Happy Anniversary! It has been 1 year since the inception of Inspire By O’Nika- Inspire, Motivate, Uplift. What a very rewarding year and I am so happy to share with all of you. Since starting this blog, I have learned a lot. Thank you for all the love, comments, and feedback. Hope you have enjoyed the content. Looking forward to another year.
November is Hip Hop History Month
Click the image to read the article on Hip Hop Music Culture of the 80s and 90s
Let’s review some of the most popular blog posts from this year
Just in case you missed it, below are some of the most read posts published this year. Happy reading, watching and listening!
November is the month to remember for many reasons. It’s the eleventh month and one more to go to see the new year in 2023!! Wow, where has the time gone? We have Thanksgiving, a time to give thanks and reflect on all our blessings. A time to be with family, friends and loved ones. Veterans day to also give thanks to the ones who fought for the country. Read on for more.
Men Make Dinner Day
Man getting his cook on Image by Sasha Kim on pexels
November 3– This day is for the men who do not usually cook dinner. It is a chance for the man to make a meal and dive into an area that they may not have before. Let the man make the meal for the family or just for himself. Some men may not have ever considered cooking for many reasons. Some feel that this is strictly for women, some may not have had anyone in their lives to teach them how to cook. This is definitely a skillset that all men should have. Get your burn on!!
Daylight Savings Time Ends
Waking up from that extra hour of sleep Image by Miriam Alonso on pexels
November 6– Daylight savings time is when the clocks are moved ahead one hour. This allows for more daylight hours during the springtime. Hence, the term spring forward. November is when we set the clocks back one hour. There has been debate about this since it negatively affects sleep for a lot of people. During the Fall season, most of the day is dark. Depending on what state you live in, you don’t have to be concerned with this at all. Not all of the United States take part in DST.
November is now declared hip hop history month. Hip Hop has influenced the cultures of art, fashion, and music. Although, hip hop has changed over the decades it is still relevant and has shaped many of us who have grown up listening to hip hop music. It is arguably one of the most influential genres of music. Check out Know Ya Hip Hop – Universal Hip Hop Museum (uhhm.org) and learn more about the artists who made this form of music so popular.
November 8-Election Day is your chance to make your voice heard. This is your chance to exercise your right as a citizen, taxpayer, etc. I hear some people say that voting doesn’t matter and their one vote does not count. Your vote most certainly does matter and it does count! It is too bad that there is voter fraud going on and people trying to dissuade certain groups away from the polls. It is just the world we live in today. Do not be discouraged. Get your vote in. If you do not participate, don’t complain later about the outcome of who gets elected.
Veteran’s Day
November 11-Veteran’s Day is a day of thanks and recognition to all military members who have fought for our country. Some have lost their lives in the fight for many freedoms we enjoy today. Let’s give praise and thanks to those who have selflessly given so much. Also, lets remember the families of military members. It can be very challenging and also rewarding for them as well. They deserve recognition too.
World Kindness Day
November 13– Show the kinder side of yourself. We all have one. Remember to be kind and maybe you want to show random acts of kindness. It does not have to be anything fancy. Consider saying something nice to someone, maybe opening a door for someone, write a nice sticky note with a few words. Keep it simple. It is the thought that counts. Taking time to acknowledge or think of someone else is a good feeling. Being kind is also contagious and it might start a trend and make people smile more and lift up the mood of many. What do you have to lose? While you are being kind, don’t forget to also include yourself. We can be hard on ourselves at times.
Peanut Butter Lovers Month
Peanut butter is versatile. You can eat it any time of the day. It comes in the smooth variety or with peanuts (chunky). You can also buy it with the jelly mixed in already. It also is good for the heart and full of potassium and protein. If you love peanut butter there are many recipes out there to try. Peanut butter can be eaten plain, or in candy, ice cream, cookies, etc.
What do you call the fear of getting peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth? Arachibutyrophobia. Try saying that fast, five times.
Black Marketers Day
Black marketers in a meeting Image by Christina Morillo on pexels
November 16– National Black Marketers Day gives credit to often overlooked marketers in the black community. The success and efforts of black marketers often goes unnoticed. There are over 60% of black people in the marketing industry. On this day you can show support by shopping with black businesses. Despite the worth of the black consumer, underrepresentation still exists in areas of healthcare and banking. The magazines, Jet and Ebony were published through the Johnson Publishing Company, which is one of the first media businesses by black people.
November 24– The Thanksgiving holiday is a chance to bring families together over a meal. Usually, the main course is a turkey, but some families make ham or a roast. You decide, there is no right or wrong answer. We can also enjoy some good desserts like sweet potato pie, apple pie, ice cream, cobbler and cake. On Thanksgiving there are sports playing on television and classic holiday movies to enjoy. Give thanks on this day and enjoy a meal with friends, family and loved ones. Think about your blessings and all the people in your life and things that you are thankful for. Thanksgiving is truly a day of reflection.
