Countdown to New Years 2011 "Get It Tight Before Midnight" Fitness Challenge: Day 7

Congratulations! You have completed the first step of this journey by comitting to you.  You have implemented the 3 R's and even created a "Me" time plan for the future. Take a second and applaud yourself.  For some of you, this first step may have been extremely difficult with some setbacks throughout the week, but don't fret.  Not everyday is going to be easy or good; you will hit the mental, physical, and/or emotional roadblocks.  When this happens, just remember your 3R's.  Relax, Respect yourself, and Reinforce your comittment to your transformation.  So with that said, let's get into Step Two.

"Many people like to run toward the idea of change without taking this important step of self-acceptance" - Bob Harper

Today is all about Acceptance and Forgiveness.  Two scary words I know.  The scariest part of all is that I am talking about accepting and forgiving yourself.  So today, you are going to accept that extra roll, those 10 pounds you picked up these past couple of months, the smoking habit you were supposed to have quit last year, the dead-end relationship you may be in.  You are going to accept all of that, that's you. Hard to do huh?  Facing reality can have that stifling affect.  Now is the time to remember your 3 R's, Relax, Respect, and Reinforce. 

Now I need you to forgive yourself for the place you are in now. Yes you were supposed to quit smoking, but you didn't.  Forgive yourself for that.  Forgive yourself for the false starts and diets, and just bad decisions you have made along the way.  Shed that burden of guilt, dissapointment, and hatred.  It's time to forgive yourself.  Only after this will you be able to reconnect with yourself and implement lasting change. 

"Me Time" Activity for the Day:   Reconnecting with the (Wo)man in the Mirror  
You will need some kind of notebook and writing device for this activity and a mirror.

1.  Go to the mirror and take a long and deep look at you.  You don't have to be nude to do it, but I think it makes it that much better to really see the complete you.

2.  Write down everything that you see.  Just start writing the first things that come to mind when you look at you.  Complete steps 1 and 2 at least two times. 

3.  Read over what you wrote.....is everything you wrote true? 

4.  Step away from the mirror and sit down with your list.  Read them over again.  Using another sheet of paper.  Divide the paper into two and label one side postive and the other side negative.  Right each item you listed under one of the columns.  How many positive items were on the list, how many negatives.  If you have a lot of negatives, why? 

Congrats on completeing today's activity...See you tomorrow!

Countdown to New Years 2011 "Get It Tight Before Midnight" Fitness Challenge: Day 6

Countdown to New Years 2011 "Get It Tight Before Midnight" Fitness Challenge: Day 6

"I am worth it and I want it all!" - Bob Harper

Now that you've had a couple days to look at yourself and are committed to peeling back the layers, you are now really ready for change.  Going forward we will continue to reinforce this positive energy and behviors by setting new goals every 21 days (the amount of time psychologists say it takes to make something a habit). 

The first goal is to inhbit what Bob Harper calls the three R's.  According to Bob, the three R's are Relax, Respect, and Reinforce.  Let's take a deeper look into what these words mean.

Relax:  "Relax and take it one day at a time"
You have just comitted to embarking on a journey of complete transformation in which you will change habits that you have spent (fill in the blank) years to developing. Rome was not built in one day and neither will this new you. So stop worrying about the time or the immedicate results. Focus on the process, breathe and enjoy the ride every step of the way. 


Respect:  "When you begin to think of your body as a vessel to treasure and take care of, then you actively show respect for you body, mind, and soul"
We are always demanding respect from others, but don't hold ourselves to the same expectations.  You may not be your ideal self today, but with your new found comittement, you will get there one day.  Regradless of where you are in your journey, don't forget to love your self everystep of the way.  We can't expect from others what we don't expect from ourself.  You will be setting yourself up for failure. Show start showing yourself a little RESPECT (channeling my Aretha).

Reinforce:  "Reinforcing your committment is a constant, lifelong responsibility.  Each day, you need to possitvely affirm all that you are doing for yourself"
Reinforce your comittment to yourself daily. Remind yourself of your dedication to each new goal.    


Suggested Goal Activity:  Schedule at least 20 minutes a day for "ME" time in which you do  nothing else but focus on you.  I usually spend an hour at minimum each day for me time, in which time I work out, or write in my journal, or read a book.  My personal goal this month will be to incorporate meditation.  So tonight plan out your "Me" schedule for the week.  It may simply be morning prayer and coffee or a run on the treadmill.  It may be meditation in the shower.  Whatever you decide, During your me time, make sure to remind yourself of how great you are and reinforce your comittement to yourself. 

