Healthy Eating- Getting Back on Track with Holiday Leftovers!

Christmas was full of yummy rich food this year.  It was my plan to continue on the American Heart Association Heart Smart Plan, but tradition won.  The holiday menu consisted of turkey breast, Cornish hens, meatloaf, prime rib, king crab legs, lobster, macaroni and cheese, ambrosia salad, corn, potato salad, macaroni salad, garlic bread and Pepsi!  Not to mention the turtle cookies, chocolate chip cookies and coconut cream pie, Yikes!

I thought one day of indulgence would not hurt, but I forgot about the leftovers!!!!  I sent people away with large plates of food, but the refrigerator remained filled to capacity.  I had no choice but to eat!  I enjoyed every bit but my healthy eating was interrupted.  All of the rich, fattening food is gone, but I still have leftover turkey and prime rib.   Here is a turkey breast salad recipe I put together:
  
Empowered Turkey Salad
At least 1 cup: Cube your leftover turkey breast (if it is a whole turkey include dark meat)
1/4 cup thinly diced white onion
1/3 cup Ocean Spray Craisins, dried cranberries
One chopped apple
1/4 unsalted walnuts
plain yogurt or Miracle Whip to desired consistency of turkey salad

*mix all of these ingredients in a bowl and enjoy on wheat bread!

Here is a great recipe from SparkRecipes for my leftover prime rib. 
Leftover Prime Rib with Pasta Recipe

I am back on track and looking forward to 2011! 
photo via: weightlosshelp24h.com via Google images

Stalkers Know how to Use Your Cell Phone to Spy on You- Protect Your Privacy

Living an Empowered life is difficult if not impossible when you are being stalked.  Stalking is becoming increasingly technical and scary!  I have been the victim of a sophisticated stalker.  They hacked my computer and used more traditional means of harassing me and knowing my personal information.  It is extremely difficult if not impossible to catch these people.  When I had a key-logger found on my computer, it seemed the perpetrator had more rights than me.  My bank refused to give the ip address of the hacker that looked at my account.  The police and Microsoft said that what was happening to me was highly unlikely!

It was a helpless feeling!  The latest run in with this stalker took place in copying my wardrobe and hairstyles.  My stalker knew what clothes I was wearing and changed their hair to look like mine.  It was such a creepy feeling and I could not figure out how they knew my every move.  They knew my conversations and daily activities.  It was very painful when people took the side of my stalker and believed I was imitating them.  This is the lie my stalker told and I did not have any way to defend myself.  It was humiliating and cost me my job. 

I have just discovered a highly likely way they stalked me.  Not only did they hack my computer, but I believe they tapped my cell phone.  Take a look at these videos (if you are reading this post via e-mail, you may have to go directly to the website to see these videos www.empoweredpeace.org)







I was completely oblivious to this type of technology.  Your privacy is always at risk!  It seems that honest people do not think about these things.  The bad guys who prey upon us are educated in these areas.  

In my situation the thing that amazed me the most...other people helped my stalkers.  Either they were manipulated into participating, they were told false information to make them think I was worth harassing or they were corrupt.  I can not imagine what would make a person help someone harm another.  Blackmail?  I guess the message is, your privacy is not your own and people will help your stalker.

I have not yet been able to convict my stalker.  For a long time I was afraid to say anything.  I thought people would not believe me.  I thought they would think I was crazy.  Now I do not care what people think.  I tell people that I may be being stalked or I share my past experience when I think it is necessary.  My stalker targeted my professional life.  It sucks to have your lively hood jeopardized.  I have a family to support and my income seems to be in the hands of someone that hates me.

I continue to find ways to take my life back but it is very difficult.  For all I know they are still watching me and reading this post as I prepare it for you.  I pray that the situation is over and my stalker has stopped following me of their own free will.  If not and evidence of their illegal behavior arises again, I will not be as intimidated. 

The latest story in the news is a man that will possibly be convicted for reading his wife's emails.  If he is prosecuted it could mean a lot for victims of Internet crimes.  I encourage you to report activities to authorities and get the services of a private investigator.  I did not do all of things I am suggesting to you because I was ignorant and intimidated.  This is how the stalker wins.  The more Empowered you become, the less you fear the abuser, the more capable you are of fighting back!

photos via: worldvillage.com and blackberrysync.com via google images. 

