Posts by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH

F-Forgiveness

F-Forgiveness

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH
©KayLaN.Allen

Forgiveness- how to do it, why you
should do it, and what comes from forgiving yourself and others.
We’re human, we make some poor choices, and we all have to be able to forgive
those faults whether we are the dealer or we’re on the receiving end.

How
to forgive…
Self:
you face yourself in the mirror and say, yes I made the mistake of… or yes I
did that crazy thing, but I now realize that it was wrong, childish, stupid,
ridiculous and I forgive myself for the act and what happened because of it…
then you do whatever it takes to NEVER DO IT AGAIN. 

For those that believe in a higher power: take it to God (or whomever you believe in) in prayer and ask for forgiveness. He/she sees all and knows your heart. The universe sees all that you go through and recognizes your thoughts and words as stepping stones for your life; by forgiving yourself and adjusting your thoughts, you change your future before you physically see.

Simple
acts of owning your mistakes and relieving yourself of any pain or sadness
connected to it may be the best thing that you could do for yourself, your
life, your children, your spouse, family or business. We may sometimes get into a
mode where we are ready to crawl inside of a hole because of something that
we’ve done or didn’t do… but think about it, what good will that do? You need
to stand up again, move beyond that time, grow from it and use your lesson as a part of a living testimony to save someone else. Forgive yourself, you deserve it.

Others:
Yes, so many of us have been let down, “burned” by, abused by, hurt
by others…many times by those who we thought loved us. Guess what though… if you can’t forgive them for whatever they have done you will only hurt
yourself and block your blessings. Now, I’m not saying that you should forgive
them and let them back in or allow them to hurt you over and over again. Forgive, but do not become a pawn in their game and allow it to reoccur.

Forgiving others does not mean that they have to apologize! You go into your
mind, in prayer, in meditation and pan through the problem or occurrence in
your mind; you forgive by not allowing it to take over your life, keep hurting
you, etc. You say “I forgive you for… that you did to me, my family,
etc”. God forgives us, you need to forgive others and yourself for your own inner peace, calmness,
clarity, and growth.

Never
take revenge!
Romans 12:19 “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the
righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will
pay them back,” says the LORD.”
Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  It is not your job to go toe-to-toe and hurt someone because they hurt you; again, this will only hurt you in the end. Speak kindly, do what you can to overcome the pain, and walk away if it is at all possible. How you respond to certain words/situations can deeply affect your life.
You
are not perfect nor are those who have harmed/hurt you!!!

Forgiveness
in the Bible
Matthew
6:14-15
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also
forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will
your Father forgive your trespasses.  You need to have a heart and mind that forgives; your life and all within it benefits when you can forgive.
Ephesians
4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ
forgave you. You have a part of your that is filled with love and kindness, even when it hurts you have to try to remember that. 

What
happens when you forgive?
You can smile, laugh, love, and be happy again. You can reclaim your power,
your joy and your many present and coming blessings… you can live again!

Unlock
your doors, break down those walls and forgive! No, it’s not always that
easy… but it can be done. Yes, you may lose some “friends” or have
to love some family only from a distance… but that’s ok.
I’m
praying for any of you that may be going through a rough patch, have just gone
through something or those who may be living in confusion, pain, depression
because of a negative situation. I love you with the love of the Lord, and more
importantly God loves you and He will never leave you.
If you need to talk, I’m always around.



In
the meantime, get to work so that you can change your life.

Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner


***Health Spotlight*** Fascioliasis
Symptoms of this parasitic infection: fever, nausea, swollen liver, rashes, and abdominal pain  (WHO)
Prevalence: Over 2 million people (approximate total over time) in more than 70 countries have been infected with the infection. (WHO)
Treatment: After stool specimen/blood work diagnosis, oral medication is available through the CDC under investigational protocol
Prevention: No eating raw watercress and other water plants, avoid food and water that is contaminated, protect animals, and thoroughly cook food.
Your health is they key to enjoying your life to the fullest. Know that so many people public health leader and advocates such as myself care about you, your family, your well-being, and your life.



