Nine Truths
Your journey is unique, yet shared by many who carry past hurts into their careers and lives. Overcoming these challenges is possible—and I believe in your capacity to do so. Here are nine core beliefs I hold about your potential to find strength, meaningful relationships, and joy, no matter your past.
One
Your past isn’t permanent. No matter what you’ve been through, there’s hope for a joyful, fulfilling life. Focus on filling your life with practical skills, compassionate interpretations of challenges, supportive relationships, and purpose. You can build a future that transcends your past.
What can you do today to build the future life you desire?
Two
Joy and self-love aren’t reserved only for those who grew up in perfect environments. No matter how difficult your start, you can learn the skills and develop the mindset to bring more joy and love into your life, beginning with loving yourself.
What’s one way you can be kinder to yourself today?
Three
While you can't change the past, the pain and experiences you've lived through can fuel for your future growth. The challenges you faced in childhood expand your capacity to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that come with self-acceptance.
What strengths have you gained from overcoming past challenges?
Four
You are unique, and the world needs your voice. You deserve a life full of respect and appreciation. Start by shifting self-talk away from harsh critiques to compassionate and affirming messages. Respect and value yourself first, and others will follow.
How can you begin to replace self-criticism with self-respect?
Five
Surviving your childhood has given you a depth of empathy and resilience that enriches your career and relationships. This strength allows you to support others on their journeys and to connect with colleagues in ways that foster understanding.
How has your past made you a more empathetic and resilient leader?
Six
Every day at work is a chance to practice positive, effective ways of relating to yourself and others. Here, you can learn to be less reactive, more present, and a source of inspiration for your colleagues.
How can you turn today’s workplace challenges into opportunities for growth?
Seven
As you heal, people are naturally drawn to you. Your growing comfort in your own skin creates a safe space for others to be themselves, allowing you to inspire the best in everyone around you, from your team to your loved ones.
How can your journey to healing positively impact those around you?
Eight
Work can teach you resilience, self-acceptance, and joy, which you can bring into your personal and family relationships. By learning to respond to workplace triggers in healthier ways, you become a teacher and healer for those closest to you.
What skills from work can you apply to strengthen your family connections?
Nine
You are not alone. As you grow more comfortable with yourself and embrace your life, you’ll find that others are suffering in silence. Your wisdom and courage can become a beacon for others
who need healing too.
How can your healing journey become an inspiration for others?
Your Time is Now
These truths are just the beginning. Discover practical tools and deeper insights in my book Healing at Work: A Guide to Using Career Conflicts to Overcome Your Past and Build the Future You Deserve, with co-author Martha I. Finney. In this book, you’ll find guidance to transform workplace challenges into opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
© 2024 Susan Schmitt Winchester. All rights reserved.