Making Strides Against Breast Cancer - In Loving Memory of Mary Lane

Donate here to help Team Merry Mary fight breast cancer!

Exactly 52 weeks ago I posted the picture below in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month not knowing or having any thoughts that my mom would pass away that very month.  This disease is the second leading cause of death in women and this was the second time around that my mom was fighting it.

Each October my siblings in I celebrated our mom's life because she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2006.  She won that battle and we wanted her to know how much we loved and appreciated her life.  We want to continue celebrating her life and one of the ways we are going to do that is to join the fight against breast cancer!  You can help us celebrate her life too by donating here, joining our team and/or walking with us in her memory.  Any amount is great for this cause.  Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is all about finishing the fight against breast cancer.  Join us and them to end this fight.

My mom looked forward to the walk each year!

Every year my mom looked forward to the walk and being honored as a survivor.  That top left pic taken in 2010 was the last walk she was physically able to participate.  The top right picture was taken in 2011 and that was the year she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.  She was weak that day but she insisted on going.  My baby sister, her friend and I walked for her while my older sister sat with her.  The bottom left picture taken in 2012 was the last walk she attended.  She passed away October 20, 2013, just six days before the walk.  My siblings and I all participated in that walk because that is what she would have wanted.  That picture just shows me and my younger brother & sister.

Even though we all know death is certain I expected to have my mom here with me forever!  If not forever, much longer than the time I had with her.  I am extremely grateful for the time but to be honest I'd do anything to have her back with me (just selfish).  What if she never got this disease?  Or, what if there was a cure for all types of breast cancer?  But she did have the disease and there wasn't a cure.  I refuse to be bitter about this (been there, done that and it doesn't work).  I want to help spread awareness and fight this so that others won't have to experience the affects of breast cancer.  I hope you all join me!

This month I want to share stories of women who has fought or is fighting this disease.  Let me know if you want to share your story.

Seasoned with Grace,

QueenZadia

You Are Beautiful

My niece!

A few days ago I took my niece some nerd glasses (she loves them) and I wanted her to take a picture in the pink pair.  She normally is like a supermodel, seriously!  She will give you life with her poses lol!  But that day she wasn't the same.  It really bothered me!  She just started high school this year so I wondered if she was adjusting well... I wondered if she was being picked on or if kids were bothering her in school.  Now I am known to overthink and make things up in my mind! It simply could've been that she wasn't in the mood to take a picture but that encounter inspired this blogpost (I'm going to share with her today).

But what really makes us beautiful?  Yes, we were created that way but how can we cultivate that beauty?  I'm going to share these three things with my niece today - Be yourself (who God called you to be); Do not compare yourself; Be confident!  I want every little girl around the world (including the little girls inside of us women) to know You Are Beautiful- just the way you are!  You are a masterpiece!  You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:4).  

You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way.  

(Song of Solomon 4:7)

BeYOUtiful!  Being who you are is the most beautiful thing you can do.  It is a challenge to be who you are when you want to just fit in and not stand out but God made you different (and all of us different) on purpose.  

You Are Unique, She is Unique!  Be you without comparing yourself to others.  Everyone you come in contact with is special.  When you accept your uniqueness as well as the uniqueness of others you will see the beauty in you and in them.  

Hold your head high and let your light shine!  Don't ever dull your light.  People might say 'who does she think she is' or 'she is a show off' or whatever but you keep shining!  You will come in contact with people who can't handle your light but that's okay, confidently move on!

_________________________________________________________________________________

A message to all mothers figures

When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. - Prov. 31:26 (NLT)

Speak Life!  We have to be careful with our words.  Whether you are a mother, aunt, grandmother, godmother, teacher or influence young ladies in any type of way speak life when you interact with them.. Even if they are a little hellish!  I remember it was a teacher (Ms. Jill Johnson if you know her let me know) that gave me a huge confidence boost.  We know the tongue is powerful and once you put something out there you can't take it back.  Speak to beauty within her.  Be to her what you needed when you were her age.  Let her know with your words and in your deeds that she is altogether beautiful.

"We let our kids be anything but themselves"

Let her be her own kind of beautiful!  Of course we are to help them make good choices and guide them but we shouldn't try to mold them into us or what we think they should be like.  Accept that she is unique and build her confidence to accept it as well.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes.  You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. - 1 Peter 3:3,4 (NLT)

It is what is inside of you that makes you beautiful!  We all like to look good and be well kept but it doesn't matter if you have the latest wardrobe, hairstyle, or are wearing makeup.  That stuff is temporary, it changes and fades away but true beauty that comes from within never fades!  

I hope you all share this with the little girl(s) in your life.  Have a fabulous weekend! #SpeakLifeSaturday

Seasoned with Grace,

QueenZadia

What's REALLY Holding You Back?

So what's really holding you back?  What is stopping you from following through with your dreams? What is stopping you from becoming the person you want to be?  What is stopping you from living your best life?  Is it negative or overthinking, false beliefs, excuses, and/or bad habits?

