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Now & Later

I can remember watching a program on the Discovery Channel a couple of years ago on child development and how much impact a matter of months can make on the cognitive skills of children. As i recall, there were two subjects, a young child of a particular age and another child about 5 months older than the first child. The researcher explained to both children that they had one of two options. Option one was to receive a small cube of chocolate at that very moment and option two was to receive an entire bar of chocolate after waiting for 10 minutes. Interestingly enough, the first child opted to take the cube right then and there and ate it on the spot but the second child thought about it and decided to wait those ten minutes for the entire chocolate bar.

Even though I'd watched this a while ago, it just occurred to me that even adults think this way and that all people tend to fall under one of two categories: the NOWs who seek instant gratification at the expense of missing out on greater rewards in the future and the LATERs who understand the importance of investing patience, time, and self control in order to receive a far greater and lasting reward in the future.

NOWs and LATERs live their lives drastically different from each other. from the following characteristics, decide whether you are a NOW or a LATER.


1.         


     NOWs AND MONEY
"Nows" characteristically will spend any bit of money they get their hands on on things they really don't need. They tend to waste money on "show items" or things that cost more than they really can afford.


     LATERs AND MONEY
 Laters (like nows) wants nice things and may want to spend carelessly but exercise self-control, save, invest, and are frugal because they understand that if they want to enjoy life later, alleviate the stresses of money matters associated with emergencies, and live comfortably without worry, they need to save now and allow their money to accrue interest.




2.


    NOWs AND RELATIONSHIPS
Nows tend to jump from relationship-to-relationship or have had many sexual partners because all encounters are based solely on attraction or some sort of gratification due to a longing or deep-seated issue. They usually end up repeating the same cycles over and over because of the anticipated relief of sex or the emotional comfort they receive, if only for a short period of time.


       LATERs AND RELATIONSHIPS
Laters are usually very careful as to who they start relationships and have sex with because they understand how much energy, time, and emotion it takes to carry a relationship. To avoid wasting time with someone they have nothing in common with, no coinciding goals, and nothing other than a superficial attraction to, they proceed with caution and are very selective. As far as sex goes, laters understand that unwanted pregnancies and diseases are more likely to appear the more they have sex, that sex is more than just a physical act, and that sex means different things to different people so they run the risk of complicating their lives if they misuse sex.




3.


   NOWs AND BEAUTY
Nows invest great quantities of money, time, and energy into enhancing their physical appearance (surgery, clothes, makeup, etc.) and invest far less in enhancing their mind and character. They tend to take (or consider taking) unnecessary risks (financial and physical) to acquire and maintain a desired physical appearance.


     LATERs AND BEAUTY
Laters understands that the outer shell ages and expires. They understand that investing great sums of money on the outside and neglecting the inside (spirit and soul) is not wise because they know that a noble character and a heart full of knowledge and wisdom have the power to echo throughout time. They will spend time reading, listening, analyzing, and learning. They will utilize character-building information and exercises and spread their acquired character, wisdom, and knowledge to others with the understanding that changing a life can change the course of history. 




4.


   NOWs AND ETERNITY
Most Nows understand very well that there is a place called Heaven and a place called Hell. Unfortunately, because they are so in love with instant gratification they choose to ignore the reality of impending destruction and replace it with a rationale that justifies the pleasure of doing whatever their hearts tell them to do. They live as if their own desires are God not truly realizing that eventually, they will have to be held accountable by the true God for every decision they have made and there will be no excuses. 




    LATERs AND ETERNITY
Overall, true "laters" order their steps in life very carefully, partially because they understand the rules of cause and effect (the other part is because they truly love God and want to do what pleases Him). They acknowledge that they sometimes have the same desires as the "nows" but they stand on the fact that not everything desirable is to be desired. They also understand whatever they sow is what they will reap, whether it be now or later. Ultimately, laters enjoy life but always keep in mind the realities of eternity and govern themselves in a heaven-bound manner. 


You get the idea right? So after reading and pondering on some of the characteristics of Nows and Laters, can you honestly determine which category YOU fall under? If you have come to the shocking conclusion that you are a "now", well, that's ok. You don't have to be a now forever and it's not too late to become a "later." Begin to focus your mind on what you desire your future to be. If you can, write it down. Make a list, a goals chart, or whatever you know will give you a reminder and inspiration to pursue and achieve your future goals. Then, order your steps in a way that will bring you closer to your future desires (or in other words, make every decision as if you future depended on it.) 
Be a later and get your chocolate bar, you'd have earned it :)

Forgiveness, Is There A 12 Step Plan For This?