Countdown to New Years 2011 "Get It Tight Before Midnight" Fitness Challenge: Day 2

"You can do it, and you will" - Bob Harper

Hi DIVAS!  Congrats, you completed your first day of the challenge.  Have you recovered from yesterdays weigh-in? As I said don't sweat it.  By the end of this Challenge, that number will forever be old news.  Welcome to Day 2!

Before we get into addressing the physical and fitness portion, we must address the mental portion through what Bob Harper calls the Inner Compass Journey.  Through this journey you will learn more about yourself than you may wish to know.  You’re probably wondering, “How is this going to help me lose weight?”  According to Bob, we are out of shape and/or overweight because of unhealthy habits that we have adopted throughout the years.  In order to transform these habits, we need to get our hands dirty and explore the how’s and why’s they formed.

This will not be an easy task and on New Year’s Eve you may look back and think that this portion, and not the working out, was the real Challenge.  For the rest of the week, you are going to dig deep into you and rediscover yourself.  Know that there may be things that come up that you don’t like and there may be things that you love but forgot about.  Just know that we are all on this journey with you.  Revel in the discomfort that may arise, as once this is done you will truly be ready to transform into the improved you.  So before you go any further, take a second (well a day) to answer Bob’s question,

“Are you really ready to change your life?”

Work it Out Wednesday: Countdown to New Years 2011 "Get It Tight Before Midnight" Fitness Challenge

The holiday season is fast approaching and for some of us, it’s the last few months to try to live out everything we resolved to do at the start of 2010.  Now while you may not be able to master Mandarin in these last 2 and change months, you still have ample time to step up your health and fitness routine so that you can look dynamite in your New Years Eve “freakum” dress (or nighty, depending on your destination).

So join me in the countdown to 2011 with the “Get it Tight by Midnight” Challenge.  The Challenge will incorporate lessons from Bob Harper of the Biggest Loser as well as fitness regimens from various workout magazines, and tips for adjusting your diet to support your new goals.  This will not be an easy challenge as it will force many of us to really confront the ‘man in the mirror’.  So subscribe and join this challenge!  Let’s get started.

Week 1:

You must begin to think of yourself as becoming the person you want to be.David Viscott

Day 1:  Before we get started, take your weight and if possible a before shot.   This will serve as motivation down the road.  Sometimes pictures show the small changes that we do not notice.  Be sure to use the same scale each week.  This will ensure consistencies with your weigh in.  Additionally, it is best to weigh yourself on the same day and around the same time each week.  Reflect on your observations and write down some preliminary goals (long-term and short-term).  Be realistic.  That’s it for day 1.

P.S. Don’t let those numbers on the scale get you down.  They are just that, numbers, and with this challenge they will only be temporary. 

SIRve It Up Saturday's!! showcasing Joshua Bennet

For our male installment...DIVA Rules is giving love & much respect to a young, educated, & talented gentleman, who has referred to himself as "The New Cornel West"-Joshua Bennet.  You may have heard and seen him--he has been a guest of President Barack Obama at The White House (2009) for an Evening of Poetry, Music & The Spoken Word; on The Monique Show (2010); and has won several poetry contests around the United States--from California to New York, including the Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Festival Award (2006) and New York Knicks Poetry Slam Champion (2007). And this SIR has skill"z".

One of his works, which is uplifting, empowering, and such a strong & encouraging message to us DIVAs, called "10 Things I Want to Say to A Black Woman" sheds light on strength, appreciation and the beauty that this wonderful Black Man is sharing to wonderful Black Women. Please view the following link for your listening pleasure. I hope this puts a smile on your face DIVAs' (it did to mine :) go to  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gU7ItOxr9g&feature=email

Joshua Bennet is a recent graduate from The University of Pennsylvania and is also an arising music artist. You can follow him on his blog at www.myheartisaspaceship.blogspot.com. Check him out on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joshua-Bennett/85431135901 & check his music on http://www.myspace.com/newcornelwest

Enjoy Your Saturday!

"Think About It" Thursdays' DIY Project!

DIVA' s for this post, it's a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) project, which you may consider or "Think About" doing at your leisure. When you dream or imagine your future-have you ever decided to put it on a board, so you can see what you want to fulfill?? Well, a "Vision Board" can do just that. It's innovative, creative, and most importantly-All Yours!! 

I work with children and adolescents, and did this project with them and they loved it! I got the idea from Ms. Ramsey's "Dream Board" (my co-worker & previous guest blogger for "Sunday Spark")...So I decided to do one myself. This board can be an inspiring way to look at yourself. And being that your "vision" may change over time, so can the board...and it also can serve as a fierce decorative piece in your home space.

