My Pearls? To Pigs? Nah...

 

Today's "Song Day" Selection is:  India Arie's "There's Hope" Because I truly believe that even a smile is charity and it cost absolutely nothing to give! *Smile :-)

All Smiles!!

Now what was that about pearls and pigs?......


"Don't give your pearls to Pigs!" ..... I'm listening, brow furrowed, eyes slightly squinted in mild confusion. I have the slightest clue what she means and she can tell, lol. She, being my gracefully past 45 year old  co-worker. She goes on to explain and this is what I took from her explanation..... 

You have great things to give, of yourself I mean. You have goodness deep inside that is special and when you share it, it's like giving the best of you to others. "Pearls" represents just that; the best of you.  "Pigs" are people who will take the best of what you offer them and drag...it...through...the...MUD!! Yes, people who have no appreciation for the hard work you've put in, the love you put in, the THOUGHT you put in or the energy you put in..to WHATEVER!! We've all seen the very cliche movie scene...woman goes through immense planning for boyfriends surprise party...boyfriend comes in, feigns surprise and happiness, later breaks up with said woman at the end of the night...PIG!! Another example... YOU work very hard at your job, putting in extra hours, doing your best work all for a boss who turns around and promotes the coworker who is less than sub-par!!...PIG, again.

Even a Smile is Charity!!

 Now this is not to say that the "pigs" in these examples are bad people, it just means they have zero appreciation for the best of you...so don't give it to them!! You know your worth, your capability, your intentions...give those intangibles efforts to those around you who will say "Thank You for what you do" or "I appreciate you" or "I can tell you worked hard on this" or...I could go on....you fill in the blanks.

It is a terrible feeling to put your all into something, your love into something, your sweat into something only to have someone take it, look at it, then toss it over their shoulder as if were trash!! (this goes for relationships too, ya dig?) Ever had that happen!? If so, you made the mistake once...don't let it happen again. You know the saying: "fool me once, shame on you! Fool me twice...no ma'am, once is ENOUGH!" ;-)
  

The "Positivity Point": Giving the best of you takes energy. Makes sure when you give it, it's well spent and for those who are well deserving :-) 

Have a different take on this quote?? Share it in the comment box :-)

Until another time good people...

BE Great, BE Blessed, BE Positive and ... BE Careful who you give your Pearls to!!

Gemini Ladyy
Instagram: @gemini_ladyy
Twitter: @liberateyoself

Pole Positivity

 Great, Excited Greetings folks! Here in lies the story, that brought me to my liberation......


"I'm not a stripper....I work in corporate America" says the tall woman standing in front of the group of us at my friends' pole dance bachelorette party last May. We were all thinking it, wondering, "hmm, if she teaches pole dance she MUST be a stripper, right?"  Wrong. The words "pole dance" and "stripper" are not synonymous. I know, I know that's probably the first thing you think when you hear "pole dance" but there's a little more to it....actually there's a lot more to it.

But let me finish my little story. So, the instructor goes on to demonstrate a pole dance for us. We cheered and hollered as she twirled, flipped and rolled on the pole. By the time she finished, we were all anxious to have our turn trying this new stuff!! After seeing her perform though, I KNEW this was something I HAD to do again. So, I signed up for an 8 week series and well, I've been addicted ever since!!

I'm curious...

Have you ever happened upon an activity and completely but unexpectedly fell in love with it? And then found that that activity helped bring together all your awesomeness!? It could be running, swimming, knitting, blogging, drawing, whatever....THAT is what pole fitness did for me!! It's toned my arms, legs and abs, upped my stamina and increased my over all feeling of health and well being! My self-confidence has been boosted (can't tell me nothin') and for once in my 28 years of life, I'M FEELING LIBERATED!! (not that I was oppressed or anything, lol) Expressing myself through dance was a sort of missing puzzle piece in my life...I'm so glad I found it! Have you found that puzzle piece?

That's me at the top of the Pole!! Freedom!!

 The "Positivity Point" of this story is: If you haven't, you've got to find that piece!! All of us have a purpose on this Earth. You never know what activities will bring you closer to finding your purpose!! But once you find it, there is true liberation when you allow yourself to express it!! It just so happens that pole fitness is what opened me up to express mine!
 
