Positive People

It is always easy to find influential people. They do not have to be a celebrity or a well-known individual. They ordinary people such teachers, community organizers, family members, club leaders, doctors, policemen,and church goers.

I have been fortunate to be surrounded by people who spread positive wealth around their surroundings. They are Zumba instructors, runners, triathletes, cyclists, close friends, and my family. Without them, I would not be the person I am today.

Yes, I do have my share of negativity, but seem to turn it upside down by reading a bible, giving food and clothing to those in need, or doing something inspirational such as running a marathon or triathlon.

I vow to live a positive lifestyle for the remainder of my life. God put me here for a reason, which is to extend my hand to those who want to change their lives for the better. As the saying goes, "It is not important of what I have in my life that matters, but who I have in my life that matters."

Good Workout Songs

As I sit here working my playlist, here are some songs that motivate me to work up a sweat:

1. You Make Me Feel Good- Cobra Starship

2. Sexy Back- Justin Timberlake

3. Danza Kuduro- Don Omar

4. Raise Your Glass- Pink

5. Mr. Saxobeat- Alexandra Stan

6. International Love- Pitbull/Chris Brown

7. We Found Love- Rihanna

8. Something for the DJ- Pitbull

9. Someone Like You- Adele

10. Party Rock Anthem- LMFAO

11. Sexy and I Know It- LMFAO

12. Moves Like Jagger- Maroon 5/Christina Aguilera

Redefining Myself

Everybody's life is a roller coaster. We have our highs and lows. We want to solve things immediately, which often results in the wrong direction.

From the September 20, 2009 until June 2, 2011, I was in an immobile state. People were constantly pressuring me to date again because they wanted me to have children of my own or get over my loss immediately. I saw good friends date other men, so I thought I would jump the bandwagon as well. My family was opposed to the scenario as they knew it would be too soon. Indeed, they were right. Although I enjoyed the aspects of dating, but deep down I was hurting on the inside. The thought of my Steven always crossed my mind. I was grieving over the loss of him.

Then on June 2, 2011, I went to the lake where Steven died, swam in it with friends as we were training for a triathlon, and found peace. I sent mass text messages and posts on Twitter and Facebook to all of my friends and family. The response I got was enormous.

Once I got the weight off of my shoulders, I decided from that moment forward to focus on myself. I began to develop into my old self by doing a few more marathons and triathlons, but added Zumba to the mix. Not to mention, I became an active member in Meetup.com, a networking site where you meet people at a certain location. Along the way, I befriended with many triathletes, cyclists, church goers, marathoners, gym rats, wine drinkers (I joined one too many Wine Groups), Zumbatini's, and Meetupers. Not to mention, I have developed a stronger relationship to my already close-knit family.

Now that I am 2 1/2 years removed from that day, I have a different outlook on life. The thought of dating and perhaps having a family of my own does linger in my mind, but it remains to be seen. I am here on this Earth for a reason. Everything that I do is under God's plan. In the meantime, I must do the things that I truly enjoy with the people I love.

Keys for a Successful 2012

With 2011 vastly coming to an end, I have decided to create a list of what to do for 2012:

1. Eliminate the negative- I come from a close-knit family, which includes my immediate 4, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews where everybody is positive, religious, and supportive amongst one's decisions. Bringing a negative person to this mix creates an unhealthy conflict.

2. Save money- Need I say more???

3. Spend time with family/friends- They are your backbone. They define and mold you to the person you have become. Communicate with them via social networking, Skype, chat online, have lunch with them for an hour, or spend the whole day with them at least once a week. Trust me, the time you spend with them is valuable.

4. Do something out of the ordinary- Other than my usual triathlons, marathons, and cycling events, I participated in several Zumba events. In 2011, I saw New Kids on the Block, participated in a Zumba Master's Class with the beautiful Gina Grant. If a celebrity were to come to your area, go for it!!! Go to a rock concert (I've already been to 8) and meet a celebrity. There are many regrets that I have made in my life, including not seeing Janet Jackson live.

5. Broaden your network of friends- They will be your growing support system. I have endurance and gym friends, Meetup, and now Zumba friends!!!

There are many things in store for everybody in 2012. I hope it will be a great one!!!

Au Revoir to 2011

I can honestly say that I had a successful 2011. It was a year of peace, serenity, and hope. I participated in several half marathons, centuries, and triathlons -- one of which was for a man who will forever remain in my heart. In addition, I added Zumba to my exercise regiment. Throughout it all, I made several lasting friendships and found an occupation that I truly enjoy.

There are many things in store for me in 2012 that have yet to be fulfilled. It will be a year of love and enjoyment.

Nutritional Based Websites

Nutritional Based Websites

Simplicity

We live in a world where people are always on the go. From the moment we arise in the morning until we retire at night, our mind is spinning consistently. Some of us work 12 to 14 hours a day (which includes commute time), attend school, go to the gym to destress, and shuffle children to their extracurricular activities thus leaving little time with family, friends, ourselves, and God.

The key to developing any relationship is to enjoy the simple things in life and spend it with the people we can trust, including Him. A priest once told me that if a person can eliminate one thing and use it for another, he or she will build self confidence, time, and communication amongst others. For example, a little boy suspends one season of playing basketball for the school to spend time with his father. Thus, the bond between them is established.

So smell the roses, hug your loved ones, and be grateful to the ones that surround you.....