We were lucky to catch up with Aline J. Milfort recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Aline J., thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
I took the most significant risk on February 19, 2021, at 8:05 a.m. I will say it was more of a “forced” risk than optional; however, I will forever be grateful it happened. This decision led me to move from the only place I ever knew, Florida, to Texas, where I would learn more about myself beyond just professionally but personally. National match day occurs in February every year in the psychology world. This is the day every psychology doctoral student around the nation learns of if and where they are matched via email to complete the last phase of their academic career before graduation. Months of filling applications, asking for letters of recommendation, and experiencing various emotions lead to this moment. So on February 19, 2021, I remember running through the house screaming, “I matched! I matched!” after seeing the email. By July 2021, I was moving and starting a new journey. It has been about eight months, and the growth I have seen in myself is impeccable. Of course, some days have been more challenging than others. This new destination has caused me to evolve into a better and more authentic woman, which has positively impacted how I can show up for those I serve. As I reflect, this “forced” risk was a hidden blessing God knew I needed.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
This is an interesting question that I always find challenging to answer because I believe I am constantly evolving into a “new” Aline haha. To start, I am a Haitian-American School Psychologist in Training ( I graduate in a couple of months with my doctorates!), motivational speaker, and author of numerous books, including a culturally relevant and bilingual children’s book, B is for Beautiful/ B se pou Bèl. In 2015, I released my first book Tears Turned into Purpose, which led to multiple opportunities of speaking to women at various faith-based and community organizations. As an author and speaker, I was inspired to be the Christian woman who brought hope to my audience through my writing and speaking engagements that one’s tears can turn into their purpose. Honestly, I was shocked yet honored to see how many people were asking me to speak at their events.
Overtime, I continued releasing books and speaking in various places both in-person locally in Florida and virtually to women in Bahamas. Interestingly enough, I was attending graduate school at the same time. As I progressed in my academics, my passion for faith and mental health began to increase as a Christian and rising Psychologist. Additionally, I noticed having conversation between spirituality and mental health was often lacking and seen as negative, especially within the church setting. This has led to transforming my brand and mission. Therefore, I have aimed to become a leading voice in the intersection between the two in the Black and Brown communities. As a result, I released a multipurpose self-care hardcover sermon notebook which includes templates to write sermon notes, a mental health corner with national resources such as the national suicide hotline, crisis text line, and more; relevant verses related to the mind on certain pages, and an easy method for creating a devotional time with God at every end. Furthermore, I have assisted women and men of faith connect with mental health resources and licensed mental health professionals. Why? I am a strong believer that we can love God and still see a therapist.
I have been seen on numerous media outlets such as BECON-TV-The Haitian Generation Show, heard on WSRF 1580 AM and 99.5 FM, and featured in VoyageMia and MindBodyGreen magazines. In the same way, my books have landed in countless states in America and other countries including Africa, Mexico, Finland, and Canada. But I am most proud that my children’s book have landed in the hands of diverse children, our future world changers! It warms my heart every time a parent shares a photo or tag me on social media. I want those who have been following and rocking with me from the beginning and future follower to know that you inspire me every day to continue my work. You motivate me more than you will every know!
Question not found
If I could go back, I would DEFINITELY choose this same profession. Statistically, approximately 3 percent of School Psychologists identify as Black. It is an honor to be a part of the 3 percent who can help people every day!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
An important lesson learned was busyness does not equal to productivity. I found myself constantly exhausted and no longer desired to be creative. I could not understand why I was not birthing new ideas as I once did. Later learned I was burnt out, and my body was notifying me. Therefore, if I needed to see the change, I learned how to enjoy resting. I learned to shut my laptop down and enjoy the present moment. For example, catching up on my favorite television show, face timing my parents, and going out with friends.I learned the beauty of stillness. I learned that work will always be there the next day, and breaks are okay. Over time, I no longer felt guilty in taking time to enjoy myself and those around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alinejmilfort.com
- Instagram: @alinejmilfort
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aline-milfort-211047a7/
- Twitter: @alinejmilfort
Image Credits
Kauwuane Burton Studios’ https://www.ksbfoto.com