We recently caught up with Téa, an essential worker, to find out what her experience has been like working in a supermarket during the COVID-19 pandemic and how she is keeping her head up through dance and more.

TBYT: What has your experience been like as an essential worker during this time?

Téa: It’s definitely been interesting to say the least. I’ve seen both the good and the bad versions of how everyone has reacted to everything going on. It’s definitely a learning experience for sure, it was hard, but in the end, it made me a stronger person. One thing I had to learn right away was to take everyone’s negative reactions towards myself and my other coworkers with a grain of salt. Everyone is going through something, and it’s best to not take comments too personal, otherwise it’ll get to you.

TBYT: As an essential worker, what is one thing that you wish people would keep in mind when they interact with you and your coworkers?

Téa: One thing that I wish customers would understand is that we, just like them, are humans. For some reason, especially now, people have been more ignorant than usual, and I understand their frustration. But we’re frustrated too, and we have to push through everything with a smile on our face. We’ve been working harder than ever just to keep everything going. I just wish they would treat us like normal people and not use us as a way to take out their frustration.

TBYT: How are keeping your head up in the face of this pandemic? 

Téa: Three things have helped me greatly in the midst of all of the chaos. Dancing, meditating, and staying away from social media more than I usually would. All three have helped me slow down time and really appreciate the little things. Dance has always been an outlet for me, but it’s helped me now more than it ever has. Meditation sounds cliché, I know, but my version of it isn’t just breathing in and out. It’s stretching, yoga, cooking, or listening to my favorite songs with no distractions while I sit outside. It’s quite peaceful. Staying away from social media has honestly been a blessing. There is so much negativity everywhere you look, no matter the platform. So some days I’ll ditch it all together, and some days I’ll check up on a few things. But once I start to feel my anxiety creeping back, I’ll ditch it again. When I’m not on social media, I’m in a much better mind space and I’m very productive. I highly reccommend ditching social media for a bit if you’re feeling anxious or depressed. It does wonders.

We recently had the opportunity to be interviewed as a part of the Inspired Parent Summit for Single Parents: Guidance for Unstoppable Moms & Dads Raising Unstoppable, Devoted Kids. The summit is a virtual event that continues until the end of July and features audio interviews from parenting experts. If you are interested in hearing our advice as we discuss dealing with cyberbullying, the importance of positive self-esteem, using the internet for good, and more, be sure to sign up at the link below. Our interview is out now, and there are many more to come!

Sign up for free HERE!

We spoke with Ahmad, Khalil, and Malik Jones, the triplets behind Triyo Fitness. They shared how they got started, advice for those being cyberbullied, and the calculated strategy behind their TikTok success. Also, be sure to check out their social media for some fantastic resources and perspectives on how to support the black community during our fight for racial justice!

Triyo Fitness:

Website: https://triyofitness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TriyoFitness/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triyofitness/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr4-nK0wV6dScZHo7hR1qgQ

Think Before You Type:
Nonprofit Website: https://www.thinkbeforeyoutypeinc.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/powerofwords_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkbeforeyoutype
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkBeforeYouType

Thanks for watching!

TBYT: You just released a new single called “The Sun Will Rise”. Congratulations! Can you tell us a bit about it?

Rhys: Thank you! Myself and Aidan, who co-wrote the song with me, were a few weeks into isolation feeling quite anxious about the future. All the conversations I was having with friends and family were full of uncertainty, questions that no-one had answers to. So when we were sat down at the piano one afternoon we talked about the idea of writing a hymn for the hopeless, a song that could remind us all that in spite of everything that’s going on the world will still keep turning, life will go on, and that there will be an end to these dark times.

TBYT: Your song “Better Than Today” has been one of our favorite motivational songs. What inspired you to write it?

