Some of my biggest growth happened in moments of loneliness. I learned to trust myself, listen closely, and keep moving forward even when no one was clapping.

Growth can feel lonely when you're changing before others see it. I chose growth by stepping into discomfort; shifting from simply doing the work to thinking ahead, offering solutions, and trusting that the right people would eventually recognize the value.

You can't finish if you never start. Taking risks can build success, strengthen your confidence, and deepen your faith. My journey hasn't been easy, but God's purpose for my life is intentional. Take a leap of faith—and trust that God will carry you through.

Growth often requires choosing purpose over comfort. I learned that clarity comes when you keep moving forward, even when the path feels quiet.

I chose growth even when it felt lonely because I realized discomfort was proof I was outgrowing the room. Sometimes the quiet path is the one that leads you closer to who you're meant to become.

There were plenty of times where it would have been easier to just give up and stop trying, but I knew in my heart that I could not. Becoming a chef was a calling, not a career path. It was just something I had to do, even when at the time I started there were not many women in the industry. I did not choose it, it chose me.

Growth often meant walking ahead alone, but I learned that solitude can be a teacher, not a punishment. Every step forward clarified who and what truly belonged in my life.

Growth does not have to make you feel isolated. If you lead your life with the goal of making a positive impact on someone else's life and are humble enough to learn from others, you'll always be surrounded by people who are also growing like you.

The door to my growth opened with curiosity and the self-confidence that I had the capacity to manage the challenges ahead. I stepped through alone, trusting that what awaited on the other side was a path worth taking.

Growth only feels lonely when the people around you don't support you or a growth mindset. It is vital to surround yourself with peers and friends that not only support but encourage a growth mindset. Create a village of supporters that encourage your growth and celebrate it with you!

I chose growth by trusting that God was doing a new thing, even when the path felt lonely (Isaiah 43:19). I learned that solitude can be a teacher, not a punishment.

When one has a dream to do something to fulfill your life, don't let anything be an obstacle to let that dream come true.

I understood the teacher is quiet during a test. You can prepare for the test with others but you must take the test alone.

Choosing growth when it feels lonely is one of the most powerful ways to prioritize yourself. That loneliness often comes from outgrowing familiar spaces, patterns, or relationships. When it shows up, I remind myself to lean into the life I'm intentionally building—not just the one I'm currently experiencing.

It often involves stepping outside of your comfort zone and making decisions that others might not understand or agree with. Choosing growth in those moments can mean prioritizing your own values and goals, even when it feels like you're going against the tide.

Feelings are signals from our inner person. I meditate, reflect, and journal to identify what I need. Often, I just need to reach out to someone who cares and express myself.

Starting my MSN program while living overseas meant choosing growth without familiar support systems, but it strengthened my resilience and reaffirmed my commitment to nursing. In the quiet moments of isolation, I learned that growth often begins where comfort ends.

Growth required trusting my vision when others couldn't yet see it. Outgrowing familiar rooms was lonely, but it's how I created space for what's next.

Growth often asked me to walk alone, guided by something deeper than certainty. Through the practice of The Law Mentalism, I learned to let my heart override the voices that say stop—because my heart remembers what my soul already knows.

As a leader, I view growth as essential for better outcomes and leadership. When loneliness arises, it's a sign that I'm stepping toward something important. That's why it's great to have a support network.

Yes indeed, growth can sometimes feel lonely, very lonely. Unfortunately being in the winter of my life and beginning a new journey, one of my favorite quotes comes to mind, " A Prepared Mind Favors Chance". Be well prepared for any and every situation.

Your voice carries power because it's shaped by resilience, wisdom, and heart; trust it, and let it lead boldly. When women choose themselves and each other, they don't just rise; they change what's possible.

Growth can feel lonely when you're building something that doesn't exist yet. I learned that choosing growth means trusting your vision before others can see it. Growth is often lonely because it requires making decisions before you have validation. I chose growth by focusing on purpose, not comfort.

I've always chosen growth in every stage of my life - personally and professionally, even when it feels lonely, because the idea of being or staying stagnant would be a nightmare.

My greatest growth has often come in the moments I felt most alone. Those seasons didn't break me; they fortified my foundation and deepened the roots that now hold my strength.

