We recently had the chance to connect with Annette Wasden Goitia and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Annette, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? When was the last time you felt true joy?
Last weekend, after a chaotic and busy summer with my childcare business, I was able to escape to the mountains for a four-day weekend with my husband in our new camper trailer without guilt, without regret, and was ready to feel joy and peace in nature.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I started working in childcare at the age of 14 by babysitting and nannying. I then became a preschool teacher and continued my journey in working with children as a nanny, teacher, and eventually an Assistant Director and now Owner of an in-home state-licensed childcare center. My approach is not only just providing a place for children to be during the day, but I work hard to make sure the children feel safe and happy, and can learn skills like emotional regulation.
I grew up in an environment where I experienced abuse, trauma, and neglect, and I worked tirelessly in my adult life to heal and triumph over the lingering effects of that upbringing. And I had to do most of that work alone. Because I understand how hard it is to fight for healing, I now make it a personal mission to provide children safe environments for growth, but I am also passionate about providing resources to the world at large by sharing the lessons I had to learn the hard way about how to heal, grow, and build the life you want. Using this mission as my motivation, I write books and try to provide knowledge and resources to hopefully make the healing journey easier for others.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I used to have a deep belief that I would not amount to anything and that I did not matter. I believed that I was just a body in a room, breathing and had no purpose. As I grew older and went through my healing journey, my inner child learned that I could actually go after my dreams and become the woman I always wanted to become. I realized I had purpose and friends who loved me and relied on me, and that I mattered.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Girl, you did it!! Look at you go!!
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They would probably say that I am determined to help people, especially children, find peace, hope, and healing. I love the innocence and beauty of children, but also recognize that the very innocence and beauty in children also exists in adults; it is only that adults have been shamed and hurt into not feeling the whimsy and joy of life that is so precious for children. So, I am passionate about making sure that children can protect their innocence and joy, but also help adults heal the parts of themselves that prevent them from accessing those childlike attributes.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
A common companion in the theme of my life has been the butterfly. It seems like butterflies are with me all the time and are a perfect analogy for my life. Because of everything I have been through in my life, I could have chosen to stay as a caterpillar in my comfort zone. I could have also chosen to wrap myself up in my cocoon and shut myself off from the world, and give up. But I chose to persevere and go through the pain of metamorphosis and become a beautiful butterfly. My friends and the people in my life understand the relationship I have with butterflies and the parallel their journey has to my own life. I would hope that the people in my life tell the story of how, despite everything, I chose to persevere and fight through the pain to live my beautiful life.
Contact Info:
- Other: Social Media and Website are being revamped and additional details will be sent later.
Image Credits
Kelli Ann Morgan for the first photo
