“Each of us hails from diverse backgrounds, nurtures distinct belief systems, and views life through our unique perspectives. When someone’s viewpoint differs from ours, our natural inclination is to become defensive, asserting ‘You’re wrong, I’m right.’ However, it’s essential not to react impulsively to others’ feelings and opinions, but rather to embrace the richness of diverse perspectives.” — Ms. Todd (2023)
Joining us on the show this week is the excellent Mrs. Evonne Vanessa Todd. I had the pleasure of meeting her two years ago while playing pickleball, which marked the beginning of our friendship. With 32 years of marriage, two sons, a wonderful daughter-in-law, and three adorable grandchildren, she’s an actual “glamMa.” Mrs. Todd is not only a co-owner of a successful marriage ministry but also a certified life coach and a business owner and has dedicated 15 years to public service at the local and state levels.
Mrs. Todd’s upbringing is a testament to her resilience. Born and raised in Oklahoma City as the youngest of seven siblings, she faced adversity when her father passed away when she was eleven. Her powerful mother single-handedly raised all seven children without government assistance while working three jobs. Due to financial constraints, Mrs. Todd started college right after high school but juggled part-time schooling with work. She married at 21 and pursued her bachelor’s degree through adult education. Initially working in banking, she later transitioned to the government sector.
Following her children’s college enrollment, Mrs. Todd wanted to further her education. She embarked on a journey to earn her master’s in counseling and fully embraced the educational counseling sector. Recently, she decided to pursue her Ph.D. in Education. Her specialty is professional life coaching for married and pre-marital couples and individuals grappling with relationship and life challenges.
Our conversation delves into the struggles associated with pursuing goals later in life. Mrs. Todd advises taking a moment to reflect on one’s achievements thus far. She also highlights the shared hobby she and her husband have, which she attributes to the richness of their marriage. Her motivation has always stemmed from her faith, her relationship with God, and the courage and resilience it has instilled in her.
Mrs. Todd generously shares tips for a happy marriage, stressing the importance of self-awareness, dealing with personal demons, and understanding that everyone’s unique background shapes their perspective. She advocates for empathy and open-mindedness, emphasizing the value of truly listening to others.
When asked for advice to offer a friend facing marital challenges, Mrs. Todd suggests “hating the behavior and loving the person” and creating a prayer space for introspection and communication with God. She underscores the efficacy of therapy and the need for personal growth and mindset shifts.
I contribute to this segment by sharing my marriage advice, emphasizing prayer and therapy, working on triggers, seeking support from communities and trusted individuals, and being tender with your partner. Mrs. Todd shares her marriage success story, revealing that they faced difficulties early on due to a lack of time for each other and the absence of role models. However, they sought guidance from mentors, engaged in counseling, and relied on prayer to overcome these challenges. She emphasizes the importance of married couples setting a loving example for their children. We also underscore the significance of effort, discipline, and commitment in marriage, encouraging appreciation for our partners.
Pickleball is a delightful hobby for Mrs. Todd, offering spontaneity and fun. She also enjoys other extracurricular activities like yoga, swimming, Pilates, meditation, and weight resistance training. We urge our audience to find what works for them and prioritize their health. Mrs. Todd leaves us with impactful advice: “Work in reverse. What kind of person do you want to be 5–10 years from now? Study that person and determine the actions needed today and, in the future, to become that person.” We wrap up the show with me sharing a vulnerable part of my fitness journey, offering advice on staying on track with your life goals and seeking help when necessary.
Mrs. Todd will undoubtedly return to the show in the future, and we invite our beloved audience to share any questions they’d like me to pose to her next time.
Thank you for joining us on another deeply insightful episode of The More Sibyl Podcast.
🅻🅸🅽🅺🆂:
Listen: https://bit.ly/VanessaT2023
Download: https://bit.ly/VanessaT2023DL
Or on the website: www.mosibyl.com