"Get Your Mind Right"

Well hello my lovely blog followers, I'm beginning with a quote from Highland's First Wednesday service by Craig Greoschel.

"There is far more within you than your mind understands."

WOW, right? This quote is so very diverse.  It's relatable spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally (actually my list could go on and on, but we will stop here so I can proceed).

First of all, let me explain that your mind and brain, although similar, are actually quite different. This has been an ongoing debate dating all the way back to the times of Aristotle. I, personally, think it's interesting to view them as different. Although the mind is related to the brain and the two are interchangeable, they are quite different. The brain is composed of nerve cells and blood vessels, along with a definite shape, the mind however, has none of this. Interestingly enough, the brain happens to be the center of your nervous system. It helps to coordinate movements, thoughts and feelings, but these are put forth and felt by the mind. Our minds are used to think, feel, and respond. It refers to one's understanding and conscience of things.

So with all of that being said, why am I blogging about the mind? Simply because in order to get to where you want to be, you need to be in the correct state of mind.  If you desire to lose weight or get healthy, you are not going to be able to do that if you don't think you can. When people find out how much weight I've lost they are amazed, but automatically say "I could never do that", "I wish I could do that", or my favorite "Oh, I could never give up bread or sugar". Amazingly enough, they're correct. If this is the mindset you have going into something (ANYTHING, really) then you will not be able to succeed. I consider that a lack of positive mindset in yourself. You aren't giving yourself enough credit. If you have a strong desire to change your lifestyle, then by working on it and a having a positive mindset, you will be able to do that. Let it be known that it will be difficult, but you are strong! You can do it!! If you think you can't, pray about it. God answer's prayers about health and fitness, too. Also, surround your self with people who will support you and lift you up. Surround yourself with people who will provide you with a positive mindset about your health.

If watching is the only thing you're going to do, then you're going to watch your life go right by. With so much going on around us, it is very easy for someone to allow worldly thoughts to control their lives. Being in control of what we take into our mind is exceedingly important. For example, I went through a period, where I compared myself to several famous women. I would think "OMGSH, why doesn't my body look like that?" or "Why can't my stomach look like that?" of if it wasn't my stomach it was "Why are my legs,arms, or my booty so thick?". By comparing and critiquing my body, my mind would take me other places, that it should not have gone. I was continuously comparing myself and my lifestyle to some of Hollywood's most beautiful women. I had to realize that I needed to change my mindset. My first step was to unfollow these women on social media. Afterwards, I prayed about it. I realized that I am me. I am exactly who God created me to be and my motivation is great. I had to face the fact that I would never be that 5'8" slender woman on Social Media, but I would be 6' curvy Brittany Nicole Akridge that God took time out to create. I just had to grasp that although God created me to have a different body type than others, he still wants me to take care of his creation that He is allowing me to use temporarily.

I understand that a lifestyle change is so very difficult. I understand that getting healthy can cause mixed emotions, but it is one of the greatest things I have done and I would not change it for the world, but I would have never been able to achieve this without, first, being able to get my mind right.

The depths of despair and fitness.

Well hello readers, it has most definitely been a while,

As many of you know, I  have moved and I am currently interning at the VA hospital in Tuskegee. This has been a trying, depressing and extremely difficult transition for me. I am quite the social butterfly and being social is just a part of who I am.  Moving, not knowing anyone, having to learn where everything is, starting something new, not really speaking or seeing those closest to me has been trying. I have felt sadness, anxiety, depression, anger, and overall what I imagine is the closest thing to the depths of despair (Anne of Green Gables reference). In the past few weeks, I have cried probably 5 times, which is an exceedingly high amount for me, due to the fact that I am NOT a crier. I joined a gym, joined some groups and have tried attending several different churches in hopes of meeting new people and better being able to enjoy my experience here. Not until this week did I realize that I am wasting my life being sad and TRYING to do things my way. 