Here's mine: (I purchased the board from Wal-Mart, and just went through magazines and cut out pics & words, that represent me & what I want to accomplish in my life, through travel, personal & professional  & how I define my success)! Shown is 2 options : Look Close *Notice DIVA Rules (lol). Please leave comments & share your thoughts!

Open Case

Upclose Option

Work It Out Wednesday! ~ Positive Emotional & Wellness Breakfast!

Good Morning DIVAs''!!!
I greet you with "Emotional Breakfast"! Yes! I purchased a book about months ago, by Brook Noel (whom focuses on living life to the fullest and, most importantly- a healthy one), called "Good Morning- 365 Positive Ways to Start your Day".  Each day is focused on a message of reflection and for the reader to actually practice living each day. Emotional health and wellness is essential for us to develop-- Having a positive spirit influences our thoughts and in turn our actions. It's very uplifting and inspiring & I wanted to share with my DIVA Rules family!

"October 13 
Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive and express what we really are- Don Miguel


.....Fear can be scar, Fear can cause people to get very creativ in how they deal with it. Instead of confronting fear, many people come up with excuse after excuse to avoid the discomfort that fear brings. These people view fear as a negative emotion, rather than a positive one. Many people make decisions in an attempt to avoid fear...they don't take a chance, or a risk, because something scares them, Sometimes it is external, More often, it is the monsters they make themselves.


Your Turn: Where in your life has fear been influencing your choices? Today, take a moment to to separate your fear from reality. Are you making any monsters in your life???


Today's Affirmation: I live FULLY and without fear!"

DIVAs' examine ourselves can this apply to us?? let's work-it-out!

Brook Noel is also author of "The Change Your Life Challenge". To receive Good Morning messages by email go to www.brooknoelstdio.com/goodmorning. To download additional inspirations and printables, visit Brook's FREE resource area at www.maketodaymatter.com

Enjoy your Day!!!

True Expression Tuesdays: Jaline DeJesus Breaks the Glass Ceiling on the Football Field

Hey DIVAS!!!! We're back!!!!  Check out the below article from Cameron Smith about a young DIVA doing big things in the the world of sports.  This article was written a little while ago, but I would be remissed not to touch on it here.  Jaline DeJesus became the first girl to play in a game for a Florida 6A Division Team.  This is such a good story to share with our younger ladies as well as great motivation for all of us to continue to break the glass ceiling.

Fri Sep 24 02:09pm PDT

Female cornerback breaks Florida 6A football glass ceiling

By Cameron Smith

She didn't make a tackle, or even break up a pass. Still, Northwestern (Fla.) High School's Jaline DeJesus made history in the Miami school's 38-12 victory over Hialeah Miami Lakes on Thursday night, becoming the first girl to play in a game for one of the top-ranked teams in Florida's highest division, 6A. In fact, Northwestern stacks up well with the best programs in the entire country, too; the Bulls are currently ranked No. 71 in the RivalsHigh 100.

Perhaps equally notable was the position in which DeJesus played: cornerback. Traditionally reserved for a team's best or quickest athletes (or both), the Miami Herald reported that DeJesus was an able substitute at defensive back for the final minute of Northwestern's victory after being promoted from the Northwestern junior varsity for the game. Considering the fact that DeJesus was filling in for Northwestern seniors Jermaine Reve and James Davis, that's saying something.
DeJesus's game action was an opportunity borne of teammates' mistakes. Nearly 30 Northwestern players were suspended for the game because of an unspecified altercation from the previous week. Northwestern coach Billy Rolle called up a handful of players from his program's junior varsity team, and DeJesus was one of the players that made the cut. You can see more of DeJesus all Northwestern's other single-game fill-ins in this photo gallery by Miami photographer Bruce Supanik.
"I told our players before the game, they had the chance to be part of history," Rolle told the Miami Herald. "She works hard and deserved the opportunity to dress just like the other athletes we brought up for the game."

OCTOBER is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Happy Hump Day DIVA's!!

If you have suddenly seen a swarm of pink-wearing ladies & fellas around you at work, in your community, and even within National Sporting Leagues & Organizations-- NO, it's not the new Fall trend; but I am glad to say that this month celebrates 25 years of Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Many of us DIVA's know or have known of someone dear or distance to us who have been affected with this disease. The promotion of education, awareness, and prevention have been through foundations like Susan G. Komen "for the cure"and "Pink Ribbon"-Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign through Estee Lauder, and many others to reach women (& men) in our society to defeat breast cancer. 
Breast Cancer has affected my family and friends, and recently took my grandmother Posta B. Warren who passed away on April 24th, 2010. She was and still is a powerful soul and influence in my life, who has battled with this striking disease.  
Research has shown that early detection can lead to securing effective treatment for breast cancer. For disease information, where to get mammograms (& what it entails), as well as support (breast cancer walks and fundraisers), please go to ~ www.nbcam.org ~ for awareness as well as where to donate for breast cancer research!!   
So to you DIVAs' our health matters, please research your family's disease history, educate yourselves on how to get involved and how to prevent breast cancer, as well how we can support each other!

