REBIRTH MAGAZINE
SUPERWOMAN
Limited Edition
April 2022
'DEAR WHITE WOMEN'
4
Simone Higginbotham
SUPERWOMAN TELL THEIR STORIES OF SUCCESS Issue #2 | Vol. 1 | March 2022
NOTE FROM PUBLISHER
Special Thank you to Chic & Co for customizing these beautiful Custom made ensembles
www.chicnco.com Chic & Co chicncollc 225-620-6540 We have something for your Unique Style
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ReBirth Magazine Superwoman Edition
COVER Cortney Tobias Justice of The Peace, Tracy B. Woodard Tundra Alfred Denise C. Dyson
Where to Next?
Scotland, Iceland and Ireland
LIFESTYLE Dear White Women Bamboo: Shante' Gardere Detox for The Superwomen: 3L Health Spa Y Factor: Curry Spicer
The Journey: Dr. Crystal Consonery
Where are we going (CMK Travels): Tundra Alfred Letter From Publisher Simone O. Higginbotham
TIPS FOR A SPICY SPRING By MsNATCHEZ It is here, Spring that is and I would like to give you a few tips on spicing it up or simply keeping it spicy my couples. We have all experienced it, that couples burnout, feeling like your in a rut. Because life keeps us busy, right? Sometimes we're just to tired to make an effort. But there are thing that can be done to stay connected. Foreplay doesn't start when intercourse starts. Foreplay is ongoing all day, everyday and you must be intentional, in letting your partner know your think of them. Here's some ways you can be very intentional. Sexting is a way to stay connected. You can use sexting to share your deepest sexual fantasies with your partner, even the ones you think might be to embarrassing to just bring up in face to face conversation. Stay connected by sexting a story using your sexual fantasies and let your partner share theirs by adding to the story. Your partner may have found it difficult to share their fantasies as well. This is a good way to get your fantasies out and fulfill them. Creat a sex bucket list with your partner, things you haven't done and want to try, make extra fun.
Spice it up with a new couples toy. Adult toy are not just for single people. Get a remote control toy and give the remote to your partner. Give them the sense of control, if they've had a reluctancy in incorporating toys, control of your pleasure would get them in the game. Better yet take it outside for a little private public play, who would know your playing a game but you two. Take it to the grocery store, where your partner have to keep up with you to keep your toy humming. Don't be afraid to be adventurous meet up for a quickie with your parnter. The meeting place doesn’t have to be the bedroom make it a change of scenery and an exciting moment. People always think its sex before bed and it sometimes seen like a routine. Switch it up and see if that saying is true, "sex is better in the morning". These are just a few simple tactics for a Spicy Spring, with your partner. Flowers are blooming and so can your relationship, keep it spicy!
REBIRTH
|
3
Rewind, I graduated from Southern University with a Bachelor’s in Business Management. I always wanted to work for myself, but it was too risky and I’m not a big risk-taker. My entrepreneurship class was home for me but the career I was interested in I still felt controlled to some degree. Many people know me by my career prior to this as a postal worker. Yes, I carried mail and worked for USPS for 15 years. When you get a chance go and visit the Lunchroom Coffee Company website to get some quality coffee; lunchroomcoffee.com Like we stated before when it comes to being a Superwoman it' about the experiences that makes us. however, this is what it means to be a super women to Ms. Tobias
When it comes to being a superwomen it is far more than, the amazing things they do, but it is about the situations they over come. Let't talk about a superwomen that has definitely turned her ashes into beauty. Courtney Tobias a 41 year young Superwomen that owner and founder of Lunchroom Coffee Company,LLC. We asked her to tell us a little bit of where she comes from and this is what was said; "I Grew up in Brusly and went to school near Brusly, Louisiana. My childhood was eventful. I was always into some sport because that’s the only way my mom would let me out of the house. *giggling*. I didn’t understand it then but I definitely appreciate her for it now. I even did weight lifting and found out I was pretty good at it. 114 pounds and won 2 nd or 3 rd in state that year.
