The Kyla Show

Finishing What You Started

Have you ever held on to something really valuable for a long time and when you finally get around to it you wonder why on God’s green earth it took you so long? Like, a lottery ticket worth $500 that is sitting around unclaimed? Okay, maybe that was extreme…..surely you’re not just sitting on $500. Anyway, I started reading an amazing book almost 3 years ago and, up until about an hour ago, had yet to finish it. Shaken and Stirred is a “thirty something coming of age story of one woman’s journey of rediscovering family, friendship, love, and faith…but most importantly herself…”. This immaculate piece of work was written by someone whom I admire greatly and who has taken the East Coast (and the world) by storm, my uber talented and accomplished Soror, Crystal Black Davis. I could go on and on about her because she’s just that dope, but instead I will let you visit her personal website: www.crystalblackdavis.com. It won’t take you long to see why I speak so highly of this lovely lady.

Maybe it was meant for me to hit 30 before finishing this book. I can honestly say I have a deeper appreciation for most of the topics covered in Christian Cullen’s journey. Once I dove back into the book, I couldn’t put it down. To say it’s a “page turner” would be putting it mildly. I was engulfed!

The ending…………..oh how sweet it was. I have to stop myself here for those of you that haven’t read it yet. But believe me, there will be twists and turns that you DO NOT SEE COMING and it makes the ride even more enjoyable!!!

Crystal, you are a true inspiration and I can’t wait to continue to watch your greatness unfold. Thank you for leading the way for women everyone who are juggling careers, marriage, and motherhood all while creating a path for future generations. And looking FABULOUS while doing so!

Also…..I wanted to highlight a paragraph in the book that speaks volumes. I won’t say where this passage falls in the story….but it has an impact that is undeniable. I write often about staying encouraged, especially in the face of adversity, and holdling on to your faith even when what you are reaching for seems unattainable. Now this particular passage doesn’t necessarily speak to the tone of the book (girlfriends….relationships….careers….etc) but it is so relevant to the situation surrounding it.

Exceeding abundantly. Come on somebody.

I’m so happy I finished the book. It will definitely be up for a re-read sometime in the future. Maybe at 35? Or maybe I’ll be reading her next book by then… :-)

What will you accomplish today, tomorrow, or the next day that perhaps you’ve been putting off?  I hope you get around to it….because you never know what you’ll get out of it.

(PS - the book is still available in stores and online @ www.shakenandstirredbook.com. Get yours today!)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Soak City, Soak Soak City….

Happy Monday Everyone!

On Saturday my family and I ventured to Soak City at Kings Island…we had a BLAST! We attended the VIP Preview festivities and enjoyed a cabana, delicious finger food, and some amazing water slides. It was my first time at a water park and it definitely made me want to return sooner than later.

If you’re looking for a fun filled summer activity for your family (or just you and some friends), I highly recommend Soak City at Kings Island!

Soaking up the Sun at Soak City. Cheese!

My first time having shrimp cocktail…it was surprisingly delightful!

So was this little pudding sundae. (not so much of a surprise here) :-)

I was teaching the girls that little umbrellas = fancy. You can never pass up a teaching moment…

The weather was perfect!

I hope your weekend was amazing as well. Back to work now…work hard so you can play hard. Make it a great week!

All in a Day’s Work

Shot another package in the field this week. So happy for the opportunity to do more stories, and to see growth in my work. I also got great feedback from my news director on the piece. I am very, very grateful.

Work hard today and believe that you can achieve that which you are pursuing.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

-KW

More about Purpose…

I read an article in Essence the other day about “Finding Your Purpose”, written by Mary Mary (so funny that I also referenced them in my last post) ….wanted to share an exerpt with you:

Love it.

Also - I’m still stepping out of my box! I took a trip to the rooftop here at work this morning to get an even better view of our breathtaking skyline. A couple of my co-workers were talking about the view from up there and how amazing it is and said I should go see for myself…..I said no at first….but then I was like, WHY NOT??

So glad I did.

(PS- I should note that the logo displayed on the roof is our OLD one. We’re much  more modern now. Don’t believe me? Check out our website! www.wlwt.com *shameless plug*)

It’s all about small changes. What are you doing to grow day by day, and week by week? I ate yogurt for the first time yesterday (if you were my Instagram friend, you would know that) and today I went up on a roof. Who knows what I’ll do next week!

