Our appearance matters. We often say it doesn’t but trust me it does. How you view yourself first is key. How others view you is weighted too. What happens when your born with what others would declare a defect? How do you find the joy in what you have been given! Iva shares just how to do it!
What is Cleft Palate?
When I was younger my mom worked in a cleft palate dental office. This meant the children and adults had some form of cleft palate. Cleft palate is either an opening in the roof of the mouth or lip or a combination of both. It is a birth condition. Often times those born with it one have to get it repaired. It may cause mouth breathing, speech disorders, difficulty eating or swallowing. This birth condition tends to leave kids and adults feeling like something is wrong.
Iva on being Born to do More
Iva too was born with a cleft palate. Knowing that I wanted to know what was one lesson that made her stronger.
“That God had to give you something to slow you down.” The first time I heard that was from my dad. He overheard me crying and asking God “why I had to be born with a Cleft Palate.” At the time, I was so upset, but through the years, I have learned what he meant. My cleft palate has made me a better and determined woman. My dad wanted me to see the joy of life. That joy is my cleft. I just had to slow down to embrace it.
It’s one thing to have an inner struggle but to have a physical, mental, and emotional struggle happening at the same time is hard. There’s nothing that could have prevented Iva from her cleft palate. It wasn’t a choice that she was able to make. However the choice to be able turn it around is something we all can learn from!
We Aren’t The Struggle We Carry
For Iva one of her physical struggles was her cleft palate. This physical issue was what she carried. What are you carrying? Sometimes it’s the secret bags we hold. You want to know why people who look like they should walk in their despair don’t?! Its not because they aren’t aware of it. It’s not because they aren’t hurting. It’s because they realize a secret that we all know about but don’t use and that’s gratitude!
Walking In Gratitude
For Iva she wishes she had learned and applied in her younger days,
To practice gratitude. Because of my cleft and dealing with my dad’s death, I spent a lot of time focusing on the negative things in life. Now, I look towards the good, no matter how small. I now believe in celebrating wins and lessons
It’s not about simply smiling your way through but it’s about realizing the lessons that are to be learned from the hardest situations. All things were designed to be apart of our story. It’s your choice if you make that story positive or negative. It’s a daily choice that I would hope we learn we as Steve Harvey says, we are our own CEOs of our lives. We call the shots!
Don’t Shrink Yourself
Some people call it imposter syndrome. Some people call it shrinking themselves. Whatever you call it, don’t do it! Making yourself small can be a defense mechanism. It’s a way to protect yourself. If you’re small when people look at you they don’t have to expect much. This way if you give them more or less it won’t matter. Iva too understands this all so well. Iva as she began to build her brand she had to learn a valuable lesson:
Not to shrink myself. As a kid, I did it as a defense mechanism. But now, I serve teens and young adults who have cleft just like me. I have o show them that their cleft is beautiful and to take space.
Bring All of You to the Table
Iva is spilling the tea that we all can sip! Whatever you have bring it with you! Bring every thing that makes you, you to the table. If someone doesn’t want it, make your own table. Now jump forward and look how Iva’s journey is helping someone else. She is an author!!!!!
Her E-book, “Bully Who?” A How-to-Guide to recognize who’s bullying you and who you are bullying!” A game changer if I may so say myself! She is a Transformational Speaker of Real Sophisticated Joy! The title alone shows the ways in which our story has a way of making room in our lives! The joy being able to a light and resource to others using the very thing that tried to deplete our joy is really what it’s about. This is purpose! Make sure you get a copy of the book as well as share the link with others so they can get a copy! I got mine!
Mother’s Love and Example
Iva’s hustle is inspired by her mother!
My mom Growing up I always admired how fierce and how successful she was in her career and I desire to do the same in my business.
Can’t help but Stan a mom setting a great example of how to handle your business!
Iva on Self Care being a Super Power
Iva’s super power in self care is dancing and laughing.
I have a playlist of my favorite songs that make me happy. I play it daily, and whether I play one song, the whole thing everyday, etc. I get to move, laugh, and find joy.
Remember self care goes beyond bubble baths and facials. It’s knowing what you need when and doing it! Taking care of your mental health is key.
Lastly she is daily motivated to mentor and coach other clefties to feel confident.
I think she’s not only motivating them but all of us! We have so much to take away from you Iva!
For your determination to turn your situation around, inspire others, hold on to those beautiful lesson your dad taught, handling your business like your mom, you have and are walking in your shine! You inspire us to smile and find joy in life. To work towards something beyond ourselves! We salute you!
Follow Iva and don’t forget to get the book:
