"Healing and Hope: Charmaine Roots Castillo’s Story of Resilience and Reinvention"

Written By Angela Mitchell

Courageous Conversations: An Interview with Charmaine Roots Castillo

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today! Could you share with our readers a bit about who you are and what you do?

My name is Charmaine Roots Castillo, and I am a development editor helping aspiring authors craft their stories in a way that will be impactful and fulfilling. I love guiding writers through the process of expressing their truths while ensuring their stories resonate with their readers.

This year has flown by, and we’re just a few weeks away from a brand-new year! As you think back over 2024, what would you say is your biggest lesson learned, and how did it shape your decision to move boldly into your next chapter?

I learned a great lesson this year, thanks to Hurricane Milton, about what truly matters in life. I realized that the challenges of my past have prepared me for the challenges of today, and those experiences are strengthening me for the obstacles I will face tomorrow. The peace that comes from practicing gratitude is a powerful tool. It helps you weather any storm, no matter how fierce. I’ve learned how to survive battles that try to take my peace and continue walking in love. This shift in perspective has given me the courage to move forward with greater confidence and clarity as I step into 2025.

Resilience is such a powerful theme that speaks to the fierce spirit of women, but we sometimes face setbacks that can feel overwhelming. What was one obstacle in 2024 that pushed you to dig deeper and keep going, and what did you learn about your strength in the process?

The most challenging situation I faced was when I found out on Facebook that my son had passed away. In those gut-wrenching hours and days that followed, I now realize how pivotal that moment was for my growth. The good that came from that moment far outweighs what was meant to take me down.

Hurricane Milton was the biggest challenge to my peace since my son’s death. I don’t think it was a coincidence that the book I brought with me to read was about emotional intelligence. I was strengthened by the lessons in that book before the storm hit right across my city. After the storm passed, I realized that not once had I lost a night’s peaceful sleep. My testimony remained intact. That experience taught me that resilience isn’t about avoiding the storms but maintaining peace and strength in the midst of them.

That’s amazing! So listen, we know that resilience isn’t always about bouncing back—it’s sometimes about growing through the mess! Is there a time when you turned a difficult situation into an opportunity for personal or professional growth?

The most challenging situation I faced was when I found out on Facebook that my son had passed away. In those gut-wrenching hours and days that followed, I now realize how pivotal that moment was for my growth. The good that came from that moment far outweighs what was meant to take me down.

I came to the conclusion that if my son’s death didn’t destroy me, nothing could. That realization made me understand I might have extraordinary superpowers, and I wanted to figure out how to effectively use them. I began with deep self-examination, being brutally honest with myself. This process sparked a profound transformation that I carry with me today.

Wow, that’s such a powerful transformation. Before we go, I have one last question—well, actually, it’s two! Looking ahead to 2025, how will you use what you’ve learned to create a better tomorrow for yourself? And what advice would you give to women who are also looking to strengthen their resilience for the new year?

Have you ever said, "If I only knew then what I know now?" Well, I’m walking into 2025 with the wisdom from all of my years, and this time, I’m EXECUTING according to how I was designed to execute. Consistent execution has been the missing element in my former days, but I’m stepping into a new way of working. I want to see different results, and I know that taking intentional, aligned action will help me achieve that.

For other women looking to strengthen their resilience in the new year, I’d say: Don’t wait for the perfect time. Start where you are, with what you have. The challenges and setbacks you face are preparing you for the success you’re destined for. Embrace them, learn from them, and move forward with unwavering faith in yourself.

Thank you!

Charmaine’s story of resilience, growth, and strength in the face of adversity is a powerful reminder that we are all capable of weathering life’s storms. Her insights can inspire us to not just survive, but thrive, in 2025. She is an international best-selling author and editor with her latest project titled “The Second Wind” launching in the spring of 2025 so stay tuned!

Angela Mitchell
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