Tag: Empowerment

Q - Query or Lesson

Q – Query or Lesson

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

There are times that arise when a situation stumps us and we do not know what to do to overcome it.  This is surely a time of great reflection, meditation, prayer, and necessary visualization. On another end of the spectrum, it is equally a time to decide the situation means to you (at your core).

One situation that I have encountered is in dealing with difficulties within the school setting and not having adequate support that I think I need in order to perform well. Yes, in difficult moments, we can get angry, fuss, cuss, and yell…but is that enough to give us the answers and the vision that we need to take what happened and turn it into something fruitful?

When the road gets rough, the thing to consider is whether what is happening is a time for a query or a needed lesson.

Even when we think that we are wise and intellectual, there is yet still something to be learned. These queries may stimulate our growth and the lessons that you may need to let could set you apart from others at every level. When reached for what you can learn from queries or lessons will change your life in the way that you allow them to.

Think clearly. Be patient with yourself. Take the time to understand beyond the surface what you need to learn, especially when you are facing trials in your life.

Bible & Spiritual Connection
Proverbs 1:5 & 1 Thessalonians 5:11
There are countless lessons to be learned in life, but it is important to remember the value that they hold and that in your journey toward seeking sound knowledge God is present. No one walks this road alone, so do not be afraid to ask questions or learn the lesson that you need to learn. 



P - Pedal to the Metal

P – Pedal to the Metal

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

One hope…
A dream…
A wish…
A goal…

All of these things can come into the physical realm if you do more than imagine them. Plenty of people dream of the way that things could be if only something were different. What if I told you that at this moment, everything is different? Never have you experienced the exact thoughts that you are navigating through right now. For some, never have you wondered what would happen if you took your dream and put the pedal to the metal.

Taking baby steps to arrive at a wanted destination may be required and that is perfectly fine. If I look at my journey through school or even in growing my brand, some baby steps have been necessary for me to learn what I needed to learn at a given moment in time. Sometimes it’s necessary to take a leap of faith and put your pedal to the metal. Will you take the key and drive to your destiny?

What if you do take a leap and then you trip, stumble or fall? That’s the big question, right? Well, what if you don’t take the leap and miss a chance to see your dream come to life? Think about that!

We all have an amazing chance to go from being a dreamer and believer to an achiever! Will you arrive at a full stop and sit in your thoughts or put the pedal to the medal and run to the finish line?

Bible & Spiritual Connection
Hebrews 11:1 & James 2:14-17
A chance is merely a chance without faith. Faith without works is dead. Faith with applied action leads to greater outcomes. Do more than talk about your dreams; apply them, share your greatness with the world, and believe in your mission. 
Know that nothing will fall into your lap and prayer will not be enough to make wildest dreams come true. Faith can be found in what you cannot see, so taking that leap of faith can be difficult. If we can recall that all things are possible and God is our provider, we have no reason to be afraid of following the purpose and journey that God sets before us.

Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner

Putting Yourself First

Putting Yourself First

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

Doubt– When little voices creep in asking us if we are doing the right thing we decide if we listen or challenge them. Doubt can make us question absolutely everything that we do and break us down if we give in to any negative aspect that comes in. Putting ourselves first means that we have to be able to not only understand the doubts that arise but also be able to overcome them so that we can reach our highest potential.

Fear– the fear of what if…the fear of judgment…the fear of not reaching goals…
All of these are real (ask me how I know). I have dealt with fears in many aspects of life. It can be difficult to have a stronghold over fears, but it can be done. Strength in vision, self, faith, and direction are all necessary in trying to overcome embedded fears.

Worth– You’re value is not determined by the world. It is established by God and to be understood and upheld by you. When someone challenges that, it hurts, right? It can even make you feel like maybe you aren’t worth what you said you are worth. We cannot allow others’ opinions, blocked/biased views, or internal problems to shift our worth.

