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.

We had the honor of connecting with some of the city’s brightest 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 individuals in the coming weeks, stay tuned.

Sara Snyder | MBA grad turned SAHM of 3 littles, working from wifi sharing my love for non-toxic, anti-aging beauty products

My advice is two-fold:
1) Find someone you can relate to, who has walked the walk, has achieved what you are looking to do and connect with them. Meet them for coffee, lunch, a glass of wine, etc. I have found having a mentor in all aspects of life is only beneficial. Before moving to Phoenix to pursue an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management, I worked at Tiffany & Co. in NYC doing PR/marketing. I was fortunate enough to have some fantastic mentors that helped me grow, learn and develop skills I didn’t know I had! Sometimes other people see your talent before you can see it in yourself so surround yourself with people who inspire you to be more.

2) Break up your BIG goal into smaller ones. Write out your plan, what you are going to achieve in X amount of time. And then give yourself small goals to hit along the way. It’s less daunting to look at things in smaller pieces. Then you can celebrate the small wins along the way! Rome wasn’t built in a day…consistency and tenacity are key.

Instagram: @saradsnyder
Website: hairquiz.monatglobal.com/sarasnyder

Courtney Holley & Lauren Klesser | Food Lovers

We like to remember it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. Yes, it’s good to have goals, but sometimes those goals may take you in a different direction that isn’t the path you intended on. When life obstacles begin to accumulate and you feel as if you’re not good enough or you don’t know enough, it’s good to take a step back, refocus and recognize that you are good enough and you’re the only thing holding yourself from succeeding. Remind yourself to enjoy the journey, the small accomplishments that lead to bigger wins, and the food that you ate along the way!

Website: sicksnacksaz.com
Instagram: @sicksnacksaz
Facebook: @Sick-Snacks-AZ

Monique Rachelle  | Blogger and Recipe Developer

When the odds feel insurmountable take a deep breath and approach the situation one step or small task at a time. Remember what you are trying to achieve and stay positive. It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we approach a situation with positivity and a can do attitude. An extra large matcha latte may also put a little pep in your step to get the job done!

Website: feeninforgreens.com
Instagram: @feeninforgreens
Facebook: @feeninforgreens
Twitter: @feeninforgreens

Raylee Steward | Holistic Nutrition Practitioner and Holistic Social Media influencer

Let me preface my answer by a short explanation of what has changed in my life within the last 3 years. My longtime boyfriend joined the Marine Corps and I decided to train for a bikini competition which let to an onset of an eating disorder and body dysmorphia. I decided to quit my current schooling and enroll in a Holistic Nutrition Program to leach myself and others to heal from diet mentality. I changed my whole life to minimalism. Me and my boyfriend got engaged and I only saw him 15 days (out of 367) during the engagement and as soon as we got married, two days later he was deployed for around 7 months. Oh yeah, and I just turned 20.

While kids my age are getting drunk and hanging out with friends. I am creating whole food recipes to share with my followers on Instagram and supporting a Marine long distance. The truth is, I have learned a lot. I have learned to be grateful for everything, even when it feels like there is nothing to be grateful for. I have learned that true friends (and being a true friend) is not about showing up when it’s convenient, but when it’s not. I have learned to not sweat the small stuff and to be mindful about the things you do stress over. However, I don’t think those are the most important lessons. To me, the most important lesson I have learned isn’t a lesson at all, it is a way to apply the lesson.

The most important part of my journey and what I have learned the most has been having an established morning and nightly routine. I usually wake up around 5 am and take 30 minutes- 2 hours to wake up. I do yoga, transcendental meditation, I journal and read, I sip slow on my ginger tea and I have a portion of the morning without my phone. At night I work out, dance in my underwear, take a shower in cold water, moisturize, turn off my phone, read and bullet journal. When I feel alone, sad, unmotivated, depressed, or anxious the thing that keeps me going is that I can’t wait to wake up and have the morning to myself. Having a morning routine has made me happier and more productive and having a nightly routine has made me mentally stable and healthier as I combat all the changes. The days I don’t have my morning or nightly routine I feel scatterbrained, foggy and I tend to focus on all the things that are tough or that are negative. When you start your day with gratitude and being completely present, it easier to carry that energy through the rest of the day. Although I have learned a lot, I don’t think I would have been able to apply the lessons and feel as confident and as happy as I am right now if I didn’t have a morning and nightly routine.