Since I've been here, I've met a few people and did some sociable things, but nothing really clicked. I would go to the gym and work out my frustrations, but I consistently left feeling sad. I've attended different churches and groups in hopes of finding joy, but each time I left feeling empty. Until this week, when I officially heard what God has been wanting me to hear and know all the time. He wants me to know that as much as I love people He loves me. God doesn't ONLY want me to be physically fit, he wants me to be SPIRITUALLY fit, too. I've been praying about my current situation and all I had gotten were the words "patience" and "content". I had no idea what "content" was referring to until this week.  God wants me to be content with my life (with just He and I). So often we plan things out and have a preconceived idea of how things should be. Because I had an idea of how I  think things SHOULD be, I end up with anxiety and sadness. If, in fact, I would just be more trusting of God, sadness and anxiety would've been much less.

With that being said, I am beginning to work on being more spiritually fit. Being spiritually fit means clinging to Jesus in both good and bad time. He is our Rock, Redeemer, Strong Tower and the One who will holds us together. He is The One who will provide me with WHO I need exactly WHEN I need them. I realized that I may be the only Bible someone ever reads, and how I was currently living and the character I was currently showing was certainly not showing a healthy spiritual fitness. When people are broken, Light should shine more abundantly through them, but light wasn't showing through me.

After leaving church and the gym this week, I have felt complete. I have felt strong and fit and I praise God for that. I am currently content and waiting on the Lord to bring the RIGHT people into my life. And in fact, I had dinner last night with a friend and have plans throughout the weekend with several different people. So I must say....God is good.

"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come"  -1 Timothy 4:8 

It's The Most Stressful Time of The Year...oops, I mean Wonderful.

Let me begin by apologizing for my lack of posts. I have been extremely busy trying to juggle life. School, work, preparing for my internship, moving, the gym, family and friends are keeping me extremely busy. Like most everyone, my life is incredibly hectic and it seems the Holiday Season is just adding to it. 

[A few side notes are: I will be moving in January to Tuskegee, Alabama to  complete a 5 month internship at the Tuskegee Veteran's Hospital. I am beyond excited and ready to go NOW! Also, and update on my health, in regards to my Pituitary Adenoma, I am doing well. My medication is working well.  I spoke with my doctor last week. He told me things are right on track and there are no concerns.  Thank you all for your prayers. God is good!]

So now, let's get down to business [this makes me want to belt out a song from Mulan....which I may or may not have, but you'll never know].

Shopping, cooking, party planning, decorating your home, cookie making, gift wrapping, family time, finals.....AHHHH. No wonder there is so much stress during the holidays!! There is SO much to do in only a months time. A huge part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle entails one to keep their stress level under control. There are so many people, myself included, throughout the year trying to manage severe stress, anxiety and depression. The Holiday Season can be a trigger to each of these. 

Here are just a few ways that may help you to manage some of your Holiday stress:

1. Just do a few things REALLY well.

Each year, people try to make their holiday season BIGGER and BETTER than the last year, and as a result the season has gone from "The Most Wonderful Time of Year" to "The Most STRESSFUL Time of Year."  So this year instead of going above and beyond in shopping, cooking, gift wrapping, party planning, decorating, etcetera, why not just choose a few to focus on. If the most important thing to you is decorating your home.....JUST do those REALLY well and work on making the other things a little simpler.

[Side Note]: If cookie decorating for you and you family is a BIG deal [like it is with mine] buy pre-made dough instead of home-made. Because honestly, most people only care about cutting them out and icing them, anyways.  :)

2. Obligation Parties

Christmas time is a time for all types of parties and festivities. If you have that one party that everyone attends, but you hate going, but feel obligated to go...just DON'T go. Christmas and the parties should be enjoyed NOT dreaded. Plus, I'm sure there will be more than one Christmas party to attend during the Holiday Season.

3. Exercise and Rest

Yes, you read that correctly...I wrote EXERCISE and rest.  If you are dealing with stress, anxiety or depression, exercise and sleep are some of the best things for you. Exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins make you feel AMAZING. It's true [you should try it].

So put down the cookies, the wrapping paper, the decorations and get your butts up and exercise and get yourself plenty of rest. Everything will be there when you get back or wake up.