Am I Enough?
Yes, you are. You may not be perfect and you may not have become all that you are called to be in your life YET, but you are enough. We all have space to grow and evolve. No one came into this world having all the answers, thank goodness! You can use what you have inside to make the most of your present; you just have to look beyond the surface and take inventory. Let nothing cause you to change what you think of yourself. How you view yourself and carry yourself is how others will treat you, so be careful.

Why can’t we channel our success but we can be extreme givers for anyone else?
First…Not okay. You need to understand why you are doing what you are doing…so, here we go…

Write it all down!

Ask yourself what would happen if you put yourself first.
Look internally and decide if what you are doing for others is proof that you can do even greater things in your own life.

Why can’t we be busy with our own growth?
You can be. You first must choose to do so. It is hard to put myself first in many instances, but I realize that if I don’t I am only hindering my growth. We can find hundreds of other things to be doing besides evolving ourselves. Sure that may be okay in the temporary, but we will hurt ourselves and be depriving ourselves in the long run.

Without putting yourself first and making sure that you are healthy, safe, and positively evolving, those around you will in some way suffer.

You are wonderfully made and a gift to this world.

Discover and love yourself. Don’t let the world try to break God’s mold (you).

If you can dream it you can have it. Don’t cheat yourself.

You are destined for greatness, and there is nothing nor any outside person that can do something to make God’s promises on your life not come into fruition in the physical realm.

She knows very well that eating alone is a part of her journey. Even when she is into her success, that table should still not be filled as she knows that evil and negativity will still be lurking. Her independence and strength are internal to all that she is. She is courage. She is greatness. She is on her way to her destiny.
She is you.
She is me.



Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner


N - Now or Later

N – Now or Later

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

In the process of personal evolution there comes a time when we face the question of now or later.

When focusing on your goals, determining whether you should hit the gas or pump the brakes is up to you. What we must keep in mind when answering the question of now or later is what will happen when we choose the option of greatest desire.

You can miss out on something great in life if you choose not to take another step forward. While you pause you can be giving an opportunity to someone else to make a move that you once wanted.  In a pause and reflect moment doubt can also enter, so in your choices think clearly by assessing your situation before making an “ideal” move.  Write down your options plain and clear; be sure to include possible outcomes that may come along.

Although taking the next leap forward may seem promising, it could lead to negative outcomes or change your life for the better simply because you walked on faith. Don’t make the mistake of walking blindly, be smart in your execution of completing objectives whether now or later.

If something tells you to wait when you feel like you should resume with moving be sure that the voice is not one of ill-will, personal doubt, negativity, or anything connected to pain. You deserve better than that, so don’t let darkness take over your light.

The answer to now or later is up to you; the outcome could be negative or positive in either space, so depend on your rational thinking, vision for your life, and the reality that you face.

Bible & Spiritual Connection
2 Corinthians 2:11 & Proverbs 14:8
Evil will always have a “place” in the world, so be clear in knowing that not all things are for your good. Be honest, truthful, and wise in your choices, because in these things you can find blessed success. You are not alone in your journey as there are many parts in play. Seek God in all that you do and know that with persistence and in His time the greatest things that your heart desire will come to fruition.

Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner

L - Lifestyle Creation

L – Lifestyle Creation

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

In all things that you do, you are leading a lifestyle. When you think about what you do on a regular basis, are you satisfied with the life that you are leading? Things such as a daily schedule, foods, prayer & meditation, exercise, and personal transformation choices affect all that you do. 

Daily Routine
Whether your daily process begins with prayer, a healthy meal, working out, or journaling, you have established a flow for your day. When we shape our days with intention, we can see positive outcomes. You have a decision to make each day and your outcomes from those decisions can shape your day. What do you do to pan through your days?

Healthy Diet
A lifestyle includes your food consumption just as well. The phrase “You are what you eat” is a harsh but true reality that each of us must face. If your diet is lacking colors, veggies, fruits or water, you cannot expect a healthy, holistically-sound life. Greasy, fattening, and sweet foods may be pleasing at one level, but the long-term effects will be quite the opposite.