 I do pole fitness for me. Not for anyone else. I do it because I love it and because it does my body good. It is the physical challenge that I needed in life. I have to admit it sounds kind of funny to claim that pole fitness changed my life, but...I guess it did :-) As a bonus, I've met an amazing group of women, from doctors to teachers to designers who all share a love for this wonderful activity!

I call this"Clothed Poling"....Yea, I like the sound of that! I think I'll try some more clothed poling pictures!!

Perhaps I'll be judged after this, who knows!? That I cannot control. If I can help change a few peoples minds about pole fitness, that's great! But really I know those that want to see it for what it is will, and those that don't, won't :-) And to each his own. Here's some info anyway...

A Little about Pole Fitness:

• In pole fitness classes you learn spins and tricks on and off the pole.
• These classes will leave your arms-a-achin'! It takes your biceps, triceps and flyceps (I made that up, hehe!) to lift your body off the ground!
• You can increase your flexibility. Much like ballet, pole fitness looks best with long lines, pointed toes and an arched back. Get bendy!!
• You get in tune with your body! Pole fitness forces you to explore ways to dance you may not have done before...unless you're a dancer of course ;-)
• Lots of strengthening exercises are required... Abs, arms, legs...all of it!!! 

In all, pole fitness requires strength, stamina and dedication. Many professional women are taking part in this activity, which is becoming less taboo everyday. So, if you have some preconceived notions about pole fitness, that's understandable, BUT I encourage you to ask someone who does it, about it! BETTER YET I encourage you to try it. It's the most fun I've had in years!! ;-)

As you know I love to give shout outs. I cannot tell my pole fitness story without mentioning the following ladies. They've left lasting impressions on me (and others I'm certain) and I am forever grateful for what they've shared and are still sharing with me...

Meet Eva, she was my very first pole fitness instructor!! Last June I registered for her Level 1 class and couldn't wait to get started! Simply put, she's amazing. She was always encouraging, supportive and full of humor and tolerance for my random and constant emails to her! Keep scrolling, you get to see a pole dance performance by Eva below ;-)

Corrie, this lovely lady is the reason I began pole fitness. Yup, she was the woman from the beginning of my story and my level 4 instructor. She makes pole fitness look absolutely effortless! As an instructor she has the ability to push yet encourage the heck out of you at the same darn time!!!

And Liz...oh Liz!! My current level 6 instructor. This woman exudes class but is tough as nails when it comes to the pole! Her dancing is beautiful, fluid and sultry!! She is currently teaching me some incredibly complex moves, while steadily pushing me...no seriously..will literally push my body up the pole... and I love it!
 

Thank You ladies for shining your light!! I was blind, but now I SEE!! 

As promised, here's a video of Eva performing. The epitome of grace and strength...


Watch Eva's beautiful performance, Here!





Soooo, do you want to try it!?? If you're in Atlanta, shoot me an email: empowered2dance@gmail.com and join one of my classes!! 

Leave a comment, I love a good chat! Until another time good people...

BE Blessed, BE Positive, BE Great....and GET Fit...Pole Fit ;)

Gemini Ladyy

Instagram: @gemini_ladyy 

Twitter: @liberateyoself    

Loving You, is Easy 'Cause You're Beautiful...

Great Greetings All!
Remember that song Loving You by Minnie Ripperton? She was talking about her lover. That's not what I'M talking about though....I'm talking about YOU LOVING YOU!!

When I saw this quote by Iyanla, a little something stirred inside of me. I've definitely had times where I wondered what someone thought of me, how they felt about me or if they liked me or not. Those darn thoughts can be very draining and will consume parts of your mind and time that could be better used elsewhere!! 


You are your most valuable asset. Investing in you and loving YOU is where you'll find Liberation from what others may think! Know that you have been blessed individually and that you have a resposibility to cultivate and share those blessings/talents, regardless of what others may think! And of course we're not talking about the people in your life who truly love you, they do matter!  :-) 


People will believe what they WANT to believe, whether it's the truth or not. You cannot control what others think of you. So the next time you're wondering what someone might think about something you've said or done.... check your intentions (because I believe our actions are judged by them), be honest with yourself, forgive yourself if need be, let those answers guide you to your next actions, then let it go.


