Slow Down....It's a School Zone!

Last week, I was craving a turkey burger, so I decided to run to the store before going to work.  This trip had to happen quickly. The most time I could take in the store was 15 minutes.   There was no time to waste.

Once, I jumped in the car, I remembered … its school time. Kids are on their way to higher learning.  Traffic was going to crawl because of the school zone.   At 15 mph, my plans were in jeopardy.  It was vital to take extreme measures.

My decision was to drive in the opposite direction. The distance was probably a half a mile out of the way but the speed limit is 50 mph. (5 miles over the limit isn’t speeding). I would get there faster.

So I zoomed excitedly in the opposite direction knowing I was going to make it though driving a little ways out.  As soon as, I turned the corner traffic was moving swiftly. I had outsmarted time.  "I’m a Bad Girl." As quick as the thought rang out, my smile was erased. Why? There was another school zone. 

Immediately, I knew this was life lesson 1001.  At times on our journey, we try to speed to our destination; whether it’s career advancement, school, relationships, weight loss, financial increase etc. The list could go on and on because we each have our own destiny to reach.

Remember, it’s better to go the course because trying to take short cuts, a faster route and being impatient will present mistakes. These mistakes bring you right back to where you started, the “school zone”.   When it’s time to learn, slow down, be patient, embrace the moment and enjoy the ride. 

Be Happy

Its the first week of 2016 ! I have been excited and celebrating this new year for the past 3 days.  Many people will make their resolutions believing it will bring success, happiness and joy for the year.   Most of those lists will look the same as the previous year- Repeat, Repeat, and Repeat. Why is this? Statistics show that 60% of New Years resolutions fail. Only 40% of those "ResolutioNaries" (new word) were still committed to their goal by mid-year.

If we are going to repeat anything, why not repeat being happy.  Experts say happiness is a choice not a feeling( I learned that from OWN-Oprah ). You can choose, no matter what your circumstance is, to be happy.  Just thinking of what went well for me in 2015, the best moments were when I was carefree, volunteering and showing random acts of love. This brought my "Happy On".

Instead of having a list of resolutions remember what brought your "Happy On" and do more of it in 2016.  You can certainly try what I did; decide to be free, give and show love.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

(Statistics from Voxlife article "The Science of actually keeping your New Years Resolution "By Sarah Kliff; 12/29/14;web)

Where Will You Set Sail?

 Today with technology, we can send a message of praise or criticism within seconds.  Later for the days where we just said our peace face to face or it took a day before we heard what someone thought. Now we can uplift or lash-out in a split second, sending the message for the view of a large audience.

No one can have an opinion or belief without someone chiming in. While I have seen comments of praise, I have seen just as many critical and downright cruel whips of words. I can’t even fathom how some people can be so mean.

 Many times when I read some of the malicious comments I often think of the following scriptures : James 3:4-5 (Living translation)

4. And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong.

5. So also the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do.

Where will you set sail today? Before we say anything today whether it’s by old fashion conversation, email, text, twitter or Facebook post “Think First”. Are you doing damage?

 Let’s spread more "kindness".  As the old saying goes if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all.

A Masterpiece In Motion

This weekend I was sparkled with many colors as I ran “The Color Run”. The mission of The Color Run is to create an atmosphere of fitness and happiness by bringing the community together to participate in this 5k race. It’s the only event that you go in one color and you leave another.  You look like the distant cousin of Crayola. Everyone is glossed with the colors as they make their way to each canvas stop (at least that’s what I call it).  Participants are the work of art in motion.

 This race is no stress, only fun. For those sticklers for time, this race might require a mindset adjustment because it’s a timeless race.  I guarantee as soon as you are shimmed with your first streak of color you have lost all time.  Your only time filled thought is “I can’t wait to get to the next canvas stop”.  There weren't any mile markers as well. At least I didn't see any. If there were, let's chunk that up to all the fun I was having.

Once you have finished the course, you are the winner with your medal in hand its off for more fun. Music, dancing, give-a-ways and more glitter dusted color throwing in the crowd.  The participants receive packets of color and when instructed; all hands go up and there’s this beautiful cloud of colors engulfing the crowd.

These few hours were exhilarating. The mission was definitely accomplished. I exercised, danced harmoniously with the stranger beside me, and left sparkled, a masterpiece in motion.

