My dream, my struggle, my victory!

Hi! So glad that you are catching our second story of Inspiration. Let me introduce you to Cheryl Dawson. She is a wife, mom and entrepreneur. Cheryl and I walked the halls of Alpha Academy in Jamaica and still uphold the motto Ad verum et bonum - To the good and true. In a recent interview, Cheryl shared her story with me. Be inspired! 

1. For those who don't know you Cheryl, tell us, who is Cheryl Dawson? 

Well, I made my way to the USA in 1997. I have been married for 8 years now and mom to four boys. I have been a hairstylist for 27 years and I just love helping people in any way, whether it is for purposes of beauty, or to help them spiritually. I have been through a lot to get to success but it has not altered my ego. With God’s grace I will keep climbing. I am on a journey. 

2. Life is quite a journey isn't it? Share with us a little about your journey.  

Okay, yes I am trying to find me. It is difficult to help others find themselves without knowing myself. It is also hard to inspire others to find themselves if I don’t know who I really am. I was diagnosed with fibroids and in talking with my mom about it, she suggested that I eliminate some things from my diet. Just going through that made me think of my WHY. I started asking myself why do I want to be here?

3. Was it easy finding the answer? 

It was. My 4 kids are my why. I asked myself: if I am not here for them, then who will be? 

So I had to get a handle on my health in order to be here for them. I had to eliminate that stuff from my diet that my mom suggested, to make me better.

4. What did you eliminate and was it worth it? 

Well, I chose meat. I think it was worth it because I didn't feel like I was missing anything from not eating meat. I realized that I was not toxic, not tired, energized and I was feeling really great. 

5. Excellent, I tried that about a decade ago too and I did lose some weight. Anyway, more about the journey…did you make any other changes? 

Yes, it started last year at one of my son’s birthday party. I could tell that a friend of mine wanted to share something with me. I was busy with the event though so she called me on the phone  later and invited me to a party. I didn't think about it much before going, but it turned out to be a social about living clean. 

I got some information there and tried  to process it all. Then, I went to a second one a week later. This time I decided to shift gears and learn about the path that I wanted to be on. 

So on October 11th, I decided to join the company Modere. It’s like a University to me. I am learning everyday. 

Then, I had my own social and it did not turn out well. I started thinking to myself that I am talking about living clean and I didn't even have the support of people around me. I decided to have a second party and I still didn't get the support. 

6. Did the lack of support affect you in any way and if so, how? 

Well, I got a lot of calls from people telling me negative things and discouraging me. At times I thought about it and wanted to go back to the ratchet person I was but then I looked at my why. I could've gotten heart broken but I didn’t. My mentor told me to keep talking because someone is listening. From that, I recognized that I inspire to be inspired. So I decided to go a different route and acquire customers.  It turns out that when I did that, the company applauded me for gaining customers. 

7. What recognition did you get? 

In the following months I worked hard and ended up going to Utah in February of this year to a company event. I was among the honorees at that conference for getting customers.  

8. How did you build your customer base? 

It all started with a friend of mine and her sister…they were first customers. One of them hosted my first party and the other was the first to purchase. Then I would just share with anyone who would listen. When people visit my page, http://ladyonthemove.shiftingretail.com/m3  and purchase something they get a $10 discount and they would introduce it to someone else. If they couldn't afford the price of the product, it was nothing for me to buy it for them and so the sharing continues. I was just looking for people to live clean and take vitamins and minerals.  

9. What are some of the products that your site offers? 

There are household products such as laundry pads, and health and wellness products such as Omega 3, COQ10, sleep aids, antioxidant gels, anti-aging products, and deodorants. Modere is a partner with EWG - Environmental Work Group and the products are soy and gluten free. 

10. What is your favorite product? 

When we went to Utah in February I was introduced to the M3 system. It is a weight loss system. I am having amazing results with it. It is vegan and approved by the FDA.  

