​Hello, and thanks for stopping by!  

My name is Travena and I'm here to help you; as well as a bunch of girls and women in navigating through life, so each of you can live your best life!  But before I do, let's get to know each other first - sound good?  

Here is my story:  I don't come from a broken home.  I didn't grow up poor or hungry.  I did not grow up as an at-risk-youth, I had very supportive & encouraging parents, sounds just perfect... right?  

My story is far from perfect!

As I was transitioning through the confusing years of adolescence, I lost my Mom during middle school to colon cancer.  My Dad became a single parent with three kids.  I  watched him brave the storms and uncertainty of taking on a single parent role. 

 I just remember him doing what needed to be done, never complaining; although I knew many days he had to be overwhelmed.  

I was forced to grow up pretty quickly and life became more serious for me.  

 As I was completing my junior year of High School, my brother was diagnosed with Leukemia.  He was away in Missouri, due to his enlistment in the United States Military, which made it very difficult for us to spend time together (we were extremely close).  

During the summer of preparing to enter my first year of college, my brother lost his battle with Leukemia!  I was totally devastated, besides we had just buried my Mom four years earlier!

So, there I was, the girl who seemed to have her life mapped out, losing two people that were of incredible value to me.  

As I slowly came to grips with the realization of my new life, I learned to relish in the blessings God had bestowed upon me.  The greatest of all was the beautiful, wise, and loving mother, God had so lovingly given to me and my siblings.   

I was blessed with a supportive and unselfish "big" brother who was my protector and encouragement. 

Yes, I still miss them both everyday!   At times the pain of not hearing her voice and my memories of seeing her in the kitchen; as we'd spend our most treasured Saturday's together makes me miss her even more.

My brother was a funny silly guy.  We were always playing around. I am most thankful for  the "tape recorder" (back then), because as I was memorizing  Macbeth he recorded our voices, as we in unison mimicked the words of  Shakespeare.  I thank God for that tape, its been a while since I listened to it,  but I still have it.  God is good and merciful in those ways, because He knew I would have that memory of him.  

During the concluding days of my Mother's illness, she prepared her three children for her passing.  I can remember her sitting us three down in the living room, holding back tears, saying in a calm still voice, "Mama, doesn't seem to be getting better!  I will probably die from this cancer."  My siblings and I clinched the hands of one another, as tears steadily rolled from our faces.  

We were trying to be strong, but inside, our hearts were breaking into millions of little pieces.  We each gathered lovingly around our Mom, as her little frail body sunk deep into the sofa.  She continued, "Mama knows you will each be sad, but know how much I love each of you, and when you think of me, remember how much joy you have brought to me.  You be strong and try your best to hold it together at my funeral.  Don't you cry, because if you do, everyone else will.  If they see you holding it together; even though they will be sad as well, they will hold it together too."  

My sister, grabbed Mama's hand and said, "I can't, we can't go on without you!"  My Mom, quickly in her usual stern tone (when she wanted you to really listen) preceded to say, "You have to, you can, and you will!!  Life will continue on, after I'm gone and I don't want you to miss any of it.  You must do that for me, you all promise?"  

In unison, we replied with the strongest of certainty "Yes mam, we will...we promise! "  

 My brother was truly one of my greatest blessings.  I missed going on dates with him, laughing, and spending time together.  He was the brave soul who dared to teach me how to drive.  He had much patience! 

I learned through tremendous pain & grief to accept their deaths, with the help of former teachers, my favorite aunts, and counseling.  

I thank God for His continued strength and sweet memories.  If not for my heavenly Father, I would not have made it through such difficult times.   He sent me some beautifully strong, and loving great aunts to make sure I stayed the course!

I had a beautifully wonderful Mom, who adored me; as well as encouraged me to continue living in spite of the hand I had been dealt.  She is one of the reasons I began this journey of assisting and empowering females to dig deeper, when they feel life has paralyzed them.

  Even if you think your life is going pretty good, I promise there will come a time when you may feel yourself slipping.  I've had moments of feeling insecure, uncertain, and unworthy, but I promise, you won't always feel that way, the sun will eventually shine and the clouds will dissipate.  

 I do hope you know, that you are NOT alone and your life CAN truly be what God has planned for you.  

I anticipate your taking the time to visit with me again, read my blog, and check out our "Tennessee Girls Symposium" and my Bounce Back University Coaching Girls for more details and upcoming events!   

I truly want you to be  encouraged, edified, and uplifted to keep moving forward; in spite of whatever may be standing in your way.  

Below are some of my wonderful Aunts who stepped in, got their hands dirty, and made sure I kept moving forward.  

I thank God for each of them!!