Lifestyle

Story of Regina A. Johnson – A Naval Officer, A Life Coach, An Author and A Mother

Published

3 years ago

September 11, 2020

Passion- in literal term is defined as an uncontrollable, strong feeling or an emotion. But in figurative terms, the meaning of the word expands to much more than just a “feeling.”

It is through passion that an individual develops an instinct to keep learning about new things. Passion serves as a motive for people to try out and experience new things. It gives people a purpose, to work hard toward something and become a master at it. It gives a sense of responsibility that makes a person determined to work their way and make their mark in an industry and then develops a sense of accomplishment after they have achieved their goals.

With passion, there are no boundaries, and that is one of the biggest favor “passion” does to a person. It gives people a huge field to grow, learn and shine out everywhere. And there is no better example to be given in this regard than Dr. Regina A. Johnson.

For Regina, passion never kept her stuck at one place, instead, she used her talents, determination and skills to make herself known in various fields. Because of that, her career portfolio has diversified a lot, and today she is a Naval Officer, an author, a self-publisher, a life coach, a wife and a mother.

A PASSIONATE AND DETERMINED CHILD

Regina A. Johnson was born in Barreiro, Belo Horizonte, in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. She is the first-born child of Maria and Jose, who had two additional sons, Alexandre and Marcelo. While not financially rich, her father was a hard-working man.

Regina’s mother was a loyal wife and an honorable mother. She raised Regina and her brothers with unconditional love, understanding and unending humor. As a child, Regina learned several attributes from her mother, and to this day, calls her mother her hero. For Regina, she has been a constant support throughout the good, bad and ugly of her life and taught her strength while accepting emotion. Relentless determination, bravery, courage, humor in the face of adversity, being responsible, and being powerful- Regina learned a great deal from her mother.

Growing up in a small village, opportunities for new experiences were very limited. She found a way to entertain herself at the library, where she discovered America and began dreaming of going there. For Regina, America was a country of opportunities, and that became her dream: coming to America.

But that was easier said than done, Regina had to cross many hurdles before she could touch her dream. At age 21, Regina traveled to Rio de Janeiro alone and discussed her desire with the American consulate. There, she made a promise to serve the country, saying, “Sir, I promise you that as long as I am in the great United States of America, I will serve your land and provide care to the children of America. I can assure you that I am a young person with dignity and self-respect. I will never bring shame to your country. I will honor your flag, your culture and your people. Please, let me go!”

Amazed by her passion and assertiveness, Regina was granted her VISA. Regina flew back to her home town and informed her mother what she intended to do. Her mother provided support and said that she always knew Regina was seeking a different reality beyond the village. She encouraged and blessed Regina.

Regina borrowed luggage from a friend, and even though it was empty, her heart was full of hope. She knew that the possibilities were endless.

PAVING WAY TOWARD SUCCESS

After Regina immigrated, her priority was to pursue a higher academic level of education. She became obsessed with academic preparation, and her desire to learn more was always connected with her desire to pass knowledge.

For that very reason, Regina acquired a Doctorate in Ministry from the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Massachusetts. She earned a Masters’ degree in Counseling Psychology & Addictions at Cambridge College in Massachusetts. She is also an alumna of River College in Nashua, New Hampshire, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Special Education and Elementary School of Education.

In August 2009, Regina entered the naval service attending Officer Development School in Newport, Rhode Island. Later, she attended Naval Chaplain School at South Fort Jackson Carolina, then received orders to report at the Naval Health Clinic Hawaii (NHCH).

Regina became the Navy Liaison Chaplain Clinician at Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) and worked with staff, families, and patients. Regina also collaborated with the Tri-Service Addiction Recovery Facility, Department of Psychiatry, and the oncology ward.

In November of 2012, she became the Command Chaplain at II Medical Battalion in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Three years later, she was selected to serve in The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.

Since July 2018, Regina has been in San Diego. Initially she followed orders to serve as the on the USS COMSTOCK LSD45 as Command Chaplain, and currently she is part of the pastoral care team at the Balboa Naval Medical Center.

