Human rights, leader, women, goals, success
As the new year begins, many
people are setting goals and resolutions to improve their lives. For some
women, this means refocusing on their own dreams and aspirations. But for
others, the start of a new year only brings added pressure and self-doubt. Why
is it that some women are so hard on themselves?
“Even at your lowest moments,
you still need to move forward,” encourages Jánelle Marina Méndez Viera, who
endured multiple adversities throughout her childhood and early adulthood. She
is now passionate about helping other women overcome challenges.
“Maybe you’ve been told not to
go for that risky job, or you’re afraid to relocate for your career because
you’re a mom. It’s OK to be scared while you’re trying to figure something out.
We all have moments when we don’t feel safe and comfortable. Risk taking throws
you out of your comfort zone. As long as you’re not in danger, that discomfort
will be part of your growth.”
Méndez Viera turned her
adversities into her life’s mission.
Méndez Viera endured many obstacles as a child and young adult, including
multiple forms of sexual violence and modern slavery, some of which happened
while she served in the military.
Now in her early 30s, she is
using those negative experiences to fuel positive changes. She has lobbied for
and achieved changes in nearly every level of government. She is an author,
academic researcher, human rights activist, entrepreneur and public speaker.
“This journey has cultivated a resilience and determination within me that I
hope to use to inspire others,” she says.
Méndez Viera says you, too, can
overcome anything. Here’s what kept her going.
For women who are struggling right now, Méndez Viera suggests taking some of
the same steps she followed. They include:
1. Believe in yourself and
don’t give up. “No one knows your strength and capabilities better than you.
Remain assured in your abilities and potential, despite any negative voices
around or within you. Read the stories of people who’ve come before you and
overcame similar adversities. This is extremely helpful during moments of doubt
and can provide reassurance when things are looking dim.”
Méndez Viera found role models
in confident women, some of whom paved the way for her own technological and
human rights achievements. “In the 1940s, Hedy Lamarr invented the ‘frequency
hopping’ technology that became Bluetooth. Eleanor Roosevelt was instrumental
in founding the United Nations. On a personal level, I had an aunt whose
unconditional love and support inspired me to be a more compassionate person.
And even though my own family was dysfunctional, I had friends who taught me
how to have healthy relationships.”
2. Take time for self-care.
“Healing emotionally and physically is integral to personal development. For
me, this meant regular exercise, meditation, therapy and ensuring a healthy
lifestyle. Find your go-to self-care activities and make them a regular part of
your routine, especially during the points that you want to give up.”
3. Reach out for help. “It can
be tempting to isolate oneself in difficult times, but I've found that reaching
out to support groups, psychologists and networks of individuals who have faced
similar experiences can be very helpful.”
READ MORE: What if nothing can be done wrong?
4. Become an ambassador of
change. “Activism provided me with a sense of purpose and passion. Use your
experience to influence changes that can help others with similar struggles so
that you are empowering others and making their journeys less painful and more
about healing.”
5. Never stop learning.
“Continual growth and education served as a beacon of light in my darkest
times. As an author and inventor, I found solace, purpose, and game-changing
dynamism in the pursuit of knowledge and innovation. Resources like PTSD support
groups, the Veterans Administration, counseling sessions, and various online
platforms such as Veterans Crisis Line can be of immense help during troubled
times.
“For me, reading research
reports regarding various social sciences helped me understand the societal
problems that caused my trauma. They empowered me to take meaningful actions
for advocacy that led to me authoring the Restoration of Honor Act of 2019.”
She emphasizes, “Sometimes
obstacles can be opportunities to learn more about yourself, and to create a
better path for your life. You can learn to thrive even during hard times.”
To learn more about Méndez
Viera, please visit www.JanelleMarinaMendez.com.
Jánelle Marina Méndez
Viera is a highly accomplished and dedicated professional, with a wealth of
experience in the field of human rights. She is a Puerto Rican American
Certified Human Rights Consultant, CEO of both Liberty Leaf AI and the Military
Sexual Trauma Movement, feminist human rights defender, interdisciplinary
social scientific autodidact theoretic researcher and smart money inventor. She
has made a significant impact in the areas of military and veterans’ rights.
Her impressive achievements include authoring and successfully lobbying for the
passage of the Restoration of Honor Act of 2012, the first-ever intersectional
legislation for military and veterans in U.S. history. She also succeeded in
lobbying for the establishment of the Independent Review Commission on Sexual
Assault in the Military.
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