Rhys: That song came out of the frustration I was feeling for the political turmoil that the Brexit vote and Trump’s election had created back in 2016. They were two very divisive moments in politics and people on both sides of those debates were very quick to point blame and vilify each other. We might not agree on how to do it or what it looks like, but we all agree we should be working towards a better, brighter future. So I guess I wrote the song to dampen my cynicism with the state of the world and remind myself that, whatever our differences, whatever we choose to believe, whoever we choose to vote for, we generally all live with the same good intentions in common and are all hoping for a better tomorrow.

TBYT: People seem to be using social media to connect with each other now more than ever, but unfortunately, not all of those interactions are positive. If you had the chance to speak to someone who has been cyberbullied, what would you say to encourage them?

Rhys: It’s can be a really toxic place. I have a young cousin who spends lots of time on social media and can often get down about certain aspects of it, whether that’s a hurtful comment or that none of her friends liked her. I would say that people who are hurtful are often unhappy in themselves, so if someone is bullying you just try to ignore it and see their behaviour, not as a strength they have over you, but a weakness you could sympathise with.

TBYT: What are you doing to keep your head up (stay positive, encouraged, or inspired) in the midst of this pandemic?

Rhys: I’m trying to get lots of exercise in. I’ve really enjoyed running more whilst being in lockdown. Keeping up some kind of routine has been key to feeling mentally strong and upbeat. On the days I don’t go for a run or shower or have breakfast, which considering there’s not much to get up for at the minute is very easy to do, I feel so much less positive and productive. Sticking to those things, reading, playing board games, and cooking a nice meal in the evenings has been my way of staying sane. And writing music, of course, I feel very lucky to have that as an outlet and escape at the minute.

We were so excited to have the opportunity to catch up with Canyon City’s Paul Johnson again as a part of the Keep Ya Head Up Campaign. During the interview, we spoke with him about his new single “Catch Fire,” how he has been staying positive, and much more!

Canyon City:

https://www.canyoncitymusic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canyoncitymusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/canyoncitymusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanyonCityMusic/

Think Before You Type:

Nonprofit Website: https://www.thinkbeforeyoutypeinc.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/powerofwords_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkbeforeyoutype
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkBeforeYouType

Thanks for watching! Stay safe, and stay healthy! 🙂

Think Before You Type Interviewed Chris from LostBoyCrow about touring with flor and Joan this fall, how he manages to overcome overthinking, his music, and much more. Thanks for watching, and happy National Bullying Prevention Month!

TBYT: https://tbytmedia.com/ https://www.thinkbeforeyoutypeinc.org/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/powerofwords_

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkbeforeyoutype/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkBeforeYouType

Find out more about LostBoyCrow: http://lostboycrow.la/

In celebration of 7 years of Think Before You Type, we are excited to bring back TBYT Summer Dares!

Official Rules: https://tbytmedia.com/2019/06/09/tbyt-summer-dare-2019-official-rules/

NO DONATION IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A DONATION WILL NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES OF WINNING.

1. Eligibility: TBYT Summer Dare 2019 is open only to those who submit entries using #TBYTSummerDare on social media (i.e. Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook) or via email to info@thinkbeforeyoutypeinc.org. TBYT Summer Dare 2019 is void where prohibited by law. Volunteers and representatives of Think Before You Type, Inc. and immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of volunteers/representatives are not eligible to participate in TBYT Summer Dare 2019. TBYT Summer Dare 2019 is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited.

2. Agreement to Rules: By participating, the Contestant (“You”) agree to be fully unconditionally bound by these Rules, and You represent and warrant that You meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, You agree to accept the decisions of Think Before You Type, Inc. as final and binding as it relates to the content of TBYT Summer Dare 2019.

3. Campaign Period: Entries will be accepted online starting on 6/8/2019 12:00 pm EST and ending 9/8/2019 12:00 pm EST. All online entries must be received by 9/8/2019 12:00 pm EST.

