Finding Balance and Resilience: A Conversation with Barbara Penny
Hey, Resilientites! I’m Naketa Ross, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to the Resilient Life blog, where we dive deep into the transformative power of resilience. Whether you're here for the first time or you've been with us for a while, you're in the right place to discover the tools and insights that will help you build a stronger, more resilient life. My purpose is simple: to guide you toward living your best life by empowering you with the strategies and mindset shifts needed to connect with and enhance your resilience. Let’s embark on this journey together—because you’re stronger than you think, and your best life is within reach.
Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with Barbara Penny, an inspiring woman who has faced and overcome tremendous challenges in her life. Barbara, the owner of Penny B. Fine Design and a regional program manager for the Department of Transportation, shared her journey of resilience, personal growth, and the importance of finding balance in life.
The Story Behind Her Work
Barbara’s career choices are deeply intertwined with her personal experiences. Her work with the Department of Transportation involves allocating funds to states for transportation safety initiatives—a role that holds personal significance. Tragically, Barbara lost her sister in a car accident, and she herself was a victim of a drunk driver at the age of eight. These life-altering events fueled her passion for transportation safety and helping others avoid similar fates.
Reflecting on her journey, Barbara shared a powerful message: "Your trials and tribulations are testimonies for others. You never know how your experiences can help someone else." Her story highlights how adversity can shape our paths in ways we never anticipated and how resilience can transform personal pain into purpose.
Pursuing Joy Through Creativity
In addition to her government role, Barbara is a successful entrepreneur. Her business, Penny B. Fine Design, brings her immense joy as she creates designer cups and clothes. Barbara's passion for fashion and creativity has always been a source of light in her life, allowing her to express herself while bringing happiness to others.
"Fashion has always been me," she shared with a smile. "I love seeing other people look beautiful and feel good about themselves. It lights me up." This joy-filled pursuit balances the weight of her professional responsibilities, reminding us of the importance of finding activities that feed our souls.
Advice for Finding Balance
When asked how others can find their passion and achieve a sense of balance in life, Barbara offered simple yet profound advice: "Go into a quiet place, write down the things that make you smile, and pursue them." She emphasized the importance of reflecting on what brings us joy, whether it's a hobby, career, or something as simple as being in nature. Once you identify these things, immerse yourself in them—whether through social groups, online communities, or personal exploration.
Barbara also stressed the need to prioritize self-care, especially for those juggling busy lives and responsibilities. "If you're not good for you, you're not good for anyone else," she reminded us. Finding time for yourself, even in small ways, is crucial for maintaining balance and resilience.
Defining Resilience
Resilience, for Barbara, is the ability to get back up, dust yourself off, and keep going. "You may be knocked down, but get back up, put your crown on, and start again." Her definition of resilience is both simple and profound, rooted in her own experiences of overcoming hardship and continuously moving forward.
She encouraged listeners to look back on the challenges they've already faced and remember that they've made it through 100% of their past struggles. This reminder is powerful—it assures us that no matter how difficult our current situation may seem, we have the strength to persevere.
The Joys of Life: Cooking, Travel, and Friendships
Barbara also shared other sources of joy in her life, including her love of cooking, particularly plant-based meals. Her decision to go plant-based improved her health and energy, reinforcing the importance of listening to our bodies and making mindful choices.
When it comes to friendships, Barbara has built a strong circle of dynamic, supportive friends. She encourages others to seek out social activities that align with their interests, whether it's dancing, traveling, or simply connecting with like-minded individuals. "Get yourself out there," she advised, noting that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to meaningful, lasting relationships.
Final Thoughts: on Self-Care and Celebration
Barbara’s ultimate message is about the importance of loving and prioritizing oneself. "I love me some Barbara," she said with a laugh, but her point is clear—self-love and self-care are essential for living a fulfilling life. Whether it's traveling, meditating, or taking time for reflection, she celebrates herself by doing things that make her feel alive and whole.
Her parting advice? "Put yourself first." Whether you're navigating a career, family, or personal goals, taking care of yourself is key to being able to give back to others.
Barbara’s story is a reminder that resilience is not just about bouncing back—it's about growing stronger, finding joy, and living with purpose.
Thank you, Barbara, for sharing your journey with us on Resilient Life®. Your insights on resilience, balance, and self-love are inspiring and remind us all of the importance of living authentically and fully.
Resilientites, thank you for joining me on this journey. This blog post provides a glimpse into each episode, offering inspiration, actionable insights and practical advice on incorporating resilience into your daily life. Whether you're a regular listener or new to the podcast, I hope this message resonates with you and helps you live your best life. Please spread the love by liking, subscribing, and sharing (on social media) with someone who might need a little resilience boost. Follow “Resilient Life®” on your favorite podcast platform and YouTube at ResilientLifePodcastTM.