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 DAPHNE, Ala. — Those who attended “Coffee with the Mayor” Thursday heard an inspirational speech from former local TV news personality Drexel Gilbert.

Gilbert spoke of how she overcame the disappointment of being let go from her job at WPMI-TV in 2006 and how she later found happiness.

“I’m here to tell you that I’ve done it. I’ve been there before,” Gilbert said, “and despite the tough times these days, I know you can do it, too.”

During her career, Gilbert said, “I got to interview everyone from the then-first lady Laura Bush to the bartender at the Florabama.

“I covered every hurricane that hit this stretch of the Gulf Coast from Hurricane Frederick in 1979 to Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

“And I cried as I watched a blind 5-year-old T-ball player run the bases clutching the hand of his coach. It was a great 30 years.”

Gilbert recalled driving across the causeway after losing her job and being overcome with a sense of despair.

The former news anchor said the station’s management told her she “didn’t fit the current mold,” as the station had decided to modify its image. She said maintaining a strong spiritual faith and relying on a supporting family and network of friends were keys to fighting through hard times.

“Now I have a lot of experience that I didn’t have before — life experience,” she said.

Gilbert asked those present to consciously give more of themselves because, “when we give,” she said, “we receive.

“And one of the most important things we receive is inspiration.”

Gilbert stressed how focusing on the positive aspects of one’s life can lead to joy and spirituality.

“If we focus on what’s going on in life that’s good, it’s going to make us feel stronger,” she said.

Actions, Gilbert said, are also necessary for achieving happiness.

“You can never think your way skinny, rich or happy,” she said. “You have to follow your dreams through with action.”

Another key to happiness for Gilbert is to resist the urge to give in to impulse.

“Instead of giving in, I look to people who haven’t quit,” she said, citing how former Hall of Fame Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan failed to make his high school basketball team.

After lots of practice, she said, Jordan made the squad the following year, “and we all know where that went,” referring to Jordan’s six world championships with the Bulls and array of regular season and NBA Finals Most Valuable Player awards.

“The point is — don’t give up on dreams,” she said.

Gilbert then reminded the audience that there will be bad days.

However, “Life is like a coin,” she said. “You can spend it any way you want but you can only spend it once.”