A Reflection by Tabitha D. James

Yes, the title says Ain't Nobody Playin', incorrect grammar and all, I need you to FEEL this -- I'm not playing and you shouldn't be either. The greatness inside of us is conveniently located on the other side of our games, excuses and fear; let's get to work. 

So it took me a little while to come back with a follow-up to Make it Happen - W.E. Reflection Part I because chiiiiiiiileeeee listen, I had to sit in my emotions and really grasp what occurred and how I felt about it. You could be reading this and Woman Evolve isn't your thing, that's okay, this message is still applicable. The meat of this message is that it's critical for you to consistently work on yourself and your ultimate well-being. Rather it's an event you want to attend, a person you want to meet, an opportunity you want to take . . . . so on and so forth . . . personal develop goes beyond degrees, certifications and surface-level connections. To truly thrive AND be holistically well while doing so, you have to dig deep and be intentional with your thoughts and actions. Below are three things I feel are vitally important, there are more but these are critical at any stage:

Surroundings 
1) Assess your circle. Who are you connected to? - We are the sum of our surroundings. Birds of a feather flock together; are you an eagle or a chicken? 

Intentions
2) What are your intentions and exceptions? Do you have any? - A fail to plan is a plan to fail; be intentional with your actions and have an idea of what you're seeking. Imagine your life as a road-trip, if there's no destination in the GPS you're just driving, if you enter an address, no matter how many times you deviate from the original path, it will update and eventually you'll get to your destination. Trust the process!

Reflection
3) Have you reflected? Do you reflect? - Reflection, reflection, reflection. Don't just aimlessly go through life. Take the time to reflect on what has occurred and how it has made you feel. Don't be afraid to get lost in your emotions, you deserve to have awareness around your feelings. 

Enjoy this RAW and transparent video that breaks down the above points; it is my hope that something from this message is food for your soul -- be sure to comment or shoot me a message about your thoughts!

Well Hello! Our blog has been a little neglected lately but thanks to Julia (life-saver), we have a new featured read highlighting personal wellness. We aligned with Julia over one-year ago and after a personal break, she followed-up with an amazing piece . . . Enjoy :) Be sure to comment, share and be sure to refresh your wellness plan! 

Contributor: Julia Merrill

Let’s get one thing straight: There’s no such thing as “having it all.” The phrase was coined as a way to encourage women to go after the things they want, but it evolved into an impossible standard that many are still trying to live up to. Look, there are only 24 hours in a day, seven days in a week, and 52 weeks in a year. That’s not enough time to “have it all.” We have to make choices and sacrifices to go after the things we want. However, one thing we should never sacrifice is our health.
 
Good health is a blessing many of us take for granted. Instead of appreciating it and caring for it, we often skip yearly checkups, stay up through sleepless nights, and fuel our bodies with food that has little to no nutritional value. All these bad habits may not mean much on their own, but over time they build up and can have a negative impact on your overall well-being. Instead of letting that happen, take some time out of your daily schedule to practice self-care and appreciate your health. It will contribute to a longer and happier life overall. 

While no woman should hit the gym obsessing over working toward the perfect body, skipping your workout has serious health implications. We need exercise to control our body weight, reduce the risk of heart disease, and maintain muscle tone. Weightlifting can also help prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone density. This is especially important for women who make up the majority of those diagnosed with osteoporosis.  Furthermore, any kind of exercise releases helpful neurotransmitters that promote positive mood, reduce pain, and improve overall sleep quality. 

In the ‘90s, eating well was all about buying weight-loss shakes and low-fat snacks in colorful boxes. Today, we know better. If you want a healthy diet, start by upping the amount of produce you buy, and focus on “eating the rainbow.” That is, buy fruits and vegetables from all over the color spectrum. The color of a fruit or vegetable reflects its nutritional value. For instance, the orange in carrots comes from the nutrient beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. Make the bulk of your meals an array of colorful fruits and vegetables and complement them with lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains for a nutritious diet. 

Let’s dive deeper into the benefits of a well-balanced diet. Ever feel like you’re on a rollercoaster of emotions in one day? You’re not alone, and there’s a good reason for it. In fact, there’s growing evidence about the connection between gut health and mood. Yes, all the tiny microorganisms in your gut don’t just play a role in digestion and immunity; they also contribute to mood levels by secreting various hormones like serotonin and dopamine. The healthier your microbiome (gut health), the happier you’ll feel! You can accomplish this by starting with your diet. Reach for foods and beverages that contain live cultures, such as kefir and yogurt. You can also add probiotic supplements to send more healthy bacteria to your gut.

A woman’s work is never done, right? Wrong! You deserve a break as much as anyone. If you don’t take time out to rest and relax, it can catch up to you in unexpected ways. When we are overworked, we get moody, anxious, and irresponsible. In fact, it’s not uncommon for overworked people to start slipping up on the job -- which is not why you work all those long hours. Leave the office when your work is over, make time for vacations, and take a mental health day if you think you need it. Even if you aren’t a full-time career woman, you still deserve a break. 

​When it comes to your work at home, try treating yourself by hiring a dog walker or house cleaner to help reduce your chores and workload. Use that time to do something you enjoy, instead. Just keep track of your budget. An hour-long walk usually costs $22 - $27, and maid services can charge an average of $15 - $30 hourly. 

​When you neglect self-care, it can have serious health implications. Taking time out of your busy schedule to eat nutritious meals, exercise, and relax is imperative if you want to support both your mind and body.