4. How to Enter: TBYT Summer Dare 2019 must be entered by submitting an entry using #TBYTSummerDare on social media (i.e. Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook) or via email to info@thinkbeforeyoutypeinc.org. The entry must fulfill all TBYT Summer Dare 2019 requirements, as specified, to be eligible to win a prize. Entries that are incomplete or do not adhere to the rules or specifications may be disqualified at the sole discretion of Think Before You Type, Inc. You may enter only once. You must provide the information requested. You may not enter more times than indicated by using multiple email addresses, identities, or devices in an attempt to circumvent the rules. If You use fraudulent methods or otherwise attempt to circumvent the rules, your submission may be removed from eligibility at the sole discretion of Think Before You Type, Inc.

5. Prizes: The Winner(s) of TBYT Summer Dare 2019 (the “Winner”) will receive a prize. The specifics of the prize shall be solely determined by Think Before You Type, Inc. No cash or other prize substitution shall be permitted except at the discretion of Think Before You Type, Inc. The prize is nontransferable. Any and all prize-related expenses, including without limitation any and all federal, state, and/or local taxes, shall be the sole responsibility of Winner. No substitution of prize or transfer/assignment of prize to others or request for the cash equivalent by Winner is permitted. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission for Think Before You Type, Inc. to use Winner’s name, likeness, and entry for purposes of advertising and trade without further compensation, unless prohibited by law.

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7. Winner Selection and Notification: Winner will be selected by a random drawing under the supervision of Think Before You Type, Inc. Winner will be notified via email or social media within five (5) days following selection of Winner. Think Before You Type, Inc. shall have no liability for Winner’s failure to receive notices due to spam, junk e-mail or other security settings or for Winner’s provision of incorrect or otherwise non-functioning contact information. If Winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim the prize within five (5) days from the time award notification was sent, the prize may be forfeited and an alternate Winner selected. Receipt by Winner of the prize offered in TBYT Summer Dare 2019 is conditioned upon compliance with any and all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. ANY VIOLATION OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES BY WINNER (AT Think Before You Type, Inc.’s SOLE DISCRETION) WILL RESULT IN WINNER’S DISQUALIFICATION AS WINNER OF THE CAMPAIGN, AND ALL PRIVILEGES AS WINNER WILL BE IMMEDIATELY TERMINATED.

8. Rights Granted by You: By entering this content (e.g., photo, video, text, etc.), You understand and agree that Think Before You Type, Inc., anyone acting on behalf of Think Before You Type, Inc., and Think Before You Type, Inc.’s licensees, successors, and assigns, shall have the right, where permitted by law, to print, publish, broadcast, distribute, and use in any media now known or hereafter developed, in perpetuity and throughout the World, without limitation, your entry, name, portrait, picture, voice, likeness, image, statements about TBYT Summer Dare 2019, and biographical information for news, publicity, information, trade, advertising, public relations, and promotional purposes. without any further compensation, notice, review, or consent.

9. Terms & Conditions: Think Before You Type, Inc. reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend TBYT Summer Dare 2019 should virus, bug, non-authorized human intervention, fraud, or other cause beyond Think Before You Type, Inc.‘s control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, or proper conduct of TBYT Summer Dare 2019. In such case, Think Before You Type, Inc. may select the Winner from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by Think Before You Type, Inc. Think Before You Type, Inc. reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers or attempts to tamper with the entry process or the operation of TBYT Summer Dare 2019 or website or violates these Terms & Conditions. Think Before You Type, Inc. has the right, in its sole discretion, to maintain the integrity of TBYT Summer Dare 2019, to void entries for any reason, including, but not limited to: multiple entries from the same user from different IP addresses; multiple entries from the same computer in excess of that allowed by TBYT Summer Dare 2019 rules; or the use of bots, macros, scripts, or other technical means for entering. Any attempt by an entrant to deliberately damage any website or undermine the legitimate operation of TBYT Summer Dare 2019 may be a violation of criminal and civil laws. Should such attempt be made, Think Before You Type, Inc. reserves the right to seek damages to the fullest extent permitted by law.