Empowered Peace's 10 Most Influential People of 2010

2010 has been an amazing year!  I have made many great accomplishments and suffered some significant losses.  2010 has also been filled with people that have influenced my life, America and some even the world.  Here is a list of Empowered Peace's 10 most influential people of 2010.  

One (1)
God.  This year God has allowed me to rethink my relationship to the world and opened up a deeper meaning to the Bible.  The power of His word is more powerful than I ever understood or can ever understand.  

 Alexis and Eddie Mae Ware

Two (2)

Eddie Mae Ware.  This is the woman that gave birth to me, raised me and died of Alzheimer's disease.  Mrs. Ware is the true epitome of a lady.  Even in her darkest hour she was graceful and generous.  This woman believed in me, when I could not believe in myself.  

Three (3)

Alexis Shawntea Ware.  Alexis is my daughter and dearest friend.  She encouraged me when I was down and has been a constant inspiration for my life.  I love her dearly.

Four (4)

Richard Blanchard Ware.  This is the most dedicated man I have ever known.  He was loyal to my mother till the day she died and worked like a dog to support our family.  Without my dad's support I would not be here today.

Five (5)

Patients, families and others that I have served.  I have been able to minister to some wonderful people in their times of need.  You gave me a reservoir to pour out my love and share the love of God.  These amazing people created a space for God to use my gifts and talents.  I love you all!

Mark Zukerberg

Six (6)

Mark Zuckerberg.  I opened my Facebook account in 2010 and it has changed my life.  I was able to connect to old friends and make new ones.  I have been able to share my blog and be connected to the world in a new way.  Facebook allows me to connect with people even when I am in the privacy of home.

Sergey Brin and Larry Page

Seven (7)

Sergey Brin and Larry Page.  Every time I have a question or need some assisstence I Google it!  I can not think of many days in 2010 that I have used Google.

Evan Williams

Eight (8)

Evan Williams.  The inventor of Blogger and Twitter.  Technology has had a major impact on my year.  I have been able to share my ministry on the Internet and touch the lives of thousands of people.  

Barack Obama

Nine (9)

Barack Obama.  It is still beyond belief that we an African American president.  President Obama's election into The White House challenges me to rethink what being black in this world really means.  His presence in 2010 is not any different.

Oprah Winfrey

Ten (10)

Oprah Winfrey.  Oprah is such an incredible woman.  2010 is the last year of the Oprah talk show but she is launching her own network.  Oprah continues to evolve and she inspires me to grow.  

This is the Empowered Peace top 10 of 2010.  Who has touched your life?

photos via: shockya.com, redherring.com, images.businessweek.com, topnews.com.sg, forbes.com via google images.

How to Build a Support System of Good Friends that Fit

One of the things I have always told my daughter, "make sure your friends fit like a good pair of jeans."  This statement is essential to living an Empowered life.  I have never needed a lot of people around, I was content with having one confidant.  The problem I ran into was never finding a loyal friend to share my fears, hopes and dreams.  I did not make sure my friends "fit" and I was consistently disrespected. 

This humiliating treatment has come in the form of betraying my privacy and spreading crippling rumors.  I have never understood why my life was worth ruining.  I speculated it was my upbringing.  I was raised to be a respectable lady with high values.  This was distinctly opposed to many of the people that came into my inner circle.  As a young girl I always felt I had to prove I was I was cool.  I had to prove I was not a nice girl from the suburbs, but a "bad ass."  This was such foolishness.  I caused myself and my parents a lot of pain.

As a young woman I tried to prove I was strong.  But the truth was, I was an insecure little girl that wanted to be loved.  My skewed self-image caused me to look for love in all of the wrong places.  I never felt like I was good enough to run in the "right" circles, and I tried to find acceptance from people that did not have morals and respect themselves or me.  What a conflicted mess!  The state of your relationships is a good picture of what you feel about yourself on the inside. 

