by STRONG | Jul 2, 2015 | Learn + Grow
I have yet to find a woman whose heart has not weathered the storms of pain, disappointment, loneliness, and abandonment. In some way, life has broken us all; some into a million little pieces. But it is in these broken pieces where our strength is made whole and more resilient. It all comes down to how you view the setbacks you’ve encountered along the way.
How awesome is it to wake up each day knowing you aren’t fully whole, but yet you move about your day with purpose. Even if unintentionally, like going to work out of habit, you are able to accomplished tasks despite being broken. It takes strength to continue on in spite of your circumstances. Yes, you’re tired of being knocked down but it’s in refusing to stay in that dark place that screams out I AM STRONG. You just have to listen more intently to hear it.
Now is the time to press forward with a greater understanding of you capabilities and focus less on the situations that try to dibilitate you.
Here’s three truths you must learn to accept, while realizing you’re becoming stronger each day you refuse to quit.
1. You are not your past.
Everyone has a history. Unfortunately, for most of us, our past hurts have been contributed by someone else’s hand. But regardless of how dramatic your life has been, you’ve been given a future to invest in. Consider this your blank canvas to be painted on by your own hand. No longer do you have to carry the hurt and shame of past failures, bad habits, or how others have misused you. Give yourself permission to move on by believing you’re strong enough to do so. Whatsoever a man thinks in his heart is what he shall become. Think of the future you want; not the past that you’ve had.
2. Everyone faces adversity.
No, there is nothing wrong with you. There is no dark cloud that follows you. Life is filled with uncertainty and it is guaranteed that everyone will deal with their share of troubles. Does that give you permission to give up or sulk and question your existence? You can, but why waste your time stressing over circumstances you cannot change? Instead, believe there is a silver lining in your situation. Use it as an opportunity to grow stronger in your faith, hope, and love.
3. You are the creator of your happiness.
Everything around you is subject to change. People, feelings, your career, thoughts; all can change at any given moment. Don’t let your emotions be ruled by things you have very little to no control over. Utlimately, life is what YOU make it. Waiting for someone or something to come along to bring you joy is a mistake. Instead, make the decision to be happy. Make the choice to live stronger each day.
Tifany Berry is the founder and lead trainer of The Hard Glamour Team, a fitness brand dedicated to showing women their inner strength and true beauty through living a healthy lifestyle. When Tifany is not transforming lives, you can find her spending time with her three beautiful children, her loving fiancé, and enjoying a slice of pizza. Connect w/ Tifany: E-mail: thehardglamourteam@gmail.com
Facebook LinkedIn
by STRONG | Jul 2, 2015 | Learn + Grow
Close your eyes and think of a large yellow “M” with a red rectangle underneath it. Did you immediately think McDonald’s? Did you see food?
Now close your eyes and think of a beauty campaign for a cosmetic. Think of the model showing off her beautiful eyes with the new mascara on. What are you seeing? Is the model skinny? Does her skin appear flawless with to-die-for features?
I asked you to do these quick exercises to show you something. Now you may think that the pictures that you visualized were yours because they came from your mind. But the truth is, they were programmed there. Yes, all of your thoughts are not your own. You may not believe me or wish to not acknowledge that you do not think every thought for yourself.
That is ok. I simply want to share some thought provoking thoughts and allow you to take from it what you will.
From birth, we are constantly surrounded by images, icons, symbols, sounds that influence the way we perceive the world. I graduated with a Bachelors of Art in Advertising, and this is a topic I learned very quickly in the program – advertisers manipulate the psyche of consumers to promote, market and sell products to them. Plain and simple.
The reason you see a yellow “M” and think McDonald’s was due to the advertising put in place. The locations, color choices and amount of impressions per ad campaign were all very strategic. Tell me how many children can recognize McDonald’s by just a year of age? Did you know the colors yellow and red stimulated hunger and excitement, and red is also the first color babies can see?