SUPERWOMAN EDITION
I was captain of the cheerleading squad. I remember making this All American team one year and All Star squad the next which afforded me to go to London one year, Hawaii the next. That was pretty phenomenal. Ran track, yearbook staff, Beta Club, Ironically was in this group called Future Business Leaders of America. I was very outspoken and voted most likely to be a lawyer my senior year." With having all of that as her background we could but ask; how did she come up with this business? "I came up with the idea for business because I first love coffee. I’m this devout bible believer and I used to teach bible study in a coffee shop every week to whoever wanted to hear or grow in their spiritual life.
A superwoman to me is one who has persevered through some stuff without being the victim. When I think of that superwoman title tell me how u got over. Tell me about your stick with it and how you didn’t quit or used your femininity to bail out. I want to be able to see you still standing with your head on your shoulders, in your right mind still reaching back to help others be the best version of themselves. Scarred underneath but healed.
ReBirth Magazine | 4
IN NEED OF SOME GREAT COFFEE??
LUNCHROOM COFFEE Courtney Tobias, CEO & Founder
www.lunchrooomcoffee.com
@lunchroomcoffeeco
@Lunchroomcoffeeco
REBIRTH MAGAZINE | 5
Even though this Superwomen already has done some outstanding things, we would look to hear a vision she has for her future self. "A scene in my vision is looking at the EBRP Old Mississippi bridge, the visual, and how it connects (join) East Baton Rouge Parish to west Baton Rouge... To Build and bridge communities After understanding how strong this Superwomen really is, one can't help but ask her; What does it mean to be a superwomen? "To walk in shoes and paths no other women has to be unique, and every women is"
We had the humble opportunity to sit down and talk to a Superwomen that has made history by being the First Women of color to be the Justice of The Peace Ward 2 District 3. She is a SuperWomen indeed. JOP Tracy Batieste-Woodard has done some amazing things in her life and the for the lives around her, however let see what led her to make History. "What led me here is the career of being an educator, is my passion to educate and my love for children. Being a Justice of The Peace, it's merely to serve the people in the community" Through great sorrow there is always the beautiful reality of experiencing a Triumph, and JOP Tracy Batieste-Woodard is perfect example of that.
SUPERWOMAN EDITON
Loosing a child is never easy, however this Superwomen saw it as an opportunity to help someone else like here.
accept what I cannot change and trust God enough to carry me when I can't walk. "The past two years has been a sporadically filled with grief and I am one of those individuals that has to walk through life not being able to see my child physically or see my child walk on this earth, and to accept what I cannot change and trust God enough to carry me when I can't walk. I know what it feels like to not know what to do and feel a pain that does not leave, but bare and be a witness and assist those who are called to the walk and understand why and accept"
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"To be a SuperWoman means being strong, powerful, resilient, brace, self-starter, serving and juggling the dayto-day and home life." "It would be nothing if I had the chance to do anything differently. However, I believe that your life is already pre-destined and that we are supposed to learn from the experiences. Something that I would improve about myself would be to put myself first and not feel guilty." Wow, these are words of sound wisdom from a Superwomen that travels the world and has seen many things. However, we are just aching to know, what is a superwoman to you? "To be a SuperWoman means being strong, powerful, resilient, brace, self-starter, serving and juggling the day-to-day and home life."
Here is a Superwomen that took her passion for travel and seeing the world and turned it into a lifesyle. That is excatly what Tundra Alfed did. So, Tundra tell us a little bit about yourself; "I am 47 years old, married to my husband for 25 years, I am the owner and founder of CMK TRAVCELS LLC, favorite song is Rose by Any Other Name, Artist Teena Marie, favorite type of food Caribbean/Soul Food. I grew up in Ontario, California (Inland Empire), the proud daughter of Mr. Dwight and Katherine Heath and my brother Paul. My family life was love, respect, security, spiritual, strong, hard-working, devoted middle-class family. My parents and grandmothers were influential in my life as they instilled in me to be family-oriented, love the Lord, always work hard, be a woman of my word, and carry myself with respect and dignity.
