Linda Robinson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Linda, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day start with prayer, meditation, Bible reading, journaling, affirmations, and a morning walk with God. My goal every morning is to start my day with positivity, gratitude, and self-love.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m currently an Advisor for ALSAC St. Jude, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. I oversee the St. Jude Dream Home Campaign, St. Jude Walk-St. Louis, Radiothon, and local Tri-Delta.
My passion and what I’m known for in the St. Louis community is being an award-winning community leader, connector, and volunteer coordinator who is passionate about community engagement, empowering others, and being an advocate in the mental health and suicide prevention space.
Recently, I wrote an author in two anthologies that are both #1 Best Sellers and Best Sellers Internationally. Books: inHer Power inHer Wisdom: A Woman’s Guide to Overcoming Challenges and Growing into Your Power. Amigas Rising: Lifting Others as We Climb.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
In 2018, when I realized I did not have to be Superwoman to everyone and everything. I went to my doctor for my annual exam, and I broke down crying as soon as she asked me how I am doing. Not realizing the stress I was under from work, it finally hit me that day how mentally drained I was.
At my doctor’s request, I took some time off from work. After seeing a therapist, I realized how much I gave to others, neglected myself, and compromised my well-being. I realized how much I did not truly love myself. I was pouring from an empty cup because I gave so much of myself to everyone and did not pour anything into myself, neglecting my mental health and myself in general.
I started journaling and praying. I started building my relationship with God, who taught me to love myself, and I my life matters. God removed people and things from my life that were unhealthy to my spiritual, mental, and emotional health. God showed me who and where I needed to give my time, talents, and treasures, too. I could not continue to pour into the community where I was not truly appreciated or respected.
After my time off from work, my mindset changed, and I knew every day I had to wake up with positivity, gratitude, and peace in my life. That was my power, having peace in my personal and professional life. My power is knowing I’m a child of God who gave me strength, patience, and grace to become the woman I am today.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell myself that I am special, love myself, and it’s okay to be different. Even though my mother loved all of us with her heart, she was a single mom who worked a few jobs to provide us with the necessities in life. One thing my mom taught me was to have a relationship with God.
I’m biracial, Korean, and Black. My mom taught us to be proud of who we are and to love both cultures. My mom hugged, and I love you meant a lot, but she really did not show affection. Because of her trauma and hurt from my dad, she did not open up much. As I was growing up, I inherited some of her traits.
Growing up, I struggled with identity. The world did not embrace biracial children, especially those who were Korean and Black. We most definitely stood out with our Korean mom. I was too busy trying to fit in, not embracing my Korean side too much, and caught up in some bad relationships.
Life taught me some hard lessons, but I knew it was God’s plan. After I started building my relationship with God, looking at who I am, and I am someone special, that’s when I started loving myself and realizing its ok to be different. Be proud of my identity, my culture, and embrace being Korean and Black. When you start loving yourself, you see yourself differently and realize how special you truly are.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
My family!
The culture my mom instilled in us, such as Korean culture, food, and family gatherings. The respect and behaviors towards one another are critical in keeping the family together and its values. Such values as respecting our elders, being honest, loyal and interacting. My mom was very spiritual, so having a relationship with God is important to our family values. I taught both my daughter and granddaughter to be forgiving but not forgetful, compassionate, and a servant. It’ important that family members support one another, but not to be deceived by envy or jealousy. My brother Mark would always say “we all we go”. I stand by that. We are one another’s protector and advocate.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
To be honest, I’m at peace every day. If I know I’m getting up every day and being a servant and living right by God, I’m at peace. When my family is good and we are blessed with everything we need to survive, I’m at peace. When I know I have given my all on a project, I’m at peace. At the end of the day, I have no regrets; I’m at peace.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lindarobinson6081
- Linkedin: Linda Robinson
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