I attribute my success to my faith and my commitment to remaining teachable. My faith provides guidance and purpose in every endeavor, while maintaining a teachable spirit allows me to learn from every experience, adapt to new challenges, and grow both personally and professionally

Sometimes growth means walking alone for a while but I trusted the vision I had for my life more than the fear of being misunderstood

When I first stepped into the political arena, I knew I was walking into a space that had not been built with women in mind. The corridors of power were lined with portraits of men, the language of leadership was steeped in masculine norms, and the unspoken rules often worked against those who didn't fit the traditional mold. Yet I also knew that change never comes from the sidelines; it comes from stepping into the arena, even when the odds are stacked against you. This is the story of how I overcame the barriers of being a woman in politics, not by conforming to the system, but by challenging it. Facing the First Hurdles The early days were the hardest. I encountered three recurring challenges: Stereotypes and Doubt: People questioned my competence before they even heard my ideas. I was told I was "too emotional" for leadership or that voters "weren't ready" for a woman in my position. Unequal Access to Networks: Many political opportunities are born in informal spaces (private dinners, golf outings, or closed-door meetings) where women are often excluded. Balancing Visibility and Scrutiny: While male colleagues could make mistakes without lasting damage, my missteps were magnified and dissected in ways that felt deeply personal. I learned quickly that in politics, you are not only judged by your policies but by how you carry yourself every single moment. Strategies That Helped Me Break Through Overcoming these challenges required both resilience and strategy. Here's what made the difference: Owning My Voice I stopped trying to sound like the men in the room and started speaking in a way that was authentically mine. My perspective as a woman wasn't a weakness; it was a strength that allowed me to connect with communities often overlooked. Building My Own Network Instead of waiting for an invitation to the table, I built my own. I formed alliances with other women in politics, grassroots organizers, and community leaders. Together, we created spaces where our voices could not be ignored. Turning Criticism into Fuel Every time someone underestimated me, I used it as motivation. I learned to anticipate the arguments against me and prepare responses that were not only persuasive but unshakable. Mentoring the Next Generation I realized that true change would come when more women entered politics. I began mentoring young women, helping them navigate the same barriers I had faced, so they wouldn't have to fight the same battles alone. The Victories That Matter Most Winning elections and passing legislation were important milestones, but my proudest victories were quieter: Seeing young girls attend my rallies and say, "I want to be like you." Watching women I mentored run for office and win. Knowing that my presence in the political sphere made it harder for anyone to claim that women "don't belong" in leadership. Conclusion: From Barrier to Bridge Overcoming the challenges of being a woman in politics wasn't about proving I could play by the old rules; it was about rewriting them. I learned that representation is not just symbolic; it changes the very nature of the conversations we have and the policies we create. The fight for gender equality in politics is far from over, but every woman who steps into leadership makes it easier for the next to follow. So here's my question to you: If the political world still feels like a closed door, what will you do to push it open for yourself and for those who come after you? If you'd like, I can also help you refine this into a more personal, memoir-style piece that includes vivid anecdotes from your own political journey. Would you like me to do that?

Choosing growth during a season that felt lonely required trust and patience. Over time, I came to understand that it was not a period of isolation, but one of reformation. Seasons of refinement are rarely comfortable or polished at the start, yet they serve a greater purpose. Through this process, growth becomes less about self and more about being shaped to serve, strengthen community, and contribute meaningfully to the lives of others.

Growth doesn't always come with a crowd and cheers. It can come from your quiet choices when no one is around to cheer, and I chose growth by trusting that becoming who I'm meant to be was worth walking alone for a while.

In the early stages of my career in a male-dominated industry, I focused on education before I began taking chances and embracing the possibility of "no." Without tenacity and courage, growth is not obtainable; success is far more meaningful when you know your heart is in it despite the fear.

When I was suddenly unemployed, I learned that growth often requires sitting with the discomfort of isolation and stress. I chose to view that quiet space not as a void, but as an opportunity to rediscover my own resilience and direction. I successfully turned a negative reality into an opportunity when I negotiated a new role for myself and now I have all I need in a part time role enabling me to also run my consulting business! Although I felt hurt and despondent at the time of my abrupt resignation, I am glad that my grit and resolve enabled me to begin a position that will be a lasting, impactful role for years to come!