Tag: Happiness

Z - Zero to Infinity

Z – Zero to Infinity

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

All things must start somewhere.

No matter the turmoil of your past, you can start from your own “ground zero”.

Overcoming any situation is only one of the tough parts of evolving. You must also be able to handle any thoughts, consequences, and circumstances that may arise in connection to the past.

All good houses must start with a foundation, so we can treat the next phase of life as the foundation building phase.

In this phase, you must grow and fight the good fight.

No one can jump from phase zero to infinity without a lot of effort in between. Even those who may seem to skip phases must go through times of learning and growth.

To climb a mountain you don’t start at the bottom, blink your eyes, and arrive at the top, right? So, in your life don’t expect things to happen that way either.

Be healthy in your growth. Allow yourself to experience what comes with it.
Treat yourself kindly. This means you have to do what it takes to eliminate doubt, prevent self-destruction, and pace yourself throughout your journey.

Understand and respect that you are nothing like you used to be. People of the past don’t need to “know” the new you. Don’t allow anyone to “make you” become/act like you used to. Don’t go back in time to connect to people or comfortable circumstances; it will only hurt you.

We all have the chance to go from zero to infinity.

Is the journey worth it? What if you put in the work and become successful?
On the other hand, what if you looked back 10 years from now and you weren’t making the progress that you could have been? How would that make you feel?

Dream big, but also take the steps to match up with what you are wanting to experience in the physical realm.

My zero may have been brokenness, trauma, and pain, but my infinity will be true joy, success, and constant evolution.

Habbakuk 2:3
“For the revelation awaits for an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”  Your greatness is coming, even though you may not be able to see it yet. Keep working, evolving, and know that you are not alone in your journey. In His timing, things will happen. Be patient.

Psalms 138:8
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” Isn’t it beautiful to know that God is forever and His love is forever? If you know that He is on your team, you must also know that he will guide you, provide, support, love, and encourage you all the way through if you invite Him in and truly allow Him to do so.

***Health Spotlight***
Zygomycosis/Mucormycosis (a fungus)

Symptoms: can vary depending on where the fungus is; headache, congestion, one side facial swelling, black lesions inside of the mouth, fever, cough, chest pain, abdominal, nausea, and gastrointestinal bleeding
Prevalence: rare; no national surveillance on this.
Treatment: prescription medication or surgery if necessary.
Prevention: People who are at risk are commonly those who take medication that weakens immune systems. People need to protect themselves from the environment including areas with heavy dust, water damage, and gardening/outdoor areas; wear a mask, long sleeve shirt, and gloves.

Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner

P- Painting Your Picture

P- Painting Your Picture

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

©KayLaN.Allen


Even if you know absolutely nothing about painting, you can acknowledge and understand the importance of starting with a blank canvas.


Whatever you face in your life can shape and mold your future if you believe that you can change. Beginning a new journey is likened to a starting a paint from the stage of a blank canvas.


Picking your paint and choosing your brushes is the next step; this step is equal to you deciding the next level or next step that you are wanting to take.


Each day you make a choice to take certain actions; let’s consider making each action the same as a stroke of the brush.


Keep in mind that aiming for the future is a beautiful thing in life, but it can’t be possible if you are missing steps.


Every time you take a step you are adding to your future and beautifully painted picture.


If you are sitting idle or doubting your growth it is almost like smudging your work. You have to constantly make the choice to paint your picture.


Think about how you want your future life and painting to look. Now, think about what you are contributing right now.


Your current actions or lack thereof will affect everything and everyone around you (both in your present and future), so be mindful of that. 


Be mindful of the colors that you choose to paint your life’s picture. Should you choose to rush through your life’s painting you will negatively alter the outcome. However, if you pace yourself, think logically about next steps, and process what your passion is and how to properly execute your purpose, your picture will be more beautiful than you can imagine.


God is my favorite artist. Think about what He has created and painted in your life’s picture. There are some pictures that are full of light and vibrant colors and some that are gloomy but passionate. 


If you have any chance to change your life for the better, start from the inside out. Be a master painter for yourself and your family. 


Think about what you are feeding your family; you can shop on a small budget and still eat healthy meals (if you need advice on how, please feel free to ask me because I know very well how to eat on a budget). Images or actions that bring about negativity, evil thoughts or poor behavior are not what you should tune into.


Think about what you are exposing your family/children to; what your children see will affect many parts of their lives. Be mindful and think clearly about the picture you are painting.


Think of what you are showing yourself and what you are feeding your soul.


