Day 3: Glad to Do Something...and Progress!!

Hello all!! I got up early and did some meditation, a practice that I have placed on the shelf for quite some time, so you can only imagine how difficult it was to sit still (or in a comfortable position) and just listen. My mind wandered off several times, but I realized it’s just part of the process…meditation takes practice. I have been listening to this book on CD called Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and it is a great story about this woman’s year long spiritual journey as she traveled through Italy, India and Indonesia. She describes her thoughts in such detail and I can relate on so many levels, so experiencing my mind go in each direction on my first try back to the journey, makes me chuckle. I don’t take myself too seriously and guess what, I did get some “movement” directions for today. Everything happens for a reason.

After jotting down my notes and ending my mediation session, I had breakfast. It’s one I’ve had for the last few days, partially because that’s what is already in the house and because I’m really enjoying it. Also, not that I’m consciously omitting it, but it actually feels great not having meat in the morning. I probably need to research some protein replacements though…and I don’t like eggs!! So, two slices of 12-grain toast with strawberry preserves and flaxseeds it is. Oh, yeah and my Tazo Tea.

Then I dressed and headed to my one hour Zumba class!! It was a GREAT workout today. My body is getting used to moving again because I noticed some changes. First, I had no back pain, which usually starts 15 minutes into the workout. Then, I noticed I didn’t do as much low impact as usual and I was EXCITED to keep going!! Lastly, and this one is more significant than the rest, I was able to do real lunges. That may not mean anything to anyone else, but for me…lunges have always been an issue and I could never get low because it hurt me so badly. I was in deep lunges with no pain. Praise God!! WOOHOO!!

So, those are my triumphs today; glad to have been able to turn some past defeats into a victory!!

Lunch today was a tunafish sandwich and chips...should have had some fruit too, but maybe next time. Now, for tonight’s dinner, I’m making a spicy brown rice/spinach dish with shredded meatballs and a side of veggies. Here’s a photo of the ingredients because I won’t have time to post later. (Oh, I forgot the hot sauce…oh well). I’m sure it will turn out fine. I love rice!!

Our affirmation is a question we can all ask ourselves. I ran into a friend at Zumba and in our chat today she mentioned every morning she asks herself: "What can I do, for an hour, for my health today?" Great question...We can always do SOMETHING!! Enjoy your day!!

Day 2: Walked it Out!!

What a beautiful Sunday!!

After a good night's sleep, I got up late...so I ended up skipping church. I figured I could get some work done and look for new opportunities.

Still haven't been to the grocery store yet, so...PB&Jam it was for breakfast. LOL I added flaxseeds to my sandwich and drank some Organic Chai black tea again. Yesterday was my first time trying it and I loved to enough to have it again. I'm an avid tea drinker and since it's now chilly, it makes it so much easier to drink.

Sidenote: If on your travels you decide to get me a souvenir, please make it tea from that native land. Thank you!!

As far as career, I am still hammering out some plans that I have on paper. Everything's all jumbled right now, but I know it will come together. Working on the focus to make that happen.

So dinner was "Soul Food" style, meaning: AT MY PARENTS HOUSE!! LOL It's a great way to relax. We had baked porksteak, greens and cornbread. I skipped the yams...yuck!!

Exercise: After dinner, I took a walk around their neighborhood for 30 minutes. It was probably a 0.7 miles and I had to mentally talk myself through the first 15 minutes. Seriously, my calves were tighening up and my lower back was hurting. Once I was on my way back, things were much better. Walking always makes me feel good (after I'm done) and it helps give me clarity. I had my little walk with Jesus...

That's really all to report today. I did make some decisions about what's next. I'll share when I get started. Have a great week and here's our affirmations for today:

"My career is taking off like a rocket. I always contribute to my body in healthy ways."

Day 1: Gratefully Starting off Well!!

First off, let me just send out a big THANK YOU for all those who read and responded to my blog yesterday!! Seeing your responses and getting your inbox messages truly touched me and I really appreciate your words!! They are motivation for me to keep moving forward!!

