By Ronda Young
DZ: What would you do if you were sure you could not fail? RY: I’ d courageously declare,“ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” and boldly go all in! Unapologetically aligned with my authentic self and fearless in my pursuit of success.
DZ: What would you tell your 18 – 25-year-old self based on what you know now? RY: You are God ' s masterpiece— don’ t measure your life against anyone else’ s. Trust yourself, trust your intuition! You don’ t have to earn rest, love, or worth. No is a complete sentence!
DZ: How do you define success? RY: Success, to me, is time freedom— having the ability to choose how I spend my days, to prioritize what truly matters, and to invest my time in activities that bring me joy and fulfillment. Time freedom is not just about having leisure or avoiding obligations; it’ s about being in control of my schedule and having the flexibility to balance work, relationships, growth, and relaxation.
DZ: What are daily / weekly self-care practices? RY: I stretch daily to honor my body and progress, train a few times a week building strength and resilience with consistency. I take supplements to support my overall well-being, recognizing the importance of caring for my body from the inside out. Laughing with my best friend or listening to music brings me joy. Together, these practices help me maintain balance, gratitude, and a sense of self-appreciation.
DZ: What promise have you made to yourself that you can say you are doing to work to fulfill now? RY: I promised myself to never dim my light so others can shine— we can all shine together. I also gave myself permission to ask for help when needed, let go of control, delegate without guilt, as well as setting boundaries that honor my well-being.
RY: In the company of my sisters … I love being with my sisters— like-minded women who support each other while honoring our individual paths. Though we walk different roads, we share values and respect, holding space for one another and rising together without losing ourselves.
RY: My daily practices of prayer and devotion … Lead with prayer, align with gratitude, and ground myself in meditation.
By SANDRA SHEARN
DZ: What would you do if you were sure you could not fail? SS: I am going to open up my Resource and Language Center for underprivileged youth. It is going to be a center where different arts and languages, dances, pottery, and classes will be taught to expose our children to activities they otherwise would not know about.
DZ: What would you tell your 18 – 25-year-old self based on what you know now? SS: Do NOT trust your feelings! It’ s a trap! Seek Jesus and stay close to HIM!
DZ: How do define success? SS: Success is knowing that I am exactly where God wants me to be.
DZ: What are daily / weekly self-care practices? SS: My daily self-care practices are doing breathing exercises, drinking at least 64 oz of water, and trying to get a reasonable amount of sleep.
DZ: What promise have you made to yourself that you can say you are doing to work to fulfill now? SS: I promise to take care of my temple. I cannot go back to the place where I was. Finish these two statements in no more than one sentence:
SS: In the company of my sisters … I can let my hair down.
SS: My daily practices of prayer and devotion … are nonnegotiable and absolutely essential to my soul.
37