A Day in the Life

Be There for Yourself !!!

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:47:00 +0000

A funny thing happened this morning. I began thinking about all the people that I’ve been there for – friends, family, co-workers that I gave, not only the gift of my presence, but also the contribution of my participation. I cried with them. I rejoiced and laughed with them. I thought about these people and I became angry.

Now before you assume the direction of my anger, know this; I was not angry with them for their neglect, indifference, lack of concern, thoughtlessness shown toward me. I was mad with myself for my own neglect, indifference, lack of concern, thoughtlessness that I had shown over the years to myself. Out of the people I have managed to have been there for; somehow I had overlooked my self. The times I’ve should have been there front and center cheering my self on; I hoped and prayed that someone else would arrive to give me validation for my achievements or soothe me during the hour of my failure.

Shame on me!!!

The other day I told a co-worker that I was considering, now that I’ve lost weight, becoming a personal trainer. She became hysterical. It took minutes before she could compose herself. I felt hurt, then angry. I even told my personal trainer that I would show her by achieving my this goal. I had gone from bad to worse. But just this morning, as I looked at pictures taken of my weight loss journey, I didn’t see her image in a single photo.

Then why was I looking for her to show up now for the rest of my journey.
I've decided that if anyone is going to be absent from my life, that person will no longer be me. I’ve got to be there in mind, body, and spirit for me.

I been scared and battered.
My hopes the wind done scattered.
Snow has friz me,
Sun has baked me,

Looks like between 'em they done
Tried to make me

Stop laughin', stop lovin', stop livin'--
But I don't care!
I'm still here
~Langston Hughes

The word for today - Be there for your self!!!

My Favorite CARDIO Workouts !!!

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:50:00 +0000

Cardio workout routines are an excellent way to lose weight. Not only will you lose weight but you will tone up as well. A good method to follow is working out until you start to sweat. Do not stop here, you must workout for an additional twenty minutes. When you workout at least twenty minutes after you start to sweat, you will burn as much fat as possible. In this day and age everything is fast-paced and people want immediate results. Cardio workout routines will show fairly quick results if you continue to use them along with weight lifting.
When you follow a cardio workout routine you are getting your heart to beat quicker and once this happens, your blood flow will become quicker through your body as well. This is exactly what you want as your metabolism will speed up. When your metabolism is fast you will burn more calories, thus losing weight.

Here are some cardio workout routines that you can easily accomplish:

Cardio Boxing: Make sure you have boxing gloves, a punching bag and comfortable boxing shoes. You can either purchase them or go to a gym to cardio box.

Jogging: This is the number one choice for folks as one of the regular workout routines. All you will need is a good pair of running shoes and comfortable clothes. If you are jogging around dangerous areas you should have bright clothing along with reflectors on it. You want to be as safe as possible to make sure drivers see you jogging.

Power Walking: With power walking you will again need comfortable tennis shoes and clothing. You may want to join another person to power walk. You may also want to wear an iPod when you power walk. The great thing about the power walking cardio workout routine is that just about anyone can do this, from young people to the elderly.

Jump Rope: Your heart will start to pump fast when you jump rope so you will begin to lose weight when you choose this as one of the cardio workout routines. You will need a pair of tennis shoes, comfortable clothing and a jump rope.
For many of the workout routines you will only need a good pair of tennis shoes and comfortable and breathable clothing. To stay committed and enjoy your workout routine, you can alternate the above exercises.

I'm Back!!!

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:14:00 +0000

I am on a new way of eating. I have a lot of energy so far but I have to admit; I am hungry! For those of you following this blog, I am going to need your comments and prayers to keep me focussed.

Jlinwood's Plus & Minuses to a Flatter Belly

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:29:00 +0000

8 Foods That Shrink Belly Bloat

I found this article to be true. If belly bulge is sapping your summer-body confidence, don't despair. The reason for your puffy midsection may well be bloat, not fat. That's because one of the worst culprits for this problem--a slow digestive system--is common among women over age 40. However, exciting research now suggests you can get your digestion moving and beat bloat with a few easy menu and lifestyle tweaks.
Put all of these ideas into effect right now, and you should be flatter, sexier, and fitting comfortably into your clothes in less than a week.

