Fortunes Food & Fitness LLC

My Story

It is early in the morning. I awaken, and I have just a few moments of quiet thinking time. I am not caught up by the stresses of my day. I am simply thinking. What do I think about? I find these times to be the best opportunity I have to discover who I am. I reflect on the days passed. I contemplate the future. I think about the world and the state that it is in. I wonder how all of these things impact me? I wonder how I can impact all of these things. It is my time alone with me. It is my time to commune with my higher power. Now, I don’t consider all of my quiet thinking time to be communion time. Sometimes I’m wondering what way I should style my hair, or what would be good for dinner, or just thinking of how I’m feeling tired. I do, however, try to make time daily to really speak to my inner self. During this communion time, I speak to myself about the world and life, my hopes and dreams, my securities and fears, my acquaintances and loved ones…so many things. I meditate over these things and seek guidance, validation, reassurance, and comfort. I am sometimes angry, sometimes happy, and sometimes serene. I am present and aware, I am detached and ignorant. I am curious, questioning, and seeking. I am listening, trusting, and obeying. I just…am. Some may consider this time prayer or meditation (or a psychotic episode if I’m speaking out loud!). At any rate, I consider it my time to speak with the source of my life.

My relationship with my higher power is definitely one in which I cry, laugh, scream, and talk…a lot. I love talking. Ask anyone who knows me! Listening is something that comes naturally to me in my professional relationships, but is more difficult for me in other settings, like personal relationships, and especially during disagreements. I am working on listening. It seems to get easier as I am getting older. When I was young, I didn’t listen because I knew everything. Now, I listen, because I don’t know everything.

Over the years, I have learned how important it is to develop my spirituality. It begins at home. My parents were the barometer for right and wrong, and they were pretty strict. I remember not being able to say words that sounded similar to swears, like shucks, and shoot. I was taught to share, and treat others as I wanted to be treated. I was taught not to speak if I didn’t have anything good to say. I was taught that children should not interrupt and that I must be patient as the world did not revolve around me (can you believe that the world still does not revolve around me!?). I was taught that I was to be obedient and respectful. I was to be a lady, and be worthy or respect and honor. I was taught that throwing a screaming tantrum would not end well for me, and that taught me self-control. I learned that family is important, and friends should be chosen carefully. I learned that your word and your character are valuable. I learned that discipline is necessary. I learned that one must be responsible. I learned to look after the little ones. I learned to take ownership for my own behavior…and misbehavior. I learned that one must set goals. I learned that if you asked daddy, “what does the spleen do,” he would answer, “you should look that up and write a report on it for me,” even though he knew the answers. That taught me how to find the answers to my questions, and the importance of my education. I learned that mommy could give you a certain look when you were in the store, and that that look meant fall in line right now (again, self-control). I learned that parents watch over you when you aren’t looking, and that they will do their best to protect you from the evils of the world.

I have wonderful parents who have instilled a lot of good things in me. I know what everyone does not have such a relationship with their parents. Sometimes, the damage from bad relationships at home impacts how we think and feel about ourselves. That is another reason why developing a strong spiritual base is important. It helps you to find out who you really are, and helps you to cope with life, both the good and the bad.

I know plenty of people who are spiritual, and religion does not play a major role in their spirituality. That being said, religion was a large part of my young life. I was raised a Christian and learned about the trinity, the anger and wrath of God, the sacrifices of love, the heart to forgive, the heart to serve, long suffering, humility, and grace. These things were firmly rooted in me. When I was young, I read my Bible almost every day, maintained a consistent prayer life, and was active in church through Sunday school, Bible study, and praise dancing. I was also a part of youth and singles ministries that engrained in me the importance of mentoring relationships, as well as the importance of supportive and loving environments outside of the home. Though I am not so religious any more, I am grateful for the things that I learned during these times, as they definitely helped to build my spiritual base.

I have since found an interest in Yoga and the spirituality involved in Yogic practice. I have made friends with individuals from a variety of religious and spiritual backgrounds and talked with them about life, love, faith, and God. I take walks in nature, and spend time with children and animals. All of these things shape my spirituality.

I am still on this journey, and plan to be on it for my lifetime…and maybe beyond. I am still learning that my way is not the only way, nor is it the best way, and therefore…I will not always get my way. I am learning patience. I am learning that most arguments are forgotten and are not worth having. I am learning that love really is the greatest thing, not being right, and not winning. I still have a lot to learn, but I am more aware, and day by day, if I am willing to be humble and work hard, I will continue to grow.

~ Cece

Tags: base, building, fitness, food, fortunes, religion, spirituality
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