Keep the vision in view

The last thing I wanted to do this morning was exercise but I had given myself  a 30 day weight loss challenge and it was just day two!! Day two and I lacked motivation to move!! Then I remembered the reason for the weight loss journey in the first place and this got me off my lazy ****** and back on track.

Sheroes Award night, an annual event organised by the multi talented broadcaster Yemi Adenuga is coming up in October and I want to look my absolute best.

Sheroes 2016

The award night is to celebrate women who inspire,impact and influence in Ireland and beyond in different spheres. Last year was amazing and this year will be more so knowing Aunty Yemi as I do

Yemi Adenuga

I had the perfect dress and have the picture of how I want to look come October 2016 and that "picture" was all the fuel to get me going

Exercise mode

Weight loss experts tell people to have a vision of their anticipated end result for the weight loss journey to be successful. The picture of the end result serves as fuel when you lose motivation, the vision will help you back on track. For me its the silver/black dress in my wardrobe

Hebrews 12: 2 "Looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith". The vision is ahead not behind. It is an onward and forward outlook. So look ahead. Every goal is a future driven event and your vision fuels your goals.
It also pays to write the whys and hows down. These will serve as reminders along the way.
Habakkuk 2:2 "write the vision down; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it".
Don't just envisage the dream run with it!! Bring to life whats on paper! Don't just write it down, Give wings to your dream.
While trying to lose weight for Sheroes night, I am enjoying the daily walk, watching people as they go about their business and getting inspired along the way. These makes it all worth it. Aside your primary motive, as you give expression to your dream you will start to achieve even unidentified lesser goals. Remember its ok to start small and work it up from there. Just never lose sight of the vision. Now time to shed more flabs!

What I wore last year

TIPS TO REMEMBER

• Have a goal
• Picture it
• write it down
• keep it in view
• be committed
• Focus
• Determination
• have a strategy
• have a time frame
• break it into small achievable bits
• run with it
• it wont always be convenient but it will be worth it

Drop the crutches

Successful relationships don't just happen. They are the products of hard work, commitment, purpose, dedication with the constant infusion of  trust, love, motivation, encouragement, patience, gentleness, forgiveness and empathy among others. Patience is essential though not more than others but because every relationship consists of two different people from different backgrounds who have been been formed by different experiences. It could be culture, education, family even simple issues like political affiliations and leanings make up a person's persona.

 These differences would somehow find their way into a relationship even if one or the other person was pretending. A person can only wear a façade for so long before the cracks start showing. Outbursts of emotions or mis-used expression does not necessarily mean hate but might imply that the other person has not learnt a better way of sharing their pains or dealing with issues due to their formative experiences or sometimes poor choices.

 I mentioned poor choices because you can use your formative experiences as a crutch which eventually affects your relationship adversely.  An emotional crutch could be anything from fear, doubt, hurts, any excuse that keeps you from having and enjoying a better today. It holds you back and stifles your growth.  It could even be a person. The person with the crutch will eventually drag the other down if care is not taken.While a patience is a virtue, if absolute care is not taken the person with an emotional crutch that is unwilling to give it up will end up in an emotional wheelchair. SO BEWARE. 

 For healthier relationship, start making choices that will enhance your life, devoid of past experiences and emotional drama. I did a soul search recently and identified my crutches.Some were more obvious than others but crutches nonetheless.I grew up in a dysfunctional home(like you didn't) and had an emotionally charged teenage years.I logged around emotional garbage for years but got to a point that I had to consciously ditch the garbage so I could have a healthy life and future.  I got tired of using my past as a crutch and started making healthier and better choices for ME. I realised that the change that I desired must start with me. 

Nobody can run using crutches so why do people think they can have a healthy relationship while dragging past hurts and behaviours around? Dropping the emotional hangup is a personal choice that nobody can make for you, you have to take the decision. I consciously don't allow relationships that will not enhance me into my life. I surround myself with emotionally healthy people or those who are sincerely working on getting rid of the crutches.

 I say sincerely because some people are in denial that is why a soul search is necessary. David did it in Psalm 90:12 "teach me to number my days that I might apply myself to wisdom". A past boyfriend would rather run from a relationship than deal with issues but I'm the opposite. NO MORE RUNNING OR HIDING BEHIND CRUTCHES.

2015 is fast approaching. Instead of starting a new year with hang ups, why not do a soul search, identify the issues that hold you from being your best and drop the crutches. You'll walk taller then.

Bounce back with a BANG.