I used to ALWAYS ask that question for you see, I can be a very concrete individual who needs clear concise instructions to give me an understanding of how to do a thing. When people would say "you need to forgive", my response was always something like "okay, i want to forgive but how do i go about doing it?" and no one had a clear answer. I'm sure you could imagine how frustrating that was for me. You tell me to do something but you don't tell me how.



Well, thats me. Some of us feel as if forgiveness is not something we should have to do or are willing to do, and some of you guys are like me, wanting to forgive but a bit unsure of how to do it. Well, YOU'RE IN LUCK!!! i figured it out (or at lease, i found a method that works for me)


BUT WAIT! i think its important to define the word and get a basic understanding of what forgiveness IS and IS NOT

to forgive is –verb (used with object)

1.

to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.);absolve.

2.

to give up all claim on account of; remit (a debt, obligation,etc.).

3.

to grant pardon to (a person).

4.

to cease to feel resentment against: to forgive one'senemies.

5.

to cancel an indebtedness or liability of: to forgive theinterest owed on a loan.

ok, let me address my people who don't think they should forgive. My excuses were "after what they did to me, they don't deserve my forgiveness" or "God understands, this person hurt me so badly" or " i want them to feel my wrath." if that sounds something like you then trust me, i understand you. i feel you. i get you. but if i may, let me approach you in three different ways explaining the benefits of forgiveness. Since humans are tripartite beings (spirit, body, and soul beings) let me touch on the negative effects of unforgiveness on all three parts of the human being. I'll keep it brief :)

PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF UNFORGIVENESS

 research suggests that people with vengeful personalities and a chronic desire to retaliate might put themselves at much higher risk for early death through cardiovascular problems.

Better Health Research shows that resentment and a general lack of forgiveness raises blood pressure, depletes immune systems, makes you more easily depressed, causing stress to the body.

MENTAL EFFECTS OF UNFORGIVENESS

. It also disrupts the harmony of the brain waves, making you less able to think clearly and to make good decisions.

unforgiveness resulting from intrapersonal transgressions may increase levels of guilt, shame, and regret that in turn negatively impact one’s mental health.

SPIRITUAL EFFECTS OF UNFORGIVENESS

Mark 11:25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

1 John 9: 9-10 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives......... So, forgive. You benefit the most from forgiving. 

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The Natural Woman Movement

What is a natural woman? notice, i didnt ask what natural HAIR was because i think we all know the answer to that. The first question has a more complicated answer.

A Natural Woman is by nature nurturing, intelligent/clever, innovative, charming, innovative, powerful, opinionated, and adaptive. Essentially, the descriptive characteristics combined with the physical attributes, and the splendor of femininity combine to create the illustrious natural woman.

NOTE: ALL women are capable of being a natural woman!

In pursuing my purpose, i've come to realize it is my duty to help every girl and woman realize her potential, help free herself from societal and social bondage, and to help ease the brainwashing of past and current generations, and help her discover and embrace the things that make every woman "uniquely her." Also, my purpose is to help all women realize their own purpose and to find fulfillment in herself and God.

Ive started a page on Facebook dedicated to furthering and informing others about this movement. please lend your support by following the link, pressing the "like" button on the page, and spreading the word. Thank you :) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Natural-Woman-Movement-anti-barbie-movement/174113862605616 - THE NATURAL WOMAN MOVEMENT

Apathy Died And Then I Cried

So today as i stood in the subway waiting for my train i noticed an apparently homeless guy walking past. He was slightly staggering, but not from drunkenness. It seemed he was hurting somehow. He looked dirty, his hair matted, but more surprisingly, he wore a red wool pencil skirt. Just reading those words could bring about imagery of comedy but this was no laughing matter, especially since it is freezing and wet outside. As he walked passed me moving from garbage can to garbage can looking carefully inside each of them for food, i watched him. Apathy wanted to creep in to say "you see plenty of these guys on the regular Candy. You will forget him when you look away" but i knew i had to help somehow. I usually don't like to give money, i prefer to give food, but i didnt have any so i hesitated for a brief moment. As he reached about ten feet from me and was headed towards to exit of the platform, something snapped in my heart and i found myself walking quickly towards him while rummaging through my bag for money. I called out to him, gave him some money, and spoke for a brief moment. When i walked back to my little spot, i couldn't stop the tears from streaming down and I tried to use my hair to hide the redness in my face and eyes. My mind started to race.

