Food For Thought

I'm kicking off the new year right, no this is not a "new year, new me" but rather an "I've missed blogging and writing freely" situation.  Over the past year I've spent lots of time brainstorming and reflecting and even doing a little research on how I can blog better and more specifically what I want this blog to be about.  Long story short- after a full year I've learned  a whole lot about other blogs but still didn't have much clarity with what I wanted.

Just today I realized: this is my blog and I do what I please. I really sat down and brainstormed all the things I liked from before and all the things I didn't, and the result was as simply to simplify! How simple is that.  This is not a research forum or ploy for writing newspaper columns; it's just a fun hobby. And with that I decided to begin sharing my "Food For Thought". Why not?! I mean I hear, read, and watch things daily that truly deserve a second look or deeper reflection. I have a great functional mind filled with randomness, ideas, thoughts, goals, and dreams; but seriously who doesn't?! After all, how often do you have thoughts that cause a double take or prompt a quick google search- for me this happens quite often, and going forward you're invited to a front row seat of the think tank. Believe me the struggle of figuring out life is still real but with this seat you get an inside glimpse to some inner most thoughts and hopefully some thought provoking conversation💭💡😎

Superheroes and Heroes

Growing up we all had a superheroes; for some this was the excitement of Saturday morning (...cartoons); for others this was a daily past time- be it watching television or reading comics.  Not only were we watching these shows, we wanted all types of merchandise as well; clothes, camping gear, school supplies, and games.  And, let’s not forget the endless hours of play filled by reenacting our favorite episodes with friends.

 

Superheroes have super powers- flying, invisibility, living forever.  They have capes and a side-kick complete with secret signals and communications as well as a secret hide out; groups of super heroes have matching outfits, catch phrases, and rituals they display before embarking upon saving the world or completing their specific mission.

I have no idea where or when I realized the distinction between superheroes and heroes.  It’s something I had not thought about.  Is this a natural occurrence that took place due to age and maturity or a change of thought based on more knowledge about the world or just simply letting go of fantasies?  We could go on and on to debate about who is the greatest superhero of all time; but now as a grown-up, I wonder if a better question is: who is the greatest hero of all time?

Upon first thought the two titles appear almost interchangeable or one being a subculture of the other; but they are literally worlds apart.  Heroes are the real life superheroes; they save the world, complete missions, and start movements; all with nothing more than the same ordinary materials that I myself posses too.  Heroes take a stand and develop organization, empower the people around them, and serve their community.  Their work and legacy is remarkable.  They do not seek out fame or honors or even recognition for what they do; in fact some remain nameless in regards to what they have contributed.

So where is the struggle in that?  Not so much a struggle that is visible but one that could possibly be within.  Are you a hero?  Have you taken a stand, been an outstanding leader, encouraged your community for growth, or empowered a group of your choice?  I challenge you to do so.  This is far beyond a donation. This is an effort to cause change simply because you see a problem and have solutions to offer.  This is an effort to bring awareness not because it’s the media’s hot topic of the hour, day, or week but because you seek growth for the future.  This is an inward reflection of self: Are you leaving a legacy? 

Perhaps this is not a desire you have; or you haven’t yet found a cause to be passionate about.  Perhaps you have no experience that sparks inspiration and ignites a yearning for change.  This is me- I have several thoughts but not one that truly captivates my heart.  So instead I thought about who my heroes are; both historical and present day.  So I challenge you to do the same.  Much like my favorite superheroes; I wanted to be them; so by identifying my heroes, I can better myself in the process and honor them by paying homage.  So go out be great.  Inspire the next generation and respect the generation that came before.      

 

A job is a job is a job- or not?

I once was told that people find themselves drawn to jobs based on just a few critical points:

For some job choice is economically effective-the job has the most "bang for your buck" so to speak. Of course it's not that simple- these individuals tend to seek the ultimate package of greatest perks or benefits with maximum payout; so not just does the salary need to meet expectations but the PTO and/or sick hours do too. As well as hours required and other various incentives.

For some work is just easy; the tasks required come easy and for some the opportunity itself comes easy as well.  These positions may not even feel like work on a day to day basis as the required deliverables are met without much effort; no stress, no exhaustion- over simplicity is key here. Don't get me wrong, it's not that the job requires mindless drone but rather the individual is capable of much more mentally exhausting work- they just prefer not to do so.

For some work is something they enjoy. This is the set of individuals that find them eager to rise and shine. When asked about their job they beam with excitement and joy- they love their job and tend to view it as more than just a means to an end but rather an extension of who they truly are.

I sat and wondered: Are these selections mutually exclusive or is there likely overlap between each sector? Can you simply move from one sector to another or must you bridge over through the overlap? In moving from one sector to another, can it be done by simply changing your thinking or must a change in the job itself (be it title, agency, otherwise) change as well?

So where is the struggle? For some it will be getting a job in general. But for those with jobs the question of reflection is "Where do you fall?"  Is your current situation one of economic efficiency, ease, or joy? What does that say about who you are? What does it say about what you do?

