tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30071835212252465622024-03-06T07:18:36.759+01:00Celebrating the Beauty of LifeJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-55820761066579168712019-11-27T19:14:00.001+01:002019-11-27T19:14:20.740+01:00Just a little light<div>It was dark and there was a power cut. I searched for the lamp at it's usual spot but couldn't find it. Then, I reluctantly turned on the torchlight of my Samsung Note 8- which has a battery that drains really fast- and right in my front was the lamp. I only had the light on for like 2-3 seconds but I saw it.</div><div>Sometimes, a little kind word, a little smile, a thoughtful compliment and a gentle squeeze on the shoulder, a chuck under the chin, a simple pat on the back may be the light someone needs to keep moving.</div><div><br></div><div>Keep shining your little light!</div>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-53343008409307800892015-06-09T11:08:00.002+01:002015-06-09T11:08:17.360+01:00Don't get married if...If you don’t think or feel or see marriage as a sacred institution or your definition of marriage in your mind’s eye is synonymous to a meal of pounded Yam and Egusi soup for the rest of your life, then marriage is not for you yet, maybe never.<br />
Do you only want to get married because you think it’s time or basically for procreation? If you answer to that question is yes…then don’t bother, it’s not a must! After all there are people who are not married yet enjoy the dividends of marriage as it were, and even so much more, so why the fuss?<br />
The sacred institution called marriage has been trivialized and totally rubbished in recent times, it makes me wonder why we get married at all. If a marriage is no different from dating, then why can‘t some people just date and not get married if that will give them the leverage of breaking up at any point in time when they suddenly don’t feel good in that relationship or being with that supposedly God-sent partner anymore?<br />
Why be in a marriage that offers choices for you to explore like it’s been practised in the so called civilized societies where a wife is free to bring in a man she wants to bonk into her husband’s house and intense sexual activities ensue in the full glare of the husband (same goes for her hubby)?<br />
There are even instances where they decide to do a swinging as we saw in award winning movie, ‘IJE’ or partake in sex orgies. Also, there are situations where the wife organizes her friend or probably a prostitute for her husband to service adequately with no holds barred. In other bizarre circumstances the wife joins in the act to make it a threesome. Both take turns to indulge ‘the lady in red’ in their explicit sexual exposition in ways you are already imagining. It even happens with the man too; it’s vice versa. I suppose the couples are bisexual so they could get married and still exercise their sexual orientation in diverse ways only God can judge. These bizarre occurrences in marriages are gradually creeping into our cultured African society as is the case with open marriages which are forbears of open relationships. Our entertainment industry is a testament to that, where celebrities tie the nuptial knots just to fulfill all righteousness.<br />
They call it adventure; others say it is a way to stop cheating, while a lot more think it brings excitement to marriage considering the fact that you have to spend the rest of life with that one special person. And I wonder how that person remains special after the aforementioned unholy preoccupations.<br />
Why get married at all if the whole essence of marriage has been ridiculed? That institution called marriage has really been dealt cruel blows by man and if it were human, he would have gone on a killing spree that even a serial killer will be no match to his thirst for blood.<br />
<br />
70% of young men in the US are unmarried because legal marriage in the USA gives women too much power. A true test of love, would you say? Anyway we are not in the United States.<br />
These days 5 out of 10 marriages end in a divorce. Wait! You’ve not heard the worst yet; over half the marriages entered into today will end in a divorce/separation, doesn’t matter the number of years it last. So why go through all the public announcements, ceremonies, glitz and glam, if the end thereof is a divorce or the so called adventures. Why can’t we just continue living our reckless single lives? Isn’t that much better than being entangled in a holy matrimony that ain’t holy? At least it will save us the stress of having so much explaining to do on judgment day. Life itself is too much risk for us, why add the risk of getting married when you haven’t been able to scale through the numerous dating hurdles.<br />
<br />
Marriage is so serious that if you have the slightest reservation about who you are getting married to then you shouldn’t join the bandwagon. If you do then divorce is not so far away from your wedding, even if you have set the wedding date, please don’t get married till you are sure you’ve seen no end to getting married to that special someone.<br />
If all you think about when you see that special someone is sex then you guys are better off as bed mates than partners. We have a lot of them in Hollywood.<br />
<br />
THE RED FLAGS<br />
I will quickly talk about some issues that we rarely dwell on as a problem when marriage comes into perspective;<br />
PROFESSIONAL ESTEEM:<br />
“She’s a doctor, I should get married to her”<br />
“He’s an engineer, we look good together”, abeg no try am!<br />
There is more to marriage than professional advancements.<br />
FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN<br />
If you are scared of losing your partner while in a relationship for reasons only known to you, then the same reasons will make you eventually lose him before you get married, and if the devil is specifically on your case he will wait till you guys get married before the imaginable happens.<br />
<br />
How many couples are actually married without an iota of regret?<br />
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE<br />
If a guy/girl does as much as slap you while you are in a relationship with the person please think twice before you walk down the aisle with him/her; Physical abuse/ domestic violence is not so far away.<br />
IT IS AN OBLIGATION<br />
If you want to get married because he/she has been financially responsible for almost all your life’s dealings; more like he/she made you the person you are today. Then marrying him/her will be more like an obligation. Let your case not be like the newest trending quote:<br />
“I belong to everybody yet belong to nobody”. Trust me, he could murder you for it depending on his temperament. It has happened in the past and still happening with reckless abandon.<br />
<br />
Though love and hate are opposites only a thin line separates them<br />
HOPE FOR A BETTER TOMORROW<br />
If the problems or the challenges you face in your relationship doesn’t improve then don’t assume it will improve in marriage.<br />
HOMOSEXUALITY<br />
If you are an unrepentant gay and you think getting married will be unfair to your partner then don’t try it, except you want God to punish you. Marriage itself has its own demons why bring your personal demons into it? And if you were gay and along the line your sexual orientation changed, let your partner know about it; you can only die once.<br />
<br />
Lonely bride<br />
PRESSURE<br />
And if you are going down the aisle basically because of pressures, I don’t know what to say to you…The same people pressurizing you will be watching your marriage in 3D<br />
LOVE AND MONEY<br />
Uhm…this one is quite a sensitive one. You know I haven’t really talked about money and love in relationships yet, right? if I attempt to I fear this article won’t end, moreover that has been overemphasized in many other articles online. However, trust me I’m still gonna talk even if it’s just a sentence.<br />
Don’t marry that man/woman because of love or money neither should you marry that man/woman without both…confused? All I’m saying is that there should be other genuine reasons you are getting married asides these two, let’s leave it that way. That’s does it.<br />
<br />
Don’t marry for love and money, don’t marry without both either<br />
Never ignore that subtle voice of reason in your head that tells a different story from the Nollywood tales you are accustomed to. That subtle voice is the reality you ain’t seeing yet.<br />
A lot of youth don’t even have the slightest idea what marriage is about before they tie the nuptial knots. Please let’s get serious about this sacred institution, its more risky than dating; It’s till death do you part. Why do we have to marry if we don’t see divorce as any different?<br />
Do you ever wonder how some couples manage to live together for years yet not married or near breakup? It’s because their minds and their brains are bereft of the idea of marriage, its commitments and sacrifices. They are still excited living their lives as singles though staying together. Marriage is a mindset, you have to format your mind and brain to the idea of being married, and you also have to realise it ends single life almost in its entirety. Above all you must be able to answer this question when asked at any point in your single life:<br />
<br />
A man sheds tears on his wedding day when he imagines the beautiful future ahead, yea?<br />
“Why do you want to get married?”<br />
My dear, your answer to that question determines your readiness or if marriage is even meant for you at all<br />
You wanna hear the truth?…I don’t even have an answer yet, probably I will before I end this article<br />
Marriage is a hard decision, arguably the hardest decision you make in life depending on how you see it. The moment you start viewing it that way the better it is for you. If not, please continue being single, no be by force. The truth I know as always been bitter except you know another.<br />
<br />
Why get married when you still have doubts?<br />
Many ladies spend their single lives thinking about that perfect wedding and how glamorous their wedding will be so much that they forget that the ceremony itself is short-lived. Eventually no one cares about your wedding; your marriage is all that counts!<br />
While many bachelors think about how stupidly expensive wedding is to the point that they drive thoughts of getting married from their sub-conscious.<br />
If you must postpone that wedding because you don’t know why you are getting married in the first place, then please do. Postponing a wedding doesn’t mean you will not get married, it simply means you are not ready to take that final step. Remember, love doesn’t have a deadline.<br />
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An Indian wedding<br />
Most importantly, be happy you are getting married not just for the ceremony that follows but for the beautiful future you envisage with your partner. If the future you see struggles with beauty and only dwells in the financial gains, In šāʾ Allāh! You will struggle in that marriage, no be swear.<br />
Come to think of it, why would anyone want to wake up next to the same person day after day while you watch them sleep? God help you if the person you wake up next to is annoying and its going to be like that for 40 years or more. Chai! That’s suicidal; you will probably be planning their demise as you watch them sleep. We’ve seen, watched and heard the aforementioned scenario time and time again. That happens when you marry without really having a genuine reason why you did.<br />
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Eventually no one cares about your wedding, the marriage is all that counts<br />
Next time a marriage proposal comes knocking on your door, don’t be carried away by that diamond ring, be certain you’ve thought about all the risks involved before you take that next leap of faith; that big and hard decision.<br />
God help us all.<br />
Lekan Linkin Lofinji<br />
(Relationship Aficionado)<br />
<br />
