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Blog Saturday, May 12 2018
 The Love of a Mother
If I had to contrast the love of a Mother to any other earthly love, there is no greater love. As a mother, I have experienced the beauty of carrying my children in my womb, then in arms, on my hip, now and forever; I carry them in my heart. As we approach Mother’s Day this Sunday, let’s remember and honor motherhood. I am so blessed to have my mother still here on this side of heaven. My mother has been and is my ROCK, she helped shaped me to be the strong godly woman I am today, for this I am forever grateful! Thank you, Mom! Love you dearly!
The sacrifice and love of a mother is limitless, mothers go without to provide for their children, we give up our own dreams and careers to provide the care our young children need. Our focus is to become the catalyst to help our children dreams comes true. As mothers, we counsel and advise as our children as they grow older. I remember the many talks and advise my mother has given me. There’s an old rhythm and blues song that reminisce in my mind that says, “Mama said there will be days like this, there will be days like this, my mama said.”
It is a wonderful privilege to be a mother today. I have the joy of being a new grandmother and love watching the mothers of my grandchildren experience the beauty of being new mothers. A miraculous transformation happens when a young woman becomes a mother, she is no longer concerned about herself but the welfare of her children. The mother child bonding starts in the womb and does not end! Yes, as a mother our ultimate goal is to love, nurture and train our children to grow into thriving, healthy independent adults, who will continue our legacies.
A favorite Proverb mine: She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all”.
Your mother’s voice is the first voice you ever hear – even before you are born. Even as a newborn baby, you know your mother and prefer her above anyone else. Cherish your mother and be sure she knows you appreciate everything she does for you. The days are short, love your mother before time is gone. If your mother has already gone on before you, take some time to recall memories of her. Share these memories with your family so that she will live on in your hearts. Have a Happy and Blessed Mother Day!
Thursday, February 08 2018
Fly Like an Eagle! Whether you are an Eagles’ fan or not, you have to admire their tenacity and determination to will win Super Bowl LLII. Within a few hours on last Sunday, the Eagles went from the “underdogs” to “Super Eagles Champions, surprising and upsetting Patriots fans. Here is my take on how the Eagles were able to overcome a negative team image and to prove themselves deserving Champions: 1. The team spoke of themselves as a team destined to win the Super Bowl, their quote: “We are a team of destiny”. Until last Sunday night the team had not won a Super Bowl in the history of their franchise! But they had seen themselves as Super Bowl winners several years to prior to last Sunday night. The Eagles demonstrated a success key of visualizing and verbalizing themselves as champions before they were! I believe this was paramount to their Super Bowl victory. 2. The team re-branded themselves to become a strong team of faith and unity. The Philadelphia Eagles had a reputation of being rowdy and uncouth; a bunch of street “thugs” from the city of “Brotherly Love”. Personally, I had not followed too much football during the season since my darling Cowboys did not make the playoffs. On the other hand, my husband, sons and daughters are dire heart Eagles fans; they “bleed green”. My husband is originally from the Philadelphia area and has remained a faithful fan, even in Cowboy territory! I was inspired through the media to witness the strong bond and positive attitude the Eagles had developed through their faith in Christ and their faith /belief in each other. 3. The team went into the playoff without their regular quarterback, he was injured in an earlier game, but this did not deter them from staying focused on their win. The coaches and team members had confidence in the back-up quarter back, that he could lead them to victory. You see the success of any organization or institution cannot be dependent of one or a few people. There is power and strength in numbers! The Eagles team demonstrated the power of synergy. The dictionary defines synergy as collaboration, cooperation, combined effect and concerted effort. “Team work makes the dream work”. In summary, the Eagles had lost three games leading up to the Super Bowl, a life lesson we can learn or be reminded is that it’s not how we start, it’s how we finish! Keep your eyes on your dreams and goals. There will be obstacles and opportunities to be discouraged or give up! We can all have an “eagle mentality” to fly higher than we can ever image. “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint”. Isaiah 40:31. Never, Never Ever Give Up! To Your Success and Happiness! Dot Sunday, December 31 2017
Happy New Year! Your Best is Yet to Come!
Written Goals in Six Easy Steps
Research has revealed that people have more difficulty setting goals than they do accomplishing them once they are set. The hardest part is sitting down and actually thinking about what you want to do with your life. The fact is, many of us have difficulty with finding time just for thinking and planning our lives. A start is to assess where you are, assess your abilities and talents, where you want to go and why you want to go there. To get where you want to go you need a map, a plan! I cannot imagine anyone planning a trip to a distant location, where they have never traveled without a map! The same holds true for achieving life goals, you need a written plan to navigate you to your desired destinations.