SUPERWOMAN EDITION
I think it's say to say with all of these great influences and a great family background you seem like a very ambitous superwomen, so tell us; however were you led to starting CMK Travels LLC? "I attended Chaffey High School. My strongest influences in life have been my mother and my late grandmothers. The idea for my business came about while serving in the military. However, what led me to my career was my love for travel. How would you say your family and friends describe such a amazing super women? "I believe friends and acquaintances would describe me as loyal, honest, caring, giving, coachable." It is very evident that Tundra is a selfstarter and determined superwoman, one could only think; is there anything she would change about such an already amazing life?
There you have it, ladies, wise words from a Superwomen that travels the world and beyond. If are looking to go on your next adventure I think it safe say you need to reach out to Mrs. Tundra Alfed at CMK Travcles LLC, and let bring your travel dreams to life!
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BAMBOO The Promise was bestowed upon me Draped about my shoulders like a mantle And I accepted it with excitement and pride Knowing that I was chosen for such a time as this. I went willingly! Being led by The Vision and The Belief In The Giver and The Gift. I was happy and full! Ready to take on whatever came my way, hardshell intact... And therein lies The Problem. So I remained. Laying beneath the filth of limiting beliefs and doubt. The unsurity. The lack. I felt as though I was languishing. No death, but surely no ReBirth either. Just darkness, and I don't like the dark! When I came here, I just expected things to be different. I was promised sunshine and greatness! It's been so long since I've seen the sun. All around is just dark and moist. Uncomfortable Softening my hard exterior. Splitting it for an allowance of more space I worked to pin it in place, but I have to let it go; Let go of everything but The Promise. I dont fight it anymore. I just breath and do what feels natural in these unnatural times. I find that release fits me better anyway. I begin to relish the soft earth against me. Rubbing away the madness and hurt Healing me! Reviving me! Renewing me! The fog begins to clear and there is a hazy glow of warmth Reaching out for me. I reach back, shakily at first And find that my restraints have vanished! I feel strong and sure, so I stretch! I pull and I press with each new breath And break forth into NOW It feels so good! Warm rays kissing me And I remember my smile Girlish giggles escaping my lips As I grasp at the wind rustling by And gallop towards the sky with glee A raucus game of hide and seek With the moon. I bask in the joy of Provision and continue my upward climb Renewed, revived, and grateful to be alive Understanding now the need for the delay And the wonder of Promise fulfilled. Shooting up so fast and tall now Glad for time of growth in the shadows Showing the world it was not all for naught For I am here. I was always here. I am She. I, Bamboo
By Shante' Gardere aka The Poetess
REBIRTH MAGAZINE | 9
When we are young we all have big dreams of trying to change the world in some grandiose way. This has been the reality for Denise Dyson since she was 11 years old. Now 27 with her own Consulting Business 'DC Dyson Consulting' she is one step closer to achieving that goal. Let's Find out a little more about who D.C. Dyson is. I am 27 years old married to an amazing man for 2 years now, I have two young Queens in training and two beautiful bonus young Queens in training . I am from Pontiac Michigan and have been living in Louisiana for 4 years now. It was a bit of a rough transition in the beginning, but with God all things are possible. Growing up I had a pretty 'normal' childhood my parents have been together for over 30 years I have 2 older sisters and I grew up with many animals.
"A Superwoman is a Queen that; Understands what is.... and Embrace what will be..." Consulting is not something you hear about to often, what made you get into that? "Well since I was about 11 years old I've always been told I was wise beyond my years, and I've always had adults coming to be asking me for advice, and for some reason I knew what to say to help them through their situation. Then when I was around 15 years old I accepted my call into Ministry at my home church in Pontiac MI 'New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church'. When it was time for college I wanted to join the Milirary but my mom was hesitate so I ended going to Rochester University where I studied Theology and in 2018 I graduated with my B.S. In Religious Studies and from there the journey began for my consulting company.
