A "Spinning-Wheel" Experience

I'm back after an unexpected hiatus, and ready to share. I just had what I am calling a "spinning wheel" experience, and I will explain that as I go, but first let me tell you about it. On January 28 at 1:30am I was transported by ambulance to the ER due to severe chest & arm pain. It had began innocently enough earlier that day, but like most of us, I dismissed it as "gas pains" and continued on as usual. Well, by that night it became obvious to me that it was something else and the rest is history.
After being admitted to the hospital and having tests run, it was discovered that I had blockage in three of my arteries. I remember when the doctor came in to give the results and it seemed so surreal. Here I was, suddenly laying in a hospital bed, being told that I had something wrong with arteries attached to my heart. Specifically, I had 80-90% in one, 70% in one and 50% in another. Just two days before that, I went to aerobics (two days consecutively) and worked out on the treadmill with no problems! Guess that's where the saying came from of "what a difference a day makes". I was informed that I would be getting a "cardiac catherization" the next day so they could see if this blockage could be fixed with stents or if I would need open-heart surgery. Boy, talk about life changing events.
In the midst of all this pain and life-threatening news, I managed to stay in touch with my faith. In fact, I watched a preacher on television that Friday morning who talked about that very thing, so I had a special gift from God before the procedure was even started. As you all may or may not know, I rely heavily on my spiritual base and have strong beliefs in the power of God. So seeing that message that morning was no coincidence for me. Long story short, I had the procedure done, they fixed the 80-90% blockage with two stents and I will schedule the procedure for the 70% in the near future. The doctor said the 50% should be fixed with the (four)medications I am now prescribed. Thank God for modern medicine! I could write a book about the experience and I do plan to do that, but let me share why I call it a spinning wheel experience.
This morning while reading my daily meditations and scriptures, I read about Mohandas Gandhi,a famous Indian leader. After each public appearance or event, this man would always go back to his original home and sit in front a the spinning wheel making wool. The purpose was so he could put and keep his life in perspective; so he could get back to the center of his gravity; and so he would not be pressed into the world's mold. I now consider my blockage event and all other life-changing events as spinning wheel experiences, because they present me with opportunities to refocus and put things in their proper perspective. I get the chance to get healthier outlooks on myself and the relationships in my life, and do some serious soul searching about the present and future. This amazing revelation gave me the answer to my 'WHY?" and it also gave me peace. (Thank you, God.)
Today, I know that God is greater than any heart disease and He turns any difficulty into an opportunity for spiritual growth. I believe that any and all events that touch my life snugly fits into God's awesome plan for my life, and that we each receive what is truly necessary to our personal growth. As I traveled through this new "tunnel of growth" I ever hold onto my favorite scripture; Philippians 4:13-"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". So until next time, live one day at a time, because you never know what growth the next day will bring.

A HISTORICAL EVENT (OR TWO)

Yesterday Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. This was truly a historical event because for the first time in the history of this country, a Black man was elected to the office of President. The experience itself was one of awe and inspiration. I was at work but the whole place was in an unexplainable excitement all day. We watched the inauguration and witnessed history being made. The most beautiful part of it for me was seeing the older people moved by their having lived to see this come to pass. Their genuine emotion was something I will always remember and cherish. To see the sparkle and amazement in their eyes, hear the relief in their voices, and feel the joy in their tears was a blessing from God. I am so grateful to have been a part of history and know the best is yet to come. I believe if we do our part, then the President (& God) will handle the rest and some positive change will occur
The other historical event that occurred was my son, Jesse Muhammad, who is a Motivational Speaker, came and shared his message with the Cheyenne Center Drug Treatment Center where I am employed. He is a messenger sent from God to inspire others and I am so very blessed to be his mother. The men at the center as well as the staff were all inspired by his words and expressed a unanimous desire for him to return, which he plans to do. The most extraordinary thing is that he normally gets paid very handsomely for this service, but he is donating them to the Cheyenne Center. That in itself speaks volumes about his character and his honest desire to help others. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day!! Post your comments about this historic day, I would love to hear them.

A NEW YEAR??

I was surfing as usual, and came upon this wonderful article by my son, and since he is my son I knew I could post it on my blog. It really hits home with the concept I always quote "If you keep doing what you've been doing; you'll keep getting what you've been getting". So read on and resolve to have a true "New Year"! (Check out more of his stuff at JUST US with BRO DERIC MUHAMMAD)

