Get up, Get out, & Do Something :)

Ladies and Gentemen- get up!  That's right, shake off your slumming it Sunday routine and try something new.  It's called getting out- and no,  I do not mean getting out in the streets or socializing on your favorite social scene.  Instead, do something!

YES! Reclaim being active, shake off the sedentary lifestyle that is claiming such a large portion of the population.  Lead by example for your family and your community in being a exemplar of what being active is.  So yes, this goes beyond cardio in the bedroom and will require some additional activities to your current routine.

Contrary to propaganda and the generalized idea of sedentarism; this behavior goes way beyond meeting a daily or weekly amount of exercise; instead recent research indicates that less time spent sitting is just as important.  Long story short- just standing is a start to shift from sedentary behaviors and sedentary lifestyle. 

I know what you're thinking...I'm thinking it to: "Ain't no-body got time for that"!And I agree! Except for the reoccurring thought that I often say the same thing until it's time for a turn up or family function that I wouldn't miss for the world.  So, if you are anything like me, then you too often make time or find time for things; typically things that incorporate some socializing or are overall important or enjoyable to you! 

That in fact is the struggle: find the time to be active.  Make time for being active!  Perhaps a solution is to make your activity social as well; introduce yourself to others at your local YMCA or LA fitness or ask friends from your current social circles to partake in some more active activities.  Try something new like joining a kickball league or coaching your kids soccer team.

Perhaps knowing the facts would serve as a motivator: what do your genetics tell you about your potential future?  What are your current health green, yellow, and red lights?  Perhaps you should try something that you find appealing; maybe you don't like being outside- then find an indoor activity; maybe you don't like the gym, then find a dance studio; there are many many many different activities available to each and every one of us; you might have to be creative but there is likely one out there for you. 

For those of you that are already active and have committed yourself to incorporating activity as part of your lifestyle; I challenge you to reach out to a friend or co-worker that  might need a partner or an extra nudge to get things started.  Leading by example is great but encouraging others is also part of being a leader.

For those of you that have tried to become active and "fallen off the wagon"- get back on.  Each day on the wagon is better than no day on the wagon at all AND this is one area of life where trying definitely matters.  Try a different activity.  Try a different approach: jumping into a new lifestyle as opposed to taking baby steps or vice-versa.  Make an investment- like a gym membership or new fitness gear.  Perhaps having incentives like taking a trip once you reach a specific goal or even having a goal like a run or competition as a due-date to check you progress would be helpful.

Bottom line is TRY and KEEP TRYING! And once you have conquered being active- pass on the greatness that you feel now and the struggles it took you to get to where you are to others.

What is ESSENCE

As i made last preparations for my holiday I weekend...I began to think about what I was doing and where I was going and overall questioned what the deeper meaning of Essence Festival is.

Being analytical in almost all I do my first inquiries led me to Webster. What is the definition of essence? Perhaps this could set the tone for a festival of such great magnitude. 

Essence: (noun) the basic, real, and invariable nature of a thing or its significant individual feature or features

Sounds simple enough in a general sense, but when applied to a festival- how radical, welcoming, and all around powerful. I'm not sure what this means to you, but to me- the bottom line is: come celebrate being you. Now we are all very much aware of how complex and complicated humans are- from the physiological aspect of the body and genetics and health to the psychological elements regarding thoughts, emotions, and culture. But how awesome is it that these complexities and nuances are the exact ingredients of this party.

Party- yes I mean the festival itself. Filled with activities, guest speakers, music, and food.  With common themes of self-empowerment, self-care and health; entertainment by legends, lyricists, and musical poets; and of course faith, food, and fellowship.

Even more interesting is it that this event takes places over Independence Day weekend. My thought:  when would there be a better time? Is Independence Day not about freedom? How much more free can you be- after all, the only criteria necessary is being true.

But there lies the struggle- for some the question becomes what is true? Who am I being true too? It is myself? My loved ones? Society?  What am I being true for? What's my cause or stand? For others- it's not who or what but rather when and where? When is the time to be my true self? Perhaps your job or community finds your truest self to be eclectic or ethnic- so where is it acceptable or maybe even refreshing to be free and unconstrained? But the largest question is why: why must these other parameters even be considered? Why can't we just be?

So as I close my suitcase and close this post- I've never been more pleased with wearing red white and blue, been more proud of being an African American, been more more aware of who I am and my purpose, or simply been more excited to board a plane! I'm definitely ready to "party with a purpose".  So get to know your true self and be free wherever you are this holiday weekend.

#essencefest #nola