Breaking Point

Since I am back home in the cold (yes it's still 30 degrees in spring), running outdoors was not an option for me.  Instead I went against my desires and went to a class of all women at Physique 57 at the different locations around the city.  Known for the thigh, ab, and glute-intensive workouts, 6 classes in 4 days had me feeling the pain and enjoying the burn.  But something better happened in two of those classes - the opportunity to encourage two older newcomers to continue through the 57 minute class.

One grabbed her towel and walked out and I went to get her and brought her back in.  The other just gave up at the barre before I went to her side. When you think you can't make it anymore because the pain is too great, there is a sense of urgency for encouragement. If you can't encourage yourself, make sure you are around people who can talk you off the ledge. 

As I had a week full of unknowns followed by a week of doing business with some unethical people, the burden is extremely heavy for the smart business woman, who isn't feeling so smart. I can only talk to two people about it and one just didn't get it.  Didn't get that I was at the breaking point - the point where I just want to throw in the towel and leave, just like those two ladies. 

But on my way home in the car, a telephone call from my college buddy was the most enlightening and encouraging moment.  It was good to hear that someone understands that you can pour so much into others' lives that it is draining and lonesome when you can't get that in return from anywhere. But I was encouraged because she reiterated how my life is still a blessing compared to others.  

Tears of agreement dried up because I know it s not in my nature to quit. Maybe this week I can incorporate what I learned in the 57 minutes into a post-run routine when I return to the warm weather.  More importantly I will encourage another because someone encouraged me.

A Win for Destiny

Now that I am leaving the Big Easy, here are eight reasons the Ravens win was so special inside the Superdome that housed Katrina victims years ago: 

1. Three 75+ yr women walked out of the bathroom behind me and started telling me they cried when Ray Lewis announced his retirement because they did not know what Baltimore would do without his generosity to the children and senior citizens community. I assured him that I thought he would still be a pillar in the community. Tears starting forming in their eyes as two said "I hope so baby".
2. In the Superdome store, four women that reminded me of my aunt and grandmother asked me to help them pick out some souvenirs. Oh yeah, two of them had walking canes and said they would never miss this moment. They saved for this day.
3. In a sea of red of 49ers fans of which it was nothing to pay for the high priced tickets (and they wore that arrogance too), Ravens fans were a pretty humble bunch that reminded me of my family (personal and extended church) and middle class hard working Americans. 
4. When the lights at the top of the dome went out on the 49ers side only (no there was no blackout), Ravens fans were proclaiming that it was the trick of the devil to change the momentum of the game and get the Ravens off-course. (And we know that happens in real life!) 
5. When the momentum of the game shifted towards the 49ers, I stood up and tuned everything out and started professing quietly, "God, you did not put everything in order for me to get here to see a Ravens loss and Ray not get another ring.  This was ordained. This trip is about how you are going to come through for me too.  This is about the testimony I am going to have when this trial is over." 
6. While the 49ers fans were cheering loudly at the end of the game, the Ravens fans in the three sections next to us were quiet on the last defensive play and put one hand up and said "no weapon formed". 
7. The emotions - The tears some of the Ravens fans and me too wiped away at 5 seconds to the end of the game. The cheer when Ray Lewis said "What God has for you!". The cry out that Torrey Smith did for his brother Tevin when he ran through our section. The tears rolling from Michael's adopted parents. The kisses to the crowd from the player's moms before going in the tunnel as she said "Thanks for the years supporting my baby!"
8. And the excitement of Ray's win after a torn tricep was supposed to put him out for the season and all the HATERS that tried to tear down his spirit but he kept believing.

So shout out to the Ravens fans and may Baltimore celebrate harder than ever because this was another win for destiny - something I needed to witness as my change is coming!

Words Can Never Describe...

The pain and agony that must be felt by the parents, school staff, and community of Newton, Connecticut. To lose anyone dear to you is difficult but to lose a little one in any situation is unthinkable.

We must focus attention on cherishing the victims and survivors and embracing our own families with love and honor. We must not waste time sensationalizing people who are mentally challenged and downright heartless, if not mentally disturbed, to commit such horrific acts. Let us put an action plan together to stop the mental illness and abuse of children and adults and create better gun laws to protect our children's children.  Generations should not be lost because of these antics. Run the course of social action.

The Rich or Famous Are Just Like You

A little notoriety does not mean exemption from problems.  When a person of modest income and standard living exhibits some emotional concerns, it is normally attributed to a lack of education, finance, profession, or family ties.

But what happens when you have all that and you still have problems?  Your worry may not be climbing the corporate ladder because you are at the top rung. Your concern may be how to stay there because everyone is attacking you to get your position.  Your concern may not be how to pay the monthly bills or pay for the car repair in the next three months. Your concern may be how to maintain a lifestyle if you become unemployed or the second or main breadwinner dies or becomes unemployed in the next 5 years. You may not be worried about child care while you and your spouse work because you have enough money to pay for a round the clock nanny.  However you may be concerned with the education that your child is missing by not being around you and your educated friends all the time due to work responsibilities.  Your concern may never be taking drugs or drinking because you are not around others that partake in those activities.  Nonetheless the money and fame means more access to more prominent and powerful secret things that people are eager to have you take to bring you down or take you out.

Everyone has problems both big and small.  You can not discount another person's problems just because they supposedly have more money, fame, or fortune than you.  We all pray to the same God who is able to keep us from falling.

Keep this in mind before you judge anyone.

RIP Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Kassandra Perkins, Jovan Belcher, Junior Seau

New Level New Devil

Recently promoted?  Recently been rewarded?  New recognition?  Well hold on and don't get comfortable.  This means there is a new group of haters and blockers that are not in your favor.

If you have not torn others down to get to the next level and your brilliance is on the shine and tolerance for nonsense is on the decline, you definitely should be proud of yourself. Most people rise by bringing down others or at least make themselves feel better by doing this. Yet there is an old saying, dig a hole for one and you should dig a hole for two.

Congrats on your achievements but do not get comfortable, complacent, or lazy.  The same way you worked hard to get here is the same way you will have to maintain staying here or at least getting to the next level.  There will be new challenges and new persons trying to disprove your work ethic and intelligence.  Keep track of all your interactions with others.  Be sure you cover yourself and make a strong statement - without being a jerk - that you are here to stay.

If you were not gifted, no one would be standing in your way or blocking you from opportunities.  Only the strong survive and I am cheering for you to thrive not just survive.  Run the course because you definitely may be hindered along the way but you WILL win in the end!