A Reason, A Season, A Lifetime Part Deux

My posts discuss a lot of topics relating to enhancing your lifestyle with nutritional and dietary supplements as well as personal care products. I really believe in the products I recommend to enhance your lifestyle.

One thing I haven't discussed lately has nothing to do with products, but if you practice it, I know from personal experience, you will truly add years to the quality of your life.

It's all about your attitude. Having a positive attitude works wonders! Did you know that?

A positive reinforcement that I recently came across said it all for me: "If you spend your time looking in the rear view mirror, you'll never see the great things that are ahead of you."

This stopped me in my tracks. I asked myself, "Why do I spend so much time thinking about things that have happened in the past? Why do I dwell so much on people that have decided I'm not supposed to be in their front row?" I mean, just because I love them doesn't mean they have to love me back. Ideally, that's what we all want is for our love to be reciprocated but in reality, that won't always be the case.

It just won't.

So I've decided-rather than going over and over past mistakes, I'm making it a personal mission of mine to move forward in love. Even if someone that I love has decided they no longer wish to be a part of my life, it's okay. I will no longer dwell in disappointment, wondering what I did wrong-especially if they won't tell me or give me the chance to make it right-I am going to honor their wishes and let them go.

Starting at this moment, if I haven't done so before, I am moving forward, not in anger, not in frustration, and certainly not vengefully, the way I used to. I'm honoring their wishes and I will move forward in love, wishing them the best that life has to offer. That's what we all want for the ones we love-even if they don't love us back.

I'm grateful for the time we had together because, if I didn't make the decision to cut you out of my life, you brought value to me. But if you're letting me go, then I no longer bring value to you-at least not enough for you to fight to keep me around-and you deserve to have people in your life that you consider 'lifers' or people that you want to have in your front row.

I know some people are reading this right now wondering, "What is she going on about?" Well, to be honest, in a way, this is a letter to those people that I've been dwelling on-one of which happens to have a birthday today and one has a birthday tomorrow (happy birthday to you both).

Sure, I didn't have to publish this but, this is my way of finally letting go. After five years of waiting, I'm finally letting go.

For the rest of you who have decided I no longer bring value to your life, it's okay. I can't bring value to everyone's life so I am going to concentrate on those who do feel I'm worthy of having around.

I'm no longer looking in the rear view mirror with regret-only ahead with joy, love, hope, faith and peace. Thank God, I finally feel like I have some peace.

Happy May Day everyone!

Lady Sings the Blues

Love is definitely in the air!

It's officially spring, a time of year when all is fresh and new. Then we have all this royal wedding business going on and it really has me feeling a bit melancholy, nostalgic and yet optimistic at the same time.

I didn't intend to get caught up in William and Cate but when I saw the film of the two of them covertly glancing at one another during the ceremony and beyond, I couldn't help but to get drawn into the pageantry of it all.

I know that the wedding was but a spectacle for public consumption but I have to say that the best part was when he told her she looked beautiful, as she arrived at the alter.

Those little moments where Harry whispered to William as Cate drew near the alter, the bashful glances they (William and Catherine) bestowed on one another that read as if they had a little secret that only the two of them shared; those were the moments that made me sit through the rest of the pomp and circumstance, waiting with baited breath, to see what would happen next. What about you?

I had the same feeling I had when a couple of weeks ago, I channel surfed and came upon the movie, Lady Sings The Blues. I was so excited to see it. As the story ensued, I realized this was the first time I watched it as an adult.

Mz Ross'performance was incredible then and her performance has stood the test of time.

The newly discovered layer in the story for me was Louis McKay, played by Billie Dee Williams.

The only memory I had of him was when he held out the dollar bill and said the now famous line, "You gonna let my hand fall off?"

The camera panned up to his face in all of its gorgeousness and baby I tell you, I was just as gone as Billie must have been in that moment.

I'm so happy that I've had the opportunity to see this movie as an adult with critical thinking skills that come into play to interpret more of the layers of this movie.

My younger self remembered Louis McKay as a bad guy and I have no idea why. In the beginning, when Billie and Louis got together and he seemed to discard her after they spent the night together, I was ready to throw him out with the dirty dishwater.

I truly almost turned the channel at that moment because I didn't remember the movie. I thought this was the start of him treating her badly. I'm so glad I sat tight and put the remote control down.

Sidenote:Is it just me or is Lady Sings the Blues, the precursor to When a Man Loves a Woman?

I recently saw that movie in its entirety also and I tell you, these two movies are restoring this lady's faith in the idea that there are men out there who could love a woman so completely. Oh, it was such a beautiful sight for me. I could just imagine finding my man and being filled up with his love for me.

That's what William and Cate reminded me of today with those covert glances he gave her and she returned. It was beautiful to see them looking like they really do love one another. This union may last and become some sort of example that restores a lot of people's faith in together ever after. Not perfect, but together, working things out because their love is larger than the problems they have to wade through.

Oh how I wish Billie and Louis could have overcome Billie's addiction the way it happened with Michael and Alice (When a Man Loves a Woman).

