We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mercedes I Peterson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mercedes I , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us a story about a time you failed?
At the age of 44, my failure was my health.. In January 9th 2024 I was diagnosed with sepsis and was admitting to ICU for blood transfusion. This was my first time in my life admitted to a hospital for a long stay. They couldn’t determine what caused it . I tried willing myself back to health and i couldn’t. Up until this point I didn’t worry about my health I drink water, eat my fruits and vegetables, excercise and I thought I was at the best shape of the life. We worry about a million things a day until you get sick and you worry about one thing, getting healthy. A few weeks later I had emergency surgery because my intestines were twisted. My mind and body were separate; my brain in denial and my body fighting to survive. In order to heal I had to unite the two. Face my reality of being Ill so I can transform it. I was in the hospital a total of 26 days with both diagnosis. In the meantime I lost a job and was being evicted. I focused on my health to improve so that I can tackle my other challenges. Within a month of being released my surgical scars healed, started my new job and I am currently still in my apartment. Failure is truly a state of mind.
Mercedes I , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am beautiful on the outside. And, honestly that’s why I always wanted to be a catalog model. As Life would have it inner beauty is most important in the world. Life has challenged me to face my inner world, build character, tenacity, compassion for myself and others. After being ill ( my biggest challenge) I had to manifest healing through my actions and self belief. I am my brand. I don’t just bring beauty and charm. I bring passion, empathy, hope and courage
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I separated from my husband in 2015 and moved to Philadelphia from NY to start a new life. I have this fire in me to live a life that makes sense to me. From renting a room with a friend, endless jobs, unemployment, to finding my own place, getting a cat, securing a stable job with longevity. I never gave up on myself. The core belief that I deserve better anchored me no matter the circumstances
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I had to unlearn is that everyone has to be one religion or risk going to hell. I’ve tried 6 religions. A born Catholic, then Baptist, Jehova witness, 7 day Adventist, Atheist and now a Buddhist for the past 18 years
I was looking for a religion that didn’t make me feel guilty about being me. I felt my existence was doom because of my parents, my immigration status born in Madrid, Spain, my gender, education ect. Now I know that everyone can’t be the same , we should strive to find whatever makes us better people to ourselves and others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: iv_mercedes
- Facebook: IV Mercedes
- Twitter: Iv no y @iv_plus
Image Credits
Rjones Photography
Ador Photography
Kia Cadwell Photography
Monica Hahn photography