10 New Year’s Resolutions for a Revolution
By: Deric Muhammad
A wise mentor of mine used to tell me that there is no such thing as a “new” year if you do the same things you did the year before. It is just a continuation of the same agenda, schedule, way of life and way of thinking. In order to classify January 1st as a new year you have to do something “new”. If the only thing that changes in your life is the number on your calendar we may as well wish you a happy “last year.”
If we reflect on 2008 and realize that it was a near mirror of 2007 then it was not quite a new year. If we’ll be honest many of us have not had a new year in many years. The current social and economic challenges that we face in this country should force us to step outside of our comfort zone, challenge our fears and do something to better our condition. We can all agree that the old way of doing things as failed us.
The year 2008 was highlighted by something that was new to us all. Barack H. Obama became the first Black president of the United States of America. If that is not classified as “new” then nothing does. Our brother sang the timely song of change all the way to the oval office and we all became filled with hope and a new spirit. On January 20th he will take his inaugural oath. But, according to Obama, if we don’t help him to dig America out of the ditch that she is in he will not succeed. This means that we must take an oath right along with him.
Before the Black community can help anyone we must first help ourselves. Here are 10 New Year’s resolutions that I believe will help make the Black community a strong community.
1. STOP BLACK ON BLACK VIOLENCE AND MURDER
2. Learn the difference between spirituality and religion. Strive to become a more spiritual community where neighbors pray together as much as they party together.
3. Eat to Live. Improper diet is generational and so are the illnesses that kill us as a result of our diet. Our forefathers ate certain foods on the plantation, because they had no choice. Why are we still eating the same foods 459 years later? Healthcare starts at home.
4. Each ONE Teach ONE (Mentor Neighborhood Youth). We have to mentor based on the talent and interest of our young people. Link Black professional with young brothers from the hood.
5. Natural Disaster Preparedness-Every year we are caught off guard during hurricane season. We seem to always be at the end of the line for government assistance after a natural disaster. This year we must put ourselves at the front of the line. The way to do that is to be better prepared.
6. Build and patriotically support Black-owned businesses that supply the needs of our community
7. Save your money. Stop spending money on unnecessary luxuries that you cannot afford. Mr. Gucci’s says you have to pay him hundreds of dollars in order to wear his name on your purse. He makes billions and sends his children to get the best education so that our children end up coming to them for a job.
8. Develop a political agenda. Support local, state and federal candidates that pledge allegiance to that agenda and politically punish them if they fail to keep their word.
9. Study Black history year-round. Make sure your children know who they are and where they come from.
10. The Golden Rule: treat others the way you want to be treated.

These are just a few thoughts that, if executed, could equal a truly “new “ year for the Black community.

LET'S SHINE IN 2009!!!!

Well, here we are in a brand New Year. I don't know about you but I have a whole lot of gratitude for making it here. The past year was a good one in spite of any challenges that came, in fact, those are what made it a good year. Let me explain. If those challenges had not been placed in my path, I would not have experienced any growth, and I would not be the wiser today. Today I know the value of trials and tribulations, and I thank my God for allowing them in my life. Sure, none of us welcome them, but once we get to the other side, if we were paying atention, we understand the value or the lesson.
I don't make "New Year Resolutions" but I do set goals for myself. They include areas of health and well-being, finances, spiritual and most importantly relationships. All of these are areas of immense importance and I plan to enhance them while cultivating a better self. What I know I have to do is keep a positive attitude about any task I undertake, and the rest will follow. John Maxwell says "We are today where our thoughts brought us; We'll go tomorrow where our thoughts take us". That tells me that the success in any area I choose to improve depends on the attitude I maintain while the change is taking place.
I believe that we as human beings can acheive anything we want or desire, and that the only real limitation is the one we accept and set up in our minds (Napoleon Hill-"Think and Grow Rich"). In 2009, I am planning to shine!!! By the Grace of God and my God-given talents, I shouldn't have any problems. Set yourself some goals and do what J. Paul Getty suggests:
Get up early, Work hard, & Find Oil!!
It's going to be a great year, after all, our 1st Black President will take office on January 20! After the previous administration, there is nowhere to go but up, so let's get ready to support him and prosper in the process. I believe there will be more and better opportunities for those who had none in the past. I believe that we as a people will be more self-confident which will result in us being more successful. I believe that if we set our minds to it and work together, there is nothing we won't accomplish.

Have a Happy and Safe New Year!! and share your goals on my blog so we can support each other.

HAD A BALL IN THE BIG APPLE!

I haven't posted anything since Thanksgiving and there is good reason. I was preparing for a very special trip. But before those details let me share some others. First, I want to address the question that I know has run across many minds that have seen my picture. The fact that I am bald always raises them so let me clear that up before anyone gets the wrong idea. Usually the first thing people think is that I have cancer, however, I am blessed not to have that life-threatening illness. The reason for my baldness is an autoimmune disease called Alopecia Areata. It's a condition where the immune system attacks the hair follicles "by mistake" and causes the hair to fall out. It's not hereditary and I had never really known anyone with it until I contracted it myself. I have lived with it since April 2007 and it has been quite a journey. The lows, the shock, the amazement was all part of my getting to the point of acceptance. After all, like India Arie says "I am not my hair" and I can live life without it. Knowing the importance of support when dealing with a challenge, I immediately went online searching for and found the Alopecia Areata support community. Today I am an active member and communicate with other women with the disorder to share my experience, strength and hope. Some of us are blessed with more resilience to bounce back from life's unexpected surprises, and it is our responsibility to be there for those who need a little extra love.

