Our Season: Do You Have 2022 Leftovers?

Our Season: Do You Have 2022 Leftovers?:   Some of us stepped into 2023 with leftovers from 2022. That’s not necessarily a bad thing and if you accomplished all your goals, congratu...

Do You Have 2022 Leftovers?

 

Some of us stepped into 2023 with leftovers from 2022. That’s not necessarily a bad thing and if you accomplished all your goals, congratulations. You are most likely in a class of your own.  If you missed the deadline to reach your 2022 goals, you are certainly not alone, and opportunities still await you.  The door is not closed, but it’s time to gear up and begin again. 

Here are a few suggestions to consider.

·       Evaluate your goals and develop a plan of action.

·       What did you do right in 2022?

·       What were some of the things you could improve on?

·       What should you retain?

·       What should you delete?

·       Stay committed to your personal and professional development without overstepping boundaries.

You don’t have to wait until Spring to clean the cabinets and closets.  You can begin right now.  We tend to leave some things in place that we know should have been thrown out, not just from last year, but from years before.  I’m not just speaking about tangible items.  There are other areas in our lives that have expiration dates, egos, bad attitudes, selfish ambitions, skeletons, baggage and relationships.  All those blessing blockers that blur your vision and keep you from moving forward.

As we move forward in 2023, ask yourself this question.  Who can I serve and what should I not be serving?

Your New Year success will be predicated on your Obedience.

 

 Sheila Agnew

 

 

 

How To Become a Better Voter

It’s time to take a hard look at how and who we vote for political leadership in America. We are in dire need of improvement in selecting elected officials from President down to local offices. When someone has the power to make decisions that significantly affect our lives including health, education, jobs, businesses, finances, housing, security and all facets of our existence as a nation, it’s imperative to make educated choices about those we place in position to impact our well-being.

People are far too lax in voting practices. As a result, we have become a society more interested in party affiliation and personal agendas as opposed to voting for persons who actually care about how we all succeed as a nation for the present and future.

We don’t have a perfect political party and if leadership is purely based his or her personal beliefs, an entire group of people are left without a voice. For this reason, Congressional electors must work in partisan or regardless of who is in office, the wheel will only keep turning and nothing gets accomplished.

Sheila L. Agnew 

It’s up to the voters to elect people who are true leaders and fairly represent all people.  No longer can we exist as a split and broken nation. The time has come for change.  Each one can be a part of that change by choosing to look deep before we leap into a candidate.

Having similar beliefs is important, but that does not necessarily make the best leader.  Every candidate for any office should possess compelling qualities that may include,

 Servant Leadership

 Character

·         Integrity

·         Trustworthy

·         Ethical

·         Humility

·         Vision

·         Passionate

·         Knowledgeable

·         Compassion

·         Inspiring and Empowering

·         Emotional Intelligence

A governing leader must have qualifications, characteristics and achievements relative to the office they are elected to.  When it comes to the lives of people they serve, we should evaluate candidates by their deeds and not just their promises. Elected officials should lead by example and we the people should never accept poor behavior and questionable backgrounds, particularly when there is no evidence to solidify notable life changes have occurred.  We can change the political climate when candidates who lead justly and fairly are elected.

Also, it’s not just the candidates that have a responsibility.  Voters also are responsible to research, attend town hall and community meetings, send emails and make phone calls about your concerns to elected and proposed electors. We have the responsibility to activate due diligence in helping to create a city, state and nation that supports all its people.

Lastly, let’s teach our children early about voting and what it means to their future. Demonstrate the importance of electing people who represent our nation so that they will be educated about the process and hopefully actively participate in building and maintaining our nation once they are voting age.

Sheila L. Agnew is an author, certified personal trainer, senior and women's fitness specialist, print model. Her blog is http://www.sheilaagnew.blogspot.com

Our Season: Follow @SheilaAgnewIn this season of love and matt...

Our Season: Follow @SheilaAgnewIn this season of love and matt...: Follow @SheilaAgnew In this season of love and matters of the heart, it’s important we don’t forget to love and care for our bodies.   Sel...

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In this season of love and matters of the heart, it’s important we don’t forget to love and care for our bodies.  Self-love and preservation do not mean you have to be perfect, but we can feel a keen sense of accomplishment if we understand the dynamics of incorporating a Wellness Lifestyle.

A Wellness Lifestyle is a mind, body and soul commitment for a life-changing experience.  It’s a declaration that you will make changes that improve not only how you look, but how you feel for your mental and physical well-being.  When you feel good, your confidence level elevates, which helps you to incorporate positive changes that enhance your life.

