She has learned the value of taking time to fully understand all situations, good or bad.
After dealing with online bullying, Woods knows how self-esteem issues can take hold. She gives advice to other young women who have endured or may face similar ordeals.
“Being a woman is just hard,” Woods said. “Being a young person is hard, especially in this generation. There are so many Instagram comparisons, and people always want to compare women. What you have to understand is that your individuality is your greatest gift. No one can be you, and that is your power. I had to learn that.
“Normally, when people talk about you, it is never about you. You should never take it personally because it is a reflection of how they feel inside. Whatever they’re saying to you is most likely because they’re upset with themselves, whether it’s their appearance, their life or whatever happened to them. So, don’t take anything personally, and just send people love and be the very best that you can be. And, if you can change something you don’t like about yourself, work on it. And if you can’t change it, accept it.”
As people around the world continue to lose family members and friends prematurely during the global pandemic, Woods knows what’s it like to deal with the pain of having to say goodbye to a loved one too soon. In 2017, her father, John Woods, lost his battle with cancer two weeks after being diagnosed.
“It’s so unfortunate. One of my best friends just lost their parent,” Woods said about how the pandemic has affected someone close. “And as someone that’s gone through it, there’s no right or wrong way to grieve. We all deal with it differently. But my best advice is whatever emotion you feel, just go with it, live it. Do not hold back, and really just feel every emotion. Take your time. When you look at the big scale, God is taking them back when he needs them. And if you can detach yourself from the situation, you have to understand that the person that’s no longer here is happy. It’s hard for us and it’s really difficult. It will happen to all of us one day. Just try to do your best to stay strong. It will still hurt. That feeling of losing someone is painful.”
Tribulations are inescapable, but Woods continues to look forward to fully embracing the promise of a bright future.
“I can’t give away too many details, but along with the music, there’s also a movie coming out this year that I worked on,” Woods revealed while flashing her warm smile. “Movies, music, TV — the possibilities are endless.”
Story by A.R. Shaw
Photos provided by Jordyn Woods
