We recently connected with Renee Hood and have shared our conversation below.
Renee, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
In my search for purpose I was looking for this deep and profound answer. I found it is the things that came easy without thought, or hesitation. It is encouraging and helping others. People would tell me all the time that I was operating in my purpose but I didn’t see it because it didn’t look like what I thought it should. My vision was cloudy although it was provided to my in a vision. Since I was trapped in my head, emotions, and fear I wasn’t willing or ready to accept what others already saw in me. I prayed and fasted and asked God to show me what’s my purpose for years and I felt like I wasn’t getting an answer. I even said Lord don’t come to me in a still small voice, come to me loud so I know it’s you and I don’t miss it. Little did I know he was speaking in several different ways and was just missing it because again it didn’t look like my expectations. One day the light bulb clicked just like that and it just made so much sense. If I had not been so fearful of what my true purpose is and walking in it although I thought I really wanted to know, I could have saved years of struggle, pain, and stuck in being stagnant. Oh but now it’s a new day and I walk boldly and confidently knowing who I am and whose I am.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a certified doula. A doula is a non-medical professional that provides physical, emotional, and educational support for birthing people during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum periods. I’ve been a fulltime doula for 3 years but have been doing birthing work for 16 years not knowing that I was actually doing the work. I love encouraging and helping people and as a doula I am able to do so. I encourage people in advocating for themselves during this very important time of their life and help by walking with them through the process. It’s rewarding yet humbling to know that sometimes just being in the room with a client makes a total difference in the care they receive. It’s so sad but so true.
I also mix up my own herbal tea blends. From 2005-2020 I was on 7-10 different medications and some taking 2-3 times a day. One day I decided that I was too young to continue done this path. I’ve always been a tea drinker and so I thought if I can find some herbs that can benefit and help the pain I was constanstly feeling. So I slowly starting to reduce the medication I was own until eventally within a year I was no longer on any meds and feeling so much better. So, I started blending them for others and saw benefits. My friends and family convinced me to start making and selling. I currently have 6 different blends that I sell. If you are a tea drinker you will enjoy just because of the taste but I do make for specific reasons as well from inflammation, digestion, immune booster, etc. I also have raspberry leaf for my pregnant people.
I created a self-guided journal earlier this year. It covers all bases. For those that already journal that just like a good journal when they come across them. Also for those that struggle with being able to express themselves verbally but need to get their emotions out to keep from exploding. This school year (August) I started a journaling club with a local junior high school. If we can teach our babies earlier how to express themselves and how to work through their feelings in a positive way maybe we can greatly reduce teen pregnancy, gun violence, bullying and anything else that’s cause them to act out. I would love to get my journal and a journal club in schools across my cty, state, and beyond.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Be you unapologetically. Don’t alter who you are to fit in or get to another level. When you find your tribe they will help catapult to your next. Sometimes who you expect that do be won’t be and that’s ok.
Don’t let your vision get watered down or altered by what others think it should look like. It was given to you not to everyone else.
Surround yourself with like minded people and have your best interest at heart. Don’t surround your self with “yes” people. You want people that are going to tell you the truth and keep you grounded. Even when it’s not what you want to hear. When it’s coming from a geniune place of love that’s what you need.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
My biggest area of growth has been walking in my purpose and being comfortable with the uncomfortable. Being able to confidently walk in what I have been called to do. Being ok most of the time not knowing the next step or how I’m going to get there but just keep moving and let God lead. I am one of those people that want to know ever step and details to what will happen with those steps before I even take them. I know that if I’m going to walk in my purpose and do it God’s way I have to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. That is not easy for me it’s an actual struggle but if I follow the path that is laid out for me I will be ok.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beyondthebreakdoula.com
- Instagram: beyond_the_break_doula
