Do you want to win?

Winners don't quit. They find ways to challenge themselves constantly. Winners attack their weaknesses rather than cower and make excuses. They fight through adversity and seek to solve their problems.

They never underestimate their opponents and they are their own worst critics. These people tap into their God-power. They embrace failure as part of the learning process. They focus on being better than yesterday.

If you are a winner, you will want winners in your inner circle. If you want to be a winner, you will do the same. The catch is that you must be ready to do the work. To win, you must be willing to change. You must be willing to let go of what was, accept what is, and be open to whatever will be.

So if you are not ready to be challenged and improve yourself, leave these folk alone. Don't invite them into your average life. They won't stay long. Rather, sit back and watch. Take good notes. And AIM LOWER.

Be good to yourself! More next time...

It's Not Hard to Say Goodbye...

This is the last day of 2011. Like many of you, I had an action-packed year. I am sure that each of you has had just as many triumphs as failures. It is not unusual to take a moment and be reflective about all of the things that you did or didn't do, things that did or didn't happen, the people who came into and went out of your life, the people who loved you and hated on you, the people who stuck with you and who turned their backs on you, all of the lessons you learned, and so on...But reflection is one thing, and holding on to "what had happened" is something else.

There is a lesson in everything--that is what the living is all about--so be present in every moment. See people for who they are and recognize that they are in your life to teach you something. Some will support and inspire you while others serve as an example of what NOT to be. Embrace that. Don't waste time on petty vendettas. Accept that we all have insecurities about something and those insecurities manifest themselves in our attitudes and behaviors. We can often feel threatened by the successes of others if we don't understand that the gifts we have are what we are supposed to have. There is a place in this world for everyone. The only person you should compete with is YOU. Stay in your lane, define your success on your own terms, and keep it moving (moving forward, that is).

If I am blessed to be here tomorrow, I vow to try harder than I ever have, challenge myself more than I ever have, ignore distractions and detractors, believe in myself, have faith in what Allah (God) has in store for me, strive to be a better sister, mother, partner, and friend, embrace love, shun jealousy and envy, and help somebody who needs it. I encourage each and every one of you to do the same.

So in case I don't "see" you, Happy New Year! Make it your best year yet!

Be good to yourself! More next time...

10 Simple Tips for Weight Loss and Better Health!

As promised, here are my top 10 simple tips:

1) See your doctor for testing
*Before you start any diet and exercise program, you have to know your overall health condition. Your doctor can determine the condition of all major organs and systems as well as conducting stress tests and evaluating blood work. Your doctor's recommendations will point you in the right direction.

2) Clean up your diet
*Eliminate alcohol, cigarettes, sweets, sodas, excess salt, fast food, pork, and all other junk food from your diet. Go through your cabinets and refrigerator and just throw them out!

3) Keep a food journal
*Honesty and accountability are the keys to staying on the healthy diet wagon. Not only will you see what you are putting into your body, you can make notes on what events/emotions your were experiencing at that time.

4)Set clear goals
*Examples include any of the following:

"I am overweight and toxic. I need to eliminate fast food from my diet and lose 30 pounds by August 31, 2008."

"My waist is over 35 inches because I don't exercise and I love sweets. I must lose 3 inches from my midsection in the next six weeks."

5)Get moving!
*Walking is the best form of exercise. Start with 20 minutes a day, 3 days a week, at a moderate pace.

6)Start cooking!

7)Measure your waistline once a month
*Women should measure 35 inches or less and men should come in under 40.

8)Add resistance to your cardio
*Building muscle boosts your metabolism. Your calorie burn continues for hours after your workout!

9)Cleanse your major systems and supplement your diet
*More on this in a later post--Stay Tuned!

10)Water, water, water!
*Drink half your weight in ounces daily. Drink more if you are exercising (4 oz. every 15 minutes).