I got up this early Saturday morning feeling grateful for life and family, my home and vehicle and the changing season. I am also thankful to be on this journey because I know only good things can come from it!! So, I am proud of myself today and let me share why…

Breakfast: 2 slices of 12-grain toast with strawberry preserves with sprinkles of flaxseeds on top. I also had organic chai black tea with honey.

Then I began writing a few scattered thoughts. I will have to go back to them…

Called the gym, but wasn’t interested in the classes for today, so I pulled out and dusted off (not really…LOL) my TurboJam DVD!! I put it on and started my workout. It was only a 20-minute workout, so I did one 10-minute part twice. I was pumped and renewed. I completely forgot how much I LOVE TURBO!!

At the gym, I used to use floor aerobics and Zumba to get my body back in the groove of moving, then I would build up to Turbo. That was simply an excuse not to push myself…I won’t use it anymore because today I was able to keep up and keep moving the whole time. I have no more excuses because the low impact option is always available.

Snack: Cut up apple with peanut butter and of course…sprinkled flaxseeds

Today is leftover day. Yesterday…I made the best spaghetti I have ever made!! It was so good!! I was sure to season the ground turkey and sauce well. I used seasoned salt (no MSG), basil, oregano, minced garlic, jalapeno peppers and juice, spinach, flaxseeds (at the end) and just a little bit of sugar. I never used sugar before, so this gave it a little extra taste. It was the perfect blend of sweet and spicy sauce. Here’s a photo:

So we’re there’s enough for today and maybe even lunch tomorrow. Yummy!!

Here's our affirmation for today:

"God gave me a healthy body and in gratitude, I take care Good of myself."

New Thoughts...Looking for a New Direction

I’m feeling stuck again. Over the last few months, I have come to notice that when I am feeling this way, I need to indulge in written therapy. Yes, that’s right…I need to write it out. Whoever thought about journaling, was brilliant. Many times we’re not sure what is going on in our lives, but if we just sit down and begin to write, many ideas, projects, extrordinary can come out that session.

I have so much to say because I feel so much. Sometimes I don’t express it or feel like I can’t express it. Although I have felt the unction many times to go forth and do something, I don’t always give into that feeling. It’s when I get the "fed up" point, where I feel low, that I actually move to do something about it. I want to get out of that. I want to move right when the idea hits me. I want to get in the habit of immediately planning and implementing my thought. Many times it has proven to be a good way to go. So why don’t I just do it then?

I have made to do lists, hibernated and shut myself off from the outside world, but only SOMETIMES do I emerge better than when I started. I want that to change. I want to make a difference EVERY day, not just when I get myself together. I’m a work in progress and I don’t mind that. I have learned not to beat myself up over procrastination, but now, things are just ridiculous…this is me talking to myself. There is so much to do, so much to accomplish, so many people waiting. What am I doing? Why am I wasting time? Why don’t I just DO IT?!!

It’s time. It’s time. It’s MY TIME!! I’m ready to do it.

Part of this process is learning some real discipline. I wish I could fast, but I’m not there yet. However, I can participate in a modified Daniel fast. In this case, I'm not only changing the foods, I'm also giving up other things so that I can focus and concentrate on getting to a higher level. In October, I plan to do just that. I have to buckle down in areas of finance, food & health and career. I’m beginning to practice Feng Shui too and that can only enhance my journey. It is fascinating and I enjoy the practice. It has been working for me thus far.

In September, I was upset to find that Angel Food Ministries was not having a September distribution. Then later found out that was permanent and they closed. I refused to go to the grocery store, vowing we would eat only from our kitchen and cupboards. So for the last weeks of September, I mapped out a menu and cooked. We also ate leftovers. October’s grocery store run will be a doozy, as I haven’t been since August 5^th. I literally used everything I could find to make up meals. Good thing I stored up staples like rice, veggies and bread. I even implemented meatless Wednesday with veggie fried rice, but I digress…(I could talk about creative cooking FOREVER!!) Even with all that cooking, we still managed to dine out way too often and that must change.

