Heart Health.

During the month of February, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recognize Go Red for Women! Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, which cut across racial and ethnic lines. The risk factors of heart disease include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, diabetes and family history. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suggest that close to 600,000 people die of heart disease every year. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Go Red for Women celebration. Over the last decade, these commemorative events raise awareness and empower women to live healthier lives.

Knowing the risk factors and behaviors that contribute to heart disease is an important step. After being empowered through knowledge, we take action in making lifestyle changes. This includes: reducing life stressors, eating more fruits and vegetables, engaging in physical activity, quitting smoking and researching your family history. After hearing the testimonies of stroke and heart attack survivors, I recognize that these simple changes can be done and make a difference. Although a catastrophic event had to take place for these stories to be shared, there is a blessing within it. Their living testimonies are implanted within the hearts and minds of those listening, which may help save a life.

So why talk about heart health?

As an organ, the heart is central to our existence. The heart transports blood throughout our intricate circulatory system. As a symbol, the heart represents love and passions. Heart health not only applies to the physical, but to our relationships emotionally, mentally and spiritually. A key aspect of strengthening our hearts is to release. We have to let go, completely. When we've been disappointed, hurt or angry at a person or situation, we may hold on to it. We hold onto things that we simply tolerate. On the outside, we appear to be well put together and act as if all is right in our world. But, on the inside our hearts are weakened because of all of the “stuff” that continues to build up. It’s that buildup of sadness, hurt and other emotions that may restrict us from moving on and loving wholeheartedly. 

Like heart disease, we have to identify those factors that are weighing heavily on our hearts and alter our behaviors. We must acknowledge our emotions, let go of the negative emotions, value the lessons learned and give ourselves time to heal. We must release. This “stuff” should not be choking our hearts where we lose our passions and ability to love. We must release. 

Releasing is a process, which is similar to making a lifestyle change. It does not happen overnight. It takes commitment and work. But, when we let things go we feel stronger and one step closer to a healthy heart. 

As we celebrate Go Red for Women this month, let us take the time to consider all matters of the heart. 

When Life Happens.

When life happens, how do we handle it? Sometimes we cry, scream, space out or remain silent. There are situations that give us a technical knock-out (TKO) and not the Love TKO Teddy Pendergrass sang about. These life-altering situations include the death of a loved one, financial hardship, ailing health and the list goes on. When life happens, it normally catches us off guard; we don’t see it coming and we are unable to brace ourselves for the impact. 

In the midst of things falling apart, everything around us is moving. Time does not stop.  Our responsibilities do not vanish. Needs must be met and tasks must be completed, even in the midst of chaos. Indeed, it is a lot to juggle! But, in the end it is worth it.

We do our best to be responsible and prepare for as much as possible. However, we fail to realize that there are certain things we will not be ready for. Sometimes it is best to be caught off guard. It builds our character, tests our limits and strengthens our faith. We are to be tested to see how we handle life’s bitterness and success. Fortunately, in certain situations our Allegheny Mountains can prepare us for the Mt. Everest.  Although timing may catch us off guard, our prior victories give us assurance in knowing that "we shall overcome". 

Handling life does not mean we are meant to handle it alone. Ninety-nine percent of the time, someone else has experienced a similar situation. People are in our lives for a reason and can be a blessing. It is not weakness to admit you need help! Unfortunately, the rise of individualism and an “I/me” attitude has eroded our collective responsibility. As a result, society has a “pull yourself up by your bootstrap” mentality, which has diminished the need for my brother’s or sister’s keeper.

In 2008, majority of Americans experienced life in the midst of economic crises. Even as we fast-forward to 2013, we are still facing challenging times. These challenges are not going away anytime soon. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Now more than ever, we must rebuild our sense of community, reach out to each other and learn from our prior experiences.

I acknowledge that we all handle life differently. Some cleave to those around them, some push others out. But, what I have found that even in the midst of chaos and tragedy, peace is still attainable. How do we attain peace? Through prayer, you ask. 

So the question is, how will you handle life? Will you juggle all of life’s demands while going through a rough patch, seek the support of others around you or allow things to fall? 

Re-Introductions.

I admit it. For more than 4 years, I did not touch this page. Now, I have decided to break the silence, end the hiatus and begin again. Since 2008, a lot has happened. I experienced two graduations, an out-of-state move, significant losses, amazing gains and a number of lessons learned. Moving forward, I desire to reflect, capture the present and speak into the future. 

For years, I have kept things on the inside. As an introvert, I enjoy the power of thinking and can get caught up in my thoughts. Unfortunately, I have not used the power of the pen or keyboard to write many of these thoughts down. I've kept them balled up in my mind and spirit. They have been screaming out to be released! I'm glad to proclaim that now is the time and these thoughts will be released. Ah, another lesson I am seeking to learn: release. 

This blog will be interactive. Other writers will join me and share their experiences and funny anecdotes, which will add more spice and flavor. This is food for thought.