We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Powers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Opening a private counseling practice has allowed me to enjoy a healthy balance in my life. I have a high view of addressing all the pieces of the pie: mental health, emotional, spiritual, physical, financial, and environmental. While working a part-time schedule, which is considered “full-time” in private practice, this has opened the doors for me to spend time on other areas of life in addition to my vocation. Where previously I worked a 40-hour work week, got up at 5am for work, and had less energy to devote to other aspects, I now have more time in my day to accomplish other tasks. I am now fully able to rest, worship, reach out to friends and family, write a book, go to the gym, enjoy reading and do paperwork at a local coffee shop, participate in Bible study, and manage household responsibilities. I have learned over time that in order to remain healthy to best help my clients and myself, I need to prioritize my own health and well-being. I thank God who has provided in this way and continues to allow room for living the abundant life he has promised.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

In the past year and a half, I have had the privilege of working with  Trilogy publishing team to publish my first book: “A Mind Restored.”

Growing up, I knew few trials or troubles. Coming from a caring middle-class Christian family, I thrived physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Until an ordinary day at school ended with a shocking manic episode and a trip to the psychiatric ward.

Hospitalized for three weeks, as a once-vibrant teenager, I endured a traumatic summer lost in a haze of medication and depression. But despite multiple debilitating setbacks, I battled toward stability with the help of Christ and a revitalized outlook to help others faced with similar grim prognoses.

In my memoir, I have the honor of recounting my years fighting Bipolar Type-1 with psychotic features and using that hard-earned knowledge to educate and provide support. Where I was once ostracized and burdened by shame, I fought this devastating mental illness—and both social and church stigma—and triumphed through the Grace of God.

I invite you to follow my pages on social to get the latest updates about pre-sale, and launch date around January 3rd, 2024.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of my favorite spots to go in my free time is to Lake Michigan. Only a 40-minute drive from my house, you can find me bringing books, magazines, journal, markers, snacks, and beach umbrella to relax the day away on the sandy shores. God’s creation is one of my favorite pastimes. Whether with a friend, my honey, or enjoying the quiet in solo time, I am always eager to plan a trip to the beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shout out first of all to God, my creator, sustainer, Savior, and friend. Without him establishing my calling, purpose, and healing, I would not be where I am today. I want to thank my parents, Scott and Jody Muka, for providing for my needs and raising me in a Christian home, and displaying for me what it means to have a relationship with God. My dad’s wisdom, hard work, and humor have been a light to me along the way and an example of a godly leader. My mom’s nurturing, kind, and patient demeaner, prayer support, and unconditional love have created the unwavering support that has helped me get through the toughest times of my life. Thank you mom and dad. I want to thank my colleague Gary for guiding me along the steps of opening my private practice. Without your input, I would not have known the first steps in how to create my business. I would like to thank my therapist Nicole, who has equipped me to take steps forward through EMDR therapy to heal from the trauma of my past. I have found freedom with your professional guidance. I would like to thank my writing instructor and peers at the Kalamazoo Institute of the Arts, who were cheerleaders and a provided a safe foundation that encouraged me to publish my memoir, that will be released near the end of 2023.

Website: Www.KimberlyMukaPowers.com

Instagram: kimberly_muka_powers_author

Twitter: KMukaPowers

Facebook: kimberly_muka_powers_author

Other: Fb: Kim Powers at Heart Soul Mind Strength LLC Www.HeartSoulMindStrengthLLC.com

Image Credits
Photo Credit Josh Rexford

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