Re-formulate

Re-formulate 

     Now that you have reevaluated the past year, it is time to reformulate a plan of action. Reformulate, according to google, means to formulate again or differently. Simply put, you must, in some way, change your old way of doing things. You cannot expect change in 2020 while doing everything the exact same way you did it in 2019. Therefore, take your past plans and modify, revise, and tweak them until they are in line with your expected outcome. Sometimes, it may even be necessary to rip them apart and start anew.

And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (Habakkuk 2:2)

1. Set realistic goals. 

Realistic

By February 2020, I’m going to lose 5 pounds by briskly walking for 30 minutes 3 times per week .

Unrealistic 

Starting New Year’s Day, I’m never going to miss a day of working out.

2. Set measurable goals. 

Measurable

I will reduce my caffeine consumption so that (by March 1st) I’m only drinking one caffeinated beverage daily.

Unmeasurable

I’m never going to drink caffeinated beverages again.

3. Prepare ahead for dealing with setbacks. 

     Anytime, you’re striving for success, understand that every day will not go according to your plan. You may stumble. You may fall. But, whatever you do, don’t give up. Instead of giving up and throwing in the towel - get up, brush yourself off and start again! 

Until next time, 

Shalom

Goodbye 2019!

Re-evaluate

     As 2019 hastens to an end, many of us will take this time to review the

past twelve months. We will assess the effectiveness of things we’ve tried

and determine if we’re going to continue those things in the upcoming year

or get rid of them. Oftentimes, because we haphazardly reflect upon the

past year, we fail to adequately assess.

And, as a result, we make short lived resolutions based on unrealistic goals

that were set. Today, I want to give you some tips that will help you to change

this never ending cycle that many of us find ourselves in year after year. Today,

we will focus on re-evaluating.

     To properly re-evaluate, one must consider answering the right questions. What

are the right questions? I’m glad you asked!

Answering the Right Questions

     In the past year, what has worked for me? What did not work for me?

I will divide the remainder of this post into these two categories. 

What worked?

      Since it worked, do I plan to incorporate it into the upcoming year?

Do I continue to utilize it as is, or do I make improvements? If it worked,

you may want to stick to it. You do not have to jump on the next bandwagon

just because others are doing so. What works for one individual may not work

for you. If it’s not broken, don’t try to fix it!

What did NOT work? 

     Determining how to proceed when something does work is often easier than

deciding how to proceed if it doesn’t work. More times than not, we want to

continue doing the same thing but expect a different outcome. Simply put, most

people want results. But, most people hate change! So, what do we do when we

want change – when we want things to work for us? First of all, we have to identify

what no longer serves us/ works for us. Then, we have to disconnect from things

that no longer serve us/ work for us.

Identifying What No Longer Serves Us

      Things that no longer serve us can be (but not limited to) any of the following:

· Abusive relationships (emotionally, physically, or verbally) 

· Addictions,

· Attending events and going places (when it is no longer beneficial) because it

is the “correct” thing to do, 

· Bad habits, and

· Toxic energy

     In conclusion, as we near the end of the year (in this case, the end of a decade),

let us be mindful to review with a purpose in mind. And, that is to find out what

works – continue to do it and improve it. Identify what does not work, and
disconnect from it!

     If you have read the entirety of this post, I hope that you will re-evaluate the last

twelve months so that when December 2020 rolls around, you will NOT regret the

actions and decisions that you made throughout the year. 

Until next time, 

Shalom.

Keto Diet

Keto Diet Worst Side Effects

Proverbs 4:7 King James Version (KJV)
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and
with all thy getting get understanding.

As of late, the Keto Diet is very common among those who
want to lose weight while continuing to feel satiated between
meals.  For many, the Keto Diet has yielded much weight loss.
As with any fad diet, it also comes with some cautions and
should be carefully implemented.  According to research,
dieters should NOT remain on this diet long term.

Constipation

Elimination of fiber-rich beans, grains, and vegetables leads
to fiber deficiency which causes constipation.

Vitamin Deficiency

The body sheds fat, water, and glycogen.  As this happens the
body loses sodium, potassium, and magnesium.  When the
body runs low on these key electrolytes, you will most likely
feel sluggish - experiencing headaches and extreme fatigue.

Muscle Loss

There is ongoing research about muscle loss on the Keto Diet.  
Some research suggests that ketogenic dieters lose muscle even
though they continue resistance training.  After a workout,
protein alone is LESS effective than a protein carbohydrate
combination.

The ‘Keto Flu’

Symptoms that include fatigue, brain fog, dizziness,
vomiting, nausea and stomach pain are not uncommon
within the first couple of weeks of the Keto Diet.  
These symptoms clear up after a couple of weeks for those dieters
who do not give up.

