State of Mind

Lately, I've been thinking about how much positive energy plays an active role in our lives. Everyday that God grants us the blessing of life, we are expected to live with purpose. However, I'll be the first to admit that at times I allow the weights of the world to affect me, and occasionally I break down as a result of them. I'll even take it a step further and acknowledge that there are some days when I want to bury my head in my pillow and pull the covers over my head permanently. But then I'm reminded that I'm highly favored and that that isn't what God created me to do. Therefore, I pick myself up, wipe my tears, get cute and keep it pushing in my stilettos (or flip-flops).

Anyway, I am a believer that positive energy definitely exist. But often I find myself wondering whether or not it's possible to maintain a high level of positivity all the time? Though we shouldn't, we often compare ourselves to others and it's easy to get lost in the "keeping up with the Jones" theory even as it relates to blessings...yes blessing. (A definite No No! But it happens!) Though none of us are entitled to any blessings that result from God's grace. I do recognize that the energy we generate returns to us in one form or another.

Undoubtedly, we all have good and bad days. The important thing to recognize is that positive attitudes not only dictate how issues are resolved but how others perceive us in the process. Positivity is an infectious tool that breeds encouragement. But just as positivity can be contagious so can negative energy. I make a conscious effort to surround myself with those who ask WHY NOT instead of WHY. As radio personality Micheal Baisden often discusses there are all types of "dream thieves" in the world. So it's important to omit naysayers or drama queens as much as possible. But the sad thing is many don't realize how negative they are, for them it's as common as they air they breath.

Bottom line...lingering in environments which brew poison can only result in death. Therefore, it's necessary to speak life into your aspirations, daily activities and encounters. Regardless of what the future holds, when you've contributed positive energy the odds will always be stacked in your favor.

Peace & Blessings

Black N America

The bible tells us that the "tongue" can be a dangerous thing (James 3:6). Though everything that comes up shouldn't come out; should the same apply for statements derived from the truth? On the hills of the Professor Gates arrest (in his home), President Obama made what many perceive as a controversial statement by labeling the Cambridge police department's actions as "stupid".

Personally, I saw nothing wrong with him expressing his beliefs and defining their actions accordingly. As an African American woman, I've seen racism first hand and won't hesitate to acknowledge it's existence. Every minute of everyday people are targeted because of their hue. Yet the topic continues to be taboo and constantly swept under the rug!

Standing on the shoulders of those who came before us, it's unacceptable to continue turning a blind eye to what continues to occur. It's mind boggling to me how individuals can blatantly disrespect and dehumanize my people and walk away scot-free as if nothing ever happened. But what's more disturbing to me is how the President can then apologize for acknowledging such mistreatment and is viewed as having "overstepping his boundaries" so to speak. Well I'll be damned...I guess even as the leader of the free world you are still powerless if you're Black In America.......

Sincerely,

Black & Pissed N America

Expect Big Things

"The water parts 4 ppl who knows where theyre goin! Think & act with an exclamation point ppl! (Rememba) Weak thoughts produce weak results!" -Rev Run

This quote from twitter reminded me that the power of thought undoubtedly determines success. When there is an inkling of doubt in our minds we essentially doubt God's abilities to work miracles in our lives. Faith without works is dead -James 2:20, therefore: we are responsible for setting in motion not only the labor necessary for meeting goals but the thought process to achieve them. God wants the best for us, so why not expect them. A defeatist attitude only breeds negative emotions and results. But optimism sprinkled with exuberance prepares us to receive what we believe we are worthy of.

Bellydance 4 Beginners

OMG!!! I just had an opportunity to workout with my bellydancing video & let me just say "it's official". The video I used is called Bellydance Fitness for Beginners - Arms, Abs, Hips, Buns & Thighs. I know I claimed in my previous post that I was hoping this video would have a faster pace than the Y class I previously attended, however; thank God it wasn't. The pace was relatively slow, but the graceful movements are repetitive and create a lot of resistance.

Working out to the video allowed me to realize just how stiff and weak I am. Movements basically focus on the core area of the body, and I must admit that mine is a -1 at this point. Though it felt a little discouraging being unable to master some of the movements, it gives me something to work towards. My upper body strength is so poor right now so it's essential that I stick with it. I'm sure doing so will bring about changes on both the inside and outside of my body in no time ;0)

B Blessed

BootyLicious

Ok its time for me to get my body moving again. I've done pretty well getting back on track with my dietary routine....well scratch that, lifestyle change. This week I have really focused on limiting the amount of sugar and starch that enters my body. However, getting my water in has been a challenge in itself, but I'm focusing on easier ways to incorporate H2O to make the process better.

I'm also trying something new this week. My belly dancing video finally arrived..YAY! I'm so excited. I tried a belly dancing class once at the Y and boy was I in for a surprise. Being a woman of "color" the art of dance comes easily to me, however; during that class it was confirmed that not everyone is born with the gift of rhythm....Yep I said it. Anyway, the class was not really what I expected, and it didn't move as fast as I hoped it would. So I decided to try it at home with the help of a video and my own personal soundtrack. I'm hoping it will be something fun to add to my regular exercise regimen, and as an added incentive I'm setting a goal of a 10lb weight loss before I can purchase my hip scarf.

This year I vowed to try something new every month. Lately, I've just limited that resolution to only new fruits and vegetables. However, I think I'm going to try it in other aspects of my life as well. On the list of physical activities I'd like to work into my future endeavours are horseback riding, golf and paintball.

Anyway.....I'm on my way....Look out "King" magazine...(yea right) I'm more of an "Essence" woman....4SHO

Playtime is Over....

Everyday we wake up we should be thankful. Thankful that God has bestowed upon us another opportunity to correct our mistakes and/or reveal what it is we embody as our gift to the earth. I personally have been struggling for a while now with a number of decisions, and I constantly find myself asking God what it is he wants me to do. But perhaps I'm not listening, ignoring his request or procrastinating as usual. I say this because without question I'm sure he hears my prayers, but for whatever reason I'm reluctant to take the first step.

Nevertheless, we have no time to waste. When you're an adult "playtime" is officially over. Time waits for no one. When your time is up its up and the time you wasted or used sparingly will be evaluated. So my message to myself and anyone else reading this is to muster up all the courage possible and simply live out your dreams and aspirations. No matter how outlandish they may appear to yourself and others...........

Being grateful in the moment !!!!

So often many of us (especially me) are guilty of being ungrateful in the moment. I say this because I find myself always worrying about what is to come instead of realizing that all of my needs are currently being met.

I am a person whose mind constantly races and I constantly think about what is to come. For example, I remember moving into my first apartment and on the first day wondering what I was going to do once my lease was up. Another example would be when I began my graduate degree my immediate thought was what I would pursue for post graduate work.....

I've realized that I am a person who always likes to be in control and "ready" for whatever. But if its one thing that I have learned in the past year it's that I'm not in control no matter how hard I try.

One thing I know for sure is that I need to simply surrender and trust the process. Though I may not always understand what is going on and why. I know and believe that God has a plan for my life. And while I'm investing time in worrying about what that process will entail I'm missing out on the many opportunities and precious moments surrounding me.