Project Rook

Word on the street is that men are not qualified to speak on anything regarding the health or livelihood of women. That's all fine and dandy but since I am a women, I figured it's high time to discuss the deadly path we seem to be on as black women. There appears to be an ongoing "feminist" movement full of vitriol towards men, life and other women yet we lack the foresight to see or understand how, although well intended (by some), we are in fact contributing to the rapid decline of our own health and overall wellness.

As I mark the 50th episode of this podcast, I wanna take a moment to reflect on what Project Rook is, why I started it and what's the overall goal.

I know you've heard it, probably even said it, "If my grandma and nem ate all of the types of foods healthy folk want me to eliminate and they were just fine and lived long, why shouldn't I?". That's a valid argument, right? Or is it? Here's what we know: you are not your grandparents and your food now is different from their food then. If we're going to make comparisons based on the lifestyles of others, it might be wise to look at the whole picture, even the parts we can't "see".

Whether we want to own up to it or not, we, the parents are to blame for the declining health of our children. From before conception to the moment they are born we allow them to be bombarded with toxins and chemicals that affect not only their physical health but their mental wellbeing as well. If we truly care about breaking generational curses and leaving new legacies it would behoove us to act before it's too late.

We're on the decline people. Some of us are stuck on counting calories and macro/micro foolishness and others are stuck on getting the "right" numbers from our doctors. Meanwhile the most important aspect our our lives, wellness, goes unattended. Then before you know it, life is spinning out of control and you are seeking some substance or pill you to sustain. Newsflash, there is no true health without an intentional and constant pursuit of wellness.

What does the science say? That's a question I hear often so I figured who better to have on than a budding scientist?! This week we find out the parallels between science and our approach to food and health from the good brother, Tanei Ricks, PhD student and soon to be Dr. Ricks from University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

I don't know how many times we have to drive home the point that what and how you THINK is more important than what you eat. Yes you read that right. I believe the stagnation in our health is all rooted in one little, or should I say big, word. The v-word.

When we see fit people get sick or suffer from illness what should be our takeaway? Does this mean that sickness is bound to affect us all no matter what or does it mean we should take a closer look at what being healthy really means? Let's talk about it.

Are doctors needed? For emergencies or trauma? Absolutely. But for preventative and maintenance care who is more likely to aid you in HEALING your body rather than just covering up the symptoms? Let's talk about the real differences between conventional and alternative medicine.

There is sheer magic in not only recognizing but honoring the power of small wins. Yes it's true you must believe it to see it but it is also true that sometimes seeing a win, even a small one, is what you need to convince yourself that you have what it takes to keep pushing.

There is one fundamental thing you must have in order to really take control of your health. It is what you need in order to think independently and stand boldly in your conviction to ask questions and make informed decisions for you and your family. Here's a hint, you can't get it from your doctor or anyone else.

Let's have an honest discussion about detoxing and how much time is really required in order to detox your body. I think you would be shocked to know how long I've been on my journey to restore my health. I'm a witness that nature has the answer, but she does take her time.

How do you really save your family and friends? Those you see suffering from illness and disease. It's a lot of simpler than you think and there's only one common denominator that you need to focus on. Let's talk about it.

Cancer is 1)preventable 2)healable 3)not a death sentence. The information is available and the proof is there, the question is when are you going to open your eyes to simply consider that maybe what you've been told all along has been a lie?

Hey I know what you're thinking but don't argue with me on this. Aside from family, the church, and the ideals and beliefs it promotes, is one of the main barriers prohibiting you from REALLY creating a life of health and wellness. Results matter.

One of my favorite quotes is from Les Brown and it says anything worth doing is worth doing poorly until you figure out how to do it well. If you want 2017 to be different than 2016 or any other year, it's going to start with doing three important things! Let's talk about it.

Life is waiting to see if you have the ability to endure. Can you outlast the challenges, the disappointments and the frustrations that come in order to get the health, the life and the mindset you deserve? Take a nap if you're sleepy but avoid the game of mental fatigue at all cost because it alone has the power to take you out!

It has now come down to life and death. Fear has us ingesting poisons and cutting off our body parts all because of fear instilled in us by others. If you really have the power, why do you keep giving it away?!

How you wanna be free but you don't want to question anything you do? From national traditions to health, until you're ready to explore WHY you do what you do, you will continue to be a slave to the thoughts, beliefs and systems of others.

Times of challenge and uncertainty always exposes the imposters amongst us. It is now up to each and every one of us to choose which side we will reside in: Wellness or Weariness.