Two of the underlying issues that have caused me so much pain and emotional distress were shame and acceptance.  I was ashamed of who I was because of the many humiliating things that happened to me.  I always felt dirty and felt like I had cover up a shameful secret.  The other problem was wanting to be accepted.  I yearned for acceptance from people that were incapable of showing real love. 

I guess this made me easy prey for mean people.  The most Empowering lesson from the things I've shared is knowing you do not need anyone to accept you.  Searching for acceptance creates a void in your soul that plays a chameleon.  It changes to meet the impossible standards of people that are incapable of showing love. 

The other freeing element of this article is YOU ARE OKAY.  You do not have to be ashamed of the bad things that have happened to you.  Everyone has had them!  The shame of abuse and humiliation is a heavy burden.  It causes you to hide the awesomeness inside of you and view everyone as better than yourself. 

I have also come to discover that the support of loving people is essential.  They are the ones who will be there when you fall and whip your tears away when you are hurting.  This goes back to the original message- "make sure your friends fit like a good pair of jeans."  If you are surrounded by people that are constantly judging you and making you feel small, it is time to change friends.  You deserve to be loved being punished for who you are is wrong. 

To live a life of Empowered Peace you have to accept your real value.  You are priceless and choosing proper friends is a reflection of your inner life.  Here are some ways to identify good friends.

1. Good friends encourage you to do better.  If your friends are putting you down and nit picking at everything you do, they may not fit you well.  You should feel better when you are with your friends not worse.
2. Good friends have your back.  If your friends are sharing your secrets or speaking negative about you, they are not your friends.  If your friends are in the room you should feel welcomed when you enter it, not scrutinized and belittled because they have just got done raking your name over the coals.
3. Good friends warn you of danger.  A friend does not set you up for failure and then laugh at you.  If they say they were just joking, believe me they are playing you!
4. Good friends help you.  They are there during your difficult times and make sure you are okay.
5. Good friends do not change the opinion of your supporters.  If people esteem you highly, but think they made a mistake when they meet your friends...maybe you are hanging with the wrong crowd.
6. Good friends call you on your bad behavior.  Good friends are supposed to make you better.  If the people around you let you behave like an idiot, maybe they do not really care.  A truthful person is very different than a judging person.  Make sure you can tell the difference.  

Relationships are very important.  Make sure yours are with quality people that fit like a good pair of jeans.  
photos via: janeheller.mlblogs.com, paulmayers.blogs.com, choicehow.com via google images.

"Working on Monday"- A New Year's Review of Your Goals for Professional Development

The holidays are usually slow in the office.  A lot of people are on vacation and a lot of the work turmoil seems to quiet itself and prepare for the new year.  This does not happen in every industry, but for the majority of people it is a time of calm.  I encourage you to relax your worries and exercise your mind.

This is the perfect time to read and absorb the content of a good book.  Not just any book, but something that supports your professional development goals for the year.  Working on Monday began with action steps to discover and effectively live out your career dreams.  As you live out your written plan, the realities of life should shape your direction and perfect your plans. I am not suggesting that you change your dreams with every difficult circumstance.  I want you to listen to the wisdom of life as it shares its invaluable truth. 

One of the best ways to hear the instructions of life is reflection.  This is a week that can be used to take inventory and make the destination to your dreams more successful.  As your discoveries unfold here are some useful questions to ask yourself.

1. What challenges have I ignored?  There are many things that happen in our lives that are easier to forget.  However, if you are ignoring problems because they are too difficult to face, it is a strong possibility these unresolved issues are holding you back.  
2. What do I need to change in order to reach my goals?  Have you ever heard the saying "doing things the same way and expecting a change is insanity?"  It is true.  If you want to move to the next phase of your dreams you have to give up doing things that cause you to fail.  If that means waking up an hour earlier or surrounding yourself with different people, do not be afraid of making necessary arrangements.  
3. What accomplishments have I made?  If you are trying to make positive changes in your life, simply making the decision is a milestone.  It is important to know you have done some good.  This makes adjustments less intimidating.  
4. Is my life well rounded?  Pursuing a career is part of what gives a person satisfaction in life.  It is also important to make time for friends, family, rest and recreation.  A well rounded life addresses the multiple needs of the sometimes complicated human being.  
5. What are the one or two major areas of change I want to focus on?  Pursuing your dreams and making positive changes can be overwhelming.  You have an entire life time to live out your dreams and many times that is how long it takes.  Tackling one or two areas of change at a time is manageable.  Many times you can resolve other issues without the additional mental strain.  

