Ep. 9: Running your own race with Brandy Shavon.

We often struggle with pursuing a path where we’re met by rejections and difficulties. But most of the time, rejection simply means redirection. Afterall, nothing great comes easy. 

In this episode, Brandy Shavon, LCSW, host of Crazy Counselor Podcast, and Founder of Pearls of Esther, Inc. chats with us about finding purpose behind unexpected open doors. 

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR: 

How Brandy recognized her purpose through her innate desire to help others [1:54] 

• The evolution of her dreams—from being an attorney, forensic psychologist, to what she does now 

• How she applied to five psychology programs and got rejected by all of them 

• How serving in prison ministry touched her life 

• Realizing that redirection may sometimes disguise as rejection; redirection may actually lead you to your purpose 

• You don’t have to be a doctor or a lawyer to make a difference

The haze of doing social work [8:53]

• Getting rid of the imposter syndrome 

• Fighting misinformation 

Social work’s impact on Brandy’s life [19:20]

• Having the knowledge of seeing too much makes you intentional about work 

• Recognizing that imperfections are okay as long as you take actions to correct them

“I will not allow my past to speak from my present” [22:09]

• Becoming self-aware 

• Verbalizing negative thoughts and processing them 

• The struggle to constantly believe that “you are enough” 

The path towards your purpose [25:39]

• Starting with what you’re passionate about 

• Resisting the societal pressure asking “what should you be doing?” 

• Everyone has purpose—God gave you one upon birth 

• Remembering that you can’t do things on your own for your purpose is bigger than you

Advice to younger self and to others pursuing their purpose [35:32] 

• Do it on your pace to avoid burnout; there’s a timing for everything 

• If you have 10 goals, do them one at a time  

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self-Love by Alex Elle

Listen to I Was Here by Beyoncé

CONNECT WITH BRANDY 

Follow her on Instagram

Listen to the Crazy Counselors podcast

Visit her website

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