"I Can't Take It Anymore"... Overcoming the desire to quit

How many times have you looked in the mirror wishing for the clear evidence that all of your hard work, eating right, and exercising have truly paid off? Maybe you are looking for a smaller face in the mirror, thinner arms, a smaller waistline, or some visual sign. What do you do when you don't see that sign?

I know that this is a long and hard journey. DON'T give up. Stay in it for the long haul. Even if you don't see the noticeable differences on the outside, how do you feel on the inside? Do you have more energy, do you feel more confident in yourself?

I encourage everyone to take pictures of yourself along your journey.Those living with you may not notice the difference in you right away but when you and your family members look at your pictures, you should see some differences.

How about those clothes? Have you lost a few inches here and there? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then keep forging forward. Something that you are doing is working for you.

Give yourself some time to get it all together. As I've said several times before...it didn't take you a day to gain that extra weight and it won't take you a day to get it off.

Take the small victories as they come and wait for the big ones. One day, you will have people stopping you in the hallway or on the street asking you, "What have you been doing? You look good! You've lost a lot of weight!".  Even if NO ONE ever says those words to you, you have to answer to yourself and God as to what you have done to get your mind, body, and spirit back on the right track.

Here are some quotes from 588 Days! Balancing Act of Faith, Family, & Finding Time for ME in the chapter called "I Can't Take It Anymore":

"I encourage you and I to keep forging forward, particularly during those times when you just want to throw in the towel. Those should be the times when you dig deep into your inner strength and call about your faith to get you through. Those should be the times when you recognize all of the hard work you’ve done so far and congratulate yourself for coming this far. Those should be the times when you reassess your eating and exercise regimen to determine where improvements could/should be made that would yield you your desired results.

Below you will find some quotes from the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan that reaffirm to me that the struggles, trials, and tribulations I was experiencing on this journey were ordained and I was not alone.

“Brothers and Sisters, each time we turn away from the struggle to overcome difficulty, there then is deterioration of character and there is destruction of the Will---and the Will is that within you is God’s gift. It is His Essence that He gives to man and anything that deteriorates your Will destroys you ability to cope with the problems of life. Struggle is ordained.” ~  Self-Improvement: The Basis for Community Development by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan – page 3

“Struggle is ordained by God. God is not a vicious God. He is a Loving, a Beneficent and Merciful God, but He ordains struggle. Because without struggle, you cannot bring out of yourself that which God has deposited within you. It is something that has to be brought out and it is a struggle overcoming difficulties that manifest your own gifts and your own sublime qualities.” ~  Self-Improvement: The Basis for Community Development by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan – page 3

“’Impatience’ is defined as an ‘eager desire for relief or change; intolerance of anything that thwarts or hinders.’ Thus we see that it is a force which is natural and which is characterized as a desire. Desire feeds the Will, therefore, the desire to be relieved from the irritation of waiting over a protracted period of time comes into conflict with the desire for any goal which requires patience to obtain. One force must win over the other.” - Self-Improvement: The Basis for Community Development by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan –  Building the Will, Part III Study Guide #7

“Impatience, or the desire for relief or change, may be removed from us, not by yielding to this natural force, but by seeking refuge in Allah (God). Whenever impatience threatens to cause us to turn away from a desired goal, we must go to Allah (God), the Lord of the ways of Ascent, in prayer. Prayer will give us the security and peace of mind that will relieve our irritation. It is that frame of mind that we then must re-identify with our desired goal. The desire (and the willingness to be patient in order to obtain it) will then return.” Self-Improvement: The Basis for Community Development by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan –  Building the Will, Part III Study Guide #7

“It is written in the Holy Qur’an, which is the Book of Scripture for the Muslims, that Allah created man to face difficulties. God has brought us all onto this Earth to face one difficulty after another and it is the facing of these difficulties and the overcoming of these difficulties that helps us to improve our character and improve ourselves” ~ Self-Improvement: The Basis for Community Development by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan – page 2

Although these times seem frustrating, disappointing, filled with anxiety and doubt, these should be the times when you kick it into gear and press on. You’ll be amazed at yourself when you do!"

"Remember...You Are Worth It...Just Do It...No Excuses"

At This Very Moment!

You Are Worth It….At This Very Moment!!!

Thank YOU for taking time out of your busy schedule to start making a difference in your life at this very moment.