www.elsieisy.com/dont-get-married/Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-29239461032963575872014-08-23T00:38:00.001+01:002014-08-23T00:38:36.143+01:00No longer an alarm<p dir="ltr">I wondered why the inverter had suddenly become silent as I could longer hearing the "low-battery" alarm. I Paused to listen but I couldn't hear it still. Suddenly, I slowly started making out the sound. I realised that I had become so used to the alarm that it had become normal to me. Alas, it was no longer an alarm as my mend had silenced it. This is the same way the consciences of some people no longer warns them as it has been Silenced.<br>
So many people no longer consider the effects of their actions as the Conscience that was placed there by God, to warn them whenever they are about to take a wrong, selfish step, has been silenced. No wonder we hear people Say that "my conscience didn't Prick me so there's nothing wrong in what I did". The Bible says " they have seared their Conscience with iron".<br>
Please let's sharpen our Consciences So that they can work as God intended.</p>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-52413734976877447642014-04-10T01:33:00.000+01:002014-04-10T01:33:14.789+01:00Inspiring Couples' WordsInspiring CouplesWords are easy to manufacture.<br />
True and lasting love, however, is not so easily produced … or sustained. In a world of bogus advertising and broken promises, it is easy—even natural—to be a little skeptical of words.<br />
Words don’t cost us much and only the speaker can fully know the intent behind them. But when our words are reinforced by our actions—day after day, year after year—words can begin to seem trustworthy again.<br />
The quotes below come from real couples who have earned the right to their words. Each was nominated by their friends, family or co-workers as an ‘Inspiring Couple’ for giving them a reason to believe again in love. They have learned—and lived—their words of wisdom through years of joy, companionship … and trials.<br />
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Words to Live—And Love By<br />
“Have respect for each other and be honest even in the little things. Always put the needs of others before your own, and don’t let your love die.” – Randy and Cheri Blackwood (married since 1979)<br />
“The biggest stumbling block couples face is unmet expectations – children, responsibilities, finances, etc. The more a couple discusses their expectations for every area of life, the better they can predict where their differences will be and deal with them objectively.” – Bob and Annette Wallace (married since 1992)<br />
“Love’s passion is wonderful, but it’s just as important that you really like and respect the person you are about to make a lifetime commitment to … Couples should ask themselves: Would I be friends with this person even if we weren’t in love?” – Bill and Shirley McConnell (married since 1953)<br />
“Have open expectations; setting unrealistic expectations will cause you to fail. Be patient, build trust, learn to communicate and forgive.” – James and Nancy Lawson (married since 1973, shown above)<br />
“You have to be committed and protect your marriage at all costs. There is nothing you can’t work through. Even if you don’t feel like loving your spouse on hard days, you have the power to lead your heart.” – Kevin and Amanda Johnson (married since 2003)<br />
“Show respect for each other … be supportive and work together as a team. Enjoy quality time together but allow each other the independence to do your own thing and pursue personal interests.” – Jesse and Anita Martinez (married since 1948) “Live a positive life – it’s contagious. Have a sense of humor, respect each other, learn how to communicate well and remember why you fell in love.” – Matt and Kelly Allen (married since 1991)<br />
“Honor your commitment. The most important commitment you should have on this earth is to each other.” – Jim and Robin Riley (married since 1968)<br />
<br />
These couples are not selling anything. But they are buying something—the idea that love can endure and a relationship can truly grow richer over time. Without at least believing in the possibility of enduring love, a lasting relationship is nearly impossible to achieve. Perhaps you don’t put too much stock in promises of eternal love and faithfulness. Perhaps you shouldn’t. But perhaps we should put a little more faith in the evidence of words in action.<br />
Before you dismiss the relationship “testimony” of credible couples, ask yourself what the consequences are for losing faith in the concept of lasting love. Be sure it is a price you are willing to pay—and one that you really need to pay in the first place. Everlasting love may be scarcer than we’d all like, but it’s not a fantasy either. We are grateful to couples like these for reminding us that some couples really do grow old … and wise together.<br />
<br />
Source: twoofus.orgJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-36023373364193531192014-04-02T21:29:00.000+01:002014-04-02T21:29:12.341+01:00Celebrate our differencesI had a bit of misunderstanding with a friend, today, who was upset over something I didn't do, but which I thought I had done and I was upset that what I had done was disregarded as "not done"; this incident further knocked in a very important lesson I started learning last week.<br />
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We humans don't think, value, expect, regard, react, accept or laugh at the same things and that's the beauty of life.<br />
Some people need to communicate regularly to keep the engine of a friendship oiled, while another may not speak to a friend for a year and when they hook up again, they relate as if there was no gap in communication.<br />
What makes one person puke for minutes could get another in stitches, from laughter.<br />
What could choke one person could be the 'fresh air' of another.<br />
Now, to the event that started the learning process last week; while at the hotel, my room and bathroom were cleaned with a soap or something that had a very strong, choking fragrance. I couldn't stand it and opened all the windows, and turned on the A/C.<br />
Later, I went to my colleague's room and they had cleaned his also. I complained about the choking smell to the brother, who told me he actually (oh my goodness) liked the fragrance and obviously revelled in it.<br />
I was beyond Shocked!<br />
I never believed anyone would EVER be able to stand the smell, talk less of liking it.<br />
I quickly picked up what I came for and ran away with the fragrance still clinging to my dress.<br />
This got me thinking; What I thought could have literally knocked me out, was really liked by another, yet I had no right to say that his like was disgusting, even if I was tempted to feel that way.<br />
<br />
Because it isn't my cup of tea doesn't make it wrong or disgusting, neither does it make my taste higher or better.<br />
Let's learn to respect our different ways of thinking.<br />
Even if we disagree on personal opinions, it doesn't mean we can't, with civility, discuss our differences with respect and regard for each other.<br />
<br />
If we all thought alike, the world would be one big, boring planet.<br />
#thinkonthis #lifeisgood #Godissoamazing #thankGodfordifferencesJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-74209700468918772472014-01-23T15:05:00.001+01:002014-01-23T15:05:03.917+01:00JUAN MATA LEAVES CHELSEA - LESSONS<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was with surprise, shock and disbelief that I read the news of Juan Mata’s departure to a rival club, Manchester United. The day before, I had read the news on Daily Mail (DM), but I thought DM was, as usual, spreading a rumour; immediately, I went to BBC’s football site, and gave a sigh of relief as there was no such news.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can imagine my shock, when I decided to take a ‘stroll’ to BBC’s sport site this afternoon, and I discovered the news was already among the stale news. This just about soiled my day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before Jose Mourinho came back to Chelsea, this season, Juan Mata had been voted player of the year, for 2 consecutive seasons, by his Chelsea team mates, so selling such a bundle of talent and skills appeared to be pure madness, yet there wasn’t much visible protest from the fans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Like a BBC columnist stated, if Rafa Benitez, the former Coach, who the fans merely tolerated, had sold Mata, there” would have been mutiny and marches along the King's Road”, but the ‘Loved One’ took that decision.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Columnist went on to say that “Mourinho's word is law and accepted on trust. He is the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">untouchable one</b>.” The fans would simply hope he has taken the right decision as he had won a PERMANENT PLACE in their hearts after making several right decisions for them and also making Chelsea a club that contended and won the top spot in the English Premier League (EPL).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Despite my groaning, it suddenly occurred to me that being the best player the seasons the club performed poorly (the last two seasons), might just have made Juan a ‘local champion’ of some sort, not worthy of a space in Mourinho’s EPL-winning team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">LESSONS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Winning the trust of people, overtime, is very important. In fact, it would cover for the times when you might take a few wrong decisions. Earning the trust of friends and loved ones might take time, but it would act as an umbrella in the rainy day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chelsea fans would have had Rafa’s head, if he had tried what Mourinho tried, but with Mourinho, they had and still have complete confidence in his decisions, with no one chewing his head over a few questionable ones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Because someone is known as the star somewhere doesn’t necessarily mean they really are that good; they may actually be unable to measure up to a higher standard when such is demanded from them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-24135149856729122042014-01-23T07:47:00.001+01:002014-01-23T15:05:29.466+01:00MENTOR A CHILD, TODAYJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-5151894977118968052013-12-20T17:42:00.001+01:002013-12-20T17:42:17.972+01:00Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-68809333937113684142013-10-02T14:24:00.001+01:002013-10-02T14:24:22.631+01:00A Single Gal Talks Back! : Facebook Relationship Status Solution<a href="http://singlegaltalksback.blogspot.com/2013/09/facebook-relationship-status-solution.html?spref=bl">A Single Gal Talks Back! : Facebook Relationship Status Solution</a>: So how many of you have hesitated before clicking the appropriate Facebook relationship status? The measly options: Single In a Re...Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-5828011603316769092013-09-24T11:13:00.001+01:002013-10-02T09:26:30.828+01:00FRUIT FAST: 4TH DAY, 5TH DAY AND FINDINGSBy the morning of the 4 th day, I felt like I couldn’t care about food after facing the worst temptation the previous day.<br />
I took my usual fruits, bentonite clay and Apple Cider Vinegar at different times, and felt really good.<br />
By the fifth day, the hunger descended mightily. It was almost unbearable, but I kept reminding myself that it was ending that day.<br />
By 12 noon, I went to weight myself, and realized I had lost over 5 pounds in less than 5 days. Couldn’t wait to go back to eating as I needed to gain necessary weight as my aim wasn’t weight loss, so I tried to limit whatever would make me lose weight and increase what could make me gain weight like eating bananas and so on; still, I still lost that much weight.<br />
This means that those who want to lose weight would maximally gain from this exercise.<br />
I went to bed after taking 3 large oranges.<br />
The morning of the 6 th day, I wasn’t feeling hungry at all. I felt like I could for another 5 days again, but I wasn’t ready to deal with my mum (she would report me to my Pastor if I continued cuz of the weight-loss side effect) or the aforementioned side effect.<br />