1. Add: 2 Kinds of Fiber
Start the day with a better breakfast.
Why It Beats Bloat: Constipation distends your belly, and one easy way to get rid of it is by starting each morning with a breakfast cereal that guarantees your body a daily dose of fiber. This gets the digestive system moving within a day or so and keeps it that way. Based on a recent study of breakfast cereals, University of Toronto researchers say that consuming two kinds of fiber at once is most effective. The scientists found that participants had an easier time staying regular with a cereal that contained both insoluble fiber (from bran) and gel-like soluble fiber (from psyllium). The two types work together to pull water into your colon and speed up elimination, explains Joanne Slavin, PhD, a professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota. The result? You look and feel lighter.
Good Food Fix: Eat 1/3 cup Kellogg's All-Bran Bran Buds each day.

2. Subtract: Sodium
Put down the shaker
Why It Beats Bloat: Sodium makes you retain water, puffing up your belly. Most of us eat more than twice as much sodium as we should--topping 3,400 mg a day, rather than the recommended 1,500, according to the CDC.
Good Strategies: Stop salting your food at the table, and check for sodium on the labels of packaged foods, which provide about three-quarters of the daily intake for most women.

3. Add: Potassium-Rich Foods
Banish bloat with bananas!
Why It Beats Bloat: Foods such as bananas and potatoes help your body get rid of excess water weight, minimizing your middle. The extra fluid is typically present because the two main minerals that control the amount of water in your body—potassium and sodium—have gotten out of balance. When your sodium level is too high, your tissues hold on to fluid. You can restore your sodium-potassium equilibrium by increasing your potassium intake to an optimum 4,700 mg per day. To do this, you need to eat about 4 1/2 cups of produce daily, including the especially rich sources that are mentioned below. As you rebalance your system, you'll flush out the extra sodium along with the water. Presto: less puffiness.
Watch out, though. Food is a safe source of potassium, but supplements are not. They can cause potassium to build up in your body and potentially lead to abnormal heart rhythms and even heart attack, especially in people with kidney or heart problems, says Leslie Bonci, RD, MPH, director of sports medicine nutrition for the Center for Sports Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Good Food Fixes: 1 medium baked potato with skin, 1 medium banana, 1 medium papaya, 1/2 cup steamed edamame, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1/2 cup cooked spinach, 1 medium orange

4. Subtract: Sugar Alcohols
Watch out for these "diet food" belly busters
Why It Beats Bloat: We don't completely digest these low-cal sweeteners (found in flavored waters and low-carb, diabetic, and sugar-free foods). Bacteria in the large intestine ferment them, causing gas and even diarrhea.
Good Strategy: Check food labels to help avoid them; common ones are sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, and lacitol.

5. Add: More Fluids
Guzzle more liquids throughout the day
Why It Beats Bloat: Drinking enough liquid supports the other ways you're trying to flatten your tummy, says Bonci. For example, she explains, when there's enough fluid present in your system, the dual-fiber cereal you have eaten is better able to pull liquid into your lower intestine and ease constipation. "Women who don't drink sufficient fluids can get that blown-up belly feeling, despite all their other efforts to get rid of it," warns Bonci.
How much fluid do you need? Getting rid of bloat means being well hydrated, so aim for at least 8 glasses of liquid each day, plus plenty of fluid-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables. You can meet your quota with any liquid, including water, milk, juice, coffee, and tea--though not alcohol, which has a dehydrating effect on your system.
Good Fluid Fix: Tap water is an excellent option because it has no calories, salt, sugar, or additives. And it's free!

6. Subtract: Candy, Soda, Gum
Avoid these bubble-inducing belly bloaters
Why It Beats Bloat: Once air from any source reaches your digestive system, you experience it as gas and a distended belly. Eating or drinking quickly, sipping through a straw, sucking on hard candy, and chewing gum can make you swallow air.
Good Strategies: "When eating, chew slowly with your mouth closed," says Bonci. Trade carbonated drinks for flat ones, such as juice or water, and lose the gum and candies.