I just love love stories. Maybe I'll publish my collection someday. But I love real love stories even more than the ones in fairy tales and movies.

I would love, LOVE, LOVE for you guys to share some of your love stories with me on this post. Tell me how you met the woman or man who is now the love of your life. Did the two of you have to overcome any major issues to be together? Do you feel like it's the two of you against the world? Is he or she your "road dog" or "ride or die pick?"

I want to live vicariously through you! Please...share with me!

P.S. If you want to start your own love story or take it up a notch, have a look at my "Love Jones Basket." It is sure to give you some ideas!

Order it here!

This wheatgrass is really making a difference in my life!

I thought taking wheatgrass was just another fad that would soon be gone but, I am amazed at all the changes I've noted in just one month of taking it.

I began to take it because I read that it would increase my energy levels. I'm always on the hunt for natural ways to boost my energy levels because I'm so busy.

Let's face it! You have to dig really deep when you're running a business, studying for a Master's degree and taking on two new careers at the same time! Whew, I tired myself out just thinking about all that's happening lately!

Anywho, I ordered the powder from my back office (item #50197-Ultimate Youth Green Superfood) and immediately began to use it in my daily protein shakes. I noticed a difference almost immediately!

I was ready to get my day going but being on the run all day made it hard for me to incorporate this incredible superfood throughout my day.

Once I found out it has B vitamins in addition to protein, I was sold!

Wheatgrass has the widest variety of vitamins and minerals around so the need for all the vitamins for this and supplements for that have virtually disappeared since I started this journey.

I started out looking for energy and here I have found a cancer fighting, blood pressure reducing, tooth decay preventing(hold liquid wheatgrass in the mouth for 5 minutes and it pulls poisons from the gums-I hear), toxin neutralizing son of a gun!

Do you know that if you mix the powdered form with water to make a paste, it can relieve that cracked up skin you get on your heels ladies? Yep! I actually tried that this week and I have to say, I notice a difference, but I may not be the best candidate to tell that story because I take pretty good care of my feet with my foot care line I told you about in my last post. Someone who really has a problem with cracked heels will have to try it and let me know.

Wheatgrass is also said to be a wonderful resource if you're suffering from constipation too. I know a lot of people confess that they don't drink enough water and that really is the number one thing you should do if you're suffering from constipation but wheatgrass is definitely worth a shot, especially with all of the other benefits that come with adding it to your daily routine.

I actually found some wheatgrass pills and I take them with every meal in addition to my morning energy shake and I tell you, it's a phenomenal feeling.

I've suffered with skin problems since I was a teenager and in the last month, I've noticed that I haven't gotten any new breakouts, not even the PMS breakouts I've grown used to. My skin looks clearer and not as oily as it has been for my whole life.

I haven't lost weight like I expected to doing the fish only sacrifice for Lent but, I haven't gained any either. I've read that wheatgrass can assist in weight loss so you know I will be keeping a close eye on the progress on that front right?

I've loaded you guys up with a lot and I'm not even finished yet. There will definitely be a part two to my wheatgrass journey, perhaps more as I begin to notice all of the changes that are happening.

I'm in the middle of certifying to become a personal trainer so I'm sure that the knowledge I'm gaining on that front will be of assistance to someone, somewhere soon. The added benefit of this wheatgrass journey can only be a positive one so I'm happily on my way! Wish me luck. If you have any questions, feel free to post a comment. I love sharing the knowledge I'm gaining while I'm on this journey to living longer, younger and prettier! I'd love to have people join me on this journey so we can live longer, younger and prettier together! How about them apples? :)

Want to cure your insomnia?

Who hasn't had a problem with insomnia? Raise your hand. Exactly. EVERYONE at some point has battled with the ugly monster called insomnia. We've tried everything from counting sheep, to a warm bath AND milk, lavender, rigorous exercise four hours beforehand, developing the same pattern to ready the body for bed,and the list goes on. The rituals we've all tried to catch those elusive zzzzzz's are at times hilarious and emotionally as well as physically draining but still not enough to get us "calling the hogs."

I have to say, my latest discovery makes me feel like I've been keeping a dirty little secret by not sharing with you and I'm here to tell you, this is a GOOD one!

Everyone knows that lavender is one of those essential oils that is good for a multitude of things, including relaxing the senses, thus allowing the body to welcome sleep with open arms. Everyone also knows that massaging the body stimulates circulation as well as relaxing the muscles. Why not put the two together?

I know, I'm brilliant right?

Well, here it is. The Lavender Mint Tea line. Sure, the line was designed for the feet, but I've personally found the benefits travel above, beyond and around the feet. It's genius!

I sprinkle the foot soak crystals (they work for the entire body too)into my bath while it's running so they have time to dissolve. Once I sink into my bath, my body is already primed for relaxation because that delicious fragrance of lavender mixed with refreshing mint lightly tickles the air.

Once I've given my body a bit of time to enjoy the warmth of the water, I use the scrub to gently exfoliate the dead skin while stimulating my blood and relaxing my muscles at the same time. What could be better?

