Appetite
Sometimes, we get so caught up in the natural that we neglect the spiritual. We exercise and make sure we eat healthy, but forget to pray. We have to make time to ensure that we take care of the whole man. What have you fed your soul today? Have you encouraged your spirit? Have you prayed and meditated? Maybe we should add those spiritual things to our “to-do “list. We have to develop an appetite for the things of God. It may take time. It may even taste strange, but it’s good for you.
Soul
soul (sōl/) ) noun
1. the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal, regarded as immortal.
2. the essence or embodiment of a specified quality.
There's a part of you that is immortal. It's inside of you. It's living. It's breathing. It's speaking. It's whispering ancestral chants. It's guiding you. It's that part God gave you when he created you in his image. It's your inner voice. It's your soul. You can't ignore it forever. You can't deny it. It's in your eyes. It's your voice. It's in the fabric of your being. I see it. I know you got soul.
Gifted
I was introduced to Nina Simone at a young age. I loved her raspy voice. I loved how she sang her politics and called it all jazz. I loved how this unapologetically big nosed black woman was able to leave us feeling good, spellbound, all while telling stories about four women and strange fruit. She was one of the first to tell me that I was young, gifted, and black. I learned that my youth was a gift. I learned that my blackness was a gift. I learned that my ability to write and express myself poetically was a gift.
Your intellect, your sense of humor, your business acumen are all a gift. Be unapologetically who you are because you are a gift. You are gifted. You are blessed. You are a blessing. To truly be young, black, and gifted is to recognize that you are the gift. Your complexion, your hair, your smile, your hips, your thighs, your nose and your eyes are a gift. Your sincerity, your peace, your joy, your faith, your heart, your spirit are a gift. You are gifted! Your talents, your treasure, your pain and your pleasure are a gift. Your desire, your dreams, your plans and your purpose are a gift. You are gifted.
Healthy
What the Health is a documentary that has sparked a lot of conversation in my circle. Without providing too many spoilers, it does suggest transitioning to a plant based diet. There are several articles that debunk some of the statistics in the documentary. However, the overall message is that you should be mindful of what you are consuming. What are you consuming physically? What are you eating? What are you consuming mentally? What are you thinking? What are you consuming spiritually? Is your spirit healthy? Stress and depression both have physical affects on your body. Mental health is just as important as physical health. The journey to healthy living is tri-fold. What changes can you make to ensure that you are healthy?