7. Add: Yogurt with Probiotics
Enjoy this cool, creamy treat for better digestion
Why It Beats Bloat: Research published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics reveals that an imbalance of bacteria in your gut can cause your digestive system to slow down and your belly to puff up. However, yogurts that contain live bacteria, otherwise known as probiotics, can help. Though researchers don't fully understand the mechanism, a study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that the bacteria seem to tame tummy bloat by causing an improvement in intestinal mobility, thereby relieving constipation.
Good Food Fix: Eat a daily 4-ounce container of low-fat or fat-free yogurt containing live, active cultures.

8. Subtract: Raw Produce
Cook these foods to shrink your stomach
Why It Beats Bloat: Fresh fruits and vegetables are healthy, but they're also high-volume foods that take up room in your stomach, distending it.
Good Strategies: Spread fresh produce consumption over the day, so at any sitting you're not eating more than one-third of the recommended daily total of 4 1/2 cups. You can also shrink produce by cooking it, creating a more compact serving, Bonci says.

A Funny Thing happened !!!

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Sat, 30 May 2009 02:53:00 +0000

A funny thing happened, tonight.

I got lost; not just lost but abandoned!

For a time I allowed myself to become distracted by the contempt of others that strive to be greater than me. So for the fool that I was or had become; I abandoned myself to tend to their contempt of me.

I got lost in their egos and distracted by their condescending glances; forgetting who I am. So I spoke up, spoke out, spoke to the issue at hand- just wasted energy. Who was I addressing? Why did I cast my pearls before swine?

I am God’s work in progress! How dare I descend to their level! I am God’s handiwork in progress. The time will come and is coming when I will have to comfort those that ridicule me. I pray for compassion and understanding.

I pray for them as I pray for me.

Year of Transformation

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:10:00 +0000

Be There For Your Self

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 13:49:00 +0000

A funny thing happened this morning. I began thinking about all the people that I’ve been there for – friends, family, co-workers that I gave, not only the gift of my presence, but also the contribution of my participation. I cried with them. I rejoiced and laughed with them. I thought about these people and I became angry.

Now before you assume the direction of my anger, know this; I was not angry with them for their neglect, indifference, lack of concern, thoughtlessness shown toward me. I was mad with myself for my own neglect, indifference, lack of concern, thoughtlessness that I had shown over the years to myself. Out of the people I have managed to have been there for; somehow I had overlooked my self. The times I’ve should have been there front and center cheering my self on; I hoped and prayed that someone else would arrive to give me validation for my achievements or soothe me during the hour of my failure.

Shame on me!!!

The other day I told a co-worker that I was considering, now that I’ve lost weight, becoming a personal trainer. She became hysterical. It took minutes before she could compose herself. I felt hurt, then angry. I even told my personal trainer that I would show her by achieving my this goal. I had gone from bad to worse. But just this morning, as I looked at pictures taken of my weight loss journey, I didn’t see her image in a single photo.

Then why was I looking for her to show up now for the rest of my journey.
I've decided that if anyone is going to be absent from my life, that person will no longer be me. I’ve got to be there in mind, body, and spirit for me.

I been scared and battered.
My hopes the wind done scattered.
Snow has friz me,
Sun has baked me,

Looks like between 'em they done
Tried to make me

Stop laughin', stop lovin', stop livin'--
But I don't care!
I'm still here
~Langston Hughes

The word for today - Be there for your self!!!

A Year in Review: Setting A New Gauge For Stopping Points

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:03:00 +0000

When I first began to exercise, correctly (right form), I would always stop when I felt the first instance of pain. My trainer, Trevor Pace would say, “Give me five more!” I would quit. To me the pain was my body’s way of telling my brain that it could take no more; that, we, body and mind had reached the stopping point which no more could be accomplished. But after a year of workouts, proper nutrition, and supplementation; I have set a new gauge in the determination of my stopping points.
The physical pain that I feel is no way as hurtful as the mental, emotional, and psychological pain that I’ve had to endure for years because of poor body image, low self esteem, and ridicule. I have flipped the script. The pain that I endure, to me now, is my body’s way of telling my mind that we now have to work together more effectively. We now have to listen to each other. We now have to take care of each other. We, now, have to love the other. I have replaced the gauge of “the pain” with the gauge of “my purpose”. I used to refer to “the pain” as “my pain”. However I have discovered that there is nothing personable about pain. Even the pain that I experienced for years, at the hand of myself and others, was never personable, mine. It was a very common pain. But purpose can be owned, honed, and specifically designed to fit the desire and will of the person. The fulfillment of my purpose is the new gauge for my stopping points. What's yours?