I took an orange that morning and then went out with my younger brother to pick up a Samoyed pup for him. It took longer than expected but I wasn’t hungry one bit, despite having had only one orange. Finally ate bread around 4pm, even though I still wasn’t hungry. This means I more or less fasted for about 5.75 days. Not bad, if you ask me.<br />
FINDINGS<br />
- The odds were high that I would get hungry or crave food strongly, on an odd day. This happened on the 1 st , 3 rd and 5 th day, whereas I was very fine on the even days- 2 nd , 4 th and 6 th days. Don’t know why this turned out so. - My skin complexion looked brighter. My face is some shades darker than my neck, but this reduced during the fast. - I’ve had this oh-so-tiny bumps under my right eye for a long time and they cleared off. - My urine was very clear and clean. Those who are interested in the urine therapy (I’m not!) would find that doing a fruit fast of about 2-3 days would give them easy to you-know-what urine. - My stool had this perfect look and texture (I know this is gross, but I have to mention this lol) - I felt oddly energized. - I had malaria symptoms about 2 or so weeks before the fast, but this cleared up during the fast. - It involves discipline and once accomplished, gives you a sense of self-belief and accomplishment. You can do it if you set your heart on it. - I learnt that one might feel sick during the fast, due to the body having too much toxin, but I didn’t experience this. I attributed this to recently cleansing my liver with some food supplements and also cutting off a few things off my diet (such as milk, soda drink, salt-based seasoning etc.) - No funky morning breath. My breath in the morning was funk-free. - I lost over 5 pounds within 4 days and inched closer to the underweight BMI. This was a side effect I didn’t need, as I was already slim enough, but I still had to face it. - Like I mentioned earlier, the odds were against me. Here’s what I mean: Like I mentioned in my post regarding my 1 st day fruit-fasting, I went to the mall, and in the food section of Shoprite, I saw one of my favourite store-purchased food- macaroni and minced beef, which I always bought since I tasted its yummy goodness a while ago and had to walk away with slumped shoulders. Now, I’ve gone to Shoprite 3 different times after that day, and they haven’t had macaroni and minced beef. Isn’t that strange? Also, we haven’t had any pizza feast in the office like the 3 rd day of the fast, and we had never had such before. Thirdly, my weakest days were only the odd days. See why I said the odds were against me? But I won (Yay!). - When I resumed eating, I felt stuffed on time, despite trying to eat a lot to gain lost weight. I learnt the stomach shrinks during the fast, which is a good thing in my opinion. The best way is to eat slowly, and avoid being tempted to rush your tasty meal, otherwise you run the risk of serious discomfort (unfortunately, I’m speaking from experience, despite being warned…yikes!). - For those who would like to lose some weight, you can eat healthy food in bits. Savour the yummy taste of food. Don’t fall back into your unhealthy way of eating, and do not allow your stomach to expand again, by eating so much food at once. - I realized I needed less sleep to feel energetic, despite loving sleep. This was a good one because I always slept late and had to wake early to catch the staff bus on weekdays. Still benefiting from this more than 2 weeks after. - I later learnt that I should have taken more cleansing fruits like orange, lemons, grapefruits etc., so I’ll be incorporating more of that during my next fruit fast. - I honestly can’t remember all the benefits and can’t look into my body system to see the dance steps displayed by my internal organs (maybe I would have learnt some steps from them, don’t you think?).<br />
GENERAL THOUGHT ON FRUIT-FASTING<br />
Fruit fasting, in my opinion, is the best form of fasting for cleansing and even weight loss. This is because you’re not just depriving your body of food, but you’re simultaneously feeding it necessary nutrients by taking fruits for optimum wellbeing and health. Your body is also taking in lots of fiber from fruits (which you wouldn’t get during a juice fast) which would aid in the flushing out of toxins by your liver (i.e fiber helps liver).<br />
Also, if your goal is weight loss, you definitely DO NOT want your metabolism rate to slow down, which is what juice or water fast would cause. Taking fruits, regularly, during your fast, would result in increased metabolism, which every weight-watcher desires.<br />
Finally, having sufficient calories for the day would be hard to meet when taking strictly juices, as against fruits.Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-70062007525973264822013-09-06T16:29:00.000+01:002013-09-06T16:29:25.008+01:00FRUIT FASTING- DAY 3<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">CRAAAAAAAAVVVVVVVIIIINNNNGGGGS!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve been having insane cravings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yesterday evening, I craved amala (yam flour) which I do not care for and then and rice with ata-dindin (stew that’s been fried with palm oil). Also, on this day, I craved toasted sandwich.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then I had to experience the greatest temptation of my life- to abandon the fruit fast and start afresh the following week due to a departmental pizzafest. Yes, there was pizza, lots of boxes containing pizza of various flavours, flying all over the place, and all I had to take was a bowl of boring, tasteless (it became so after the aroma of pizza) fruit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was sorely tempted.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But 2 things kept me going:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First, I had shared this on Facebook, and had others watching to see if this was practicable. I wanted them to know it was.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Secondly, I wanted to prove to myself that I could tell my flesh a resounding, reverberating NO.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My day didn’t even start with my usual drink of water and bentonite clay. I woke late and had to hasten my preparation. Had to even plead with my lovely mum to assist in cutting up some water melon and pawpaw for me, which she graciously did.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once I got to work, I took some water and bentonite clay, mixed some fruit, ate them, then later took a cup of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and molasses.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At past 12pm, pizzas started flying around with fizzy drinks (which I haven’t had for over 3 months, so I don’t struggle with that at all. I usually just pick a bottle and give it out). I picked up 2 slices for my dog and brother, wrapped them up and kept it in my bag, while I watched others even having a large box almost full of pizza, after taking 2 or more large slices (as I’m writing this, one of the interns just came to tell me he’s marking his birthday today, but no temptation can hold light to the pizza’s.)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was so hungry on this day that me not stopping told me that I could do what I set my mind on doing.</span></span></div>
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Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-11772614405834472922013-09-05T13:24:00.000+01:002013-09-05T13:24:17.876+01:00FRUIT FASTING- WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fruit Fasting<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Simplicity and ease make fruit fasts a favorite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A popular form of fasting is fruit fasting, ingesting only fresh, raw fruits. This is a good fast for beginners, especially the one-day fruit fast. It offers some choices as to the fruit to use, and like all fasts, you can create your own specific routine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A fruit fast, like any of the fasting methods, will create an environment for your body to heal. You will experience an internal cleansing as the body's systems begin the housekeeping they've been unable to do before. Toxins stored in the tissues will have an opportunity to be flushed out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This detox will come with symptoms resembling the flu. Headaches, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, coughing, fatigue, body odor, body aches, and sinus discharge are all considered normal reactions during a fast. If you find yourself with any of these side effects, take heart! and know they are a sign that your body is healing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Does the sugar content of fruit concern you? Don't let it. Fructose, the sugar in fruit, is slowly broken down and converted by the body through several complex processes, into sucrose and glycogen, supplying energy over a long period of time. Fruit is actually recommended for many with sugar-metabolizing disorders, such as hypoglycemia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the other hand, sucrose, or refined sugar such as table sugar, assimilates and enters the bloodstream much more quickly, supplying quick energy that depletes just as quickly, leading to those sugar highs and lows and stress on the pancreas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are generally two methods of fruit fasting most recognized:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The one-fruit fast<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One-fruit fasting is a type of mono-diet or one-food fasting where you stick to one fruit for the duration of your fast. The most "cleansing" fruits are recommended -- apples, grapes, and citrus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I first did a citrus fast back in 1985 at Kripalu Center for Holistic Health (see Rice Fasting for more on Kripalu). It was a three-day fruit fast, with one orange for each of my three meals each day. Two oranges at a meal was considered acceptable if you felt you needed it. At the time I remember being concerned because orange juice (from concentrate) on an empty stomach used to give me a stomach ache, but it turned out that fresh oranges did not. I believe it has to do with the pasteurization process killing all the enzymes in commercial juices. I did just fine, so if you have the same concern, try experimenting a little before ruling out a citrus fast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ayurvedic medicine says 3-5 day fruit fasting enhances nervous system function and aids memory. Recommended fruits for the different doshas:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vata - papayas, prunes, mangoes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pitta - grapes, pomegranates, apples<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kapha - apples, cranberries, pomegranates<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">These days, I find apple fasting to be the easiest fast to accomplish. Premeasured, in a neat package, you can eat it right off the core if need be (although I do cut mine), tasty, full of fiber (good for the bowels), it allows you to chew (unlike water or juice fasting), and apples are good in all parts of the country (unlike oranges, for example). Sometimes called an apple cleanse diet, see here for complete instructions for one to three day apple fruit fasting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the best fasts for a first-timer is a one-day one-fruit fast. You can learn a lot about yourself and your body with a one-day fast. Without too much discomfort, you can do a couple days' worth of preparation prior, by eliminating the heaviest and most processed foods you usually consume. This will help you get more out of a short fast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The any-fruit fast<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The second method of fruit fasting is the any-fruit fast which