The summer months slipped quickly with many wondering as usual the swiftness of time. For me,the memories of the long sunny days are filled with every adventure but exercise and diet. Those plans and accompanying goals swiftly went out the window with my winter Jackets. It was ice cream season peep! lots and lots of flavours and toppings. Not to mention barbecue parties and so on. *sigh*

  Summer is gone now and its back to the rigours of exercise and healthy living. After the long break exercise became more pain than pleasure. The pains in my joint were testimony of over indulgence during the holiday. I could barely  get my skinny legs to obey me how much more do a trot. The thought of giving up never even crossed my mind. If I was "silly" enough to be distracted then I should be bold enough to pick up where I left off with my goals in sight.

It is not inhuman to lose track of our goals and be distracted like we sometimes do.  We've all been there and some  might even be right there at the moment. "do not be surprised at the fiery trial that you are going through as if something strange were opening to you" 1 peter 4;12. But its crucial to weigh the consequences of our slight detour against the benefits of getting back in line with our vision and remaining focused.

If like me you've experienced a diversion, it is imperative that you get back with the programme and move on. It might be difficult at the beginning but it'll eventually get better. It might be slow but if you don't give up, you'll pick up pace.
Don't let errors of the past keep you from moving forward. ITS TIME TO BOUNCE BACK WITH A BANG. Not even a failed relationship, job loss or financial mistakes can hold you bound except you allow it. There is glory in your future that the past cannot hold a candle to

With that in mind, I picked up my pace as I walked and it eventually became a trot and now I AM RUNNING AGAIN.

Stand Your Ground

Have you ever been wrongly judged or assessed in a situation and it drove you utterly nuts? What did you do? Stand your ground or smiled it away? I know someone that is not so easily pushed around..
My new found sister, Francina Norman (yes she is! we share the same royal blood-Jesus-so she is stuck with me whether she knows it not or likes it not, na she sabi..lol) shared an hilarious experience recently that got everyone reeling in laughter at the just concluded Authentic Woman Conference which held in Dublin.

Prophetess Francina Norman

 Francina had boarded a first class cabin on a plane and was minding her business when a strange man walked up to her and said her husband must be a basketball player for her to be able to afford the ticket! Well I've never sat in the first class cabin of an aeroplane so can't offer an appropriate description of what it looks like or the "calibre" of people that do. You can either Google or lets imagine the travel experience together. If you have on the other hand, inbox me the details or get me a ticket so my experience can be factual..lol.

 In true Francina fashion, she told the man her husband was not a footballer but a drug dealer and asked if the man wanted to be a customer!. Her response threw the man off balance and drew an applause from the other passengers. Imagine the audacity!  Of course, Francina was messing with the man but it put him back in his place. She stood her ground and did not allow the strange man's "warped" criteria for who qualifies to sit in first class ruffle her feathers. As long as she could buy the ticket then she qualifies!

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Many times, certain situations or people try to intimidate us, setting barriers and standards as to where we can go, what we can achieve, success level that we can aspire to or attain. Society and culture also  attempt to determine what one qualifies for. However, sometimes the enemy might be within, closer than you think. This has nothing to do with your background or environment  rather opinions formed by experiences. It could be  a past experience trying to  set limits on  future glories.  Who say's you can't have a life after a divorce? Or find marital bliss as a single parent? or even have a financial breakthrough after several financial mistakes? STAND YOUR GROUND! Other times it could be the issue of gender or skin colour, it doesn't matter, STAND YOUR GROUND!. Thank God Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger when she was forced to. She knew she deserved better treatment as a human being and STOOD HER GROUND against racial discrimination.

Rosa Parks

Her bravery  gained her international recognition and helped repeal an unfair law. David was no stranger to intimidation especially from his household. He had journeyed to the battle front to give "bread" to his brothers only to find the Israelite army cowering before the philistine giant.

 David saw a glory moment and wanted to take it but the first opposition came from his brothers. "But when David's oldest brother, Eliab heard David talking to the men, he was angry. " what are you doing around here anyway?" he demanded. "What about those few sheep you'r supposed to be taking care of? I kow about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!" 1Samuel 17:28. The brothers were determined to cap his ambition.

But David was having none of that "what have i done now? David replied. I was only asking a question...then David's question was reported to the king and the king sent for him" vrs 29-31. Well before his physical combat on the battle field, David's bold questions got the king's attention.

 Imagine if he'd allowed his brother's intimidation to re-route his ambition and sent him home. 

