Powerful Women of Purpose Series. Meet Dr. Simone Josey
This week, we are excited to introduce and feature Dr. Simone Josey. We hope her story will inspire many people to push through in life's hardships and to be comfortable in any situation.
Quick Facts:
Dr. Simone Josey is an author and a professional speaker. She is also a Physician and a foot and ankle specialist. She is also the founder of Dr. Simone International.
What's your definition of purpose?
Purpose is your “WHY.” Most people will give this answer. However, I look at my “WHY” deeper. The reasons you wake up in the morning with a plan. The people, situations, goals or experiences that motivate you to keep going, especially when things get hard. The purpose is more than just a feeling and it is more than an emotion.
WHY- What haunts you? What hurts you? What heals you? For each person, every answer is different, but the impact is the same.
For instance, for years I was haunted by the fact that I was denying my God-given talent of speaking and empowering others. It is one of my primary purposes in life. You can have more than one.
This knowledge hurts me, because I was living outside of my calling. Even though I was successful in other areas, I still felt a tugging to do more in my life. This has kept me going, seeking ways to properly live in God's full purpose for my life.
I knew that when I am living in God's full purpose for my life, when I am truly operating in God's plan for my life, then I would feel whole and healed.
We can often find our purpose by asking ourselves what haunts? What hurts? What heals?
I ask myself these questions all the time, as my life situations change. I also ask myself these questions for all aspects of my life such as the physical, spiritual, interpersonal, professional and etc.
When did you know for sure what your purpose is and what you wanted to contribute to the world as a your career?
The first time I did a professional speaking event in 2004.
I was still completing my undergraduate studies at the University of Dayton. My aunt, Regna, invited me to speak for a Christian youth conference in Panama City Beach, FL. I was the keynote speaker. I was so blessed and humbled by the warm reception, all expenses paid.
It was then that I realized that speaking was more than just something I loved to do. I felt at home when I use my words to help others. Like being a singer or a chef. It just feels natural.
Regarding my medical career, I initially started out as a Physics Major in College. I love both Physics and Engineering. I even planned to work for NASA.
Then, I realized that I needed a career that dealt more with people. I prayed and asked God what he wanted me to do, instead. He did not answer right away. I was 'undecided' for a semester or two before I got my answer. He said, be a doctor. So, I did just that.
I have found a way to marry my profession with my purpose. Initially, I thought they were two separate paths. Which made it very hard at times. Then, as time went on, with more trial and error. I realized that they actually complement one another, they are not exclusive.
To date what's your most significant accomplishment?
Great question! I would have to say that my most significant accomplishment is being comfortable in my own skin. I know my maker so much better now. I have accepted Christ as my savior when I was about 8 years old. I said the sinner's prayer and that was that.
However, knowing that God is my Lord, did not mean that I truly knew God, intimately. I served Him to the best of my ability and knowledge. However, over the past few years, I have come to know God like never before. This knowledge has allowed me to truly walk in my purpose and destiny. Knowing who I am in God, more intimately, has actually helped me to be a better wife, mother, friend, sister, speaker and doctor.
This knowledge has helped me with my healthy lifestyle even. I am truly comfortable in my own skin. It is a great feeling.
With every day that I learn more about Him, not just religion but truly learning, I am able to better live out His plan and purpose for my life.
What's one tip you would give to someone trying to figure out what their purpose is, and living it no matter what?.
I would like to remind them of my life message:
Life is what you make it
Every thought and action create it
So don't get caught slippin'
Simply hoping, wishing, thinking
Get on your mark! Get set! Let's GO!
Your divine destiny is pending
With conviction of heart and daily actions
Don't you think your vision, your dream, your goal
Is work defending?
So, don't be 'put off' by the negativity of others
Your vision was given to you
Your mind conceived and your heart believes it
It is your daily actions that will see your vision through
Because life is what YOU make it
Everything thought and action create it
Author, Dr. Simone Josey -2015
What's your definition of beauty and how do you celebrate your individual beauty?
For me, beauty and being attractive are not the same. Attractive, to me, denotes the physical characteristics that can change with time. I think beauty is determined by our heart status.
A person can be beautiful even if they are not widely considered as attractive. The same for someone who is physically attractive, but not seen as beautiful. Beauty is regarded for others, the willingness to serve, being comfortable with not fitting in.
Beauty is having an integrity, even when it is not popular. Beauty is standing for something or someone even when you might be standing alone. Beauty is being self assured and not allowing others to dictate who you are. Beauty is being able to learn from others, no matter where they are in life. Beauty is taking ownership of your life, and not blaming others for all that is wrong. Beauty is accepting compliments, graciously, and not trying to downplay what you have to offer the world.
I could go on forever! The fact is that to me, beauty has many layers. It is a characteristic that is always evolving. One does not just become beautiful and that's it. On the contrary, beauty is developed and maintained over time.
"No one can make you feel inferior, without your consent." E. Roosevelt.
I celebrate my individual beauty by always looking for ways to be purely me. I hope that does not come across self-centered. Let me explain.
I called my father crying hysterically one evening when I was living in Jamaica. I was in my first year of high school and I was finding it difficult to make friends and 'fit in'.
I expected my father to console me with words of reassurance that entailed statements like - do not worry, with time you will gain many friends! You will find your way to others who are just like you and who accept you the way you are.
Instead my father told me something that changed my life and my perspective.
"Simone, where you are going in life, will require you to be comfortable with being different and having a few friends. You might even be alone at times. You won't fit in and you should not want to!" (Basette A Smith)
Over the years, I have worked hard to remember my father's words all those years ago. My individual beauty comes from being an individual and being content with who I am.
Besides the Bible what's your favorite self development book?
There are so many that I really enjoy and reference often, but if I had to list one, it would be ”The Slight Edge” by Jeff Olson.
My husband is the one who introduced this book to me in the early 2000's. The concept, in short, is that every little action, no matter how small or insignificant it appears, is actually leaving a huge impact on our life course.
The book talks about the compound effect and likens our actions to the banking rule of compound interest. If you invest $10 in the bank, the compound effect of finance ensures that the money grows and multiplies by reinvesting earnings over and over to make more money. If left in the bank for a period of time the small sum of $10 essentially turns into big bucks.
Over time, a little bad choice here, a little bad compromise there, can add up to setbacks and failures. On the other hand, small, consistent daily habits that might seem like they are not moving you closer to your goal, can actually add up to big life accomplishments. The author, Olson, does a much more thorough and memorable explanation of the rule.
Nevertheless, I use the slight edge concept in everything I do, health and fitness, personal relationships, my Christianity, my finances and etc.
Thank you so much, Dr. Simone for sharing your story in our series.
To find out more about her work check out www.drsimonesays.com
I will either see you AT the top, or FROM the top...YOU decide! (copyright 2010) ~Dr. Simone
