The Artist Corner: Introducing Dreya

Hey Peaceful Lovers! It's been a while, but here is 4th installment of 'The Artist Corner' where we shine the spotlight on various artistic members [up and coming & established] within the Humbly, Peax & Love community. After all, the Earth without ART is just 'Eh'...
 

Today is all about a woman in transition that we are GREATLY inspired by. Introducing Dreya..

HPNL: Who is Dreya? What are your values and passions?

Dreya: Dreya is an driven, independent, vivacious and ambitious young woman that has been through much that has molded her into who she is today. The battles that I've come up against I've turned into positives stepping stones because I'm able to voice my pain, hurt and heavy load through my outlet of expression called poetry.

HPNL: How do you define yourself as an Artist??

Dreya: Multiple! All around I'm an creative individual. Besides poetry, I've evolved into a freelance graphic designer, fitness coach with Beachbody and I'm interested in becoming a personal trainer. My poetry and graphic designing are my biggest artistic areas. I've been writing poetry since I was twelve and graphic design I graduated with my Bachelors in Graphic Design in 2011 - plus it's fun to do for myself. 

HPNL: We also hear you are writing a book, tell us about this!

Dreya: My book is my baby. I've been working on my book for almost three years come December. It's my story and my poetry combined. I wanted to have the platform to tell my story in my own words and be real. I wanted my experience to be felt even if it's dark times because that's life. It's the dark times that created who I am. I'm currently in editing life pushing to publish next year, 2014 - God willing!!!!! I'm very excited.

HPNL: Who are your biggest inspirations?

Dreya: I'm a family oriented person, so before anybody my grandmother is my #1 inspiration because of her love for Jesus Christ, her smile that never leaves her face, and her spirit. That's my heart and she's been supportive from day one, regardless what I wanted to pursue she said "as long as you're happy, pursue it. "

HPNL: Family support is always a plus. Where can we follow your journey and see samples of your work?

Dreya: Well I've just launched my website: www.dreyais.com 

I'm on IG: DreyaIs 

Twitter: Dreya_Da_Diva 

Facebook: Dreya (Brand page) 

YouTube: DreyaDaDiva

HPNL: We have been following your weight loss journey. How did your transition begin?

Dreya: My weight loss began in May 2012 when I was told by my doctor I weighed 300 pounds. That stung deeply and I just kept it real with myself. I wasn't in love with my physical and it was beginning to effect all areas of my life! So I made it a decision to take back my life. I'm now at 240!

HPNL: What was your diet like BEFORE your transition?

Dreya:  My diet prior to my transition was all over the place! I didn't really eat breakfast, I didn't care about how late I ate dinner. I didn't watch what I was eating, so if I wanted to eat Oreos, I ate how many I pleased.  Now I know that foods like Oreos  must be in moderation, like prior to working out so that you burn it off during your routine.

HPNL: What kind of diet nourishes your spirit NOW?

Dreya: Wow good question. I'm into fruits and vegetables heavy. I love feeling light and being able to feel free. I love sweet potatoes, string beans, collard greens, strawberries lol the list could go on but if it makes me feel good...I'm for it!

HPNL: How do you juggle all of your responsibilities and goals? What keeps Dreya focused and on track?

Dreya: I understand I have the power to impact lives, I understand that God has given me a vision and HE has given me these talents to do more than just what meets the eye. People are going through depression and struggling with weight loss, I've been depressed and obesity is what I'm apart of but I've figured out how to get past both. It's a blessing and in that it keeps me going! I'm stronger than my excuses and progression is highly important to me so that keeps me on track! 

HPNL: So, What encouraged you to join the Humbly, Peax & Love community?

Dreya: I liked what I saw and I knew it was a place of growth and positivity - Which are both part of life and success. It attracted me so here I am!  

HPNL: What else can we expect from Dreya in the future? What are your other ambitions?

Dreya: Dreya is in high gear, I'm looking to build my FIT CLUB, push my website, gain clientele for my freelance work and help people fight obesity! Having my own t-shirts and more is in the works. I've also been recommended to get into modeling so I'm preparing for that as well. There's nothing I can't do, so I'm doing it ALL. I will break barriers and push towards success.

HPNL: Any advice for our readers, writers, or those looking to lose weight?

Dreya: DREAM BIG!!!! Don't allow negativity to slow you down or interfere with what you are doing. When you stay within your own lane, it helps you stay focused. Don't compare yourself to anybody and move at a steady pace. Learn from your failures and practice those weaknesses so they become your strengths. Be ahead of the game because there's always someone waiting for you to slip. Be blessed, follow me and do what you love 

 - Dreya <3

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What a beautiful transition! Thank you for choosing to be a part of the Humbly, Peax & Love community Dreya. We stand beside you in support of all you do. You will continue to inspire many!

Show her love everyone and be sure to follow her journey!

Mindful Mommy Monday: Late Night - Bed Sharing!

Good evening mommies!

Today's (or nights rather) post is about Co-Sleeping, Bed-Sharing, Room-Sharing, etc with our bundles of joy!  Recently, BB #1 (Beautiful Boy #1) has been waking up knocking on the door any time between 3 AM - 5 AM.  Our general script was, "Go back to bed!"  Every once in awhile me or the wife would get up, walk him back to his room, tuck him in, kiss him, and walk out with him all upset.  But lately we've noticed that no matter how much he sleeps.. he's never rested.  Which of course was drastically affecting his behavior while he was awake.  