This list is short and you can certainly add your own thoughts and ideas.  Make sure you take time out to center yourself and start the new year with a fresh perspective.  Reviewing your goals for professional development is certainly worth your time.  

photos via afpp.org.uk, herd.typepad.com

Working on Monday- Creating Positive Work Relationships

Working in a stressful work environment is a source of workplace burn-out.  Going to work can become a task of emotional strength and a test of your mental endurance when you are feeling overwhelmed.  The cause of much stress at work is relationships.  Strained relationships can create worry, fear and insecurity.

Looking back on my work history many of my difficult times were caused by poor relationships.  These connections stirred anxiety within me and made being at work unpleasant.  From poor managers to over competitive co-workers being in conflict with another person causes confusion.

Bad relationships sabotage workplace success.  They prevent your ideas from being considered, it ruins support and it makes people suspicious of your intentions.  They are a handicap to securing workplace success and must be worked out. 

A bad working relationship is something that should not be ignored.  The negative consequences can snowball and contaminate other areas of your work life.  Here are some ways to improve and/or avoid troubled work relationships.

1. Ask questions at the interview.  It is important to know your needs in a workplace setting.  Knowing your needs will allow you to evaluate a company's ability to match your work style.  You will also be able to determine if you can accept certain differences and still be effective in the environment.  
2. Address tension in your relationships.  If you see a co-worker is upset try to find out why and rectify the issue.  Avoiding a misunderstanding can lead too more hurt feelings and a more difficult solution.  
3. Always talk to all parties concerned.  Many times people blame others for their misfortunes.  It is unethical to hold another person guilty of an accusation without speaking to the person.  They may have a perfectly good excuse or you may find the person making the accusations is really the guilty party.  If a person shares unfavorable information about another co-worker with you and swears you too secrecy, beware.  Without a way to verify the story suspend judgment of the accused.  How would you feel if you were not able to defend yourself?
4. Avoid workplace gossips.  Have you ever met a person that seems to know everything about everybody?  Avoid them like the plague.  How do they know intimate details about people who do not even speak to them?  The information they are spreading is either false or obtained using questionable means.  A person's privacy should not be violated, especially in the workplace.  Leaking embarrassing and/or false information about people is a sure way to destroy relationships.  Make sure you form your opinion about another person based on your relationship with them, not another person's opinion.  
5. Set clear boundaries and respect the boundaries of other co-workers.  Nothing makes people angrier than stepping on their toes.  Make sure you are within your territory with projects and decisions.  If you are unsure rally support and make a group decision.  If others are interfering with your work speak up!  It is important to have respect at work.

Relationships can be complicated and sometimes take a lot of work.  The efforts you put into creating solid connections can only pay off in the end.  Learn about yourself and how to relate to others.  People make institutions work and people help others succeed.

If you are aware of someone spreading rumors about a co-worker report them.  Social sabotage is a crime that destroys relationships.  Please help stop social undermining.

photos via: ere.net, realbollywood.com via google images 

"Working on Monday"- In Loving Memory of My Mom

In Loving Memory of Mrs. Eddie Mae Ware

I thank God for giving me such a loving and kind mother

12-12-2010

The Real Meaning of Christmas- The Power of Relationship with Christ

It is Christmas time again, how many has it been for you?  This is my 40th Christmas and the question I am pondering...What is the real meaning of Christmas?  My Judeo-Christian American heritage has had many different focuses throughout the years.  During wartime the focus was on peace, during a recession the hope was for a better economy and during times of change Americans cleave to the familiarity of Christmas to comfort their confusion.

When I was a child, Christmas was great fun!  My nephew and I would look through store catalogs and make our Christmas lists.  We would steal fingers of frosting off of the cakes my mom baked and look for hidden presents.  The funny thing about looking for presents, was the fact that we believed in Santa Claus!  How funny!  We would watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snow Man, The Grinch That Stole Christmas and A Christmas Carol.  It was such a wonderful time of year for our family.  We were always happy and filled with good food.