Prayer & Meditation
What a gift we have in being able to pray and meditate at any time of day in any place.  When we can do this, we activate hope, faith, light, clarity, grace, mercy, joy, relief, and so much more. Sit and think for a moment when you felt that feeling (after prayer or a moment of true peace) that you were lighter.  Prayer and meditation must be a part of your lifestyle if you wish to remain in-tune with your creator and generate greater possibilities for our lives.


Exercise
Taking care of your physical body is something that is 100% necessary. Limited income, children, and other obligations will not stand as excuses for not taking care of your body at least 3 times a week. You do not have to go into a gym, pay for a trainer, or work out at a specific time of day; you just need to get it done. I am an introvert and I find ways at home to work out regularly; I use apps, YouTube videos, and DVD/TV programs to make my workouts impactful. You have a phone/device that you can access exercise methods on, so make it happen.

Personal Transformation
No matter what practices, faith, processes, habits, or choices you made in your past or you are currently making, you have the opportunity to evolve and find success at every level. Change starts with you and must continue throughout your life.  A stagnant life contains inconsistencies, unhealthy habits, negative talk, and poor judgment. Shifting a lifestyle requires a massive overall, but it can alter all that you do.


Develop and consistently lead a fruitful lifestyle by understanding what it takes to lead the life that you want to live.


Bible & Spiritual Connection
1 Timothy 4:8 & Psalm 128:2
We are given life and there is a multitude of ways in which we can live that life. Certainly, physical health is important, but a lifestyle that will withstand the test of time on Earth and beyond contains much more.


Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner


K - Know Your Weaknesses

K – Know Your Weaknesses

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

In all things in your life, there are moments when you know exactly what you need to do to succeed and navigate through your life.

On the other hand, there are favorable characteristics or assets that you wish you had but they may not come naturally to you. In these moments, is when you need to be able to look inside of yourself and know what your real weaknesses are. None of us were born exactly the same and we all have something that we can learn from other people; so, it is important to learn from those areas that make us feel like we are not able to accomplish some goal.

Weaknesses can break us down if we keep our eyes glued to how they may be negatively impacting us. However, weaknesses are not meant to break us; they are meant to empower us and encourage us to continue to grow in our strengths and in areas in which we may not be as familiar. We must own the fact that none of us are perfect and we can never aim to be that. We must also realize that a “woe is me” mindset when we are not currently able to handle something, will not change a present situation.

I have a passion for all things related to public and global health. I also have a heart for survivors who are now thrivers after overcoming domestic violence. One of my greatest passions is in writing, however, I also love to train and help to evolve leaders. I know that there are things that do not come naturally to me like the “gift of gab” related to public speaking and social interaction as I am an introvert, but that does not mean that I cannot learn tips and tricks to relate to others at a deeper level outside of my comfort zone. (This is what true self-inventory can look like, so do this for yourself.)

When you know your weaknesses, you can grow from what may have been trying to hold you back.

We must choose a path and not let personal doubts, weakness, or lack of knowledge hold us back. If we wish to address weaknesses, we must first be mindful of their existence. Take time for yourself (you know that you deserve it) and write down what your weaknesses are and why they exist. After we become honest with ourselves, we can adjust our actions to shift in a positive light.

Ever heard of the phrase “Knowledge Empowers You”? Take the first letter of each word and realize that:
“You are the K.E.Y. to your evolution and your future.”


Bible & Spiritual Connection:
Jeremiah 17:10 & Isaiah 40:29


If God knows who we are and He can even hear the desires of our hearts, He will bless us as He sees fit. As you know, sitting at home and praying is not all that must be done; you must put in the work, plant the seeds, and watch as your gardens grow. God supplies needs, but you must also put in the effort. You must be mindful and aware of what is present in your life if you wish to address it all and overcome/work with your weaknesses.