4. Don't overspend

Christmas isn't about gifts [although they're nice to give and receive]. Christmas is about the ultimate gift, Jesus. Also, most people enjoy homemade or DIY gifts, so instead of going out and spending a fortune, why not try a sentimental gift?

5. Stick to your routine

Fit the holidays into YOUR routine and don't conform to its [with the exception of holiday parties, simply because they will have a set date].  Don't push you workouts, work schedule, date nights, family nights around because that can be overwhelming. Instead, try combining holidays and your routine. For instance, you can combine watching you favorite Thursday TV show with getting last minute Christmas wrapping complete. Or maybe, combine date night with Christmas shopping.

Finally, 6. Forget about perfection

Perfection does NOT occur, especially during the Holidays. Accept it. Trying to find the perfect gift, plan the perfect party, make the perfect meal, wrap the perfect gift will stress you out! Do the best you can and move on. Sometimes the mishaps turn into the best memories.

The important thing for us to remember is the true meaning of Christmas, which is Jesus.  So when your stress and anxiety levels are high or your feeling a little down, remember that the gifts, the cooking, the parties, the decorations or the gift wrapping is not what makes Christmas "The Most Wonderful Time of Year", its Jesus, love, and joy.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. -Isaiah 9:6-7

Prayer, Positivity and a Pituitary Adenoma

When people ask "What does it mean to be healthy?", a majority of people say to be healthy is eating foods that are full of vitamins and nutrients, getting plenty of sleep and getting the appropriate amount of daily exercise.  Due to recent personal health issues, I have decided that  there is much more to being healthy than I originally thought. Being healthy does not just come in a physical form, but a mental and spiritual form, as well. 

A part of being healthy is being intuitive, in regards to the way your body works.  For example, when you are catching a cold, you know that something just isn't right about how your body is working. It's the same principle with any other type of illness that you experience. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it's our job to be aware of your own body, because who really knows your body like you do (the answer is....NO ONE). 

Recently I have been diagnosed with a Pituitary Adenoma.  A Pituitary Adenoma is a small growth, or tumor, found at the base of the brain.  It can cause severe headaches, dizziness, hormone imbalances and long term effects on the body.  I had been having some symptoms for some time and finally decided to surrender all amounts of stubbornness and go to the doctor.  At the doctors office, blood work was completed.  After several days, I received the results, which indicated that my Prolactin levels were extremely high.  An MRI was scheduled, which showed signs of a tumor.  At first, I was beside myself.  I had no idea what I was going to do and constantly thought the worst.  I was filled with overwhelming amounts of fear, anxiety, curiosity, doubtfulness, negativity, judgment, discouragement, and caution.  Throughout this process, several people have shown me encouragement, light, and have shed more prayers on me than I am worthy of. 

At the beginning of this process, all I could focus on were "what ifs", anxiety, negative accusations and thoughts. After days of negative thoughts, worrying and feeling down I finally decided to muster up enough courage to STOP worrying, so I began to listen to what other people were telling me. I was, also, encouraged to consider the questions, "What can I learn from this situation?" and "What is God trying to tell me?".  I was told to read Phillipians 4: 6-8, Romans 8:28-31, James 1:2-4, and anything in Proverbs or Psalms.  I was told to not only read the scriptures, but to pray about them, so that they take root into my spirit, heart and life.  I began to pray for peace, faith and an overwhelming joy. Although still doubtful, I began to experience peace, faith and joy. After my MRI, each one of my daily devotionals consisted of verses from either Proverbs or Psalms, which was far from coincidental.  Each verse I read aloud to myself was like a slap in the face.  Why should I be worried? Is God not mighty enough to make a 15 mm tumor diminish? Is God not powerful and gracious enough to provide the doctors with the tools and knowledge they need to remove this tumor? Is my God not the ULTIMATE physician? I was engulfed in negativity, when I needed to be engulfed in positivity! This Tuesday, I have an appointment to see a neurosurgeon.  I wholeheartedly believe that the surgeon will know the best solution and in the near future my tumor will be completely gone. 