So again, what you’ve experienced through your senses from birth to today has played a major role in shaping your perceptions and views of the world. Many of us are not even aware of this and let our minds run on autopilot. But, this is the best part – once you become aware, you can turn it all around for the better.
If there were any deposits made into your subconscious that have not been supportive to the life you desire to live, you can reverse it’s effects. How? The same way they were deposited there, by surrounding yourself with things that support you. If you have an inferiority complex, then you will want to surround yourself with images of equality, use self talk that supports you being worthy as anyone else, and surround yourself with like minded company who treats you as such.
But, the first step is awareness, and just by reading this article, you have gotten one step closer to eliminating unsupportive, negative mentalities. So, give yourself a pat on the back for taking the time out to better yourself, for just wanting more for yourself and for taking even just one step towards your best life possible.
You CAN shape your world. It all begins in your mind.
Crystal Scretching is a dreamer. A native of the small town of Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, Crystal never allowed what she saw in her environment to shape the imaginations she held in her mind. Equipped with a spiritual foundation set by her parents, and a creativity and passion for art, she ventured to college at the University of Southern Mississippi where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising and Graphic Communications. Crystal currently is a proud mother of her 3-year-old son, an entrepreneur, graphic designer and the Founder of her organization, MyWallofDreams.com. Her passion to inspire the world to greatness drives her pathway as she strives to motivate the masses. Author E-mail crystal.scretching@gmail.com Author Social Media Links
Facebook Twitter Instagram
by STRONG | Jul 2, 2015 | Faith + Expressions
Vision is so important in this lifetime and it ignites a passion within me when I hear or read something great in reference to vision. Embracing your vision for your life is a good topic to start with and I feel this should be a three part deal; embrace your vision, build your vision, and execute your vision…so without further delay, today’s message is about embracing the vision of your life. (You may really want to check your excuses at the door before continuing).
Your life has purpose. We are created for a reason and our vision can be the driving force between where we go or staying in the same place. I was listening to a sermon by a minister who was blind. He may have had a disability that prevented him from seeing the outside world, but his vision for his life was greater than any ability to see. I may never forget the most powerful words he spoke, primarily the saying, “lack of vision is worse than blindness”. Here is a man who cannot see telling others that if you have no vision for your life, then you are worse off than he will ever be. That was rather powerful to hear.
He went on to mention the feats he was able to accomplish to get him to his purpose. He received a doctorate degree, published a book, and is a motivational speaker that travels the world. People never thought he would finish high school, let alone accomplish what things he’s already done. I mean talk about obliterating the excuses I could ever use after hearing someone overcome the impossible. Certainly, if he wanted to, if any of us wanted to, then we would be able to conjure up an excuse to remain without vision, without drive, without purpose. However, having a ridiculous amount of faith and bright vision, then there is no room for excuses.
Although he has much to be grateful for with the victories he won through Christ, his vision is still brighter than ever and he still moves forward. Vision can do that for your life. Vision says that there is light at the end of every tunnel. Working towards your vision you need to remove excuses and doubts and focus on the brightness up ahead. Vision gives you insight even if your natural sight is obsolete.
If it is your dream, then stop putting it off to the side like it has no meaning. Embrace what you are created to do. It does not always have to be the most comfortable thing, but it is the thing that gives you purpose. You will build your confidence once you embrace what your vision is. The evening may seem dark, but light always proceeds the night. Your situation may look impossible compared to your dream, but weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). Stick with your vision, it is the hope of a brighter tomorrow. If you have a dream for your life, then embrace your vision. Do not let what looks impossible prevent you from accomplishing all that God has put inside of you.
Embrace your vision!
Ruthann is a the founder of the social enterprise, Just Be Confident. Her mission is to help women learn how to build their confidence and execute their vision. Ruthann is dedicated to a lifetime of learning and helping others by teaching, writing, and motivational speaking. Connect w/ Ruthann: E-mail: rpmdesigns88@gmail.com
Google+ Facebook Twitter Instagram
by STRONG | Jul 2, 2015 | Lifestyle+Culture
Here are the diggs on this match up.