Challenge your inhibitions. Step out of your box today!

Stay the Course

“Difficult takes a day. Impossible takes a week.” - Shawn Carter

Mondays often get a bad rap and are known as most people’s “least favorite” day. I want to challenge you to turn that idea around today, and use Monday as your day for rejuvenation. Re-visit your goals that haven’t been accomplished yet, and make new goals for the coming weeks. If you’re on the quest for that big break or praying for a position that fulfills your passion….I have three words for you: Stay the Course. One of the biggest factors in any successful person’s journey is perseverance. It’s one of my favorite words and one that, if you’re a frequent visitor of this blog, you’ve seen plenty of times before.

Perseverance is defined as “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.”

I highlighted that portion because that’s what separates perseverance from just pursuing a goal or action. Perseverance requires some self-reflection and even  brief consideration of quitting. Perseverance requires you to REALLY examine why you’re doing what you’re doing, and whether or not your life will be better because of your endurance. Perseverance won’t allow you to settle for what might look good at the moment but pales in comparison to what God has in store for you (another reason why you must be in sync with HIS plan for your life. Our eyes can be deceiving).

Find your purpose, relentlessly pursue it, and persevere through obstacles with fierce determination. No matter what - if you know you are moving in the right direction - KEEP GOING. It will be hard sometimes, it will be discouraging sometimes, but don’t give yourself the option to quit. I’ll be honest - quitting is easy. MUCH easier than pursuing your goals and your passion. That requires courage. Staying in a bad situation is easy. It’s comfortable. But comfort is the enemy of success.

Choose to be COURAGEOUS today.

I started this post with one of my favorite Jay Z verses. I’ll end with a few more quotes that speak to the power of perseverance.

“If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking. ”

“Fall down seven times, stand up eight.”  - Japanese Proverb

“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” - Albert Einstein

If you need a song to encourage you this week, check out Mary Mary’s “I’ll Never Wave My Flag” on their latest album, Something Big.

Go out and be GREAT!

- KW

(Find me on Instagram @ thekylashow….let’s hang out and share pics!)

Fun and Fruitful Friday

Today got off to a wonderful start……with GIFTS! Gifts are ALWAYS great, right? Well, unless they’re from that ex who won’t leave you alone…..then they’re annoying, but FOR THE MOST PART gifts are good. Today, Randi and I received gift bags full of goodies from our friends at the Cincinnati Reds.

We were so excited!

I was also pretty excited about shooting another story (my second one this week). Today’s story was about a closure in Northern Kentucky that’s part of the “Revive the Drive” project. We (my photog and I) didn’t really have much to work with, but I’m proud of the package we put together. I had the chance to get creative! I also had the chance to wear a fashionable neon green vest….fit right in with the construction workers :-). 

You can see the full story here.

I’m so grateful to do what I love. And I will never, ever take it for granted.

Speaking of which, I read an article yesterday about Ann Curry, and this portion of it really spoke to me…..mostly because I feel the same way when I go to work every day.

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Black Girls Run!

In preparation for the big Flying Pig Marathon here in Cincinnati, News 5 has been highlighting different people and organizations training for the race. I had the opportunity to meet and interview some amazing women, Black Girls Run, to talk to them about the importance of battling obesity in the African American community and some of the reasons black girls don’t run (see the story here). These women meet 6 times a week to get motivated and get moving. Some walk, some run - whatever level you’re at, they will meet you there. The women of BGR have jobs, families, and other commitments but are also dedicated to being better for themselves. This is something most women need to do more of. But specifically - we, as black women, have to stop making excuses and start making our health a priority. Yes, you will sweat and yes, maybe your HAIR WILL TOO. But would you rather have a fresh roller wrap or updo but be laying in a hospital bed?

I hope not.

BGR is also an opportunity to fellowship with other women who are putting fitness first. The Cincinnati chapter has been active since September, but there are local chapters all over the country. Check www.blackgirlsrun.com for more information.

The ladies made me feel right at home with their group and I am actually thinking about joining one of their weekly runs! I’ll keep you posted on that :-).

Make it a wonderful day. And in the words of Outkast: “Get up, Get out, and Get Something….don’t let the days of your life pass by!”

Love yourself and some other folks too.

-KW