• Uncategorized

    COVER REVEAL on Lowcountry Live: The Belief in Wings

    Yesterday, I was blessed to be a guest on Lowcountry Live, where I not only shared tips to help moms manage their back-to-school mornings more effectively, but also did the cover reveal for my upcoming book entitled, “The Belief in Wings: Evolving from Self-doubt to Personal Power.” The Belief in Wings: Evolving from Self-doubt to Personal Power is a three-part journey designed to encourage teen girls to define and deliver their voices; choose courage and become the heroes of their own stories; and step into their personal power and greatness. This book will provide the stepping stones and guidance necessary to encourage girls to believe in their unique gifting and to make strides…

  • On Being Fearless,  On Breaking Free,  On Endurance,  Rising Up

    I’ll Dance

    I’ll Dance By Donloyn LeDuff Gadson ~ ~ When you gaze upon my withered skin Casting judgments As if you know where I’ve been, I’ll Dance… Even Then, I’ll Dance When my peculiar stillness makes you jeer Scoffing my intelligence Instilling fear I’ll Dance… Even Then, I’ll Dance When you say nothing I touch will ever thrive In your eyes I am barren But inside I remain alive I’ll Dance… Even Then, I’ll Dance When life’s challenges have beat me down Unloved and unwanted Crying tears of a clown I’ll Dance… Even Then, I’ll Dance When the forces working against me, devise a treacherous scheme The elements, in all their…

  • Voice,  Writing

    Dead End: When the Story Feels Stuck

    Sometimes, we have a story to tell. A story that is dying, begging, pleading to come out. A story that insists on being told. An experience or reflection that is too powerful not to share. But telling stories isn’t always that easy. Sharing voice, as simple as it seems, often comes with complications, rough roads and dead ends. Sometimes, the story just gets stuck. I’m currently working on a book that is requiring me to delve deeply, to share things I’ve never shared, to write things I never thought I’d have the courage to write, to share my truth while revealing the mistakes of another. That scared me. I was…

  • On Breaking Free,  Purpose

    now SHINE on!

    “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16, KJV ~ Sadly, some people don’t know how to Shine. They have dimmed their lights and, in a strange twist of fate, have become blinded by the dullness. Why? Their limiting beliefs prevent them from radiating, or even receiving, brightness. Internal untruths that diminish your purpose and silence your voice are limiting beliefs. They are dangerous. They are used as weapons against the self. But they can also be used against others. When these personal beliefs about one’s self are cast upon or projected upon someone else, they…

  • On Being Fearless,  On Breaking Free,  Rising Up

    Letting It All Go and Breaking Free

    I am an Inspiration Specialist. My job is to encourage and motivate women to step beyond the seen, explore their untapped potentials and embrace all the beauty that comes from pushing yourself into that uncomfortable place where the peace that comes with living on purpose resides. But, I’m also human. Recently, I’ve been feeling anxious. There are three things I’m facing right now… I need to write the novel that has been on my heart and in my head for a very long time. The story is ready to be told. I’m holding it captive, and it’s screaming to be released. I need to secure a literary agent for the…

  • On Being a Writer,  Passion,  Purpose,  Voice,  Writing

    And, “Yes” never felt so good…

    A week-and-a-half ago, I received an unexpected message from friend and author, Kwame Alexander. He was spearheading the Burke High School Teen Empowerment Conference, “Write Your Story,” and he needed fellow writers and artists to design and lead writing workshops for the kids. He asked me if I would consider being counted among the immensely talented individuals who were already slated to share their gifts. I stared at the message, certain I had read it wrong. Kwame–2013 and 2012 NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Children’s Literature, author of seventeen books, a man who rubs elbows with literary giants–wanted ME to be a part of something so impactful and poignant?…

  • On Being a Writer,  Passion,  Purpose,  Voice

    …I Guess I Always Knew

    I’ve always had dreams of writing. I recall a personal conversation I had with myself as a teen. In that conversation, I promised myself I would some day have at least one piece published. I didn’t care if it was a column, an article, a poem, a novel or a short story. I just wanted to be published somewhere, at least once, before I said goodbye to this life. I wrote a great deal of poetry in my teens and early twenties. I had notebooks and folders filled with it. I was really feeling my poetic vibe. It felt good. Fulfilling. Meaningful. I was a gifted writer. I don’t say…