Perspective & Advice for Those Facing Insurmountable Odds

Throughout our journey with Voyage, the one thing we have learned over and over is that hidden within every challenge is a blessing or opportunity. It’s up to us to determine whether a challenge we face will be a step back or the catalyst for a step forward.s

We had the honor of connecting with some of the city’s brightest female leaders and role models and we asked them our question of the month: What is the best advice you have for someone who feels like they are facing insurmountable odds.

Below, you’ll find their advice and links and other info so you can learn more about them, their work and how to connect with them. We’ll be interviewing many of these amazing women in the coming weeks, stay tuned.

Natalie Barnett | Motherhood & lifestyle blogger  | Part Time Florist

When I am faced with a challenge, whether it’s with my blog or other creative project, a social situation, or a long term goal I have, I find it rally helps for me to just physically step away from the project for a few minutes. If I have time to take a walk or just sit outside, I will squeeze that in. Even if just for a few moments. Then I come back to the challenge with fresh eyes and a better attitude in general.
Both my jobs require a creative eye and sometimes there are challenges that can be a bit stressful. If I’m at work struggling with a floral design or having issues creating content for a specific campaign, giving myself a few moments to just breathe and reevaluate the issue does wonders. You can’t force creativity, and sometimes you just get unto a rut of a funk where it seems impossible to move forward. Remember your “why” and remember that when it comes to any kid of creative work, your work is your own. Throw perfection out the window and HAVE FUN!
If you are facing a challenge right now, make a list, ask for help, keep a positive attitude, and remember that we are all going through something. Social media makes it seem like we all have our SH*% together, but no one does! You got this !

mymountainwild.com
@mymountainwild

Demetria “Demi” Harvey | content creator and community builder

Never let fear of the future stop you from building relationships, chasing big ideas, and living a life that is true to you.

@demisassypants
@demisassypants
Pinterest: @demisassypants
@shoesoffplease
soundcloud.com/shoesoffpleasepodcast

Jillian Taylor | Travel Advisor

@yourtayloredexperience @yourtayloredexperience

My mom always told me “this too shall pass.” You just have to take it one step at a time. A pint of ice cream when it’s all done doesn’t hurt either.

youtube.com/channel/UCbcskz1wftKJ1d0ltrzkdlw?view_as=subscriber
@yourtayloredexperience 

Molly Waters | Marine Scientist | Scuba Assistant Instructor | Occasional Professional Mermaid

I’ve often been confronted by challenges that feel insurmountable. When I come across this, I remind myself it’s just a feeling, not a reality. Reality is planning and executing, guess and check. I find that I have to come up with a general outline be it on paper, in my head or through research. You don’t have to take on a challenge all at once, and most times you don’t have to take it on by yourself!

A physical challenge I’ve had to overcome required fast planning and action. I had to hold my breath and swim down and back in a pool. It’s a requirement for professional mermaids and scuba professionals. I had to make a quick plan, how would I swim, hold my breath, use my hands, all of these things and more need to be taken into consideration when holding your breath and swimming. It gets easier as you practice, but the day I was required to do it, I hadn’t practiced for months. It took me two try’s to get down and back in the pool on one breath. My calf muscles burned, my brain screamed to expel carbon dioxide and I told them both to shut up and wait 30 more seconds.

I’ve had to overcome challenges with communication, teaching and learning. As a scuba instructor it’s not uncommon to meet nervous students. It’s important for me to understand where they’re coming from. I don’t know if they’ve had a bad water experience that they may not share with me. I share my feelings in hopes they’ll open up. It’s extremely important for me communicate safe dive practices in several different ways to allow for total understanding. Each student I meet is a challenge and a learning experience.

Finding a way to tackle your specific challenges requires time, patience and flexibility. If you can cultivate a network of helpful people, they can usually provide insight and alleviate pressure. If a network isn’t available to you, it’s important to make a plan that you can try to execute. Don’t forget, it’s ok to fail so we can learn, and try again. Challenges were made to teach us a lesson. I hope you’re paying attention and learning.

@wanderinwaters
@hubblesdiscoveries
milehighmarinebiologist.travel.blog/2019/07/15/welcome-to-my-blog

Sarah Krebs | Content Creator & Blogger

The best advice I can give to someone who is facing a challenge they feel is insurmountable is to ask for help and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. There is no “one size fits all” approach to the many challenges that we will face in our lifetime. You’re going to need a different approach whether it’s a challenge you’re facing in your career versus one that’s deeply personal, but one thing that holds true in both is the ability to know when to speak up and ask for help. No one is perfect and you can’t compare your step 3 to someone else’s step 33… so accepting where you are at and being okay with it is a great first step, seeking support and then connecting with others is going to help you get through whatever challenge you may be facing. You are not alone in your challenge!

lashestolullabies.com
@lashestolullabies

Alina | Holistic Health Coach

We all face difficulties that we think we cannot overcome, but we are all capable of things that we never thought we could be. My advice would be to persevere, manifest the positive results that will occur once you overcome the insurmountable. Use your power and determine that you want the end goal more than anything else!

