As you all know, I've been implementing Give Me Five into my daily life. Component 5 is fairly straightforward. Component 4 is also going well. I'm not as focused on weight as being more toned. I know that I'm making progress because I can fit into pants that I haven't worn in a long time.
Component 3 has taken on a life of its own. When I began this journey, it was strictly to develop more balance. We often neglect our spiritual activity, outside of what's required. However, as I've faced many challenges in my life lately, they have influenced my activity in this area. As a mental health professional, I know of a variety of coping skills. As a Muslima, I know that in addition to being a comfort, prayer is powerful. This is the area that I have been consistently exceeding my goal for. As I have become more grounded, I have seen many benefits manifest--I'm more productive, more focused, and more grounded.
Similarly, component 2 has been driven by my personal experiences. I have been seeking knowledge in areas that I realize I am lacking in. This has become a wonderful tool for self-reflection. I've also noticed something else. As we look for guidance and insight into issues of social and emotional health, there is limited representation of African-American women. We see many African-American men, and most have a varied and balanced foundation of knowledge. Yet, I see something else with the women. I see many women who are educated on social/emotional issues (mostly at the Bachelor's level), and they've acquired some formal Islamic training. I also see that most of them speak from a viewpoint that is ground in their spirituality. And that is beneficial to us all. However, as an African-American, there are experiences and dynamics at play, that most are unable to relate to.
As individuals, we exist largely within the context of our environment(s). As African-Americans, this is significant, as we are dealing with a unique set of circumstances and conditions. Our sons and daughters have unique needs. As I said, I began this as a way to grow and progress in a balanced way. I now believe that I ended up in this place for a different reason. If not for circumstances that I recently experienced myself, I think this would have been a very different experience. I have been guided to a number of things. First, there are many African-American male youth in need of positive male guidance...both inside and outside the Muslim community. I had developed an innovative mentoring program, but I was having difficulty garnering reliable support. I have revised the program, and am going to work on implementation-I pray that it will be in place by the time warmer weather comes, as this is when many children have lots of unstructured, unproductive time that allows them to fall into negative behaviors/activities. Second, I'm working on developing a support group for divorced women. Although divorce has increased in every community, there is very little support out here for divorced African-American sisters. As a divorced, single-parent, I can relate to these issues. As a mental health professional, I am familiar with the problems that can manifest--adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and social challenges. I can also help in the development of coping and communication skills to address these issues. In the future, I see doing a group for children in divorced homes as well. I am looking forward to where my steps will lead me, and where He is guiding them.
Lastly, component 1 of the plan is going well. I've been doing more than one vegetarian day. I've also been trying a variety of new recipes that I probably wouldn't have otherwise. I look forward to keeping you all posted as I continue on my journey. I appreciate your time and support. Sending prayers and positivity to all!
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