* In loving memory of Posta B. Warren (12/16/23 ~ 4/24/10)*

Sunday Spark~ featuring~ Angela Ramsey

Greetings DIVA's...Happy Sunday!! Hope you find this testimony inspiring and uplifting to get you through the week!!! 

Dying to you old self

 I first began serving the Lord at about age 10, I was save at a Pentecostal church in Chicago ILL. I never had any idea what I was doing, but I knew if I got baptized that my mother would be happy.  When I was baptized at the church, I thought I would be changed forever, and that would make my life complete. I was super wrong, because I never had proper instruction on what baptisms meant. Throughout my teenage years I slowly dwindled away from the church. I was in the wilderness for about nine years before I would return to a church setting.  At age 27, I was a raging Alcoholic, recreational drug user, manipulator, thief and participated in fornication to the highest level. I was so lost, I didn’t know where my life was going and I was so depressed by the things I had down in my past. I thought the Father’s light would never shine on me.

When I first entered church in 2007, I had difficulty trying to letting go of my old life and giving my all to Jesus. I was use to going to the bar Saturday night, and up early for church. I would enter church hung-over and barely caught the word. I had a believable appearance that I was saved and sanctified, I would say “amen, and hallelujah” for everything the preacher said. And, as soon as church was out I was outside with a cigarette, thinking where is my life going. This cycle of behavior went on for about two more years. During this time, God was pulling on me to follow Him with my whole heart, not partially. I would hear fellow church friends say “you have to die to your old life, to receive the life God has for you.” I would listen and not understand what they meant.

In 2009, I joined my church that I attend now; when I first came to In the Light Ministries Philadelphia, I was so broken. . I had yet another man leave me and I thought my life was over. The depression and anxiety were so thick in my soul; I would rather go to the bar, fornicate, and smoke cigarettes Saturday night then face God.  I started to notice when I was drunk I started to feel guilty about my behavior. I  never felt that before because I didn’t care what God thought of me. I started seeing people getting saved, having amazing breakthroughs from situations that were horrific. One day at the altar, I felt His presence like never before, and it was a loving embrace that I yearned for. As I sat on my knees, I realized that Jesus give His life for a sinner like me. All the stuff I had been doing was leading me into His arms. I realized a month later this Holy interaction would change me forever. I had to let go the chains of bondage that were on holding me down. In that month the old Angela Ramsey died, and the woman of Christ was born.

A lot of times we think if we do things our way then it will make things better, if only I could control this person or that situation is we think. God only wants us to make Him first, and allow his loving grace and mercy to wash us anew in His love. It really comes down to do you love God and trust Him with your life. Once you grasp this concept you will become the Woman/Man of God that He intended u to be.

Angela Ramsey, MS,MFT is a children's ministry leader for In the Light Ministries Philadelphia. She is currently a Family Systems Specialist for a Elementary School Youth Based Services Program in the Camden Public School System. To contact for family and Christian counseling services please email her at ramseya79@gmail.com

Fierce Fridays ~featuring~ Stephanie Weaver-Rogers

The Journey to DIVAdom Continues.

There are other things that a true Diva needs to do, understand and accomplish.  As we work on Being True to Yourself we also need to discuss RESPECT.  According to Webster’s dictionary RESPECT is esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability.

First, you have to RESPECT yourself, you must learn to value yourself, you have to believe in you, believe you are the best that  you can be and constantly push to be better, believe that you deserve the best and that you are worth it.  This does not happen at once, it does not happen overnight, but you have to constantly work toward this.  In respecting yourself you cannot settle for less in life. 

You must RESPECT- Mind, Body and Soul.

Second, being RESPECTED by others.   Gaining respect can be difficult, if people aren't used to giving it to you. The best way to earn respect is by meaning what you say. Be honest. People want to be around someone who is truthful. Don't make promises you cannot keep and don't give people false impressions. If people know they can count on what you say, they will respect you more.

Don't negatively about others. Do give your honest opinion about others if asked, but don't make a secret about it. If you don't like the way they treat someone by all means tell them.  Everyone wants to be admired and respected for different things. Figure out what's important to you and make it your goal to further that ambition. Respect can be a tricky word. Sometimes people can respect you for things you don't like about yourself. The most important thing is that you have self-respect. If everyone in the world respects you, it doesn't matter at all if you don't respect yourself. Figure out your strong points and where you want to improve.