We were lucky to catch up with Brandi Webster recently and have shared our conversation below.
Brandi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
During my time at the Department of Veterans Affairs, I had a clear plan for advancing my nursing career. But then, the pandemic hit, and the constant daycare closures forced me to stay home with my precious daughter. While it initially felt like a disruption, it turned out to be a profound period of self-reflection and transformation.
I took this unexpected pause to reassess my life and discovered that true happiness didn’t lie in nursing. It was a pivotal decision I was about to make, so I knew I needed a well-thought-out plan. I had an unshakable passion for serving others, a desire to make a difference, but I wasn’t certain about the path to pursue.
My defining moment came after moments of deep prayer and fasting. I fervently asked God to reveal His purpose for my life. As I reflected on the journey I’d been through, God’s plan was unveiled before me. Inspired by this revelation, I decided to create the “Healing Hearts Blog.” It became my sanctuary, a platform through which I could share my personal journey and extend a helping hand to women battling mental health challenges, guiding them towards a purpose-filled life.
With each step I took in faith, another path was illuminated, leading me to pursue a graduate degree. Now, in the final year of my Master of Social Work (MSW) program, I’m gearing up to dive into clinical therapy. It’s an incredible journey, one that I’m profoundly grateful for, especially because all of these remarkable changes unfolded during a particularly dark chapter of my life. Through unwavering faith and trust in God, I not only survived but thrived.
Brandi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Brandi Webster, I’m a mental health advocate, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW), and founder of Healing Hearts Blog, where I’m on a mission to bring hope, healing, and purpose to the lives of women struggling with their mental health.
My journey into this meaningful industry began roughly four years ago, a period when my own unhealed traumas came to the surface and turned my world upside down. It was a time of darkness I thought I might never emerge from. Yet, even in those challenging moments, I couldn’t shake the feeling that life held more for me, that I was destined for something greater.
In the midst of my struggles, I heard a soft voice guiding me to reconnect with my source of strength and healing – God. This profound spiritual awakening marked the beginning of a deeply personal journey that led me to where I am today.
Healing Hearts Blog initially started as a series of journal entries, a way for me to document my own healing journey. However, as I poured my heart and soul into these words, I realized that my experiences were meant to serve a higher purpose – to inspire and uplift others who were also navigating the path to healing. I recognized that I wasn’t alone in my journey, and that’s when I felt compelled to share my story with the world. It’s my heartfelt prayer that this blog not only inspires but also provides the encouragement and support that is needed to persevere.
In my commitment to aiding those on their healing journey, I offer eBooks and digital journals designed to guide you through your own process of healing. I provide valuable education on anxiety and depression, along with practical techniques to overcome their grip and conquer your fears, urging you to step boldly out of your comfort zone. Self-care is another crucial focus, where I share insights and actionable steps to help you prioritize your well-being and mental health.
But this is just the beginning. In 2024, Healing Hearts Blog has exciting plans for expansion and the introduction of new services dedicated to fostering and enhancing holistic mental well-being. I am eagerly looking forward to sharing these developments with all of you.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to serving others. I genuinely love helping people in any way I can. What I’m most proud of is the community we’re building here at Healing Hearts Blog, a safe space where stories are shared, healing is nurtured, and purpose is discovered.
So, potential clients, followers, and friends, I want you to know that this isn’t just a blog; it’s a sanctuary of hope. It’s a place where transformation begins, where you’ll find resources to navigate your healing journey, and where you are part of a caring community that supports your growth. Together, we’ll conquer the shadows and step into the brilliance of a purpose-filled life. Welcome to Healing Hearts Blog, where healing is not just a destination; it’s a beautiful, ongoing journey.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Beyond the essential training and knowledge required in my field, I firmly believe that personal experience and empathy have been invaluable assets in my journey toward success. I’ve faced my own share of trials and tribulations when it comes to maintaining my mental health. These struggles have given me firsthand insight into what it’s like to live with the weight of depression, the relentless grip of anxiety, the paralyzing fear that can consume us, and the self-sabotaging behaviors that often accompany these challenges.
These personal experiences have provided me with a unique perspective and a deep well of empathy. They’ve allowed me to connect with those who seek my guidance and support on a profound level. When I speak to someone about their mental health struggles, it’s not just as a professional offering knowledge; it’s as someone who’s walked a similar path, who’s felt the darkness, and who’s found the flicker of hope within it.
My firsthand experiences have also illuminated what works for me personally, which in turn has guided my approach in helping others. I understand the power of certain techniques and strategies, and I’ve witnessed their transformative effects in my own life. This knowledge has empowered me to provide practical and effective guidance to those I work with, offering them a path toward healing.
Moreover, my own journey has highlighted the gaps in available resources and support systems. In essence, my personal experiences have made me not only prepared me as a mental health advocate but also a compassionate guide who understands the depths of mental health struggles. This, I believe, is a very important aspect of succeeding in my field – the ability to empathize, connect, and provide real, practical solutions born out of both professional knowledge and personal insight.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I want to share a time when I faced a tough challenge. I was working hard to build my own brand, chasing my dreams and ambitions. But then, depression came back into my life, and it hit me hard.
During this difficult period, I lost interest in the things I once loved. I started doubting my ability to make my brand successful, and I decided to step away from it for a while. However, deep down, I knew this gift was inside me. I had a purpose that was bigger than just my own desires. I couldn’t give up on my dreams because they meant more than that.
So, I embarked on a journey to not only rebuild Healing Hearts Blog but also to fight my way out of the darkness I was in. It wasn’t easy, and there were days when I felt overwhelmed. But I held on to the hope deep inside me. What kept me going was the thought of my daughter. I wanted to make her proud, and that motivation gave me strength. I realized that my purpose was greater than my doubts.
Slowly, I started to see progress. Healing Hearts Blog began to take shape, and success started to feel possible. The battle with depression didn’t defeat me; it made me stronger.
Looking back, I see that those tough days tested me, and I didn’t give up. I emerged from the darkness with a renewed sense of purpose and a stronger sense of my own resilience. My journey was about more than just building Healing Hearts Blog; it was about rediscovering my inner strength and using it to create a better future for myself, my family, and especially, my daughter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.healinghearts-blog.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healing_hearts_blog
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@healingheartsblog
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingheartsblog
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healingheartsblog
Image Credits
Kristin Guynn