Forgiveness, Peace, Clarity, Truth, Happiness, Life, Self-Love, Public Health, Mental Health, Empowerment, Epidemiology

E-Evolution (Of Yourself & Your Life)

E-Evolution (Of Yourself & Your Life)

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH
©KayLaN.Allen


Self-evolution starts with self- reflection.
Often, it is only right that you think about a
new and better you.

Close your eyes and no don’t make a wish…
I’m going to take you on a journey through your own mind.
It is time to completely let go of your painful/difficult past and visualize and manifest your destiny.
Now visualize in depth, in color, inside your mind your accomplishments,
greatest “failures”, and hopes left unattended.
What do you see? Smiles, tears, bruises? The common factor is you.

The next thing to do is allow yourself to rejoice in your accomplishments and
achievements and forgive yourself for your perceived failures or pain that lies in your
past.

If you don’t face yourself and face your crap/personal issues you cannot evolve. No exceptions.
Pray about what you want and be thankful for what God has given you. 


The next step
in this visualization is to bring to life all that you want in your life. You
need to see yourself accomplishing that next goal. You need to see yourself
graduating and getting that degree. You need to see yourself opening up your
checking account or your savings account and seeing those millions of dollars
sitting there.


You need to not only envision your life and everything that you
want in it but you need to feel how you would feel in those moments.


So let’s
say that you are opening up that account and you see those millions of dollars, you need to feel it right now -You open the account and you’re happy, you’re
excited, you’re proud of yourself.


If you live in your purpose and allow
yourself to evolve, empowering yourself along the way, nothing can stop you.

Have you spoken negatively about someone’s dream? Remember when you maybe said something to someone that may not have been kind? In those moments, all you did was push your blessing
further away.

Bless everyone around you. If you’re the smartest and most successful in your
group, you need a new group.


God is not going to bless your ugliness, laziness,
or character flaws that you are unwilling to change. 


You have every tool possible to change your life, your
integrity, your knowledge, your approaches to communication, your diligence and
everything in between.

It’s time to change your entire life.

Lose that weight, get that degree, EVOLVE!!! Faith without works is dead,
people.

Challenge yourself, push through, get certifications, do whatever it takes to
up your game!

Everything that you are/are not doing is affecting your present and the next decade.

What are you waiting for?

Need a push? Go to the Bible! Refer to that which you know about the universe, growth, cosmic awareness and personal development.

1 Corinthians 13:11
“When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason
like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.” It is the time grow and do away with things of your past being. You can’t move forward if you are constantly looking back. 

Don’t you know better than to settle for mediocre?
Don’t you know better than to just sit on your butt waiting for something to
happen?
Don’t you know better than to speak ugly or negatively to or about people?
Do you deserve more than what you’ve received?
Do you believe that the universe or God’s love is never-ceasing and that you
can do ALL things through Jesus Christ?
If you do… what’s stopping you besides you? Nothing.

Change your life, save your life, better your health, handle
properly and cut out baggage, eliminate all negativity, love yourself better.

Hope, faith, growth, prosperity, abundance, and success…you
have the tools… NOW OPEN YOUR EYES!!!!

I
pray that your life is full of love, happiness, success, and perfect health.
Pray for me, as I always pray for you.


Be blessed and be at peace.


#KayLasPositivityCorner


***Health Spotlight*** Ehrlichiosis
Transmission- It is a tick-borne disease caused by bacteria Ehrlichia chaffeensis, E. ewingii, or E. muris eauclairensis in the U.S.
Symptoms may include: chills, headaches, fever, muscle aches and/or upset stomach
Treatment: Doxycycline for children and adults
Statistics: Over 1000 annually over the past 6 years
Reference: CDC


Having compassionate and educated leaders in the public health field means that there will be better delivery of care when it is needed most. Use your voice to advocate for others, it may just save a life.