Turning your mind to the concept “It’s All About You” is not selfish, it’s self-care. This involves making an allegiance to go within and discover an inner you who appreciates him or herself.

If we lack the confidence to see ourselves healthy, take a journey through memory lane and reflect on a time when you loved (or liked) your body, at least some parts. Hair, breasts, waistline, legs, eyes, hips, there was something you appreciated about you. As you reflect, replace those thoughts with your heart, your mind, your body, your strength and you will find a deeper loving of yourself. While some physical features may be buried in the past, don’t allow your body changes to dictate your health and happiness.

Consider these self-awareness questions.

1.    What do I love about my body?

2.    What don’t I love about my body?

3.    Can I make changes about the things I don’t like?

4.    Am I willing to put in the work to make those changes?

5.    Am I willing to change my Attitude?

Making a decision that supports your health and well-being will create a more successful, vibrant and balanced lifestyle.

Your divine light will shine regardless of the physical evolution of our bodies. Don’t be a prisoner to society which contributes to mental stress and takes you further away from loving you.

Make a declaration today, “I Love My Body and I’m Falling in Love with My Body, All Over Again.”

 

By Sheila L. Agnew

Step Up to Fitness

http://www.sheilaagnew.com

 

Our Season: How To Become the Best Voter

Our Season: How To Become the Best Voter: With this November election predicted to be one of the highest turnouts in many years, it’s time to take a hard look at how and who we vote...

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A Cup Full of Confidence

A Cup Full of Confidence

A few weeks ago, one of my social media followers asked me, “How do I get started?” I responded, “Take the first step and then you have to make a decision. Will I keep going or will I stop?”

Taking the first step is not always as easy as it sounds.  It takes a lot of courage to do something you are not comfortable with or have never done before.  Many of us are experiencing these situations, particularly with the world health crisis, quarantined at home and in some cases isolation where we could use a confidence boost.

We are faced with having to consider undertaking activities for which we are not familiar. For the first time, we are challenged beyond our imagination.  These are times when we may have to decide who is going to be the victor, our winning attitude or our negative self-conscious. I am hopeful your decision is to be victorious and have faith to take steps necessary to move from complacency to action. 

Obstacles will try to block your vision and blur your path.  Some obstacles are, too scared, lonely, too old, no one cares, not smart enough, not healthy enough or whatever a negative mind will concoct to keep you from fulfilling your goals, dreams and desires.

My mom, who is ninety years old and lives in a different city has never gone to drive-thru banking prior to COVID-19.  She was determined to figure out how to bank a new way without assistance from my sisters who live close by.  The first attempt, she was so nervous she drove through without making the transaction.  Not to be defeated, she decided to give it another try a few weeks later.  This time she managed to stop at the teller station, but was too short to reach the deposit tube and had to get out the car to complete the transaction. Her biggest concern was the car behind her had to wait, but she was proud that she took the ultimate first step.  I’m pretty sure I won’t convince her to do online banking, but independence is important to her and the completion of that goal was an assurance she could perform a new task.

Both positive and negative experiences can boost your confidence.  Don’t allow the current health crisis to be a road block to the possibilities that lie within you. Be determined to spring forward in spite of the circumstances.

If you rely on divine order to operate and take control of your life, you can arise above obstacles and make what may seem as the smallest step become a huge accomplishment.  Your goal does not have to be big, it just needs to be meaningful to you.

The person who asked me how to get started revealed that she had health issues, but was determined to start moving instead of sitting in a chair feeling sorry for herself.  She had to change her attitude about her physical condition in order to move forward.  Changing your attitude will change your life.  All you need is a cup full of courage. 

A few Confident Boosters to consider are

-          Tap into your imagination

-          Adjust your focus

-          Disconnect from distractions

-          Open your mind to possibilities

-          Practice self-love

-          Stay energized with exercise, healthy diet and rest

-          Be patient

-          Pray

Sometimes we just need A Cup Full of Confidence.

Sheila Agnew McCoy is a personal trainer, senior fitness specialist, author, actor and commercial model. Her website is http://www.sheilaagnew.com

Our Season: Money Won’t Cure Coronavirus

Our Season: Money Won’t Cure Coronavirus: Even if money falls from the sky, it would not be enough to stop the spread of coronavirus. While scientists, health officials and othe...

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Money Won’t Cure Coronavirus

Even if money falls from the sky, it would not be enough to stop the spread of coronavirus. While scientists, health officials and other experts are working diligently to eradicate this deadly virus, the most significant action we can take as individuals is to become environmentally aware and take the recommended precautions to prevent the spread.