A Year in Review: Trying to Remember

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Sun, 18 May 2008 20:53:00 +0000

“For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.”

Not wishing to take this scripture out of context; but the phrasing seems to fit where I am right now. I look at clothes that I used to wear still hanging in the closet, pictures of my former body frame that still hang on the wall, and medicine bottles that rest unopened still sitting on the bathroom shelf; through all this I have to remind myself daily of the man I once was.

Among strangers, I find myself suddenly welcomed, accepted, even liked. Among friends, I find myself alienated, betrayed, envied. I am often accused of having changed. This is an accusation that until recently I have denied. But I have changed. I can’t say for the better; I can’t say for the worse – just changed. A church member asked me one day for the reason that I shaved my mustache. I quickly, yet simply replied, “I didn’t need it anymore.” Believe me; I am still pondering that answer myself.

A lot was lost with the extra fat.

Relationships that Did Not Survive 2007

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 22:18:00 +0000

Of all the things, I had to learn at the beginning of this new year; 2008, I had to learn to give God the praise for relationships that did not survive the previous year. Associations with people, and even things, that I thought were necessary for my growth, betterment, even survival, that came to an end abruptly, suddenly, rudely have made me stronger.

Thank you, Lord! God will not only move; he will remove!

The Year in Review 2: A Little Help Please

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 18:56:00 +0000

Through the next couple of months I had experienced a significant weight loss. I went from weighing 319 to 296. My blood sugar however took a turn for the worse. My blood tests revealed that though my weight had dropped, my sugar was out of control. I believe stress played a key factor in this. My AC1 number had risen to 11.1; despite the fact I was already taking two types of insulin and three oral medications. I began to act out. “OK Lord, come and get me.” I would eat the wrong foods and then go into the bathroom and shoot up with insulin. Sometimes I would not even check my sugar first. I would guestimate the amount of insulin that I needed to inject.

By this time, I had gone back to the doctor numerous times already for the aches and pains that I experienced from the treadmill and weights. None of the staff in the gym seemed to be available to assist me or anyone else struggling with the equipment. They were either into their own workout or busy conversating with the attractive female members. I then plummeted into a deep depression in the form of sleep.
One day while sitting at work I remembered meeting a brother that came to a health fair that my church sponsored, two years prior. We had talked about the need for our people to exercise and eat properly. As with most leaders during community activities as health fairs, I made a promise that I did not keep. I agreed to stay in touch with this fitness instructor and his company. I did not. And now two years later I needed him and his company; but I couldn’t remember his name or the correct name of his company.

A Year in Review 1: The Lonely Walk

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:07:00 +0000

This has been an extremely lonely year. I started out in January of 2007 like so many others that had made new year resolutions. My resolution was to lose weight. I joined a fitness center shortly after I made love to a six stack order of French toasts, eggs, sausage and home fries, right in the middle of the IHOP restaurant. I was feeling shame and remorse for having continued this pattern of behavior throughout most of my adult life. With noticeable syrup stains on my shirt, I left my car in the restaurant parking lot and made my way to the front desk of the fitness center which was across the street. I signed up for membership that very day. It was a very anti-climatic day, because I returned to a house with a refrigerator loaded with all the take out cartons containing previously purchased foods, some that I enjoyed, others that satisfied me for that moment. No one cheered me when I returned to work or church. I felt like a drug addict announcing to his family that he had once again entered rehab; the looks on their faces, sincere but not convinced.

Figment of My Own Reality

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:32:00 +0000

Sometimes, we can be ‘there’ for everyone else; until, we are no longer ‘here’ for ourselves. We become figments of our own reality; ghostly apparitions making cameo appearances throughout life. Why do we so easily surrender our reality to some else’s dream, aspirations, concerns, crisis? Even the lifeguard adheres to the strict rule of self-preservation; in that, before he saves others, he first maintains his own life; he commits his body, mind, and spirit to the exhausting execution of constant contractions and movement of muscles. All the while his objective is to save another’s life.