says any fruit is ok, as long as all you eat is raw fruit. Grapes, apples, mangoes, bananas, citrus, melons and any other fruit you enjoy is fair game on this kind of fast. Melons, it is usually recommended, you eat alone as they don't combine well intestinally. While bananas are ok, they are starchy and considered not as "cleansing" in nature, and therefore, possibly not as beneficial as other fruits. As stated above, citrus, apples, and grapes are the most cleansing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While this is a popular fasting style for many, others find the many fruit combinations don't digest well together; such as acid and sweet fruits, as well as the melons that don't pair well with anything. Keep combinations to a minimum, and eat melons and citrus by themselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.2 pounds (1 kg) of fruit per day is usually recommended for an any-fruit fast, eaten in 3-5 meals throughout the dayNot strictly limiting quantities can lead to "fruit feasting". Watch your portions and eat slowly with an intention to notice when the feeling of fullness sets in. Don't go beyond this point. You might be surprised at how quickly you are actually physically satiated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even though this type of fasting can be a little less intense than others, that's ok , you will still cleanse and detox and have the insightful experiences fasting creates, but without as much discomfort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tips for fruit fasting:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Organic and/or locally grown fruit is, of course, the preferred choice for fasting. But since that's not always available, use the highest quality fruits you do have available. See here for a seasonal fruit chart and a nifty search tool to find local produce in your area. Some fruits are considered safe to consume non-organic, see here for the EWG's findings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fruit fasting is easier and more comfortable in warmer months or warmer climates. For the winter, try Rice Fasting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Avoid eating on-the-fly. Give conscious attention to your mealtime. Just because it's a small meal doesn't mean it deserves any less attention. Actually, you are apt to feel fuller if you remain conscious of and focused on the sensations of eating. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For either citrus or apple fasting, consume 1-2 fruits per meal, preferably just one. What works for many is to plan on 4 fruits total for the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For all fasts:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preparation - Eat fewer and lighter meals for a couple days prior. The length of preparation is based on the intensity and length of your planned fast. The longer and/or more intense the fast, the more days of preparation you should make. For a one day fast, you can just eat a light dinner the night before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you drink caffeinated beverages, wean yourself off during the few days prior to your fast and you'll avoid the withdrawal headache.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Water - Drink at least 2 quarts of water. Fresh squeezed lemon may be added to your water, as it not only imparts a bit of flavor, but will contribute living beneficial enzymes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Activity - Plan for a light workload during a fast. Don't overdo. Moderate exercise is ok, even helpful, but save the more strenuous workouts for another time. Walking and yoga are particularly well-suited to fasting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aid Detox - Take time to do dry skin brushing to enhance the body's ability to detox through both the skin and the lymphatic system, as well as breathing exercises to help cleanse the blood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rest - Get plenty of rest -- allow yourself naps during the day if you ever feel the need. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tips - Read the Water Fasting Tips page as most of the information there can be helpful during any type of fast or cleansing diet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Colon Health - Many recommend enemas during any kind of fast, but it isn't necessary. If the bowels don't move for the duration of your fast, that's ok. The bowels will move when you resume intake of regular foods. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can add the psyllium cleanse to your routine by adding 1-2 tablespoons of psyllium husks (available in most pharmacies, in the laxative section) to a glass of water. Do this one or two times per day. Psyllium is a natural fiber laxative that is excellent for cleansing the intestines. Be sure to drink plenty of water with psyllium as the package will tell you. Or see here for a colon cleanse recipe that utilizes psyllium. Or here, for other colon cleansing options. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Breaking the Fast - Give special attention to the breaking of a fast. Do so slowly, easing back into regular foods (but making better choices about which foods!). Again, the length and intensity of the fast performed will dictate how many days you take to re-acclimate your body to regular eating. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For a 10-day fast, three days of easing back in is recommended, eating normal foods on the fourth day. For a one to three-day fast, spend about a day or a day and a half taking it easy with foods. See the Guidelines for Breaking a Fast page for information on the order of re-introduction of foods, quantities, and frequency. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the fast - Pay attention to the subtle signals from your body as they can guide you to the foods most appropriate for your needs. Check out the Recipe Section of this site for ideas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://www.allaboutfasting.com/fruit-fasting.html">http://www.allaboutfasting.com/fruit-fasting.html</a>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-82092305117480193972013-09-05T13:10:00.000+01:002013-09-05T13:10:44.412+01:007- day Detox Plan<h1 itemprop="name">
Juliette's 7-Day Detox Plan</h1>
By Dietitian, <a href="http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/diet/dietitian.htm">Juliette Kellow</a> BS<span class="lowerCase">c</span> RD<br />
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Rather than following an extreme <a href="http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/diet/detox.htm?=text">detox</a> plan that limits just about every food except fruit and veg while at the same time getting you to down a nasty ‘detox’ drink every day, this plan is safer and more sensible and shouldn’t leave you short on nutrients if you follow it for just one week.</div>
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Foods to include in the plan</h2>
Your plan can include:<br />
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<li><strong>Fruit</strong> – your plan can include any fruit including fresh, frozen, dried or canned in natural fruit juice. This includes apples, bananas, pears, oranges, grapefruit, satsumas, sultanas, raisins, pineapple, mango, kiwi fruit, strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, nectarines, peaches, melons, star fruit etc <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Fruit juice </strong>– either make homemade fruit juices or <a href="http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/recipes/low_fat/diet-smoothie-calories.htm">smoothies from fresh fruit</a>, or drink ready-made juices. Make sure ready-made juices are labelled as being ‘pure’ or ‘unsweetened’. <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Vegetables</strong> – eat any vegetables including fresh, frozen or canned in water (without salt added). This includes carrots, onions, turnip, swede, sprouts, cabbage, peppers, mushrooms, sweetcorn, peppers, leeks, courgettes, broccoli, cauliflower, salad, tomatoes, cucumber, spring onions etc <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Beans and lentils </strong>– eat any beans, including those that have been dried or canned in water. This includes red kidney, haricot, cannellini, butter, black eye, pinto, red lentils, green lentils and brown lentils <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Tofu and Quorn</strong> <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Oats</strong> – sprinkle oats over fresh fruit or use to make porridge, sweetened with honey and fresh fruit <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Potatoes</strong> – all types <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Brown rice and rice noodles <br /> </strong></li>
<li><strong>Rye crackers, rice cakes and oatcakes <br /> </strong></li>
<li><strong>Fresh fish</strong> – eat any fresh fish including cod, plaice, mackerel, salmon, lobster, crab, trout, haddock, tuna, prawns, Dover sole, red mullet, halibut, lemon sole, monkfish, swordfish etc. Canned fish in water is suitable too eg salmon or tuna <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Unsalted nuts</strong> – eat any including Brazil, peanuts, almonds, cashew, hazel nuts, macadamia, pecans, pine nuts, pistachio, walnuts etc <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Unsalted seeds </strong>– eat any including sunflower and pumpkin <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Plain popcorn </strong>– without sugar or salt <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Live natural yoghurt <br /></strong></li>
<li><strong>Extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar <br /></strong></li>
<li><strong>Garlic, ginger and fresh herbs <br /> </strong></li>
<li><strong>Ground black pepper <br /> </strong></li>
<li><strong>Honey</strong> <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Water</strong> – at least 2 litres a day. Tap or mineral water is fine. <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Herbal or fruit teas</strong></li>
</ul>
<h2>
Foods to avoid during your detox</h2>
<ul>
<li>Red meat, chicken, turkey and any meat products like sausages, burgers, and pate <br /> </li>
<li>Milk, cheese, eggs, cream <br /> </li>
<li>Butter and margarine <br /> </li>
<li>Any food that contains wheat including bread, croissants, cereals, cakes, biscuits, pies, pastry, quiche, battered or breadcrumbed foods, etc <br /> </li>
<li>Crisps and savoury snacks including salted nuts <br /> </li>
<li>Chocolate, sweets, jam and sugar <br /> </li>
<li>Processed foods, ready meals, ready-made sauces and takeaways <br /> </li>
<li>Alcohol <br /> </li>
<li>Coffee and tea <br /> </li>
<li>Sauces, pickles, shop bought salad dressing, mayonnaise <br /> </li>
<li>Salt <br /> </li>
