by Joyce Kyles | Sep 24, 2017 | Blog
Currently, HuffPost is doing a 25 city tour called Listen To America. Reporters are traveling and taking the time to listen to the citizens of each chosen city. Stop #4 was right here in Memphis. I was asked what I was doing in Memphis. I shared my thoughts in a 45 second voice recording and had my photo taken. I am so pleased to share that my thoughts were one of several featured. The link is attached at the end of my blog post.
You all have no idea how cool it was to wake up Sunday morning and see an email from HuffPost that included my name, my thoughts and my actual recorded voice. So many things I wish I’d said in hindsight. But, the most important thing I wanted to say is the very thing I did say. That is wanting to be found helping survivors of abuse to find ways to heal. Through our nonprofit, Walking Into A New Life, Inc. as well as my personal speaking and training efforts as my own brand, I’d like to believe in my own way, I am making a difference in the lives of others. Here’s what me and a few others had to say about Memphis and why we are here. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/there-is-so-much-that-needs-to-be-done-meet-the-people-of-memphis_us_59c14d09e4b0f22c4a8cf6ab
Photo Credit: Damon Dahlen, Huffington Post
by Joyce Kyles | Sep 20, 2017 | Blog
October is nationally recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness month. It is also Breast Cancer Awareness month. I will spend much of my time in October speaking and working to bring awareness and action regarding domestic violence, personal development, entrepreneurship, etc. But, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on an issue and part of my life I rarely talk about.
I was taking a shower. My left breast felt uncomfortable and sore. I’d noticed a sharp pain in the same area once before, but I dismissed it as having bumped into something and possibly bruised myself. I didn’t see any bruising, but after a better examination of myself, I did discover a lump.
I didn’t know a lot about breast cancer, but I knew enough to be concerned about the lump I’d discovered. At the time, I was pregnant. I had a million questions and ‘what ifs’ running through my mind. I was confused. How did I get this? Where did it come from? How long had it been there? Will I need chemotherapy? I was scared, and I didn’t know anyone who had gone through any aspect of this.
I talked with my Dr who decided it was best to perform a biopsy. It was a simple outpatient procedure with very little discomfort. The mass was removed from my breast, tested and came back benign. I was both thankful and relieved. The procedure didn’t affect my pregnancy in any way. I’m glad to have gone through the process.
It would be nearly 25 years before I would have another professional breast exam performed. I had a mammogram two weeks ago. I received my test results a couple of days ago. The tests came back as normal. There is absolutely no excuse I can give as to why it has taken me so long to have another exam. In my ignorance, I think I’d not taken the time to do it because I didn’t feel another lump, so I believed there was nothing to be concerned about. But, I’m grateful to my dear friend Katrina who is one of the most dedicated and knowledgeable advocates for health care I know. She has been a huge advocate for issues surrounding breast cancer. I’ve heard her give presentations over the years. A few weeks ago, I actually took the time to really listen. I considered my age, my perceptions and a couple of people who are really close to me and how they’d overcome breast cancer. I felt convicted and was convinced it was beyond time to get an exam.
Do NOT allow your age or lack of insurance to falsely convince you to not get an exam. You can perform self exams at home and there are agencies with grant money available to cover your expenses. If you feel anything which makes you feel uncomfortable or painful, talk with your primary care physician immediately. Or, reach out your local health department for assistance. I vow to get an examination each year going forward. I hope this blog will encourage you to do the same and/or share with friends/family.
by Joyce Kyles | Sep 19, 2017 | Blog
I found out a couple of weeks ago the Huffington Post was coming to Memphis as part of their Listen To America bus tour. They’re stopping in 25 cities, talking with its citizens about the issues that matter most to them and their communities. I have always enjoyed reading the HuffPost. And, I love to write. It has always been a goal of mine to have some of my writings published with them. I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to meet some of the staff and learn more about how they came into the work. I was also intrigued to learn more about why they had chosen to do the bus tour.
What started out as an opportunity to learn turned into an opportunity to sit on the bus and give a short interview about who I am, why I do what I do and why I feel as I feel. While waiting for my turn to be interviewed, I talked with a lovely young lady named Chloe, a reporter for HuffPost. She in turn shared my thoughts with the editor of their daily newsletter. The link you will see at the end of this blog is my conversation with her! I am both excited and appreciative to have my thoughts shared with others who read HuffPost.
My interview on the bus was great! It was a very comfortable discussion, and I appreciate the fact I was able to speak freely. I don’t know what, if anything, will be used down the road with regard to their bus tour. But, just doing it was an awesome experience. It was super hot that day and my air wasn’t working in my car. My hair is frizzy and my makeup, which consisted of eyeliner and lip gloss, was completely gone due to me constantly wiping my face. But, I am happy with the results and Damon Dahlen, the photographer, did a great job of taking a photograph of me that I can be proud of.
Here’s the link of my interview: http://news.huffingtonpost.com/t/ViewEmail/t/C774141BB4486DCB/2F899192CE8A377905263A35EB2CBB57
by Joyce Kyles | Sep 3, 2017 | Blog
Over the Labor Day weekend, I had the opportunity to encourage and educate the Whitehaven community about domestic violence at their Annual Community Festival. I am especially pleased to see a festival that is specific to not only having a good time for families, but also making sure it includes a social component. Unfortunately, domestic violence plagues communities around the world. In Memphis specifically, Whitehaven is among those ranked relatively high with regard to domestic violence incidents.
I wanted to make sure the attendees understood that Memphis reached a record number of homicides in 2016, with the two biggest reasons being cited as gang related activity and domestic violence. I also wanted them to be aware of the many services available, including the one I founded, Walking Into A New Life, Inc. Lastly, I wanted them to know they were hearing from someone who could understand what they may be dealing with as I am celebrating another year as a survivor myself.
Always know that you’re not alone. Help and resources are available. If you or someone you know is going through abuse, please contact your local police precinct or domestic violence agency. Learn more about our nonprofit, Walking Into A New Life, Inc. by visiting the website, www.wianl.org. And, if you’re in immediate danger, PLEASE CALL 911 ASAP.
by Joyce Kyles | Aug 11, 2017 | Blog
The University of Memphis recently hosted its annual Title IX Summit. Title IX is a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. To learn more about the history of Title IX , it’s importance, compliance and more by reading here: https://www.justice.gov/crt/overview-title-ix-education-amendments-1972-20-usc-1681-et-seq
I enjoyed the opportunity to be one of the presenters. I was asked to present on the cycle of abuse. It’s important for those working with students understand the dynamics of abuse, as more and more employees are coming in contact with individuals being abused. They need to be able to recognize the signs in order to best serve their needs when issues arise. They also need to understand the mindset of those who are going through abuse. By doing so, it will help them to have a better understanding of their struggles and in some cases, help to remove certain perceptions. Students will feel more comfortable with reporting, understanding their rights and having adequate support and referrals for additional programs and services.
Currently, HuffPost is doing a 25 city tour called Listen To America. Reporters are traveling and taking the time to listen to the citizens of each chosen city. Stop #4 was right here in Memphis. I was asked what I was doing in Memphis. I shared my thoughts in a 45 second voice recording and had my photo taken. I am so pleased to share that my thoughts were one of several featured. The link is attached at the end of my blog post.