I can almost guarantee you that what is holding you (us) back is a made up thought!  You know.. False Evidence Appearing Real!!  It's not real but you've made it real in your mind.  You made it so real that it has paralyzed you from moving forward!    

I challenge you to let it go.  Let go of the those negative thoughts that you cannot change or that you cannot accomplish what you want to accomplish.  You don't have to be the same person you were on yesterday!  Just because you have always yelled at your spouse or your kids doesn't mean you have to continue to do so.  Behaviors can change.  Thoughts can change.  Dreams can come true.  It is up to you to believe this to be true!

It doesn't matter if the change you want to make is ordinary or extraordinary.  If you do not challenge the thought that says you cannot do it, you will not change.

Are you ready to confront what you think is holding you back?  Are you ready to challenge those negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts?  Remember, greater is HE that is within you! No one can hold you back.  You can change.  You can accomplish your dreams.  Let's get it!!

Seasoned with Grace,

QueenZadia

Are You Ready to Lose Your Excuses?!

Okay, I don't literally make that face (I hope) but in my mind that's my expression.  Am I judging or criticizing the person making the excuses?  I don't think so.  I just remember when I was in her shoes making some of the same excuses.  But when I was ready to make a change nothing and I mean absolutely nothing *including my excuses* could stop me.  What I really want to do when I hear excuses is interrupt and say 'let me know when you're really ready to live a healthy lifestyle' but I don't.  I listen then give tips.

Today I'm going to share some Purposeful tips for the most used reason people give for not living a healthy lifestyle ~ TIME!


The lack of time is the most common reason I hear from people about not being able to exercise and/or eat healthy consistently.  Let me just start by saying when my office closed back in December I thought about all the stuff I could accomplish with ease while I take time off.  One of those things was the common task of laundry.  Let me tell ya'll...  I give laundry almost the exact time I used to give it when I was working!!  You know why?  I have not made it a priority.  This is what most people do with making healthier choices.  They do it when it's convenient or when they can 'get' to it or when it becomes absolutely necessary.  That's why the need to prioritize is my first tip!

• Prioritize: The truth is we make time for what we want to do.  If you really want to live a healthy lifestyle you will make time for it, you will make it a priority.  If you  have time for a t.v. show you have time to workout.  Review your schedule to figure out what time/days works best then plan accordingly.

• Plan: Living a healthy lifestyle won't just happen.  Plan your workouts as well as your meals.  If you know you only have a 30 minute or an hour gap for a workout, plan to utilize and maximize that time.  Once you start this, it becomes a habit.  

• Partner: Now if you do not have a workout partner don't use this as a reason to not workout!  Even if you can't workout with someone, get an accountability partner.  Share your goals with a family member or friend who will help hold you accountable (i.e. won't agree with your excuses, will push & motivate you and will be direct with you).  Remember iron sharpens iron!

• Perseverance: You will not lose weight overnight.  In fact, it might take a while to see results so perseverance is necessary.  Don't allow anything or anyone stop you.  Keep going no matter what.  One day you will catch a glimpse of your new self and smile at your progress!  It might be that you notice you're able to take flights of stairs without being winded or that your clothes are too big!  The only way you will see results is to persevere and keep going. 

My son and I saw results once we got passed our excuses!

So what's your excuse for not making healthier choices?  I challenge you to write it down then write your solutions to get passed your excuse.

Now is the time!

Seasoned with Grace,

QueenZadia

What Are You Doing?

How many times are we asked this question and we downplay what we are actually doing?  I drafted this post a month ago and was reminded about it when someone asked me on Instagram what I did for a living.  I thought about responding that I'm unemployed right not but immediately corrected myself!  I responded,  'I encourage, edify, & exhort people to live their best lives by making healthy living (inside & out) a priority'.  I will always keep this in mind, even as I start my job search because that is what I will always do as it is a part of my purpose.

There have been too many times I've responded with 'the same ole, same ole' or 'nothing much' when asked what I've been up to lately, when I really should respond with: I'm Unapologetically Pursuing Purpose, I'm living my best life and inspiring others to do the same.  I'm letting my light shine, building my confidence, working on being bold, appreciating life... Okay so that would be way too lengthy but you get the point.  We can miss our blessing by downplaying what we're doing.  We can miss an opportunity to encourage others by not sharing what we're doing.  You don't have to go into specifics unless it's someone in your circle who will help hold you accountable!  

This could really be another post.. not everyone is for you so be selective with who you share your dreams/plans with!

So what are you doing?  Whatever it is I pray that it is attached to your purpose!  If you haven't discovered your purpose, I must agree with T. D. Jakes - you will find it in your passion.  What are you passionate about?  What do love doing and would even do it for free?  Whatever that is; do that, be that and live that!  I have always been an encourager and last year when I started my weight-loss journey I discovered my passion for all things health and wellness.  Join the two together and once again you will see that I encourage, edify, & exhort people to live their best lives by making healthy living (inside & out) a priority! 

What have you been up to?

Seasoned with Grace,

QueenZadia