Sweet Potato Awareness Month
Sweet potatoes are a healthy, starchy vegetable. What better time to bring awareness to sweet potatoes then the month of November; think Thanksgiving and sweet potato pie and yams. These potatoes can be cooked in many different ways. You can fry, bake, mash or boil them. They are often used as a healthier alternative to regular potatoes. The sweetness of them also means that you don’t need to add any additional sugar to give them flavor. The health benefits include vitamins A and C. They are also good for anyone trying to lose weight. Full of antioxidants and other nutrients, you can see why they are such an appealing food source.
Pomegranate Season
It is pomegranate season, and this fruit is packed with healthy nutrients. They are a tasty fruit but do require some work to eat. Be aware that if you spill any of the juice from a pomegranate, clean it up quickly. The juice from this fruit will stain your countertop, cutting board and clothing. Pomegranates are low in fat and calories but have high fiber content. The edible seeds of this fruit are sweet and juicy. Get some pomegranate in your life.
Looking into the Splendor Image by Mick Haupt on Unsplash
Looking into the splendor
Beyond the door I see light
Openness, growth and happiness
Beyond the door I see life
A place so full of opportunity
But, behind the door is another thing entirely
Behind the door there is darkness
Gloom, sadness and no excitement
Cross the threshold, into the light
Feel the openness as you entertain things outside of your realm of reality
Experience the growth, as you come to your own conclusion
Bask in the happiness, only you can make this happen
Life is all around us in physical form, but some rely more on the digital world
Opportunity abounds, just open your eyes and choose to see
Looking into the splendor
---O'Nika McGill---
Speaking to someone in passing
Saying, hello
They seem to just look over you
Like you aren't there
Asking a question
The silence creeps in
No one replies
Hello, is anyone there?
Being seen and heard
Not much to ask
Doesn't cost anything
No credit card or cash
Perhaps it's lazy lips
No need to part your mouth
In an effort, to be civil or kind
Just keep your head down looking south
Are you that self-centered
Too busy to speak
How does it feel when it happens to you
You are not so unique
Get out of your head
Come back down to earth
Live in the real world
Not in a fictional place instead
Too much of a burden to exchange a greeting?
To smile or wave to someone in passing
Just a simple gesture between people
Try it, it is not so fleeting
--O'Nika McGill--
Chasing away the chaos. Ever wonder when you turn on the TV if there will be good news? The war in Ukraine is still ongoing. Gun violence is still rampant. Gas prices are on the rise, once again. Food prices are steadily increasing. Housing costs are through the roof. Is there any relief in sight?
The chaos that goes on today poses a question about what to do to find some semblance of calm? One way to chase away the chaos is to stop watching the news. I can’t remember the last time I saw something good on the news. While it is imperative to stay informed about what’s going on, it is also sad and depressing.
Changing the world is no easy task but we can start with changing the way we see things. Look at things in a positive light and focus on that. It is very easy to fall into the negative zone and the gloom and doom takes over. Think of someone who always has something to complain about. Something is always a problem, or they are always, “in their feelings”.
Things may not be sweet all the time but there is always something positive in every situation. In some cases, people choose to focus on the negative aspect. Why is that?
Below is a previous article about inner peace. Maybe it will help with chasing away the chaos in your world. I hope it sheds some light and helps to turn things around for those going through a dark situation.
Majestic eyes
see many a thing
some of which
makes my heart sing
People take one look at me
they often wonder
is this a fierce beast
or do I see majesty
A big lion with small eyes
eyes that observe much
from a vantage point fit
for the likes of a lion and such
Such beauty in the wild
things that we ignore
slow down, take stock
these things you will flock
Flock to observe these majestic creatures
their imposing size, big mane
mighty roar, intoxicating gaze
among other features
A fierce beast or a big cat
what do you see?
---O'Nika McGill---
Written in response to Sadje's picture prompt #153
September 11, 2001 was a day of mass casualties and destruction. The United States was attacked by a terrorist group known as al-Qaeda. This act against the country not only changed the landscape of the City but also the landscape of people’s lives.
Compassion is what we need. Not only for people we know and people closest to us. But we must have compassion for everyone. I know it is not easy to do in every situation, but a simple kind word or smile can do wonders.
Transform your life by taking up a very different job or adapting a new way of life. Re-create is a verb which means that we have to take action. We can’t just sit on our ideas. We have to take action toward our goals. I know you heard the saying, “don’t talk about it, be about it”. It is not easy to start something new. Sometimes we need a little push or some motivation. The good news is that once we act on our vision and ideas, it gets easier every day.
