Loving Yourself Through Life’s Mosaic: A Journey in Mental Health

In her song Testify, Dianne Reeves sings:
"So sweet the journey when you learn to love yourself, accept yourself, forgive yourself, respect yourself, believe in yourself, be yourself; with amazing grace as your constant friend."

This beautiful piece of music, sung by one of my favorite vocalists, resonates deeply with how I view life at this age and stage. These words capture the freedom I now experience—freedom from anger, fear, and self-doubt. My mind is at ease, and as Reeves says, "I don’t regret yesterday, for yesterday made me who I am today."

Those words reflect the essence of why I entered the field of clinical mental health. Yesterday may have handed me unwanted gifts, but with the right perspective, I now see them as pieces of a larger mosaic—a mosaic that continues to evolve, shaped by every new experience life offers.

The Impact of Yesterday

As an adolescent, I experienced the sting of bullying, which diminished my self-esteem and took me to a dark place which included me even attempting to take my own life. Gratefully, I was unsuccessful. However, the residue from those painful experiences lingered, influencing my self-image well into my undergraduate years. No matter how many times others told me I was beautiful or worthy, I couldn’t see it for myself.

Although I still struggle, I understand that while those yesterdays shaped me, they do not define me. They illuminated my purpose, though I wouldn’t be honest if I said I lived without regret. Regret is a natural part of being human. But I’ve learned that how we process our experiences is far more important than the experiences themselves.

A Journey of Purpose

My passion for helping others stems from my journey of healing. It also draws from my unique educational and professional background. As a recent graduate of Northwestern University (2023) with a Master’s in Counseling, combined with a Master’s in Christian Practice from Duke Divinity and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech from Morgan State University, I bring an integrated approach to my work.

Over the past 30 years, my career in public relations and crisis communication has been about helping people navigate challenges, achieve goals, and find safe spaces to process life’s storms. Those experiences, coupled with my own life’s trials. Now, with my education in behavioral health, I have added to and solidified my passion for working with people—especially in the mental health space—who are dealing with life stressors, anxiety, or early signs of depression.

My Approach: A Blend of Passion and Compassion

Through what I now know is a person-centered and existential lens, I seek to continue to meet people where they are, helping them uncover their strengths and guiding them toward self-reflection, acceptance, and resilience. My approach integrates professional expertise with a heart for humanity, no matter if it's with an actor managing their brand, a pastor effectively communicating their mission, or a young girl needing to see the beauty in herself.

Like a mosaic, every experience—good or bad—contributes to the masterpiece of your life. My goal is to help others see their mosaic for what it is: a work in progress, shaped by grace, resilience, and self-belief.

To anyone reading this who may feel like they’re struggling to piece their puzzle together: 

Three Pieces of Advice for Piecing Your Puzzle Together

1. Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination
   Life is a mosaic of experiences—some beautiful, others challenging. Instead of focusing solely on achieving a "perfect" picture, take time to appreciate the process. Each piece, even the ones that seem out of place, contributes to your growth and story. Allow yourself grace as you navigate the ups and downs, and trust that every piece has a purpose.

2. Seek Connection and Support
   You don’t have to put your puzzle together alone. Surround yourself with people who uplift, encourage, and hold space for you. This could be a trusted friend or colleague, family member, therapist, or support group. Talking about your struggles can offer new perspectives and remind you that you are not alone in your journey.

3. Focus on One Piece at a Time
   When life feels overwhelming, break it down into manageable steps. Just like assembling a puzzle, tackle one section at a time instead of trying to solve everything at once. Celebrate small victories, and remind yourself that progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Patience and persistence will guide you toward clarity.

Remember, your mosaic is beautiful, even in its unfinished state. Together, we can uncover its brilliance.

Let’s talk about it!