<li>Fizzy drinks and squashes, including diet versions</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Detox Plan Breakfasts</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Banana porridge</strong> <br />Porridge made with water and topped with natural yoghurt, banana, raisins and sweetened with honey. <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Fruit salad with yoghurt and oats</strong> <br />Fresh fruit salad with natural yoghurt and a sprinkling of oats. <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Fresh fruit smoothie</strong> <br />Fruit smoothie made from fresh fruit, natural yoghurt and honey to sweeten if needed. <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Muesli and yoghurt </strong>Homemade muesli made from oats, seeds, nuts and dried fruit served with natural yoghurt. <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Fresh fruit and yoghurt</strong> <br />Fresh fruit and a pot of natural yoghurt sweetened with honey.</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Detox Plan Lunches</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Vegetable soup and oatcakes</strong> <br />Large bowl of vegetable or lentil soup (either homemade or supermarket ‘fresh’) with oatcakes. <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Tuna and sweetcorn jacket potato and salad </strong>Jacket potato topped with tuna (canned in water) mixed with sweetcorn and natural yoghurt and served with salad. <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Mediterranean salad with rice cakes</strong> <br />Rice cakes served with rocket, avocado, tomatoes, fresh basil and black pepper. Plus a handful of unsalted nuts. <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Guacamole with crudités</strong> <br />Homemade guacamole made from avocado, lemon juice, fresh chilli, tomatoe and garlic served with vegetable crudités and oatcakes. <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Tzatziki with crudités</strong> <br />Homemade tzatziki made from natural yoghurt, garlic, cucumber and lemon juice served with vegetable crudités and oatcakes. <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Avocado and prawn salad </strong>Fresh avocado served with prawns, salad, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice. <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Jacket potato with grilled cod</strong> <br />Grilled cod fillet served with jacket potatoes and lightly steamed vegetables.</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Detox Plan Dinners</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Chinese vegetable stir fry</strong> <br />Stir fry a selection of vegetables such as bok choi, spring onions, mushrooms, bamboo shoots and beansprouts in a little olive oil with garlic and ginger. Serve with brown rice. <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Baked salmon with jacket potato</strong> <br />Bake a salmon fillet and serve with a jacket potato and steamed vegetables. <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Tuna and prawns with noodles</strong> <br />Gently fry a selection of vegetables such as onions, mushrooms, peppers, courgette and leek in a little olive oil. When lightly browned, add a handful of prawns. Cook for a few minutes, then add canned tomatoes, tomato puree, black pepper and tuna canned in water. Bring to the boil and simmer until the sauce thickens. Serve with rice noodles. <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Sweet and sour stir fry with rice</strong> <br />Gently fry a selection of chopped vegetables such as onions, peppers, baby sweetcorn and mushrooms. Add canned pineapple (in fruit juice), canned tomatoes, tomato purée, white wine vinegar and honey. Bring to the boil and simmer until the sauce has thickened. Serve with brown rice. <br /> </li>
<li><strong>Potato and bean casserole</strong> <br />Gently fry a selection of typical casserole vegetables such as onion, carrots and parsnip in a little olive oil with garlic. When browned, add diced potato and fry for a few minutes. Add fresh vegetable stock, black pepper and your favourite beans. Bring to the boil and simmer until the casserole thickens.</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Detox Plan Snacks</h2>
<ul>
<li>Fresh fruit or fresh fruit salad</li>
<li>Natural yoghurt mixed with honey</li>
<li>Plain popcorn</li>
<li>Handful of unsalted nuts or seeds</li>
</ul>
<div class="trial">
<h2>
Create Your Own Detox Plan</h2>
You can create and calorie count your own detox plan using the tools in Weight Loss Resources. Keep an online food diary, set a weight loss goal and see how many calories you need to get there. <a href="http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/v2/trial.htm?from=centretext">Try it Free for 24 hours</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/diet/detox/plan.htm">http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/diet/detox/plan.htm</a></div>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-49274162768851302572013-09-03T16:24:00.001+01:002013-09-03T16:24:56.698+01:00Nutritional benefits of Watermelon Seeds<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you think of the health benefits of watermelon, the seeds probably don't come to mind. It can be a quite frustrating experience when you’re eating the sweet refreshing fruit and have to pause to take out the tiny seeds scattered in the fruit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Growing up as a child, I was told not to eat fruit seeds as the seeds could germinate and grow in my stomach, very funny claim that was! I guess the myth was told because if not well masticated or broken down before swallowing, the seeds can easily pass through the digestive tract undigested. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">According to nutritionists, roasting watermelon seeds creates a crunchy snack filled with various food nutrients which provide a wide array of health benefits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In Nigeria, the dry watermelon seeds are used to prepare soup and sauces. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Watermelon seeds are very high in protein, a vital nutrient for overall health which helps build and maintain muscles and other tissues. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One cup of the dried watermelon seeds is said to contain about 30.6 grams of protein, which constitutes about 61 percent of the daily recommended value. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The protein in watermelon seeds consists of several amino acids, including tryptophan, glutamic acid, and lysine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Watermelon seeds are also loaded with several of the B vitamins which are necessary for converting food into energy and other important bodily functions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The most prevalent B vitamin in watermelon seeds is niacin. A cup of dried watermelon seeds is said to contain 3.8 milligrams of niacin, about 9 percent of daily value. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Niacin is important for maintaining the nervous system, digestive system and promotes skin health. Other B vitamins in watermelon seeds include thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Minerals also abound in watermelon seeds. Magnesium is the most abundant mineral, weighing in with 556milligrams, making up 139 percent of the recommended daily value in a cup of dried seeds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure. Other important minerals in watermelon seeds are phosphorous, iron, potassium, sodium, copper, manganese and zinc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The most surprising thing about watermelon seeds is the amount of fat they contain. A cup of dried seeds contains 51 grams of fat, with 11 of those being saturated fat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Other fats are monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and omega-6 fatty acids which can help in the reduction of high blood pressure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you're an active individual engaging in regular exercise or just have a high metabolism, the high calorie content of roasted watermelon seeds can be beneficial. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One cup of roasted watermelon seeds provides 602 calories, which is 30 percent of your daily caloric intake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you're an athlete, roasted watermelon seeds can be a good choice for supporting your activities; one cup of roasted watermelon seeds provides enough calories to fuel 2 hours and 45 minutes of weightlifting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While roasted watermelon seeds are high in total fat each cup contains 51 grams with most of the fat being polyunsaturated. Polyunsaturated fats may help improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of both heart disease and type 2 diabetes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This may come as good news to weight watchers because watermelon seeds are low in carbohydrates! If you're following a carbohydrate-restricted diet, consuming roasted watermelon seeds can be beneficial. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Each cup of roasted watermelon seeds contains only 17 grams of carbohydrates! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is rich in iron! A cup of dry watermelon seeds provides 44 percent of the daily suggested intake. Iron is a vital nutrient your body needs for proper oxygen delivery throughout your body and cell growth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So the next time you grab a pulp of watermelon, make sure you do not throw away the seeds, you just might be losing rich nutrients needed for the proper functioning of your body. Spare some time, get the seeds out and you just might be on your way to getting something healthy into your system. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Culled from
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://www.citifmonline.com/?id=1.746455<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-37427180460363369652013-09-03T16:19:00.000+01:002013-09-03T16:19:02.867+01:00It's hard to remember goodIt's almost midnight of Children's day, and I decided to call my cousin's kids via viber. After chatting with their mum for a while, I spoke with the last child, who is 7 years old. Her immediate older brother, is the one I usually refer to as my son, because he would call me "mummy" when he was a baby. Characteristically, she always antagonised him, and he usually picked on her. I decided to ask about him. She went on a rant about how he's been naughty and has dealt with her and so on. I then asked about the oldest one, she then said something like"he's been mostly kind". <br />I asked for examples, and she told me about how he "banished" her from his phone. I told her she should share stories about his kind acts, and she said he helps her and does nice things for her, but she couldn't give a particular example.<br />
I decided to ask her about the kind acts done by her immediate (that boy has got a kind heart, even though he's boisterous), and she said "I can't remember". When I probed further, she then went on to say "it's hard go remember the good things. It's easier to remember the bad ones".<br />What a revelation!<br />Like they say "from the mouth of babes, the truth is established".<br />
No matter what you believe, the girl has said the truth; everytime you are unkind or inconsiderate towards others, it's magnified in their eyes. They would easily remember that unkind act/word than the other kind words/acts you said you've said/done , especially if that isn't an overwhelming number.<br />Il be posting some things on effects of negative words later.<br />Do have a splendid week.Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-63093226651098455182013-09-03T16:03:00.001+01:002013-09-03T16:03:23.570+01:005 DAYS FRUIT (& VEG) FAST- DAY 2<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">DAY 2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Woke up to the knowledge that I hadn't prepared for today's fruit fast. After my time with Him, I took a TBS of bentonite clay and then drank about half a litre of water (my tummy refused sipping more). I then pleaded with my sister to help me cut up 1 half of a watermelon, and she was so kind to wake up to assist, while I jumped into the tub. By the time I was done with my bath time, she was also rounding up.<br />I quickly packed up the ones she had cut, the one that was remaining yesterday, a strawberry and 3/4 of a bunch of bananas, into a bag, and flew out the door. Caught up with the staff bus just in time.<br />Once I got to the office, I took another TBSP of clay, alongside water and then mixed up the fruits, including the bananas and strawberry. I was more efficient in getting the fruits ready, today.<br />By past 8am, I was eating a bowl of fruits.<br />Around 10am, I took a cold glass of ACV mixed with molasses. This healthy combo tastes like malt without the 'soft poison' (aka Sugar).<br />Some minutes past 12 noon, I was with another bowl of fruit. By this time, I had taken close to a gallon (if not a gallon, yet) of water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Been having cravings for food I don't usually eat! Yesterday evening, I had a craving for Amala (which I don't particularly like), while today, I had a craving for toasted sandwich *rolling eyes at self*.