I'll tell you what could be better. Once I emerge from my bath, the fragrance and the scrub have already begun to do their job. I massage the organic, moisturizing cream into my skin from neck to toes-further relaxing my tired and sometimes achy muscles. The refreshing finishing spray is the last step in the process for me. The gentle mist in the air with the scent of lavender is the last step in the process that signals...it's a wrap!

This has truly worked for me every single time I feel anxious or not relaxed enough for a good night's sleep to be within reach for me.


Whether I take a quick shower before bed or a long, luxurious bath, my senses are exposed to the lavender well before my head hits the pillow. The
luscious scent begins to work its magic on my senses and before long, it's off to beddy bye!

I don't know about you but if I read this kind of endorsement from someone else and I was experiencing the same problem, I'd be inclined to give it a shot. What have you got to lose except for some skin that's dead anyway?

Here's the link to investigate further if you're so inclined. http://www.thagoodlyfe.com Until then, I wish you peace and good sleep! Makes a great mother's day gift too!

Late Night Snacking is a no-no...NOT!

If you succumb to the midnight munchies, it will go straight to your hips, right? Not necessarily. You put on weight when you eat more food than your body needs, and don’t do enough activity to burn it off. While some people may snack more when they stay up late, it’s the amount and type of snacks that determine if the lbs will pile on, or not.

Choose snacks from the core food groups like dairy, fruit or grains if you’re feeling hungry after dinner. Otherwise, to combat late night snacking or over eating at night, try to eat six regular meals throughout the day and drink plenty of fluids. Sometimes we think we're hungry when in reality, we're on the verge of dehydration-the body can be tricky like that.

That's why it pays to really pay attention to your body. If you become really in tune with your body and all of its amazing signals and triggers, you'll have the opportunity to head off ailments that can start small and take on a snowball effect because you ignored those little, yet tell-tale signs.

To your continued health and increasing wealth! Value every experience you have-for one leads to another and another and it gets better and better-even when it doesn't feel like it.

Grateful for His protection!

I thank God for giving me the courage to be truthful. I feel sorry for those who live their lives cloaked in secrets.

Lately, God has been pulling back the curtain and giving me a glimpse into a couple of situations that caused me to question myself and humanity as a whole.

I would ask Him, "why?" and "what did I do wrong?" and "how did I miss this?"

I guess He finally got tired of me questioning myself and revealed to me that it had nothing to do with me. The so-called obstacles that were placed in my way were not put there to prevent me from getting what I wanted. The "obstacles" were placed in order to protect me. Now that He has made me aware of just how wrong the path was that I was considering, it's like the first time I can actually feel just how deep His love is for me.

It's amazing to know that the "suffering" I thought I experiencing was actually His protection over my life and well-being.

As I posted earlier today on fb: Telling the truth doesn't make me perfect. I will never be perfect. Telling the truth makes me free. Being truthful allows me to live an authentic life. That's just about as good as it can get.

I feel so blessed to have been given the courage to be truthful. There are many who fear the truth to the point where their whole life becomes one big ole lie. I'm not saying I've always been this way but, I know for sure that the truth has always been in my heart and whether I've been guilty of suppressing it initially, at some point, the truth just bursts out of me because I can't live my life authentically and look for that in others if I go around and perpetuate lies.

Sometimes, it's best to stay home and just be with yourself versus going to a church where you can get lost in fellowship and forget about who you really are and what you're really doing in your life.

Sometimes, it's better to be with just YOU and God and no one else where He can see into your heart and guide you to where you can be free. FOR REAL.

What have you got in the palm of your hand

That was such a great question posed on facebook this morning, I decided to pose the question on my blog too.

So, during this year that has been trying at best for so many, now that we're rapidly approaching the end, what lessons do you take away from this year? Have you accomplished the goals you set for this year? Does 2010 mark the end of your five year plan? What are your plans for next year? The next five years? How will you go about accomplishing your goals? Who will you enlist to help you?

This year: As far as my health goes,

I've learned that the few moments of discomfort I experience while exercising is only a fraction of the extra years of joy and freedom I will experience because I took the time and made the effort to live a healthy lifestyle when I'm surrounded by an environment that encourages and accepts a lackadaisical attitude towards health and fitness.

I also believe it is my duty to go the extra mile to accomplish my fitness goals because then, the people I care about and some that I've yet to know will see that, whatever you want to do, it can be done. If I can do it, anyone can. I'm not superhuman, I'm not any different than the next human being, I simply refuse to let go of a dream that I have within me to accomplish. This is one thing that is truly up to me and me alone. The same is true for you. So, I figure, if I stop taking the long way around the bend, stop and just do what I know has to be done, then guess what, it will get done. Period.

Other goals may require additional help but this one...it's in my hands (as yours is in your hands) as long as God sees that I am healthy enough to make healthy lifestyle decisions for myself.

I'm on a mission and I'm taking all of you with me so...you better get ready! :)