To Those that I Minister

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 20:22:00 +0000

As a pastor I often come in contact with religious groups and various ministries in which the leaders respond increasingly ineffectively to the growth of the congregation due to lack of training, sensitivity, tolerance.
Through the help of the good Lord, in my own ministry, I was given both the grace and the space of time to reflect on my own spirituality and growing sense of self, and to integrate this with my understanding and practice of ministry. Now that I am gaining a better understanding of myself, I am able to connect more fully to those that I minister.

The Activity of Our Limbs

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 03:36:00 +0000

I just wanted to share this video with everyone theat reads this blog. I was so inspired as I watched these youth workout with Trevor Pace, CEO/founder and head trainer of Bodiglyphix, Inc. With the help of Trevor Pace, I have been able to lose 31 lbs (so far) on my journey to better health.

So as you watch the video below of these young people, some of whom are just beginning, with Trevor Pace, their own journey to better health, hopefully you to will be inspired to call on Trevor Pace of Bodiglyphix. Cell: 404.429.6685, Office: 770.474.0677, Email: trevor@bodiglyphix, or website: http://www.bodiglyphix.com/ .

Remember, you may find a health consultant and fitness trainer just as good, but none any better than Trevor Pace.

I leave with my own prayer of thanksgiving:

I thank thee, Lord, for sparing me to see a brand new morning, for clothing me in my right mind, for blood running warm in my veins, for a reasonable portion of health and strength, and for the activity of my limbs.

Amen

ENCOURAGE YOURSELF

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:52:00 +0000

The Bible tells us that, as David was in the process of fulfilling his destiny to become king of all Israel, he suffered a setback. The enemy came suddenly and took away his family. Along with David, those that followed him also suffered tragedy; in that their families were also taken captive. These followers were not just meandering curiosity seekers; they had at one time previously professed acceptance and belief in David’s vision of a kingdom united under the true and living God.

It must have been heartbreaking to hear, just outside his tent door, the chatter and murmuring of once-upon-a-time supporters of dissatisfaction, disappointment, and disgust for the situation and the seemingly impotent leader David.

In a world where approval ratings determine lifespan and life expectancy of administrative and political careers; continuous support from others, whether it be financial, emotional, or spiritual, should not be relied upon nor expected.

But like David, you’ve got to encourage yourself. No person can support you unless they are willing to lower themselves to where you are; this person must be willing to sacrifice his or her time, pride, comfort, and even his or her will to position themselves even lower to assume a posture that is able to support the weight of another, a burden bearer. The only one that I’ve been able to rely on for this type of support is Jesus.

Yet I must call on the ability entrusted to me by God to support myself. "...And having done all to stand. Stand Therefore..." Ephesians 6:13-14

Encourage my soul and let us journey on.
Though the night is dark, and I am far from home.
Thanks be to God, the morning light appears.

The storm is passing over,
The storm is passing over,
The storm is passing over, Hallelu!

What's the Rush

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 23:12:00 +0000

According to the ancient Chinese proverb, “The longest journey begins with the first step.”
The first step in my journey has been the realization that I have not been a good steward of God’s temple, my body. The second step occurred as I hurriedly moved past that recurring, resting place known as indifference.

My mind then compelled my body to respond.
Thought became action.

I ask myself, “After years of not exercising, poor eating habits, and a sedentary lifestyle; why have you made time the villain? At what location do you suddenly have to appear today looking physically fit?”

Time does not run, walk, skip, or jump. Time does not crawl, stagger, hop, or limp. Time does not hesitate, procrastinate, pause, or stop.

Time, simply, marches on. Time does march on. Time will march on.
It moves to a rhythm syncopated by God, God’s self.

Make the Decision

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 21:04:00 +0000

Joshua states quite emphatically to the people: “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)”

There comes a time when we must do likewise; choose. We must choose the higher powers that we allow in our lives; influences that we will render our allegiance; God or man, riches, drugs, or even self. I believe that this generation is the most indecisive, indifferent generation of all times.