A healthy environment plays a compelling role in our physical health.  The importance of following recommended measures to help prevent the spread of the virus by washing hands, covering our mouths with tissue when we cough or sneeze and staying home when we are sick, cannot be over emphasized. In fact, these are practices we all should incorporate on a daily basis regardless of an outbreak.  

There’s a lot to be learned from the global coronavirus crisis and knowledge is powerful. Money may help, but humans are the most capable source to prevent these types of outbreaks.  We have a choice. We can make this a life sentence or we can begin to realize that what we continue to put into the air is what we will get out.

Our Season: Taking a Faith Walk Into 2020

Our Season: Taking a Faith Walk Into 2020: Follow @SheilaAgnew We know that having even a little faith can move mountains, but what happens when you take your faith to the extre...

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Taking a Faith Walk Into 2020

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We know that having even a little faith can move mountains, but what happens when you take your faith to the extreme, beyond what you would have imagined? How do you know your Faith has elevated?

- You become thirsty and your desire to quench this thirst is so tremendous you are overwhelmed with the triumph you are about to experience.

- You have hunger pains and no amount of food with satisfy this hunger until you feed on God's Word, the food for Life to nourish your soul.

Taking your faith to the extreme is more than a simple request for God to fulfill our basic needs, it is thirsting and hungering to fulfill God's will and purpose for your life. It is the point at which we become bold. It’s the level when we reach our breaking point.

The breaking point is when you endure through all barriers to complete your assignment, purpose and calling. Your extreme and unbreakable faith has prevailed. 

Keep walking with God and he will bless you beyond what you would ever imagine.

Lower Back Pain Exercises Sheilas Fit 50 Plus

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Women of Color Understanding "A Time for Change in Politics"

   

     While some consider the presidential election a big loss for women and particularly Black women, who polls suggest overwhelming supported Hillary Clinton, we experienced some big wins for women of color in major local, state and national elections.

     In federal elections, three women of color were elected to the US Senate, Tammy Duckworth in Illinois who is Asian-American and a former U.S. Army pilot who lost both legs in combat, Catherine Cortez Masto in Nevada, the nation’s first female Latina Senator and Kamala Harris, an African-Indian American who won with the help of 48% Latino voters from the state of California. 

     Three women were elected to the House including Pramila Jayapal in Minnesota, the first Indian-American women to serve in the House of Representatives and Stephanie Murphy, the first Vietnamese-American female. The state of Delaware is sending its first woman ever to Congress, Lisa Blount Rochester who is African-American.  In January, 15 women have been sworn in to the 115th Congress, 12 Democrats and 3 Republicans. Of the 104 women in Congress, 38 are Women of Color. 

     Women of Color also made strides with local elections. In Jefferson County Alabama, the county seat of Birmingham and the most populous city in the state, nine Black female judges were historically elected in district and circuit courts. Another Jefferson County located in Beaumont, Texas elected a Black woman, Zena Stephens to the office of Sheriff.  The county overwhelmingly voted Republican, but elected Zena who is a Democrat in a landslide vote. Orlando, Florida also elected its first Black Female Chief of Police, Val Demings.

     All of the mentioned elected officials won on initiatives that significantly affect women including quality healthcare, equal pay, economic disparity, immigration reform, gun control and racial equality. These wins resulted in voters choosing who they felt were the best candidates, which happened to be deserving women of color. 

     The value in getting involved in the political system can be of significant importance for women, our children and our future. We can start at the community level by being heard and seen in a positive manner. As newly elected sheriff, Zena Stephens says, “I credit my win to my long history in the community and building relationships across political lines.”

     We must look beyond what many women see as a defeat and if history has anything to do with our rise from adversity, we will prevail in breaking the Glass Ceiling.

What God Expects us to Resolve in 2017

Over the years, I have gone through various transitions when it comes to making new year resolutions. Years ago, I made resolutions mentally because it was a year-end tradition I thought I should follow even though having no clear understanding of the concept.  As I grew older, I began to look at my new year resolutions more seriously and wrote down goals I felt most important for each coming year. Eventually realizing I was writing the same goals each year and seemingly not accomplishing significant results, I turned to my spiritual life and focused on what God would want and approve for my life.

After significant research on the origin of making new year resolutions, I was encouraged to become more grounded in preparing my goals. Once knowing the religious origins and practices of starting the new year on the right foot had its beginnings over 4000 years ago, I understood God is the reason to make resolutions for the coming year as opposed to relying solely on my self-centered needs and limited actions.

The opportunity to make a fresh start is very exciting.  Like most people, I eagerly await what God has planned for me in 2017. I believe phenomenal things will happen and I understand there will also be challenges. I am at peace with new year resolutions because I know at the beginning and throughout the year I rely on God to guide me to actions that would serve him, my family and my community. My goals now have a higher purpose than as a very young adult. As I take time to reflect on 2016, the accomplishments and the challenges, I know without a doubt that resolving to have a better relationship with God has exceeded everything I could never have done on my own.

