We had the good fortune of connecting with KYSHEENNA LEWIS and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi KYSHEENNA, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
The Serenity Prayer is my go to affirmation. “God grant me the serenity to ACCEPT the things I can not change, the COURAGE to change the things I can and the WISDOM to know the difference. I learned this prayer 20 years ago while I was apart of THE BRYAN ADAMS BELLES Drill Team (shout out to Connie Tyler for her leadership). I didn’t know it then, but this is a prayer I’ve recited over the years. In times when I need to make life changing decisions, I recite this prayer. When I’m afraid of moving forward, I recite this prayer. Acceptance, courage and wisdom has been truly instrumental in getting me through the uncertainty and fear brought on by the pandemic.
Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’m the owner of A Journey Renewed Counseling Services. I offer counseling services to children, adolescents and adults from a variety of diverse backgrounds. Prior to COVID-19, I provided both in home and office appointments. As I’m sure many of you know, the virus forced us to pivot and reimagine how we do business. Currently, I only offer telehealth appointments. I hope to return to face to face by the end of this year. I also offer clinical supervision to LMSWs seeking to obtain their clinical license.
I’m most proud that I have an opportunity to have an impact on the lives of children. Many of the kids I see are in foster care. Part of my purpose is to reassure the children they are loved and the adults involved in their care have their best interest in mind. This is a perfect opportunity to plug Court Appointment Special Advocates (CASA). If you are interested in volunteering, our children need people to advocate on their behalf.
One of the biggest challenges this year has been navigating life as a mother and a small business owner during the pandemic. My children are home full time so I’m a teacher, the lunch lady and the principal. I’m truly thankful for my family as they have provided countless hours of support as I attempt to provide quality therapeutic services from my home office.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This one is hard because for the last year I would probably take them from my living room, to the kitchen and maybe to the backyard lol. One of my new favorite locations during the pandemic has been Miriam Cocina Latina. The food is amazing and they are right next to Klyde Warren Park. I love being outside so we would take a stroll and check out the food trucks. We may also go to Trinity Groves. Dulcet Café & Bakery has awesome treats. Our next stop would be to Deep Ellum. The Free Man Cajun Cafe has wonderful food and drinks.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Much of how I’m getting through this pandemic and isolation is with humor and being creative. My shoutout is no different. I’m going to pretend I’m accepting an award for the Best Pandemic Performance. This is my acceptance speech: First, I would like to publicly thank Jetonda G for helping me to conceptualize my vision for my private practice. I would also like to thank my colleague Kenisha R for her guidance and motivation to pursue my dream. Thank you to the amazing Diann Francis for giving me my first internship then later hiring me to work in the outpatient clinics. Thank you Dr. Stacia Alexander and her August Accountability series for inspiring me to do more than just dream and thank you Mr. White for helping me secure my first contract.
I have an amazing set of friends (work, college, high school and running). If I have called or sent a text message to you this year( Shay & Nataria), thank you for helping me stay connected from a distance.
And before the orchestra plays me off stage, my tribe has been amazing during this pandemic. I would not be able to help others if it were not for my mother and my Aunt Thelma who has been my rock since we entered the pandemic.
Oh I didn’t forget, thank you to Jamye S and the Junior League of Arlington. They are amazing group of women with a vision for service.
Website: journeyrenewed.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyrenewed
Other: 214-734-6579
Image Credits
Rocky Carter Unlimited