Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Edmond.
Sharon , let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was 16 and a junior in high school when I first heard our school counselor speak at an assembly. I was both surprised and angry at the same time. Three years into high school and I had no idea we had someone we could talk to. I believe the seed was planted for me in that assembly hall. Life was a challenge each day. Yet, this school counselor sat behind closed doors not making herself accessible to the people she was paid to assist.
I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois by a single mom. My mother worked hard each day to send me to private schools. Her intentions were great, but she had little knowledge of the damage that could be done to a Black girl in predominantly White Catholic schools. I never felt welcomed. In fact, I was reminded each day that I did not belong, and I was not worthy. That space was not for me. There was no representation of my culture or my history. There was also no investment into my future.
Even in this space, I always knew I was loved and had the potential for greatness. I always knew I would be okay. I cannot tell you where that knowledge came from, but it is how I survived and the reason for my success today.
I now have gratitude for that high school counselor. As I mentioned above, she was the catalyst for my pursuit into counseling. I decided to pursue Psychology my senior year of high school and I have not looked back. Most of my career was focused on at-risk teens. My goal was to be visible and accessible in all the environments I worked. When I opened my private practice, my intention was to create a safe space where people of color felt welcomed and shielded from the daily aggression we continue to face.
I now hold a doctorate in Educational Leadership. I am not sure what path I will take next, but I know it will involve Black children being reminded of their worth each day they walk into school.
Has it been a smooth road?
It was not a smooth road. I do not believe roads are meant to be smooth. Disruption is a part of life and necessary for growth. What was most important was my ability to stay present and look at roadblocks as the opportunity to pause, access the situation, access my self, and decide how to move. Every struggle I have had, has given me the opportunity to sit with myself and find my strengths. My advise would be to pay attention to your journey. Be careful not to focus only on where you want to be, but instead on where you are. If you are always looking toward the future, you miss the lessons right in front of you. Not paying attention can cause you to crash into a roadblock, making something you were supposed to avoid more disruptive than it needed to be.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Mind Over Grind story. Tell us more about the business.
I love working with people of color who are searching for purpose and worthiness, struggling with anxiety or depression, or just need to be reminded of their greatness.
My company is called Mind Over Grind. Mind is short for mindfulness practices and Grind represents our push and forceful nature to make things happen. Mind Over Grind is a call to be more mindful and less forceful as we navigate through life.
I am most proud that my brand represents me. I see greatness in everyone, no matter how broken you may feel when you walk into my office. I look into your eyes and see your brilliance, strength and worth. My only job is to help you see that in yourself.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I love “Insight Timer” for meditation. I ask all of my clients to meditate because if you can’t sit with yourself and pay attention to what’s going on with you, our work together is much more challenging. I cannot tell you about yourself. I need to hear and see that from you.
I love podcasts. If you have an active mind, podcasts are a great way to keep the mind engaged. Make sure the topic is something you enjoy.
Contact Info:
- Website: mindovergrind.com
- Phone: 512-662-1395
- Email: info@mindovergrind.com
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