by Joyce Kyles | Oct 20, 2017 | Blog
Today is National Day on Writing. To know me is to know I love speaking and presenting. But, writing is the foundation for which I’ve relied on to get me through some of the best and worst times of my life. I absolutely love writing and what it has done for me. It’s an honor to say I’m a published author who has made Amazon’s Best Seller’s List. So, how did I get my start?
My 3rd grade teacher, always encouraged us to write. She often spoke to us about black writers and poets. She told me I was a good writer and encouraged me to keep writing. She said it was a good way to express my thoughts and feelings. She entered my work in the Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Contest, an annual event hosted in Chicago. I didn’t win, but just knowing that she thought enough of my work to enter it meant the world to me!
I’ve been writing ever since. Short stories, poems, journals. I created a business centered around content writing. I’ve always wanted to be an attorney and writer. Being an attorney would give the me opportunity to present, which I enjoy. Writing would give me a voice in print. It would help me to connect with others who share my point of view and/or have an open dialogue with those of varying opinions. I wanted to be able to teach others how to use writing in their persona and professional lives. Well, as life would have it, I did not become an attorney. However, I am a speaker and presenter. And, I am still writing. I continue to seek out opportunities for my passions.
Are you a writer? If so, why do you write? Today’s a great day to reflect on your why. Or, if you’ve been thinking about doing it, now’s a great day to start. #WhyIWrite
by Joyce Kyles | Oct 13, 2017 | Blog
As we continue to recognize October as National Domestic Violence Awareness month, I am reminded of one of the single biggest questions I’m asked, Why Doesn’t She Leave? I decided to write a few of my thoughts and submit them to The Memphis Flyer. I’m pleased to share my thoughts were featured in this week’s Viewpoint section of their newspaper. I am hopeful that those who read it will find it to provide a more intimate look at the barriers individuals affected by domestic violence are facing. I also hope it inspires others to become more involved in establishing and maintaining solutions to help our brothers and si
sters who need help, support, guidance and resources.
Please take a read and feel free to leave a comment: https://m.memphisflyer.com/memphis/why-doesnt-she-leave/Content?oid=8816646
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.
Today is National Day on Writing. To know me is to know I love speaking and presenting. But, writing is the foundation for which I’ve relied on to get me through some of the best and worst times of my life. I absolutely love writing and what it has done for me. It’s an honor to say I’m a published author who has made Amazon’s Best Seller’s List. So, how did I get my start?