Instagram: @_radiant_ray_
YouTube: Radiant Ray

Danielle O’Connell | realtor | project manager | *cool* mom

Trust. My experience is that it all boils down to trusting yourself. Whether facing a career change, financial decision, or relationship challenge, your biggest asset and resource is yourself. Figuring out how to show up for yourself authentically takes intention and commitment, but once you navigate that piece, you hold the answers to your universe. The greatest gift I’ve ever known is a mentorship (and subsequent life experiences) that led me back to myself. I always had all the answers I ever needed, I was just looking outside towards work, relationships, success. We each have the ability to be the biggest and brightest creator we’ve ever known.

Instagram: @danielleoconnellaz
@straightupagent
Facebook: @daniellesuzanneoconnell

Byron Cline | Furniture Designer

The best advise I have for someone who is facing insurmountable odds would be to just keep working. Don’t give in to paralysis from over analysis. Doing something is better than nothing. Start by tackling small objectives – completing several small tasks will lead to completing important milestones – a few completed milestones will get you to where you want to be.

Website: umamidesigns.com

Krissie Young | Interior Designer and GoGo (Grandma to Cruz, age 2)

I’ve learned the only way to climb a mountain is one step at a time. It’s overwhelming to face a huge challenge if you try to tackle it all at once. Just do the first wise thing, then the next wise thing, and keep at it. How do you know what the wise thing is? Seek advice from those who have climbed that mountain before you.

Website: krissieyoungdesign.com
Instagram: @krissieyoungdesign
Pinterest: @krissiebe

Shawn Stone CSCS, TPI, FMS, K-VEST | Sports Fitness Trainer

Photo credit – Pine Canyon Country Club Photo Caption – Digging deep in the hips today. Sliding in your swing? Tight hips could be a reason. Foam Rolling is a great way to loosen them up.

Start somewhere! Get the ball rolling and don’t wait for someone else to give you the go ahead.

Website: foundationfitnessllc.com
Instagram: @FoundationFitness

Summar Lababidi | Artist

Just keep working on things, and push to get your work out there. Whatever it may be, Music/Painting/Creating. Fliers, Stickers, Contact shops and venues and don’t be afraid. It’s all needed exercise, people are just people. The more you work on things the more your mind will do the work for you. Progression is hard to see but every step teaches you and moves you closer.

Website: summarlababidi.bigcartel.com
Instagram: @summarlababidi
Facebook: @summarlababidiart

Katlyn Bailey | Stay at home mom & Content creator

When facing challenging circumstances, my best advice for someone would be to have a positive mentality and encircle yourself with encouraging people. Sounds cliche, I know, but having a positive attitude really does help. Slow down and understand that some aspects in life take time to accomplish, so just begin with minor steps to get to the ultimate goal you’re striving to achieve.

Instagram: @katlynleebailey

Dakota Morgan | Actor | Comic and Film Writer | Podcaster | Effects artist

The best thing to do is surround yourself with people who you support and support you but also be sure to take a break and relax with those people to collect your thoughts. Breaks are important for creativity and health.

Instagram: @dakota_morgan97
Twitter: @dakotamorgan3

Michael Robinson and Jennifer Rellora | founders and owners of Steep Tea Company

Photo credit: @alexgharfeh

Facing insurmountable odds in inevitable in all aspects of life, especially in business. Our advice to those dealing with challenging obstacles is to face matters head on and take action without fear. Spending time doubting or worrying takes away from the focus of moving onward. Remember that all steps forward are steps in the right direction even if the results may not be seen immediately. Taking it day by day makes even the most difficult tasks doable. Being consistent in your craft and flexible to the unexpected also allows great possibilities to fall into your lap. Be patient with the process and fall in love with the journey.

