Last week, I had the honor of being a keynote speaker and pitch judge for the youth at the Gap Leadership Conference in the Mississippi Delta of Cleveland, MS!
As I stood in front of that group of bright young minds, I didn’t just see students. I saw me, the younger version of myself who didn’t yet know what was possible.
When I asked how many of them had ever met a Founder or CEO, only a few raised their hands. But then I smiled and told them:
“Well, now you do.”
They perked up and in that moment, something clicked, not just for them, but for me too. Because I was reminded that sometimes, the greatest mental wellness practice is showing up for the old version of you that still lives in someone else.
Representation as Restoration
You don’t have to be famous to make an impact.
You don’t have to have it all together to be a blessing.
And you don’t have to wait until you “arrive” to pour into others.
Representation is healing, not just for the ones watching, but for the ones leading. When we share our stories, our challenges, and our faith with those who are coming behind us, we create emotional safety and mental clarity, both for them and for ourselves.
Because when you tell someone else they can, you're also reminding yourself you did. And that’s a powerful form of self-affirmation.
Mental Wellness Is Collective, Not Just Personal
We often think of mental wellness as an internal journey like therapy, journaling, and quiet time. And yes, those are all important.
But what if part of your healing happens in community?
What if your wellness deepens every time you use your voice to pull someone else up?
Here’s the truth: You are further along than you may think.
And wherever you are, whether you're a teacher, a bus driver, a nurse, a retail worker, an artist, or a CEO, your experiences hold the power to plant a seed in someone else.
Maybe you didn’t have someone to tell you, “You can do it.”
But now, you can be that person for somebody else.
And that act alone is healing. It makes purpose louder than pain.
Why This Matters for You and the People Behind You
Many people from underrepresented communities don’t see themselves reflected in leadership, in ownership, or in bold faith.
I was one of those same kids in Mississippi who didn’t know that being a CEO was even an option. Now I am one.
And when I told those students, “If it’s in your heart, it’s in your reach,” I wasn’t just encouraging them. I was speaking to the little girl inside of me who once felt left out of the conversation and was unseen.
Try it for yourself:
Put your hand over your heart. Feel that? It’s right there. Not out of reach. Not too far. Not impossible. Just waiting for your yes.
Whether you’re in a boardroom or on a bus route, your story matters.
Your presence matters.
And your voice can shift the atmosphere for someone who needs hope.
Pour Out When You Can — It Heals You Too
You don’t have to be perfect to be impactful. You just have to be willing.
Every time you share what you’ve learned, every time you make space for someone else to dream, you’re not just building them up, you’re also building you.
Mental wellness is about wholeness. And wholeness includes your story.
Your past has purpose. Your journey is a gift.
And your willingness to reach back might just be someone else’s breakthrough.
So whether you lead from a pulpit, a classroom, a kitchen, or a company, show up when you can. Pour into the people around you.
And remember: you are proof that dreams born in small places can still make a big impact.
Keep Showing Up
To everyone reading: don’t underestimate what your life has taught you.
You may not have had a perfect path, but you’ve made progress and that alone is powerful.
You are someone’s example.
Someone’s inspiration.
Someone’s first glimpse of what’s possible.
Pour out when you're full.
Heal while helping.
And never ever forget to KEEP THE FAITH!
P.S.
Here’s a beautiful moment that moved me deeply. A young man in the audience asked why I give mustard seeds to our customers. As I answered, I found myself in tears. And then, unexpectedly, he encouraged me.
Let this be your reminder: age is not a limit to who God can use to pour into you. Healing and wisdom can flow from anyone, at any time.
Stay open. Stay willing. Stay ready to receive.