I tell autism daily "you are not having my son" "Joshua was bought at a price"  "Joshua is healed". Everyday I stand up to the nay sayers, mistakes, wrong choices even the inner voices that want to derail my vision.  In the words of Paula White "Since you did not save me, you cannot judge me"! STAND UP TO THE PAST! STAND UP TO YOUR MISTAKES! STAND UP TO YOUR NAY SAYERS! If you will do anything today STAND UP FOR YOUR GOALS, STAND UP FOR JESUS, STAND YOUR GROUND.

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Free From Fear

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Fear is not a healthy emotion. It is a crippling state of mind that does not allow a person to thrive. Fear denies the sovereignty of God.  For a person living in fear, life is more of an ardours existence instead of a purpose driven living. Fear defeats the purpose of creation. On the other hand, it takes courage and faith to truly live. To overcome fear, one must have a full understanding of who calls the shot in our lives; who is in charge! It involves having a godly perspective in any knotty situation.   Fearless living is not a denial of a challenge but acknowledging God as Sovereign in our lives. A fearless life takes into cognisance what is real and what is not.  It is the godly perspective that matter no matter what. "the lord is the light of my salvation -whom shall I fear" psalm 24:1. Every time you give room for fear in your life, you lose control. God's desire is that we should have dominion over everything including our emotions more so crippling ones like fear. I know what it is to live in fear but every time I turn the object of my fear to God, I realise there was nothing to fear in the first place and therein I have peace. Moreover, faith gets heaven’s attention and I do love attention. Enjoy this brilliant article by Greg Laurie of harvest Ministries.

It's in the seed

Editor's Note: Every great idea starts as a seed but with immense potentials. Ironically, a seed can be easily despised and ignored because of its size and appearance. I am sure there are many seed ideas that you have lying idle in your mind. I read this interesting post that challenged and has inspired me. it is written by Dr Temi Odejide. Read and be mindful of that seed in your hand. ‘…a mustard seed… is smaller than all the seeds on earth… it grows up and becomes greater than all...’ – Mark 4:30-32 It may start small but it will become great. The great tree does not start out as a great tree but as a tiny seed. Everything starts as a seed. Never despise a seed because you do not know what that seed will become. Don’t look down on the seed. A seed speaks of potential. Potential is not what you have already done but what you could do. But a seed is a seed someone said. No Sir, a seed is not just a seed. Locked in a seed is untold potential and infinite possibilities. God always starts with a seed. God starts small. Despise not small beginnings. ‘Though your beginning was small, yet your latter end will greatly increase.’– Job 8:7 ‘Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end.’– Deut. 32:29 When you plant the Chinese bamboo seed. It quickly sprouts from the ground but stays the same for four long years. Then in the fifth year it grows 3 feet per day till it reaches 90 feet tall. That is exponential growth! Sometimes your life can be like the Chinese bamboo tree but your growth is coming. So protect your seed. What is your seed? Your seed is your potential. Your seed is your product. Your seed is your jar of oil. Your seed is your gift. Your seed is your five fish and two loaves. Your seed is your competence. Your seed is your five stones and sling shot Your seed is your skill. Your seed is your staff in your hand Your seed is your talent. Your seed is your influence. But before you can unlock the potential in your seed it must go through a process. Today, re-evaluate the value of your seed. Tomorrow we’ll start discussing the process of the seed. Website: www.temiodejide.com Twitter: @ptemi1 BB: 2AFD5509 FB: facebook.com/temi.odejide

Stick with the programme

Am I the only person that find diets exhausting? thought not! it requires a lot of energy, determination and discipline most of which I tend to have in short supply *shamefaced*. With so much diet fads and trend its no wonder dieting would seem like an overwhelming task. The journey to a healthier and sexier me is further stressful given the ease with which other people seem to lose weight. *sigh*. Never mind those skinny *****es* on magazines cover..lol(blame the bad language on envy). The truth is I love food! If its edible, I'll eat it despite my better intentions. When I see food, all semblance of good sense and sensibility goes out the window especially when I visit my good friend Beauty-her red stew is "sinfully delicious". Oh, why do I have such hyperactive taste buds and insatiable appetite?. WHY!!! Many times I've been tempted to give up the whole diet palava but at the last minute remember I have much more to gain if I lose weight compared with the health challenges of obesity. Its not easy but I'm sticking with the programme. For instance, I have green tea with lemon on my mid day snack plan but my tummy is craving correct Eba smothered in vegetable soup yum yum!! Despite the rumbling of my tummy, I chose to stick with my plan, refusing to give into my baser instinct like a ravenous beast. I've simply had enough of the yoyo diet. I want to shed the extra flabs once and for all. Aside from my uncontrollable appetite *cough*, doctors have identified other reasons but I say bull crap!!(too much expletives going on..my bad). More than ever before, I have come to appreciate the power of the holy spirit in weight loss. Whenever I fall off the wagon (which I do), I get back up with His help without any condemnation. To the many ladies struggling to achieve their dream weight goals, you are not programmed to go the journey alone. If it matters to you then be sure it MATTERS TO GOD. However the holy spirit is the perfect gentleman He would not force his way into where He is not invited or welcomed. Ironically, we invite His help into our relationships, finances etc but shut the door when it comes to weight loss. We boast in self effort and crumble when we fail. The power for lasting transformation lies in GOD. the journey to a healthier and sexier me has been a slow YET progressive one. More than ever before I'm sticking with the program. Aside from the health benefits, I want to look good on my wedding day. I want my husband to carry me across the thresh hold and not drag me by the hair or hire a crane to do his job-don't want him to hurt his back either*cough* All parts are necessary for a blissful honeymoon, I've waited too long to be denied any part of my "entitlement" *cough*. With that picture in mind, I'm putting my back into the programme ."fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God".Hebrew 12:2. It is important for a successful weight loss programme that you identify why you eat, connect with friends with similar goals and seek help from the Holy Spirit-you are just a prayer away from your desired goal.