Evolving, Mental Health, Public Health, Empowerment, Global Health, Growth, Change, Overcoming, Achievement, Vision
D-Doubt

D-Doubt

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH
©KayLaN.Allen

One thing that we have all dealt with at one point or
another is doubt. Do you know that self-doubt is one of the worst things that
you can allow to exist in your life?
We have internal power that burns like a roaring flame and will
only grow into a wildfire if we take the time to tap into that power and put in
the necessary effort to evolve our lives.
So, as usual, I have some questions for y’all…
What is stopping you from achieving your goals?
What do you bring to the table in you life/career?
What makes you-you?
What are your God-given talents that cannot be bought/taught?
What have you experienced in your life that has helped you begin to shape your future?
-The answers to these questions are what can eliminate those moments of self-doubt
and self-questioning!!


The problem that we all face is that we fail to take inventory of what we have to bring to the table. 

By just being yourself and living in what God has given
you, perfecting your gifts, and taking the time to evaluate your position in
life will help you to understand who you are. Then you can learn to work with
what you have and who you are.
Place a strong emphasis on YOU! Why? Because you are the key to
your future! Everything that you do shapes your entire life both present and
future.

Psalms 139: 13-14 “For you formed my inward parts; you
knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and
wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” God created you to do great things and no weapon, no man, no
force, and no spirit can stop you from achieving your ultimate goals…only you can
stop you.


1 Chronicles 16:11 “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek His face always.” Even in those moments of doubt…even when you are feeling weak there is a strength that lives inside of you. God can give you that peace that you are looking for. The Universe is in tune with your needs and concerns. Doubt won’t last and won’t be welcome in your life if you work hard to push it away.

Stop feeling like a victim, stop blaming your “mess” on other
people…mommy and daddy know that you are grown and you are responsible for
becoming an educated adult who makes wise decisions in life, love and business.
If you ever need to be put in check, get in the mirror and speak
affirmations to yourself; talk to God regularly. Tell the devil that he/she is
not welcome in your life.
Remember this, if no one in your family is there for you when
you need them and no friend is around, I am here for you…I won’t let you
fall. I will push you, give you the tough love that you may need; I’ll cry with
you, pray with you/for you, and do anything in my power to help evolve your
thinking and your behavior.
Get on the bandwagon and bless the world with all that you are
and all that you can be!
Eliminate self-doubt.



Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner


***Health Spotlight***
Dracunculiasis- The guinea worm is a large parasite that affects human and can cause dracunculiasis by migrating through body and eventually emerging. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, fever, a burning sensation, muscle pain, ulcers, nausea and vomiting (WHO). Relief can be found via emerging the area in water, which also causes a release of larvae into the water; drinking from this water begins a new cycle of infection in whoever consume the water. The infected person can remain ill for months. There is no drug to prevention or heal the disease, but it is rarely fatal. Treatment include cleansing wound, gentle extraction over time, and topical antibiotics. This disease is common in areas of Africa. Prevention includes case containment, safe drinking water, health education, and vector control (CDC). Always pay attention to how you treat your body, seek help when needed, and remember that it is better to be educated and prepared than to have to treat.



Doubt, Strength, Challenges, Determination, Epidemiology, Self-Worth, Appreciation, God, Universe, Empowerment
C-Change

C-Change

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH
©KayLaN.Allen


What is change?
What are our lives but elements of change?

Have you been wanting things to just get better? Have you been
feeling financially burdened on a regular basis?

Do you want something better? Someone better?

Guess what is holding you back… YOU!!

Education is to knowledge as character is to respect.
Everything that you want and everything that you want to be, you can do and/or achieve!!

Every morning that you wake up you have another day to change,
evolve, grow, and LIVE IN YOUR PURPOSE- LIVE LIFE ON PURPOSE. Use your
God-given gifts and talents!