I lost 22 pounds doing this. I can now fit into a dress that I haven't worn in16 years. 

11. Must be a special dress. Why do you still have a 16 year old dress?

(She laughs)… When I bought that dress it was expensive and I told myself that I have to fit into this dress again. I wore it in November 2000 before 3 kids. In February before starting the journey I tried it. Then I tried it again in April and I saw progress. I tried it again on May 21st and that was the day, it fit again! 

12. So May 21st is a significant day for you now, correct? 

Yes for 2 reasons, fitting into the dress and also that was the day that I was honored for being a platinum sales representative for the company at an event in Atlanta, GA. 

13. So how did you lose the 22 pounds?

I followed the M3 system which is, take 3 and pledge 3. The first thing is to take 3 pills in the morning. It is called Slim and it is thermogenic so it targets the fatty areas in your body. Then I would eat a great breakfast. 

The second thing I did was to take my Flourish shake which has the highest grade of pea protein and it is vegan based. I would add a banana to mine. This one is a small pouch that fits in my purse so it was convenient to carry. 

The third thing I did was to get my fiber drink. This one helps with elimination of toxins and I liked to have this as a hot drink before bed so it can do its work during the night. 

Then as my pledge 3 I would drink water, do 7,500 steps per day, eliminate fried foods, all the white stuff and bread and also sugary drinks. You can choose 3 actions but I chose to do those 5 for my health. 

14. How has using the products helped your family? 

My 7 yr. old son has asthma and eczema so I started to wash his clothes with the products and I noticed that he doesn't rub his nose as much anymore or have flare ups. I think that the lemon scented laundry pads with lavender and vanilla helped him. I also use the bar soap on his skin and he doesn't itch. His skin appears smoother now. The soap has all natural olive oil and murmuru seed butter. The laundry pads are biodegradable and dissolve easily in all water temperatures. 

15. Has your family supported you on this journey? 

Let me say this, the people closest to you are the ones who may not take the leap of faith with you but, if they stick by you then they are with you and they will fall in. So just keep doing what you are doing.

16. Have any of the negative people come around? 

It is funny that you asked that. The bible does say that the same people who curse you will bless you and yes I have to say some have come around. Through it all I remember to stay focused because, your dream, your struggle and your victory are all the same size, this is from my mentor JP. 

17. I like that note from your mentor. What has been your greatest learning moment since joining the company? 

Getting connected with people who care and are like minded is definitely it for me.  

Being financially stable and living clean is great but these people are a support network and they are taking this journey with me. 

18. What’s next for Cheryl? 

The sky …is …the limit. I will not stop! I will keep going until my wheels and my pedals break…I will let my voice be heard. 

             

                   

19. Cheryl, thanks for sharing your journey, your dream, your struggle and your victory. The world is listening so continue to let your voice be heard! Blessings my sister! 

The journey to 26.2

This is the first in a series of Stories of Inspiration. I want to introduce you to, Desna. Desna is a mother, wife and friend to many. Her zeal and zest for living a full life have drawn me to her. We share the same Alma Mater - Alpha Academy (Kingston, Jamaica) and I continue to be connected to her via social media. Now, I share with you Desna's Story of Inspiration. 

1. Tell me what motivated you to begin running as a daily activity?

It was Francine Stewart! After I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and both my mom, dad and baby brother had passed away from heart disease, I decided to not allow this same fate to take my life. So, I started taking Zumba classes and working out in the gym. Then, one day this conversation happened via phone: 

Fran: I think you should run. 

Me: ……. (SILENCE)  

Fran: I KNOW you can run!

And so, I started small and here we are today.