As you view read through the 588 Days! book or hear my testimonial regarding my weight loss / health journey, keep one thing in mind. My life, situation, and circumstances that contributed to the start of this leg of my journey were not much different than yours. See, at that very moment in my life, I knew that I needed to make a change in order to save my life. At that very moment, I knew that I had some decisions to make in order to be present in the lives of my family and children. I knew, at that very moment, that enough was enough!

There is not a whole lot that separates what I did from where you are headed. It all comes down to decisions that we make in our life at this very moment. You’ve already made a key decision at this very moment when you decided to take this handout.

At this very moment, you may be struggling with some decisions of your very own. At this very moment, you may have been given a medical evaluation from your physician indicating that your health is not ideal. Maybe, you’ve had a reality check moment where you’ve looked in the mirror and are disgusted with what you see on the other side.

No matter what made you seek assistance, at this very moment, it’s all about the decisions that YOU are going to make for YOU in the future. YOU have everything that you need inside of YOU!

At this very moment, stop making excuses. Stop saying what you can’t do. Stop putting others and their needs in front of your own health and well-being. That’s not to say that others are not important, but often times we do so much for others that we often neglect our own selves and our needs.

At this very moment, what are you willing to commit to? What steps are you prepared to take to regain control of your health? Tomorrow is not promised to any of us. We often over analyze, ponder excessively, and over complicate things that should be so simple.

Make up in your mind, at this very moment, that you are going to bring the New YOU to fruition. At this very moment, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and envision the New YOU. Did a smile come on your face? Do you feel more confident?  Do you like the way that you look?

Well then, what are you waiting for? At this very moment, don’t make any more excuses.  Just do it!!! Commit and don’t quit!!!

Call on whatever higher power that you believe in for strength and spiritual connection to get you through this very moment.

YOU Are Worth It…at this very moment and in all of the moments you have left on this earth. Seize the moment!!!!

I wish you continued blessings on your journey. Believe in YOU and say to yourself, “I am making the right decision for my life at this very moment.”

Peace and Blessings from your sister,

Lorraine S. Muhammad

“Remember…YOU Are Worth It…Just Do It…NO Excuses!!!” * http://www.findtimeforyou.com/

For The Family Productions *Lorraine S. Muhammad – Founder, Author, and Inspirational Speaker
* P.O. Box 877, Bloomington, IL 61702-0877 * 309-531-0032 *

©Copyright 2011 Lorraine S. Muhammad. All Rights Reserved

588 Days! Video Tidbits - Reality Check, Goal Setting, Being a Mommy, Busy Lives, Support System, and Why I Eat the Way that I Do

Greetings,

Attaced you will find some video tidbits that will help you on your journey toward better health and weight loss.

Video #1 - "Reality Check" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG6YX8OoKgk
Video #2 - "Goal Setting" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4jENrUUzac
Video #3 - "Busy Lives! - Finding Time for YOU!!!" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dngIFLjzbSA
Video #4 - "Being a Mommy / Getting My Body Back" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za2WNAMiYSY
Video #5 - "Support System on Your Journey" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPz-dzh9gSc
Video #6 - "Why do I/We Eat the Way We Do?" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhKGj2Iys3Y
Video #7 - "Reward Yourself -- You've Worked Hard For It" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl6k6ObJZqs


After viewing the videos, let me know what you think. Also, share them with a family member, friend, or co-worker...anyone that is struggling to start or maintain their own journey.

It's my prayer that something that I've experienced over my journey will help you on your journey toward better health.

"Remember...YOU Are Worth It!!!"

Stress - Who or what do you call on to get you through?

Stress!!!

Each of us go through some type of stress at some point in our lives. For many, dealing with stress is a daily or weekly occurrence.

Stress can be caused by so many things, people, or situations. These days, stress seems to be the order of the day. Many of us stress over finances, family, relationships, work, school, planning our days and getting everyone where they need to be, and so much more.

The question of the day is, "How do you and I handle stress"? Who or what do we call on to help ease the pain and get us through those stressful times? Do we call on God or do we call on food/drink which could be a god (force and power) for us?

Many of us turn to food as a comforter. Think about it, food is accessible whether through a vending machine, a visit to a fast food restaurant, or as close as our kitchen. Unless food causes you to have a stomach ache, food typically makes you feel good. It doesn't talk back to you, it doesn't ask you questions, it's not judging our actions and rationale, and it just tastes GOOD!!