Speaking from experience, it is hard for me to start something new, or just keep up with something that I know I should do. But once I get started it makes it a lot easier to keep going. After I force myself to do something I feel a lot better afterwards. Yes, I said force. Meaning that I went against what my mental was saying at the time and did the physical work.
Re-creating ourselves can come in several forms. We can take on a new hobby, start a business, adapt a new lifestyle, exercise more, eat a healthier diet, and we can elevate ourselves mentally also. Thinking in a different way can change our whole outlook on life.
Start by writing or typing some things that you have been wanting to do but never had a chance to start. Use regular pen and paper, use a note app on your cell phone (tread carefully with this one), use a whiteboard or your computer. Whatever is best and most convenient. The goal is to make it as visible as possible.
Next, think about the things you are good at. Think about your strengths and the things that just come naturally. After that think about the things that you are not so good at and would like to improve. Write it down.
Ask your closest friends and/or relatives to name at least 2 things about you that they think you are good at. By doing this, it may give you some insight as to what direction you want to go.
Re-create by taking on a new hobby
If you are a creative person who likes to make things, a new hobby may be just the thing for you. You might think about making clothes for yourself or other people. If you can draw you might become a tattoo artist. You might even think about painting portraits for people. If photography is your thing, start with that.
This newfound hobby may lead to you starting your own business. The possibilities are endless when you start receiving good feedback about your side hobby and people are liking what you do. Who knows where it might lead! Therefore, don’t wait. Start now.
Photography
Dare to adapt a new lifestyle
Adapting a new lifestyle will take some time but begin slowly. If you want to start exercising more, for example. Start off by walking or using a treadmill or stationary bike. Don’t try to do too much in the beginning. You have to work your way up and increase your activity over time. If you try too much in the beginning, it can cause injury. Also, you might feel frustrated that things are not progressing like you expected. This might lead to you quitting altogether before you even get started. We don’t want that.
Exercise keeps us healthy and helps us live longer. It keeps us out of the doctor’s office, and we are less prone to certain types of illnesses and/or injuries. Along with exercise we can also try to eat better. This is my struggle! I am a junk food junkie!!
Changing our way of thinking
Any action starts with a thought. So, as you can see, how we think dictates what we do. If we just try to see things in a different way and explore things from another angle, we discover so much that we have been missing.
Remember to re-create, if we want a healthier lifestyle. We have to stop saying it and then keep doing the same things. When we fall back into our old habits of not exercising, just remind yourself that this does not lead to the ultimate goal of living a healthy lifestyle. If you come home and sit on the couch or in front of a video game, stop yourself and re-direct. Get off the couch and start moving, doing anything other than sitting on the couch. Alternatively, if you pick up the video game controller, put it back and do something more productive. We have to re-direct our old way of thinking to form new and healthy habits.
In order to improve our diet, we have to do just that. When grocery shopping; don’t load the cart with a bunch of junk food. Try some healthier choices. Even though you might not like fruit, just think how much your body will love it and how much of an improved quality of life you will have. Indulging in a sugary or salty treat is ok, only on occasion. That is of course, if you have the goal to improve your diet.
Sum It Up
Think about it. Write it down. Research your ideas and any equipment you may need to get started. Take Action. Reap the benefits. You get the idea! It all starts with how we think. Making a change is not easy but we can do it! Do not expect immediate results, it takes time. Slow steady progress is better than no progress at all. So, start where you are and be consistent. You will not regret it.
For anyone who missed the show, Da Hip Hop Barbershop Presents on iHeart Radio- WDRB Media- The Voice of the Community. You can check it out here. Thank you all for listening!
The host, Ock the Barber will be interviewing me to promote my blog, Inspire By O’Nika. Topic discussion will include my posts on Hip Hop Music Culture of the 80s and 90s, Gun Violence- We Can Do Without It, Self Esteem and Why It’s Important and a host of other things.
A little about the show, Da Hip Hop Barbershop Presents. The host is Ock the Barber and he is also the owner of a mobile barber shop. As the name of the show indicates, the show is related to Hip Hop. You will hear Ock along with Louis Hicks, Jr. tackle some subjects like stress, ghostwriting and a tribute to DJs. Even if you do not listen to Hip Hop, you will hear about other things happening in the community. The show will not disappoint. If you want to hear some grown up, clean discussions and music which also includes other things going on take a listen to this radio station.
Da Hip Hop Barbershop Presents airs on Sundays at 12:00 am on iHeart Radio-WDRB Media- The Voice of the Community.
I want to give a big thank you to Ock the Barber and Louis Hicks, Jr for making this opportunity possible!
