Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

I confess I’ve been a bad blogger for not posting, but I’ve been busy in a good way.  Let me rewind things for a bit.

In August 2012 I had the opportunity to learn how to surf. This was an early birthday gift to myself.  What I learned most from surfing is that when life knocks you done you get back up. It was so much fun and I can’t wait to do it again.

In  October 2012 I got finally had my international adventure.  One of my best friends  from college and I went on a cruise to the Bahamas. Now mind you have been talking about taking a cruise for the last four years. Let me say it was wonderful. I didn’t want to get off the ship. It was great to see a different culture and try new foods.

Change is good.  I have learned so much about myself personally and professionally, that change is a great thing. I had the opporunity to participate in a leadership program and it forced me to take a hard look at myself. “To whom much is given, much is required.
Luke 12:48

On another note I want to wish all of my readers a Happy New Year and here’s to 2013. Thank you for taking the time to read my little blog it means alot.

Live in sunshine!

The Single Life

Source: US Cranberries.com

This morning I read the following article from The Washington Post entitled,  The Single Life.  (The article links to the complete article featured in the Post magazine.) I was reading some of the comments of the respondents and the overwhelming theme was that you can still live a full life and don’t pity them.  There is nothing wrong with being single and not being married.

I’ve talked to my mom and great length about her life before she got married at 28. She told me that  when she graduated from college she was focused on living her life and marriage was her least concern.

In the past I used to get frustrated when people ask me why I was not married or have kids as if I was an oddity. I now realize  why people say just to let life happen. God knows the desire of your hearts and all things happen in his perfect timing. I’m excited about this single life. I’m traveling to Atlanta for work this week, but I definitely plan to throw some fun into it.

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone!

Whitney

Yesterday, my sister called to tell me Whitney Houston had passed away.  Immediately, I thought it was Twitter hoax.  “It’s been reported by the Associated Press,” she said. Then my dad called to ask me if I had heard the news.  Again, I thought it was a sick joke.  I went to the Associated Press’ website and read the story confirmed by Houston’s publicist. The first thoughts I had were, she was so young, how her daughter must be feeling, and how she had just filmed the movie Sparkle. She looked great. I had just seen photos of her on a gossip blog.

I don’t have  one particular memory. I just know Whitney Houston’s music has been a constant in my life.  I remember just her music playing on the radio. I remember last year in the car on the way back from my grandfather’s funeral Houston’s “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” playing on the cd player and my mother singing her heart out. That particular song has so much meaning for me personally and you can tell in Houston’s voice that she too wants you realize that your stronger than you think and are resilient.

Whitney Houston RIP. You will live on through your music.  Thank you.

Happy Anniversary

Wow, 2012 will be coming in a couple of days.  I cannot believe its been a year since I started this blog. I would like to start by saying thank you to everyone that has stopped by and read a post on this blog.  Writing this blog has been very therapeutic and in the process I learned a lot about myself.

1. Going natural was the best decision I ever made.

2. It’s important to make your health a priority.

3. I love country line dancing and Zumba. Basically any form of exercise where I’m moving.

4. Balance is key. It’s important to make time for fun and not just work all the time.

5. It okay to say no.

6. Communication is key. Its better to talk things out, then to just assume or leave issues unresolved.

7. Spiritual growth was very important in that I realized it was important for me to work on my personal relationship first with God.

8. Learn to let go.

This year I can honestly say I was able to let go of people, toxic relationships, and negative baggage.

Overall, I learned that I’m more fearless than I thought  and that life is to be lived plan or no plan.

I’ll see you in 2012!

Shine On!

Looking back on 2011 what lessons did you learn?

 

 

Scale Back

I recently found out that I have some health issues. Aside from low vitamin B levels, I  learned that I need to change my diet completely. This means no fried foods and more fruits, veggies, and fish and chicken.  My regular readers know that I struggle with motivating myself to cook.  I am taking this as a challenge to reevaluate my relationship with food.

I feel like this is the swift kick in my ass to get healthier. Mentally I’ve said how I would love to lose 30 pounds and finally take those surf lessons I’ve been dreaming about. That’s the problem all I’ve been doing is talking about it. I can’t complete the act without taking some type of action.