2. Did you want to quit and give up at anytime? 

Absolutely yes! The funny thing though is that I had a ritual and I didn't deviate from it which helped me a whole lot. I would place my running shoes in a spot where it was visible as soon as I would enter the kitchen to make my coffee. I would also have my running clothing on my breakfast bar stool. The closest I came to quitting though was one morning when I was attacked by a dog. Dogs were my biggest scare because I am deathly afraid of them and somehow they were always on my running trail. I would run under stress and when the stress got too much, I changed my trail and started using a local school track, which was even more painful because I was running around in circles…but, I was determined to finish what I started.

3. I do remember you sharing the incident about the dog attack. I am thankful that you bounced back from that. So share with us your training philosophy? What does your training involve?

My training philosophy is…train, train and train. Do not skip training because training is where you deal with and iron out all the kinks. Training gives me an idea of what my body can do, in what time, and how fast or slow I need to go to finish in the time I desire. Rest is also important and of course, you can't skimp on fuel (food and water) and expect to be at your best.  My training involved using a schedule which had my mileage for long runs increasing every week. I tried to drink a gallon of water daily especially on my training days and while a lot of dieters are afraid of carbs, I had to eat carbs for endurance. That was my favorite part, to eat a bagel with butter and not feel guilty.  

4. How awesome! At what point did you decide to do the 26.2 miles?

So, I ran a half marathon in October of 2014 and I thought, hmmmm I guess the next natural step would be the full marathon. The REAL truth is that I heard this is an exclusive club and not very many people are a part of it but, I wanted in. I have always strived for excellence in all that I do and this was no different.

5. Exellent! So, why 26.2, is there a significance to that number?

If I understand the question correctly, that number has to do with the history of the marathon. There was a dude in Greece who had to take a letter from one town to the next and he ran the entire time. The distance between the two towns was 26.2 miles. Why do I remember this and I am laughing right now is a mystery because, upon delivering the note, the guy dropped DEAD! Yup you heard correctly! DEAD…and oh yea, people have died running marathons.

6.  Ouch! Death by marathon eh? Okay, a lot of people want to be fit, healthy and look and feel great, share with us some tips that worked for you to achieve this?

I think our focus should be on being healthy. When we aspire to be healthy, weight loss and looking awesome will follow. My only goal when I started on this journey was to get my cholesterol down, be off blood pressure meds and get my doctor off my case. My advice is, find an activity you like doing and do it at  least 4 times weekly. If you don't  like your activity, you are more likely to pass on your exercise.

7. Have you had any setbacks in your journey to 26.2?

Yes. My first shot at the 26.2 was supposed to be April 2015 in Austin, Texas. However, I had a torn calf muscle which sidelined me for 6 weeks. That was devastating. When I made the second attempt, I had a fear of injury which, at times, made me run much slower than I was capable of running. I do think that this was healthy fear because it kept me injury free for my whole training.  

8. Did the race already happen? Would you share with us the outcome? 

 So, I did run my first 26.2 on January 17, 2016. It started out as a GREAT day. I was running faster than usual and was surprised at how awesome and strong I was feeling. Suddenly, I started cramping at mile 9. Imagine that, with less than half the race completed I was already cramping. 

I made two or three stops at the medical booth and felt as if I practically walked the whole route. Fran was by my side as she always was and literally carried me. At one point, I held on to her shirt and told her to run so that I could walk as fast as I could to make up time. My fear was that I would not be a finisher. I learned that day that if you do not finish in time,  you wouldn't get a medal or a finisher shirt. Talk about stress!!!!! I also learned that day from a doctor at the booth, that I am one of several runners who need to have a higher salt intake as I train. 

Remember when I said training was where you iron out the kinks? I never experience cramps during training so when it came, all I could do was pray. I stopped by a KSBJ (Christian Radio Station) Booth and the guy ran alongside me and prayed. Somewhere around mile 19 or so, another lady who saw my discomfort, prayed with me and the rest of the way, I was praying HARD. The prayers were answered! 

With about 10 mins to spare, I crossed that line, got my medal and my name is written in that 26.2 book of AWESOMENESS.