Who Knew?

Who knew I would someday be running instead of jogging? Not me? I am the queen of strolling, walking and gliding, NOT RUNNING. As a typical teenager, I did my fair-less than average- share of running during school sports or the few times I was chased by the local dogs in my area but running was never my forte more so since I gained weight. To worsen the situation, I've got skinny legs and a muffin type upper body so my legs just couldn't carry the rest of me...think of an egg on match sticks Despite the afore mentioned, I suddenly found myself running instead of my usual gentle walk in the mornings. So what happened? The transition did not happen overnight nor by magic rather was the result of gradual progress steeped in consistency and determination. More than ever before I'm determined to shed the flabs(my son finds my wobbly stomach funny and tries to hide stuffs like coins in them but after a while it was no longer funny but embarrassing!) . I started with a short twenty minutes brisk walk and the impact on my body felt more like a one hour fighting bout with Mohammed Ali but I was not giving up despite the pain. I didn't mind the temporary discomfort rather started enjoying it as part of my daily routine. Today, I proudly run instead of dragging my feet. Spiritual growth doesn't just happen but like every exercise its a gradual build up before the more tasking routines. The more you pray, the more your faith muscles are built up.Simon peter is one of my favourites amongst Jesus' disciples. He'd been dragging his feet in ministry until he metaphorically started running with the vision. like me peter had a lot working against him. He was uneducated, uncouth and brash with a past filled with noticeable failures. However before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit whereby peter spoke before a teeming crowd and over three thousand were added to the church, he'd stood before a smaller audience in Acts 1:15 "In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty). That small private audience was the training ground for a larger audience. Who knew Peter could ever reach his full potentials, I'm sure he never did but God knew. All it took was for him to embrace the little and it enlarged with usage and time. Don't let your past mistakes and weaknesses hold you captive. If my skinny legs can carry my muffin top, there is so much you can achieve if only you will try.

slowly but SURELY

Hurray! I have lost a whopping 6kg in a month!!!!. I'm so excited and very pleased with myself. I was shopping yesterday and decided to stop by at a pharmacy to check my weight. imagine my surprise when the result came out...almost screamed the shop down(apologies to the attendant that I hugged and the poor shoppers that thought the pharmacy was under attack when they heard this crazy black lady dancing and screaming at the same time.... poor joshua must have been very embarrassed. The things I put him through!) My excitement stemmed from the fact that my weight loss program was actually working. I'd made some serious dietary and life style changes but nothing prepares you for the outcomes of some actions don't you think? I don't particularly have a laid down regime but I do take lots of green tea and that boosts my energy levels. Infact, I'm addicted to green tea. I've practically stopped taking regular tea-no more sugar and milk for this lady. Losing this extra lard of fat is a very big feat for me since I've been desperate to be slim and healthy for a long time. Right now, I'm motivated to push the envelop further. Cant wait to show off a slimmer and healthier me in the summer. Already, I can visualise my now delectable self in a tribal bodycon dress with no bulge in sight and no constricting girdle as well.....lol . In january, I made a decision not to buy any new outfit till I reach my target weight. it'll make the idea of shopping for the unveiled new me more exciting. In the words of Joan Rivers, "my body is a temple and this temple need redecorating"...lol Hard work sure pays and I'm determined to win this battle of the bulge. ISIOMA WATCH THIS SPACE!!