We were lucky to catch up with Sorana Mitchell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sorana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project I have worked on is ME.
I am a 46-year-old woman, mother, author, singer/songwriter – creative. But getting here was not easy. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2007, and before that, I struggled with getting over being sexually abused at 12 and 13 years old. It was hard going to get to a place where I am happy in my own skin, love who I am, and working towards becoming the best version of myself.
I engaged in a lot of soul-searching, journaling, self-affirmation, positive self-talk, and doing things I love. To do things I love, I had to leave my comfort zone, and as I write in my book Still Smiling, A Memoir by Sorana Mitchell, which can be found on Amazon, I had to open myself up to new opportunities, unlearn old habits, which I am still doing, and be optimistic. Although I have come a long way, I am very much still a work in progress.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I started as a reporter, but after many years, with a book under my belt and several creative pieces, including poetry, I am leaning more toward referring to myself as a storyteller; I love telling stories, whether as a reporter, author, singer/songwriter, or more. I revel in the realm of creativity.
Sorana Mitchell Worlds was created as a respite during the COVID-19 pandemic. I conducted interviews that I shared on my Facebook Page (Sorana Mitchell Worlds) and uploaded myself singing. Sorana Mitchell Worlds is now morphing into my dream media and entertainment business, which will include all my creative work.
My website: www.soranamitchellworlds.com
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to learn to love myself.
As I shared before, I was sexually abused, and that made me hate myself – from the inside out.
It took years of self-work because I did not have access to therapists. It was in my late 20s I started talking to a therapist after the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and then questioning, second-guessing myself, and hating that I was “crazy” did not help. However, I had to decide that no matter what, I would live my life to the fullest, so I did the work, the heavy, daunting work on myself. Now, I LOVE & ACCEPT ME!!!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I lived in New York City for over 15 years as an immigrant who overstayed her welcome in the United States. In 2018, at the height of xenophobia, I decided to return to my home country. With little or no money and nowhere concrete to live, I picked up my daughter, and we headed back to Grenada. It was rough for my daughter and me, but I never gave up. I even suffered a relapse in early 2021 that had me hospitalised at the local mental health facility, which is an awful place. Going to the local mental health hospital propelled me into mental health advocacy, so it reaffirmed one of my beliefs that ‘nothing is all bad.’
Surrounded by stigma, no work, and no money, I used grit and a desire to be an example for my daughter that no matter how many times you may fall, you must get back up. So, today, I continue to rise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=52c5d4c891ee706e&sca_upv=1&q=sorana+mitchell+worlds&spell=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjD7oOU49uIAxVltYQIHUNDB2EQBSgAegQIHRAB&biw=911&bih=427&dpr=1.5
- Instagram: Sorana Mitchell Worlds
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sorana.mitchell & https://www.facebook.com/SoranaMitchellWORLDS/
- Linkedin: Sorana Mitchell
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBlQ22E3akDCV67BHU9vazQ
Image Credits
Andy Johnson Photography