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.
I spent 15 years of my life not trusting my intuition, and now I depend on it more than anything else. I encourage others to do the same. You know yourself better than anyone, and your inner voice is always your true north."
When I was growing up, I pictured one day having a family just like mine: a two-parent household, children, and the ability to stay home and raise those children. I didn’t have an extravagant childhood, but I was cared for and loved, and my parents provided a safe and warm environment for me. I wanted to be able to provide that for my own children, but as life sometimes happens, the family I had envisioned didn’t quite end up being the family I had.
Over the course of six and a half years, I became a mother to four wonderful babies, but other factors required me to make a difficult decision that, ultimately, redirected my dream. When my youngest child was 4, I became a single mom, which simultaneously brought freedom and fear.
It was my most important job to find healing for myself and my four children, while also learning to live independently, find employment after 12 years of staying home, and pay the bills! I was overwhelmed, but I was also free, and that freedom grounded me.
I have a degree in early childhood education, but when it was time for me to return to the workforce, I knew I wanted to go into the nonprofit field. I have always had a passion for community work and advocacy and decided I wanted to develop my skills and further my education. In 2020, I graduated with my master’s degree in public administration and nonprofit management, and I am currently the executive director at the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee.
I could have never envisioned this life, but I am grateful for the lessons I’ve learned, and I’m proud of the person I am today. I have an amazing support system and loving partner, and I have returned to trusting my inner voice. I depend on self-talk to slow me down, center me, and remind me of my priorities. I spent 15 years of my life not trusting my intuition, and now I depend on it more than anything else. I encourage others to do the same. You know yourself better than anyone, and your inner voice is always your true north.
Angela Ficca, Missonary Ridge