The people who don't like you, have every right not to. They're entitled to their feelings and so are you! You're better off giving them their "hate space" and moving on with your life....Let Your Haters Be FORGOTTEN, remember?! (that's a previous blog post by the way, lol)


Again, you are an awesome asset to yourself and once that's figured out, you'll be an even awesomer (yes, I make up words) asset to those around you!! So get to figuring! We need the best you! ;-)
Alrighty, I'm done for now! Have a BLESSED and Self-Loving day folks!!

BE Great, BE Positive, BE Blessed and.... LOVE YOU! (it's easy 'cause you're beautifulllll)


Gemini Ladyy

I Need Me (You Need You)

Something to remind yourself when you're running out the list of people or obligations that need you. As much as your job, family, pets need you, you're no good to any of them if you don't take care of yourself! It's ok to put yourself first so that you're better for everything/one else!!! Take care of YOU!!!
BE Great, BE Positive, BE Blessed..... And take a break!!
Gemini Ladyy

Show Some Love!

As women, let's acknowledge each other for our Greatness!!! We are wonderful creatures in all of our complexity!!! Make someone's day and share this photo with them!! :-) 

Who says we have to be catty!? Let's see how much light and love we can spread!
#followthepositivity
BE Great, BE Positive, BE Blessed....and Show Some Love!
Happy Women's History Month!
Gemini Ladyy

I Am Woman!! Hear Me....Whisper?

Greetings Good People!! First let me apologize for having not posted in over a week! Yikes!! I was traveling and a little under the weather but I'm great now, thank God!!

Today's Song Day Selections are:

"Unwritten" by Natasha Beddingfield




"When You've Been Blessed" by Patti Labelle

On to business, It's Women's History Month!!! All month long people are recognizing women from history and present who have done or are doing extraordinary things!! I've been enjoying all the posts via social media, haven't you? :-)



With all this positive feminine energy going around, I can't help but think of that catchy saying: "I am Woman, Hear Me ROAR!!".....Only I kept thinking, which led to this thought: Not all of us ROAR. Some women do indeed lead with bold actions and decisions. They lead by pushing the envelope and fighting hard, loud and with fearless abandon. No holds barred, ready to fight if need be (sometimes literally) and stand up for what's right despite what may happen in return!! I love it!! But you also have women who lead quietly; they whisper. These women draw people to them, like bees to honey. Their strong demeanor holds presence and poise yet demands respect. I love how varied we can be as women. I love that what one woman can accomplish, so can another, but may do so by completely different measures!! How AWESOME are we!?

Whispering can be just as good as roaring. We can learn lots from one another...those of us who roar could learn to whisper a little and those of us who whisper could learn to roar every now and then. There's much good to be done we when can appreciate what WE have but also acknowledge the great in others! Here's the big picture: We all have our strengths but they are in different areas and may not look the same. Doesn't make it any less...strong! So, if you don't ROAR, it's ok...work your WHISPER :-)

So, who can you celebrate in your everyday life that, ROARS or WHISPERS? I know plenty of women in both of these categories and I admire them all!! I congratulate them and I appreciate them for simply BEING who they are! Whether quietly or loudly...

Women get the reputation of being catty. No doubt this is real sometimes. But since we're in Liberate Yourself land and the focus here is positivity, let's do this.....You ready?

Think of 5 ladies you admire, for whatever reason. They could be family, friend or acquaintance!! I want you to let them know. I want you to be unabashedly honest about what you like about them!! Send it in a text, email, Facebook message, Tweet, Instagram Post or A PHONE CALL (Gasp, what's that??). I guarantee, you will absolutely make some woman's day, you will bring a smile to her face, you will be sending out into the universe energetic vibes that will no doubt make their way back to you!!! You will be spreading love and light and throwing shade at the reputation of cattiness!! Go ahead, do it, you know you want to! (I think we need to!) :-)

Tomorrow morning (Monday, March 11th, 2013) I'm on a mission to spread an outpouring of feminine positive energy!! Let's recognize each other for being who we are... Won't you join me!!??

