Meet Rita Wray Miller | Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rita Wray Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rita, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When I think of this question, I think of my mom who would often say to me- “Always throw your hat in the ring. You never know when the ring master is going to pick it up!”. It took me a long time to really grasp what she meant by that statement. However, as I began to move and groove in life, it became very apparent what that meant. Simply, to take risks! Nothing beats a failure, but a try!

I am a believer in what life has planned for each of us, is just that, for each individual. Most of the time, we never know what life truly holds for us, if we avoid the risks. There can be thoughts of I’m not…. I don’t… I can’t…. or even worse, believing that we’re not worthy. Yes, we are, yes, we do and yes, we can. However, we will never know, unless we take the risk. Oftentimes, there are only two responses available- (yes or no). So, just prepare yourself for the no, but expect the yes. If it is no, just stand firm and get ready for the next opportunity to take another risk. Trust that in this life, a time to respond to risks will present itself again, and again. Found within, will be your yes moments.

Throughout my career, I have taken risks that have landed great jobs for me, opened wide doors of opportunity, and more importantly supported my personal and professional growth and development. Most recently, I took a risk; I wrote and published a memoir, which is something that I had never considered. However, when someone planted the seed in my mind, I thought about it, prayed about it and just went for it. I took the risk and now I am a published author. As I said earlier, we never know what this life holds for us, unless we move beyond our comfort zones and fears of the unknown.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Currently, I am a public health program administrator. I work daily to provide resources and services to help individuals live healthy lives. I’ve worked in human services throughout my career, with most of the time spent with large not-for-profit organizations.

I am most proud of the collaborations and partnerships I’ve established, nurtured and maintained over the years. In the field of human services, the work has to be done by many hands and in order to achieve the desired outcomes, strong, reliable relationships are key.

It was not easy, but when you work through your passion, its not about being easy, its about getting it done for the people you are serving. Your end goal is always improving the circumstances of others. When that is achieved, you don’t think about the easy, you think about the success for them and ultimately for yourself.

Challenges are going to come, however you learn from your misfortunes and that of those around you. Pay attention, be observant, ask questions and remember that you may not need that information today… but tomorrow is coming.

My story revolves around this thought: Our beginning does not and should not define our present or final situation, but it is how we flow and flourish in the meantime that makes the difference.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When I think of this question, I think of my mom who would often say to me- “Always throw your hat in the ring. You never know when the ring master is going to pick it up!”. It took me a long time to really grasp what she meant by that statement. However, as I began to move and groove in life, it became very apparent what that meant. Simply, to take risks! Nothing beats a failure, but a try!

I am a believer in what life has planned for each of us, is just that, for each individual. Most of the time, we never know what life truly holds for us, if we avoid the risks. There can be thoughts of I’m not…. I don’t… I can’t…. or even worse, believing that we’re not worthy. Yes, we are, yes, we do and yes, we can. However, we will never know, unless we take the risk. Oftentimes, there are only two responses available- (yes or no). So, just prepare yourself for the no, but expect the yes. If it is no, just stand firm and get ready for the next opportunity to take another risk. Trust that in this life, a time to respond to risks will present itself again, and again. Found within, will be your yes moments.

Throughout my career, I have taken risks that have landed great jobs for me, opened wide doors of opportunity, and more importantly supported my personal and professional growth and development. Most recently, I took a risk; I wrote and published a memoir, which is something that I had never considered. However, when someone planted the seed in my mind, I thought about it, prayed about it and just went for it. I took the risk and now I am a published author. As I said earlier, we never know what this life holds for us, unless we move beyond our comfort zones and fears of the unknown.

Website: https://linkr.bio/611kz

Facebook: Rita Wray Miller

Image Credits
Book Cover Illustrated by-Aliyah Mickens