Don’t limit yourself; know that higher beings (God, for me) and/or the Universe is the visionary and the implementer, but also remember you are the painter of your life’s picture and you are holding the easel of every color imaginable. I can’t wait to see how beautiful your picture will be! Please do share it with me. 🙂


Genesis 1:27
“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” If you know that you are a creation and God blessed you with uniqueness, doesn’t that make you an artist in life?  You are full of gifts and talents that no one else has, doesn’t that make you an artist? Yes, definitely!!


Proverbs 4:23
“Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” What you create, speak on, and think about shape your life. If you are an artist of your life, which you are, live in positivity as best as possible. Correct when you have made a mistake. Grow beyond your comfort level. You are in charge.


I know that you want amazing things in your life, so let’s start painting this beautiful life picture!


Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner


***Health Spotlight*** Plague – A disease that affects humans and other mammals; a bite from a rodent flea can infect people with the plague.
Symptoms: depends on the type but can range from fever, headache, and chills, to swollen and painful lymph nodes (bubo), shock, shortness of breath, and bloody/watery mucous.
Treatment: antibiotics; full recovery is possible if the disease caught early.
Prevalence: human cases in the US are common in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon and Nevada; plague epidemics have occurred in Africa, Asia, and South America. 80% of cases are of bubonic form. People of all ages can get the disease.
Prevention: reduce rodent habitat around you, remove clutter, brush, rock piles, and pet/wild animal food. Wear gloves when handling potentially infected animals.


Achievement, Beauty, Change, Clarity, Courage, Determination, Empowerment, Epidemiology, God, Happiness, holistic health, mental health, Positivity, public health, Wisdom, Universe, Strength, Self-Worth, Self-Love


K- Keen Delight (Appreciating Your Senses)

K- Keen Delight (Appreciating Your Senses)

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

©KayLaN.Allen


Our senses are some of the most beautiful and useful gifts that we are granted in life. 


When you open your eyes each day you are granted new mercies, a vision of light, a feeling that is new, and a chance to do something new. You have the chance to get even closer to who you are called to be, each day- do you ever think about how lucky you are to do so?


Every day when you rise from your bed, do you really think about being able to use your legs and being able to walk, get yourself from place to place and move about when you get ready to? Walking is something that not everyone is able to do…are you happy and thankful for that function and ability? Do you really think about it and cherish it?


What about the use of your taste buds and sense of smell? Imagine how many delightful things that cross your path that you are able to enjoy and take pleasure in because you have those senses?


No matter which of your regular functions that you do take time to think about, shouldn’t you have a keen delight in each thing?


Keen in this sense is referring to being passionate and enthusiastic.


Everything that you are able to do is special, amazing, a blessing, and such a journey to behold.


What if every day you appreciated (in true delight) all of your senses?


What if you really took the time to smell the roses?


When was the last time you sat still at looked at the beauty of the clouds?


You have your favorite things that you love to eat, do you really appreciate the joy and deliciousness of all that you savor?


Do you savor all that you sense?


Think about it…some of the most wonderful things that you enjoy in life are attached to your senses.


A hug from someone so special to me brings me joy, warmth, and peace. 


It is a blessing to experience the love of life and all within it. Even when your days are tiring, overwhelming and making you feel low, you have so many things to delight in.


Each time that something makes you smile what if took a few extra moments and truly appreciated that feeling?


In keen delight, value and appreciate everything wonderful that your senses bring to you.


Imagine a life where you could not experience the blessing of sense and feelings…you would miss out on so much.


Down bible road we go!


Proverbs 20:12
“Ears that hear and eyes that see – the Lord has made them both.”  Every day that you wake up, if you do not do so already you should be thankful and give thanks for your senses. There is so much to be thankful for, even the seemingly small or normal things. Count your blessings…they are all valuable. God did not have to give you anything, so be thankful and appreciate it all.  


The Universe, or if you believe in God (He), have so much for you to appreciate with all of your senses, if you don’t pay attention to it all, you may miss it.


1 Corinthians 2:9-10
“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him- these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.” If you cannot appreciate the grandeur of life presented to you through your senses, will you be prepared for the most beautiful things that God has in store for you? Live in your happiness and appreciate all that you see, hear, feel, touch, and taste if it truly brings you joy.


Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner

***Health Spotlight*** Kidney Disease


Symptoms: some symptoms include fatigue, cold feeling (possibly anemia), shortness of breath with little effort, swelling hands/feet, and severe itching. 




Risk Factors: adults with diabetes, high blood pressure, or both have a higher risk; other factors are heart disease, obesity, and a history of chronic heart disease.

Prevalence: According to a 2017 fact sheet via the CDC, approximately 30 million people are living with Chronic Kidney Disease; many people living with mild kidney disease are not aware that they have the disease. One in 3 adults with diabetes and one in five adult with high blood pressure may have chronic kidney disease.