You know the basic difference between a rich man and a poor man?
Nothing, at all. We all have the same 24 hours!

If you want to make a change, make the change!

Nothing is going to just fall into your lap.

Sure it may be hard, but think about what could happen if you only try! Imagine
what might be there just beyond that barrier of comfort.

Break the mold!

The time that you spend just scrolling on Facebook, posting on Instagram, and using filters for fun on Snapchat could be time that you are
networking on LinkedIn, filling out your FAFSA, looking at online courses (busy dad/mom), etc.

Ephesians 5:15-16
“Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” The world is full of opportunities (limitless, boundless
opportunities). God grants new mercies every morning. God never stops shaping and molding you; he sees all knows all and can give you all that your heart desires. The Universe, that which lives inside of you, is always at work…there are no slow moments or days off. Every day that you do not seek knowledge or challenge yourself to take that next step, you are missing out and so is the person/people that you are to bless/support.


Proverbs 14:15 
“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” Don’t fall for what someone tells you to do or not do without research and seeking further insight. Every step that you take matters. Your hours and days are numbered…what will you do with your time to become who you are called to be or all that you dream to be?

Meditate, make that vision board, and be the change that you want to see!

Claim things that you want, and act as they are already
physically present. (MANIFEST)

Ok…now, what are you waiting for?
If you need motivation or help making your dream come true,
connect with me, your idol, people in the position that you are dreaming of,
etc. The guidance and help is there. The question is, do you really want the help?



NO MORE EXCUSES!!!!


Be blessed and be at peace.


#KayLasPositivityCorner


***Health Spotlight***
Chagas Disease (also know as American trypanosomiasis): This neglected parasitic infection disease is caused by a parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is transmitted to animals and people via the triatomine bug (sometimes known as the kissing bug). It is more common in Mexico, Central America, South America, and rural Latin America, in areas of widespread poverty (CDC). Chagas is an endemic in these areas, as people are at greatest risk there. More than 300,000 people with T. cruzi live in the US and acquired the infection in other countries. Infection can be from mom-child, from contaminated blood transfusions, organ transplant, lab accident, or contaminated food and/or drinks. It can last up to a few months; there can be swelling, changes in heart rhythm difficulties swallowing, and bowel issues, Blood work will lead to diagnosis by observing the parasite under a microscope; other testing can be performed (CDC). People with weakened/suppressed immune systems need to be seek a physician immediately; there is treatment via medication is available (WHO). Prevention methods include being mindful of where you sleep, using bed nets, using insecticides, doing home improvement, and practicing good hygiene and cleanliness. Seek the help of a physician or caregiver as soon as possible. Take good care of yourself and your families. 





God, Change, Evolution, Challenges, Success, Growth, Public Health, Global Health, Epidemiology, Determination, Healing
B-Blessed

B-Blessed

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH
©KayLaN.Allen


Often times we go through a worldly struggle, a difficult moment, financial
problems, etc. We question ourselves, the world, and God… saying: why me? How
am I going to get through this? I can’t make ends meet. Why do I have to choose
between food and bills? Which do I pick: job or school? Should the biological parent of my child continue to be in my life because of
the blood connection or a should I be with someone who truly loves me and my family?
So on and so forth. The list can go on and on.

Two things I want you to remember:

1. There is ALWAYS someone who has it far worse than you. Think of a homeless
adult, an orphaned teenager, someone with incurable cancer, etc. Now do you
feel any different?

2. You are your own worst enemy. You cause your fear and your worry… that’s
not of God. Where are you sending your energy? Negative begets negative. Evil
begets evil.
Every time that you allow your struggle to take over your mind, body, and soul
you are denying your own strength and abilities. 

Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in
Christ Jesus.
Lean not on your own understanding. Remember who you are.
Reach for the stars.
No problem is too big for God!
Put in your work and God will do the rest.
God is with you.