As I got older Christmas became a time of family gathering.  It was such fun to have the family together and open presents!  We got the usual socks and underwear, but those special requests!  It was always so exciting to open the diary or roller skates that I wanted more than anything.  The family turmoil that troubled me in later years did not seem so bad during Christmas. 

As an adult I came to have a personal relationship with Christ.  The holidays began to center on Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross.  My daughter and I would read the book of Luke.  Then we would watch the book of Acts on dvd and eat a big dinner.  We then opened gifts and went to visit relatives.  These were very sacred times. 

Now here I am at Christmas number 40 and life's circumstances have matured and seasoned me.  And again I ask the question, what is the real meaning of Christmas?  I went to the gospel of Matthew and read the story of Jesus.  I have read this gospel many times before, but now I have come with different questions.  God what is the meaning of Christmas?

God has always existed and played an active part in the lives of His children.  The Old Testament is filled with stories of God intervening in the lives of Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Samuel and Ester.  He guided them and through each of them flows the blood line of Jesus.  I asked God "how did life change when you sent Christ our Savior?"

Christ's life was sober, focused and difficult.  God embodied experienced emotional distress, betrayal, death, murder, persecution, humiliation and isolation.  God himself suffered some tough times.  Then I asked God "Life continued to be difficult for believers after the resurrection.  Where is the abundant life in martyrdom and despair?" "Shouldn't things have gotten better with the resurrection of Your Son?"  Yet there remains struggle and strife, in the world and inside of people. 

Then I remembered the precious things that Jesus did have in the world.  He had relationships.  He had His disciples to comfort Him.  He had His disciples to reveal, teach and guide.  He had His disciples to love.  He had His disciples and humanity, which gave purpose and meaning to His life.

Yes life is hard and sometimes unbearable, but there are a few relationships in my life that give me joy.  It is my relationship with Christ that gave me a life worth living.  It is my relationship with my family that gives me strength.  It is my relationship to my destiny that gives me hope even when it feels like I am all alone.  The meaning of Christmas is relationship.

Christ's sacrifice on the cross gave me the ability to be one with God.  I am not separated from God because of my sin.  He sees me as snow white and clean, washed by the blood of His Son.  It is my relationship with God that my enemies seeks to destroy.  The deceptive games of satan make people think they are seeking to settle a personal vendetta; but each person's act of unkindness is an attempt to separate the receiver of the pain from God. 

This Christmas is a great time to renew your relationship with Christ.  

This 40th Christmas means relationship to me.  What does this Christmas mean to you?
photos via: alliecat-alliecat.blogspot.com, americana-music-and-memories.com, wellswarren.org, noquestionleftbehind.blogspot.com via google images. 

Healthy Eating and Exercise- Why Wait for The New Year?

I have been in this struggle for many years and this year I am determined to win!  I know many of you have the same battle, but how can we win with busy schedules?  What about the cravings?  How can I claim a healthy lifestyle when part of it is out of balance?  I feel guilty about the broken promises to myself, especially when I have won this battle in the past.  This is it!  I am going to eat healthier and exercise! 

When I manage to accomplish the task of eating healthy I always feel better!  I have more energy, I am focused and I am more confident.  How can all of these good things be lost to my appetite for fast food?  When I examine this illogical behavior it becomes painfully clear...

1. I am always rushing
2. It is easier to eat fast food, than cook a good meal
3. Old habits are hard to break
4. I do not plan to eat, it just happens when I get hungry

I have to admit, I am not overweight and this can be deceiving.  I look decent on the outside, but I am more concerned about what is happening on the inside.  I want to be able to climb a flight of stairs without feeling winded!  The only way to accomplish this goal is to expand my healthy lifestyle.  I could start the first of the year, but I think it is best to begin now.  I have been looking at some diets, but they say diets are not good.  I got some advice from one of my physically fit friends, DeShawn Ray Penman.  He said I should start with no sugar and no bread for 90 days!  Yikes! 

