Lately, I've been reflecting over my life, and I just realized that for the most part of my life journey, I was an introvert. I struggled like most teenagers with identity and self-esteem, and often felt awkward and socially out-of-place when interacting with others. I grew up in a city that prided itself in superficiality. Your wardrobe, your mode of transportation (i.e. the bus v. personal vehicle), and your physical appearance were often deemed more important than your actual character and conduct. I was the fourth child in a single parent home, and had limited financial access to the things that my city deemed essential for social acceptance, which in turn fueled my desire to remain under the radar. I often spoke very softly, which I thought was a sign of humility. Often I would even mumble incoherently when voicing my opinion to avoid conflict.
Until one day, my mom caught onto what I was doing. "Speak up and articulate. I cannot understand what you are saying." My mom did not want me to avoid conflict, and to use humility as a façade to cover my true feelings. She wanted me to be confident in conflict and to speak up boldly. Every time I tried to revert back, she would vehemently say, "Speak up and do not mumble. Articulate!" When she would say those words, my insides would just churn like butter, but now, as an adult I appreciate my mother's words. I was only an introvert because I thought less of myself, and as my confidence grew with maturity, I shed those introverted ways, remaining humble but without the mumble. 29 days of 2017 have already passed. I would like to challenge you to speak up this year! Do not use a façade of humility to avoid conflict. Instead, articulate your feelings and thoughts in a tactful manner, and press passed your insecurities. The world needs to hear you, I need to hear you! Your voice matters. Thoughts...
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Losing weight is the number one New Year's Resolution that many people set for themselves each January. By mid-December the weight loss ads are pouring over the television and the radio. I must admit, I am one of those thousands of Americans who vow to eat better and to drop the additional adipose tissue every year as well. But if I do not change my attitude, viewing my overall health as the most essential thing that I possess versus if I can fit into my favorite pair of college days jeans, I will be looking in the mirror December 2017 once again fantasizing of a smaller waist line. Billy Blanks, the creator of Taebo, said something very profound on one of his workout tapes: "If you love yourself, then you will do it." Meaning, I need to value me for me first, and then, taking care of me, will come naturally. The key to obtaining my goal of weight loss is not to focus on the end goal entirely, but to eliminate my self-imposed impediments through resolve. I need to center myself on what is valuable to me (i.e. my health), to reach my desired outcome (i.e. college day skinny jeans).
Likewise, reaching your goals for 2017 will require resolve to center yourself on the values that you hold in highest regard to neutralize the impacts of self-imposed impediments that sabotage your plans to reaching your desired goals. Close the revloving resolution door by identifying what's important to you, and tenaciously hold on to it. This is the only way you will be able to look in the mirror on December 31, 2017 confidently without any regrets or remorse. Its going to be tough, but end the end, it will be worth it. I would love to hear about your resolutions and your thoughts about this blog. Please comment. |
AuthorAkon M. Walker, MPA, motivates readers to transform words of inspiration into life application. Archives
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