This situation has encouraged me to live an even healthier lifestyle than I already did. I have decided to get healthy not just from head to toe, but on the inside, too. I am currently working on turning my worrisome and anxious ways into the ways of obtaining prayer, faith and joy in ALL situations.  My eyes have been opened to the importance of how transforming your negative thoughts in to positive thoughts is not only healthy, but uplifting and encouraging.  By pumping prayer and positivity into your life a healthier and happier lifestyle will be obtained.  

" Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is purse, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." - Phillippians 4:8

Tone It Tuesday exercise class

First of all, my life is incredibly hectic, at the moment, so it has been a little while since my last post, my apologies. I have been bombarded with school, work, and contract work and still trying to hit the gym every single day before coming home to do homework. Things have finally slowed down for me, just a little, so hopefully I will be able to commit to blogging more frequently.

Even with limited time on my hands, I have decided to make some time for something that will be hopefully be beneficial to other women's health and social skills.  My lovely workout partner and best friend, Jacqueline Sims and I have decided to start a Total Body workout class called "Tone It Tuesdays".  This class is centered around encouraging women to live a healthy lifestyle and for them to understand that exercising doesn't have to be boring and dreaded.  Jacqueline and I have realized that it is difficult for women to find time for themselves, whether they are single, married, or married with children. We know that it is vital for women to find time to not only workout and be healthy, but to have other women in their lives that can be there for encouragement and accountability purposes. So to help women obtain these attributes, we have decided to start Tone It Tuesdays, where women can come together, socialize and uplift one another, while getting an amazing and fun workout!

Many people have asked me, as well as Jacqueline, a little about our class. Our class focuses on giving your entire body the perfect workout. It is a total body class that gets your heart rate up, works your arms, legs and abs, while trying to lift and perk up that booty (because we know everyone wants a perky JLO booty). It is about a 30 to 45 minute class and we use some weights and steps, but mostly just the weight of your own body.  It is done primarily in circuits, which is several exercises that are grouped together. A total of about 6 circuits will be done to music. [DUH...what's an exercise class without music??]  Each circuit is designed to focus on a different muscle group, this way you will be working your entire body! If you feel scared or intimidated that you may not be able to do some of the exercises or that people will make fun of you....DON'T BE! There are modifications to each of the exercises that will be shown, so NO WORRIES!! So before you knock it, come try it! I don't think you will be disappointed & if you are, well at least you'll burn around 600 calories for the day!!

Who: YOU!!

What: Tone It Tuesdays with Jacqueline and Brittany

Where: Bonifay Athletic Club [in the back room]

When: Tuesdays at 5:30

Why: To promote the importance of Women's Health

 

Here is a brief example of a Circuit that can be done really quick at home (make certain you take a short 10-30 Second break in between each circuit):

Circuit 1:
45 Second Push-Up (you can use the wall, if necessary)
30 Second Forearm Plank
45 Second Jumping Jack
( 3 Times)

Circuit 2:
45 Second Squats
30 Second Jump Squats
30 Second High Knees
(2 Times)

Circuit 3:
45 Second Crunches
20 Second Plank
30 Second Mountain Climbers
( 3 Times)

When in doubt, run it out.

"Running is not about being better than anyone, its about being and feeling better than you ever have." 
Running tends to get a bad reputation, but running works wonders. If you aren't able to run...most people are able to walk (so no excuses). It is not only a great way to relieve stress, but it helps one to lose weight and it aids in assisting to clear one's mind. With so much bombarding my everyday life (being a full time counselor, grad school, working out, friends and family), it's sometimes difficult to remember that life should be fun and enjoyable. Unfortunately, I don't have time or money to enjoy weekly massages, so instead I sometimes run. And lets just be clear....I am not a fast runner, but I run nonetheless. For me, getting out and running helps to lower my stress level and decrease any anxiety that I am experiencing.  
 