 I prayed for a while and i began to think about how many people need help. I saw a guy walking in the rain looking as if he had lost everything. He didnt even seem to care about the harsh rain beating down on his face/ a sea of people rushed passed him as if he didnt exist, that sea included me. I wondered "how could i be so cold? what happened to me? why didnt i try harder to help?" It tore me up inside but for a brief moment.

 Ive been told that begging is just a scam and you know what, maybe some of them are scammers, but i cant penalize the sincerely needy because of those evil people. It hurts me so much to think that there have been times when someone asked for food or money and i turned my nose up because of preconceived notions.  on judgement day, if God said "are you willing to bet your entry into heaven based on the accuracy of your judgement of this needy person's situation?" i am not so sure i would be quick to say yes.  don't get me wrong, there are people out there who obviously have a drug issue and to those people, i use discernment but for those who are asking for help, i have no right to turn them away. It's not fair. I'm so saddened by the state of our generation. Everything is about self. I am guilty of this mindset but i know change starts with me. How can i want mercy in my seasons of destitution when i choose not to show it when others are in need? Love needs to be my purpose. Love brings about change. Change begins with me.

Confidence, The Real Lady Killer? ohhh yessss!

Confidence, The Real Lady Killer

So the other day, i was browsing through Youtube to see what
 i could see :) and i ran across this video. i won't say exactly 
who was in it but i will say this, the video was featuring some
 guy impersonating a celebrity for fun. Now at first glance,
 i'm sure this guy would be considered as corny with his
 weird haircut (trust me, it wasn't cool), his nerdy outfit
 (not nerdy chic, just nerdy), and his lack of the physical
 appeal the typical handsome guy would have. All in all,
 he wasn't much to look at, and yet, all of my friends and i were
 swooning after looking at a couple more of his videos!!!
 the attraction to him was undeniable. WE ALL WERE
 READY TO SIGN PAPERS!!! (lol, j/k so it wasn't 
that serious but we were seriously swooning). Why is
 that you ask??? simply put, HE WAS SECURE IN
 HIMSELF!!! im telling you guys, he didn't seem to 
care what anyone thought of him, he just did what made
 him comfortable, in an unconventional way. sigh... just
 his "himness" was sooooo attractive. So i had to stop and
 think about how i could apply this to everyday life and help
 myself out as well as share the secret with some of
 my peeps.
     Ive always had a thing about being an individual. I need
 to be me and be the best me i can be but i'm not gonna lie
, sometimes, its hard, especially when you have the media
 trying to dictate to you what and who to think defines
 cool. While i struggle remain an individual, i see more
 of my peers succumbing to the pressures of acting, looking
, and talking like everyone around them in hopes of fitting
 in but i have some news for you guys... WE WERE
 NOT MADE TO BE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!!!
 Think about anyone who is truly an icon. ok, good. 
Now try to think about someone before them who
 was exactly like that person. Most likely, you will 
draw a blank. why? because people are intrigued
 by things that are different, unique, and possibly
 controversial. Micheal Jackson, Prince, Jesus, 
Mahatma Gandhi, Madonna, (don't focus on the order
, just the name and who they were lol). 
All of these people were revolutionary, different, introducing
 the world to something new, original, different, and folks ate.
 it. up!!! All i'm saying is this, being yourself is a breath of fresh
 air for this world. There are enough imitations; we were all 
custom-made, it;s time to realize it and bless the world with
 the unique views, gifts, and ways of doing things God blessed
 us all with.Guys, instead of trying to look and act like the
 next man, dress in what YOU think looks good and get
 comfortable with who you are, its only then that people
 will tuly be comfortable with you and i will guarantee
 that someone will be irresistibly attracted to you 
(that is unless, you are psychotic, hmmm, then again, you might 
find a chick who digs that too). That's the secret Just be you. 
Simple enough right?

Just a little song to get the inspiration flowing

Blend - Tonex

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-XSJNLDcL0

Yours Truly,

                    Sofystafunc ;)

Analgesics vs. Medical Marijuana. Yes, I Went There

                                        



Ok, before i delve into information, facts, and my opinions, i want everyone to understand something about me. I have never been one to just go along to get along, at least not indefinitely. I prefer to get a comprehensive understanding of what it is I proclaim as my beliefs. Ethics play a huge role in my proclamations as well. If you don't intend on reading this blog in it's entirety, reading bits and pieces will probably do more harm than good. Ok, lets get started. :)

Lets first gets some basic definitions out there.

Analgesic: : A drug or medicine given to reduce pain without resulting in loss of consciousness ( such as acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and aspirin, just to name the three most commonly used analgesics we will be focusing on today).