Treatment: there is no direct cure but some things to minimize symptoms are lifestyle changes, medication, dialysis, avoid NSAIDs, and moderating alcohol intake.


Prevention: get active, lose weight if you are overweight, altered diet with guidance of a healthcare provider (lower salt intake and eat more fruits and vegetables), do not smoke, and monitor blood sugar regularly.


Your life is so valuable, everything that you are granted and blessed with must be cherished. Take keen delight in your health and your quality of life; do whatever it takes to evolve your life and take good care of yourself and your family.




Delight, Senses, Joy, Happiness, Appreciation, Empowerment, Public Health, Mental Health, Global Health, Holistic Health, God, Bible, Happiness, Law of Attraction, Love, Universe


G - Giving Just Enough

G – Giving Just Enough

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

©KayLaN.Allen


I give too much…
I give too little…
I give just enough…
Are you giving enough according to what you believe, practice, and value?


How many times have you told yourself that you were going to give something your all?
How often do you stick to giving that “thing” you all?


How often have you only giving something a bit of your effort because you weren’t really concerned about it?
When you did that, did you find even more disappointment or go back and wish that you had given it more effort?


Have you given too much of yourself to someone or something? When you do this, you can leave yourself with emptiness, lost hope, brokenness, and lost will to even love yourself or make yourself happy.


How about this?… Have you ever given just enough effort/time?


Who says that enough isn’t enough? I can’t tell you who first said it, but you can start saying when enough IS enough.


You see, for everything that you delve into whether it is a new job, school, writing a book, building a home, buying a car and everything in between you can say when enough is enough.


What does enough mean?


Amazing and wonderfully, your life is your own- meaning it is unique and no one else can live your life. God built a specific life for you to lead. The Universe works in your favor in accordance to what you do, think, practice, and meditate on; it shapes things for you.


Since your life is uniquely put together shouldn’t you be the one to say when enough is good enough?


Let’s think about this a little deeper…


1. You must be mindful and aware of your actions and behavior. Saying that people should accept you for who you are does not apply if you are choosing to be immature, ignorant, foolish, prideful, or negative. Be aware that enough is enough applies in this one if you are being your best self.


2. When taking on a new endeavor of any sort, you must determine what is enough. If giving your all is enough, stick to that and do not give up. You see, you can’t start off giving what is enough to you and then one day decide that you are tired of doing that (without seeking positive change first). You are in charge…so what’ll it be?


3. In a relationship, again you determine what is enough. Truly take self-inventory before you decide what is enough, though. Are you being a good listener, compassionate helper, cheerful giver, etc.? If you are, then you are doing enough…don’t let anyone make you feel or think that you are not doing enough or that you are not good enough at your core. Don’t be afraid to Break The Silence and claim your excellence; your live is yours and you do not have to prove yourself to anyone.


4. Give enough to everyone that you encounter. You were granted tools and also have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. For every person that you run into, you have something to give. Give from your heart whether it is in words, a story, a smile, or your business card…do what you can to give enough. This can be connected to giving back to your community or an organization like Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence; give what you can, volunteer, run for a cause, support a mission, help your friend/neighbor…simply give enough according to your heart. Everything happens for a reason, so make the most of the meeting, mission, or conversation. 


5. Giving enough to your family is equally defined by you. Do not burn yourself out; if you need to do something for yourself and have the ability to do so, practice self-care regularly. This can mean a walk, pampering, reading, meditating, exercising or anything else that makes you feel at peace. Schedule your love and care for your family and yourself; you need it and deserve it. 


The moral of the story is that for everything and everyone in your life you are in full power of determining what is enough. You must take the time to understand what that looks like and execute whatever it takes to achieve that. You do not have to push yourself so far that you lose sight of yourself or get to a point where you are feeling empty or broken- you deserve so much better than that.


Matthew 6:21
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Think about it, if you are giving enough and happy with what you are putting in, the action is directly connected your heart and can literally give you a sense of fulfillment. Even if you aren’t in the place of where you aim to be, you can embody that sense by planning out all that you aim to do; work to truly feel how you would if you were already at that level of success or happiness.


Proverbs 10:4
“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Think about what you consider to be enough, are you truly putting in the effort that you need to? Is your enough, your work, your push, your mission going to bring you success at the level or space that you are actively living in? God gave and is still giving and revealing to you gifts, angels, words of wisdom, lessons, values, and places to be amazing…are you really giving enough?


The Universe is a place and part of you that is defined by you, your actions, and everything that lives inside of you.


So….I’ll ask you again are you giving enough?


Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLas Positivity Corner


***Health Spotlight*** Gonorrhea 
Prevalence: this STD can infect anyone that is sexually (vaginal, anal, or oral) active- ejaculation does not have to occur to get the infection. Pregnant women can possibly pass the infection their babies during delivery. According to the CDC there are an estimated 820,000 people infected with gonoccoal infections every year in the U.S.