You can do ALL things.


Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner


J- Joyful Stride

J- Joyful Stride

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

As we go through life, we each have experiences that contribute to our emotions and feelings. It can be rather easy for good things to make us feel happy and difficulties to brings us a spirit and feeling of worry or stress. Even though these things are true, we all have moments when we continue to push through when we aim to just keep going, pushing, and living for another moment in time and a graced opportunity to endure another day.

When you walk here and there, remember why each step is holding value for you. Consider each moment in time as another step taken.  I know that when I am approaching any step, it feels so big to me and sometimes that makes it scary; even then, I know that I must take a few deep breaths and focus on the purpose. 

Each step in one’s journey must be taken in stride. If you find yourself in a space in time when things are difficult and you lose a sense of direction and/or can’t find your purpose, find a joyful stride. Only you can hold onto and continue to pay attention to the joy that lives inside of you.

The walk through life can be unpredictable, but it can also be so beautiful. Take a moment to reflect on your past and you will find many reasons to walk with a joyful stride. 

Bible & Spiritual Connection
Habakkuk 3:18-19 & Micah 6:8

A path is laid in front of you combined with purpose, grace, and intention greater than yourself. The stride that you journey with is a joyful mission designed only for you. God speaks to you throughout your journey with a sweet musical sound that your heart can hear. You must tune your ears and work to understand what is being asked of you and be willing to lean on His understanding and mission for your life. When the roads get rocky and if you lose your footing, know that you are still not alone in this journey. Practice goodness and empathy in what you do and know that anything you aim to do within your life if it is in His time and according to His will, it will be divinely orchestrated. Be joyful in your experiences and know that soon enough your greatness will come forth.

Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner 


I- Intrinsic Motivation

I- Intrinsic Motivation

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

When you think about motivation, if you are anything like me, you think of that “go-getter” attitude with a little added pep in your step right? That vision on how motivation “should be” may be true in many situations, but it won’t be all that you need to step into the next phase of whatever you are working on. The motivation of this sort may be linked to many things, but it is not bound to the daily realities of life.

Something that you may or may not be familiar with is intrinsic motivation. For many people, there are reasons that they connect to their motivation and they are outcome-driven; while this could be beneficial, taking an internal route may be more beneficial in the long-run.  Things like better pay, a leaner body, and accolades from completing a task can be linked to motivation, but once you have achieved them what do you have left? 

I find motivation in defining my steps and given a reason to why I set goals and aim for greatness in all that I do.  When this happens the mission is bigger than myself and the outcomes will be more than favorable because I took my ego, pride, and fleeting situations out of the scenario.

When we can grant ourselves the meaning and reasoning for an outcome and greater purpose, motivation can become something that we own. Motivation can be a part of a lifestyle when we understand that any mission or goal that is worth having is worth fighting for. Intrinsic motivation lives in you, not through an external mission, outside noise, or outcomes that will be achieved in one place in time then be gone.

Motivation is not just words; it is the value that you place on your purpose and the greatness that lives inside of your mind, so look deeper to find it.

Bible & Spiritual Connection

James 1:2-4 & 1 Corinthians 15:58

This journey toward your destiny is one of the greatest battles that you will ever face. The fight was going to come at some time or another, but we all must realize that the process is what matters most. If you allow “noise” to cloud your mind, your outcomes will be limited. God has a promise on your life if you are willing to take His hand and let Him lead the way. Allow perseverance and purpose to make a home inside of your heart, mind, and soul, and know that goodness in you will be gifted with further goodness within you and as a gift to others.

Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner





H - Human Condition

H – Human Condition

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

The human condition brings together everything that makes a person who they are. Things such as culture, health, desires, beliefs, education, and much more help to define the human condition. One of the most important things to value within yourself is the quality of your life.

Circumstances can define a person’s reality, but there is an alternative side to that as well.

