So ya'll know at this point that I am a radical healthy person. I am CONSTANTLY taking things health wise to the next level but in that I have to wonder....is that all that I am about? Am I that one dimensional that people see me as only the crazy healthy woman? I have to reflect because something very interesting happened today at work:
My coworker and I are doing a juice cleanse. We blend fruits and vegetables together and drink them for our breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The goal is to do this for one month. Now we only have the teacher's lounge to blend in so of course when people enter they are curious. There are a few people who just don't seem interested in nutrition, eating healthy, making changes etc. Sidebar: while we all have things to work on, from a nutritional standpoint it bothers me greatly that these particular woman don't care because they are overweight and have some health issues. One has great trouble coming down the stairs because of the pressure the additional weight she carries puts on her knees, and the other has blood clots and is continuously gaining weight. Day in and day out I watch them bring in fast food, fried food, processed food etc. I have said a few things when I felt it would be received and when I saw that it was no longer received, I left it alone. And those that know me know that I am not judging, I am just genuinely concerned about them.
So now that you have some background knowledge, today one of the women came in and immediately turned the TV on in the room. The TV is NEVER on and I knew that doing that was a guise to keep us from discussing anything dealing with nutrition and to distract others that may want to know what was going on with us. They then carried on their own conversation, and I could just feel the negative energy throughout the room. At first I was offended and I made a plan:1. Post something on FB about it 2. Hide the remote 3. Talk to others NOT addressing the person about it in a negative way.
Of course being a mature Christian, I knew that was not the answer and I do actually plan on going to ask them how they feel. I was going to confront the issue, but now I am curious about their side of the story. Maybe when they see me, they are annoyed that all I talk about is health, am always happy, and really don't discuss anything else other than church(health ministry, sometimes God), summer camp(health summer camp), and my personal life(how my husband deals w/ me being so healthy). Notice in all of those were the word HEALTH! Maybe they have insecurities and by me always talking about health, they feel like all eyes are on them. I don't know but I'm just trying to be reflective in my thoughts.
That leads me to take a closer look at myself, am I really THAT one dimensional that all I have to talk about is health? I realize this is my calling, my passion, my love, but their are many other things that I am about. First and foremost the will of God- that's another thing- while it is good, that is my second most talked about thing- the dreams I have, God dealing with me, praying, spiritual warfare, etc., etc., and while I say it's the second it is truly the first because I believe my calling to heal is to guide others closer to God and their purpose....there I go AGAIN!!! Let me get back to what else there is about me:
Hmmmm I LOVE to laugh,I LOVE making others laugh, I LOVE hanging out, I LOVE the beach and nature(to an extent, I am not camping lol), I LOVE LOVE LOVE my husband and my family, I LOVE my dog, I LOVE meeting new people, I LOVE interior decorating and house projects, I LOVE the idea of being a mother and can't wait to build a family, I LOVE when someone else is blessed, I can go on and on but I am already starting to feel better. There are more things to me than just health, I just have to take the time to intentionally make them known both verbally and non verbally.
So I'm setting a goal for myself: I will begin to show others and myself that there are more things to me than just health...starting RIGHT NOW!! Thank you for your time and attention!
Yours NOT just in health,
Nakeesha, the beach lover lol
I love the post boo. So I believe talking about your passion is important. People that know you understand what you love. You shouldn't stop because what you are saying is saving people lives. It's allowing them to live longer and healthier. Now if you would like to talk about the other things you love Great! But don't stop talking about the gift that God gave you. That's your purpose. You are helping me grow in many areas of my life. Stay the course. Love you too by the way.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much boo I really appreciate it your support.
DeleteGreat post Keesh!! I feel like if God called you to spread the word of taking care of the natural body, that's what you are to do! Dont let others frustrate your calling. I can see both sides of the situation that sparked this. From your co workers perspective, they may long to be you or have your health - but are to prideful to ask for your help. They may be stress eaters or be happy with the way they are (as bad as that sounds)...But for you, you see them day in and day out complain about their issues but have yet to do anything to fix them. I thank God for you and the example that you set for your friends - whoever thought I would make a vegan cake, whoever thought that I would eat vegan food and actually enjoy it. Hypertension runs in my family and having someone like you around to drop those little nuggets of health tips helps to make a better me health wise. You are a blessing to those who accept you, and those that dont. Trust me those ladies and work hear you clearly and they know they need to change - they will eventually come around. But I know the Keesha who loves her family and loves to do other things (like look at you know what's lol)...its just that they dont know the Keesha! and dont beat yourself up for that!!
ReplyDeleteAgain Great post!! and know that I like the Keesha that talks about health!!!
Love you babe! :)
Wow babe! You're awesome, thank you for your comment!
DeleteFirst all I want to thank you for posting such a transparent post. I was able to truly feel that it was bothering you whether people look at you as some health fanatic. I think that you also made an interesting point in saying that you intially wanted to get back at them, but instead turned and look for the godly way to do things. I loved the honesty that spoke out to me as I read those words. I'm so tired of people not being able to be honest. We fall short, we get angry, we talk about people, we down ourselves, we lose faith, etc.
ReplyDeleteThe thing I like most is that you were able to see the point of view of someone else; even if it was negative and you decided to make a change. I agree you keep talking about what you're passionate about and your gift will not only make room from you, but through continued introspective evaluation and talking to God, He will show you how to come off as caring and concerned to people like the two big unhealthy ladies, and how to come off as passionate and not fanatic (Not saying you're fanatic and I do know you and I also know you really do care).
I for one am proud of you for taking a deeper look at the situation and being so honest. I felt better after reading this.
Thank you and keep on blogging.
Thank you jspot, I really feel like I shared a lot and I appreciate it your commentary.
DeleteAwesome read!!! Very honest, very transparent & very open....it's refreshing & often times somewhat painful when a situation cause you to do some self-reflecting. Especially when your first instinct is to defend and attack. I applaud you first for not reacting but taking a step back to see both side. I have been in that same place on many occasions, especially about something that I am VERY passionate about. But what I have realize is that as much as Love Christ and want everyone to know & love him like I do....I had to sensitive that my approach could either turn folks away from him or bring folks closer to him. I have to show folks that I can relate on other level outside of Christ and whats in the Bible. But still stay true to what I believe in. I am not by far saying that you have to sugarcoat or hide your passion, but just like you said, you have to be more intentional and known your levels/passion to others.
ReplyDeleteI was very encouraged by this post, thank you again for your honestly and openness!!!!
Thank you D.Prince, I appreciate your advice and your comment.
DeleteKeesh...i thoroughly enjoyed your post. The transparency, the heart, the experiences...truly inspiring!
ReplyDeleteTaniesha Goulbourne