Cherish Each Moment

Hello World,

I have to say I just got back from vacation with my family and I had a ball.  We were able to hang out, have fun and just laugh and enjoy being around each other.  Something that many people do not do often.  I am so happy that I was able to be in the midst of my family in such a fun and relaxing atmosphere.  You have to love not the magic of Disney, but the Magic of the love of a family.  During each moment of my vacation I took the time to really take it all in and enjoy and cherish every moment.  It really made a difference for me during my vacation.

While on vacation I received news that a Sorority Sister of mine passed away. A woman who I spoke to just recently on her 70th birthday.  I recalled the conversation we had and was so happy that I was able to know her and speak with her on such a milestone birthday and all throughout the time I have been a member of Sigma Gamma Rho.  She discussed with me how happy she was to see this birthday and that she was so excited to be able to help others through the venue of our sorority.  We went on to discuss her getting some rest and really working hard to take care of herself. She told me stop trying to do it all and let others help me.  Then we talked about sorority issues and business that we had to get finished within the sorority.

Towards the end of the conversation we went back to just being happy for another day.  Soror Boyd-Stewart said to me you know we have to Cherish Each Day, Cherish Each Moment that we have and know that we have done something good for someone.  I quickly responded with a "yes Ma'am."  My Sister went on to proclaim her love for me and proceeded to say how proud she was of me and how much she was supporting me in my life and sorority endeavors.  She continued on to point out every strength I had in order to get things done in life. I sat and listened on my cell phone in the midst of people all around me and enjoyed the conversation and the love I was feeling from my Sister.  I felt proud to call her my sister & even prouder that she saw in me some things I couldn't really see in myself.  I couldn't say anything and when I didn't she stated to me, "that is why I love you, you take a moment to take it all in and marinate on each and every word. I love that you have listened & I know you know what I mean by cherishing every moment." I sat in awe of her words and finally mustered up enough courage to thank her for her words of encouragement & love.  I also thanked her for always being the strong woman she was and we ended our conversation with "Soror I love you stay well and cherish each moment."

Right now at this very moment my Soror, my Sister, my Friend is being Eulogized.  A this very moment I cherish the time I had with her, the conversations, the face to face together time, the straight to the point in my face "you better do such and such" moments. (Soror I know if you were in front of me you will smile at that statement LOL) I cherish that final conversation and feel so blessed to have had it with her.   What a great woman she was.  So loving and caring, in her own strong way, even when she didn't know it.  Her stern way of talking and her straight heads on stance on it all, surely told each person she was in contact with that you were loved.  I will miss you Soror Boyd-Stewart I know you will rest in peace in the arms of our loving God!  I sit and recall that conversation and Thank God that I Cherished that Moment like she instructed me to do!

Today, don't just go through  the day complaining and pointing out the negatives.  Take a moment to take it all  in and Cherish Each Moment to the fullest, no matter what your situation, know that tomorrow is surely not promised to any of us and each moment is a true testament of how important each relationship is and should be to each of us.

Take that time today to Cherish Each Moment, don't let one second pass without realizing the blessings big and small in your life.


Be Blessed, Be Encouraged & Be A Blessing!
Racquel

Look Better Naked

I am reading a book called "Look Better Naked" what an awesome read with great ideas to shape your body and get healthy.

I have to tell you I am on a mission to Look Better Naked.  When you think about it, as women, naked cuts into the core of our deepest insecurities.   Many women have a deep fear in showing their bodies.  They live a life covered up and overdressed because of their own body image & self esteem.  Body image affects how you feel about yourself. It's an important factor in self esteem for women, men, adolescents and children. The modern world glorifies the perfect body and if you're a woman it's difficult to be positive if you believe you are fat, ugly, too tall etc.

Self esteem in women these days seems dependant on how they think they look. Many women check the scales several times a day. They often say to themselves, "I'm fat, short, skinny" - these are opinions you hold that may not be true. We all know people who are fat and happy and others who are slim and unhappy. 

Guess what? Some men like large, some small, some thin and some tall. You don't have to be thin to be attractive! Someone will like your appearance just as you are and if you have a good feeling about yourself that's even better!

With a positive or healthy body image, a woman has a real perception of her size and shape. She also feels comfortable with her body. With a negative body image, a woman has a distorted perception of her shape and size, compares her body to others, and feels shame and anxiety about her body. Being unhappy with your body can affect how you think and feel about yourself as a person. A poor body image can lead to emotional distress, low self-esteem, unhealthy dieting habits, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Developing a positive body image and a healthy mental attitude is crucial to a woman's happiness and wellness.

We all want to look our best, but a healthy body is not always linked to outer appearance. In fact, healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes! Changing your body image means changing the way you think about your body. At the same time, healthy lifestyle choices are also key to improving body image.

This book goes into so many different ways and levels of strengthening your body image.  Like Healthy eating can promote healthy skin and hair, along with strong bones. Regular exercise has been shown to boost self-esteem, self-image, and energy levels & Plenty of rest is key to stress management.

We as women have to stop shying away from the mirror. We need to stop the stinking thinking in our own skin.  It is time to get comfortable in the skin we are in and look better naked.  And don't forget your kids! The attitude of parents about appearance and diet affects their kids' attitudes. So be aware of that when you pick up this book.

"Look Better Naked is an invitation to stop hiding from yourself, to rediscover—and reshape—the body beneath your clothes, and to boost your in-the-buff confidence. The next time you’re about to step into the shower, take a look at your reflection in the mirror and stash the image in your memory bank. That’s the last you’re going to see of the old you. Then put aside the weight-loss and shape-up disappointments you’ve faced in the past and get ready to look better naked!"(Excerpt from Look Better Naked, by Michele Promaulayko. Get the six-week plan to your leanest, hottest body ever)

Your body is unique, enjoy it and love it. Focus on your good points. If someone likes you they will see the good and not the bad. Make yourself worthy of love and like yourself first. 

I AM ON A QUEST TO LOOK BETTER NAKED, YOU SHOULD JOIN ME!

Be Blessed, Be Encouraged & Be a Blessing,

Racquel