Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Marie Wilkinson.
Hi Amanda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I didn’t have much resources or support growing up and it wasn’t really until I was able to really work and start accumulating that for myself that life seemed to begin, especially in my career(s). Through great perseverance, someone to never give up and one who doesn’t believe in being tormented by regret was all that keeps me going and going until I have reached that place of fulfillment. No one is successful in reaching their goal; otherwise, you have to simply always keep going. If you have the will and the want, you will always find a way. Nothing easy but we appreciate the reward and remain humble when we look back on our progress. I can tell you that much of my process seemed as if I jumped through fire.
Often times the heat was under me, times were tough, scary, and unbearable, but that heat only kept me going higher. There is no choice otherwise. Things will always work themselves out. You just can’t give up on yourself, especially when we are often our only or greatest support. It is a blessing when we do have those that cross our path throughout the journey and help smooth out those bumps in the road. I am thankful for those who were there for me at the times where I would not have any idea how I could have gotten through it. It also remains true throughout my career. I always say: “We are here to contribute to others, not take away.” When we are able to do this, we see one another go as far as you desire to go. Don’t let your fears or others who do not share this philosophy hold you back. Just keep going. It was and is the only way that I am able to be where I am today and in the future.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The struggles come from multiple layers that include the Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs. We cannot climb the life ladder if we do not have balance and solidarity in our foundation, which is our basic need for survival. We have to be able to eat, have safety, support, shelter, and our basic life necessities met first before we can take those bigger steps. I didn’t always have these needs met- worked very hard to build a sold foundation for my life that way I could.
Then the next levels of the hierarchy pertains to our social needs- the social support that may or may not come from family, friends, mentors, industry professionals. I didn’t always have the altruistic support or any, for that matter, from others. Learning that your happiness truly comes from you and where others may not contribute to that, never expect it but always remain grateful for those who do come in and support you throughout your journey. I am truly grateful for those who have been that for and continue to walk beside me. It is a reciprocal relationship. The only way to go.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
A woman who wears many hats, each one for every passion I live. I am an artist that comes from a background of film and television, a writer both musically as well as passionately in which I share with community through my website- stories, community resources, affirmations, etc. Being a singer and songwriter, I share my voice to support, uplift, empower and connect with communities.
I also have a formal educational background in business as well as nursing that enables me to stay impactfully connected with community and providing care for the great need in healthcare. One of my greatest heartfelt passions is simply community- Unity With Community is my life motto I live by. However, we are able to connect and contribute in the most positive of ways is simply how we are able to thrive- together. My involvement in all that I do one way or another is connectivity with others in this way. The most proud thing I can ever do is impact others in a way to uplift, support, share, and bring not just hope, but most importantly away in their lives.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
In 2007, I survived a freak crushing accident that resulted in a broken femur, hip, pelvis, and multiple fractures in my back. Blessed to be alive and, at the very least, not paralyzed. To have the ability to walk and ultimately see life without limits today, it is truly a blessing and a reminder to never take one day for granted. I didn’t have the family support, financial or many other resources that were needed to facilitate my optimal health care and healing before my accident, but it was friends and the most beautiful strangers in community that were my saviors. I was fully dependent on those who became my caregivers and by all means not obligated to do so. It was unity with community that helped me heal physically, mentally, and even stronger spiritually. This s why my platform and where I continue to stand to advocate for others is “Unity With Community.” This is not only how we survive but thrive. My passion for community and healthcare ultimately lead me to go to nursing school, obtaining my BSN, and utilizing my nursing practice to help those in need as well as advocate for public health.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Wilkinam
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/amandamariewilkinson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonamandamarie
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5nOLABn1f-1P93WhF2ahHQ
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Zee3veJPvjQp3Tz8ib50g?si=_WLoucBYRaWyFo5ya9LgzA
Image Credits
J.D. Macias
