[To You, From Me] Saying YES to Yourself

 

If 2025 has taught us anything, it is that life is happening to us all. 

That is why it is more important than ever to make sure that we are not leaving ourselves behind as we are trying to take care of others and navigate life's daily challenges. This should be something that comes naturally, however, it's more difficult than we might imagine. 

The world will try to tell us that it's selfish to look after your needs. They will try to guilt you into thinking you should put all others above yourself. I'm here to remind you that's not the truth at all. The truth is that we have to say yes to ourselves FIRST before we can help anyone else. We've heard the saying that you can't pour from an empty cup. That applies to us in all aspects of life, both personally and professionally. 

This issue of Conversations Magazine celebrates those who have said yes to themselves and been able to benefit others along the way. They have realized the importance of taking the time needed to refresh and regroup, coming back stronger so they can be the best of themselves in all they do. 

For the third time I get to honor my longtime friend Omegia Keeys and her great work. We also have individuals like Kate Thurman, Dr. Teresa A. Smith, Dr. Velma Bagby and others who have shown that by empowering themselves and giving themselves the necessary grace, they can achieve amazing things. 

We are also using this issue to officially share my new series CYRUS WEBB REVIEWS. Through it I will be highlighting books, music, movies and other products and services that I'm honored to share with my audience. 

My hope with this issue of EMPOWERMENT ISSUE of Conversations Magazine is that you will be inspired by the profiled, motivated by their achievements and see how you can be empowered to take the steps necessary in your own life. 

It all begins with saying YES to yourself, realizing that your goals and dreams are worth the effort. They are just waiting on YOU.

Happy Reading! 

Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief

Conversations Magazine

Dr. Teresa A. Smith aka Dr. TAS: Transforming, Growing and Appreciating Life More Every Day

 

by Cyrus Webb

Dr. Teresa A. Smith aka Dr. TAS has been able to help individuals through her own personal journey of overcoming and thriving, however, she has also been clear of one thing: Change is challenging. Through her books and her shows, Dr. TAS has reinforced this message, reminding her audience---and herself---that we are all a work in progress. 

As she navigated a new series of challenges in 2025, we talk about the year, lessons learned and what she is looking forward to for herself and others in 2026. 

Dr. TAS, you are going into 2026 with 2025 being different than you probably expected it to be. What has it been like for you to think about this year and where you are today? 

2025 was not what I planned, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. I set a goal to publish three books, and I did. Each one offered something unique: a second edition of STRONGER, which remains a healing anchor for many; Transform With TAS: Sip to Heal, a restorative guide designed for those navigating illness or recovery; and Mama Said, which birthed a show from my book Transformation: How Mama's Wisdom Unlocks the Secrets to Success, which I now co-host with my mother, Ms. Gloria.

Even with those wins, I had to pause. Mental and physical health forced me to confront how much I was giving without refilling my own cup. So now, entering 2026, I’m guided by a personal mantra: “If it doesn’t add value, it doesn’t make the list.” That includes what I say yes to and how I serve.

You are one of those individuals who has been able to share your gifts in books, shows, interviews and even in the kitchen. What has it been like to see how the world has responded to your talent?

It’s both humbling and affirming. Whether it’s someone sipping one of the healing smoothies I curated or sharing how STRONGER helped them survive a hard season, it’s a reminder that purpose has a ripple effect. My work centers on service, sharing stories, tools, and perspectives that support personal transformation. Knowing it resonates tells me I’m aligned with that purpose.

Ironically one of your most popular books is TRANSFORMATION. You begin it by saying CHANGE IS CHALLENGING. How has that message continued to resonate with you as you build your brand and navigate the challenges of life? 

"Change is Challenging" remains one of the truest things I’ve ever written. As a Type A, overachieving creative, it’s hard for me to slow down. Some days I’m practicing focus and balance; other days I’m juggling too much and paying the price, mentally and physically.

Building a brand while battling perfectionism is like crafting a patchwork quilt; some squares are strong and beautiful, others require rework. But I remind myself daily that transformation is ongoing, and grace is part of the process. I'm living proof that you can grow while still healing.

You released a second edition of your debut book STRONGER. Why was it time to revisit it, and what was that experience like for you?

STRONGER came out in 2017, and I’ve changed since then, so the book had to evolve, too. This second edition includes more practical exercises for those moving through adversity, merging my love of workbooks with my memoir. Revisiting it reminded me that healing isn’t a one-time event but a rhythm we have to adopt. And as I encourage others to do the work, I continue to do it, too.

You have made your brand a family affair, hosting a show with your sister and even introducing your mother to the world. What has it been like to share this experience with them?

Bringing my mother and sister into the work has been one of the greatest gifts. My mom, Ms. Gloria, co-hosts Mama Said: Truth Bombs with Dr. TAS & Ms. Gloria, and my sister, OnJerya, and I co-host Real Talk with TAS and OnJerya exclusively on Instagram. What started as conversations at the kitchen table became a community platform. Audiences see our love, our debates, our truths, and I think that transparency connects with people looking for something real.

