The Honeybee's Lifestyle

Tag: Self care

  • Self Love Day with Dr. Jamie

    Hello Honeybees,

    One of the ways that I practice self love is by surrounding myself with women who inspire me and lift me up. On Sunday I was fortunate enough to experience self love at its best. Dr. Jamie Hardy is the founder of The Fab Gathering, The Fab Gathering is a safe space to let down your guard and to receive support and tools to elevate your health and your life. This FAB gathering was all about self love.

    A little back story. I started following Dr. Jamie after meeting her at a blogger workshop. Shortly after our meeting she hosted a Fab Gathering at Char restaurant but I waited to late to get my ticket. That was not the case this time.

    Dr. Jamie, a pharmacist by trade, is on a mission to help women to be fit, FABulous, and fulfilled by giving their food, actions, and beliefs a makeover. She encourages women to live a healthy lifestyle without pills. Yes you read that right, a pharmacist trying to get us off the meds.

    The day began with a panel of beautiful black educated women dropping gems on everything from navigating storms to self image and of course saying NO.

    Melody Hubbard-Robinson dropped the first gem. During the introductions when most people tell who they are and what they do for a living, Melody said: “My job is….. but my purpose is….” I love that because we are more than our jobs. We all have a purpose and you are blessed if they are the same.

    Dr. Kristen Walker let us know that if self care becomes stressful then you aren’t doing it right.

    Kim Cox Esq. reminded us that you always have options. Don’t be afraid to take the chance to have joy.

    Dr. Audrey Townsel dropped on of the most important gems of all about dealing with other people. When pouring into other people make sure that they can pour back into you.

    I told you these ladies were fierce and I received every word of it.

    After the panel it was time to hydrate because Dr. Jamie knew that we were gonna need it. Twana Johnson got us up and moving. We did a “quick” 7 minutes of cardio to get our heart rate up. 30 minutes a day is all we need to get us started & to help us stay fit. Twana’s gem was “You can catch someones cold but you can’t catch good health” That my friends is on you.

    After getting our groove on we hit the mat, the yoga mat that is. My favorite yogi, Jackie O lead our practice. I am always in a calmer state of mind after yoga with Jackie.

    Dr. Jamie then talked to us about the important benefits of journaling and introduced us to her new soon to be released Self Love Kit. Head over to The Fab Gathering website for more details.

    As promised we had a healthy and delicious lunch. I was full but not stuffed. A perfect combination.

    This was the perfect way to spend part of my Sunday. I was so inspired by all of the women. I am so happy that I had the chance to experience Self Love Day with the Fab Gathering.

    Job well done Dr. Jamie.

     

    Beewisdom- If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete. ~ Buddha

  • Testing,Testing

    Hello Honeybees,

    As we enter Q2 of 2019 many of us have either given up on our new year’s resolutions or we are hanging tough. I didn’t make any particular resolutions but there are some things that I am making a priority. One of the biggest is my health. As you know the latter part of 2018 was tough for me health wise. I shared my story here. One thing that I learned during the time I spent in and out of the hospital is how important it is for us to take care of our bodies. In my case prevention was key.

    Some might think that because they are under 40 they don’t have to worry about their health until later. Well I am here to tell you that no matter your age…. Take care of your body..NOW!!! Here are some suggested health screenings that you should consider, of course age and family history can impact when you should have this test performed. Make the appointment ASAP.

    Always know your status (STI/AIDS/HIV) no matter your age

    Also, please don’t forget your mental health. Seek help if you need someone to talk to. If you think you might need some help, you probably do and that’s okay. We all need some help to navigate this crazy world.

    Preventive Test

    Blood Pressure– A diagnosis of hypertension, or high blood pressure, is made if your blood pressure is higher than 140/90. Because high blood pressure can lead to other complications, it should be checked every two years if it’s 120/80 or under. If you have to take meds to help control your blood pressure take them. I’m got my prescription refilled this week.

    Cholesterol– at least once every 4-6 years (or more frequently if you’re at risk for a heart attack).

    Blood Sugar– Get a fasting blood sugar test or other screening test for diabetes or pre diabetes at least once every 3 years and take control of diabetes EARLY.

    Skin Test– Check your skin for any unusual spots or moles. Be sure to ask your doctor to check your skin once a year, as well.

    Immunization – People over age 50 should get a flu shot every year. And don’t forget, even healthy people need a tetanus booster shot every 10 years, and one of those should contain the pertussis vaccine for whooping cough.

    Mammogram– women should have routine mammograms to help detect any early signs of breast cancer. Your doctor can tell you how often you should repeat the test. Early detection of breast cancer can save your breast and your life.

    Pap Smear/Pelvic Exam – Combining a Pap test with a human papillomavirus (HPV) test can safely extend the interval between cervical cancer screenings from three years to five years in many women between the ages of 30-65.

    Colonoscopy– can be done as a screening for colon cancer and other problems, usually starting at age 50. Go Get Tested

    Eye Exam– Be sure to get your eyes examined regularly — at least every 1 to 2 years until age 60 and then every year thereafter. Go more often if you have vision problems or risk factors for eye problems.

    Dental Check Up-You should visit the dentist at least twice year for an exam and cleaning. Your oral health can affect your physical health.

    Ok, I’m off my soap box now. I want to be around to watch my sons become fathers and play with my future grandchildren. I want to travel the world and just enjoy life but I need my best body and mental state to do it. I also want you to be around to enjoy life with me.

    Have you scheduled your yearly exams? If not what are you waiting on?

    Beewisdom- Health is a relationship between you and your body

  • Extending GRACE

    Hello Honeybees,

    Have you ever extended grace to someone? Has someone ever extended grace to you? What does it even mean to extend grace to someone?

    Having something that you don’t deserve is God’s grace to us. He extends his grace to us every day but do we return that grace to those around us? Do we show compassion for others?

    When I was going through a rough period in my life I had a manager at work that showed me GRACE. He didn’t have to because it truly wasn’t in his job description but he did. But because he did I was able to keep it together and not only survive but thrive. Fast forward 10 years later, I am in my former manager’s position. Someone needed me to extend that same grace to them. So what did I do, I extended it.  Just like me, this person was able to keep it together and survive. No rules were broken, but just knowing that someone in a position that has the power to make your life a little harder extends you grace takes a load off of your mind and spirit.

    Sometime it’s not always easy to extend grace because you KNOW that person doesn’t deserve it. But guess what, that’s the time when YOU listen to that still small voice and do it anyway. Grace is a gift and who doesn’t like to receive gifts? Have you ever received a gift just because? That’s grace. We never know what someone is going through. You showing them grace might be the thing that they need to keep pushing forward. So the next time someone pisses up off, extend a little grace.

    Be humble to others. You may be experiencing your mountain top moment but don’t forget that valley experience for it shall surely come again. Extend a hand to help those around you. Extend a hand to help lift someone else. You never know when that very hand will reach back to help you.

    While you are extending GRACE to others remember to extend some grace to yourself. Free yourself from always having it together, from always trying to be perfect. We are not perfect people.  When you fail at something, give yourself some grace. The world did not end because you failed. Give yourself the freedom to learn from the failure and to keep it moving. If you can’t forgive YOU how can you forgive others?

    I encourage you extend grace to someone, especially to you.

     

    Beewisdom- I give grace because I so desperately need it. – Lysa Terkeurst