Medical Marijuana: Medical marijuana is used as a form of herbal therapy which is recommended for chronic pain or nausea. 


many of us are familiar with Tylenol which contains the active ingredient acetaminophen, Advil which contains ibuprofen, and Bayer which contains aspirin. What many of us don't know are the health risks involved in taking these drugs. Well, i've decided to do the research for you guys. Thank me later.






Acetaminophen: According to the American Medical Association overuse of acetaminophen is the leading cause of liver failure in the United States. While an overdose of about 7000 mg/ day can send you to the hospital, most people don't even think about consuming that much in a day. What we fail to realize is smaller doses can still cause damage to the liver and kidney overtime.


Ibuprofen: used to treat pain-causing inflammation can increase the risk of heart and circulation problems (stroke and heart attack). It can also increase a person's risk of acquiring intestinal bleeding and perforations (form of a hole) in the stomach and intestinal tracts. 


Aspirin: used to reduce and relieve minor aches and pains, reduce fever, and is a moderate anti-inflammatory. Some common effects of usage is nausea and vomiting. The more sever effects include but are not limited to hearing loss, black or bloody stools, breathing issues, and confusion. 








Don't shoot the messenger. 


Now, lets explore some facts about marijuana.

• There is no convincing scientific evidence that marijuana causes psychological damage or mental illness in either teenagers or adults. Some marijuana users experience psychological distress following marijuana ingestion, which may include feelings of panic, anxiety, and paranoia. Such experiences can be frightening, but the effects are temporary. With very large doses, marijuana can cause temporary toxic psychosis. This occurs rarely, and almost always when marijuana is eaten rather than smoked. Marijuana does not cause profound changes in people's behavior.

• Moderate smoking of marijuana appears to pose minimal danger to the lungs. Like tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke contains a number of irritants and carcinogens. But marijuana users typically smoke much less often than tobacco smokers, and over time, inhale much less smoke. As a result, the risk of serious lung damage should be lower in marijuana smokers. There have been no reports of lung cancer related solely to marijuana, and in a large study presented to the American Thoracic Society in 2006, even heavy users of smoked marijuana were found not to have any increased risk of lung cancer. 

•  Marijuana has been shown to be effective in reducing the nausea induced by cancer chemotherapy, stimulating appetite in AIDS patients, and reducing intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma. There is also appreciable evidence that marijuana reduces muscle spasticity in patients with neurological disorders. A synthetic capsule is available by prescription, but it is not as effective as smoked marijuana for many patients. Pure THC may also produce more unpleasant psychoactive side effects than smoked marijuana. Many people use marijuana as a medicine today, despite its illegality. In doing so, they risk arrest and imprisonment.

• None of the medical tests currently used to detect brain damage in humans have found harm from marijuana, even from long term high-dose use. An early study reported brain damage in rhesus monkeys after six months exposure to high concentrations of marijuana smoke. In a recent, more carefully conducted study, researchers found no evidence of brain abnormality in monkeys that were forced to inhale the equivalent of four to five marijuana cigarettes every day for a year. The claim that marijuana kills brain cells is based on a speculative report dating back a quarter of a century that has never been supported by any scientific study

AND WE CAN GO ON AND ON. 


oh yeah, before i proceed i will note, i am NOT an advocate for lawlessness AND IF ANYONE CONSUMES AN ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES DESERVES WHAT THEY GET IF THEY DO GET IN TROUBLE FOR IT. 


So, after doing the research, reading the scientific studies, and reviewing findings, i will say that i may be more of an advocate for MEDICINAL marijuana smoking. Some will argue that it can cause a chemical dependence, but HELLO!!! have you seen most of the population of the USA? most of us are hopped up on coffee, Mac Donald's, and the like. The abuse of anything will cause problems. I don't think it is the drug itself but more so the user. This is why we have binge eating disorders,  Also note that i used to word drug. I do indeed believe it is a drug because by definition, a drug affects the process of the mind and/or body and marijuana, alongside aspirin and cocaine do just that whether positively or negatively. 
     Overall, marijuana seemingly has more long term health benefits than detriments in contrast to pharmaceutical pain killers which seem to do the opposite. I am all about logic, morale, and the betterment of all people and if marijuana is a better choice for the AIDS patient suffering from AIDS related anorexia or if it combats the nausea associated with chemotherapy for the cancer patient without long term negatives, I say all systems go (as long as laws permit and if they don't, i think they should be amended). That's just me though...