Have you thought of alternatives to handling your stress that doesn't include running to food? Some things that help me to avoid turning to food as a comforter are such things as:

• Praying to Allah (God) for strength, guidance, and endurance
• Reading the scriptures
• Reading words of inspiration and motivation, a book, or a magazine
• Exercising
• Talking to family and friends that will give me a positive word to lift my spirits
• Reflect on the many blessings in my life versus the things that may not be going so well at the current time
• Listening to music / dancing
• Going to the movies
• Pamper me time (i.e. - getting my hair and nails done, shopping, massage, etc.)

The next time that you are going through an unpleasant or stressful situation, THINK before you EAT. Before you run to the vending machine, the restaurant, or even the refrigerator, think about what you are doing? Is eating really going to solve your problem? Yes, it feels good at the time but how are you going to feel when the doctor declares that you are overweight and borderline diabetic? How are you going to feel when you step on the scale and notice that you've gained 10-20 pounds due to the eating binge that you've gone on as a means of dealing with your stress? Now, you've just added more stress to your plate.

Was it really worth it? Don't you deserve better? Doesn't your body and mind deserve better?

Remember...YOU Are Worth It...Just Do It...No Excuses!!

Peace,

Sister Lorraine S. Muhammad
Author - "588 Days! Balancing Act of Faith, Family, & Finding Time for ME"
www.findtimeforyou.com

Travel Time - How do you handle your journey while travelling?

It's that time of year where many of us have either travelled already or are planning future personal/business trips.  Question - how do you handle your journey while travelling? Do you stay on your journey or do you truly enjoy the trip and get back on your journey when you return? Do you fit in time to exercise?

I recently travelled out of town and had to really strive to stay focused on my journey. The food temptations from the Chicagoland area were great. No matter where I turned, there was food around me, and not the healthiest of choices. There were pizza, fries, pies, ice cream, fast food restaurants, and some of my favorite sit-down restaurants. Wow...what a temptation I faced!!!

I was still able to squeeze in some time to exercise but I tell you, it was a chore. I even gained about 3 pounds by eating my favorite foods. Not to fear...I will get those pounds off soon. I won't let them take me off course.

Here are some tips from the "588 Days! Balancing Act of Faith, Family, & Finding Time for ME" book that might help you on your next vacation or trip.

"Often times when we travel, we tend to eat at many fast food places and high scaled restaurants that we’ve been dying to try. Since we are not back there in the kitchen preparing our own meals and monitoring its ingredients, we have to rely on all of the knowledge and expertise that we’ve learned up to this point."

"When you are in the process of booking your hotel reservation, look at the hotel’s website or ask the reservation specialist if the hotel has a fitness center located either in the hotel or nearby. You can inquire as to what type of equipment they have or how many machines they have at their facility. Some hotels only have 1 treadmill and a couple of free weights. On the other hand, some may have several treadmills, elliptical, stationary bikes, free weights, and workbenches.  Either way, you should have enough equipment to get in some type of workout while you are on your trip."

YOU Can do this!!! Take your journey with you...You won't regret it!

Remember...YOU Are Worth It!

Peace,

Sister Lorraine

To order your copy of the "588 Days!" book, go to www.findtimeforyou.com.

Stop Teasing Me - Have you been teased about your weight?

How many of us have been teased, at one point in time, about our weight? Maybe it was a family member, a friend, a co-worker, or even a stranger. How did that make you feel? Do people realize what impact their words have on those that they tease?

What has been your experience? Have you been teased? How did that make you feel?



Here is a quote from my book, "588 Days! - Balancing Act of Faith, Family, & Finding Time for ME"

"How many of us have been told we are fat, overweight, large, thick, big boned, or other names that aren’t flattering? Maybe it was our friends from school that called us names or made references to our weight; maybe it was our mother, father, brother or sister; maybe it was our boyfriend or someone that we really liked; maybe it was our husband or our best friend. Regardless of who it was that made the comments…it probably hurt our feelings, didn’t it?

