The last 12 years of my life have been a journey of mountains and valleys. While raising a son as a single mother, I worked to earn ABD (All but Dissertation) status in my PhD program. In my Higher Education career, I quickly rose to Associate Dean of Student Affairs and then health concerns forced me to leave it all behind. In trying to make changes that were better for my health, I quickly realized it was not going to be an easy task. Going through my savings taught me that the 6-month savings rule was false, and I needed much more financial security. I found myself applying for government benefits to support my son, I filed for bankruptcy and eventually I started working overnight unloading trucks at FedEx.
Today I have been super blessed to start my own company, Living Invigorating Valuable Experiences (LIVE, LLC) and this 501c3, Live Immeasurable More (LIM).
I have struggled over the years with various health issues but will always be an advocate for and strong participant in exercise and healthy eating habits. I’ve experienced multiple major events that could have killed me and probably should have, if it weren’t for GOD. In 2012 after running a half marathon, issues with my heart led me to open heart surgery and exposed a heart defect that I had no knowledge of. In 2016 I lost my ability to breathe and was rushed to the hospital where the doctors discovered multiple pulmonary embolisms in both of my lungs.
Today, I am in good health. I prioritize working out consistently and I live a lifestyle of healthy eating and habits. Through my faith in God and my advocacy and active participation in therapy, I have learned that we cannot control much of what life brings our way. I live with an understanding that every experience is a step on my journey and every day I choose to surrender and trust the process. I am blessed to be able to educate, support and bless the community around me through our various initiatives.
LIM has 5 primary initiatives, and also engages in a number of additional annual service activities.
- Guatemala -Partnership with From Houses to Homes
- Providing Thanksgiving Dinner to Families in Need
- Partnering with Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta to fulfill the Christmas wish lists of patients in the AFLAC unit and their families
WHAT MAKES LIM UNIQUE?
I believe I was CHOSEN for the challenges I have experienced throughout my life. They have tested me and taken me through many fires. When I look at the community we serve, I see many of the hardships I too have experienced. As a single mother, I know all too well, the angst and uncertainty that comes when financial limitations lead you to question your ability to provide. I understand wanting to achieve more but feeling blocked and not knowing where to get help. It took me living through these challenges to appreciate them. I am grateful for each challenge, because they have each contributed to the development and growth of LIM. Each challenge has impacted a place deep within me that is full of compassion and empathy for the plight of others. It is now over 10 years since my heart underwent reconstruction. With this reconstruction, my heart not only keeps me physically alive, but it strengthens my spirit daily to serve others, give back and be a blessing by continuing to do good and live out my purpose to serve others.