Goals are not just for professional people, but for everyone who dares to dream of a better life. With the dawn of the new year, I want to encourage those of you who do not set goals and write them down; make this year your year to do so. A written plan is crucial to achieving your Big dreams of starting or expanding a business, starting or finishing school, becoming financial free, losing unwanted pounds, becoming healthier and fit or but not least, to become a better person.
Here are 6 easy steps to achieving your goals:
(1) Visualize the end from the beginning. In other words, plan the end before you start. Stephen Covey states:" Begin with the end in mind".
A successful weight loss tip I have personally used to lose pounds and recommend to my clients, is to purchase the smaller size dress or pants they desire to wear (the smaller size may be in your closet), place them where they can see them each morning. This technique works in conjunction with following a healthy fitness routine and eating plans.
(2) Goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. An example of a SMART goal: Lose 30 pounds of body fat, not muscles, by July 1, 2018. This will be accomplished by incorporating exercise and following a healthy eating plan.
(3) Plan and write goals in 6 areas of life: Spiritual, Relationships, Financial and Career, Physical and Health, Social and Cultural, Mental and Educational. Setting goals in each area will ensure a more balanced life.
(4) Plan and write your goals in the positive instead of the negative. The more positive the goal the more positive the results.
(5) Make sure your goals are high enough. Dream Big! Shoot for the stars!
(6) Write down your goals, this is the most important step. Written goals create the roadmap to your success. Don't just write them down and tuck them away.
Your goals should be reviewed frequently. The more focused you are on your goals, the more likely you are to accomplish them.
A favorite Bible verse of mine is, "Man plans his ways, but God does the execution". But note, man must plan! Your plans should be well thought out and the next step is to write them down. Your best is yet to come!
To Your Health and Happiness in the New Year!
Thursday, December 07 2017
Tips for Controlling Stress During the Holidays With Christmas and New Year’s being right around the corner and Black Friday a few days past, it’s time to keep check on your stress. There has been a long-standing myth that suicide rates increase over the holiday season. According to the Mayo Clinic this is completely false. What is true is that the rates of depression and stress do increase. Here are six tips to help you control stress during this season:
Understandably, you might be busy and have little time for physical activity during the holidays. However, it doesn't take much time to maintain a calm mental state. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a minimum of three times each week. Find an activity that works for you and your lifestyle. You may want to consider: walking, jogging, biking, playing sports, strength training and aerobics.
If some of your relatives have always acted out or made you feel bad, chances are that won’t change. If you know what you are getting into, it will be easier not to let them push your buttons. If things get uncomfortable go to a movie or for a drive and adjust your attitude.
May this season bring you much joy and love, and may the true meaning of the season touch your heart! To Your Health and Happiness,
Thursday, October 05 2017
These Are Perilous Times The dictionary describes perilous as, “exposure to the risk of being injured, destroyed, or lost”. The recent incident in Las Vegas is a too familiar scene of senseless destruction and loss of innocent lives. The question is? What triggers seeming ordinary people to commit such an evil act of violence. The killer cannot answer this question, since he cowardly killed himself. But the question remains why? There’s plenty of speculations and opinions flowing around, such as; he was disturbed about his father’s past criminal dealings. That he may have had a mental disease that required medication (insinuating that prescription drugs could have caused him to lose control)! One television newscaster had the audacity to say that some seventy percent of American is taking some type of mind altering prescription drugs. This could possibly be classified as “Fake News”, and requires a fact check! Here’s my take: Oblivious the man was disturbed, I choose not to use his name, this will only solidify a possible motive; his name in the media. But let’s call it what it is pure evil, which had become deep seated and rooted in this man’s heart (spirit, mind, emotions). The Bible states “The enemy comes to kill and destroy, but I have come to give life and life more abundantly.” In the absence of reverence and love of the Lord, the hearts of men wax cold and hard; breeding ground for evil. The great Apostle Paul spoke these words to his young protégé, Timothy. “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times (perilous times). For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” We live in a fallen world, meaning bad things will happen to good people. We can only trust in God and believe that God is good all the times! He does not cause destruction and evil things to happen. We have been given a free will to choose, life or death; choose life. We are to guard our hearts (spirit, mind and emotions) with all diligence for out of it flows the issues of life. We can overcome evil with good! Fight the good fight of Faith! Continue to pray for the victims’ families and friends in Las Vegas. Grace and Peace to All Thursday, June 29 2017
Speak to the Mountain
In this life you will have problems, there is not a person on the planet that will not have challenges and problems to overcome. Our goal in life is not to avoid problems. Unexpected or expected problems and challenges will happen. Our goal is to have the wisdom and knowledge on how to solve and or overcome problems. Many times people spend useless time and effort talking about the problem (s). This can be in the form of complaining, gossiping, speaking fear, anger or doubt; which only compounds the situation. The problem(s) will take on a life of its own and begin to dominate your thoughts, causing negative and destructive behaviors, such as overeating, depression, drug usage.
