©KayLaN.Allen
Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner
©KayLaN.Allen
©KayLaN.Allen
It is certain that we all face adversity and trying days, but the question that I’d like to ask you is how much are you charging your “mental tenants”?
©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!
©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
©KayLaN.Allen
If you have ever jumped in a pool, you definitely know how necessary it is to be prepared to hold your breath and go for it in a flash.
Thinking about how this may work in life is quite interesting.
We all have different hopes and dreams, but where would we be if we did not hold back the fears/doubts and would just dive in?
It can be difficult for many to do this because they are afraid of the outcome. Still others may not be able to go for their dreams in a flash because the timing simply isn’t right.
What if you didn’t think about all of the possible outcomes and you did whatever you could to focus on the best one?
What if you were able to ignore any thoughts of failure?
Let’s prep first…
With anything that you want in life or that you dream of you must start with a vision/dream.
Get creative and put that vision on paper, I know that I love to see my vision and dreams in front of me so vision boards and affirmations are a significant part of my life.
When you can see it, you can further believe that it will be and already is true.
After you can see it on paper, then you need to plan things out. Ask yourself and in a timely fashion get answers to how you can make things happen.
Make a logical plan internally, only then can you fully execute your mission.
Step by step and piece by piece you are preparing for the greatest dive of your life. How does it feel? You ought to feel amazing and empowered.
For every moment that you choose to sit back hoping that something will happen magically, there is someone else with the same original thought that is pushing and pushing forward and getting where you may be still simply dreaming of.
Now that you know how to prep for your dive, let’s think about the why…
Belief in yourself is an internal action that can be released into the external world through your actions and practiced faith. If you exercise that belief and create actions that are attainable, then everything changes for the better.
Why should you prepare for a dive into your highest goals/dreams? Simply because you deserve it and it is the only way that anything will come into fruition.
Even if that dive seems deep and the current is against you, you have got to keep fighting and maintain your breath. Work in your own favor.
Job 12:10 “The life of every living thing is in His hand, as well as the breath of all mankind”. If we can hold firm to the fact that God literally has everything in His hands, can’t we rest assured that our future and our present are covered and blessed according to His will? The Universe is working in your favor, so be mindful of what you do and/or don’t put into your life (in thought or physical action).
Psalms 56:3
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you”. Even if one step on your journey may seem too big or very scary, trust that everything will turn out just fine. Trust in God, trust in yourself and believe (from the beginning and during the tough days) that all will be amazing. Creating shifts in the Universe means that you release the negativity and create better thoughts.
Every day there is a new lesson to be learned, so why not use those lessons to become fully prepared for your life’s big dive?
Push your own limits and challenge yourself to be the best at everything you do, you deserve that and so much more.
I believe in you, do you?
Are you ready to take that dive? If not, get ready…time waits for no one.
Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner
***Health Spotlight***
Diphtheria (an infection)
Symptoms: Weakness, sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands, gray coating in throat/nose, breathing difficulties; potential for damage to heart, kidneys, and nerves also exist. (CDC)
Prevention: Vaccination is recommended; it was once a major cause of illness and death in children, so be mindful of what people can face without vaccination and attempting to prevent disease/infection.
Treatment: Physicians can swab the throat to test for the presence of bacteria that causes Diphtheria. An antitoxin/antibiotics are used to stop the poison and to kill/get rid of the bacteria, respectively. Treatment does not mean that all are saved, though.
Prevalence: Even with treatment 1 in 10 die from Diphtheria. In some countries there are upwards of 700 people cases in a year; even though there are very few reports in the US, it is very necessary to protect yourself as best as possible. WHO
Public Health Connection: Because Diphtheria is spread through droplets from coughing or sneezing, it can easy be transmitted to others. A person can also get Diphtheria from touching a object (like a toy) that has the bacteria on it. Be mindful of everything that you/your children come in contact with. Seek a physician if you are ill; do not wait, try to find out about what you are experiencing by using the internet, or try to self-medicate. There are many inexpensive clinics that you may have access to. Work hard to protect yourselves and your family. Practice proper hygiene and proper sneezing/coughing techniques- do so in your elbow, not your hands. Dive into being mindful about your health and that of your family; you can’t live your best life if you are not taking care of your physical health.