Happy New Year and May Your Relationship with God increase in 2017

Core Exercises

Working with Senior Citizens on their Fitness Goals

can be rewarding.  Many cannot do floor exercises so I use a Bosu Ball to elevate them.

RISING ABOVE ADVERSITY TO FIND SUCCESS

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Tracye Smith - From the Boardroom to the Jazz Room!

Check out the April Spotlight 50! Tracye Smith has smooth jazz vocals and smooth moves at the executive level in corporate America.

Five Business Trends for Women of Color in 2016

http://www.walkerslegacy.com/five-business-trends-for-women-of-color-in-2016/

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Boomer Couple Returns to School and Rekindle Love!

7 Ways To Fall In Love With Your Body Again

If you are beyond the first seventeen days in the New Year and in a slump, with little or no movement or progress towards your fitness and health goals, don’t feel alone.  Millions are struggling right about now and need a boost to continue or ever get started.  Consider this, “Are you in the same place now as you were last year or even years before?”  If the answer is yes, you may be a prime candidate for a “triathlon awakening”, a renewal of the mind, body and soul. 

Athletically, a triathlon is a contest of strength and endurance in three levels often associated with swimming, cycling and long-distant running.  Whether an athletic or not, our minds and bodies need similar types of endurance disciplines to navigate successfully through our challenges, and focus on creating a healthy lifestyle.  This is the race of life.  How we care for our bodies has a direct result on whether we will go a short or long distance.

We all have an opportunity to experience a healthy lifestyle.  All we need do is carefully prepare and train with exercise, fitness and proper nutrition.   The analogy of implementing disciplines similar to an athletics’ training, is to highlight their passion and dedication to whatever their desired goals and the measures it takes to achieve them. The healthy development of one’s body will create a direct flow of energy to the mind for a soul-satisfying experience.

Even though we are pass the beginning of 2016; you can still experience the excitement of achieving success in your health and fitness goals.   Here are a few tips triathlon athletics incorporate that can be useful for anyone desiring a transformation lifestyle.

Set Goals - Goals are important to provide a road map to guide you on your journey. Your goals must be clear, precise and realistic. Write down your goals in journals or create a vision board.

Periodization - Refers to a process in which athletics divide time into manageable blocks designed to produce specific fitness and performance results.  Set your goals so they will be manageable within the time frame you have on a day-to-day basis.  A desire for fast results may soon become discouraging.  If you assign specific blocks of time for each life change objective and pace yourself, results will be more long-standing.

Motivation - Make it personal.  Why do you want to have a transformation lifestyle?  Do you want to shed pounds for a specific event? Do you have a physical challenge or want to look and feel better for a lifetime?  Consider things that will fuel your motivation for achieving your goal.  We should all strive for a lifetime lifestyle.

Measure - How will you measure your results? Give yourself specific parameters such as losing inches, reducing body fat, quit smoking.... Remember, a healthy lifestyle is more than losing weight.

Time Frame - Give yourself a defined period of time to achieve your goals.  If you wish to lose 30 pounds, determine how and when you will achieve the goal.  For example, I will lose 5 pounds a month over the next 6 months by planning my meals and implemented a workout regimen suitable to to help me reach my goals.  Each time you meet your goal, you will get excited about the next interval. Don't set a goal to lose 30 pounds in one month. It may be too much too soon.  Be realistic.

Challenge - Goals should be challenging.  Keep your meals interesting by trying new, healthy recipes. Get your family and friends involved in sharing healthy dishes.  Diversify your fitness routine by experiencing different workouts.  The same workout everyday will eventually bore you. Register for marathon races, run/walk events for charity, or join group fitness classes.  You can also start your own challenge among family, friends and colleagues, which helps to motivate you and others by making it fun.  Be creative.

Envision - Can you see the pounds dropping off, the positive doctor's report, the beautiful outfit in your closet fitting you or crossing the finish line? How would that make you feel? The wonderful thing about vision, it helps you to see what the future can look like.  As mentioned before, create a vision board or simply create a vision where your goals are firmly planted in your mind.

    

     Don’t give up because you have not begun the program or reached the goals you so eagerly resolved to do in 2016.  You can always start anew at any time realizing each day is a new beginning.  Once you start, if you fall short, pick up where you left off and begin again.  We are all in the race and everyone has an opportunity to cross the finish line. Love yourself enough to care about your health.

Sheila L. Agnew McCoy is a author, entrepreneur, speaker and personal trainer @2016