You may say, "Dot, you do not know the BIG problem I am dealing with, it seems like there is no end or no way out!" "What can I do?" I am glad you asked that question. My answer .. SPEAK TO YOUR MOUNTAIN! Your mountain is any challenge or problem that seems insurmountable. Your words are a powerful force, they can create and they can tear down. The Bible states the power of life and death is in the tongue. The tongue is like a rudder on a ship, it can direct your life to your dreams and life goals. If you say you can, you will, if you say you can't, you will not. This may seem over simplified, but in reality what you say about your problems and what you believe, have more impact than what others say or believe concerning your situation. Say to the Mountain, "Move"! I am not saying that you should avoid seeking others to help solve or overcome your problems, but ultimately you must believe in your ability to overcome victoriously. It's important to know that you can transform a seemingly impossible task or problem by speaking to it. You may say. "I will not be destroyed by this problem, I have the ability to overcome."
Being a woman of faith, I speak to my problem (s) , (Mountains), in this manner. "I Can Do All Things through Christ who strengthen me". When challenged with a health concern. I speak, "I walk in Divine health and wholeness". We are not to deny the fact that the symptoms are there, but deny its right to remain in your body. A favorite verse of mine: "Then Jesus told them, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don't doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen".
I will summarize with a reminder that we are spirit, soul and body. The soul (mind, will and emotions), if not kept in checked, can cause havoc to the body and weaken our spirits. We must speak to the MOUNTAIN, words of peace, calm, faith and rid our thoughts of doubt, fear and unbelief. It's important first to rid your mind of negative thoughts, take every negative thought captive and cast it out. Thoughts are seeds, which become actions and actions create destiny.
To Your Health and Happiness!
Thursday, September 01 2016
Decide to Live Longer Aging Healthy Part II of II Not long ago it was acceptable that older people could not improve their muscle strength or their muscle mass. Now happily this myth is dispelled with much research by top rated universities and better yet with my own experiences working with older clients. No matter how old you are, you can reverse the signs of aging. Many middle aged and older Americans seems to adhere to this outmoded dictate “Take it easy”. “You’re not as young as you used to be.” This is only partially true. Yes, chronically we add years, the good news is with proper care and attention to one’s spirit, mind and body, biological a person can be 20 to 30 years younger than their chronical age. This is not the time to physically “take it easy”, but to be more deliberate about staying active and improving muscle strength. Surveys show that only 30 percent of American 45-64 exercise regularly, while 22 percent of adults 65 and older follow a regular plan of exercise. We now know that the human body repairs itself and perform more efficient with proper conditioning that is achieved through a program of regular exercise and good nutrition. As stated last week, all of the tools and technology exists today for a person to live 120 years. Healthy aging is a decision. Many of you know the benefits of a good cardiovascular program such as walking, biking, and swimming. Let’s examine the benefits of resistance/ weight training, as an essential component of fitness especially as you get older. Resistance/weight training produces the following benefits: 1. It strengthens your muscles and bones. 2. Lowers cholesterol levels. 3. Decrease or reverse signs of osteoporosis. 4. It improves confidence and self-esteem. 5. Increase lean muscles which helps reduce body fat. 6. Reduce signs of aging. 7. Accelerate weight loss. Weight or resistance training can either be performed with free weights such as barbells and dumbbells, rubber bands, specially designed equipment which works various body parts of the body and or the weight of one’s own body. If you have not worked with weights before be sure to have a qualified trainer instruct you in their proper use. A trainer will design a program which includes the specified number of sets and repetitions to meet your goal. A solid program may start with working 8-10 major muscles, 8-12 repetitions, 2-3 times per week. It’s very import to include stretching in your program. Stretching improves flexibility and reduce injuries. Before you begin an exercise program, be prudent and prepared. Check with your physician before starting. To Your Health and Happiness Monday, August 22 2016
Decide to Live Longer! Aging Healthy Part I of II