BitterSweet Journeys

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:01:00 +0000

It's funny how you learn to appreciate the bitter that comes along with the sweetness of life. Sometimes they do not come together. There are occasions when the sweetness will precede the bitterness; there are times when the bitterness will precede the sweet. But if you learn to embrace them both; one day, as you will discover, at an older age, it will be difficult to distinguish one taste from the other. Then you will know that in that one moment that you had lived.

Is There Life Within Life?

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 19:52:00 +0000

Is There Life Within Life?

This is a question that I often ask myself. It seems that each of us, from time to time, spends so much time in the maintenance of lifestyle; healthy, wealthy, or even active lifestyles, that we often neglect the activity of daily living.

"Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways." Haggai 1:6-7

Where's the Glory?

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Thu, 31 May 2007 18:40:00 +0000

Romans 5:3 reads: “We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.”

But I have to ask myself; where is the glory, the celebration, the rejoicing?

Please understand the focus of this today’s BLOG is limited to my own behavior. In other words, the views expressed here reflect my own self, psyche, and soul and in no way resemble the attitudes or thinking of other persons”.

Well at least for today.

Where is the glory?

Have I not grown or matured enough as Job? Job accepted the bad along with the good.
Or have I not yet experienced enough of the evils in this life to rejoice that God can deliver me from every one. What good if praise, celebration, worship, if it only functions in response to the better and not the worse?

I know.
I’m asking too many questions. But these are the questions that I choose to ask myself.

Are there any questions that you ask yourself?

Staying Focused

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Wed, 16 May 2007 22:38:00 +0000

Langston Hughes asked a powerful question in the title of his poem “What happens to a Dream deferred?” When we postpone the realization of our own ideas, visions, we must contemplate the consequence of our hesitation or procrastination. Had God already given us the cure to cancer, HIV, AIDS and we were so distracted by fear, pride, selfishness, and all the usual suspects that we refused to hear, see, and activate the fulfillment of the dream? And if God has already given us those last ingredients to accomplishing the objective, where are they now? For surely God would not take them back. And in what shape are they now in? The Promise Land is still the Land of Promise.

What happens to a Dream deferred?

Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
by: Langston Hughes

Encourage Yourself

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Tue, 08 May 2007 09:17:00 +0000

I must admit. It is a good feeling when others give words of encouragement to us. Something; I guess in the fact that somebody took the time to glance at us in our situation and pause despite the issues going on in their own lives to give us a word of support. Even we, ourselves, become instruments of inspiration in the turbulent affairs of others. “You can make it! With God all things are possible! He may not come when you want him; but he’s right on time.”

However, it seems that we, during our own times of trial and tribulation lack the tools…

No. Forgive me. We lack the willingness to access the tools that would motivate us to a place of courage.

Today, I say to all:
• Rise - Take the time to glance at yourself in your situation;
• Take thy bed - Pause despite all that you are going through;
• And Walk - Encourage Yourself!

STAND!

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 02:44:00 +0000

“And having done all to stand”

I say to all; be encouraged to stand. In a world where compromise is expected, even required, be motivated to stand by your convictions. Too much effort is given to the abandonment of values for the fleeting acceptance of others.

Who we desire to be is determined by who we are daily.

Audre Lorde made the following statement:

“I have come to believe over and over again that what is most important to me must be spoken, made verbal and shared, even at the risk of having it bruised or misunderstood.”

Therefore, be encouraged.
Stand!

The Days of Boredom

noreply@blogger.com (J. Linwood Fields,Jr.) — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 22:06:00 +0000

Does anyone remember how we, as children, would complain to our parents, siblings, friends, or anyone that would listen of how bored we were? During those quiet times we complained; “I’m bored! There’s nothing to do!” I laugh now when I hear children and teenagers repeat this complaint.

Bring back the days of boredom!

Now it seems our days as adults are filled with streams of activity and a never ending flow of transient experiences. We do not plan our days. Our days are already charted by circumstances and situations as we try to pencil in our desired wishes for moments of solitude and peace.

Bring back the days of boredom when there was nothing to do and nothing to be done. In these moments time would pass by slowly. So slowly would it pass by that seconds became minutes and minutes became hours. Time didn’t stand still; it just slowed down. I think that I am ready to appreciate the boredom.

Bring back the days of boredom!