You may not admit that it hurt your feelings but you probably have given these negative comments some thought at one point and time. Maybe these thoughts have caused you to become quiet and reserved when you are around others. Maybe you’ve masked your feelings by telling jokes about yourself before others tell jokes about you. Maybe you’ve bought in to the theme that “big is beautiful” or that “men like some meat on their woman’s bones”.  For many people, they have turned to one of the loves of their lives for comfort in these situations….food!"

Take care of YOU and don't let people's words about you damage your self-esteem and confidence. At the same time, find time for YOU. Get up, take care of yourself, focus on your health, and make all of those that have teased you eat their words!!! Prove them wrong and show them that you are more than what they perceive of you.

"Remember...YOU Are Worth It...Just Do It...NO Excuses!!!"

www.findtimeforyou.com

Radio interview with Bean Soup Times Radio about health and the "588 Days!" book

I was blessed to participate in an interview with the Bean Soup Times Radio regarding health issues. Click on the link below to hear the interview.


http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Listen-to-interview-with-some-of-Chicago-s-finest-artists-activists.html?soid=1011225418012&aid=7MQGGlWSmDU

"YOU Are Worth It!!!" Health Workshop

Yesterday, January 22, 2011, I hosted the first "YOU Are Worth It!!!" Health Workshop along with two of my Sisters/Sorors. It was wonderful!!! I couldn't have asked for a better event.

Those in attendance were very engaged with the presenters in that they asked lots of questions and were willing to share their stories. This made the workshop seem like a conversation among Sisters and Friends versus a lecture and that's exactly what I wanted from this workshop.

We discussed a variety of things such as goal setting, challenges/roadblocks, "reality checks", nutrition, fitness, exercise, time management, support, and so much more.

If you are interested in knowing more about the workshop or would like to schedule one for your city, please let me know. I can be reached at book588days@yahoo.com.

Goal Setting - Break it on down!!!

“We must break the pattern of the self-made victim and take responsibility for making choices in life. The best way to break self-defeating patterns and become positively motivated is to break down large goals into smaller, more attainable objectives. Human beings are result-oriented, so it is important that we see progress. This increases our perception of success and our belief that we can complete even the most difficult tasks.” ~ Dr. Minister Sister Ava Muhammad - "Queen of the Planet Earth – The Rebirth and Rise of the Original Woman" – p. 17

Why do I eat the way that I do?

Root Cause-I had an epiphany that many do on their journey. It's about facing your thoughts/fears/emotions/feeling in order to get to the root cause of your circumstance.

Without facing your situation, you are bound to repeat your habits & tools for coping. So many of us turn to food to help us cope but look at where we are now. Did you think that you would have gained all of this "extra" weight?

Figure out how to not turn back to your old habits of coping. Find a new, healthier way!

NO Excuses in 2011!!!

No excuses in 2011!! As Kat Williams said, "You've got to get in touch with your STAR player (YOU)!" Set your goals, ask for help, believe in yourself, pray to God for support, strength and encouragement, and JUST DO IT!

Take a picture!!!!

Greetings,

They say that a picture is worth a 1000 words, or a lot of pounds :-) Well, it's time to smile and have your picture taken!

Now, you may be wondering why this is important for this journey. There WILL be NUMEROUS times on this journey that you are going to get frustrated, disappointed, and just upset with your progress (or in your mind, the lack of progress). You are going to get on that scale and notice that the numbers either aren't moving in the direction you want them to, not fast enough, or not at all. The key is not to give up. JUST HOLD ON! This is where the photo comes in.

You may not realize how much progress you've actually made because the scale doesn't say what you want it to say, but you very well may be making progress. You may notice it in the reduction of inches around your waist and stomach, your face and neck may start to slim down, your shoulders/arms/chest may be shrinking, and so on.

Now, go pull out that picture that you took at the start of this journey! Then, go take another picture and compare the two. See if you don't notice a difference. It may be small or it may be large, but at least look.

A word of caution.... Don't take a new picture each week and expect to see a very noticeable difference. Maybe take a photo once every 2-3 months or more. Give yourself time to allow your hard work to show!

If you are happy with what you see then CELEBRATE your success and be proud of your hard work. You DID it!

If you are not pleased, then ask yourself, HONESTLY, if you did all that you could do, within your power, or were you just half stepping. Don't lie to yourself...keep it real!

Keeping this picture journal can help you with sustaining your motivation and drive on this journey. When you look at yourself and start to see a healthier, skinner you, it gives you the courage, drive, and energy to keep on trucking through!

