Today we’d like to introduce you to LaWanna G Parker.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
My entire life has been about serving, learning, and sharing what I knew with others. After my retirement, I was content to enjoy sleeping late and reading my romance stories. After a while, I realized I had not adequately prepared for my retirement, and I needed to look for a job. Then two things happened. One, I realized that at my age, I was no longer hirable, and two. I did not want to work another nine to five job! I had no idea what to do. I kept asking God what my gift was to no avail. Then, I lost my husband, and he had no insurance. I became desperate! God still had not answered my question, or so I thought. I became sick. I do not know if it was COVID, but I was ill for about a month. At the end of my illness, I knew what God wanted me to do! I teach and empower others to journal to increase their creativity, confidence, and start a legacy for their family, or write a book to help others. My overall desire is to help deliver individuals from pain to comfort, and I can do that through journaling.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Doubt from family and friends that journaling was of no importance, and how could I make any money at it. Turning a closed ear to friends and family who believed that was wasting my time and thought they had my best interest at heart. I knew they were concerned I would be disappointed should it not work out. No one took me seriously. I had to keep a smile on my face and continue to speak as if I had already succeeded, which was difficult because sometimes I had to do battle with myself. To remind me that God would not set me up to fail. I had to remember He had given me all I needed to succeed. Slowly, others began to accept what I was doing and saw the many benefits of journaling.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
Individuals trust me and have confidence they can share anything with me and know it will go no further. A well-known individual reached out to me. You would know the individual if I said their name. The person needed to know how to handle a situation with my program. I am pleased to know my program is working for them, and the individual is still in touch. I have helped several get published, start speaking for pay, create a family legacy, and build their confidence and creativity. I show them how to find these things within themselves. My clients are more than a dollar sign, and I believe they recognize this and are eager to work with me.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
You must determine your dream or purpose in life. Write what the result will look like when completed. Then set bite-size steps to achieve your goal. Reward yourself as you complete each step. The most important thing is that you believe in your vision. Well-meaning family and friends will sometimes say and do things that may cause you to doubt yourself. That is why you must believe strong enough to withstand any obstacles. You have everything you need within you, and only you can defeat yourself through a lack of confidence. That is why I like to work with my clients in building up their confidence.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success for me is to see those I work with achieve their dream. Every time I make a difference in a person’s life, I am successful. For years, I wanted to know what my purpose was on planet Earth. I have come to realize I am a nurturer. I push others to the forefront to become who they are to be or accomplish the work they are to do. My heart fills to bursting when someone tells me that they have achieved their vision because of my support and belief in them.
What’s next for you?
My next step is to write another book and start podcasting again. I have a book titled “Courage to Live Your Dream” that I plan to update, and I plan on writing a book on manifestation. I am a speaker and blogger, and podcasting seems the natural progression. After my husband passed away, I had given it up, but now I desire to start again.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
Dr. La Wanna Parker, Journaling Coach,
916 888 8089, lawanna@lawannaspeaks.com,
FB: https://tinyurl.com/motivationaljournaling,
YouTube: https://bit.ly/LaWannaParker,
Blog: https://lawannasblog.com