Enjoy The Beauty Of The Day

Take a moment to feel the warmth of the sun on your face.  No matter what's on your mind in anticipation of the events the day will bring.   Breathe, Exhale and Enjoy the moment. #TGFE (Thank God For Everyday)

T.G.F.E

It's Monday and the end of my day. It was rough. I must admit I did whine a little. We have all these sayings and acronyms that kind of push us to get excited about our days. "It's hump day."   "TGIT, Oh Yeah, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder". Of course TGIF. What do we say for a WTH(What the Heck) Mondays. Today, my word or phrase was CRAPPY, no acronym just crap.

As I was washing dishes and replaying my day of "Why didn't I do this"  "You should have said that ".  Get out of this Funk, Girl ! My mind went to my favorite song by Rev Paul Jones, "I wont complain". This is my go to song to snap me back.  By the third loop, my spirit began to lift.  I thought about a picture I took two weeks ago at the beach in Boca Raton.  It was breathtaking. If I want to capture that again, just drive back to the beach. For instant gratification, save it as my new screensaver.   What was I thinking?  All annoyances of the day were minute.

 I can see the sunset, hear, walk, run, breath,  and much, much more. There is always something, we can be thankful for in our lives. So what about another little phrase. A Happy acronym. #TGFE. Thank God For Everyday. What are you Thankful for Everyday?

Bounce and Glide

The adventure of our fitness challenge led us to try our hand at skating this past weekend.  We all haven’t been on skates in years, maybe even decades.  We were pumped although there was a chance we could end on our “Back Bumps” for the majority of the time.   

Being flexible, daring, and open can lead to unexpected delights.   Once we arrived at the rental location one friend decided to try kangaroo jumps instead of skating. She couldn’t resist the work out benefits of kangaroo jumps plus the funky look.  Jump, bounce, jump and she was on her way. For the rest of us, it was rollerblades and skates.

Yes, we took it back to the 70’s and 80’s. Cel-e-brate good times come on!!!  We were “Cool in our Gang.”  So many people were smiling and making comments about our roller skates. They wanted to rent the skates; some even said they didn’t know that roller skates were still made.  Spectators cheered us on with every arm flap to keep our balance. It’s as if we reminded them of the fun they had as a child.  The smiles were infectious and gave us energy.

We had so much fun on Hollywood boardwalk. With each bounce and glide; we came, conquered and sweated it out.  

Yo Tengo Hambre

Yo Tengo hambre, J' ai faim, Ho fame, Ich bin hungrig.... If you wondering what in the world is this jibber jabber; I can guarantee you’ve uttered these words, possibly even screamed them.  You are bilingual but just didn't know it. No matter what language, your stomach can translate this universal message "I'm Hungry". It's the message that can make you distracted in an important office meeting or have you planning your Sunday meal while the Pastor is casting out demons.  The only cure for this is food!!! Hunger can have you screaming “Feed me Seymour, Feed me “like Audrey II in the Little Shop of Horrors (YouTube it guys, so hilarious).

I recently started a fitness challenge with my friends to achieve a healthier lifestyle. We are focusing on our eating habits and exercise regimen for the next eight weeks. Our goal is to lose weight while making better choices a priority. We signed up for MyFitnessPal, select a new activity weekly and share recipes.  I can truly say that maintaining an exercise routine has been exhilarating. I am a runner; enjoy exercising and cooking.  For some reason though hunger is constantly present. Every two hours my hands and stomach are communicating to find some resolve for the nagging pangs yelling "Feed Me Seymour, Feed Me"

 An article by Mindy Berry Walker on www.fitnessmagazine.com suggest that the hunger pains hit women harder after exercise because it’s our natural instinct to hold onto energy due to reproduction purposes.  Okay so this is why I am so hungry! I want to eat more so I can reserve energy for my future baby bump.  Wow women, we are so nurturing.

The article also made a good observation about calorie intake vs. consumption."It may take an hour to burn 500 calories but only five minutes to eat them back." This is so true, just 1 cup of my favorite Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, Coffee Heath Bar Crunch is 560 calories.

The tips in the article that require my attention and execution for the remainder of our challenge are:

1. Understand your hunger-Why are you eating? Is it a reward, food deprivation, dehydration or rebellion?

2. Pre-work out snack- Eat prior to exercise, it will give you the energy to make it through the workout.

3. Post-work out-leaving yourself depleted will make you crave. Make sure you eat something healthy.

4. Reward yourself with a yogurt. My rewards have been Five Guys regular fries, ice cream or an indulge day for exercising all week.

5. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. Drink plenty of water or use aids that replenish electrolytes before, during and after your workout.

 My weight loss so far has been 8 pounds. Incorporating these tips are a great shift to staying on task. I will put them to the test and see if my alter ego will finally say "No tengo hambre Seymour" Stay tuned

If you would like to read the article on fitnessmagazine.com, click the link below.