10. Limitation of Liability: By entering, You agree to release and hold harmless Think Before You Type, Inc. from any liability, illness, injury, death, loss, litigation, claim, or damage that may occur, directly or indirectly, whether caused by negligence or not, from: (i) such entrant’s participation in TBYT Summer Dare 2019 and/or his/her acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize or any portion thereof; (ii) technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to the malfunction of any computer, cable, network, hardware, or software, or other mechanical equipment; (iii) the unavailability or inaccessibility of any transmissions, telephone, or Internet service; (iv) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process; (v) electronic or human error in the administration of the Promotion or the processing of entries.

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Photo courtesy of Tay and Tray Neely

We recently spoke with Tay and Tray Neely, twin gospel vocalists of Double Portion Worship, about music, faith, and using the internet for good.

TBYT: For people who are unfamiliar with you two and what you do, can you explain what Double Portion Worship is and how you got started?

Tay: We are twins, so that’s where we get the Double Portion, a double portion of God’s love. Most people call twins “double trouble,” but we say Double Portion. I started singing out more than my brother, but I always tried to get my brother to come out and sing because he wouldn’t want to come out and start singing. One day we were singing, and my brother started singing with me. And I told him that “wow, that sounds good, Tray”. And then, I guess as I started building his confidence up, he started coming out more with his singing. Then that’s when we came up with the name Double Portion because we figured out that when we worship, it’s so much better when we do it together. The worship is so much stronger. Then that’s when my mom came up with the name, and that’s pretty much how this whole thing got started.

TBYT: How long ago was that?

Tay: About five years ago.

TBYT: I know you also play the keyboard and the drums. How did you get started playing music?

Tray: I started music by playing the drums. My mom bought us a drum set when we were little. And I always liked to beat on things in school, like you would catch me in school just beating on the desk. I really had a passion, and I liked playing the drums for churches and stuff like that. I also was on the drum line in middle school. My brother and I were both drum line captains. So I just really had a passion for playing drums my entire life. That’s really how I started. I started young in school. Doing what God has called me to do.

Tay: I play keyboard. When I was little, I never thought I would be playing the keyboard. My passion at first was drums, but my dad bought a keyboard. He was in his music room trying to figure out how to play this keyboard, and I would always be in the music room with him because I just loved to be surrounded by music. So one day I was just playing on the keyboard, just playing around with different notes and stuff, but then as I was playing around, I was actually teaching myself different things. I pretty much learned how to play by ear. Me just playing around actually turned into something that I love to do. I actually love playing keyboard more now than playing drums.

TBYT: One of our main goals at Think Before You Type is to encourage young people, but also people of all ages, to use the internet in a positive way, and you both have really been able to do that. Can you talk a little bit about how your faith has affected the way that you go about using the internet and your online presence?

Tray: Everything that we do is all for the glory of God. We go on Facebook live and just worship because we know that a lot of people are needing healing and restoration. We just want to make sure that we are doing something positive because you see a whole bunch of negative things on the internet. You just want to be saturated in the presence of God sometimes.

Tay: When we go on live, we are not actually trying to be seen because a lot of people today put things on social media to try to get attention. Like you said, we are doing something positive through social media, and that is pretty much all we are doing. We are trying to reach youth, our generation, because our generation is lost. So that is how we reach our generation because they may not listen right then, but it is always going to stick with them in the long run. Like these twin boys that are doing the right thing, even though they struggle in life and are going through things in their life. They can still worship and know that everything is going to be alright. That’s what we do. We are just young, black, and positive.

TBYT: You’ve been talking about how you have seen the need for change online, and you are trying to do positive things to champion that. Can you talk about one specific way that you would like to see the internet change?

Tay: Just more positive things on there, not all bad news and not always just hearing or seeing people fighting. We just want to see the difference in Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Snapchat, you know. We are just tired of seeing the same thing.