Website: steepteacompany.com
Facebook: @steepteacompany
Instagram: @steepteacompany

Kathy Rehling | Realtor at North&Co.

Photo Cred – Andrea Larson

My advice for someone who feels like you are facing insurmountable odds is to start by reflecting on why you feel they are insurmountable. You may have to shift your mindset so that you are 100% certain you are not going to fail. Once that is set in place, you can pretty much do anything!

Next, make a plan and stick to it. Break your plan into small pieces and just do it! It’s important to be consistent yet flexible. Be sure to celebrate your successes and learn from your stumbles. Having a sense of humor and a little humility will help along the way.

Finally, make sure you have defined what defeating the odds means to you. Your authenticity will shine through when you have met those goals and can honestly say “I beat the odds!”

Instagram: @Kathy.Rehling
Website: northandco.com/our-professionals/kathy-rehling

Abby Ahyong | outdoor enthusiast | Filipino American, and future Family Medicine physician

The most important lesson I’ve learned in my life journey so far is that we are all on our own unique, individual path. Sometimes we try to plan and organize our life based on what we hope, but it does not always happen they way we envision. It’s important to remain steadfast, persevere through the obstacles, and continue towards your goal. Try not to focus on the setbacks but rather learn from the challenges and use them to motivate and propel you forward. Lean on others for support, especially your friends and family. Sometimes it may mean taking a step back to reflect or changing directions, but you are capable of anything you set your mind and heart on.

Instagram: @trvlinga

Matthew Bernier | Chief Smile Maker at Flashbulb Memories Photo Booth | Flashbulb Memories Photo Booth | Arizona’s OG Glam Booth

Don’t discredit the value you have to offer. Charge what you believe you’re worth and find ways to communicate that worth to your clients.

Website: flashbulbphotobooth.com/glam-photo-booth
Facebook: @FlashBulbMemoriesPhotobooth
Instagram: @fbmphotobooth

Krystle Messano | Owner & Head Baker of Funshine Bakery, Allergy Friendly Sweet Treats

I feel like whether personally or professionally we have all been in a situation where there is seemingly no light at the end of the tunnel. Good or bad odds, every challenge can be used as some form of learning experience. Life begins at the end of your comfort zone and if you are facing insurmountable odds, I would encourage you not to give up.

Long odds were meant to be achieved, so ask yourself why can’t you be the one to rewrite history.

The best advice I have received about overcoming an impossible challenge is to take it one day at a time. While at times that is something much easier said than done. You can only control your own behavior and focusing on the things that are within your control in that moment in that day is the best way to keep pushing through. Some days will be good, and some will be awful but if you are passionate and keep making movements towards your goals then one day you will get there.

Website: funshinebakery.com
Facebook: @FunshineBakery
Instagram: @funshine_bakery

Kim Pinzini  | Owner | Manager | Trainer at Jabz Boxing North Scottsdale, at Pinnacle Peak

Set your goals to beat those odds.  Make a plan (reachable actions), take those actions, and never quit.  The word “Can’t” should not be in your vocabulary.  It doesn’t exist at Jabz Boxing.  There is always a way if you have the will and never give up.  You may fail horribly, but with each failure, you will learn a lesson and get that much closer to your goals.

Website: jabzboxing.com/pinnaclepeak, giveitashot.us

Caitlyn Boardman | Hiker | Fitness Enthusiast

The best advice I have for someone who feels like they are facing insurmountable odds is to keep pushing forward no matter how hard it is. It may feel like you can’t get through whatever it is, but you’ve got to keep fighting because you don’t want to give up and wake up in a few years and wonder if your life would’ve been different if you would’ve tried harder or not given up at the moment. Life is hard and you will have days where it feels like nothing is possible but there are also going to be days that are so beautiful, you’ll forget all about those tough days and remember that’s why you keep fighting.

Instagram- @caitlynbayybee
Facebook- Caitlyn Boardman

Leander Begay | Artist

“Slow growth is fast growth, go at your own speed, your race is with no one but yourself  and chip away at the odds stacked against you at your own pace.”

