Meet Renita Walker | Chaplain, Designer, Singer-Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Renita Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Renita, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
For the last 12 years I have selflessly devoted myself to being the best chaplain I could be. During that time I worked hard nonstop to establish myself as a trusted member of medical care teams at several hospitals. I was already beginning to experience burnout before the Covid-19 pandemic, but the trauma I experienced inside the hospital accelerated my burnout and set some important things into clear relief. First, I recognized my burnout as a severe lack of balance between work and rest/play. I’ve worked hard, but failed to recognize how rest and play are an integral part of healthy living. Second, I’d fallen right into what I’ll call the helper’s curse: Helpers tend to focus so much of our energies helping others we are neglecting our own needs. Unfortunately, it took me severe burnout including chronic physical illness to see how I had been neglecting my own needs, but we’re here now! My chronic illnesses have provided an opportunity to reset the balance. Rest is first now, everything else gets attended to second and honestly, the older I get I’ve determined some things don’t even deserve my attention.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
On top of my career as a chaplain I am a designer and a singer-songwriter. One of the things I love about myself is my ability to see a garment and duplicate it with my own flair. Designing and creating my own outfits and costumes for my performances sets me apart from other artists. Truthfully, I wear my own creations every time I step out of the house! I’ve designed and created garments for some local artists as well. Although I feel like a novice in music as I continue to juggle several professions, I think treating myself as a novice helps me embrace learning and growth. My biggest challenge has been learning how to craft a brand that represents all of who I am: Created to spread love and hope through faith, fashion, and the funk!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta has a vibrant live music scene so we’re definitely catching a few concerts and open mics! One popular jam sessions is on Thursday at Kat’s Cafe, but local musicians have shows at Kat’s nearly every night. There are also a number of free outdoor concerts throughout the summer as well. The botanical garden is always a peaceful trip for plant lovers and there are plenty of plant based/vegan restaurants around Atlanta for the folks who mostly eat plants too! Chi-Chi vegan is my new favorite, I love Healthful Essence in the West End, Grindhouse Burgers has many vegan options, and Go Vegan Grill has delicious soul food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In 12 years as a chaplain I have provided spiritual care to easily tens of thousands of patients and families. Those patients play a vital role in who I am and how I engage my life today. The reverberating message I’ve heard for 12 years is don’t wait to live. You think you will be able to do this or that tomorrow, later, when you retire. The problem is none of those times are promised to us. So many sick and dying souls graciously invited me into their suffering, allowed me to bear witness to their humanity, and blessed me with their wisdom. I have the direct wisdom of thousands of humans guiding me. I am honored and forever changed by these experiences.

Website: renitawalker.com

Instagram: @redoxrenew @ya_ya_lives

Youtube: @YaYaTheIntergalactic

Image Credits
Lashila Howell – FlyHigh365