Learn To Live — Landy Perez

Our greatest songs will often be birthed by our greatest storms. Maybe you’re not a songwriter or a singer but you’re a communicator, so then your greatest message will come out of your biggest mess. Because God has a way of turning your ashes into beauty, your weeping into joy, your trials into triumph and your tests into a testimony.

Today, I want you to meet Yaneiri Tavarez; a young woman who as a result of many challenges has had to Learn To Live again with a new perspective of life. I’ve known Yaneiri her entire life, she’s one of many cousins in the Tampa Bay area with a heart after God’s own heart. I am a witness of how she has journeyed her way through life’s difficulties and through it all, her love and passion for God and worship has not faded, instead it’s intensified.

Here’s a brief Q&A session I had with Yaneiri. My hope is that you’re able to be inspired by the love and passion this young woman has for Jesus. And also to encourage you that no matter how challenging life may get, there are always lessons along the way that we can learn from.

Each song comes from a place of

learning how to get through the “Here” so I won’t give up on the “There”.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Yaneiri Tavarez and I am 27 years old and I was born and raised in Tampa, FL. My parents are from the Dominican Republic, so I guess you can describe me as an Americanized-Hispanic, haha. I have two awesome brothers and a load of nieces and nephews! I recently graduated from Southeastern University with a Degree in Organizational Leadership with a minor in Psychology. Music has always been a major piece in my life. My father plays piano and guitar and I’ve always loved to sing ever since I can remember. I currently lead worship at Access Church in Lakeland, FL and absolutely love it! I have always written music but recently I decided it’s time to actually record some songs and share them! So, as scary as it is, I am currently working on an EP of about five songs based off of life experiences. I am your typical girl with a big dream in her heart and a calling on her life.

2. What would you tell your younger self?

Stop messing around! Your future is on the line and every decision you make will some how become a piece of who you are or who you will become in life. Stop making decisions based on everyone else and follow Jesus like you have no other option. The likes of other people will not improve you as a person or help your confidence because they do not and will not define who you are. Find your confidence in Jesus and you be able to stand strong and not be shaken by what everyone says about you or by the likes on your page.

3. What has been one of the toughest challenges you have faced?

Earlier this year I found out that I had a large mass in my abdomen area. Literally, weeks after the diagnosis I had surgery to remove it. This was probably one of the toughest things I’ve had to go through because there was a possibility that I would have to get a hysterectomy done. I don’t have kids but I hope to one day have them. And to hear that there would be a great chance that I would never have children blew my mind even more than the fact that I was going to be cut open. My faith was tested like never before and it was the most emotional rollercoaster I have ever experienced but the Lord got me through it. They were able to remove the mass without having to touch anything else. Praise God!

4. You’re currently working on a new music project, tell us about it?

This year has been hard! I have been pressed like never before and through this process there has been some beautiful songs that have been born. Every single thing that has occurred in my life, it has some how taught me how to live life better each time. It has given me a new perspective and helped me grow. So God placed “Learn To Live” in my heart to share. It is a set of five songs that came straight from the middle of the process. Each song comes from a place of learning how to get through the “Here” so I won’t give up on the “There”.

5. What words of encouragement would you give to someone who is on a journey to fulfill their dreams but doesn’t know how to quite get there?

Listen, I have been that person that runs in circles for years with the same dream wondering when things are going to actually happen. But the best advice that I can give, because I have needed countless encouragement through my journey, is OPEN YOUR EYES! Don’t miss the opportunities that are in front of you; the people around you, the places you find yourself in, and the gifts you have inside. A lot of times we run in circles for no reason when there are so many resources around us that God has placed strategically to help us achieve those dreams. So use what you have and trust God like there is no other option and you will start seeing things come together.

Thank you Yaneiri for hanging out on my page today and for my readers. Friends, I hope you enjoyed your time getting to know her. We pray that God’s purpose be fulfilled in her life and through the gift He has given her, she would impact the world and bring glory to His name.

If you would like to continue to follow Yaneiri on her journey as she prepares to release her EP, Learn To Live, feel free to connect with her on her social media platforms.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/yaneiritavarez

Instagram: www.instagram.com/yaneiritavarez

GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/ep-learn-to-live

What experiences have you been through that has caused you to Learn to Live and pursue life differently? If you would like to chat more, comment below. If you have a question for Yaneiri, feel free to ask, she’ll be taking over and answering.

Be Encourage, Be Blessed!

~landypf