Kidney Damage

Too much meat (especially processed meats)
and NOT enough water can lead to the formation of kidney stones
and gout.  This occurs when there is too much uric acid. The kidney
is unable to efficiently eliminate uric acid. Many foods that are
excluded from the Keto Diet such as apples, berries, cherries,
pinto beans, fiber, vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables, etc. help
to normalize uric acid in the body.

This information was taken from a February 15, 2019 article written by

Stephen Johnson at Big Think.

Disclaimer - This information is for informational purposes
only.  It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional
medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice
of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with
any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or
treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen,
and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in
seeking it because of something you have read on this website.  

Do The Right Thing!

Do The Right Thing

NO amount of “good deeds” can

• dismiss,
• eradicate,
• erase, or
• replace

WRONGDOING -PERIOD!

There are things in everyone's past that we wish we could do differently.  There are things that we WOULD do differently if we could go back in time and do them over.  But, that's NOT possible.  Therefore, we must strive to make decisions TODAY (in the present) that we will be proud of on tomorrow (in the future).  Don't just do what is right because you feel like it - do what is right because it IS right!

Prayer : Suicide Prevention

Father God,

According to your Word, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. According to your Word, YOU perfect that which concerns me. You, God, would not lie to me because YOU are not like man. However, on today, I feel incapable, overwhelmed, unappreciated and worthless. I know that your Word says that a just man falleth seven times, but gets back up.  Today, God, without your help, I have no strength or willpower to continue to get back up or try. Your Word reminds me that You have a plan for my life. But, right now, everything seems dismal, foggy and out of focus.  So that I will do NO harm to myself, I ask you God to have compassion on me, manifest your power and presence, and order my steps.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Written by: Trinity Grace

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please seek help. Death is final - you can NOT check out today and return on tomorrow. It is FINAL. Seek immediate help from a counselor, clergyman/woman or other trained individual. Call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at

1-800-273-8255.

Product Review: Ameerah’s

Product Review: Ameerah’s

Today, I want to share with you an amazing product line - Ameerah's.  Ameerah’s is a handmade natural skincare line that I discovered (by accident).  The advertisement caught my attention.  I had heard of the wonders of mango butter for natural hair, and I was on the hunt for a light butter to seal in the moisture on my two strand twists.  However, the last time that I had used mango butter - it was quite stiff.  So, I knew that I would have to mix it with another oil or find one that was already mixed.  Well, after searching the Ameerah’s website, I found what I thought was the perfect solution (Natural Whipped Mango Butter w/olive oil, $7.00 for 2ozs).  I wasn’t really hesitant about purchasing it because I figured that if it didn’t work out for my hair, I would use it on my skin (by the way, it is marketed as a body butter).  I also ordered two additional products - a Vanilla Delight Body Moisturizer Cream, $7.50 (2ozs.) and an Organic Whipped Cocoa Butter and Coconut Oil, FREE (2ozs).  There was a buy 2, get 1 free offer.   When placing an order, Ameerah’s gives you the option of customizing your product with various essential oils, fragrances or additional oils.  I chose not to customize.   

I received it within a few days of my order.  No, I did not expedite shipping.   Customer service sent out emails informing me when my product had shipped.  And, they even sent out an email telling me that my product should have arrived.  I was impressed!  

So, now for the review - the Vanilla Delight Body Moisturizer Cream smells delectable.  The smell reminds me of some type of caramel candy.  It moisturizes without leaving a heavy feeling.  It works great for sealing in moisture on the elbows and knees.  I like using it at night to moisturize my neck.  

I have not yet used a lot of the Organic Whipped Cocoa Butter and Coconut Oil Butter.  However, I will be using it after the Vanilla Delight Body Moisturizer Cream is all used up.  It, too, smells delectable - more like a creamy chocolate.  

The Natural Whipped Mango Butter w/olive oil is very soft and lightweight.  It has no smell, which allows it to not compete with the scents in other hair products.  I love the way that this product immediately melts upon touch. After I moisturize my twists, I apply this product to lock in the moisture. I will definitely purchase it again!

NOTE: The prices that I mentioned were the prices at the time of my purchase. To find out more details about ingredients, go to the Ameerah's website!

Why Counseling Doesn't Always Work

Sometimes, relationships experience problems that require professional guidance.  More times than not, only one person is committed to seeking and adhering to the advice and or guidance from the professional.  So often, the problem is NOT solved.  

Why?  One person can’t solve a two-person problem!  Chances are - one person didn’t get the ball rolling and one person won’t be able to stop it.

Life Lesson -  Whenever you’re seeking help, remember that it is very difficult for one person to solve a two person problem!