At the turn of the last century life expectancy was 47 years. At the turn of this century life expectancy is 78.7 years. There's a circle of experts who agree that we have the tools available today to live to be 120 years. Healthy aging is a decision. Aging healthy involves 70% lifestyle and 30% genetics. The great news is you can change lifestyle if not genetics. Begin with self-awareness; take an honest look at your high risk behaviors: 1. Do you eat well? 2. Do you have high blood pressure? 3. How's your cholesterol? 4. How's your life outlook (attitude)? 5. Do you exercise? 6. How are you balancing life? Cardiovascular exercises not only keep your body fit but keep the brain fit, particular the frontal lobe which deals with memory. Aerobic exercises like walking, biking or swimming; reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, colon cancer, muscle atrophy and fend off depression which can become more common with aging. Aerobic exercises focus on the part of the brain that help you focus, concentrate, improves positive attitude and problem solve. Research has proven that mental exercises such as reading books, doing crossword puzzles, word games can help maintain mental acuity. If you do not use your mental faculties you will lose them. Just as if you do not use your muscles they weaken. A sedentary lifestyle can cripple your independence. If you let yourself become inactive, you will hinder your ability to take care of yourself by promoting physical and mental deterioration. Regular exercise, on the other hand increases muscular fitness and bone density, improves stamina and strength, enhances posture, improves balance and coordination, heightens self-esteem and increases the ability to perform everyday activities. No matter how old you are, you are probably able to exercise to some extent and reap its reward. Before beginning any exercise program check with your physician. A thorough medical examination and an exercise tolerance test (stress test) are advised. Be sure your doctor reviews your medications to avoid drug associated complications during exercise. Older people are more easily injured and slower to heal than younger people. Therefore, once you have gotten medical clearance, it is important to get sound advice from a health and fitness expert who can help prescribe a safe and effective program. Do it for your Body, Mind and Spirit, Just Do It! To Your Health and Happiness! Dot High-Steed, Life Coach Wednesday, August 17 2016
A Key to a Successful life? Education “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him how to fish and you will feed him for a life time”. There are many interpretations of this quote, I will refer to it in terms of a formal education. That is attending a quality K-12 academic program and some form of higher education, whether it’s receiving a degree from a two-year college, four- degree and above or receiving a certification in a technical field. The purpose of a formal education is to insure that abled bodied citizens are educated to become self-sufficient. I am not against welfare and charities who help the poor. There is a need to provide temporary assistance to individuals and families who fall upon hard times. Welfare does not lift people out of poverty, it makes them dependent on the System. Dependency breeds frustration, apathy, laziness and it undermines the strength of families and our nation. There are many in our country, politicians and citizens alike, who focus on the disparities that exist between the have/ the have nots, among blacks, whites and Hispanics. We must continue to seek solutions, not just focus on the problems. One solution is to insure that all children receive a quality education. An educated person’s mind is equipped to seek jobs, and careers which will provide decent pay, a better life for the person and a stronger economy. Education needs to be combined with a strong work ethic. Higher education and a strong work ethic will break the back of poverty. Every child does not start at the same level of education when entering school, thus the gaps we see in learning. Educational gaps are due to: Parent’s income, parents and teacher’s expectations of a child’s ability to learn and parent involvement at all levels of a child’s development. But with educators and parents focusing on the individual needs of each child, every child can succeed in school and beyond. My Story: I am a strong advocate of a formal education for all students. I am blessed to have been born and raised in a family that modeled and emphasized hard work and education. Even though my parents themselves did not complete high school, they guided me in my God-given desire to succeed in school and life. I developed the grit, tenacity to overcome obstacles that life presented and still presents. My grandfather, would say to me at very young age “Jean you are smart, get your education, they can never take that away from you”. At the time I did not question him on who “they” were. Looking back, I can only speculate that with him having grown up and experienced the harsh realities of the segregated South, he saw an equalizing force in the form of education. My challenge to you, especially parents of school age children, emphasis the importance of education to your children. Make it a priority that they to attend school, every day. The health of their future and our nation is dependent of this.
To Your Success and Happiness
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