@alina_sep
linktr.ee/alina_sep

Megan Elizabeth | Hiker and Occupational Therapist

Take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Can you solve your problem one step at a time, things will seem a lot less daunting that way.

@denvermegs 

Sara Murphy & Jennie Teeters | Craft cookie couriers

iamcaitlinrose.com @iamcaitlinrose

When approaching a task that feels insurmountable, take the end goal and break it down into smaller goals. Take it one task at a time, one step at a time and one minute at a time. Never be afraid to ask for help and lean on your support system. The people around you are almost always will to lend a helping hand, give advice and help you reach your goals!

theflourshopcolorado.com
@theflourshopcolorado   
@theflourshopcolorado

Courtney Y. Jones | MMFT (Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy)
Relationship Coach & Speaker

First, remember your wins, and know you have everything you need within you to get through this situation. Now it’s about pulling it out of you and moving with inspired action. I would encourage the person to trust their self. Let’s first deal with the fear. Time spent centering yourself and your mind is doing the work to calm the emotion. Visualize the outcome you desire, and when you have worked through the fear listen within for the next step. Everything starts in the mind with a thought, meditate on seeing the other side of the obstacle and once you do the mental work, the body will follow. Life will find a way to get you to the desired end, just begin in the mind and listen within.

createdtoconnect.com
@createdtoconnect

Jennifer Mackenchery | Special Education Teacher | Food Blogger

Whenever I am facing a challenge that I feel is insurmountable, the important thing for me is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present and aware of where we are and what we’re doing at the moment, without feeling overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. When you’re constantly in your own head, worrying about whether or not you’ll be able to face your challenge, fear and anxiety can take over. Thoughts like, “What if I fail?” or “What if it takes me forever to get past this?” can run on a constant loop through your head, and will only make the challenge you’re facing feel more overwhelming. Instead, live in the moment. Ask yourself, “Can I do anything to improve my situation right now?” and if the answer is yes, do that thing! Setting small, reasonable goals for yourself will make the larger challenge feel more manageable. Once you begin experiencing success with your smaller, short-term goals, you’ll be able to be more present in the moment, without constantly worrying about the challenges ahead of you. You need to be able to enjoy the little things in life, even when you’re facing a challenge, and mindfulness is the key to doing just that. And….when all else fails, eat some chocolate. Chocolate fixes everything.

@juanabay_eats
allthesweetsandothereats.com

G | Corporate Master Teacher Trainer for Rush Cycle | Home Studio Rush Cycle Highlands & Highlands Ranch in Denver | AKT Instructor at AKT Cherry Creek Denver

@sp_creative @spalandeng

Conflict Creates You. When your back’s against the wall you are given a rare opportunity to meet who you are and decide who you are going to become. Facing an insurmountable challenge is a blessing. It is the most precious gift. There is no other moment in life that can equal the powerful energy that fear mixed with excitement and a lot of fight can give you. When I was a singer/dancer/actor in NYC I had many of these moments where I felt as though all my plans were laughable as I stared at an ever growing line of 300 girls all taller and more talented than me. When I damaged my vocal chords and had to completely change my career I couldn’t imagine that there was anything left for me. When I left my second career because I felt as though I could become more in a much riskier situation I felt like I had made the biggest mistake of my life everyday. What kept me going was this idea that the conflict was the catalyst to the next big glorious moment. I credit 1st Phorm Business Entrepreneur and MFCEO Project Host and creator Andy Frisella who changed my perspective on the impossible.

In that moment when the thought of taking another step seems impossible – instead of focusing on how difficult everything is focus on how great you are becoming. Conflict Creates You.

@thegeeforce
open.spotify.com/user/1219847815?si=5jrFSnHgQLecFCJ5lU9PmA

Stephanie Castellanos | Student & Photographer

Think about all the things you already been through that you thought you couldn’t handle and then you did it! It’s a part of life going through these obstacles just push through them and try your hardest it’s never going to be easy getting to where you want to be.

@Travel_w.sc 
@travelwsc

Breanne Elle | Blogger | Designer | Baker | Founder of LiveYBS

My best advice for anyone facing challenges is to go at them head on and don’t be afraid of the challenge! We as people are taught to get down or even feel overwhelmed when things don’t go our way but the truth is our egos are the challenges we face in our journeys. If you can avoid allowing your ego to consume you, then you’ll see that it was never something insurmountable in the beginning.

