicing law and so much more in my life - I have had to be courageous. I have done so much while scared, but have had to persevere in order to succeed. I still do many things, scared, but I don't allow the fear to prevent me from acting.
We may look to certain people for influence in our endeavors, to find a sense of support in our deepest challenges.
My personal relationship with God has been the most important relationship I have ever had. He is the one who has carried me through every storm and brought the right people and the right time.
In the process of experiencing challenge and difficulty, we learn a lot about ourselves. I have learned that my life journey, with all of its ups and downs, good and bad, failures and successes have been an important part of my developing deep empathy, compassion and love for my fellow man. I have an insatiable hunger to use my story for the blessing of others. If a little ghetto girl like me could survive all the trauma, so can others.
I’ve had many challenges in life: a rough childhood in a lower middle-class family, severe introversion, fear and lack of commitment and direction, depression, lack of self-esteem, and many others. In general, I have overcome them in the past and am continuing to overcome them today through faith and perspective. Faith teaches me that there's a greater good if we choose to see and experience it. It keeps in perspective the mundane trials and tribulations that hammer away at our happiness every day, and thereby ensures that we keep what's truly important at the top priority.
Sharing my story is important because it resonates with so many other's stories. I'm like everybody else - I've had and will continue to have my struggles. My intent isn't to put myself on a pedestal, it’s more to let others know that it's okay to struggle. Suffering and strife make us better and stronger. It's also to let others know that it's okay to admit that their lives aren't perfect, just as mine isn't. But perfection shouldn't be a goal, because it's unattainable, yet so many of us beat ourselves up for not attaining it. My intent is to encourage others to appreciate the whole journey, all the ups and downs, more than the destination. Journeys define us; destinations simply set the direction.
There are so many people who have been influential and supportive throughout my journey, and I hesitate to get too religious, but I’d be dishonest if I didn’t say Jesus Christ was one of them. In practical terms, He suffered much but always saw the beauty in His fellow men. He inspired hope in the less fortunate. He gave the downtrodden a reason to be joyful. He forgave those who did him the most harm. Regardless of one's religion, most would agree that these values and attributes are ones we should all strive for to bring fullness and appreciation to our lives. Though there are many other great examples of people who have done these same things and lived through just as trying experiences, to me, Jesus sets the standard to which the rest are measured.
Through all the challenges I’ve faced, I’ve learned that I can overcome a lot of adversity. Not because I am strong necessarily, but because I’ve learned to appreciate the lessons and resulting personal growth that come from it, and there is much in this life for me to be thankful for.