Tray: Yes, like stop the bullying. Learning to encourage one another when they are going through hard times.

TBYT: You have these incredible comments on some of your videos. I’ve seen the pictures people are sharing with your T-shirts on. You’ve really been able to reach people. Can you talk about how you have been able to see God work through your ministry?

Tray: When we went live one day [there was] a lady that wanted to commit suicide. She commented on the live, and my mom caught it. We got her on the live to just encourage her, and once we got done encouraging her, she did not want to kill herself anymore. That is just evidence of how she was encouraged and still believed that whatever she is going through, she can get through it by our worship. And that she is not alone in her situation.

People are also starting to confess and just reveal everything that they are dealing with, not even just her. We see people in the comments while we are worshiping on the lives saying that they dealt with the same thing. They tell us all the things that they dealt with, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, and all these things that they dealt with in their childhood. They are not afraid to come out and say it because they see us doing it, and that’s what has encouraged us to do what we keep on doing.

TBYT: Can you talk about who some of your musical influences are?

Tray: Actually our whole family sings, so we cannot escape from escape from music. My dad is a worship leader. He worships at a church in Spartanburg, SC.

Tay: I love the way Travis Greene worships. I love when he’s not up there to be seen or to have fame. I love Chandler Moore, it’s just his style of worship. The anointing on their lives, I can feel it. You can feel when someone has the anointing. They are not just up there to make themselves sound good. They are actually up there singing for God. Travis Greene, Chandler Moore, Tye Tribbett, all of those people, we love them. Those are our inspiration.

Tray: And we also have diverse music. I have a favorite R&B singer, Tyrese Gibson, and I just like his tone, I like his music. He is mostly just talking about a love song and just like a relationship with someone. And it also flows into the worship side.

Tay: That is basically what worship is, having a relationship with God. It is like an intimate time with God.

TBYT: We are sisters who work together, and we always have to ask this question when we interview other siblings. What is it like to work so closely with your brother?

Tay: I love working with my brother. This is just an example, but when I am home by myself, I may go live and do a worship video. It is a little harder to go into worship when you don’t have your twin brother sitting right beside you. Because, as a twin, it is different when you don’t have each other right there beside you. We flow together. We worship so much better. I just love my brother. I love traveling with my brother.

Tray: Also we are connected. We were connected together in our mother’s womb. So it’s like everything that we do is together. It doesn’t matter what it is. So we worship together. It’s like, if one person is having a bad day, we are all having a bad day. Just because we are so close together, and we worship through it together.

TBYT: When you are looking to the future, what are some of the goals that you have for Double Portion Worship?

Tray: What we are looking for to happen is that we want to keep traveling the world, doing what God has called us to do. Traveling and ministering to the youth and all generations. We want to make music. We just want to spread the gospel, do what God has called us to do.

Tay: We are hoping to get our first EP released this summer. Our first EP is basically going to be a worship medley. That is the type of goal that we are hoping for Double Portion. And just like my brother said, travel the world, worship, minister to the brokenhearted, and change someone’s life. Let our worship heal somebody. Give somebody another chance at life, lead them back to Christ. Those are the goals for Double Portion.

TBYT: You’re mentioning this EP that you are working on. Are these going to be original songs, or are some of them covers? What’s the plan for that?

Tay: Some of them may be originals, and some of them may be cover songs. But you have to buy it to see!

You can find Double Portion Worship at: https://www.facebook.com/doubleportionworship/ and https://www.doubleportionworship.com/

When we came upon, Kolby Koloff’s single, “Save Yourself”, we knew it was a song that would be perfect for TBYT’s Music Mondays. We also knew that we wanted to interview the woman behind the music and learn more about who she is as an individual and as an artist. Kolby had so many encouraging and inspiring words to share with us! We hope you enjoy reading what she had to say!

Think Before You Type: What prompted you to start making music? Did you always know you wanted to sing?