Speaking of your sister, you have a book coming out in January 2026. Tell us about it. 

Yes! It’s called Real Talk With TAS and OnJerya: Two Sisters, Two Perspectives on Life, Love, and Everything In Between. It captures our honest, sometimes hilarious, often heartfelt conversations from the show. We talk about real-life issues like love, parenting, finances, grief, healing from church hurt, and we don’t hold back. We wanted to put our voices in a format that people can come back to when they need encouragement, validation, or just a good laugh. It's available on Amazon.

What are you looking forward to in 2026 that you can tell us about?

I’m excited to continue nurturing the Real Talk With TAS and OnJerya brand and to return to projects I had to pause. I’m also focusing more intentionally on my work as an editor, publisher, and marketer, helping others bring their businesses and stories to life. The new seasons of Talk With TAS and Dr. TAS & Ms. Gloria will premiere in 2026, and my goal is to keep growing platforms that heal, educate, and empower.

That sounds great, TAS. Let me ask you this: How important has it been for you as you are making plans to give yourself grace?

Giving myself grace has been one of the hardest but most necessary lessons. As an incest survivor, I poured myself into service and achievement. It was how I coped. I poured myself into achievement and service as a way to cope. I did a lot of good for others, but often at my own expense. 

So now, I’m learning to unlearn behaviors that once protected me but no longer serve me. This is the most personal transformation of all, and it’s one I hope encourages others to give themselves the same grace. It’s not about weakness; it's about survival and sovereignty.

Any advice you have for our audience when it comes to preparing for the new year but being realistic in their expectations?

Yes. I’d offer four things: 

1. Set realistic goals, understanding that progress will take more time than you want to complete them. 

2. Celebrate everything, especially small wins.

3. You are allowed to remove people, places, or things from your life that do not add value.

4. Define what taking care of you looks like consistently for 365 days, and then do it unapologetically without seeking permission.

Thanks again for spending this time with us, TAS. Excited about what’s to come. How can our audience stay connected with you? 

Thank you, Cyrus, for the opportunity. For those looking to transform how they live, lead, and heal, I invite you to connect with me on Instagram at instagram.com/drteresasmith and subscribe on YouTube at youtube.com/@DrTAS. 

For speaking, media, or collaboration inquiries, feel free to reach out via email at drtastronger@gmail.com. Let’s keep growing, together.

[KITCHEN KORNER] Chicken and Dumplings

 by Dr. Teresa A. Smith, Dr. TAS*

Ingredients

• 2 large skinless chicken breasts or 6 skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Garlic Base
• 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base
• 1 10.5 oz. can of fat free cream of chicken
• 1 10.5 oz. can of healthy cream of celery
• Anne’s Old Fashion Flat Dumplings or Barilla Protein Pasta (Add amount based on the consistency you want. For example, if you want more liquid, add fewer dumplings or pasta.)

Preparation

Put the chicken, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper in a large pot. Cover chicken with water; once the water begins to boil, cook the chicken on medium heat. Remove the done chicken from the broth. Reserve the broth and add the Better Than Bouillon Bases and soups.

Remove the chicken from the bone when it is cool enough to handle and return it to the pot. Bring to a boil and add pastry or pasta, frequently stirring, then simmer on medium to low until pastry or pasta is done. You can always add more seasonings if needed.

*     Get TRANSFORM WITH TAS: Healthy Recipes on Amazon. 

 

[FOOD] Cheese Turkey Meatloaf by Dr. Teresa A. Smith, Dr. TAS

 

Cheesy Turkey Meatloaf

by Dr. Teresa A. Smith, Dr. TAS

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey

1 pound sausage

Tricolor peppers chopped (1 red, 1 green, 1 orange)

1 small onion chopped

½ teaspoon basil

½ teaspoon parsley

½ teaspoon oregano

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Dash of cinnamon for marinara sauce

¼ cup egg whites or 3 egg whites

1 8 oz. can of tomato sauce with oregano and basil + 1/3 cup of water poured into the can

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 pack Stevia in the raw

Homemade marinara sauce

¼ cup Italian bread crumbs

¼ cup milk

1/3 cup feta cheese

1 cup Italian cheese blend

1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base

¾-1 cup hot water

Preparation

For the Marinara Sauce: Combine the remaining tomato sauce, Stevia, and a dash of cinnamon.

For the Meatloaf: Soak Italian bread crumbs in the milk. Sauté the peppers and onions in the chicken base and let cool. Add peppers and onions, spices, Worcestershire sauce, 1 cup of tomato sauce, Italian bread crumbs, egg whites, and cheeses to the turkey and sausage in a large mixing bowl. Don’t over-mix the meat mixture. Spoon it into a baking pan.

 Spoon marinara sauce on the meat mixture. Bake at 400 degrees in a preheated oven for 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and spoon the remaining marinara sauce on the meatloaf, then add the Italian cheese blend to the top of the meatloaf. Place back in the oven on broil until the cheese is melted.