Motivating Stories from Local Women
Every woman has a story to tell, and no two stories are alike. Meet the women who have persevered through challenges and tribulations and come out the other side stronger than ever.
These unique individuals have seen their fair share of adversity but continue to inspire those around them with the lessons they have learned and their love of life. Read on for four truly motivating stories by the women who experienced them firsthand.
If we learn to be okay with who we are and be open to the many possibilities this life has to offer, we will find that balance we are all looking for. It just takes willingness to go find it.
Photos taken on location at Wildflower Tea Shop & Apothecary
As we all know, life can be a challenge and forever changing. Three years ago, I found myself in a place I never thought I would be. I was becoming a single mom with two children and starting my life over at 47. I had never in my life been afraid or felt insecure, but suddenly I was in very unfamiliar territory and didn’t know what to do. I was working full-time, rebuilding a life for me and two very impressionable young adults, dealing with the effects of divorce, and learning how to manage everything alone after 24 years of marriage.
It took a couple of years, but I realized I wasn’t managing anything well. It felt like my life was completely out of balance, and all I had been doing was surviving. I was given some great advice from a dear friend and quickly learned that I had to create balance in my life. In the process of creating that balance, I adopted intentionality in my life and began to move forward with a completely different mindset.
I began looking deep into myself and working on my spiritual life, which quickly gave me perspective on what was important to me. Spending time studying the Bible and growing in my faith now sets the tone for my day and how I handle daily stressors.
I also incorporated a more conscious effort with my nutrition and exercise routine, and I began operating from my calendar to control what has my attention. I’ve learned to be very focused and intentional about what I allow to have my attention in all areas of life. This has taught me to delete the things from my schedule that distract me from my goals. I plan my workweek before it starts and put the most important items on my calendar as appointments, and I also add exercise and devotion to my calendar to keep those priorities in my day.
When we are willing to be alone and really learn who we are and what makes us react the way we do, we can find some of the greatest peace in daily life. If we learn to be okay with who we are and be open to the many possibilities this life has to offer, we will find that balance we are all looking for. It just takes willingness to go find it.
Tara Konrad, Ringgold
