Double Portion Inspiration

  For years, Roslyn and I have provided inspiration through our blog. It's been a way to bring calm to everyday chaos. Well, we've decided to join our years of business experience and form DPI,LLC ! DPI,LLC  is a high impact consulting firm focusing on leadership training, business strategy and talent management.  It's an opportunity for us to encourage through consulting services for small business owners, corporations and faith based organizations. In this chaotic time, DPI is here to: Take the fear out of starting over Assist organizations pivot during a pandemic Identify your value proposition in the NEW marketplace Equip Executive Leadership & their staff in the area of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Change is inevitable and we want to help you navigate it with innovative solutions! Ways to support us: Visit our website for more information:  https://www.dpi2.com/ Like our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/DPI2LLC Follow us on Instagram: ...

The thoughts twirling in my head on any given day in 2020 are random. As I try to process the amount of information and news to stay informed it can lead to anxious thoughts and nervousness. Sometimes the largest battle in our life isn't happening externally (outside world) it's happening internally (inside us). Our smiles and normal demeanor can hide the true feelings rattling around in our brain. We mask (no pun intended) how we really feel thinking no one has the time to truly listen.  WHO wants to hear us complain?  I hear people say reach out to someone if you are struggling, but honestly most often that someone is too captivated with their own day to day living. How do we stop the self defeating and anxious thoughts? What do we do after we've reached out to someone and we feel the same way? With each passing day in 2020, there is more and more to frighten us. I'm learning (not there yet) to sit still. This might be the hardest part of my day, sitting still.  I si...

I recognize that many talented professionals are transitioning due to the pandemic. As I read through my social media outlets it's been endless with layoff announcements. We are now a community.  My 2 month furlough also transitioned into a separation from Fossil Group after 12.5 years of service. I am convinced that all the diverse skills and experiences, will now be a catalyst for greater. As someone told me, " you didn't lose your job, they lost you ." Each of you have incredible value that you provided to your company or organization for many years. Don't hold any bitterness against them . This layoff was due to an unprecedented turn of events. It had nothing to do with your performance or worth . I want you to know, there is life after a layoff . The time has come to springboard into your next chapter.  No experience, pain, relationship, accomplishment or trial you face is a wasted experience. It's all interconnected to make you the stronger. Don'...

Two years ago I was at my heaviest weight. If I would've put my pinky toe on the scale, it would register 200 pounds. My blood pressure was on the rise and I just didn't feel healthy. Now, with that being said, I was still a beautiful black woman. I just had a few more curves and edges. When I visited with my doctor for my yearly physical and to discuss next steps regarding my blood pressure, she suggested that I decrease my sodium intake. I quickly realized that it was poison to my body. So many foods that I loved were high in sodium. I remember looking at the sodium content for a grilled chicken salad that I frequently enjoyed at a local restaurant and it exceeded 1100 mg of sodium! That's almost a daily supply of sodium in one salad. At my doctor's suggestion, I decided to make small changes. Over time, those small changes led to 21 pounds of weight lost in a 2 year period. Here's what worked for me: Decreased my sodium intake Decreased my food portion...

BEFORE I've always embraced my body's curves and edges. A little extra love handle never really freaked me out. I'm comfortable in my own skin and I don't feel the need to be the skinniest chick in the crowd. I exercise, eat fairly healthy and take care of my body. Last year during a routine physical, I was made aware of my blood pressure being on the high side. It wasn't crazy high, but it was elevated. My physician asked me to eat less sodium, continue to exercise and return in three months for a follow up to see if it would make an impact on my numbers. In a matter of minutes, I quickly realized why high blood pressure is called the "silent killer". AFTER I didn't feel sick or anything. I needed to lose weight to help combat this concern. It was time to take action. Over the next few months, I implemented a few things that made a tremendous difference. Before I share, realize there's no silver bullet with weight loss. You'...

What a difference a few days make. A few weeks ago I shared a testimony about God's grace in a very difficult situation. No worries if you missed it.  Read it here. I'm overwhelmed by the number of calls, texts, emails, prayers and well wishes we've received. I fully realize why God never intended for us to do life alone. We needed a village around us and we got it. Almost everyday there's someone asking about Jordan which is wonderful. That means that he's still thought of and prayed for. I wanted to provide an update because I realize that not everyone is connected to our Facebook page. Walking in with bandages. We followed up with the burn center on Wednesday. Fortunately he was able to have all of his bandages removed! This is what we prayed for. Now that the bandages are gone, we can focus on his total and complete healing. Beyond the physical pain of the experience, the hardest part for Jordan is the limitations on his outdoor time. Since his d...

Thanksgiving is a few short days away and most of us are gearing up to eat more that we should while spending time with family. Everyday on my Facebook news feed, individuals are sharing why they are thankful. There's a consistent theme of family being the number one reason to be thankful. But, what about those that aren't thankful at all this year? As much as I'm thankful for the holidays, I realize that there are so many that aren't. They find themselves in a season of grief and pain. For some, it's their 1st major holiday without their loved one. How can they feel happiness and joy when their heart aches for the embrace of their loved one?    How do you make the move from pain to gladness when every single part of the holiday reminds you of them? After my father died, I remember how sharply the grief felt when you have to "move" through all of the "firsts". 1st Thanksgiving 1st Christmas 1st Birthday 1st Mother's...