So, in October I have taken on two major challenges:

1) Cook all month, which could possibly be 3-5 times per week depending on leftovers and eating with family. I have to be strategic about eating when out of town though…The second challenge is

2) Exercise daily; 30 minutes per day. I never thought 30 minutes a day would be challenging until I failed at it in August…I’m ready to try it again. I can do this!!

I wrote ALL this to say…I’ll be blogging about it again!! Yes, I find that when the whole world is potentially watching, I better get on it. It’s my motivation to get busy!! I also need your help and suggestions. I want to implement healthy lifestyle tips. I would love to hear what you have to share about being healthy on the inside and outside. Will you join me?

To help myself and you (if you're interested), I thought it would be a good idea to accompany each daily post with a positive affirmation. Here's today's to get us started (well two actually; one for health and the other for career):

"I have a healthy spirit, mind and body. I AM an expert in my field and I receive the perfect pay for my expertise."

Day 29: Abundantly Happy!!

Oh happy day!! Oh happy day!!

It was good one. Started off on a good note with ZUMBA!! First, had a yogurt with flaxseeds and two bottles of water. Headed to the gym for a great class!! Then, got a little work done and drank some more water.

I spent some great quality time with my parents today too, chatting and watching the soaps (well me and my Mom anyways). We caught up on some things and of course Daddy was telling jokes and giving advice.

Once I left there, I got some more writing done, updated the budget sheet and wrote my Abundance Check. Want to write yours, check it out here: Abundance Checks

I also got in some reflection and gratitude time. I think I’m finally out of this mourning stage…I fully released the people I was holding on to and leaving stuff in the past!! It was a happy day indeed!! The word for today was indeed ABUNDANCE!! Abundance in life, health, love and happiness!!

Then, I got an unexpected call… J

See what happens when you release the old? The new steps in place!! Hey!!

Here I am holding my beautiful silk pillow/quilt I got from China. The detail is so intricately gorgeous and it always reminds me of wealth!! It’s no surprise I picked it up today!!

Healthy and Abundant Living...Thank You!!

Hello everyone!!

Today was a much better day than yesterday. I'm feeling better and not quite as weak. I have been drinking water and juice all day, but not much to eat. I did get in some tomatoes and lettuce, but that is the extent of my vegetable intake. No real energy for any exercise, although it was my intention to get to Zumba. Definitely plan on getting there tomorrow morning.

One thing I'm happy to report is that I did get some rest and due to the quiet atmosphere, I was also able to complete a few more tasks and writing assignments. I got out of the house, had a successful meeting with my Sorors and wrote out some plans for next week. It felt pretty good.

I just wanted to stop and have gratitude. I love looking out at my backyard. It's full of green and lively plant life. I look at it everyday and I think sometimes that we are programmed to always improve what we see. Today I looked at it and noticed all the "weeds" and greens growing and thought something different. It reminded me that just like my backyard, I am abundant and full of life. For that, I am grateful. It was a great reminder to stop a complaint mid sentence and just give thanks. Thank you Lord.

Good night all!!

P.S. I Love My Z-Phi-B!!

Day 14: Tell Us Your Story, We Can Always Learn!!

Today was such an eventful day!! It was all good through and through!! First, my daughter and I visited a new church and it was awesome!! The people were friendly (not to mention I seemed to know alot of people there), the message was great and it felt like a good fit. It has been a long time since my daughter and I attended and sat in church together (normally she's working on the video cameras and I wasn't there). It was a good feeling and the message was good!! I have to say again, it was a nice fit. I'm not ready to make a decision about joining yet, but I will definitely be back.

That was just the beginning of my day, and although it was great, it wasn't even the highlight of my day. I headed over to Elizabeth's House for a production called "Your Story, Writing Memoirs/Writing Plays". It was the completed writing works of some dynamic women who completed a summer writing workshop and today they were sharing their stories on stage. I laughed and teared up hearing these stories. It's the perfect close of this awesome VOICE themed weekend series. It seems like everything that happened this weekend was about our voices, using them to share our stories.

