WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN THE WORLD STANDS STILL? INSIGHTS AND WORDS OF WISDOM FROM METOMORPHOSIS WOMEN’S ENCOUNTER FOUNDER, MONIQUE ROGERS

Monique RogersQuestion #1: As of now, how has the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the various work, community, and travel-related restrictions impacted your life, personally and professionally?

Monique’s Answer: The pandemic has impacted my personal and professional lives in both positive and negative ways.

Negative: I’ve had to cancel all my workshops, speaking engagements, and family functions.

Our family has had to adjust to working remotely and we’ve had to transition our children to virtual education. It’s challenging to manage both. I notice elevated levels of stress and fear as the number of people infected across our county increases. 

Positive: We're doing our best to remain safe and stress free. As we practice social distancing, we have each experienced our fair share of boredom, however, I decided to "Quarantine with a Purpose" by intentionally making the best of this situation. I’ve decided to be grateful for this time.

I've needed to get some long neglected things accomplished. I've committed to invest in myself, my family, and my home during this time. I’ve come to realize staying home isn't so bad if you change your perspective, tap into your creativity, and reconnect with those you love.

 Question #2: What heartfelt words of wisdom do you have to share with leaders and aspiring leaders?

Monique’s Answer: You may be bored, but don’t panic.  Believe in God.  God is bigger than all this. This too shall pass.

Realize you have a key part to play. Be honest with yourself and do what you can to make the best of this situation. This will help you overcome the boredom and sense of panic.

 Quarantine isn’t a bad thing if you “quarantine with a purpose”. Use this time to get some meaningful things accomplished … or just relax!

 Minimize unproductive distractions like social media.  Write down a list of things you’ve been meaning to get done. Get creative with your family. Cook together, play games, and reconnect.

 There is so much we can do! Reorganize. Take walks to improve your health. If you are working from home, still getting paid, and have food and toilet paper, don’t forget about others in worse situations. Find ways to give, maintaining social distance, of course.

 I encourage you to ignite your power and choose to win. Yes, it may be easier said than done, but it’s definitely possible. Begin with just a tad bit of effort.

 You’ve got this. God’s got us!

 Be encouraged. This too shall pass.

 About Monique Rogers: Monique is a community leader and not-for-profit business owner on a mission to inspire women and teen girls to overcome their fears, embrace their true purpose, and reach their full potential. Known for her heart of gold and her refreshing speaking style, Monique’s award-winning speech, Fighting Forward, motivates audiences to embrace self-awareness as an essential key to true happiness and success.

After serving in the U.S. Navy for 7 years as an Operations Specialist, Monique spent 12 years with CIT Bank where she launched a women’s empowerment resource group to foster stronger relationships and promote success. Monique holds a B.S. in Business Management and shares life with her loving husband of 22 years and her 4 children in Jacksonville, Florida.