SUPERWOMAN EDITON
Wow, you were so young with so many ambitions already. How did you come up with the idea for the company? I am a firm believer in the saying, "the thing that bothers you the most is the thing you are destined to fix', and what always bothered me was seeing people struggle to believe in themselves. I was blessed at a young age to understand that the best investment you can make is you, and I want to help people come to this reality, we offer a range of things from spiritual coaching sessions to help you market your brand effectively. Life is too short to not get all you can out of it, and I want to help whomever I can experience heaven on earth. Well, you are a superpower indeed, and you showed us no matter how young or old you are it's possible to achieve the impossible. So Denise, what is a superwoman to you? A Superwomen is a Queen that; Understands what is.... and Embrace what ill be..
ReBirth Magazine | 10
Y FACTOR CurrySpicer
ReBirth Magazine | 11
CURRY SPICER IS JUST TOO SPICY Curry spicer is Mia, am an afro music artist. I genre in Afro hiphop &RnB. Curry spicer is special in my own kind of musical ways. Curry spicer is just a regular guy who craves
so
much
joy
in
his
masterpiece/art. I generally enjoy creating something valid for people to value., My lyrics….or my style of music. Curry spicer is a father ….am a Nigerian and that also helped in the building who I am today as a person and as a songwriter. My roots!!! Curry spicer is just too spicy
ReBirth Magaizne | 102
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WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON THE BLACK MALE TODAY? I see the male position today to be very highly valued, in the community, in the home, in all aspects of the world. A black man is somewhere doing it big. I think we have come to an age where all black life matters and I sure believe black men are part of the strong bones of the great nation. The USA. Every corner of the earth, black excellence is recognized and still stands to represent a race that comes from far. Black male presence makes a lot of difference in the modern world today. Black fathers, some make a good choice and some don’t….no one said we perfect, but we black and we proud.
Are you visible in your community? Yes I am, am originally from Nigeria and my fans mostly in Nigerian and other African continent, recently started laying roots here in the states with my spicy lyrics and they like it.my music visible , my originality it’s visible and people in the states loving my sound too. So I will say afromusic to the world and to my realest fans
Tell us a Little about Curry Spicer hmmmm…curry spicer is an art, actually. Whatever art I portray in my music career should not be judged as been a father. It’s so different from how I be with family . Yes family it’s everything to me. As a father it’s sometimes tough combining both, most at times I give up been an artist for a day or two just to be a father for my kids. As a father I know what’s good for my kids or not, and I love them so much . Cause they do it’s support in my journey and keep me in prayers
Continue reading at next page >
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST THREAT TO THE EXISTENCE OF A BLACK MAN? “Poverty” is a threat to black men. The idea of being poor can destroy everything a man stands for. I think it’s that very thought that makes all black men wanna get every time we wake up. The mindset to win…and not beg to eat. “Envy” is another issue a black man should be watchful of, envy brings jealousy and hate, then enemies start lurking and to take that which God has blessed you with. Beware of them envy eyes, they sneaky at night.
What can we do as men and women to make a world a better place? that’s a good question, let’s start by loving one another like how Jesus loves his children. …treating each other fairly , abstain from racial hate and connect as humans and one under the eyes of the creator. Respect each other, value the importance of life. Help each other to grow. Empower ourselves with positivity rather than negativity. Bonding with our true inner self and uplifting others.
