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RESERVE — Local author Yolanda Fleming-Williams holds nothing back when she recounts the highs and lows of her quest for a healthier lifestyle in her debut book, “Pathways: Discovering the Power Within.”

When struggles with addiction and poor eating habits nearly brought her to a breaking point, it was faith in God that helped her mentally and physically break free from the chains of the past. Fleming-Williams will soon visit two St. John the Baptist Parish Library branches to discuss her book in hopes that her experience will bring hope to others who are constantly battling between succumbing to old eating habits or taking control of them.

Fleming-Williams will visit the Norris J. Millet Sr. Library in LaPlace from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, September 20. Her second author talk will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, September 22 at the Roland Borne Sr. Memorial Library in Edgard.

“I am a Christian woman, and I feel like this book was given to me by inspiration of the Holy Spirit,” Fleming-Williams said. “I share my ups and downs and how I had to ultimately find the desire and the passion within myself to overcome gluttony with food, not having the power to know when to stop or when I was full. I dealt with a lot of bad food issues, and things from my past played a big part in my discovery of who I am and what I want to do. Writing this book helped me search myself and get in control over the years.”

The book took shape after Williams started journaling her frustrations with fast food issues, weight gain and the effects of related health conditions such as blood pressure, diabetes and depression.

Reflecting on her childhood, Fleming-Williams realized her issues with food started around the time she was 4 years old. She would ride with her father to her grandmother’s house every morning, and they would stop at a little, silver building that sold the best donuts in town.

Rather than choosing between the chocolate and glazed, she would always tell her father that she wanted both. After eating both, she was always met with a plate of food at her grandmother’s house.

Now an adult, Fleming-Williams realizes the importance of making choices.

“It’s a struggle. I don’t think of it as I’ve made it. Nothing happened overnight, and even today I still have to make the right choices and decisions in regard to my eating habits,” Fleming-Williams said.

In her writing, Fleming-Williams reinforces lessons with scripture.

Lawanda Care read the book and found the lesson that resonated with her the most was the power of the tongue.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue. How you speak things upon your life is how you presume it is going to go. You need to speak life into yourself,” Care said. “I thought the book was very inspirational for all to read. It really makes you think about your past experiences and if those past experiences are holding you from going forward in your future adventures. She had a lot of scriptures as well as quotes to help me realize that you have to break free from those past things that have hurt you so you can be positive going forward.”

For more information about the St. John Parish Library book talks, contact Rona Joseph at rjoseph@stjohnlib.com or 985-652-6857.
Copies of the book can be obtained through Amazon, and Fleming-Williams can be reached at yolawilliams40@gmail.com.