Kolby Koloff:  I never thought I would be doing music as a career. I have always sang, but I never sang for other people because I was too afraid. Towards the end of 2013, my brother in law (who has been in the industry for years) started to invite me to come and song write with him. I was very reluctant, but I started to go. I fell in love with it. The entire process of creating music fascinated me and I knew that I had to keep doing it.

TBYT: How does your faith affect your online presence?

Kolby: I want to make sure that whatever I post, say, or comment is always respectful. Not only respectful of myself but respectful of my followers. Christ was so perfect at speaking truth but doing it in such a loving way. I always want to represent Him in everything I do. If people stumble on my profile, I want them to see things that are life giving and encouraging so I try to take that into consideration every time I post something.

TBYT: If you had the chance to speak to someone who has been cyberbullied, what would you say to encourage them?

Kolby: First off, I’ve been there. I was cyberbullied badly all throughout high school. It’s not easy, and it really can make you feel like you’re doing something wrong. Let me tell you, it’s not you. Hurt people hurt people. Don’t buy into the lies that people post. The fact is, they are reacting from a place of pain and what they’re saying about you is actually a reflection of how they feel about themselves. If it’s really bad, tell someone. There’s NOTHING weak about sharing with someone things that are hurting you.

TBYT: We’re big fans of your new single, “Save Yourself”. Where did the inspiration for the song come from?

Kolby: Save Yourself is one of the most vulnerable pieces of music I’ve released so far. For years I struggled with depression. In the midst of that depression, I was bullied, had friends turn their back on me, and experienced a lot of other life changes. I felt hopeless. However, nobody around me knew I was going through all of this, because I hid it. I thought it was better to just appear like I had everything together. Eventually all of that caught up with me and I had to realize that I couldn’t save myself. I needed to let other people, especially God, come in and help my heart get better. The waves of life were drowning me and if I didn’t receive help then I wasn’t going to make it.

TBYT: What has the transition from being on the TV show “Preachers’ Daughters” to working in music been like?

Kolby: Transition from television to music has not been that difficult. They are both hard
businesses to get into, and even harder to stay in. The payoff has always been worth it for me though, because I am doing what I love and spreading Christ’s message through it.

TBYT: In today’s day and age, many young girls are struggling with body image issues. What advice do you have for young girls who are dealing with these kinds of things?

Kolby: Again, I have been here. For a world who talks about “accepting people the way they are” so much, there are way too many unrealistic standards that are being set for us women. If you are feeling those pressures, and have started to believe that you’re only beautiful if you look a certain way, shape, or size, that’s a bunch of baloney. There is NOTHING that could make you not good enough. The God of the universe, who designed Mt. Everest, Hawaii, sunsets, and the galaxy, also designed you. Everything He touches is beautiful and worthy. You are worthy and beautiful just the way you are. Fight the “status quo”! When someone says you should do this or do that to improve yourself, tell them thanks for the advice but you’re perfect the way you were created. When I was struggling with body image, I would put post-it notes on my mirror that had Bible verses on them about beauty. Every time I looked in the mirror and began thinking negative things about myself, I read them and was reminded that I am a daughter of The King and nothing He touches is ugly.

TBYT: If you could tour with any artist living or alive, who would you choose and why?

Kolby: I think I would chose to tour with Ben Rector or Drew Holcomb. They both are artists who embody music that has meaning but still makes you want to dance around a room.

TBYT: What kind of impact have you seen “Save Yourself” have on your listeners?

Kolby: I’ve been really blessed at the reaction to Save Yourself. People have shared their
stories with me, how the song is helping them beat their depression, helping their hearts while going through breakups, family struggles, etc. It has been the biggest blessing because I wrote this when I needed a song to help me get through the same things.

TBYT: Who are your musical influences?

Kolby: My musical influences are Nora Jones, Regina Spektor, and Ingrid Michelson.

TBYT: What plans do you have for 2018?

Kolby: My plan for 2018 is to continue to release music, tour, and keep writing more songs!