I admit that I have been some what in a slump from time to time this year and turned to food for comfort.

Looking in the mirror I knew I was overweight. I would get winded going up steps, but I kept telling myself you don’t look overweight. I’m 4 feet 9 inches and weigh 143 lbs.

In a nutshell it’s not too late to turn it around. I’m determined, I have faith, and I have family support.

Shine on!

The Latest

1.  I’m loving my natural hair.
2. Goapele’s Break of Down cd is on heavy rotation.
3. Thanksgiving is coming soon and road trip here I come.
4. The Roots are awesome live.

That’s all for now. What’s been happening lately in your life?

Life Goes On

Did you miss me? Let me start off by saying this fall has been a roller coaster ride, but in a good way.   Looking back I learned about a lot about myself.

1. I need my space.
2. You have to face your fears.
3. Being single is a blessing.
4. You don’t owe anybody an explanation.
5. I love channeling my inner craft diva. (Being creative whether it be arts and crafts, poetry, or photography)

I realize I’m still a work in progress and I’m ok with that.  I turned 29 a couple of months ago. I was excited about turning 29, but honestly I was in a funk. I thought I had to have x,y, and z crossed of my life list.  Thank God none of it happened.

My life list went a little something like this: I was supposed to be married by age 28 and have my first child at age 30. I can honestly say I am in no shape or form ready to be a mommy, nor am I ready to be somebody’s wife.  Somewhere along the way I forgot about the dating part and actually getting to know a guy I had some interest in.

I am enjoying being single and learning about myself as a single woman and what truly interests me. I am learning to be a better friend to my true friends and at the same time learning to let go of people with no regrets. I have been taking inventory of my past dating relationships and realized that I was doing too much. I remember a guy I dated saying back in 2009, “You’re nice, but I realize you would do anything for me.” At that time on paper in my mind I thought we were perfect, but I can honestly understand now what he was saying.

I struggle with self-acceptance, but day by day it’s getting easier.  I realize I have my own life path and my story is mine to tell and can’t be compared to anyone else’s.

One another note remember when I said I wanted to be published well it’s in the works. God has been so good to me this year.  He has allowed me to be a blessing to other people and brought people in my life to help me learn and grow.

Shine On

Make Your Own

Today I was blessed with the opportunity to help celebrate a retired professor’s 90th birthday. He took the time to reflect on his journey of growing up in Snow Hill, AL to eventually becoming renowned band director at an HBCU.  His words of advice were simple, “make your own.”  This statement means to forge your own path in life and help someone else in the process.

This statement confirmed to me that I am headed in the right direction personally and professionally. As of late, I have been struggling with whether or not I have become complacent at my job. I really enjoy my job, but I’m wondering if I’m giving it my all.  One of my dreams has been to publish professionally in an academic journal.  I have great ideas, but that’s all they are. Just ideas scribbled on a piece of paper.

This statement today confirmed the fact that I have to face my fears and just try.

So here’s to trying.

Shine On!

Have a Laugh!

This is currently my favorite TV commercial. Every time I see it I get a good laugh.

Enjoy!

Source: Youtube

I’m Back!!!

Miss me?  I took some time off to recharge and release. Concerning the lent challenge here is an update.  I failed miserably when it came to giving up dessert.  I was fine eating yogurt for a few days and then I fell off. #epic fail.  I did really well with the Facebook part of my challenge.  It helped me mentally.  I realized I was using Facebook as crutch or distraction and now I’m proud to say I limit myself to checking my Facebook page once a day.  I’ve also removed the alerts from phone to help me focus.

I finally joined the YMCA, but I’ve fallen off. I realize I enjoy Zumba and am praying to God to get through cardio aerobic class. So I’ve learned I have to mix up my exercise routine.  I’m determined to get healthier and I realize it takes time.  Adapting a healthier lifestyle is not achieved in one day.

Concerning the social challenge I’ve made strides.  I’ve danced at a friend’s wedding, gone to the movies with a new friend, and saw Ledisi in concert.  I’ve learned that I can have a great time just by myself and its fun just to be spontaneous.

Overall this challenge brought me closer to God and made me realize that I’m never alone.  Furthermore, life is a journey and that I should enjoy ride.

If you celebrate Lent what did the last 40 days teach you?