For this reason, I was elated to be in the presence of such great women opening themselves up to share a little piece of them. My favorite story of them all included a conversation between us and our hearts. The lesson I learned is that the heart is always speaking and sometimes we have to stop and listen in order to hear it speak to us. The heart know US, who we are, what we were created to do and how to BE that which we were created to be. Such an awesome display (Great job LaToya!!) of a candid conversation we should all have. Often we're busy doing what we "think" we should and what others tell us to, but our desires, our passion, our heart speaks for itself. It knows where we need to be. Let's listen and see what's next!! It's sure to be easy and fun!! (Right Beth? RIGHT!!)

Now, I know I haven't mentioned the healthy side of the challenges in a few blogs, but let me tell you what I learned today. It was the icing (not literally though...that would NOT be healthy) on the cake of my day!! God is so great and life is so funny...we ALWAYS get what we need when we need it. At the event, I met a woman who is a naturalist guru (she wouldn't accept guru, but she is). Anyway, I asked her about a natural weed killer for my back yard. Her response...

"I don't kill my weeds, I eat them." 

She took a couple of us outside and starting educating us on the edible "weeds" in the yard. I was so tickled to learn this and of course, I tried a couple. I can't wait to make my next salad with what I picked from my own backyard!! That's pretty darn frugalicious if you ask me!! Just sharing, enjoy your evening!! 

I Know...and You Should Know Too!!

Today's been pretty laid back. I cooked and we ate leftovers. There were plenty of vegetables on my plate and plenty of green tea in my cup. I updated my budget sheet, mapped out my finances for the rest of the month and even put another load of laundry away. But...confession time: I never did complete my task of getting that dining room tabled cleaned off. I did a lot of it yesterday, but did not finish. I was too tired last night and today I just couldn't get motivated to do it. I am cooking again tonight, so hopefully I can get up enough energy to get it done.

Even though the last couple of days were driven by motivation, I have not been able to keep up the momentum today. I have a couple of projects to finish and I just can't bring myself to do them right now. I don't usually beat myself up because I always get the things done that I need to get done, but I sure would like to do it now!! At least I have my trusty "to do" list, because that keeps me on task. I just need to work on making it my "ta da" list instead!!

I was thinking earlier about what I wanted to say in today's blog, then I realized it's Thursday. Then I thought this is the perfect opportunity to focus on another side of healthy living: HIV testing. If you live in my hometown, then you (should) know that there are walk in hours for FREE HIV testing at the Aids Resource Center. I called in to verify because I was basing this information on some old information I obtained a while back. I'm glad I called because they moved the center!! If you have questions or you want to take advantage next Thursday, check them out: AIDS RESOURCE CENTER

Edited to preach...

If you are a mature adult, young or old, then taking care of your health and the health of your loved ones SHOULD be a priority!! This is ALL aspects of health, not just the ones we hear and agonize about (ie losing weight). I have heard so many excuses advocating the idea of NOT getting tested:

- People are scared. Well don't you want to know? Put your mind at ease. It would be scarier to have something, not know and pass it around. That is also very selfish to put others at risk.

- Negative stigma. This reason is plain stupid and quite frankly VERY immature. There is nothing wrong with you looking out for your own health. If you're adult enough to do adult things (drink, have sex, use drugs, pay to play), then you are adult enough to protect yourself and others. If someone has the nerve to make you feel uncomfortable about getting tested, then PLEASE DON'T MESS WITH THEM!! Oh, and encourage THEM to get to a center!!

I don't care WHAT reason people come up with to not know their status, because ALL of them are BS!!
Although I lacked motivation today, this is something that I decided to move on and and quickly. The staff was knowledgeable, friendly and makes you feel really comfortable!! Shout out to the SUPER cool Jared at ARC Ohio!! Listen, you don't have to wait until you think the worst or until December for World Aids Day. You can get tested anytime you like.

NO BLOOD!!

It's SAFE and CONFIDENTIAL!!

It only takes 20 minutes!!