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/weight-loss/eating-help/control-cravings/control-your-post-workout-appetite/

Love Me or Love Me Not

Today is the day of love. It’s Valentine’s Day. Many people will buy flowers, chocolate, jewelry, cards, and scrumptious dinners to express how much they love the other person. It’s like the second coming of Christmas early. My Pastor declared the entire month of February as the month to show love. He has given his members the charge to display love to strangers and even to those that get on your last nerve. Do good to strangers by paying for their groceries. Say What!!!  Yes, pay for the person’s groceries or lunch that is in line behind you.  How about mending a broken relationship? Show love to everyone. What a charge!

Recently, my cousin had a friend who passed away unexpectedly. As far as everyone knew, this friend was healthy and there were no warning signs. He went to lunch and wasn’t discovered until the end of the work day. He passed away alone in his car with his lunch on his lap. This was heartbreaking because he had relocated, gotten married and had his first grandchild.  My cousin described him as strong, poised and always moving forward.

I find myself thinking of my cousin’s friend often. Did he tell his wife he loved her that morning or did he run out the door? Was he late for work? Was there anyone that he wasn’t speaking to in his family? When was the last time someone in his family told him, they loved him? If we knew when we would take our last breath, would we act as if every day was Valentine’s Day?

I must make a confession. I hadn't spoken to a relative for 8 months until I learned of my cousin’s friend.  My relative became angry with me because of a comment. It wasn't about anyone’s race, gender, religion, family, job or politics. I know what you are thinking, “Naw girl, you did some-tin” . It was actually a joke about me. There should have been a truce made by one of holidays: “My Birthday”, Thanksgiving, Christmas or by New Years, however there were no calls.  Peace talks had to be initiated by me.

I couldn't imagine if something tragic happened to either one of us and we weren't speaking. I am learning that people react out of their experiences.  It didn't matter if I felt it was my fault or theirs.  I had to make the first move. I apologized to make things right.

Proverbs 17:7(ISV) says, A friend loves at all times and a brother is there for times of trouble. I am going to take on my Pastor’s charge, not only for this month but for the entire year. Yes, I will show love to everyone, every day.  I will show love even if someone cuts me off in traffic (no finger) or says something rude. “Oh Lord Help Me” because here comes the test. Each day is a new start.

With all that said who’s on board to show love?  Have Valentine’s Day all year long. Love me or Love me not. I chose Love.

How Can It Be So Good and So Bad At The Same Time? Part 2

So we are 23 days in the New Year. Each New Year brings new opportunities. Many have made their resolution knowing they can start afresh. We set our goals to lose weight, start a business, finish school, save more, be happy, etc.

We are running full steam ahead and three months down the road (or shorter) the bridge (an interruption) comes into focus. The questions begin: Do we cross it or turn in the opposite direction?  As I stated, in my prior blog running for me mimics life.  I left off coming to the bridge that I hadn't run since April 2014. What was my decision?  Did I run the bridge? Did I turn around or find another route?   

My Bridge Moment:

As I came to the bridge, I began to talk to myself about pushing forward.  “You can do this, it’s not that bad (lying to yourself helps), you’re strong (true) and you are almost over (lie)”. Just kidding never lie, but jokes go a long way.  Self- encouragement is definitely a power pack. When I made it to the top, I felt so good. It was downhill full speed ahead. It felt so good; I ran a mile further and forgot I had to go back. “The Bridge”.

The bridge symbolizes the issues of life that happen and will happen until the day we fly away. A bridge can be anything in our lives that disrupts our steady flow; an argument, unforgiveness, unpaid bills, being laid off, illness, death, lost love, etc. I have found that there aren't many ways to get around our bridge moments. We can do our best to avoid them by ignoring or anesthetize the pain of the disruption. In the end we just have to go over the bridge.  On  my way back over the bridge, as I ran to the top, a bystander asked me “Having a good run”? Did she see pain on my face or my determination?  My answer is……..

Can life still be good at the same time something bad is happening?  Yes, life is still good.  Each of us has to find the strength to encourage ourselves.  We have to understand there is a purpose to everything.  Yes, even the bad. It might not feel good but we are building strength. What we go through can encourage others.  Could it be that your bridge experience closes the gap on an issue, injustice or an epidemic? If you can make it, so can I.  When I think about life’s frustrations, I remember the words of a Rev Paul Jones song “All of my good days outweigh my bad days, I won’t complain”.