I know that there are many people reading who are probably thinking, "I hate running" or "Psttt...Please, I can't run", but if I can, so CAN you. Over a year ago, I was that person who said, "I hate running; I have too much chunkiness going on to be running", which was true. At first, my running skills were far from graceful and swift. Emotionally, I felt self-conscious, embarrassed, and weighed down. Physically, I felt winded, knee pain, and foot pain. There were so many negative feelings when it came to running, but because I had a goal of improvement and success set for myself, I pressed on! My goal was to not only get into shape, but be able to complete a 5K (a color run to be exact). So from May to July 2014, I worked my butt off every day for as long as I could. I downloaded the Couch to 5K app and slowly, but surely running began being a little less difficult. 

After the pain of running lessened and I recovered from being winded regularly, I no longer felt self-conscious and embarrassed. I discovered that running was great for me. It was a stress relied and way that I could concentrate on solely on myself and how my life was going. I saw improvement in only a few months, which made me less self-conscious, embarrassed and weighed down. I still have trouble running quickly, but are 6' tall, curvy women really suppose to be fast runners?  Regardless of my lack of speed, I am now able to endure running for a long distance and enjoy it's therapeutic abilities.

 

 

The above pictures were my first ever 5K. The Color Run was on July 4, 2014.

 I completed the 3.15 miles in around 54 minutes. I struggled through it with some jogging, a few negative thoughts about myself and a great deal of fast walking.

FYI: I highly recommend everyone to participate in a Color Run. They are amazing and so much fun!

 

These two pictures are from my Midnight 5K on August 29, 2015. Here, I completed my 3.15 miles in a total of 38 minutes. I, also, finished 26 out of 60 in my division. Throughout the Midnight run I spent my time running, jogging, thinking positively and enjoying each minute of the race.

Like I said before, still not quick, however, it's improvement.

 

I have come a long way since last year and I cannot wait to see what the future holds, in regards to running. So I encourage you to remember that whenever you're stressed, feel anxious, down or in doubt, running/walking is an option to help relieve some of these symptoms. 

 

Monday strikes again.

You've had the best, most relaxing weekend full of fun and all things enjoyable. You have accomplished everything that ONLY you have wanted to do: you've slept in, lounged around your house, enjoyed church, maybe had the ultimate beach experience, enjoyed friends, family and life to the fullest, but then the worst thing happens. Monday strikes AGAIN and its back to the grind. Your 40 hour work week is waiting for you with open arms. If you are anything like me, then you would agree that Mondays can be the absolute worst. However, you can improve those dreaded Monday's by adding a little exercise to your day. Exercise relieves stress and helps to improve your mood.

When discussing exercise with people I often hear people say, " I would exercise, but I don't have time in my day" or "I would exercise, but I don't know what to do".

 

First of all, let's do a little math:

There are 24 hours in a day.

-8 hours for sleep

-8 hours for a full time job.

-3 to 4 hours for cooking and eating; breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 Depending on the person, they may vary. Regardless, this leaves one with 4 hours during the day to complete those "extra" things in life. Therefore, why wouldn't you do something constructive for at least 30 minutes, like exercise?

 

Exercise allows you to be as creative as you want. Sometimes people don't know what to do or what a specific exercise might look like? Well thank goodness for living in a technological world...the Internet is your friend, so use it! Both Google and Pinterest can solve all of your exercise questions. However, deciding where to begin when it comes to exercise can sometimes be confusing and difficult. Most women begin working out to lose weight. With that being said, cardio is a great place to begin. Cardio helps to shed fat for a slimmer body. When I first began working out, I learned that having a workout plan was really quite helpful! Having an idea of what you are going to do before you do it helps you not feel so overwhelmed. It provides you with exactly what you need without having to decide what to do next. The cardio workouts above to the left and right are great workouts that are sure to leave you sweating and maybe even a little sore. Remember, being sore is a GOOD thing. It means you have accomplished something, you worked hard and are gaining muscle.

 

Whether it is cardio, arm day, leg day or shoulder day, exercise is not only your friend, but can help you escape the dreaded madness of manic Monday. So why not try exercising on Monday, you might just enjoy it.

 

Here is a daily workout plan that I found on Pinterest quite some time ago. Happy Exercising!!