©KayLaN.Allen
Your monsters come in every shape and form. Monsters big or small can wreak havoc, throw stones at you, break your pride, and dim your light…..if you let them.
When you grow into your strengths, live in your purpose, and push to become that which you are called to be even the biggest of monsters can be chased away.
For some, their monsters are people
…these people have caused pain, brokenness, confusion, frustration, and loss of self. These people are essentially spirit-breakers; when they find the space and place to bring on the pain and heartbreak they lay it on hard.
The challenge for you is to see beyond your tears and not allow those pain-evoking people to crush you from the inside-out. Do not allow these people into your circle and certainly do not allow anyone to stay in your life should they exhibit ugliness, evil, or any type of negativity. Stand up, shine your light, and chase away those who do not belong with you on your journey.
For others, their monsters may be things/places
…these things are what you truly have control over at every moment. Whether your monster in this sense is a habit that is hard to break, a place that you need to grow apart from, or a space that is no longer serving you as it should- you have got to pay attention and do whatever it takes to chase away this monster.
Even still another type of monster can be your emotions. You are most definitely entitled to your emotions and no one can take them away from you or force you to feel differently. The most important thing with this type of monster is to not allow it to take over your life. Emotions change according to environment and many other things around you. No matter how much this monster tries to chase and/or tackle you, you have got to keep pushing forward.
2 Peter 1:5-9
“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.” No matter what you face, there is a way to cover it in love and prosperity. Chasing away your monsters does something that is so important and that is: give you more space to grow, be happy, and be at peace.
Clutter of your monsters must be cleaned up so that you can welcome what is going to bless your lives. The Universe brings forth more of what you put into it; if you are welcoming and/or allowing the negative to stay you are hurting yourself, all around you, and your chance for opportunities.
Proverbs 12:16
“Fools shows their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.” If your monsters hurt you, you have to do what works best for you and get rid of them. This doesn’t mean that you fight fire with fire; you will receive a blessing unlike any other if you are kind (with your strength and voice intact).
As you know, and I have said several times before, nothing is life is easy and it shouldn’t be. Think about how much stronger you would be if you chased away your monsters. Think about the power and the fire inside of you that will only grow when that place, space, or thing no longer belongs in your are gone.
Don’t you deserve a beautiful smile on your face and to live in happiness and peace?
Don’t you deserve success in life?
Don’t you deserve all that you imagine and beyond?
…Of course you do!
Take the time to learn about your monsters and do what it takes to chase them completely out of the scene. You deserve that!
Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivity Corner
***Health Spotlight*** Chikungunya- a mosquito transmitted virus
Symptoms: fever, headache, rash, swelling, and joint pain
Treatment: unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent or treat the infection; most feel better after a week, so drink fluids take Tylenol and get some rest.
Prevention: use mosquito netting, wear long sleeves, and use repellent
Prevalence: a global impact; last year there were about 150 reported cases of chikungunya in the U.S. (CDC), but thousands more affected across the world
– Chasing away monsters with this disease means so much more than taking care of yourself; it means plugging into your family, community, and the world. There is so much that we can do in our own communities; it takes a village and our impact can be great if only we use what we have to make a change. Think about how blessed you are and never forget how underserved so many others are; do your part, let’s change the world for the better by chasing away the monsters that so many people face.
© KayLaN.Allen
If everything was meant to be easy, then everyone would have everything and probably still not be satisfied.
When you are faced with barriers, as always, you have two options: accept them as what they are and blow right through them and break them down.
When someone tells you no, that may just mean no in that space or with that person and that is okay.
Breaking down barriers is your right. You can have it all and I can guarantee that in the back of your mind you have thoughts about this. Check out Luke 13:7 if you need a reminder: “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
How many different people seem to be doing the same thing and are successful? You are special and what you have to offer gives you the key to unlock doors that no one else can access.
The challenge here is for you to remember that those barriers are perceived and not necessarily your reality.
Brokenness can teach us that we are only allowed to be in one space or able to do one thing and cannot go beyond that level. The trick is to re-train your thoughts.
How do you think people bring together ideas to bridge gaps? They use what they have, they collect their experiences, and keep pushing forward.