•Sequin Mini Shorts: $68 { SocietyOfChic.com}
•Casadei 120mm Blade Laminated Calf Cage Sandals{Gold}:$1290 {Luisaviaroma.com}
•Lipsy Patterned Bangle Stack: $20 {Lipsy.co.uk}
•Aldo Rosna Necklace:$20 {Aldoshoes.com}
Optional: Pair it with a neutral balzer you already have in your closet.
Happy Shopping!
by Nadya Logan | Jul 2, 2015 | Lifestyle+Culture
Your life is based on you—what choices you make, what steps you take, what food you intake is all on you! Your exercise routine is not any different. What type of exercise you are able to do depends on your fitness level, the time that you have available, and the goals that you are looking to accomplish. Even if you are not a fitness expert, you know that you are supposed to exercise for thirty minutes a day, five days a week, though what a lot of people don’t know that there three things that you need to fit into your routine. You see, an exercise routine is similar to a diet. In order to get the maximum benefits of your diet, you need to be sure to eat all of your green veggies, bright fruits, and take some time to work in your protein. If your Half-Year Revolution is to begin a routine workout plan or even if you’ve been working out long before July 1st, make sure to incorporate the following: Cardio, Strength Training, and Flexibility.
It’s All About Cardio!
If you go to consult a doctor or a physician about starting a new workout plan, talk to you about cardio.
Cardio is short for cardiovascular, another term used to reference the circulatory system. Cardio exercises increases the heart rate and helps to improve the circulatory system. Examples of such exercises include, but are not limited to: running, swimming, dancing, walking, aerobics, and cycling. Cardio programs should always stay in your personal fitness level; general guidelines for cardio exercise include [1]:
• For health benefits, do moderately intense cardio for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, vigorous cardio 20 minutes a day, 3 days a week.
OR
• For weight loss, you may need to do 60-90 minutes of activity several days a week.
Fitwirr, a fitness blog, states that aside from weight loss and improved heart health, cardio exercises
improve brain function and sleep, increases bone density, and alleviates depression.
Popeye Muscular
While performing cardio exercise the only materials that are required are you, you, and you, strength
training requires a bit more. With strength training, you lift weights to strengthen muscles, bones, and
connective tissue. Strength training is just as, if not more, important than weight loss as cardio. With the
assistance of dumbbells, barbells, resistance bands, and any other muscle-strengthening tool you can
get your hands on, you will build lean muscle tissue which raises metabolism and reduces body fat. The
general guidelines for strength training are [1]:
• Choose 8-10 exercises that target the major muscle groups, such as, the lower body, chest, back, etc.
• Beginners should do one set of 8-16 repetitions of each exercise to fatigue. More advanced exercisers can do 2-3 sets.
• Train each muscle group 2-3 non-consecutive days a week.
• Work each exercise through its full range of motion and use good form.
S-T-R-E-T-C-H
If you have ever been to a fitness class you are aware that the first thing done before the workout is
stretching, so why is it often overlooked? Stretching is a definite must-do before any cardio exercise or
strength training is to be done. Stretching is relaxing, and it helps our bodies feel good. It can be done
anytime and practically anywhere, but is most important before and after workouts. The more you
stretch, the more flexible you will become. The general guidelines for stretching are [1]:
• Stretch your muscles when they’re warm.
• Do static stretches with a focus on tight areas.
• Stretch a minimum of 2-3 days a week, 7 days maximum.
• Stretching should not hurt. Be sure to stay within your range of motion.
• Hold each stretch for about for approximately 15-30 seconds, and repeat it 2-4 for each stretch.
Site:
[1] http://exercise.about.com/cs/exbeginners/a/exbasics_2.htm
![STRONG, Inc. [Simple Transitions Render Opportunity Necessary For Growth]](https://www.knowyourstrong.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/NewLogo.png)
Recent Comments