So, having said that, now I will talk about my wonderful trip to New York! My main reason for the trip was to attend a luncheon. It was sponsored by Thea Chassin who founded the event and named it "Bald Girls Do Lunch", as a way for women with Alopecia to meet other women who have it. I had read about the event and knew I wanted to experience one, so I decided, and God blessed me, to attend the one in Manhattan, New York. It was a couple of firsts involved, 1) I had never been to New York before, and 2) I had not been to one of those luncheons, so I got a double-dose of good time! (Forgive me if I use the word blessing a lot but that is the only way I choose to describe things that happen in my life today .) In view of the fact that I am blessed with a son who works for Continental Airlines, the only thing standing between me and New York was distance and time, so off I went!!

First let me say that New York is an amazing city and I was awestruck from the moment I got there. The taxi ride from the airport down E. 57th was amazing with all the designer stores, lights, display windows and droves of people. Riding by 5th Ave. and Park Ave was an exciting moment and all the expansive buildings was really a breath-taking sight. The restaurant that the event was held, Shelly's Trattoria, was beautiful and the people and the food was great. Meeting Thea and the other ladies was an experience I will always cherish and sharing our intimate details was an unforgettable and spirit-filled time. We were women who shared a common bond in spite of any difference in race, background, lifestyle or profession. We came from all walks of life but still found so much in common. The luncheon was a smashing success and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to attend.

The next day, after a good night's rest, I "did New York". My itinerary ended up being 1) a trip to Times Square on the subway, and 2) a trip to The Empire State Building Observatory. Incidentally, one of the ladies I met at the luncheon worked at the Empire State Building and offered me a free pass! Talk about perfect timing!! I thoroughly enjoyed my entire day of touring and shopping, but one particular event was the height of my day. You see, for those of you who may be familiar with it, Forrest Gump is one of my favorite movies of all time, and in Times Square there is a restaurant, Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co., based on that movie. I was as excited as a kid in a candy store when I ate lunch there, and it really made my trip complete.

New York is a great place and I am planning to return and see all the other sights. But for now, my palate is satisfied because; 1) I got to meet some great ladies and now have some great new friends, and 2) I took my maiden voyage to the Big Apple!! Life is good.

Just a couple of photos. LOL till next time.

Giving Thanks

It's the day after Thanksgiving, and I pray that everyone had a safe one. I thoroughly enjoyed mine with all my children and grandchildren, and all the food I could eat! However the topic of giving thanks brought about some serious pondering for me. It is amazing how that one day seems to be when most people remember to be thankful and count their blessings. It would seem more fitting for us to do that on a daily basis and not just on a particular designated day. Everyday should be a day of thanks; for what we have, for what we have been delivered from, or just for being alive. To have a thankful heart is to have an attitude of gratitude, and that makes for a healthy body, mind and spirit.
We all should take the time to slow down, remember our blessings and make giving thanks not just a day, but a way of life.

Are you "Musically Diverse"?

Something happened at my job today that I just thought I should share. I have always considered myself as someone who liked a variety of music. I was raised on blues, R&B, some of the first rap to come out, and of course, gospel. Well, lately I have acquired an appreciation for country western music and have gotten some very interesting responses from clients. I am the Admissions Coordinator at the facility so I am pretty much the first person clients sit down and talk with when they arrive. Being the type of person that likes a pleasant work environment, I usually play the radio on the Internet while I work. I normally have it tuned to either gospel or country western, depending on my mood. The first noticeably funny comment I received was when I was tuned in to country western music while admitting a Caucasian man. I started the interview with a general statement and he sat down, after carefully listened, and stated " OK, but you and that music don't go together". I was a little startled at first, but it made me laugh out loud. I continued on with the admission but in the back of my mind I was thinking "What did he mean by that? Should I be offended? " Some Blacks would have taken the remark as racist or stereotypical, but I guess I am at a point where I am not that easily offended. When the session was over, I did ask him why he said that and he began explaining profusely and saying he did not mean anything derogatory. I told him to just be careful of what he says and who he says it around.
Now today, the tables were totally turned! I admitted a Black man who made a casual comment about my liking country western music to which I replied yes. But after we finished, before he left my office he stated" I think you are the first Black woman I have ever known who likes country western music". That made me really laugh out loud too. Not only because of what he said, but coming from a brother, there was no way I could get offended. Guess I am one of the rare breed of sisters who are musically diverse. My new found love of country western music is a direct result of my son, who loves it, calling me in the room to listen to the words of some of those songs. They talk about real life things, fun things, spiritual things and serious things. I thank God for making me so diverse!
Oh yeah, last night I watched the Country Music Awards and my favorite guy, Kenny Chesney won Entertainer of the Year! Come on , broaden your horizons, you just might like it!!