Today we’d like to introduce you to Yolanda Wilson Smith
Yolanda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hello. My name is Yolanda Wilson Smith and I am a native of Chicago, IL, also known as the “Windy City”. Upon moving to Dallas-Fort Worth Area in 2002, I met my husband, Charles R. Smith, who is the Pastor of Thy Word M.B. Church in Fort Worth, TX. We married in 2004.
Along with being a wife and First Lady of a church, I am mother, grandmother, god-mother, authorpreneur, adjunct instructor, a licensed clinical social worker by trade and more. Needless to say, I have lived a busy life. However, when my son was younger and I was driving him to piano lessons, I wished I had taken the time to connect with him more instead of dreading the drive. The same goes for when I was rushing my nieces and nephews to their various athletic practices, hurrying back home just to finish office work or tackle the next item on my to-do list. I realized I missed out on some quality time with them. It’s safe to say that I probably missed out on quality time with other family members and friends, too.
For the record, I thought I was living a balanced life because I would get regular massages and take family vacations to unplug. However, I realized that during my everyday work mode, I wasn’t living in a state of gratitude. I wasn’t taking advantage of opportunities to appreciate the everyday moments; instead, I tended to wait for a holiday or special occasion.
Over the years, I learned to transform those busy moments into moments of gratitude by reconnecting, reimagining, and redefining my life. This journey entailed me to reprioritize certain aspects of my life. I wanted my loved ones to understand their significance and the impact they had on me. That’s why I wrote my latest book on: “A 21-Day Gratitude Journal for Busy Women,” to help other busy women to reconnect, reimagine, and redefine their lives. Gratitude is about being thankful and appreciative for what we have in life and it should be an integral part of our lives. Reading this book will help you feel calmer, more joyful, live in the present, grow closer to God, and better self-reflection. It’s an easy-to-read book with prompts to guide you on this journey. I have been blessed to share my message of gratitude through book signings and speaking engagements. As a result, many of the women told me that they were going to make some changes in their lives. In addition, my book can now be found at the Cedar Hill Library in the Local Authors Collection.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road, and I’ve faced struggles along the way. With demanding schedules that often-included church responsibilities, family obligations, and personal commitments, I came to realize that living a life of gratitude required an intentional mindset. Gratitude isn’t just about being thankful during happy moments; it’s also about finding gratitude during sad and trying times. We must uncover goodness in all circumstances of our lives, which demands digging deeper within ourselves. I had to find a way to turn my busy moments into moments of gratitude. Hence, I wrote my book, “A 21-Day Gratitude Journal for Busy Women,” which includes writing prompts to shift thinking toward a more positive and mindful living. Since writing this book, I’ve also created “Gratitude Affirmation Cards for Busy Women” to help others take a breath, pause, and reflect. Like I did, other women too can often find purpose in their busyness. My current desire is to inspire women to live in the present and appreciate the little things in life. Today, I can confidently say that I have better relationships, feel more complete, and I try not to sweat the small stuff. People may wonder if I’m still challenged with life’s demands. Absolutely. However, I have the tools and resources to get back on track. One thing I know for sure is that when you are grateful, you always have enough.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have had the opportunity to explore various career paths. Currently, I serve as an adjunct instructor at Tarrant County College Southeast Campus, where I teach in the First Choice Program. This program is dedicated to helping young adults challenged with autism transition from dependent to independent living through a range of course options. Additionally, I teach a self-publishing class for the 55+ Senior Program at TCC SE Campus.
My personal experiences, career background, and strong church roots has enabled me to connect with people from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds. I am known for my compassion and sense of humor. I take great pride in celebrating life with my family and friends.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters to me the most is my unwavering faith in God, the sacrifices made by my parents (Nancy Wilson-Sargent and late Frank Thomas Wilson, the love and the support of my family and friends, and the bond with my church family. They have shaped me into the person I am today. They keep me grounded and encouraged. Lastly, inspiring other women to live an abundant life of grace and blessings. By sharing my past experiences and challenges, I hope to ignite a spark of gratitude in their hearts, fostering a ripple effect of positivity and peace in our shared journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yolandawsmith.weebly.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoryolanda
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoryolandawilsonsmith/
Image Credits
1. JC Penney Portrait
2. Country Mile Photography
3. Millie’s Phenomenal Photography