@abstract_b_
@abstract_b_
abstractmomentswithb.wordpress.com

Ashlyn Ortiz | Model with SWMT Agency

Challenges are only a test of your mind and heart. When you set your mind and your heart to achieve your aspirations, any challenge can be overcome. You may face many challenges while you chase your dreams, but the hardships along the journey make the destination even more worthwhile.

@ashlynorttiz

Ashley OWinter | Jacket & Event Designer

@photography_wn

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” Dolly Parton

To all my fellow warriors out there, remember your story only gets better the more shit you go through. When it all feels like too much, get outside – alone – without devices – and just be! We’re always fostering connections with others but the most important connection is with oneself. When we’re tapped into our needs, desires, and creativity any challenge can be overcome.

WINTERASH.com 
@winterash_

Stephanie Wilson | children’s book author

Keep pushing through! It’s not always easy and there’s no guarantee you won’t fall, but we learn more from our failures than our successes. It’s all worth it in the end!

mylittlestspoon.com
@mylittlestspoon

Erinn Peet Lukes | songwriter | singer | activist

My best advice is act. Don’t let the mountain keep you from climbing- everyday we have limited time, so dedicate small amounts of time each day to your goal. I see so many people get bogged down with the challenges that lie in the reality of achieving their dreams or the reality of a hard situation. But it can’t all be done at once- chip away at your dreams and challenges, manage your time, and prioritize what activities, people and ideas are important to you!

thunderandrainmusic.com 

Shelby Jonse | caterer

The best advice I have for someone who is facing a challenge they feel is insurmountable is: to keep pushing forward. We may not always succeed in the way we planned but honestly I would rather try and fail then never try at all. I have learned more from my mistakes and missteps than I ever did playing it safe and that is true for life and business.

wanderandgraze.com
@wanderandgraze
@wanderandgraze

Sara Sisty, LCSW, RYT | Psychotherapist and Yoga Instructor

The best advice I can give to someone facing an insurmountable challenge, first and foremost is to pause, and breathe! Get yourself grounded in the present moment! Root yourself down into the support of the earth (literally sit down), and just be present with what is showing up for you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Mindful connection between your body and mind can be accomplished through meditation, and breathing exercises. Once your mind is clear, you will have a better ability to focus on your most important challenges.

Additionally, remember that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! We all struggle at some point or another, and it’s so important to know that no matter what you are dealing with, others are likely facing something similar. It’s okay to ask for support when you need it. Connection is key!

enlightened-counseling.com
@sara.sisty.lcsw 

Amber VanDenBerg | Real Estate Broker Owner | Fix and Flip expert | Entrepreneur and Mother

I’ve always looked at challenges in my life as huge opportunities of GROWTH! I believe it’s all about your mindset and you welcome what you constantly think about so watch yourself. Your mind is a magnet. If you think of blessings, you attract blessings, if you think of problems you attract problems. Always cultivate positive thoughts and always remain optimistic. We get what we think always! One thing I have realized is that everything always ends up working out. Sometimes it’s even better than you can imagine. Remember this when you feel like you’re being challenged the most.  Have faith and believe in where your journey is taking you and see the bigger picture!

nestwiselyhomes.com
@nestwiselyhomes  
@amber_vandenberg
Amber@nestwiselyhomes.com

Priscila Goldenberg | Personal shopper for baby essentials

Never give up, the solution may not come to you immediately but, with time, you will find the answer. Don’t be afraid of trying something out of your comfort zone.

@prigoldenberg 
pgoldenberg.com

Staci Gardner | Florist at Stems by Staci

When a challenge feels overwhelming I always split the task into daily achievable goals. No matter how small they might seem, those daily goals add up and make it easier to see the end result without feeling discouraged. I like to write them on a big chalkboard in my kitchen so they are visible throughout the day as a reminder that I’m making progress even when I feel like I’m not!!

@StemsByStaci 

Kristi Trujillo | Yoga Instructor

@jes_kphotography

When things feel like you can’t take it any more or you can’t even begin to think how you’re going to make it out, just know this moment, what you’re feeling and experiencing is temporary and trust that it will pass. I know it’s hard to believe that when you’re in the thick of it, but lean into that feeling of discomfort. Feel the pain, the hurt, anything else that is going on and acknowledge that you’re doing the best you can with what you have. I use my breath to come back to myself by placing one hand on my heart and the other on my belly. I tell myself that I am safe and that what’s going on right now won’t be forever.