Symptoms: (in men) burning sensation when urinating, white, yellow or green discharge from penis, painful or swollen testicles ; (in women) painful or burning sensation when urinating, increased vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding between periods. Rectal infections:  can be asymptomatic or cause symptoms in men and women such as discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, painful bowel movements. If you do not get treated pelvic inflammatory disease is possible (in women) and sterility in men, pain in testicles are possible; also, increased risk in getting HIV and life-threatening issues due to gonorrhea spreading to the blood or joints are possible.


Treatment: treatment can be difficult as there are some drug-resistant strains, but it can be cured with the right treatment. There is a form of dual therapy using two drugs to treat the infection; permanent damage cannot be reversed. If symptoms continue after finishing medication, you need to return to your physician/clinic.


Prevention: use condoms, know your sexual partner and their sexual and medical history, or don’t engage in any sexual encounters.


Giving Enough…
If you ever feel forced to have unprotected sex with someone, you may need to re-evaluate your situation and seek help from the authorities, if needed.  Giving enough in intimacy is definitely defined by both parties; do not push yourself into a realm that you are uncomfortable with. Protect yourself at all cost. Know that you do not have to go to a major physician (and pay a high out-of-pocket price) to get help, community health clinics are in many places. Talk to your friends and family about their health. Communities both near and far are impacted by the good and bad in health choices and delivery of care, so do what you can to bring tough conversations into the light. Seek the help that you need as soon as you need it. Talk to someone; talk to me, I will listen without judgment and help you in any way that I can. 


Let’s lead healthy, happy, prosperous, lives from the inside-out! We deserve it!





Barriers, Community, Empowerment, Epidemiology, Evolving, Friends, Global Health, Happiness, Goals, Meditation, Law of Attraction, Negativity, Opportunity, Passion, Survivor,  Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence, Vision, Warrior, Worthy, Public Health
E- Executing Personal Elegance

E- Executing Personal Elegance

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

©KayLaN.Allen


Divinely you were created and brought to this Earth. Divinely things occur and arrive in your life and that of everyone around you. Clearly this means that not only do you have a purpose but there is elegance and grace built into you.


Often the world and the media present false images that many follow and get caught into, but what does that mean for you. You are all that is presented to you, so don’t allow yourself to become something that you aren’t.


You may be surprised by how much things affect you by simply appearing in an image. Just as quickly as you read this blog, your thoughts are immediately deepening and shifting. Since you know that to be true, think about how other things pop up or present themselves online or in your personal life and may cause negative shifts in your thoughts.


You are of elegance, so you have to fight regularly to stay in that light and mentality.


If there is an element of negativity, you need to think twice about letting it stay in your presence. 


If something or someone is making you feel like you are unworthy of success, check yourself and look into that mirror again!


If you run into a space in your life where you feel like you aren’t pretty enough or talented enough, check yourself and remember your elegance and uniqueness.


Personal elegance is not determined nor maintained by the standards of others. 


Personal elegance is what you make it to be.


Uphold yourself to the highest of standards even when no one looking, so that when you present yourself you radiate light and pure happiness.


Personal elegance can be linked to all that you are. It means appearance, character, successes, happiness, love, peace, accomplishments and so much more.


For all of those images of false “perfection”, know that not all that people present is the truth of who they are from the inside out.


A pretty face, fancy clothes, and luxury living do not equate a happy heart or good character. As you observe the world around you check the meaning and think deeper. 


When you wake up, who are you?
When you talk to your friends who are you? What do you display?
When you embrace the presence of your loved ones, who are you?
When you are at work, who are you?
If all of these people are different, you may need to do some re-evaluation. You may not be executing your own personal elegance at the highest level.


Your truth and your elegance should be so apparent that they are presented and connected to your character/all that you are. 


Of course there will be negative people speaking against who you are…but let it be. If you are executing your personal elegance you are already being the best and no one can shake that.


Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
No one can tell you or show you who you are. You are in charge of becoming who you were created to be. There are so many wonderful things about you and even more great things that you can do to bless others. Never think that you are less than amazing, because it is simply not true.


Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”
Think of all of the beautiful things about the world that we live in even when there is darkness presenting itself. 


Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” There are things far more important than outer appearance or false images of happiness, so be all that you present from the inside-out. Change your thoughts, your family and all that you will bless in your future depending on it.


Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner






Achievement, Ambition, Blessings, Character, Determination, Empowerment, Epidemiology, Evolving, Faith, God, Growth, Global Health, Happiness, Journey, Law of Attraction, public health, Success, 
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