Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to LaKeesha Hines. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi LaKeesha, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose in my pain. I am the proud mom of a child with unique healthcare needs. He was born completely healthy and contracted bacterial meningitis at just 5 months old. As a result of the meningitis, he survived two strokes, multiples seizures, and several surgeries. During his 6 month vacation in the hospital, he had to be resuscitated twice. He literally almost lost his life several times but God had a different plan. Watching my son fight for his life made me want to continue to fight for the life I was destined to have. Not just as a wife or mom, but as a business owner and community advocate.
I truly believe my purpose ultimately stemmed from God’s plan for my life. It was written in the stars for me to be a voice for my son and a voice for other caregivers out there who need a familiar voice to connect and listen to. My central motivating aim or reason for life is to serve others. Serving others has guided my decisions, influenced my behavior, shaped my goals, provided a road map of direction, and created meaning in my life. Helping families thrive not just survive is not simply something I chose, but something I nurtured to spring up from deep within me through self exploration and discovering what I value most. What I value most is healthy families.
I used my pain to fuel my passion which helped confirm my purpose.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Helping to create healthy families is the life I believe I was born to live. My life has never been more meaningful! I have the honor and pleasure of assisting families on their journey to healing and transformation by: *providing and connecting caregivers to resources
*supporting caregivers mentally and emotionally during touch times
*encouraging, uplifting, and inspiring caregivers to continue fighting for their ideal life through our monthly support group
*improving relationships romantically, platonically, and individually through workshops, training, boot camps and more
As a Certified Professional Life Coach, I coach individuals, couples, and families to live the life they desire and to become the very best version of themselves possible through my for-profit business, Fire Starter Coaching Services, LLC. I meet with clients in-person and virtually to provide coaching services. I help individuals find their passion and purpose in life. However, saving marriages is my primary focus. My book, Love Covers, is a manual for couples to follow to assist couples with improving their overall relationship satisfaction. One of our newest tools to assist couples with having difficult conversation surrounding intimacy are The Bedroom Switch conversation cards. I believe when mom and dad are healthy and happy, so will the kids.
The organization my husband and I co-founded, Support4Caregivers, is a faith-based, family-run, non-profit which provides resources and support to caregivers of children with unique needs and chronic healthcare conditions. This is such an in-demand source for families. My journal book, SNC101: 7 Keys to Igniting the Fire Within, was written to help caregivers navigate the very complex world of disabilities and to provide them a way to grieve the loss of their ideal child and to embrace the child they have.
Having a child with special needs is a blessing, but it is not for the faint of heart. Disabilities impacts the entire family, including siblings. There was an instance where some kids were making fun of my son with special needs in front of two of my other children. There were so distraught by the encounter that I used the experience as a teaching opportunity. During COVID, the kids and I co-authored a book titled, A Different Narworld, describing the ordeal to increase awareness to those without disabilities and to encourage those with disabilities. They needed to work on their writing and reading skills, so I thought what a great way to kill multiple birds with one stone.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back over my life, what I think was most impactful on my journey was to use every negative or unfavorable situation in as a learning opportunity, to always look for the silver lining, and to take the focus off self and focus on helping others. In my opinion, the best way to develop and/ or improve is to be continually learning. I am constantly reading, researching, reviewing, and reinventing myself. Never get too comfortable because the one thing that is constant is change. Stay humble. Maintain an attitude of gratitude and servitude.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am looking for like-minded individuals who are seeking to serve families who have children with special needs to partner and/ or collaborate with. To connect with me or to learn more, please visit www.support4caregivers.org. Additionally, if you are seeking a healthier, happier relationship and/ or family please take advantage of my coaching services today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lakeeshahines.com
- Instagram: @support_4_caregivers
- Facebook: Support4Caregivers
- Twitter: @S4CTampa
- Youtube: Support4Caregivers813
