A Defining Moment For Me

I recently experienced a defining moment that some would consider somewhat funny but, it proved to be humiliating to me.  I was going to the 7th Annual Arch of Triumph gala almost two weeks ago and I had two dress choices.  I picked two dresses that I believed I could get into without any issue but, the first choice was horrible because I believe that I looked like Mr. Goodyear.  It was a pretty white dress but just would not do.  So, I was down to one dress that I just knew had to fit me because that was all I had left. Well, of course you can guess that it would not zip up all the way.  I tried everything from laying across the bed sideways to putting on two girdles.  I was so desperate I thought about greasing myself in oil (LOL). 

I almost didn't go but I had to because my sorority sister purchased my tickets so, the last option was to zip up the dress and pull it over my head.  That took about 10 excruciating and painful minutes but, it worked.  But, that's not the end of it....I had to wear the dress with my breasts almost hanging out in order for it to work.  My boyfriend was so kind that evening and continually said how beautiful I looked but, I was extremely embarrassed, uncomfortable and self-conscious. 

This was  a defining moment for me and "enough is enough". I have to lose weight, not just for aesthetic reasons but for health reasons.  My blood pressure has been steadily going up and I am just plain uncomfortable and find myself not able to do simple things without a moan, such as bending over. 

I have been challenged with going up and down in my weight since the birth of my daughter.  I am a single parent and experienced a lot of the challenges of raising a child on my own and turned to food.  I enjoy good food and consider myself a food enthusiast.  But, something has got to give and I immediately joined a gym the following Monday with my BFF.  I am on week 2 day 3 and literally taking it day by day.   I can honestly say that I feel better and like the way my energy level is steadily increasing.  I have also been watching what I eat and using an app to record what I put in my mouth.  I PLAN TO NEVER FORGET MY DEFINING MOMENT! so that I can continue on this path of a lifestyle of healthy choices. If you share this same challenge as me, please email me as I would love to hear from you.

Real Talk Is About Giving Back

I always knew that I wanted my own show but I also knew that I wanted my show to be one that gives back to the community.  I recently went to an event at the Levine Museum of the South entitled "The Soul of Philanthropy".  I mainly attended the event because I wanted to explore different ways that I could give back and found out about giving circles. 

Giving circles are where like minded people get together and pull resources (money, time, talents, and abilities) to give back into their communities.  There were people on the panel from various ethnicities that included African-American, Asian and Hispanic communities.  They shared how they give back to one another within their culture.  One way is that they decide on a specific amount that each one in the circle will give or if they don't have the money they can cook food, or clean someone's house.  The money is then given to someone in their community in need or sent back to their country to help a family member out.  I was not only informed about giving circles but moved to ensure that Real Talk With Felice would be set upon a foundation of giving. 

As you have seen on the website, I will be walking to raise money for Autism in October.  Autism is close and dear to my heart because my youngest brother has autism and I love him dearly.  I have experienced the challenges a family encounters with a child with autism but with continued research and resources, we can find out what causes autism and then how to eliminate it for future families. But, in the meanwhile how do we help those with autism lead rich and full lives?  Today, my brother Peter is an awesome young man who works, just passed his GED and is in college.  I am so proud of him and have made my walk in October to be called "Peters Walk".  

Will you join me in person or in spirit with your financial donation? My goal is to raise $1000 in Peter's name.  Also, if you know of some organizations that help women and children (boys and girls) that I should be aware of please send me an email.   Help my show to build upon a foundation of giving back to others in our community.  I am only as strong as my brother and my sister.  I look forward to hearing from you and walking with you in October. 

How I Begin My Day

How I begin my day is extremely important to me because it helps to set the tone.  I need my day to begin and end in Peace and in Joy.  One of the first things I do is thank God for waking me up in the morning and clothing me in my right mind, read the word of God and then pray and/or meditate.  I find that when I do not put God first, my day just doesn't go the way that I need it to go and that bothers me.  The Word of God helps to remind me of who I am and to whom I belong to and then my time in prayer helps me to take time out to talk to the one who loves me more than anyone in this whole world.  This provides me with peace and a sense of security, which is priceless. 

Next, I find out what is going on in the world by watching my favorite morning news program (I will keep that to myself) so I can stay abreast and knowledgeable concerning world events. I have a lot of people share with me that there is no good news on the news but, it helps me to somehow stay connected to people and what to pray for.  While listening to the news I am starting to get dressed and upon dressing I take my Grand dog out for his morning ritual. Last, but not least, I then make my way to work, run errands after work and finally home to start all over again.

How do you start your day? Send me an email or post a comment, as I would love to hear from you.