 Here's how WE do it:
I will post a picture via, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, that simply acknowledges and expresses appreciation. All you have to do is:

A.) Repost and Tag the women you want to recognize! As few or many as you like!
B.) On INSTAGRAM you are welcomed to tag them directly on my post OR repost yourself and
C.) If YOU are tagged, keep the good karma going and tag someone else!! 
D.) Be sure to Hashtag #followthepositivity

I'm super excited about this and feeling the good vibrations already!

Who will be the first woman I Tag???..... So many awesome options!! ;-)

Until next time...

BE Great, BE Positive BE Blessed ..... and Spread some light!! 
Happy Women's History Month!!


In case you were wondering if I ROAR or WHISPER.... I'm a Gemini so I do both, lol

Gemini Ladyy
instagram: @gemini_ladyy
twitter: @liberateyoself

I Have a Confession...

You know, blogging about positivity (for two whole weeks!!) has been an eye opening experience. It has made me question myself, then push myself for some honest answers. The latest question: Are you ready to open up?...that's what I asked myself. I am. But I do so knowing that I AM NOT ALONE in my struggles and that being determined to be POSITIVE will get me through. And when (not if) some of you relate to my words, it's ok to raise your hand, drop your head, close your eyes and say, "Amen"...so here's my confession....

I'm a comfort eater.....I know you're probably thinking, "who doesn't eat for comfort?" but there's more to it. I love cookies. I absolutely adore brownies (with ice cream), I could eat a whole package of gummi bears in minutes (darn chewy goodness)!! I heart chips and salsa, fried chicken, fried fish, chocolate chip cookies (I'd sleep with them if I could) and the list goes on....and ....on. I was over doing it and I was ashamed. Let me explain...

Life is very busy for me. I have 3 children, married, in school full time, work full time, I make it a POINT to enjoy myself and I exercise. That's a lot!! There are times when it feels like too much. I get stressed out or overwhelmed then I turn to food. Food has been my confidante and constant support, but you'd never know it. I'm what folks would call a "skinny girl". I'm the one you'd look at and say "oh you can afford to eat those cookies, you're thin!", But I can't because all the while I'm hurting inside (goodness this is getting deep!) I suffered because of the feelings that would ensue after eating all that crap, knowing it wasn't good for me. I know it isn't benefiting me outside of the immediate gratification, that is gone after I swallow. I'm not alone am I? You know what I'm talking about, right? Eating two whole rows of girl scout cookies, then REGRETTING that you did it. Mindless behavior.

I was hurting because, with every cookie I ate, I felt bad about it. But I continued to eat more. With every Kit Kat (king size at that) that I consumed, my guilt-o-meter would climb a little more. We aren't talking every once in a while here (that wouldn't be so bad), I'm talking every single day, no discretion, guilt building, self-love waning and ..... ACNE increasing!!! I am 4 months away from turning 29 and I will be darned if I'm going to fight break outs like I did as a teenager! This had to stop! And it did.

Alright this post might be lengthy.... But it's worth it, so read on...

You see, I'm at a point in life where I'm truly loving me; all of me. The way I was eating did not match up with how I wanted to ultimately feel. The bottom line is this, the more I ate crap the more I felt like crap, both physically and emotionally. I deserve better than that!! I deserve to be treated with respect and love, but I must, MUST treat myself with respect and love first! I was disrespecting the body God gave me by feeding it junk then feeling terrible about it! (You sayin' Amen yet?)

Some of us may eat and struggle with weight. Some of us may eat and struggle with break-outs, SOME of us may struggle with both, larger health issues or anything else in between!!! You are the only one who can take care of your body. So, do it...please. 

I know some of you reading this may eat unhealthy and don't have a huge problem with it. That's fine. But if you are eating crap AND you feel like crap because of it? It's time to make a change. Do you want to change? If so, Liberate Yourself and **Love yourself enough to be healthy....