Website: deadpawnskateboards.com
Facebook: @dpskateboards
Instagram: @deadpawnskateboards

Tyler Morian and Kyle Narducci | Co-Founders of Motion Tactic

We’ve found it helpful to break something up into pieces and to create a roadmap for where you want to be over time. When facing insurmountable odds, nothing is solved overnight so it’s important to reduce your anxiety level by creating goals and tasks whether that be monthly, quarterly, or annually to get where you want to be. We practice this at Motion Tactic through a set of metrics that help guide us towards our growth objectives.

Website: motiontactic.com

Jenn Neal | Intuitive Coach & Shadow Work Practitioner

I would start by asking them some questions, and I would encourage them to take a little journey through their shadows and beliefs.

In my experience, so many of us subscribe to many limiting beliefs throughout our life without even realizing it. These beliefs can be handed down along the family line, picked up from society, or may have been created based off bad or traumatic experiences.

What if those beliefs could be re-created? What if we could clear out the stored emotions, make some space for ourselves, and what if things became easier? What if in doing that, we start to see potential and opportunity, instead of limits and road blocks? What more could we create if we made sure to look at obstacles at all angles, rather than from a limited view point, and we instead start asking what else is possible?

What if we had the empowerment to create new beliefs, to manifest some new opportunity or assistance, and the thing that seemed impossible days ago, suddenly became fluid and easy to overcome?
I have witnessed so many amazing and miraculous shifts begin to take place once someone starts going through their shadow work, their beliefs, and their emotional healing.

That feeling of “this is impossible” used to be very prevalent in my own life, but once I went through my own healing journey, I began to see more potential, opportunity, and magic all the time.

Facebook: @TheWaywardWitchCo
Website: waywardwitch.mykajabi.com
Instagram: @waywardwitchcompany

Édgar Angel Campos | Owner of VintageNewSkool

The most important lesson we’ve learned throughout this journey is to not give up on your goals/dreams. The reason why we say this is because we have come a long way within the last 2 years of starting Vintage New Skool. We wouldn’t be where we are now if we had given up. There were plenty of times when we felt as if we had failed. But things take time and success doesn’t happen over night. Along the way we’ve established great friendships and networked with others who share the same passion in the vintage/sneaker culture.

With that being said we encourage anyone who has a dream to go out and chase it. The only limitations are the ones you place upon yourself.

Instagram: @p/B8g8Wo1l_2A
Deepop: depop.com/vintagenewskool

Alexander Catedral | Videographer | Photographer | Hip Hop Artist

The most important lesson I have learned in my journey is not to forget what is most important. In my pursuit of dreams, art, passions, and goals it is easy to forget why I do it. People are what is most important to me. I have the belief that it is people over art, because people are the substance of art. While pursuing my dreams and passions, I never want to be too busy for the people that matter to me. Those are the people that help fuel me and fuel my art. I have learned not to despise or forget where I come from, but embrace it. When I protect my heart, I protect my art. There is a delicate balance and constant tension between allowing people to inspire my art vs. people defining my art. Finding that balance is important. Learning to allow people to inspire my art, but realizing it’s me who defines it has been huge in my personal journey.

Website: alexandercatedral.com
Instagram: @alexandercatedral or @justaplanekid
Facebook: @Catedralography
Viewbug: viewbug.com/member/alexandercatedral

Orlando Espino | Health Educator & Portrait/Street Photographer

That’s a tough question. I guess I would look at my experience and life and see what has worked for me.

I was a biology teacher for a few years and as a biologist I know that part of dealing with pressure, anxiety, etc. is physical. So as simple as it sounds, part of what helps is to take a deep breath and simply try your best against those odds. As humans there is only so much we can do and there are things out of our control. Often, feelings of anxiousness, being overwhelmed, and stress cloud our thinking and judgment but once we take a deep breath and break it down into what I can control and what I cannot control, then what once felt insurmountable feels manageable. Once we can understand that, on an individual level, there are certain things we cannot control, then we can take a step back, look at what things are in our control and focus doing those things to the best of our abilities.