What is a junk food junkie to do?  I am starting off slow!  I think the way for me to be successful is to plan my meals out.  I have been looking at the healthy eating websites and some of the meals are not very appetizing.  I can not imagine myself eating goat cheese tacos, yuck!  I have decided to following the recommendations of The American Heart Association.  I have a family history of diabetes and heart problems.  Why not be proactive!

The American Heart Association has a really great tool.  It helps you build your grocery shopping list with healthy food choices.  It is called "My Grocery List."  I have learned that as much as I love cheese, it is best to get lactose free brands.  This is going to be a tough adjustment, but I am going for it!

I will keep you updated.
photos via: womanshealthmag.com, buzzle.com via google images. 

"Working on Monday" - Polices, Procedures and Your Personal Image

The workplace is one of the most complex and diverse entities in business.  It is a combination of ideas, people, money, services and emotions that must harmoniously function in unity for the best results.  The workplace is not like a math problem, 1+1 is always going to equal 2.  The workplace is more subjective.  Personal perception is what makes a client satisfied.  Personal perception is what makes one employee seem more capable of a promotion over another.  It is these personal perceptions that can make or break a career.  It is these personal perceptions that make a person more marketable on the east coast, as opposed to the west coast.  Knowing the policies and procedures of your business along with skillfully managing your professional image will accelerate your career and make you more marketable.

Policies and Procedures

Policies and procedures are written for several reasons.  They help define a company's standards for  customer service, they articulate what steps should be followed for consistent delivery of products and services and they help employees meet company expectations.  They can also be used to evaluate your job performance, among other things.  In the nut shell, polices and procedures are important!  It is also important to know if your interpretation of the rules lines up with the company's and/or your manager's understanding.  This is what makes the workplace such a subjective environment.  Your understanding of any given rule can be distinctly differently from that of another person.  It is very important that you are on the same page with your workplace. 

Normally new employees get employee manuals, do not just throw it in the trash.  Take time read the company's expectations.  New employee manuals are only the surface of the rules.  There are other policies that should describe your work.  Read these and begin to use the same language when you are communicating with your superiors.  Know your job description like your favorite song, it will always guide you and allows you to set clear boundaries.  

Unfortunately all businesses are not always organized.  Even more unfortunate, sometimes your boss is a jerk and tries to keep you from learning.  Use the Internet!  It is full of all kinds of helpful information.  You can read job descriptions, policy and procedure manuals from other companies, find informative articles about your area of expertise and much more.  I would also suggest keeping notes of what you are doing at work and how it demonstrates following policies and procedures.  This will come in handy during a performance review.  It is also helpful if questions arise about your work performance.  This kind of research requires dedication to your chosen profession.  If you are not willing to become an expert, maybe you are pursuing the wrong career.  

Your Personal Image

How does personal image tie into policies and procedures?  Well your ability to do a task is one thing, but the way in which you do it is another.  If you are perceived as a sloppy, slow or stand-offish your ability to do a job will not matter.  The workplace is comprised of people with feelings, beliefs and temperaments.  If your image is incompatible with the those of your co-workers, you will not fit into the team.  

People that are not wanted on the team get a hard time.  They are criticized and constantly scrutinized.  Any infraction of the rules is made to be detrimental.  If the policies and procedures are followed perfectly, the only other means of attack is personal.  Your co-workers can complain about your dress, hair, nails or personal style.  You can even dress professionally and have impeccable style, but there will be a false perception that makes it appear to be bad.  They will find anything to make you stand out, seem to cause problems and feel isolated.  

One of the most important aspects of your personal image to develop is communication.  Excellent communication skills will allow almost anyone to relate to you.  This gives people a sense of comfort and makes them want you around.  You can read books about communication, personality types and having difficult conversations.  Practice talking to different people, listen to their stories and learn about different cultures.  

Do not be discouraged if you have difficultly in any of these areas.  You do not have to be an expert overnight.  We are all works in progress, begin where you are and diligently work to improve your knowledge of policies and procedure, along with your personal image. 

Resources 

Employee Manuals- an article on HumanResources.com 

Communication Skills for Lifelong Relationships- an informative article on Discovery Health

photos via: lyleandassociates.ca, forbes.com via google images