@Kristi.drishti 
@kristidrishtiyoga

Alexandria Thibodeaux | Relationship Coach for Highly Sensitive People

Ask yourself these questions:

Is the outcome of the challenge in alignment with your core values and the lifestyle you truly want to live?
Is your desire to journey through and complete this challenge in honor of your own desires and personal, self-fulfillment OR in honor of the fulfillment and desires of others?
Is your desire to journey through and complete this challenge rooted in societal expectations and norms as opposed to your own personal guidelines that reflect how you want to cultivate your own reality?
Are the requirements throughout the journey to achieve this challenge infringing on your mental health and well-being, causing you chronic anxiety and/or depression?
Are you looking at this challenge through a polarized view? A polarized view is a very limited, non-expansive view. Here’s some examples:
“The outcome of this challenge either HAS to be executed this SPECIFIC way – in this order, in this time frame, with these guidelines, etc., or not at all.”
“If I don’t do this, it WILL mean THIS and ONLY this.” OR “If I do complete this challenge, it WILL mean THIS, and ONLY this.”
Will the outcome of the challenge protect your peace OR does it neglect your peace, hindering your joy, growth, and fulfillment?
In the amazing words of Brené Brown, are you choosing courage over comfort? Or comfort over courage?
Do these things:
Accept what’s true to be true in any given moment – it takes the pressure off of HAVING to feel a certain way about setbacks or confusion.
Write every day about the challenges you’re facing to gain a better intrinsic understanding of what you’re feeling in those confident & tough moments. This will allow you to emotionally & visually reflect & analyze your feelings, thoughts, and emotions throughout the process of completing this challenge.

Alexandriathibodeaux.com 
@lexandriathibodeaux 

Heidi McNulty | Photographer | Graphic Designer

My main motivation for overcoming challenges is my dog. I would do anything for her. When I’m down and she jumps on my lap and licks my face, it somehow reminds me that life isn’t so hard after all.

heidimcnulty.com
@heidimcnultyphotography

Tara Stravinsky | Founder & President

My advice would be to change your perception of the challenge.  Often times, the biggest barrier to success is ourselves. If we think it’s insurmountable, then it is.  If you think you can’t overcome the challenge, then you can’t.  But if you shift your perception to thinking that you can overcome the challenge, then you can. You have the ability to conquer any challenge you want.  You just need to believe in yourself and surround yourself with people that believe in you.

tyesbytara.com 
@tyesbytara
@gettyed 
@tyesbytara   
linkedin.com/company/tyesbytara  youtube.com/channel/UCagNKMhxRYJyy9UXo0v8ONw

Charis Lee | Esthetician

The best advice I have for someone facing a challenge that is insurmountable would be to completely throw out the idea that anything is truly insurmountable! Yes, it may feel like something you can not manage or overcome but you can. You keep your eyes on what you want your future life to look like and you wake up each day knowing your “why”. Why are you doing what it is your doing and is it assisting you in getting closer to reaching your dream life that you deserve? If not let it go and if so push through and get it done by any means necessary. Life is tough and it is not fair but the only option you have is to play the cards you’ve been dealt in the best way you can. Work on yourself each day and aim to do something today that makes you better than what you were yesterday!

@charislee_303

Jaclyn Thompson | Permanent Makeup Technician and Lash Artist

Don’t be afraid to start. One small step or small change can lead to big results over time. Keep pushing yourself and stay focused even when it’s uncomfortable. Understand that you will stumble, the path to success is paved with mistakes and disappointment. Successful individuals had failures first, but they didn’t give up. Find the lessons and you will learn so much about yourself and others. Always try and enjoy the journey. You already know deep down that you can do it, believe yourself and go for it!

@denverlashandbrow
denverlashandbrow.com

Ashley Joy Lamar | Pilates Studio Owner & Instructor

@sethbeckton

The best advice I have for anyone facing a challenge that feels insurmountable is to face it head on! I have personally been blessed to experience this feeling and got to climb a really big mountain that felt insurmountable to climb. I am beyond thankful for where I am today and I’m on the other side of the beautiful big mountain! I hope to inspire anyone, to own who you are, be true to oneself, face your biggest mountains head on and live a beautiful life!

@ashleyjoyfull  
@nocopilatesgirls 
nocopilates.com 

Diana Crandall | Writer and Photographer

When I’m facing something that feels impossible, I identify the parts of it I can control, and the parts I can’t — and then make peace with the latter. My Dad died when I was 15 and dealt with substance abuse disorders throughout his life. For years I felt guilty that I hadn’t been a better daughter, someone worth living for — and moving forward in life without a father seemed incomprehensible to me. But over time, I realized there is no way we can control the behavior of other people, and it isn’t my fault that he died. What I can control is how I process his legacy, my loss, and the gifts he left me — namely, a love for nature. As an adult, I’ve written about and photographed the natural world for publications around the world, and moved across the country to Colorado because my love for the outdoors runs so deep. I took control of parts of my pain and am writing my own story. But there are parts of that pain out of my hands — which means a lot of letting go, therapy, and incredible friends and family.

dianacreports.com
@dianacreports