Blog #purpose

Friends, welcome back to Doing Different with Kimmie, the space where we celebrate the brave, the curious, and the women who refuse to let circumstance define their calling. Kimberley Reed‑Bracey Johnson is a lawyer, educator, missionary, 2024 Ms. Tennessee Senior America National Finalist, and People's Choice Crown winner and lifelong servant‑leader whose story is marked by grit, purpose, and relentless faith.

 A former champion debater and actress, she began her career as a speech and theatre teacher before earning Tennessee Humanities Teacher of the Year in 1995. That honor opened the door for her to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer — attending night law school while working full‑time, coaching debate, touring on weekends, and directing seven shows a year, ultimately graduating fifth in her class.

 In 2009, a one‑week trip to Haiti transformed her life, leading her to adopt her “son,” build a thriving ministry including a K‑12 school, church, leadership academy, restaurant, Western Union station, and a small hotel for missionaries, and return to Haiti more than 50 times. 

Kimberley’s life is a testament to service, perseverance, and answering every door God opens. Kimberley’s life is a tapestry of perseverance, calling, and compassion — and today, she’s here to share her journey of Doing Different.

 Kimberley is generously donating 3 of your published works, signed and dated for my book giveaway, which include “Be the Donkey,” “Be the Donkey Bible Study,” and her 3rd book and newest book  “Reeling in Your Boaz: A Mature Woman's Guide to Love” which was nominated for “Best Christian Book of the Year” by Red Letter Awards. 

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Book Giveaway: Be the 1st and 2nd to like, share, subscribe, and comment on this episode to win Kimberley's books. There are two giveaways. 

One winner will get two books: "Be The Donkey book and Bible study, and one winner will win Reeling In Your Boaz.  Email me once you have commented, liked, shared, and subscribed, and I will get the books out to you. 

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Hey Friends, today's conversation is all about living with purpose, courage, and a whole lot of heart!  My guest, Cynthia Dugger a national make-up artist for Ms. Senior America, a mentor for women stepping into new seasons and proving that life after 60 is not a slowdown, it's a rebirth!  After walking through divorce after 36 years, she rebuilt her life and is here to remind YOU that YOUR story is STILL being written. We are talking about reinvention, confidence, taking chances, and becoming who you were meant to be, even when it feels scary.  

AND....she is giving away a makeup bundle filled with her favorite products, including some bling jewelry.  

GIVEAWAY:  Be the first to like, share, and comment on what encouraged you most from this episode, and you will get this awesome bundle!  Send me an email (below) with your address, and I will forward it to Cynthia so she can send it your way. Don't forget to post, and tag me and Cynthia on FB or IG.  

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Finding Purpose, Health, and Faith After Giving So Much. 

There comes a season in life when many of us pause and look around, wondering where the years went. For so long, we poured ourselves into others—our children, our families, our work, and the countless responsibilities that filled every waking hour. We gave our energy, our time, our patience, and our love. And while those years were meaningful, they often left little room for ourselves. Then one day, the house grows quiet. The children have grown and moved on to build their own lives. The constant activity fades, and suddenly there is space—space that can feel unfamiliar, even overwhelming. Some people call this the “empty nest,” but it can also be the beginning of a beautiful rediscovery.

Rediscovering the Person You Were Meant to Be

When you spend years giving of yourself, it’s easy to forget that you still have dreams, talents, and abilities waiting to be explored. The truth is, those gifts never disappear—they wait patiently until you have the time and courage to uncover them again. This stage of life offers something precious: the opportunity to rediscover who you are beyond the roles you played for others. Maybe you once loved painting, writing, gardening, cooking, or music. Maybe there is a skill you always wanted to learn but never had the time to pursue. These interests are not small or insignificant. They are part of the unique design placed within you. Discovering hidden talents later in life can be incredibly fulfilling. It reminds you that growth never stops and that purpose has no expiration date. In fact, many people discover their most meaningful passions during the years when life finally slows down enough for them to listen to their own hearts.

Aging Gracefully by Caring for Yourself

As we grow older, caring for our bodies and minds becomes even more important. Aging gracefully is not about chasing youth—it’s about honoring the body and spirit you have been given.Simple daily habits can make a powerful difference in your overall well-being:

• Home remedies and natural care. Many people return to simple remedies passed down through generations—herbal teas, warm baths, nourishing foods, and natural ways of caring for aches and stress.
• Exercise and movement. Gentle movement, such as walking, stretching, or light strength exercises, can lift your mood, increase energy, and help maintain balance and flexibility.
• Rest and restoration. Rest is not laziness; it is necessary for healing and renewal. Allowing your body the sleep and quiet time it needs helps restore both physical and emotional health.

These small acts of care are reminders that you deserve the same kindness you have shown to others for so many years.