Musings on being GRATEFUL

 

Earlier this evening, I took the time to assess my progression towards my life goals. And what I found were a large amount of unfinished projects. Things that I wanted to get to, but I never found the time. Promises that I made that I never quite followed through on. Needless to say, it bothered me and I started to complain about what I did wrong or what I could have done differently. But then I stopped myself. And decided to direct all of the energy that I was wasting to do something constructive. So I started organizing my life. From the stack of papers collecting dust to getting rid of empty cosmetic bottles, I cleaned house!! Attempting to re-focus my thoughts and let go of negative energy, I stumbled across an old magazine that was headed straight for the trash pile. But I took a moment to open it to see if there was anything useful. In all caps, towards the end of the magazine, I read an article entitled “GRATEFUL.”

And I stopped dead in my tracks.

The article went on to talk about being grateful despite obstacles, circumstances and to just be happy. With so many struggling just to make ends meet, it is so easy to focus on areas of improvement versus operating in the spirit of gratitude. But it is very necessary.

Over the years, I have come to learn that gratitude ensures that you don't take anything for granted. But it is really easy to forget small pearls of wisdom when the focus is not on anything positive. To serve as a reminder, I think I'll keep the article. Most importantly, I will try to do one crucial thing that the article mentions: to write down three things I am grateful for each night.

I am grateful......

• For my life and the opportunity to follow my dreams.
• For family and dear friends that are concerned for my well being.
• To have a place to stay infused with peace and solitude.

What are you grateful for?

Black Health and Wealth Always!!

Karolyn Oakley

Facebook: Kurlyn Drums

***TEAM BLACKANOMICS***

Sirius XM 128 (The Power)

Millet anyone?

Question: How many of you have ever heard of millet?

 

Growing up in the south, it was not a grain that was used on a daily or even weekly basis in my household. Perhaps in processed breads or snacks, millet was an ingredient, but it was never a mainstay. But how times change. With the influence of healthy eating campaigns and whole grain diets, millet surfaces once again as a grain with powerful nutritional benefits.

Millet contains 15% protein and is also a gluten free grain. It is the perfect grain for anyone that suffers from various food sensitivities. You can use millet in soups, bread making and even fix millet as a hot cereal dish. Additionally, research has concluded that millet can reduce migraines, heart attacks and can even assist in weight loss. And most exciting......it's alkaline!!

 

(photo credit:  http://healthandfitnessarticle.org)

 

 

And as I did more research about millet, one thing that stood out to me was that the Bible mentions millet. In Ezekiel 4:9 it says:

“Take thou also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentils, and millet, and fitches, and put them in one vessel, and make thee bread thereof, according to the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon thy side, three hundred and ninety days shalt thou eat thereof.”

So it is safe to say that millet is rightly regarded as an ancient grain. And if you are wondering how to get started with incorporating this wonder grain into your diet, try adding a ¼ cup of millet in your next soup.  Keep in mind that millet has a tendency to expand, so always remember that a little goes a long way!

 

(My veggie soup with millet and bladderwrack)

So what are you waiting for? With over 6,000 varieties of millet available, I am sure that you will pick the perfect one!

 
Black Health and Wealth Always!!

Karolyn Oakley

Facebook: Kurlyn Drums

***TEAM BLACKANOMICS***

Sirius XM 128 (The Power)