<br />Anyhoo, Aunt Flo came to say hello, but I wonder if this stuff is getting on her nerves or somethang (shrug) cuz I'm barely aware of her presence..well...<br />I intend preparing the smoothie I've put off making, since Sunday. I'll be picking up some ugu leaves (aka Fluted Pumpkin) in the market, add an aloe leaf, some basil leaves and ginger, to the fruits I'll be blending.<br />Around past 3pm, I took my last bowl of fruits.<br />Drank much more than a gallon of water, today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-27057628012096705542013-09-03T15:59:00.000+01:002013-09-03T15:59:13.634+01:005 DAYS FRUIT (& VEG) FAST- DAY 1<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 DAYS FRUIT (& VEG) FAST<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I decided to embark on a 5-day fruit (and veg) fast, last week. After I felt a bit constipated last week, I decided it was time for me to do a kind of cleanse with bentonite clay. Besides, I think my liver has been overworked lately with a lot of carby and fatty meals and it needed to relax. Initially, I set it for 3 days because I didn’t believe I could sustain it for a full working week, but I later decided to fix 5 days, tentatively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I posted it on Facebook, I received a good amount of encouragement, and was advised to document each day, so I decided to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Below is my Day 1 experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">DAY 1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Woke up on this day with a feeling of excitement mixed with innate joy (been happening lately because of the strong awareness that I'm a Princess of the Most High), despite having little sleep cuz I was gisting with my friend into the early hours of the morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spent some time with my Father, after which the First day of my fruit fast became fully activated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The previous night, I had cut up a small watermelon, half a pawpaw (papaya), and cucumber, into biteable sizes. I also grated some carrots, rinsed some red grapes and kept them all in the fridge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All I then did was to take them out and place into a bag which I took to work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also poured out a quantity of liquid bentonite clay into a small bottle so that I could keep that in my drawer, at work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before leaving home, I drank about a half a litre of water alongside a tablespoonful (TBS) of Bentonite clay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I got to work, I took the clay again alongside water, after which I went about mixing the fruits, and dishing some out to eat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Later, that same morning, I mixed a TBS of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) mixed with half a TBS of molasses (pinching it cuz I've almost run out…hehehe).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">During lunch time, I craved the sun, so I decided to go to the mall to get some strawberries. Now, whenever I’m in the office and don’t want the canteen food, Shoprite is where I go to since I like their chicken and seafood paella. I passed by those food items and the smell was tempting. Also, when I looked and discovered they had Macaroni and minced beef sauce, which I enjoy a lot, but they haven't had in a while, I wish I hadn't started this fast :D. I gently took myself away from that section; checked the fruit aisle but no strawberries, so I settled for Nectarine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Around 2pm, I took another bowl of fruits, with some slices of nectarine added.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had to struggle to finish this portion, as I felt stuffed. It was shocking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By the time it was COB, I had already drunk over a gallon of water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was surprised that I still had a bowl still filled with fruits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, I had to face my trip home, in the staff bus which I didn't look foward to as I always feel hungry and a bit uncomfortable, and usually left something hanging around that I could munch on. This happened only in the staff bus, so I figured I was reacting to the smell of the bus or the air freshener or something along that line.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Instead of this happening, I still felt stuffed and didn't even take anymore fruit for the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bought a few strawberries, bananas, ginger and garlic on my way home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mum tried to talk me out of doing this for 5 days, because I'm way too skinny to her (I hope she knows that according to the US's Fashion Industry, I'm plus-sized lol)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but I gently explained to her that I needed to do it once and for all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After Bible Study, I felt too tired/lazy to prepare some smoothie for the next day, so I hit the pillow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 1 was over, and I knew Aunt Flo was gonna come say hi the next day. I was ready for her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By the way, the reason I embarked on this fast (which I initially set for 3 days because I didn’t believe I could sustain it for a full working week)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">FRUITS AND OTHER THINGS TAKEN<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Carrots (I don’t like them, so I grated it which is easier to consume)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pawpaw (aka papaya contains loads and loads of Vitamin C, so I’m not taking any Vit C during this fast)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Watermelon (I chewed the seeds as well, and they are so yummy. You need to read up the amazing nutrients contained in the seed, and you’ll probably go shopping for the seeds)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grapes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cucumber<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nectarine<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Apple Cider Vinegar (you need to read the amazing benefits derived from taking this)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Molasses (similar to honey)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">More than a gallon of Water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-20315424558657912292013-04-18T16:11:00.004+01:002013-04-18T16:11:58.102+01:00I was selfish<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I wished snapping my fingers would miraculously bring me a car, no matter how rickety/slow, to take me home. Few minutes before, I had hopped down from the staff bus to go into the market to get some things, as I love shopping- be it grocery, vegetables, shoes, clothes, hair accessories, herbs etc. The snag now is that I'm not so good with lugging heavy stuffs around.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After buying some pumpkin leaves (you need to read up on its amazing benefits), dried prawns, a piece of liver for my dog etc., I went to buy what i dreaded- 2 5-litre kegs of vegetable oil, which made it 10 litres. Now I had a bag that contained my work shoes (No way would I be found walking round the market in my heels) and other stuffs, then my ghana-must-go bag (thats what my sister calls my huge bag) which had lots of stuff in it and the things I had bought.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Determined to be strong, i picked up the kegs, squared my shoulders and marched on. I was blessed to suddenly see an empty commercial tricycle (rare) and i was the only one at the bus-stop(very rare). i quickly flagged him down and got in. I placed the kegs on the seat, as well as my bags.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As we moved on, I prayed that no one would flag him down before I alighted. Immediately, I felt shame.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Why would I want to profit from the ride, while he doesn't?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Would I feel good if someone wants me to have low turnover if I were in his shoes, simply because they want to feel comfortable?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I believe if we ask ourselves this selfless questions whenever we feel selfishness coming to the fore, the world would be a better place.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">***He got 2 passengers, with 1 sitting beside him in front ( extremely rare if theres a space behind), so i was still comfortable, although, with my readjusted mindset, I wouldn't have minded if it didn't tunr out that way.</span>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-40971209019000242402013-04-04T10:38:00.001+01:002013-04-05T08:43:50.773+01:00The dog that keeps malice<p>Max, my dog, was giving me the palm big time!<br>
On Easter Monday, I had muzzled him, as I needed to bathe him with some liquid prescribed by the vet, that mustn't make contact with his mouth, and also trim off the hair that covered both eyes so that he could see properly.<br>
Now, he hated the muzzle, hated being wet and hated the scissors so much he could smell it metres away; this made it a triple offence.<br>
After the muzzle was off, I decided to appease him by giving him what he loved the most- going out.<br>
I quickly leashed (his fav word) him up, and took him to get roasted corn, which he likes a lot.<br>
He seethed as he walked reluctantly behind me. He refused playing with his leash as we walked neither did he enjoy it.<br>
When we got back home, he ignored me.<br>
In the evening, I went to church and came back with my parents. As usual, he came up excitedly, to greet us; on seeing me, he turned back and went to greet my parents. In his excitement, he came towards me again, but on seeing it was me, he immediately turned back to play with my dad.<br>
Throughout that day, he gave me the side-eye.</p>
<p>Next morning, he ignored me as I prepared for work.<br>
When I got back at even, he came out to welcome me, although he still held back as he didn't react in an excited manner, go crazy with happiness, alert my sister that I was back or await my arrival by sitting outside.<br>
I then took him for a drive to the cash machine and the filling station. He refused sitting alone on the seat as he wanted to be close to me after missing me so much.<br>
I laughed.<br>
Funny, how he was the one who had missed me, yet caused the missing by keeping malice.</p>
<p>Sometimes in life, we get hurt by a friend or family. It's understandable to feel hurt by their action, but don't overkill it, especially after they've repented. Let the hurt go. Don't keep thinking about it. This, of course, doesn't mean you should put yourself in the hands of someone that would constantly break you, without repenting (apology is different from repentance). If you know this person keeps doing that particular thing that hurts you, without making any effort at changing, forgive them and readjust your relationship with them.<br>
For Max, he knew I'd always been good to him, so he had no reason to forever block me out.</p>
<p>Also, if he wasn't thinking like a child, he would have noticed he could see better, as the fur blocking his view had been trimmed off. Same with us, we sometimes could feel hurt by some actions, which would benefit us in the long-run; if only we could look beyond the present, we would show more appreciation.</p>
<p>On a final note, I'll like to say: Start seeing where others stopped.</p>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-28254746225396925532013-01-31T15:23:00.001+01:002013-03-04T16:36:10.951+01:00I beat F.E.A.R with all I had<span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some people say FEAR means Forget Everything And Run.
