Most “About me” posts include details such as school, marriage, births, achievements, jobs, titles, awards and the like. This one is a bit different.
Previously I wrote “My Story” as part of my blog because it was important to get it out and heal. I know that talking about the things I have been through served to help others on their journey and I’d like to say that’s why I wrote it, but in all reality, it was because I needed to say it out loud for myself and try to get past it. It was cathartic for me. It has merely been a bonus that it also helped others heal. For that I am thankful.
I am a Southern girl. My main influences are my mother, both of my Grandmothers and one very special Great Grandmother. Etiquette and manners were a big deal in my family. We didn’t have much money but we certainly had class. They are all amazing women.
My parents divorced when I was very young and we moved from South Carolina, where I was born, to Texas where my mother’s family resided. Although I was blessed with remarkable female role models, I didn’t have many men in my younger years that I could learn about boys from. It was when I had my first child, a son, that I really began to comprehend the mind of the male species. Boy did he teach me a lot!
I was married to the father of my children for 23 years. We had some good years together and at this point in my life I choose to focus on those times. Yes, we obviously had problems and eventually divorced. I’m thankful to have the beautiful children that union created and to now be free.
My best friend for so many years always encouraged me to “Let Go, Let God”. I even have a tattoo that says this. It’s taken me several years to forgive and really let go of the hurt. Over this time, I’ve come to realize many things about the people in my life and continue to adjust the boundaries. I am meant to soar and I think that scares some of the people who knew me when I could barely walk. The letting go can be painful for all of us. I know that my journey is my own but I am not alone. I walk with many.
Through it all, I’ve embraced who I am and that’s the woman I want you to know about.
Here are a few things you may not know about me:
• As a child, I was very shy! It was after having children that I started to come out of my shell and gain confidence. Never in a million years did I think I’d become a Professional Speaker.
• I REALLY enjoy exercising and I actually LOVE healthy food!
• I have always been petite. My father is super skinny but quite tall. I look most like his sister.
• Even though I’m probably one of the worst vocalists you will never hear, I love to sing. (I make a concentrated effort to do it alone)
• I love dancing even more than singing. Thankfully, I have pretty good rhythm. You can catch me moving to just about any kind of music including Pop, Hip-Hop, Rap, Country, Christian, Reggae, Rock, Bluegrass, Broadway, and Classical.
• No one seems to know where the curls came from.
• I hated my curly hair when I was growing up but have learned to really love it. I get questions from other naturally curly headed girls all the time and LOVE to give them all my tips on products and care. It’s taken me years to figure some of this stuff out! I feel like we need to stick together.
• I love scuba diving. The deepest dive I’ve ever done was 133 feet off of Cozumel in a cave called Punta Sur. It was amazing!
• I’m too empathetic sometimes which causes me to cry very easily. I get embarrassed by this quite often.
• I had foot surgery as a child and as a result have a weird big toe on my right foot. I’ve named it, “The Toe”. It has provided comic relief on many occasions. As a teen this toe embarrassed me to no end! I rarely wore open shoes because I was sure everyone was staring at my feet and the scars I was so self-conscious of. Now I don’t care so much. If I catch you looking for it I’ll know you read this. 🙂
• I have 2 incredible adult children who amaze me every day.
• I am a brand new “Gammy” who makes a daily effort to NOT be one of those people who pushes pics of his sweet dimples in everyone’s face. Of course if you want to see some photos I’d be happy to oblige! (But really, he’s so cute!)
• I might have a problem with the over-use of exclamation marks!!!
• God has provided all that I have and all that I am able to do. All glory is His. I am truly blessed! I love this journey!
• Anything else you want to know, just ask!