Regina’s stellar performance as a naval officer earned her several awards, including the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

For 15 years, Regina worked at the Belmont Baptist Church (BSBC) in Massachusetts. There, she handled pastoral responsibilities along with working as a psychotherapist in the greater Boston area. Her ability to communicate in five languages provided opportunities to reach many lives. She has more than 12 years of experience in individual, couples, group, and family therapy and has dealt with clients facing all kinds of relational and interpersonal challenges, including grief, abuse, depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, family dynamics and eating disorders.

Regina never limited herself. For a very long time, she even wrote, but never took it seriously. Academic obligation and pleasure were the two motives that pushed her to write, and after she completed her Doctorate at Gordon-Conwell Theological School, she decided to transform her thesis into books. But she didn’t have any intention to be known as a writer and didn’t invest much time and interest in producing a relevant message.

It wasn’t until Regina became a mother that she realized how much she wanted to write. Not just for herself, but for everyone else, and deliver messages that would increase the message of diversity around the globe.

Most of Regina’s writings are inspired by her beautiful daughter, Orlanda, a curious kid. Regina herself found answers to many questions through books, and she knew that books would help her kid the same way they had helped her.

This is when Regina began writing and decided that she wanted to answer questions that popped in children’s heads, just like her daughter’s.

“Writing children’s books is my opportunity to speak on behalf of those who have lost their voices, no matter the reason. I hope to create a legacy, and writing about diversity, along with being inclusive, is my attempt to open a dialogue of understanding.”

Regina is working on several books, including “Unique –Not Weird!” which is scheduled for self-publication on September, 2020. Her book, “Naval Warship Hidden Treasure” is expected to be published on November, 2020, “A Heart Without Walls” will be published on December, 2020, and “Heaven and a Mermaid’s Tale!” will be published on January 2021.

Regina Johnson’s story is a narration of passion and steadfastness. Her love for making a difference in the world with her talent and knowledge is commendable!

Lifestyle

Hardwood Staircase Flooring: Pros, Cons, and Benefits

Published

3 hours ago

September 21, 2023

Michelle Langton

In the world of home design and aesthetics, stairs play an important but often overlooked role. Unfortunately, many homeowners unknowingly underestimate the untapped potential of stairs as essential design elements. In addition to their practical purpose, stairs can be turned into elements that add elegance and style to a home. Among the various materials used for staircases, hardwood is consistently favoured and versatile. It not only emphasizes visual appeal but also provides practical benefits. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at hardwood flooring on stairs, exploring its many benefits, unique features, and essential factors that deserve close attention.

The Allure of Hardwood: 10 Resounding Reasons to Consider

Before we delve into the particularities that make hardwood a quintessential choice for staircases, it’s significant to preface that every material brings its own set of attributes to the table. However, hardwood stands out as an amalgamation of versatility, enduring grace, and pragmatic efficiency. In the following sections, we dissect the manifold reasons that could make hardwood the pièce de résistance of your home, synthesizing elegance and utility in a singular, memorable way.

1. The Intersection of Aesthetics and Practicality

The material you choose for your staircase isn’t just a matter of function; it’s a declaration of style. Hardwood, with its intrinsic elegance and an array of utilitarian benefits, delivers a package that’s hard to ignore or beat.

2. Refinishing: A Second Life

Think about your staircase as a long-term investment. Over time, the rigours of daily use will manifest in scuffs, dents, and general wear. Hardwood offers an elegant solution—refinishing. This process restores your staircase to its former glory, allowing for a sustainable approach to interior decor.

3. The Majesty of Grain Patterns

Hardwood is not a monolith. The unique grain patterns that distinguish one type of wood from another can add significant nuance to your staircase. They allow for a deeply customized aesthetic that can either complement your existing decor or serve as a contrast to create an entirely new design language within your home.

4. An Investment in Timelessness and Home Value

Hardwood’s timeless appeal is a well-established fact. What’s less discussed is how this quality can translate into a tangible financial benefit. A hardwood staircase can significantly elevate the overall value of your property, making it a wise investment for the future.

5. Maintenance Ease

In the bustle of modern life, who has the time for laborious maintenance routines? Hardwood staircases, with their minimal upkeep requirements, fit comfortably into busy lifestyles. A simple sweep and an occasional mop will keep them shining for yea harbour

6. The Health Dividend

A carpeted staircase might look inviting, but it can be a hotbed for allergens and pathogens. In contrast, the smooth surface of hardwood is less likely to harbour these unwelcome guests, making it a more health-conscious choice, particularly for households with children or those susceptible to allergies.

