Naturally Obsessed

submitted by Ken of SoulShakedownParty
Personal Challenges keep me sane. Knowing that I’ve decided to start something, endured the full period and started seeing positive results or changes- however small they may be, is a great feeling. So, I’ve decided that I’m going to do a personal challenge again in the upcoming month. In deliberation, I’m running back and forth through a mental list of the challenges I’ve done before, attempted or thought of doing, and trying to decide which one would be a good idea.

I compiled a list of 5 of these great challenges to share with my readers: 5 Challenges Everyone Must Try. Of course my list is female-biased but nonetheless, no one is excluded from trying any of these challenges.

If you are new to any of these challenges, doing it as a group challenge is probably the best way to start off. It is easier to stay on track because it’s so easy to lose focus at first. The idea of competition is also always a great source of motivation.


30-Day Squat Challenges have gone viral. Although I’ve never done a squat challenges, I used to include squats in my regular exercise routines so I know how challenging it could be. Squats are a great workout for your lower body and are among the few exercises that are super easy to do at home. The good thing about the squat challenges that I’ve seen so far is that they include proper rest days and the difficulty level increases. I know a lot of beginners are complaining about the pain of trying to walk the next day. Well..the old cliche No Pain, No Gain works well with exercise.

The 8-A Day or eight glasses of water a  day is something I try to live by. You don’t have to literally drink an eight ounce glass of water 8 times daily. What you eat, how much extra physical activity and your body’s needs determine how much more water you need. Water intake depends on individual needs. What I’ve learned to do is drink small amounts of water regularly or when I really feel the need to. Carrying around a bottle of water instead of buying juice also helps. It’s a hard habit to get into but it was really worth it after some time. Your body will really thank you later..

This was a personal challenge idea that I got from a book. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the title/author of this book. The aim of the challenge is to say something positive or give a compliment to someone you may not know too well (since it’s easier to be nice to people we are familiar with). This self-development challenge was an uncomfortable one at first since I’m shy with strangers in person. I know you’re probably wondering how giving someone a compliment makes YOU feel better. A compliment works positively both ways- for both giver and receiver. Try it..

The Eat Healthy Challenge  combined with the 8-a day challenge, has bigger and better overall health benefits. But it is my least favourite, most frequently attempted and least successful challenge to date. I love junk food. The End. Okay, eating healthy is a great choice and we all know that it’s something we should be doing so, but it’s hard right? Junk food is my weakness so I make up a million excuses. This is the one challenge that I’ve only attempted too many times to count. But I think that it’s also the one challenge that everyone should try- Including myself again. So, motivation anyone?

Ken, you've definitely motivated me! Especially the eat healthy, sweets are my weakness lol! On the outside I look pretty darn fit, but even a skinny chick can be out of shape. Lately I've been trying to workout and incorporate more veggies in my diet by way of juicing, but it's sometimes hard to stay focused. However, when I'm lacking inspiration I'll be coming back to this post. Thanks for sharing! -SHANA

"That being said, I think women who are completely gray are positively sublime. Whether cropped short or long and layered, every woman I’ve ever laid eyes on with a well-appointed sterling mane is at once regal and proud. They always strike me as being high priestesses of sorts; women who are light years beyond societal beauty norms so much so that they’ve created their own niche where they can be alluring and beguiling without having to get into the whole battle royale that is aging. They get the joke; what makes the hot chicks hot is that they aren’t slaves to narcissism. They have the moxie to take their vanity in moderation which gives them an air of wisdom and strength."

 

Read the full story HERE, it's a definitely a good read!

What are your thoughts on grays...Pluck and dye them or just let them shine?

 

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Who Am I...My name is Valerie. I have been natural for 3 years. My whole life I was told that I had unruly unmanageable hair. It has been a long hard journey. Once I thought I had everything down packed with the “Curly girl method”, I discovered that something still was not right. Well ladies, as if caring for curly hair isn’t hard enough, I discovered I am protein- sensitive as well. So right now I am on a journey to find what works best for my hair sans protein.

Whereabouts...I live in Orlando, Fl. I do not see many naturals on the regular but saw many at the 2011 Curly Nikki event. Hair History...I have been natural for a little over 3 years. I decided to go natural because I finally wanted to see what my REAL hair looked like.

The Opinions of Others...My mother was shocked at the fact that I actually went through with it and my older sister was negative about it (she is relaxed). I simply told them that I love the hair God gave me. My mother decided to go natural with me. My sister likes my curls but always comments on how she liked my straight hair better.

My Curl Routine...
**I do not use sulfates, silicones nor proteins in my hair**
-Wash 1x or 2x a week with a sulfate-free and protein-free shampoo, I wash in 2 sections
-De-tangle hair in front of mirror with conditioner (saves water). I use a paddle brush for ends and a big tooth comb for my roots. I de-tangle in 8 sections, 2 sections in each quadrant
-Deep condition 1x a week with my Hair Therapy Wrap -Put in leave-in conditioner (5 sections.. 2 in the back, 1 in the crown and 2 in the front)
-Seal with a oil or butter ** I stop at this step if I want to achieve a twist out
-Rack and shingle gel in (for a Wash and Go)
-Apply finisher
-Diffuse for a Wash and Go and Air dry for twist out
-Protect hair at night by sleep in a Satin Bonnet

Hair Goals & Actions I'm Taking To Get There...Yes I do have a hair goal! I would like to stop dying my hair and I want to get to bra strap length curly. I have a lot..A LOT of grey and I am only 22. I noticed that my new growth is healthier. So I guess I will have to deal with my silver strands. As for growing out my hair, I am moisturizing more frequently to combat dryness and break age. I am also playing around with protective styling.

Product Description: Giovanni Nutrafix Hair Reconstructor Conditioner with Eco Chic Technology. the damage is done...or is it? If you over-process your hair, you need deep repair. this penetrating hair reconstructor goes right to the heart of the problem, addressing the damage caused by chemicals and excessive heat styling, both of which can leave hair porous, raspy, weak. dull. Nutrafix fixes these problems by infusing protein. Put this fix in your styling mix so the damage will really be done.

Cost: $4.77 for 6.8 oz bottle @ www.LuckyVitamin.com

Cassel writes...

I'm a white girl who googled "Thayer's witch hazel review" and quite randomly came across your blog. Your stories moved me enough to anonymously praise your work- you've inspired me as a woman! Natural hair is a majestic, powerful thing. Glorious! I have no place to say this but, I don't understand why more people don't embrace their natural gifts. Keep up the great work.

"The piece was for a column they do where people write in and ask light health related questions. This one is about a girl who notices her vision declining because she’s been squinting a lot while texting." -Daniel Krall