You
are beautiful inside and out. You are amazing.
Your opportunities are boundless. 


Be blessed and be at peace.


#KayLasPositivityCorner


***Health Spotlight***
Babesiosis: A disease caused by a tick in the nymph stage that has been in contact with an Babesia spp. infected mouse for a blood meal. This disease is common in the U.S. in the Northeast and Midwestern regions during the warm months. Symptoms are uncommon but include: fatigue, fever, chills,  and hemolytic anemia (CDC). Those with compromised immune systems or are elderly are at a higher risk of getting the disease. Lab testing can be used to detect Babesia; this can include blood work followed by PCR and/or FISH testing. There are prescription medications to take to treat the disease. Do not take your health lightly; to have good health is a blessing unlike any other, so do what you can to live your best life. Get the help of a physician when you need it; it could make a world of a difference. 


Blessings, Opportunity, Understanding, Challenges, Overcoming, Positivity, Mental Health, Public Health, Empowerment, Epidemiology
A- Alpha (Addressing The Beginning)

A- Alpha (Addressing The Beginning)

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH
©KayLaN.Allen


For those who may be going through a tough time, illness, or
in bereavement this first post of motivation is for you.


To become stronger than you are, make changes in your life, or grow into who you are called to be you must first take inventory; everything happened for a reason, it is time to look a bit deeper into those reasons, from the beginning/root of it all.

God is a god of miracles, provision, new mercies, of support,
love, compassion, favor and deliverance. No matter how tough your situation may
be, know that God will carry you through ANY storm. You need only to trust him. The universe is in tune with your needs.

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not
be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will
uphold you with my righteous right hand”

For those who may not believe in God, know that all things
work if you put your energy into the proper place. Things that you speak out
into the universe come to fruition. Difficult times do not last. Time and
change are inevitable, along with many things like growth and death. We cannot
change the way that things happen after we make a decision, but we can change
our outlook. 

See the value in time and patience.

Challenge yourself to seek guidance from those with wisdom.
Feel that you are able to overcome anything; grow not Annoyed or Aggravated,
because although you may not be Able to see the sun during your storm a rainbow
is soon to come and you will see the light again.



Be blessed and be at peace.

#KayLasPositivityCorner





***Health Spotlight***


Amebiasis: A disease caused by a parasite (E. histolytica). It is most common in areas where there is poor sanitation and in tropical areas; it is also more common in homosexual men. Coming in contact with food or water that is contamination by human feces from someone with an infection from E. histolytica; people can also directly swallow the eggs from the parasite from via contaminated surfaces or fingers (CDC). Symptoms include: loose stool and abdominal pain/cramping; symptoms present themselves in about 2-4 weeks. Diagnosis can be difficult as the parasite can look very similar to others, but blood tests can be recommended by a physician. Although people do not always become sick because of the infection, treatment and medications/antibiotics are available; only about 10-20% of people infected with the parasite become sick (CDC). Practice good hygiene to prevent spreading the infection. If you feel like something is wrong or or if your body is sending you signals, please seek a physician or healthcare provider. Healthy living starts inside.






Challenges, Changes, Determination, Empowerment, Evolution, God, Faith, Global Health, Mental Health, Public Health, Healing

Going Beyond The World Of “Love” & Into My Success Through Education and Compassion

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH

©KayLaN.Allen

After the pain was gone, after I eliminated the negative forces and sources of drained energy in my life, everything changed.

I was no longer a victim, no longer a scarred woman…I became a survivor and an achiever.
It was no easy task, but I found a way to move forward. I prayed, I worked on myself, and things just started to fall into place.

God saw it fit that I would connect with a man who would not only complement my life, but help me break boundaries and learn to acknowledge and appreciate the woman that I have been all along.

I finished my Bachelor’s degree that I had worked so hard for, through abuse, financial struggle, and leaving my “dream school” to better my life…I had done it finally, and with a 3.6 GPA!