On a personal level, I’m honestly still learning and doing some inner work on how I can best deal with problems that seem insurmountable or when a situation or goal just seems out of reach. Just trying to find ways to develop my personal resilience and growth. As I look at some of the toughest moments in my life, like my mom passing away when I was 8 years old, I think I leaned heavily on loved ones that I trusted to talk things through and just a lot of self reflection and introspection. Losing my mom was one of the first times where I felt like I was facing something that I could not get over. I was devastated and didn’t know how to process my mother’s death at that age and honestly I’m still healing from that traumatic event. My life could have taken a turn for the worst. I could have lashed out and channeled my anger by making bad choices to try and cope with my mother’s death. Or I could use my mother’s passing as motivation to make her proud by trying to make a positive impact in this world. To leave it in a better place then when I entered it–which is what I chose to do. My mother’s passing was out of my control and I felt like I could not move on, but I’ve been able to do the work of moving on by sharing my thoughts and feelings with loved ones and taking the time to dig deep in myself. So the advice I would give that works for me is to don’t be afraid to ask your loved ones for help or just a caring ear to listen to you and to take the time for focused self-reflection and introspection.

On a societal level, I’ve definitely felt like I’ve faced insurmountable odds. Growing up in a working class Mexican immigrant in America comes with obstacles.. At this point, we understand that in America your zip code and your race/ethnicity are factors that play a major role in predicting your life outcomes. When my family and I moved from Gallup, New Mexico to Phoenix during middle school, we were starting from scratch. From an economic standpoint, finding economic stability was hard and that meant both parents working a lot (sometimes multiple jobs at once); it meant constantly moving and living paycheck to paycheck.

From an education standpoint, the odds were against me. During my training as a teacher, I remember learning that only 6% of Latinos who come from low-income neighborhoods graduate college. I remember this vividly because I thought, “ I am one of the 6% that made it out.” Initially, I felt proud of myself, but, over the years, I’ve come to find that statistic disturbing and heartbreaking. It means the system is rigged. It’s not set up in a fair way. And what I’ve decided to do to overcome those odds that seem insurmountable is to try to be an active participant in society by voting and dedicating my work and my art to addressing these social injustices. Ultimately, just disregard the things in your life that are out of your control and focus on giving your all to the things in your life that are manageable.

Instagram: @Fotos.al.barbon
Website: orlandoespinooe.wixsite.com/fabfotos

Christopher Burgus | Local Adventurer & Entrepreneur

Anything that stands in your way, you have the power to overcome. Life may be getting you down, a broken relationship, maybe even a broken home, a case of bad health or even a terrible job situation. To be honest, it’s all in the frame of mind. You can sit and dwell on the obstacles life brings or you and rise up against adversity and live life to the fullest. The choice is yours!

Instagram: @alurgus_602

Ashley Moran | aesthetic blogger

I have always found that when I am facing something I can’t seem to get through I try my hardest to surround myself with positivity.

Having a good outlook, being optimistic and having people who believe in your soul will take you much farther than dwelling on the stress of a situation.

Self care is something that I’ve had to learn how to do. Yoga, therapy, etc. these things help me stay calm and focused on myself and have a more positive outlook on life itself.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without a support system and keeping the people in my life who help me learn to be the best version of myself. Also taking every good day and every bad day, to ask myself “what lesson did I learn today,” instead of “why did this happen?

Instagram: @ashleysaesthetics_

Theresa Green | portrait photographer

When someone feels like they are against all the odds, I would encourage
them not to give up. Start making a plan, consult experts, read books,
and take the challenge one step at a time.

Website: theresagreenphotography.com
Instagram: @theresagreenphotography

Christopher Blank | Visual Artist

Isaiah Romero (Instagram – @Isaiah__ Romero)

Nothing in this world comes with ease.However, if you have the motivation and focus you can achieve every goal you set for yourself. Always remember life is not a movie, its a simulation. ✪

Instagram: @Cuteboyychris