Strong Women Wednesday Featuring Joanna Drummy-Weber

KE: Tell me about yourself
JDW: I am a newly made wife (married to my husband Eric for 4 months). I am a special education teacher in the Midwest and I love it. I am starting grad school in a few weeks in the hopes of making a difference in special education. I enjoy writing and have started my lifestyle blog.

KE: What book are you reading right now?
JDW: The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran 

KE: Do you have a favorite song that has helped you through a tough time?
JDW: I won’t Give up- Jason Mraz

KE: How do you define strength, and what does it look like in your life?
JDW: Strength is the piece of you that is able to rise above the most difficult and trying times with the understanding that it will get better. This is what my strength looks like: I try to always remember to rise above and believe in myself and my abilities. My strength comes from many places, God, my husband, family, friends.

KE: It can be hard to maintain a strong faith when life gets real messy. What do you do to keep your relationship with Jesus as strong as possible?
JDW: I am Catholic and I try to remember to turn to God first. Sometimes it seems easier to be negative and to turn away from God, but after experiencing that myself, it doesn’t work. I try to pray and ask for guidance. My husband and I often do this together. I have a list of bible verses to turn to as well.

KE: Managing a household is hard. Whether you work full-time, stay home, are single, married or have 8 kids; women often feel like they are just surviving each day. What advice would you give to women to help them strengthen their family?
JDW: My husband and I don’t have children yet but we try very hard to work as a team. We pray together, we cook and work out together, we do household chores together. We also set goals that we both want to achieve together and work hard to help each other reach it.

KE: Do you have any stress management tips for us?
JDW: I write in a journal daily. It helps get everything (the good, bad, ugly) out on the page and helps with leaving it alone. I make a point to exercise 5 days a week, especially after work. 

KE: Depending on your definition of strength, “strong body” can mean something different to everyone. What healthy habits do you incorporate into your daily schedule to help keep your body strong?
JDW: I drink 2 liters of water a day. I also make sure I eat a fulfilling breakfast like oatmeal with some sort of fruit. I work out 5 days a week, usually after I am done with work. 

KE: What do you feel is the difference between relying on your own strength and relying on God’s strength? 
JDW: Relying on my own strength means that I am looking into my own mind, body and soul for answers. When I graduated in high school I remember becoming frustrated that my friends were all having experiences that I wasn’t. For example, they were dating and I was not. I remember not feeling confident, etc. God helped me realize that boys should not be my main concern in school, and he helped me become more confident. In the end, he led me towards my husband!

KE: Would you mind sharing something you have struggled with and telling us how you used God’s strength to get you through?
JDW: When I was in high school I was depressed. I didn’t fit in, I wasn’t into drinking or drugs like some of my friends were. I felt alone. God helped me realize that I wasn’t alone. He was there even though it felt like no one else was. He helped me see what my priorities should be.

KE: Do you have any tips for us about successful ways to manage your time more effectively?
JDW: I use a daily planner and calendar. I start off my day by writing a list of things that need to get done. I try to keep it to only 10 items and then I prioritize that list.

KE: Do you have a favorite Bible verse you could share with us and could you explain what it means to you?
JDW: Hebrews 11:1 now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see. Faith is not something you can see. I believe my faith is certain.

KE: If you could share one message with every woman who is willing to listen, what would it be?
JDW: There are always going to be difficult times that you experience. You need to remember to rise above the challenging times and believe in yourself. You are capable of amazing things!

KE: Where do you feel like God is leading you next?
JDW: God is leading me to do more work in special education!

KE: Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
JDW: My blog is http://www.theflavorfullife.com where I talk about all of the aspects that lead to my “flavorful life”. I post recipes, some “funnies” that my students say, and other ramblings that just pop into my head!

Thanks for sharing your heart Joanna and thanks for joining us today for Strong Women Wednesday. If you haven’t yet, please sign up to receive blog alerts and monthly coaching tips by clicking here. I also invite you to like my Facebook page where I post nutrition and fitness tips along with daily motivation. 

In His Strength,

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.