ReBirth Magazine | 13
WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
"She might disagree on something’s but never about my music , or my focus to achieving greatness in my music career
I have two women that inspire me; my
and opportunity
mom and my wife. My mom causes she
to live the
is my mom!!! Lol, and I have watched
American
her fight for me for us as a family in so many ways no woman has ever fought
dream"
for me before in my life. My mom never gave up on me, and that strength is a clear eye-opener that she is a true mother. She inspired me to pick up a pen and paper and start doing this shii …..when we had nothing. She sometimes buys candles for me to be able to see in the dark and write my lyrics. . My wife well because she is wifey, she motivates me a lot in my music career ….sometimes encouraging someone to keep it up matters and she does that. She liked my lyrics, and I think it’s part of the reason we connected. We love good music. Sometimes she plays around me to teach her how I do it. Get these verses going lol. She is my biggest fan and a good mother.
She
might
disagree
on
something but never about my music, or my focus on achieving greatness in my music career and the opportunity to live the American dream. She always stood by my side. Thank you Love u Riss
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DEAR WHITE WOMEN You have managed to do something that no other female can do. You have successfully used your skin and gender to open doors of opportunity that some of your counterparts can only dream of. I wonder if you ever considered what it would be like if your lack of melanin did not grant you the privilege to understand how each day you can shop in a store and not be followed, how you can walk away from your interaction with police, and how your education, or lack thereof, does not disbar you from obtaining favorable employment. So, I ask you the following questions: 1. Do you have the privilege of having a peaceful interaction and walking away from an encounter with the police unscathed? 2. Do you have the privilege of being favored in school over others or attending a segregated school of wealth? 3. Do you have the privilege of learning about your race in almost every subject in school? 4. Do you have the privilege of finding books that overwhelmingly represent you positively in almost every aspect? 5. Do you have the privilege of viewing movies, social media, and television shows with overwhelming representation? 6. Do you have the privilege of escaping violent and angry stereotypes? 7. Do you have the privilege of being isolated from the daily toll of racism? 8. Do you have the privilege of not having experience, education, and work ethic and still obtain leadership or high-ranking positions of employment? 9. Do you have the privilege of committing acts of violence and not being called a terrorist? 10. Do you have the privilege of not being accused of committing a serious crime? If you have answered yes to only one of the questions above, then you have benefited from being a white woman. You have been given a chance to live, speak, breathe outside of a bubble that only others can imagine. The next time you think racism does not exist, everyone is equal, or you are inconvenienced by life; think about the list above and ask yourself am I truly a woman that is just privileged!!
Greenberg, J. (2017, July 24). 10 Examples That Prove White Privilege Exists in Every Aspect Imaginable. Retrieved from Yes Magazine!: https://www.yesmagazine.org
REBIRTH MAGAZINE | 15
It’s 2022, it’s the second quarter, and don’t you feel like we can finally exhale? Although we still have a long road ahead of us in getting back to some normalcy post-pandemic.
Publisher Note There’s more optimism; a renewed sense of spirit and hope. We are turning a corner for the better and changes are happening! We have had our own share of changes here at Rebirth Magazine (RM). We have brought Verna Gordon on board as Editor of RM. Verna is a NOLA girl from the 12th Ward, currently residing in Gonzales, Louisiana-- has over nine years of experience in writing, editing, and working with magazines. We have also onboarded Denise Vernon-Dyson as Design and Layout Manager. Vernon-Dyson will oversee all Graphics and Design. Her goal is to keep it fresh and modern for today’s 21st-century woman. Take this issue’s cover story on four women from all walks of life: A politician, travel agent, social activist, and entrepreneur are the titles these female powerhouses hold. Read more about their inspiring stories in this issue.
Looking for that ever-elusive thing we call “balance?” Find out more here. If you’re
Simone O . Higginbotham Publisher, Rebirth Magazine
boost
your
immune
system
in
the
3LHEALTHSPA column, as well as a powerful letter to white women relating how they have managed to use their skin color and gender to open doors of opportunity. We here at RM are refreshed and ready to educate, empower and inspire in 2022 and beyond!