A closed door is not the end and in actuality it can be one of the greatest blessings that you could ever ask for.
What if your barriers weren’t there? Would you do things differently? Would there be a fire under you? Would you be happier? Would you even think about anything that could stop you?
I ask you all of those things to make you think differently. Why treat yourself as if those barriers matter? Who is stopping you from being happy in creating your success? Why can’t you create a new train of thought and shift the Universe’s process in helping things to come into fruition?
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
If you ask and allow God to travel with you on your journey everything will change, I promise you. It is the ideal version of strong faith being executed. If you are already putting in the effort to be an amazing version of yourself, those barriers that present themselves will continue to be broken down.
Psalms 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
You have the guidance that you need…are you listening? Are you paying attention? God is with you at every turn, do miss out because of that barrier that popped up. Fight because just beyond there, God has prepared something special for you.
1 Peter 4:1-4
“Be sober-minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
It is up to you to keep fighting for what you want. No one wants to be stuck in a place or space where they cannot grow. No matter what you have faced in your past you can change it all by believing in yourself. If you tell yourself that a barrier cannot be broken, you will not be granted opportunities for growth and success. Pay attention to your thoughts and actions; accept the light that is set forth for you and ignore any darkness that tries to seep in.
Treat barriers as though they are hurdles and jump as if your life depends on it…because it does. Taking the time to understand those barriers and not get swallowed by the pain of their appearance will save you tears, fears, and pain. It is not always easy to see past those feelings of sadness, anger, confusion, and frustration…but it can be done. Don’t cling to your pain fight through it and work to cope/overcome it; these barriers can seem like mountains, but do let them stifle your growth.
Put in the work, I promise you it will be worth it.
Be blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner
***Health Spotlight***Brucellosis– an infectious disease due to bacteria contracted from infected animals such as cattle pigs, dogs, and sheep.
Symptoms include: fever, malaise, headache, pain in muscles, and fatigue
Treatment: antibiotics after the infection is found by a physician; recovery time depends on the severity and death is rare.
Prevention: do not consume undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy products; if you are a hunter or herdsman wear protective gear such as gloves, aprons, and rubber gloves.
You can break barriers in access to healthcare by the use of public health services; things are not perfect but from a future public health leader to you there are many people that deliver and are concerned about compassionate care. We all have the tools to help break barriers in access to care, it takes special people with unique gifts and talents collaborating for the greater good to evoke lasting change. Don’t believe me? Let’s talk about it. I will do whatever I can to help you.
What if you had the chance to step away from the depths of your despair?
What if you could overcome your darkest hour?
What if you could eliminate the very thing that plagues you?
What if God showed you that it could be done?…Would you do it?
Often we find ourselves questioning “What if?”
Our lives and our blessing are not built on what ifs and what abouts
We are not meant to live lives that are impacted and defiled by evil people and negative thoughts.
We are meant to lead blessed and abundantly lives that in-turn bless other people.
Ephesians 4:18 “They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.”
Why would you block your own blessings by consistently living in fear, pain, confusion and mediocrity?
Why you keep thinking that you already know the answer to your issue, when you have living a cycle of sadness, anger, and doubt?
You keep praying asking God to give you a sign and yet when that very sign is completely bright in neon lights flashing right in front of your face you ignore it.
Although the storms in your life may bring the thunder and rain, know that you will overcome them because you’ve already proven that you can.
2Timothy 2:23-24
Prevention: condoms use and limiting exposure to risk factors.
Treatment: lifelong treatment include ARV drugs and ART
(WHO and CDC)
– It is your job to take of yourself and protect yourself; do not let anyone take advantage of you. Get tested and know your status; it is important and everyone needs to do so. Do what you can to spread the word and make wise decisions.
Be
blessed and be at peace.
#KayLasPositivityCorner
***Health Spotlight*** Giardiasis- a parasitic infection
Symptoms include: diarrhea, gas, stomach pains, dehydration
Treatment: drugs available; discuss options with your physician.
Prevention: good hygiene, avoid contaminated food and drinks, prevent contact with feces during sex, clean up after ill people and pets. (CDC)
Reported cases 2017: over 15,000 (CDC)