Ruthie Sheets, 42
What's the biggest challenge you've overcome?
Oh goodness, this is a loaded question lol… many, many things... I’ve overcome domestic violence. I’ve overcome being a teen mother. I’ve overcome growing up as a product of two teen parents. I’ve overcome poverty. I’ve overcome being the first person in my immediate family to graduate from college. I’ve overcome divorce, being a single parent, watching loved ones battle addiction, switching careers from teaching to counseling, losing loved ones, being looked down on and gossiped about, just about anything you could think of.
But guess what…
None of them took me out. Some tried, lol… but I’m still here, and I’m stronger and more resilient than ever! I “got my groove back”. Every one of those situations felt like a dagger in heart while I was experiencing them, but they taught me how to persevere, and how to change the course of my life. The silver lining to all of those hellacious moments was learning what kind of woman I truly am and what I’m made of. I’m far from perfect, and I have my fair share of places I would use a do over card, but when I look at the #bigpicture of my life, I’m pretty proud of this woman I’ve become. I only pray my girls will learn from my experiences so they can make the best choices possible for their own lives.
What are you most excited for right now?
I’m thrilled to be in my 40’s! I’m in the stage of life that I truly live my life. I no longer allow myself to be subjected to the pressure to conform, to be subjected to cliques, or to deal with unnecessary pressures or stressors. I’ve never felt so free, it’s wonderful!
Who is or was the most influential person in your life?
Jesus and my “Mamaw”; also, my children. They’ve taught me so much about love and life!
If you could give one piece of advice to your 20 year old self what would it be?
Don’t you dare get into (or stay in) a relationship, a job, a community, or a place that is unhealthy and/or abusive to you. Stop minimizing your true self to be in the shadow of someone who doesn’t value you. You aren’t a follower, you are a LEADER!
What is your favorite inspiring quote or words?
Proverbs 3:5-6 and my personal motto, “Be all in or get all out”…
Why do you want to participate in the project?
I’ve been a combination of mom, teacher, coach, and mental health counselor my entire adult life. I wouldn’t change that for the world, but it would nice to just be known as “Me”, myself, too. I think too often we tie our identities up in titles and ranks, sometimes we just need to think about the intricacies that make us who we really are, underneath it all. I feel like this project aligns with that concept, and I’m here for it!
Are you interested in being a part of this amazing, empowering project? Get the full details and sign up here