ReBirth Magazine
MARCH 2022 | ISSUE 2
searching right now, check out ways to
REBIRTH MAGAZINE | 16
We’re at that time of year again, you know that season of feeling bloated, drained, overweight, headaches for no apparent reason, sleepy but can’t sleep because you toss and turn all night only to wake up staring at the ceiling wishing you had five more hours to sleep. Believe me, I do understand. Don’t mention the overloaded cravings of fried foods, sodas, and junk food galore. I feel your pain. No worries there is a solution and one that’s not overwhelming hard. It’s a detox, yes detoxing is the answer. You will have to make a few sacrifices for about a week but with continued maintenance, you’re gonna be just fine. First thing’s first, schedule your week. Yes believe it or not sitting down with your planner is key to a successful detox. You might as well kill two birds with one stone while detoxing your body you could detox your life as well. I mean who doesn’t want a less stressful life? I’ve never heard anyone say, “I love my stress, lack of rest, and lethargic life. Have you?
Again doing a detox doesn’t have to be hard. You want to schedule your day from the time your feet hit the ground until it’s time to close your eyes for your restful night of sleep. Make sure you carve out at least 15 minutes a day of “loving on me time.” In that time you focus on yourself, not your spouse, the kids, work, bills, Tom, Dick, or Harry this time belongs only to you. During “loving on me time” I suggest you put your phone on airplane mode, don’t leave any room for distractions.
Then you want to plan your meals. It doesn’t have to be extreme meal prepping but at least know what you’re going to make for dinner that week, especially if your family isn’t detoxing with you. This means you will have to prepare two separate menus. For example, if you’re making spaghetti and meatballs and a side salad for your family, obviously you can’t eat the spaghetti while detoxing, but you can still enjoy dinner with your family while having a big crispy salad filled with veggies and top it off with your favorite vinaigrette dressing. The best and safest detox method I would suggest would be a week of no meat of any kind 80% vegetables and 20% fruit excluding bananas. You can purchase alkaline water or make your own by simply adding lemons to spring water. I prefer the latter because factory alkaline water loses its alkalinity between the bottling shipping and shelf-life process plus it’s less expensive. The name-brand stuff is overrated when you can make your own brand right at home. God gave us lemons to alkaline our own water. It’s really easy to do, YouTube can show you how to do it. Then of course you got to have your “SeaMoss” preferably 3LHeathSpa.com SeaMoss. Yes, that was a plug but far from shameful, a sister just trying to help you help her, help you. Lol
3LHEALTH SPA
DETOX FOR THE SUPERWOMEN
But in all seriousness, if you add your SeaMoss to your water you’ve just made alkaline water. If you do those few things, especially that seven days no meat, you’re going to feel a thousand times better. Don’t forget to get your exercise in just take a walk for 15 to 30 minutes a day, ride your bike, clean the yard, play in your flower bed, run around after the kids, dance or do a couple of jumping jacks while your favorite show has gone to commercial. You’d be surprised of how simple it is to detox.
Oh yeah, one more thing makes your nighttime bath a steam bath. It’ll be like a sauna experience which is also another way to detox. You don’t have to go to the spa, make your evening bath time a spa experience. Light your candles, pour your 3LHeathSpa SeaMoss bath salt soak, and lather up with your luxurious 3LHealthSpa SeaMoss bath soaps. You will go to your bed feeling relaxed and wake up feeling restored like the “SUPERWOMAN” you are.