It's FREE!!

There are no excuses...KNOW YOUR STATUS!!

Day 10: A Change in Plans

After an awesomely productive day yesterday, my day's plan was supposed to be spent out in the country watching and brushing horses, but unfortunately, it didn't work out this time...oh well, c'est la vie!! Maybe we'll try again next week...

Anyway, I was still motivated (after a little encouraging self talk) to get up and get moving this morning. It felt so good to get back in the gym. Today, it was one hour of Cardio Mix, which includes a half hour of floor aerobics and another half hour of Zumba. I LOVE the Zumba part and usually get a gust of excited second wind when that part of the class starts!!

So, needless to say, I have had a great deal of water today. I enjoyed some of the sweetest strawberries I've ever had too. In fact, I was so motivated when I got home that I began preparation for tonight's dinner - my own veggie fried rice. I added spinach to the rice while cooking then refrigerated it to use for later (the recipe calls for cold rice). I cannot wait!! This might just be a great meatless Wednesday after all!! I try to go meatless every Wednesday, but I rarely make it. We'll see about today...

Also, I was glad to have been able to sit and chat with a new friend I met in my writing class. She's 70 years old (and does not look it at all) and has the best stories about life: what she's done and where she's been. I had my favorite green tea (goodness, I have been to the coffee shop alot lately) and she had a tea latte, although she's an avid coffee drinker. Our chat was so colorful; filled with laughter and even a couple of tears. We plan to get together on a regular basis. I will be helping her work with the computer and her household appliances and she's advising me on how to do some gardening in my backyard.

I wish I had gotten a pic with us both...next time for sure. I did however document my post workout water break!! LOL Enjoy your day!!

Committment Today: Clean up my dining room and clear off the table. It's my clutter magnet!! I INTEND to complete that task TODAY!! Until next time...

Day 8: Affirm This!!

I'm glad to share today's blog with you, as I just left a very inspiring and powerful EFT tapping session!! What is EFT you ask? It's Emotional Freedom Techniques and it's a healing system and practice that is used for emotional, mental and physical health. The practice of tapping helps to balance ourselves, removing the emotional blocks that come upon us daily. Feel free to do some research. You will not regret it!!

I was first introduced to the Tapping Technique at Elizabeth's_House here in Toledo. There I met Cindy Baker, an Energy Psychology Practitioner, who gave a detailed background of EFT and taught the tapping practice. Want to know more, check out her website at http://www.tapptoledo.com/

Our group started off by tapping to release weight, but it has since evolved into tapping on any blocks that we found came up in our daily lives over the course of 30 days. This is an awesome group of women with awesome stories about how tapping has worked in our lives. From the first time, I was hooked and I was happy to share it with anyone who would listen. I've even shared with an online Sister of mine and she reported back AWESOME results!! That's exactly what we experience in our sessions: results!! The group is growing and every time we tap, something shifts. Healing is there!!

Many of you who know me, know that I'm all about affirmations!! Well, practicing this technique takes affirmations to a much higher level. If you want to see a shift in your emotional, mental or physical life, if you want to break old habits and start new positive ones, or if you just want to live a much more positive and exciting life, start saying and doing affirmations. Learn some tapping techniques and pick up my book recommendation: You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay.

I literally carry that book with me every where I go. (If you see me, go ahead and ask me...the book is in my purse). She created what she refers to as THE LIST. In this list, she identifies a problem area in your body, the probable cause, then an affirmation for you to use for your problem, helping you to creating a new thought pattern. For instance if you are having:

Problem: Colon Issues
Probable Cause: Fear of letting. Holding on to the past.
Affirmation: I easily release that which I no longer need. The past if over, and I am free.

Whatever you're feeling is addressed in this book. Make sure to pick it up!! I know this was a long one today. Can you tell I'm excited? I am indeed and I am convinced that this works and I want the world to know about it!!

So let's get started (or continue for those affirmation pros). Say it with me...

"I am healthy, whole and complete and I deeply and completely love and accept myself ."

Go and be great, for all is well!!