Life is full of moments that force us to pivot. Getting married, having a baby, starting a new job, or even losing one can completely change the direction of your life. These experiences can help you grow or hold you back, depending on how you respond to them.
When you face them with fear or negativity, it can keep you from moving forward. In this episode, I sit down with Dshawn Russell, CEO of Southern Elegance Candle Company.
She opens up about the challenges she has faced and how she chose courage, awareness, and faith in the middle of uncertainty. Her story is a reminder that it is never too late to shift, grow, and redefine who you are.
Shownotes
Dshawn’s Journey of Pivots (02:06 – 04:26)
- She began her career in education and loved working with young people. But after turning 40, she felt a pull to do something different and decided to take a leap into entrepreneurship.
- Not long after, she became a mother. A few years later, she went through a divorce. Then, at 50, she made another major shift by returning to traditional employment after years of running her own business.
- With so many life changes in a relatively short time, you might think it would be impossible to keep it all together. But she never saw these pivots as failures or setbacks.
- To her, they were simply turns in the road. Each one required a small adjustment to stay aligned with the life she wanted to build.
Why Pivoting Is Hard & How to Overcome Fear (04:26 – 08:02)
- Dshawn discusses the deep fear of the unknown that holds many back from making big changes.
- Her advice: “Do it scared.” Don’t be afraid to push past societal expectations so you can play small. Instead, honor your inner voice.
Practical Steps to Start a Pivot (08:02 – 13:09)
- When considering a pivot, Dshawn suggests assessing your options, understanding your unique circumstances, and making the best choice for your current situation.
- She stresses the importance of making a decision, committing to it, and adapting as new opportunities arise.
Faith, Confidence, and Trusting Yourself Faith (13:09 – 18:40)
- Trust every version of yourself, including your past, present, and future, when making and adjusting decisions. Dshawn also emphasizes the importance of stopping comparisons with others and instead owning your accomplishments.
Redefining Failure and Final Words (18:40 – 21:14)
- Do not view failure as defeat. Instead, see it as a lesson that helps guide you in a new direction. Every step you take, even the hard ones, is part of your growth and is still moving you toward where you want to be in life.
“Sometimes you just have to make a choice based on the current situation that you are in and then make that decision, the right decision for you in that moment. Later on, you can make a different decision.” – Dshawn Russell.
Book a session with me.
Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or just not feeling yourself – let’s talk. Go to FortisMentisPsychiatry.com/help to schedule an appointment.
Resources
Connect with Dashawn Russell through Southern Elegance Candle Company for all your home fragrance needs, and be sure to tune in to her upcoming podcast, Grit and Good Sense, where she’ll dive deeper into topics of resilience, growth, and thriving through change.
Fortis Mentis Psychiatry