7. Versatility in Design and Safety

Adding a runner or tread rug can instantly mitigate concerns about noise or slippage on a hardwood staircase. This dual-function approach means that you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for safety.

8. Eco-Friendly Credentials

In an age increasingly defined by environmental consciousness, the natural origins of hardwood make it an environmentally friendly choice. While it’s essential to source responsibly to ensure sustainability, the inherent eco-friendly nature of wood offers a win-win situation.

9. Durability Par Excellence

A well-crafted hardwood staircase can withstand years of heavy traffic without losing its aesthetic or functional edge. Its remarkable durability promises not just longevity, but also sustained quality.

10. Weight and Structural Integrity

While often robust and substantial, specific hardwoods like Douglas fir and pine strike an essential balance between strength and weight, making them ideal for complex staircase structures.

Pros and Cons of Hardwood flooring

No decision, especially one as enduring as the choice of material for your staircase, should be made lightly. While hardwood offers a plethora of advantages, it’s not devoid of its own set of quirks and considerations. Whether you’re enamoured by the visual feast that is a hardwood staircase or you’re still straddling the fence of decision-making, a balanced understanding of both its virtues and limitations can illuminate your path. So, let’s unfurl the tapestry of pros and cons to help you make a well-considered choice.

Pros:

Easy Maintenance

One of hardwood’s standout features is its minimal maintenance requirement. Unlike carpeting or other soft flooring materials that may require periodic deep cleaning, hardwood only needs occasional dusting or mopping. This ease of maintenance saves both time and long-term cleaning costs.

Aesthetic Flexibility

Hardwood is like a chameleon in the design world; it can adapt to almost any setting or aesthetic preference. Whether your home leans more towards a rustic charm or modern minimalism, hardwood can be finished and stained to match the mood.

Health Benefits

For households with allergy concerns, hardwood is a godsend. Its solid, non-porous surface is hostile to dust mites, allergens, and other pathogens that could cause health problems. It’s much easier to clean and sanitize, ensuring a healthier living environment.

Long-Term Value Addition

A hardwood staircase is not just a design choice; it’s an investment. Homes with hardwood features often have higher resale values. Over time, as other materials age and deteriorate, hardwood retains its timeless allure, thereby adding to the long-term value of your property.

Eco-Friendly

Provided that you’re sourcing from responsible vendors, hardwood is a renewable resource. Its production has a lower carbon footprint compared to other flooring materials like tiles or carpet. Plus, old hardwood can typically be recycled or repurposed, minimizing waste.

Durable

It’s not just about how long something lasts, but also about how well it lasts. Hardwood is inherently durable, capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic and the wear and tear of daily life without losing its aesthetic appeal.

Wide Range of Stylistic Options

Hardwood comes in various species, grains, and finishes, allowing for an enormous range of stylistic options. From the rich, dark hues of walnut to the lighter tones of birch or oak, you can customize your staircase to match your specific aesthetic tastes and needs.

Cons:

May Require Safety Adaptations

Hardwood is a beautiful but slippery material, especially when wet. If you have small children or elderly family members, or if you’re just generally concerned about safety, you may need to invest in additional safety features like anti-slip treads or stair runners.

Initial Cost Can Be High

The upfront cost of installing a hardwood staircase can be higher than other material options like carpet or laminate. This initial expenditure, however, should be weighed against the long-term benefits, both aesthetic and financial, that hardwood offers.

Specific Household Conditions May Necessitate Extra Considerations

While hardwood is mostly durable, it can be sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Homes in particularly dry or humid climates may require humidifiers or dehumidifiers to maintain the wood’s integrity over the long term. Also, if you have pets with claws, be prepared for some inevitable scratching.

Conclusion

Choosing a staircase material is not a decision to be taken lightly; it’s an integral element that functions both practically and aesthetically within your home. Hardwood offers an attractive package of aesthetic versatility, long-term value, minimal maintenance, and health benefits. Consult your local specialists to ensure your hardwood staircase not only captures your aesthetic vision but also endures over time.