Here's How I Did It:

45 DAYS ~~ NO FRIED FOODS and NO PROCESSED SUGAR CHALLENGE! 1/14 - 2/27/2013

Plan:
"Fail to plan, and you plan to Fail" I was addicted to sugar. So, I couldn't just stop cold turkey and not have a well  thought out plan for success. Thankfully, through my very best friend (Hey Sha!) I made the acquaintance of +Ajeenah Abdul , Yoga Instructor and Health Coach. She asked me a ton of questions that helped me become aware of why  I ate like I did. We devised a plan to replace my sweets and include supplements to give me energy and keep me going! Hence, the 45 Day Challenge. This challenge is ALL ABOUT breaking bad habits and creating new, better ones!!! The best part? You cater it to what YOU NEED to give up :-)

Action:
I am determined to see some changes in my skin and in my isolated moods after eating.. To be even more honest, I was very happy until the few minutes after I ate some fried wings or a snickers bar. Those moments would turn into tens of minutes of self deprecating thoughts. "why did you eat that" "you know it isn't good for you" "you want to eat healthy" "how are you going to make up for what you just ate?" Those thoughts would be very low points of my day, multiply that by the amount of junk food servings I ate per day, and you come up with a lot of time spent downing myself. Sooooo not my style and soooo not positive!!!

Support:
My friends and family were a great support to me. I Facebooked, Tweeted and Instagram'd my progress and low points when I needed some encouragement. Doing this sort of challenge alone is possible, but it helps very much to have some company along the way. Try to think of some friends or family members that may want to join you in changing their eating habits. That way you can support and encourage each other along :-) And offer some butt-kicking if you start to feel weak!

Results:
I'm going to go ahead and pat myself on the back now. I'm at the end of my challenge!!! Not once did I cheat!! I've proven to myself how disciplined I can be... I am so proud of myself! My skin has cleared tremendously (you'll just have to take my word for that, no pics) and I am free from the thoughts that taunted me after I ate the junk food. I feel ten times better and more energized now that I eliminated the "crap from my diet!! Do I still crave cookies? Yes, but I know I'll be fine in fact, I'll be GREAT without them! I'm going forwards from here. I'm not turning back!!!

In all, I realized my love affair with sweets and fried foods was unrequited. It gave me nothing but heartache in return. I will not treat myself that way. I will be liberated  from feeling like the crap that I consumed was benefiting me. And I'm still a comfort eater, just eating healthier dishes. And oh what a liberating feeling that is...

Below are pictures of some wonderful dishes I made that left me comforted but most importantly feeling very good after eating them and not miserable ;-) If you'd like to have the recipes, Just let me know in the comment box and I'll be glad to share!!

If you want to change your eating habits, develop a health plan or do a 45 Day Challenge yourself, Contact me today (404) 957 8941 or empowered2dance@gmail.com

   **A little literature support!! I cant wait to get started reading this book by Basheerah Ahmad, Fitness Expert!!! (Thanks Amazon!) 50 Affirmations to Your Best Life!

My Goodness!! This supplement has been great!! Greens Powder gives energy, detoxifies AND supplies you with 5 + servings of your daily fruit and veggie requirements! Good Stuff!! This what ULTIMATELY helped me kick my sugar addiction! www.empoweredandhealthy.myitworks.com

In addition to the Greens Powder, I took these supplements each day! The garlic kills bacteria (acne causer), Cod Liver oil caps support overall immune function and the Vitamin C, has B vitamins as well, helps with stress, gives energy and supports immune function also!

 And now for the FOOD!!! Yum!! ;-)

Filling for Oven Baked Egg Rolls: Chicken Breast, Cabbage, Carrots & Onions.  Good as a side dish by itself too!

Oven-"Fried' (but not really) Flounder (This was HEAVENLY!!)

Stir Fried Brown Rice!!

Tri-Color Penne w/ Roasted Chicken Breast, Shrimp in Lemon Herb Sauce!! One of those dishes you create in your head and it turns out waaay better than you expected!!

Oven-Baked Egg Rolls!!! Hit the SPOT because I REALLY wanted Chinese food on this day!!

Want a recipe? Let me Know!

 BE Great, BE Positive , BE Blessed .....and BE Healthy

Gemini Ladyy

 #followthepositivity

Instagram: @gemini_ladyy

Twitter: @liberateyoself