<div>
This was exactly how I felt, as I stood, representing my group, in front of the Head of Risk Management and other members of the panel. </div>
<div>
We were the most ill-prepared group in the entire training school. </div>
<div>
We started preparations early, but due to one thing or the other, we were not ready. </div>
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That morning, while others polished their presenting skills, we were preparing (not even editing) our slides. </div>
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We hadn't finished when we were told to go to our classes, for the presentation. </div>
<div>
We started zooming through the slides. </div>
<div>
Suddenly, the guy in charge of the overall presentation came to our group and told us to use another financial data, which meant we had to discard the ones we had prepared several days ago. </div>
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Due to being pressed for time, we couldn't go through it, to check for completeness. If we had, we would have seen that the current year's data wasn't filled, and stuck to ours. </div>
<div>
We went into the class, while some of us went to print copies of the slides, as stipulated, and got embarrassed by the man in charge, as others had done theirs much earlier. </div>
<div>
There was still a bulky form to submit, and we hadn't filled a thing; neither had we gone through the new financial data, which we had just been instructed to include in our slides. </div>
<div>
Like these weren't bad enough, we were yet to select the two members that would present, on behalf of the group. </div>
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then the panel members entered.
<div>
Fortunately, we were going to be the 3rd to present. </div>
<div>
While others were presenting/listening, we were hiding behind others to talk in hushed tones and pass notes on our plans. </div>
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a horrible experience! </span></div>
<span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div>
</div>
</span><br />
<span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My group members wanted another group member and me, to present. I acquiesced.
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I then started going through the printed copies of the slides, when I realized that the financial data of the year being examined, was incomplete. </div>
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I lost my confidence immediately. </div>
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I told my group members I wasn't going to present anymore (I was the one to present the financial data) as standing before a crowd wasn't my cup of tea, then to now have to present incomplete financial data, which would make me appear clueless, would simply bowl me over. </div>
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The group before us were already presenting, so we had to decide fast. </div>
<div>
My colleagues encouraged me to still go ahead. </div>
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I quickly scanned through the data, chose to be proactive about the missing data, by telling them that I'll have to use the previous year's data, as the current year's unavailable, and prepped myself up, to be ready. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our turn had come!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With uncountable butterflies in my tummy, I got up, alongside my colleagues, and walked to the front. </span></div>
<span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div>
When it was my turn to present, I stepped out and continued from where my Co-presenter stopped. </div>
<div>
At a point during my presentation, F.E.A.R descended upon me, and I took a look at the door. </div>
<div>
I kept talking, while thinking about how good it would be to just bolt out the door, and forget the presentation, but I carried on. </div>
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At the end, the financial data I was scared of was not faulted, since I had been proactive about it, instead of reacting to a complaint. </div>
<div>
My group members and other colleagues kept congratulating me and telling me I did a fabulous job. </div>
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They said I looked so confident and well put-together, like I had been used to presenting. </div>
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When I told one of them about the FEAR situation, he found it hard to believe. </div>
</span><br />
<span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The results were announced soon after, and we came second! </span><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<div>
I was shocked! <br />
</div>
<div>
Before the presentation, I expected our group to come last, but God helped us to beat the circumstances we were in, as well as the poor preparation, and we came second. </div>
<div>
Incidentally, the group I had expected to come first, and seriously envied, based on their early preparation, team members with specialised skills, and eloquent presenters, came last. </div>
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I had learnt a great lesson. </div>
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">LESSONS LEARNT </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><ul>
<li><span id="goog_669470348"></span><span id="goog_669470350"></span><span id="goog_669470352"></span><span id="goog_669470354"></span><span id="goog_669470356"></span><span id="goog_669470358"></span><span id="goog_669470360"></span><span style="color: #f4cccc;">It's been proven that most times, what we worry about never comes to actualisation, so shelve worry on the shelf.</span></li>
<li></li>
</ul>
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f4cccc;">There's a quote I read in a novel, and have held on to, for close to 2 decades; it goes thus "trying beats not trying". Better to try, fail and learn, than never to have tried at all. Take a step today. </span></span><br />
<li><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you're shaky when facing a crowd, never mind. The important thing is for you to have mastered the art of keeping a calm exterior. A lot of accomplished orators/speakers still get experience stage fright, but they've learnt to keep it hidden, while maintaining a calm, confidence exterior. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Believe in yourself. You can succeed. Instead of envying the gifts and blessings of others, sharpen and fully utilize yours and you will end up surpassing your self-expectations. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Put aside unhealthy comparison. Focus at being better than who you were, yesterday. Even the bible says that a wise man doesn't compare himself with others. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Be proactive, rather than reactive. If I hadn't explained the missing data, we would have been marked down, as I'll be questioned on it, and anything I would say thereon would seem to be mere excuses. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Never lie! There's no point. Asides the fact that it alienates you from God, who detests lying. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Never forget that with you holding on to God, you can never fall without rising. <span id="goog_669470357"></span><span id="goog_669470355"></span><span id="goog_669470353"></span><span id="goog_669470351"></span><span id="goog_669470349"></span></span></span></li>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-73336114988033237362013-01-31T14:26:00.000+01:002013-01-31T14:27:18.569+01:00WILL YOUR WAY OUT!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My sister was having one of those lazy days. She had taken tomatoes and pepper to the local grinder, and was back home. <br />Dad then told her to put the blended TomaPep in the freezer. She said she couldn't as the freezer was full. <br />An idea immediately sprung to mind: "I had to get her to 'will' a way out". I quickly chipped in and told her to go and boil the pepper to preserve it since the freezer was full. <br />I knew she was smart enough to figure out which method was easier. <br />She did! <br />Within minutes, her creative mind came alive, and she created room for the bowl of TomaPep. <br />I laughed and told dad I knew she would find room for the bowl; I just had to give her a tougher alternative. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #b6d7a8; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes we need to be pushed to will a way out of tough situations by being given a tougher alternative. <br />Like the old saying goes "when there's a will, there's a way". You just need to be given a chance to have the will, once you do, you'll use that 'will' to find a way out of seemingly impossible situations. <br />Most times, we don't know we are able to do greatly, until a great task is forced upon us. It's then the strength that lies in us, unutilized, becomes useful. <br />Push someone today, by offering them a tougher alternative, and watch them beat their expectations. </span></div>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-50212957687867745672013-01-31T14:19:00.000+01:002013-01-31T14:19:14.960+01:00How I beat my expectation<br /><span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I worked 13 days without a day's break! <br />I could have made it 20 days, but I decided to give myself a day's break. <br />I barely had time to think what I thought later "Is this me?" <br />If someone had told me I could wake up by 4am, get back home around 11pm mentally and physically exhausted, play with my dog, chat with my family before heading to bed, and waking up by 4am, the following morning, I'll have said that person didn't know me well. <br />Any other person, with a tougher personality could have easily achieved this, but I thought I couldn't. I didn't just think I couldn't, I had this self-assurance that I couldn't. <br />Honestly, I never believed that was possible. <br />I do have wild imaginations, but I couldn't even think this up! <br />But I did, but this time, it was reality. <br />I'll begin my day with E-learning lectures, of which I had to take notes, take an exam and score 80%. Besides that, we had almost unachievable deadlines. Once it was 9am, I'll go for classroom lectures, till 5pm (this could extend beyond that time) and sometimes, we would have tests after this. This was another achievement. I didn't believe I could sit and listen to another person go on and on, and I wouldn't sleep all through the class. Yes, I dozed, but I sat in front, always, so that was limited. I had to invent ways to stay awake...and doze a bit, uncaught (embarrassed look). <br />After that, I'll quickly get a system, and begin my exams or e-lectures till 9 or almost 10pm. Then there was book reviews and presentations between that time. It was a loaded 4 weeks of intensive training. This is the only time I've seen the word "intensive" used aptly. <br />That was the period I knew what brain saturation meant, experientially; my brain couldn't take a thing anymore. <br />Couldn't believe how much I had been under-utilizing my brain all these years!!! </span><br />
<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Guess how I felt? <br />I felt fly! <br />It was cool being able to do all these, bending, yet not breaking. </span><br />
