Warrior on Fleek

   One year ago today I stood by helplessly witnessing the horror that was Hurricane Harvey. As the waters invaded the sanctuary of my new home and slowly rose to an eventual nine inches, I felt a sense of dread and a fear of the unknown. The only certainties were the facts that I would lose most of my belongings and that I would be displaced indefinitely. I had recently become unemployed and I feared homelessness and destitution. My faith in God and in humanity were in short supply at that time, and this act of God only served to decrease that faith.      As a tenant in a  rented home, I was not entitled to insurance benefits. I had not procured renter’s insurance, as I had recently moved into this home. It was on my long “to do” list. FEMA offered me one hotel room for thirty days, which would not suffice for my large family. I felt as though I had hit rock bottom for the third time in three years. I made Herculean attempts to maintain a charade o...

   Recently I had an epiphany. While I have known that my weight has been an issue for as long as I remember, and my added fluff is likely more the result of genetics than overeating, I finally began to feel that I alone possessed the power to take control of the beast known as my bathroom scale. With that thought in my mind, and an article on my phone, I decided restart my journey to a healthier self, and this week was a massive win. With 18/6 intermittent fasting, I lost about 7% of my total body weight. By next week I will be exercising as well, which will just further improve my weight loss and my health.  In addition, some professional stars aligned and hopefully that means that positive things are on the horizon.  So right about now I’m feeling pretty hopeful.      The thing about hope is that it gives you power. What I’m aiming for is the healthy kind of power- the kind that comes with limitations. The power to lose weight, with the li...

     Several weeks ago a new friend mentioned to me that he heard things about me. Less than positive things. Unflattering things. Likely, the result of vicious gossip that was initiated and perpetuated by people whose only roles in my life have been hurtful ones. Initially the news of these “things” that were said about me hurt and upset me. Mostly because untruths had found their way to the ears of someone new who did not yet know me well enough to formulate an opinion of me absent these “things”. But on a larger scale, I was concerned about what potential rumors may cost me in terms of future friendships and relationships.  After having the opportunity to get to know me a little bit, this new friend confirmed that these rumors were, in fact, no cause for concern because he was able to determine that despite a lack of chemistry between us, I seem to be a decent human being. Which I hope I am.       I’ve been giving this issue some thought lat...