  Christmas is days away and there are many of us excited about spending time with family and friends.  The anticipation of receiving gifts, eating holiday favorites and laughing over old stories make this time of year my favorite. Today however, I was reminded of those that might not be happy this holiday season.  Over the course of a year, my husband has suffered the loss of his mother and one of his best friends.  In the midst of a joyous season, I know he will miss their smiles and conversations.  He's not alone . There are so many experiencing their "firsts" without loved ones.  First time holiday shopping without them.  First Christmas.  First dawn of a new year without their warmth and love. They are members of a club that no one wants to join .  What about those sitting in a hospital this year while they watch their family member cling to life?  What about the parents waiting for...

In recent months, so many loved ones have passed away.  Not only my friends and family but the loved ones of those I know.  It's heart breaking to hear of another friend that's lost someone near and dear to their hearts.  Until you've lost someone close (especially a parent), you can never understand the grief that one feels during that season of life.  Unfortunately I've lost a parent and it's a "club" I never wanted to join. I was always a daddy's girl.  My dad was my hero.  When he became ill, it rocked my world.  I had to move from believing God was a healer to knowing without a shadow of a doubt that He was my father's healer.   God showed His awesome power, time and time again during dad's health challenges.  That's why when he passed away, it was devastating. I was mad at God. We prayed, we believed, we fasted and he passed away.  Even though God  worked miracles in dad's body in the past, right now, ...

Let me first start by saying this was a fantastic weekend.  It was full of adventure and milestones.  From celebrating my 17th anniversary, spending time on the track at my daughter's first track meet of the season to running my 3rd half marathon, it was awesome! It's been two years since I've run a half marathon.  I took two years off to focus on finishing my graduate degree and taking care of my health.  Sometimes you have to put your priorities in order and say "no" to some things.  I decided in January to run another half marathon because it would be a great way to lose my holiday weight and get back in shape.  It also causes you to depend heavily on your inner strength that is fueled by faith. Pushing yourself to reach your goals is the most rewarding feeling .  Ready to start the race!   I went into this race knowing that I wanted to finish my personal best.  I felt it could be accomplished with the help of a wonderfu...

 Renee's old truck There’s a shifting in my life and I don’t know that I’m embracing the new season in the best way.   Recently we had to replace my 13 year old truck.   To say I loved my truck is an understatement.   It was my first “mommy” vehicle.   It dependably bought home two babies from the hospital and helped us move into three different homes over the years.   Unfortunately it quit working at the same time my husband’s car stopped working.     Two vehicles beyond repair = One unhappy girl . It was obvious that God was moving us into another season of vehicle ownership but a part of me wanted to hold onto the old and comfortable.   Maybe we could fix it (again)?   Maybe it could last another year even though it already had 221,000 miles?   In addition to the autos changing in my life, I’m soon to be the mother of a kindergartner.   I should be happy, right?   Not.   Here’s my confessi...

The journey of life is filled with ups and downs.  One moment we are gliding along at a steady pace. The next moment life can quickly be turned upside down.  The victims of Hurricane Sandy know exactly how fast life can change.  The "Superstorm" of our decade has claimed many lives and left a terrible amount of destruction in its path. There are times when we can feel like "Hurricane Sandy" swept through our life.  Everything that was normal is now in disarray.  We are shaking our heads trying to figure out, "How did I get here"?  We must take comfort in knowing certain situations are out of our control .  We can make plans for our lives, but God can supersede those plans at any given moment. Marco Island Sunset You must not wait until the storm comes to anchor yourself in God's truths.  Start now, reflecting and thanking God for every moment of life.  Living water from within nourishes our souls.  Get away from the "...

Who would ever think we could win it all? Let's Go Bengals! I am so proud of my son's  travel baseball  team ( PPO Bengals Orange ).  Our team planned for months to travel to Disney (ESPN Wide World of Sports) for Memorial Day weekend.  We spent days and countless hours fundraising to pay for the hotel accommodations and new uniforms. Watching the action! The boys spent numerous time with practices, trainers and scrimmages.  We finally get to the end of a grueling Spring season. They make it to the playoffs and lose in the 2nd round.  One of our starting pitchers ends up in a cast. Despite all of this, we head off to Disney to compete. Funny enough, our boys had a new energy as they walked into the ESPN sports complex.  Bright eyes shined as the boys realized this was NOT one of their normal tournaments.  Teams from across the country (Canada, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Kentucky, etc.) came to battle and hopefully win. The PPO Bengals O...

Taking on hurdles! The weekend is hours away and it's already week three of our running series.  Everything you need to start in a training program was discussed in the previous weeks.  If you missed it click here .  By this time you probably have your shoes and training attire.  Maybe you've even signed up for your first 5K.  What happens when you are well into your training program and an injury occurs?  A broken toe, a sprained ankle, or a pulled hamstring.  They all represent a number of injuries that can attempt to derail you from the ultimate goal of finishing the race.  That's the hurdle I had to face just a few months ago. I was two months into my training program when I found myself face down on the floor in intense pain and unable to move.  Just seconds before I slipped on the floor trying to run my son into the kitchen before his upset stomach spilled all over the carpet.  It took months to build my endura...

During the summer months, road trips are common place for families everywhere. Roslyn and I recently headed north with our families for our annual family reunion. It's a time that we look forward to every year. We share three days filled with excitement, activities, and tons of food. The aroma of hotdogs , hamburgers, and ribs roasting perfectly on the grill provide the sweetest enticement to temporarily forget about any healthy eating plans. Typical of summer weather, we encountered horrible storms on the way back home. Despite the fact that gray storm clouds covered the skies , we made a choice to keep driving. It didn't matter that cars were beginning to pull off on the side of the road to avoid driving in the rain, we were determined to press our way . Every car on the road had the same ability as ours, but not all of them moved forward in that capability . For those that stopped and pulled off on the side of the road, their storm lasted longer than it needed to. If onl...