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Vee’s Love Letter When asked to take on the role of Editor-In-Chief, I immediately knew how I wanted to execute the task at hand. I wanted my influence on ReBirth Magazine to not only reflect the things that I am most passionate about, I wanted the passions, hopes, and dreams of all women to permeate every page. ReBirth is a celebration of Community, Sisterhood, Embracing the Journey, and Empowerment. In the month of March, Women’s History Month, we celebrate all of those things with our Superwoman Addition. While each woman featured is a Superwoman in her own right, we honor Superwomen around the globe. From the Industry Titan to the Single Mom just getting by, each is in possession of superpowers that make our world go round. The ability to nurture, strategize, exhibit diplomacy and execute the most arduous of tasks, Women Are the True Leaders of the Free World. Unmatched grace with an air of enchantment, women have taken down with entire empires with a subtle glance. We’re some bad chicks. Those of us with age and experience are truly forces to be reckoned with. For we have seen it all and done the rest and know how to navigate most of what life throws at us. When faced with an unfamiliar roadblock, we are wise enough to seek the counsel of our elders or reflect on the teachings of our ancestors. We Got This! Back to my task. I want to be as authentic and transparent with the ReBirth Readership as I am in my daily life and I encourage our contributors and readers to do the same. On my life’s journey, I have come to the realization that you can’t live your best life unless you are real about it. We have to embrace every part of our being, flaws and all. Our opinions may not always be the popular ones, but we must stand on them. Our truths may be uncomfortable for others, they are ours and not designed for the comfort of others. We define ourselves and give little thought to the perceptions of others. ReBirth is all about the releasing of antiquated ideals and the indoctrination that has stifled the Empowerment and Evolution of Women. While we have advanced, there are still battles to win and voices to be heard. ReBirth is the platform for those voices. Namaste, Vee Editor In Chief
"I have come to the the realization that you can’t live your best life unless you are real about it. We have to embrace every part of our being, flaws and all." ReBirth Magazine | 18
SUPERWOMAN OF 'PROTOCOL' KARRYL DURR Karryl
also
has
a
wide
range
Karryl
received
Therapeutic
her
BS
Recreation
in and
Leisure Services from Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, La as well as a M.M., Master of
Management
from
the
University of Phoenix. Throughout her
career,
she
received
the
Strathmore’s Who Worldwide 2021 Edition
Professional
Leadership
and Achievement Award and MBA Leadership Series IV Completion in 2014.
of
experience in Education and Training Leadership
with
over
20
years
of
experience. Karryl is the proud Executive Director of AMIkids YouthBuild Program in Baton Rouge, La. She is also the Owner& Operator of The Swann School of Protocol Baton Rouge. She believes that an individual’s personal responsibility is of utmost importance, which is why she wants to be a guide towards
enhancing
self-esteem
and
character, with an emphasis on socially acceptable behavior. Karryl’s passion for etiquette stems from wanting to help people
be
thoughtful
about
their
conduct, feelings, and rights of others. She
believes
in
always
promoting
kindness, consideration, and humility. She has specialized training in various areas
of
readiness,
etiquette
such
workplace,
as:
career
networking,
business, dining, teen, college readiness, adult, social media, email, and more.
Duke | 102
ReBirth Magazine | 19
THE JOURNEY BY DR. CRYSTAL M. CONSONERY As I was preparing to write this article I paused to reflect on my life, where I am today, and the journey that has gotten me here. I am a woman “of a certain age”! That age where one can either embrace the wounds and rewards of a life well-lived or one can choose to spend their moments wondering about the what-ifs. My life has been filled with many ups and downs. The loss of children, a sister, a parent. The success of raising two great young adults, a wonderful marriage, which has had many laughs, as well as many tears, a diverse career, and the list, goes on. The point is not to highlight me, but instead to focus on how I could have easily given in at any point, if not for God. Times like, at the age of 28, when I was told I had an ectopic pregnancy and any pregnancy going forward would be considered high risk, I could have said, no more. When after conceiving again, only to suffer the loss of one of the twins I was carrying, I could have said, no more, it’s too painful. Not to mention the many times in my career when I wanted to run out of the office screaming, I QUIT, because of tensions between myself and a manager or simply because of the pressure I was feeling from balancing the roles of wife, mom, professional, sister, friend, daughter, Christian and so forth. Yes, I could easily sit