When you go beyond the perception of your reality, you can learn to define the current space that you are in. Perhaps this means that you are 100% happy with the depth of your life as it is. It can also mean that you are becoming aware of areas in your life that are needing to be changed.

I may not be where I want to be, but I am aware of the spaces that help to define my “human condition”. 

Since I know where I am and where I want to be, I know what it may take to reach my destiny.

Don’t let life pass you by and don’t be fooled into thinking that you cannot have any better than what you have now. You may not be perfect and you don’t have to be, just be aware, emotionally intelligent and in-tune of what may possibly be.

The human condition is a composition of who you are, but several of those components can change throughout your lifetime. As it is with most things, what you put in and what you are willing to positively evolve is equal to what you will get in return. 

External Readings:

1.)https://chopra.com/articles/how-to-evolve-yourself-throughout-your-life
2.)https://www.flfe.net/personal-evolution/
3.)https://search.proquest.com/openview/f422dccb63b1d7f826da7d1333a0b98b/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1059


Bible Reading & Spiritual Connection

Proverbs 28:25 & Galatians 6:7


You have the chance to make the most out of your life, each day that you are graced and blessed to have breath in your lungs and the sun shining in your face. If you are not taking the time to sow seeds into your field, you cannot expect a harvest. In all that we do, we cannot work in evil ways, greed, or internal “ugliness”. When we are gifts and lights to the world, that which we are faced with grows into something much more valuable and worth residing in. You have the exact key that you need for the door of your destiny, so enjoy the journey toward claiming your victory.

Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner



F - Failure Is Semi-Real

F – Failure Is Semi-Real

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

The act of failing is something that I would like to call a pit stop. Although you may not have made it to the destination once hoped for, you now have a moment to reflect, make changes, and get back out on the road.

“Failure is a pit stop before reaching some of your goals; pause, reflect, make changes and get back on the road.”

Real “Failure”
Failure can only become real, debilitating, or discouraging when you allow it to be a valid strain in your life. I understand that there are situations where failure could come about such as in a grading system, but even then it is not the end of the world unless you keep doing the same things and are not willing to evolve.  People “fail” when they do not understand why/how something has happened and they get stuck in that moment of sorrow or regret.

Overcoming the Shadow of “Failure”
Of course, people do make mistakes, but the only way to challenge and
overcome those mistakes is to let go of what did not work and make room
for success. Looking for the quick and easy route to doing things will
not serve you well. We must all accept that many plans of ours will not
go in our favor.

You Will Survive & Thrive
I have had to overcome much to reach my goals, but even when my days grew dark I still found the courage to keep believing that better days were coming if only I would keep trying.

If you believe in yourself, no amount of perceived/semi-real failure can stop you from being successful. Your job when “failure” comes about is to turn it into a lesson and grow from it. When watered a mental lesson become a mental garden.

Remember, every outcome is not your final destination.

Turn failure into success:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-turn-failure-into-success/

Becoming Dr. KayLa_Fear and Disappointment (Afraid to Fail or Succeed?):
https://youtu.be/BobyqW2P7NU

Failure Doesn’t Actually Exist: Here’s Why:
https://www.inc.com/nicolas-cole/failure-doesnt-actually-exist-heres-why.html

A Celebration of “Failure”:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3974547/

Spiritual Check-In
Joshua 1:9 & James 2:24
Courage can be found and owned when you realize and keep in mind that you are not alone. God is always with you; even when you may think He has let you down. Do what you can for yourself and be prayerful knowing that faith and works go hand in hand. If you see yourself winning, failing, succeeding, or anything in between know that you have so much to be thankful for. Evil beings want and would thrive off of us living in “failure” or disappointment. Hold strong and know that through love, patience, hard work, and the willingness to become more like God and aim to serve others with what He has uniquely blessed you with will change your life at every level; in that you will undoubtedly know that failure cannot be allowed to be real.

Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner
#BecomingDrKayLa