Know Better, Do Better

I get periodic reminders of continuing the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. I need to go to the grocery store. Aldi has been my addiction for the past couple of months for fresh and natural food that’s inexpensive. For example, I made vegetable soup for a reception we had after a concert. I spent less than $30 and I would spend twice as much at another store (I won’t call them out LOL)

One of my first reminders is my music minister at church. She prides on the fact that she eats healthy and works out in boot camp. In addition, she shares healthy recipes for cooking and enjoys cooking at home. She doesn’t eat bread anymore LOL!

Second, I have a fellow college alum who is training for a body building contest. He was/is the inspiration for me last year around this time in getting a 30-day meal plan and eating ALL meals before 6pm! I lost 14 pounds along with a good daily workout and rests in between! If you saw a before and after picture of this brother, he looks fantastic!

Finally, I saw one of my classmates who lost a significant amount of weight and is able to do more than she did in 10-15 years ago. I KNOW that I must stay away from junk food and eat more fruit and vegetables. In addition, I gotta get myself in the gym this week! I can’t take it anymore!  We had another health scare in my family. There’s a reunion coming up this summer and we’re determined to see each other. As the scripture says, “We neither know the day nor the hour….”

I pray and I claim victory in my journey!  When you know better, you do better!

DISCLAIMER: Be careful of the lyrical content in a couple of videos. ….

Mystikal – Bouncin’ Back (Bumpin Me Against The W…: http://youtu.be/M1gaoBO0r-4

Bon Jovi – It’s My Life: http://youtu.be/vx2u5uUu3DE

Whitney Houston – I’m Every Woman: http://youtu.be/H7_sqdkaAfo

Take Charge of Your Journey (Pep Talk)

Yes, I said it. Take charge of your journey! I’m seeing my friends in social media and in real life promote and advocate fitness and a healthier lifestyle. It’s contagious and infectious—in a good way!

Last night, I completed reading the April 2014 Issue of EBONY Magazine with Bishop T.D. Jakes on the cover. There were several good articles about looking internally for the resources needed to live your dream and to truly find your purpose. I’m holding on to this issue because I was truly interested in the suggestions and self-reflection questions you can work on.

I’ve started to write down three blessings before I go to bed; I’ve scheduled my workouts on my calendar to remind me of my commitment, my promise to do better with my health; I’ll work on cleaning out clutter and re-organizing some things in addition to taking more steps to step out of the box. I actually feel excited about this and REFUSE to let obstacles stand in my way! Think about it: Jesus didn’t allow ANYONE to stop him fulfilling scripture. He was victorious and so are we!

This is a very short blog this week. Sometimes, you just have to encourage yourself, walk with shades on for a bright future and move forward in faith! What will you do today that will make you feel proud and positive? You never know who’s watching your walk!

Biggest Loser Theme (Proud) – Lyrics: http://youtu.be/taCMAhv2wkw

Trust and Believe

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 4:6-7)

Interestingly enough, I heard this scripture being said at two different times: one at a life celebration for one of my fraternal order members; the other time was today on an online show giving a lesson about “Mistaken Identity” with the reflection on 1 Corinthians 3:18-4:5. It’s amazing how God moves!

But what’s with the talk about spirituality and what does it have to do with pursuing and maintaining a healthier lifestyle?

Honestly, A LOT! As I go through this journey, God knows I love music, but I can’t do this journey alone. I need HIS help! I’ve been back-and-forth; on again, off again; off track, on track. We began the Lenten Season this past Wednesday and I’ve decided to give up fast food and save money in the process.  My legs still feel the affect of my power walk on Friday. I had to get out! I walked 2.5 miles!

I keep pushing myself to do better and to keep my trust in God; to let him lead me. It’s a coincidence that the Gospel today reflected on Jesus being tempted by Satan, knowing good and well that he could NEVER question Jesus’s identity! He KNOWS who he is and WHOSE he is!

I’m working on my eating habits, and I’ll proceed with strength training. My trust in God will NOT allow me to lose this challenge of pursuing and maintaining better health. Just like the title of one of my previous blog posts: “Health Is Wealth.”

I must get moving. But I can’t end this blog post without some good music!

Phillippians 4:6-7 was a favorite scripture of hers. I know you’re rejoicing with God. You will never be forgotten….

Rest Is Needed to Keep Going

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been preparing for service in my church’s music ministry. However, you never know when your health will be affected.

It all started on Tuesday. I noticed oncoming symptoms of a cold so I made it very clear that sniffles and cough would LOSE this battle. By Thursday, I was slow and lost energy. As you can see, I had the medicine and other remedies, but one important thing that I had to remember was REST. I left work early and dropped off a vegetable tray for a community service project; stopped by the grocery store then went home. That was the best that could’ve happened to me was to rest. I was able to sleep and not cough and sniff in the middle of the night. I also slept in clean bed sheets because I washed and dried them.

It’s important that we get the rest our body needs so that we’re able to function the next day. Now I understand the meaning of Psalm 62 (which is what I sung today).

I was able to serve in the music ministry today. We’re expecting a snow storm to come this way. A good reason to work out my dumbbells and resistance bands on the inside. I continue to keep it moving, flaws and all, with sufficient amount of rest.