here today and spend my moments sitting in the pain that comes from focusing on the what-if questions of life. Instead, however, I choose to boldly embrace the wounds and rewards of a life well-lived. Accepting that while my journey has not been perfect it is also a journey still yet to be experienced. The NIV version of Isaiah 43:18-19 reads, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” This passage is one that has given me the strength to take the next step. During those times when it seemed like there was no way, no answer to the current situation, God’s promise in this passage was my guiding light. I don’t know where you are today in your journey. You could be walking in abundance and seeing all your hopes and dreams coming into reality. Or, you could be at the point of asking, is this it? Is this how my journey is going to end? Truthfully, it doesn’t matter where you are now, because as with any journey, the scenery changes from moment to moment and my encouragement to you is to hold on. Let go of those things that may have hurt you or held you in bondage. Embrace the promise that God is doing a new thing in your life. Trust the process, commit to being present in your journey every step of the way, and know with confidence that God is now and always will be doing a new thing in your life! REBIRTH MAGAZINE | 20
WHERE ARE WE GOING
TRIPS TO RENEW THE MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT BY TUNDRA ALFRED
Traveling to renew our minds, bodies, and spirits is nothing new. The Bible mentions the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea, elites of the 18th century found pleasure in basking in one mineral spa or another. In today’s society, we live increasingly fast-paced modern lives, however, we desire to vacation or just moments that will help us rebalance, refresh and reboot, so that we can rejuvenate and be the best versions of ourselves We hope that the destinations will offer you some inspiration to make your next trip one that expands, enriches and uplift’s your mind, body, and spirit, and fuels your sense of wonder.
MIND JOSHUA TREE, CALIFORNIA, US A national park located in south-eastern California. Where experiencing the silence of the huge desert, filled with serrated Joshua trees and barerock formation soothes the mind. The bright white dome known as the Integratron (a magnet for spiritual seekers) is said to offer sonic healings. A great place to stay in the Geodesic Dome in the Desert, Joshua Tree, away from services and reception make sure to pack snacks and water, during the months or March-April when the temperatures and wildflowers are pleasant. nps.gov Remember it’s a National Park so relax and explore. BODY
SPIRIT
DEAD SEA, ISRAEL, MIDDLE EAST
LALIBELA, ETHIOPIA, AFRICA
Travel around the world to the Middle East during the
Take a spiritual journey to the “Mother Land”, stay
Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October) when
at the Tukul Village Hotel and visit one of Ethiopia's
the weather is enjoyable and take a dip in the Dead
holiest cities, which is well known for its monolithic
Sea, soaking up the magnesium, calcium, and
rock-cut churches. While there stand at the base of
potassium
a
one of the ancient churches that were carved by
hypersaline lake that is also 9.6 times as salty as the
hand into cliff sides and caves over 900 years old
for
a
feel-good
moment.
This
is
ocean. While there plan a visit to Ein Gedi nature reserve for freshwater springs, waterfalls, and wildlife and book a stay at the lush desert oasis, Kibbutz Ein
while being blessed and chanted to in clouds of frankincense smoke by Christian priests. Another site of interest is the Simien Mountains.
Gedi.
CMK TRAVELS is here to educate, plan and assist you in budgeting for your next vacation destination. Visit us at www.cmktravels.com to begin the planning process.
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CAUSE & EFFECT
Everything is cause and effect, correct? If this is to be deemed true, then it's probably safe to say; that the reason you're having a hard time making a decision (the effect) towards your happiness or anything for that matter, is that you never understood that being present is the CAUSE for decision making. How do you get to this point, you ask? If you are present during that 'Cause Situation', you will have that much more power at your EFFECTiveness in your decision(s) making process, when it comes to your peace, happiness, and state of mind. How do you become present? Be honest with yourself and the situation at hand and don't allow emotions to lead but logic to have the last say. Rather if you have to write it down, record yourself saying it or have an accountability partner, either way, you need to come face to face with the very thing that is your stumbling block. Stop getting blindsided by your shortcomings and focus on the task at hand, and the task at hand is always YOU!!! Be encouraged, and remember you matter and you are worth fighting for even if you're in the ring with yourself. D.C Dyson Consulting
REBIRTH MAGAZINE | 22
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