For me, I have a job I currently love but before I had a job of ease simply because it was easy to acquire and keep.  I don't think I was aware of how much my placement effected me. Personally, having a job that utilized my education has been a goal, as well as having a job I enjoy! It doesn't mean I don't ever have a case of the Mondays but it does mean that most days I'm overjoyed with starting my day. I believe in what I do and the mission of where I work. I consider myself lucky and continue on- cautiously optimistic of future employment endeavors.

Life check 1-2-1-2

It seems like only a few weeks ago I had just counted down to the start of a new year, filled with nothing short of countless opportunities. With this in mind, I began this blog and amongst my first entries was content related to my vision board. To be more direct I previously stated:

"In summation: I imagine I will become a first time home-buyer and take steps to further my career while spending my free time traveling, getting healthy, and enjoying new experiences.  I was inspired to complete a 2014 "bucket list" which lists the various places and activities I'd like to experience in the next 360 days."

So as the year of 2014 goes fleeting by, I noted only about 140 days are due before 2015 dawns upon us. So in the spirit of progress and forward movement I decided I should communicate a public update and creed to complete a handful more tasks before the years end.

The year is not over yet but I have definitely made some major moves. I had some hills in valleys regarding consistency of blog posts; but have been doing better and for the year have 18 posts. I plan to keep posting twice a month until 2015.

In my work category, I am now a forensic interviewer; meaning I now have a career, in fact I have attained my dream job. What a blessing to have done so before age 30!

Although I gave not become a home owner and I won't be one before 2015; I have moved into an apartment and have not lost the dream or long term goal of being a homeowner someday.

For health and fitness I have completed my first ever 5k and am training for another one before the year ends; this training includes waist training which should also help to get me bikini ready even if results arrive after beach season-LOL.

I have been even less consistent with positive affirmations and meditation; bottom line is it's hard and quite frankly I'd rather not. So as a solution I am currently researching local yoga studios to assist with this task.

Eating healthy is a lifestyle and much like any other habit such as biting your nails, I have been on and off the wagon; currently I am on and do well but I still have much room for improvement.  For the month I have committed to eating smoothies for breakfast and salads fur lunch with a balanced dinner at least Monday thru Friday.

My savings have fluctuated throughout the year with so much movement in my lifestyle and partaking in various experiences; for 2015 I'll be sure to select a predetermined amount to save such that I be better able to track my progress.

Travel has been great! I attended Essence and have planned an international trip for early fall  to London.  In addition, I hope to squeeze in a beach trip as well. 

These experiences were listed on my bucket list of activities for the year: gun range, fork and screen, Skydiving, Ferris Wheel, Andretti Go-Kart, etc. The list was over zealous and anything not completed in 2014 will simply roll over to the new year.

Whew! That was a lot. Now I recall how I high I set the bar and how far I've come in achieving task this year! For those of you who also created or developed vision boards or something of the sort, when is the last time you checked your progress?! For me it's nothing like physically checking an item of my to do list, I encourage you to do the same. For those that didn't make a board, just take the time to reflect on you accomplishments and forward movement over the year to date, give yourself credit because credit is due, then challenge yourself to do more. Like coach used to say- FINISH STRONG & GOOD LUCK :)

Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett

Today I read a book. It wasn't from Oprah's book club or the latest top seller's list; It wasn't even a book in a reading club or suggested by a friend, colleague, or confidant; it was a children's book. Plain and simple! it came complete with illustrations and short text as well.  

Extra Yarn is an extraordinary children's story that cannot be retold without the illustrations; so google it at minimum or stop by your local book store for the full effect. The story narrates a young girl who essentially yarns everyone she meets and her town. It's amazing that her yarn is never-ending. It's mystifying that this box filled with yarn found her specifically and she never tires or bores with it's simplistic activity. It's eye opening how she stunts the town and all it's people by adding color to there typical black and white; not just in how they dress- but how they live as well.

So why was I reading this book?! Welp, I was told this girl was much like me with her box of yarn.  More specifically that her yarn so easily resembled friendship, which is an art I selectively craft. With this idea- she cloaks her friendship upon others in her neighborhood, school, and community. Those who seek her are turned away- due to their ill intentions and overall being ill hearted. Even those who are skeptical or jealous are privy to her giving.

In the most simplistic sense- isn't it giving that leads to friendship. Not just the giving of material things but givings of oneself: time, advice, love, care, concern, and affection. It is these things that make friendship different from partnership; but how often is this forgotten?

 So I challenge you to reflect in yours friendships. Are you really being a friend? Or more like an associate- which is another word often used in the business world? I challenge you to be active in your friendship. True enough not all friendships require lots of time or activity-but they all do require care and attention. Are you neglecting your friends? Are you falsely claiming others as friend or they you when in reality the "-ship" you are in is so far from?

How interesting the label friend is used: in kindergarten friendship was earned because the girl next to me wanted to swing at recess. In high school friendship was earned because she kept my secret. In college, she was a friend because she didn't judge my actions while enduring growing pains. But now she earned it because________ (fill in the blank)..and go be a friend!

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