It can be done.

You are in charge of your life and your destiny.

You are your biggest enemy and your biggest cheerleader; only you can allow people to break you.

You have to face your fears and live your life with purpose!

Every day you are granted new mercies and new opportunities.

If you choose to walk around blindly because of your perceived negative circumstances or your lack of resources, you will never elevate your life.

I know where my passion lies and it is my time to get my blessings!

I am now a grad school student (MPH, with a passion for global health, telemedicine, and public health) going into my 3rd quarter (with a 4.0 GPA)!

It can be done, and I am proving it!

You can do all of this and more! I believe in you.

Be blessed and be at peace.

#KayLasPositivityCorner

The Truth of the Past: Written Version of Facing the Pain of 2010-2016

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH

We walk around with cordial smiles and the phrase “I’m fine” anytime anyone asks how we are doing.
Do they really want to know how we are doing?

We mask our tears with happy pictures on social media.
Look into my eyes in these pictures, am I really happy?

We crave attention and love, but settle for mediocrity and our partners fake love.
People say they want something real, long lasting, and true and yet fall for the simplest words of kindness.

Women over and over again “let” their partners take over their minds, and lose track of themselves.

Many aim to be great achievers and believe they are queens/kings and yet they cater to jokers.

My bruised heart and scarred body tells the story of truth and perseverance.
I have been the previously mentioned people and played all of the roles, but the time to face my truth of who I am is knocking on my door.
I dream to become this highly educated, well-rounded, and accomplished genetic engineer, but my nightmares haunt my dedicated and ambitious reality; maybe I am chasing the wrong dream.

I am always fighting for the truth and always running to someone else’s rescue.
I cry so often that I can no longer feel the pain in my heart, it just gets erased as I cater to the feelings of someone else.

The torment it brings is unreal, but over and over again I let it slide; I cry myself to sleep then let it go.
The pain and sadness is swarming all around me, but who besides God will be there to help me heal?

When the narcissism starts up as it always does, will I be able to fake it again?

Torn apart like shreds of paper, my heart still beats and longs for true love, but how much pain will I have to endure to get through the hardship and truly acknowledge my worth?

It’s time to make some changes.

The Non-Existent American Dream

Posted on by KayLa's Positivity Corner by KayLa N. Allen, MPH



The American Dream & The American Reality

George Carlin says that to believe in the American Dream, you would have to be asleep.  Are corporations using this concept to force us into submission in some way? Or is the American Dream an important concept that binds us all together? Immigrants still come to this country with a dream. Is that still intact?


George Carlin seems to be a very outspoken person; unafraid of what others may think and he stays true to his opinions. I, quite frankly, completely agree with him on his thoughts of “The American Dream”. There are many people high up in power that are seemingly making the world go ’round.


I know that the American dream no longer exists and truthfully there are many things about this country that I hate. Ethics are no longer of high value and a lot of people have no direct values that they carry out in their everyday life; that being said the American Dream nor anything else can truly bind us together. People are taught how to think and many fail to reach out, through knowledge, for further insight in the happenings and justice in the U.S. From childhood, we are taught how to think, speak, and work; depending on our socioeconomic status. If one does not seek higher knowledge, we will be stuck in the same “classes” that we are born into. That is exactly what society expects of us; stay in your class.


Many immigrants flee to the U.S. in search of freedom from oppression, discrimination, poverty and so many other things. For them, the American Dream is real; they seek a better life and it is true to be said that there are some freedoms in the U.S. that people of other countries could only wish to be true. There is an aim to do better for future generations and many immigrants do everything that they can to make these dreams attainable. Some travel for weeks just to get to the U.S.; they dodge guards out on the oceans and struggle all the way here. 


Any person can reach their goals, it is about the amount of work and dedication that is put in. No, it is not as easy to become equal in this great country we call the land of the free, but it is certainly not as bad as it could be.