Takenya Mims Talks “Four Marriages Before 40”

“Four Marriages Before 40,” is Takenya’s first book and memoir. After reading this book, she hopes that many lives will be touched, healing will begin, and much-needed conversations will occur. Mims life has taught her that life is too short, nothing is promised, to keep your circle small, don’t do anything you’re not ready for, and stay true to yourself.

One fail is ok; we all make mistakes. A second fail could very easily be the other person. A third fail, it’s time to start asking questions and self-reflect. A fourth fail, it’s time to fall to your knees in submission to find out what the repeating cycle of delinquency is stemming from–Takenya Mims.

Check out the interview.

What inspired you to start writing?

Takenya: Formally, I was inspired by my sister, Tracy, to put my good and bad experiences into writing after my drastic change and the healing process. I was in grad school at the time, so I wanted to finish before putting anything else on my plate. Once I graduated this past December, I began to focus more on the process. Informally, I have been writing since I was about eleven or twelve years old.

Tell us about some experiences and battles that you faced and overcame regarding your book.

Takenya: Some examples without giving away the book would be going through multiple divorces, losing a loved one, and becoming a widow. While I wrote the book, I experienced the pain of reawakening past hurt. I experienced having to face the truth again. I had crying spells and had to constantly motivate myself to keep pushing.

What can readers take away from this book?

Takenya: Readers can take away a lot of things depending on who specifically is reading it at the moment. Takeaways could be being honest with yourself and with others, being vulnerable, sharing more with your family, being safe, guard your heart, encourage yourself, and mental health is very crucial.

If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?

Takenya: I would tell young Kenya not to be so free with her body. I would tell her that she does matter and that she is loved. I would tell her to enjoy life and not be in a rush to grow up. I would tell her to always speak what is on her heart.

What is the most interesting thing about you?

Takenya: The most interesting thing about me is my strength. I’ve overcame a lot in my young years, and I always kept going whether I realized I was or not. The steps I made that I sometimes thought were dumb and questionable where actually displays of strength and determination.

What advice would you give a new or aspiring writer?

Takenya: Being new myself, the only thing I would say to someone coming behind me is to stay faithful to the course. It’s going to be an emotional rollercoaster, especially if it is a memoir like I wrote. I would advise that person to be open-minded, realistic about results, and to give it everything they have.