I pray that the few words give you what you need toward a better you. Remember...NO Excuses...Just Do It!

Inspirational words for December 7, 2010 - YOU are Worth It!!

Greetings!

On December 7, 2010, I read from the book entitled “Acts of Faith Daily Meditations for People of Color” by Iyanla Vanzant. The entry for December 7 really resonated with me and what I’ve often referred to in the mantra called “YOU are Worth IT!!!!”

The entry reads as follows:
“Act the way you want to be and soon you will be the way you act.” ~ Dr. Johnnie Coleman

“The next time someone says, “How are you?,” try this answer on for size: I am whole. I am complete. I am perfect. I am happy. I am dynamite. I am lovable, loving, getting lots of good love. I am well off and doing well. I have it all together. I am basking in the riches of life. I am prospering right here and right now. I am being richly rewarded, even in my sleep. I am a miracle worker expecting a miracle right now. I am peacefully peaceful. I am walking the walk. I am talking the talk. I am claiming the victory right now. I am successful. I am wealthy. I am living by pure grace. I am a believer. I am standing on faith. I am on my way to the top. I am what I am because I just can’t help myself. And how are you doing, my dear?” ~ Iyanla Vanzant

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I pray that we all realize how special and blessed we are to be living in these times and to have Allah (God) on our side.

Be Blessed!

588 Days! - Why did I write the book?

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH (GOD) THE BENEFICIENT, THE MERCIFUL.

I believe in the Golden Rule that says, “Do unto others as you would have done unto you!” Another similar saying that has been taught to me via The Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan is, “You should want for your Brother or Sister what you want for yourself!”

I did not write this book out of vanity or the pursuit of fame and fortune. Quite the contrary! My goal for writing this book is to inspire women, mothers, youth, or anyone else that is embarking, or wishes to embark, on their own journey towards better health and weight.

I am by no means a professional trainer or one that has a degree in medicine but what I do have is faith, a strong will, dedication, and personal experience on my side.

We all need help and support in finding ourselves and becoming healthier. Consider me as that friend or sister that is here to help you, not to hinder you. I will be that friend we all need that will tell you the truth about yourselves and what you are going through. I’m not here to sugar coat the details and aspects of a health/weight loss journey. I am here to share my experiences and help you with your own personal journey.

Throughout this book, I will help you to face your fears, deal with your present and past, challenge you to take it to the next level, and praise you for your successes. Additionally, I will give you a glimpse into my life and share with you my joys, pains, sorrows, triumphs, challenges, and rewards.

Come on and get ready for some “tough” love. We are about to commence the journey of a lifetime. Are you ready to meet the New YOU?

          Your Sister,

          Sister Lorraine S. Muhammad

http://www.findtimeforyou.com/

Words of Encouragement / Testimonials #1

Below are some testimonials from people that have witnessed the journey that I've been on for nearly 2 years. I share these with you, not for vanity purposes, but illustrate the power that this journey had on others. My goal is to inspire others to start and stay on their own journey.

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“Dear Sister Lorraine, I have truly, truly been blessed by you in this wonderful writing. It has touched me in a way words cannot explain. You have put together the masterpiece we needed – APADTA (All Praises Are Due To Allah)! I know Allah is pleased with you. I am very honored to be chosen to read your soulful experience. I didn’t want to put it down once I started reading. It touched every aspect of my life. This is the juice I need to keep on going to get to the other side with you. Congratulations on your success – weight wise, spiritual, and mental and on this great book!” ~ Sis. Beverly Muhammad

“Lorraine's commitment to herself was inspiring.  In the midst of taking care of our families and other obligations, we tend to remove ourselves from the equation.  Lorraine reminded me how to get back on the track and run my own race.” ~ -Felecia A Williams, MPA, RHIA

Welcome to the New YOU!

Greetings and As-Salaam Alaikum Dear Friends and Family!

Welcome to my new blog! I pray that this blog will provide the opportunity to share our health and weight loss journey, experiences, trials, and successes.

We all need support to get through our individual journeys. This blog can provide the inspiration, motivation, and support that many of us need to make it through to our ultimate goal (better health and well-being).

May Allah (God) bless us all as we strive to weigh properly and take control of our health!

Peace!

Sister Lorraine S. Muhammad