<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To you all, I say: beat your expectations, break your personal bounds and watch yourself achieve greatness. </span>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-85909266770932984642013-01-31T14:07:00.000+01:002013-01-31T14:07:59.941+01:00ARE YOU LIKE MY SIBLINGS? TRUST AgAiN<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My siblings avoid buying bread from the market, as they've been deceived into buying bread that's almost stale, a number of times. <br />Last Sunday afternoon, my mum said she was going to buy bread there, and a chorus of disapproval rose up from them. <br />Even though I had also been 'bitten' I didn't mind as I'm always open to giving others/things, second or more chances. <br />Dad reasoned with them that my mum's good at selecting fresh bread and all, but they didn't believe him. <br />They were of the opinion that until the bread was tasted, one couldn't prove it's freshness. <br />It was finally proven that mum got 2 perfect loaves! </span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Funny, but a lot of people are like them. <br />Some go through life expecting the same thing that once happened to them, to happen again. <br />Thinking in absolute terms, rather than relative terms, has become the order of the day. <br />Let me give an illustration of what I mean by thinking in absolute terms, rather than relative terms. <br />It's common knowledge that daughter-in-laws (DIL) are said not to get along well with their Mother-in-laws (MIL). </span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">THINKING IN AN ABSOLUTE TERM: Now, if I got married with the determination that I have to battle my MIL before I can have a peaceful marriage, then I'll hold on to that mindset, not minding if my MIL is a wonderful woman or a difficult woman, who can be softened, greatly, by care. Instead of this giving me the peaceful marriage I crave, I'll get the exact opposite, especially if the woman falls into either of the 2 aforementioned categories. </span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">THINKING IN A RELATIVE TERM: If I go into marriage holding on to the belief that despite the widely-touted belief that DIL and MIL are like oil and water, I will get the best from the relationship once I do the needful. A lot of people may come and feed me with "you're not going to have a peaceful marriage because you haven't put your MIL in their place" but the exact opposite would happen based on factors I'll discuss another day. </span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Based on the above illustration, thinking in an absolute term involves "I've been IRREPARABLY hurt by bad friends, so I WON'T have friends anymore"; while thinking in a relative term involves "Even though I've been BADLY hurt by bad friends, I know good friends abound, so I'll be careful not to choose bad friends next time, and if I do, I choose to choose, again". </span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There's someone hurting, who's reading this post; I ask that you give TRUST a chance, again. <br />Give Life a chance, again! <br />Give Love a chance, again! <br />Give Laughter a chance, again! </span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cheers. </span>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-60464259652393298242013-01-31T13:57:00.001+01:002013-01-31T13:59:19.253+01:00Review on Jane Carter's "Nourish and shine"<span style="color: #93c47d;">Once upon a not-too-distant time, curlmart.com and I were great buddies. <br />I regularly visited it to check out products. <br />I would scan through reviews just to discover magic products that could get my hair looking nice and manageable. <br />During one of my numerous 'lust & get sessions', I came across Jane Carter's Nourish and Shine. The reviews and product description, tallied. <br />Tightly curled, as well as loosely-curled sistas, raved about how great it was and all that, so I added it to my cart. </span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">I wasn't disappointed one bit! <br />The amazing thing is that it could also be used on the skin, and the ingredients are all natural. </span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">USAGE: <br />After applying my leave-in, I use it to seal in moisture, concentrating on the ends. My ends immediately feel supple. <br />I just need a little, and Bam! my hair is all shiny, and soft. <br />I sometimes apply it in between washes. <br />It blesses my hair with a nice fragrance. <br />My palms also love it, cuz once I'm done with my hair, my palms rejoice in the paradise of 'softness'. </span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">The ingredients are: Shea butter, kokum butter, Illippe butter, Mango butter, Vitamins A, D,& E, pear and grapefruit essential oils. </span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">The only drawback this product has is that it's a tad expensive at $22 for a 4oz tub, but I got it during the '25% off' promo (yay!) <br />I'll like to add this: always remember that a little goes a long way. If you use too much, you run the risk of having greasy hair. <br />I'll definitely be buying again. </span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">*whispering* shhhhh!!! let me tell you a secret. Whenever I'm going out, I stop by our reflecting window, and admire my hair as the sun highlights the shine (sigh of contentment). </span><br />
<br />
***I wrote this review for my friend, Emmanuella's blog and decided to share it here, also.Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007183521225246562.post-45511877544775523012012-06-17T18:11:00.000+01:002012-06-17T18:11:14.239+01:00God in HandcuffsToday, I read one of the most beautiful note ever posted on Facebook. I couldn't put off posting it.<br />
Do enjoy:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A friend of mine was narrating how he had gotten to the final stage in the selection process of an organization he so much wanted to work for but couldn’t make it through. What caught my interest was not the fact that he could not make the final stage of the interview. People fail interviews all the time, there’s nothing new there. What I was particularly interested in was the fact that about a year before this interview he had the opportunity to have enrolled for a course that would have helped him in answering the questions he was now being asked but he did not enroll for that course.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Stephen Covey’s Time Matrix, he broke down all activities we engage in into four groups based on their urgency and importance. As a quick recap these were the four quadrants:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Quadrant 1</strong>: Urgent and Important (Necessity)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quadrant one is full of crises; pressing problems demanding immediate attention e.g. a sick child, deadlines, very important meetings, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Quadrant 3</strong>: Urgent but Not important (Deception)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quadrant three is full of activities that are unnecessary but urgent. Like quadrant one they demand immediate attention but really add no value e.g. a ringing phone, a blackberry message, many emails, other people’s minor issues, interruptions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Quadrant 2</strong>: Not urgent but Important (Preparation)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quadrant two activities are where we are proactive because we have to deliberately do them e.g. building relationships, training, prevention, etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Quadrant 4</strong>: Not urgent and Not important (Waste)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quadrant four is full of wastes and excess. Activities that are done to escape from quadrants one and three e.g. watching mindless TV, playing useless games, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The reality is that we all engage in activities that lie in the four quadrants. Irrespective of your expertise in time and life management, there are still some things that are outside your control. Once in a while, events will turn out such that the only option you have is to fire-fight: when you just have to drop all the big plans you have already planned out and just fire-fight to put back on track something you never planned for. You suddenly get a call that your child got involved in an accident, every other thing has to wait. Something urgent and important has come up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But such occurrences happen once in a while. Most times it is our laxity in tackling issues very early that leads to most of the fire-fighting that we do. And then, as is common with most of us in Africa, we start binding the bind-ables and loosing the loose-ables. But like I reiterated in my note The Hand of God; The Hand of Man, God will not do everything for you. You have a part to play.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Affirming your love for your spouse verbally may not be an urgent task but it is very important. Following your child to that activity in his school is a task that you can defer, after all it will happen again next year, but it is a very important task. Reading a book is not urgent, it is always in your room, you can read it anytime, but it is a very important task. If you don’t discipline yourself to do important things that are not urgent, then you better have enough water in your tank because soon there will be several fires to quench.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When your spouse says, "It is over between us," saying "I love you" at that time will no longer fix your marriage. When you sit face to face with that interviewer, the best you can do is wish you had taken that course 6months ago when you had the opportunity. You may pray as much as you want at that moment, speak in the tongues of angels and of men, but at that moment you have placed God in handcuffs, there is nothing he will do for you. When the anointing of God rests upon a man, it is what it finds in the head of that man that it will work with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You may find this hard to believe but I have not read a single book this year that has to do with the areas I write on. While I write on personal leadership, I have not read a single book on personal leadership this year 2012. For my personal development this year my focus is on financial intelligence and spiritual growth and every single book I have bought this year has been on finance or spiritual growth. The last time I read Seven Habits of Highly Effective People was 2005. But that was where I learnt about the Time Matrix that I stated at the beginning. I learnt and started practicing what I write about today over five years ago. In the same way by 2014 my focus on writing will be financial intelligence so I am already studying in that area and practicing the principles I am learning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What amazes me the most is that the same person who could not let a ringing phone just ring; the same person who would cut short an important discussion to receive a phone call; the same person who cannot hear her blackberry beep without halting every other thing just to respond to a ping, will defer truly important things like preparation, planning, studying, training, etc. because he or she feels it is not needed now. These people don’t yet know the difference between an interruption and an important thing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Things which matter most must not be at the mercy of things which matter least. People who live their lives in quadrant one will always be in crisis mode because urgent things act on us. These people usually have a problem with time management. Most problems don’t show up as crises. It is poor time management skill that makes activities become crises.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">People who live most of their lives in quadrant three, focusing on urgent but not important things usually have problems with their value system. They mistake urgent things for important things. A ringing phone might be calling for your attention now, but most calls are not important. Most mails are not important but the moment they get the notice, "You’ve got mail," they halt every other thing to read the mail instead of having a set time when they read mails. Because they spend their time on urgent things that are really not important, truly important things are left undone until they become crises. And at this time the hands of God are cuffed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Truly effective people do what is needful even when there are no indications that they need to do it now. They spend most of their time planning, building relationships, participating in training, studying, preparing, they also value recreation and exercise. They spend time and money on these activities because they know that spending time on these activities is an investment in their future. They hardly get into crisis mode. Nor do they lead irresponsible lives by living engaging in quadrant three and four activities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You place God in handcuffs when you think that because something is not urgent it means it is not important and when it finally degenerates into a crisis you begin to ask, "Where is God?" when the truth is you have placed God in handcuffs.</span></div>
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Thanks,</div>
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Mute Efe.</div>
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+234-803-874-9796</div>
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<strong>N.B</strong></div>
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To enrol for the July session of School for Personal Leadership Text<strong> SPL*SURNAME*FIRST NAME *SEX*STATE OF RESIDENCE*COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE*EMAIL ADDRESS*GSM PHONE NUMBER to +234-803-874-9796.</strong> Payment details will be sent to you within 12hrs. N6,000 only. US$45 for those outside Nigeria.</div>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04541703019055443460noreply@blogger.com0