So this morning when my little BB "came-a-knocking" at 5 AM I walked him to the bathroom, "Mom, I wanna sleep with you." .. I looked in his sad little eyes and said, "There's no space in my bed honey."  To which he replied, "I'll sleep on the floor mommy."  I took a deep breath and looked at my son.  What did he need from me in that very moment?  I couldn't deny him.  I had to take whatever chastising I was going to get .. He was sleeping with us!  There actually wasn't space in the bed w/ BB #2 breastfeeding.  But I mad BB #1 a nice fluffy comfy pallet right next to my bed with one of my pillows, kissed him, then drifted off to sleep.  Reports were, he and I snored the night away!  Lol.  I woke up at 8 AM and he was SOUND ASLEEP!  He didn't even flicker.  As I used the time to prioritize my day he opened his eyes and said "Mom I'm still sleepy."  I let him climb in bed with his baby brother and the both slept.  When I came back they were both awake - talking to each other. <3  And fantastically enough the wife agreed that his restful night was a plus!

Now let me say this, BB #1 never slept in my bed.  He's always slept in his crib/bed and has had his own room since 9 mos.  And I can count on 1 hand the number of times I've let him climb in my bed.  But his requests really started this year.  I didn't connect it to anything until that very moment.  Which took my thoughts to mothers that allow bed sharing from the very start.  What do their kids benefit and does it have any long term factors?  What does it do for mommy?  So on and so forth.  Per my "Googling" self, I got to looking around.  

Some links I found: CNN Health BabyCenter PhD in Parenting Tired Tot Tutor

At the end of all this reading I found ... It's really up to you and your family.  There isn't any science showing more pros towards one way or another.  The overall goal is to make sure that everyone is comfortable and getting a good nights rest.  Check in with your mate, make sure your child is resting well, and snuggle up.  There are many reasons your little one may be a bed sharing baby and you wouldn't want to miss out on a chance to truly hear and connect with them.  They may be learning a new skill, feeling scared at night, in the middle of a transition (new school, house, etc), comfort, new sibling, and the list goes on.  You are doing no grave injustice to your child's development by letting them climb in bed.  In regards to intimacy  some couples become more adventurous about their sex life (looking for places outside of the bedroom) when they bed share.  HOWEVER, if your little one sleeps soundly and safely on their own ... Do not switch them up!  

A few tips for avoiding a habit;

• Try not allow it more than two consecutive nights.
• Always put them to sleep in their own bed.  Let them come you.  If they wake up & climb in bed ok, if not EVEN BETTER.
• Reassure them that their parents are close by and that they are safe.  Many children may feel vulnerable and alone.
• Try reading them a bedtime story or having quiet moments together in their bed with the door closed.
• Allowing them to bring their own pillow and blanket keeps a connection to their room and offers parents a little more privacy in their bed.

• Side Note: Always remember to work with what your child needs from you.  Denying their request to snuggle with you at night may be hurting them more than helping them.

Keep in mind no one sleeps this perfect w/kids in bed. Lol.

Mommies have said: 

• I've heard different things from different mommies.  My friend Desiree says "I can't keep my kid out of my bed!"  I don't know that connected mommies really WANT to get their love bugs out of their bed.  There's a sense of closeness and contentedness you feel when their snuggled up to you.  Why lose that if it's not doing them any harm, right?  
• On the other side of that a mommy named Carla says, "I've been putting Ethan in his crib since he was 2 months old and he sleeps very well, through the night, in it. He only sleeps with us if absolutely necessary (i.e. fussy). I'm adamant about him sleeping in his own bed in his own room for 3 reasons: 1. We paid good money for his crib & he's going to use it :) 2. I don't want to start any bad habits that will be hard to break down the line. 3. My husband and I dedicate every waking moment to his every move and we want to maintain a stable sense of intimacy in our marriage."  That brings me to ask, is she such an attentive mommy that he will never long for the extra feeling of comfort through the night?  Or what will happen should he start to request it.

Overall mommies, do what works for your family.  Does sleeping together all bundled up and cozy make mornings easy and enjoyable?  Then do it!  Don't feel bad about laying with your child while they drift off to sleep.  If having you with them brings them comfort ... then comfort them.  Enjoy this moment.  I know most of us are fearful of when they stop hugging us, letting us kiss them, and running up to us after school. 

Until next week;

I love you! <3

Mommy challenge below.  And book details to come later this week.

Hosting Blog: www.itsafabulouslife.com

Mommy Challenge: Week 3 

(click ^^ for the original blog host)

Slow down mommy.  The laundry will be there tomorrow.

With EVERYTHING that a mommy has on her plate it's easy to forget to slow down!  We have work going on, accounts to manage, dinner to cook, a house to clean, laundry to do, errands to run, etc.  Of course we're always moving a million miles a minute.  But lets take a breather this week.  Let's spend some time with our kids doing something they want/need us to do.  Sit and do a puzzle, read stories, watch a movie, just talk, WHATEVER they want!  Our children need to know that we are there listening to them just as we expect them to be present and listening to us.

At least three times this week sit and do an activity with your kid that they want/need you to do.

Ready?  Set.  GO!

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About Mindful Mommy Monday Blogger

Dominique is an owner of In Focus Business Solutions, LLC, mother of two, wife, and student.  She is an experienced Customer Service Trainer and pushes awareness and mindfulness to the forefront of her work.  Her community work is done with mommies and assisting people re-entering the work force.  For more information on iFBS, llc or to contact Dominique email her at: dominiquepap@gmail.com