9. Amazing, amazing!! As the race date drew near and the race became real so to speak, what were some of your feelings?

Girrrrllllll...I was a nervous wreck and to top it off, I got the flu around my birthday on December 26. I had run my final long run that day, 20 miles to be exact, in the rain and coughing. I decided to rest due to my respiratory infection. This added a whole lot of stress because, I felt that if I wasn't training, then I would not be ready. 

See, I learned from a veteran marathoner, that my body had already received all the necessary training for the marathon because I was very consistent and not missing any training miles. In retrospect, it was that week of complete rest that really helped me. I vividly remember the first day I went back on the trails, I had to stop myself from over training. I was strong and fast!

10.  What's next for Desna? Any words of encouragement for our readers?

Naturally, there will be more marathons and long distance races. The 26.2 would not have happened if I did not verbalize it. Beyond that, I am addicted to the sweat. Every distance over 10 miles, I ask myself why am I doing this? After every race, I keep signing up for more. My goal right now is to learn how to swim and ride a bike because in the year I turn 50, I want to do an Ironman. Ironman Triathlon consists of a 2.4 -mile swim, a 112 - mile bike ride and a 26.2 - mile run. It's been said, that just finishing, is a victory! 

It sounds CRAZY even putting this into the atmosphere, but even if I don’t accomplish it, it will NOT be for lack of training and trying. I am always looking for the road less travelled.

I dream BIG and in very BOLD colors. It is my personality and my life's work to go where no other 40 something has gone before!

11. This is where I give a round of applause and a standing ovation, what a story! Desna, thanks for sharing just a slice of you with the forauntsis community and visitors to this blog. We will be with you in spirit as you push to the Ironman Triathlon. I believe that you will do it and God will get you through it. Blessings my sister! 

March madness ahead!

Psst! How are things on the near side, far side, ah okay your side? It is never a dull day over here. I move from a state of sleep to  break neck speeds or action and events. When I say no down time, that is exactly what it is. We keep it moving on this side. There is very little time to watch the sunrise, smell the proverbial coffee, smell the roses even, listen to the silence, listen to the heartbeat, taste and see how good God is, bear hug the family and give a long kiss goodnight. 

It is Monday. It is February 29th and according to the powers that be, it is an extra 24 hours in the year. Hmm...whatever. Why doesn't my body feel anymore rested? This could've been a Friday or weekend day and perhaps I would be more elated. 

Anyway, so what did you get up to today? How did you stretch yourself today?Any special plans, events, pranks or seriousness? Yes, seriousness.

It occurred to me today that I was zooming through my extra day of the year without even thinking about it. I needed to stop for a minute and savor the injection of this day because it will happen again in 4 years time. Things could look very different for me in four years. Good different or otherwise, it will be different. I began to sink that the least I could've done was make today a little different from yesterday or better yet, different from last Monday. For those of you who know me, it is a Monday and I just don't take well to Monday especially when it is a workday. So I spent the extra day just like last Monday. That is poor! 

Well to give myself some props one of my goals today was to teach with such passion that I touch a life forever. I did bring the passion. I pray that I did touch at least one life forever. That is usually my desire and goal. Daily I want to know that I inspire one student to turn things around academically, spiritually or personally or commit to having their own passion for learning and others ahead of self as their school 's mission states. 

As the year marches on I am committed to wake up and live, laugh and love life as I started to do on the first day of this year. I am crazy about life - it is a gift. I am mad about my loved ones - they accept me no matter what and without them I would be dreadfully alone and missing their human touch. I am in love with me - I am one of a kind and still evolving. 

I plan to bring you some inspiration, encouragement and sweet thoughts starting in March. The madness will begin with how you can rise up regardless of your current situation and outlook, just by taking the first step and sticking to it. 

So although I wasn't too fond of Monday and it seemed that I drudged through the day, I end like a phoenix rising from the ashes of blah. If as you visit you are inspired, please carry on and inspire someone else to rise up!