Chafeeza

I was catching up with one of my sorority sisters and we agreed that while we want to remain in the loop, at times it’s overwhelming.

That convo inspired this soft reminder to protect your peace.

Yes, staying informed matters. But so does taking care of your heart & spirit.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”Proverbs 4:23

Old me was starting each day with “Breaking News” and it was increasing my anxiety level! Starving children, wildfires, loan companies garnishing wages, femicide, an uncertain political climate, job loss, men in power abusing women and extorting the mother of the women they were trafficking, streamers putting their hands on the mother of their child, tariff prices increasing and then the kicker video is a dog drinking its hydrotherapy water as it walks on a treadmill.

Before I even left the house for my 9-5, I was exhausted and I knew I had to make an IMMEDIATE change.

I switched to motivational speeches, gospel & uplifting music, affirmations, some mornings just a cup of tea & silence.

Think about it: When are you alone with your thoughts? When was the last time you just sat without your phone stimulating you?

I hate to say it but the elders are right, “The phones are the problem”. We do everything with our phones in hand, including using the bathroom. It’s too much!

Group chats, Dating Apps, Constant alerts, Social Media apps, scam text messages, and promo codes in your inbox. Again, It’s too much!

Try disconnecting. Just put the phone down for a while.

iPhone has a feature where you can monitor how many times you pick up the phone over the day. Try it. There are also timers you can set on certain apps where you only spend so much time per day. Try it.

I have limits set for Instagram & TikTok! Once that hour is up…. baby that’s it!

One of my favorite things about TikTok is that little reminder to get up and touch the grass if you’ve been doom-scrolling for too long. I can’t tell you how many insomnia-fueled TikTok nights I’ve had before creating and following a healthier bedtime routine.

Take a break

You are allowed to unplug.

You are allowed to be mindful about what you expose yourself to.

You are allowed to change what you are unhappy with.

You are allowed to say, “Not today, Satan.”

And if you can’t take a break, shift your fercus.

Listen to uplifting content

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Here are a few songs that I turn to when I want to lighten the mood.

“Golden” – Jill Scott

“Optimistic” – Sounds of Blackness

“Keep Ya Head Up” – Tupac

“Blessed” – Jill Scott

“Good Days” – SZA

Any song by Cleo Sol & Jhene Aiko

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During my commute, I’ve been listening to Go Higher by Big Sean on Audible & he shares his journey of faith, mental health, overcoming addiction, developing healthy habits, journaling & affirmations. He narrates it, it feels like we’re on the phone & I recommend listening.

It’s engaging. He guides listeners through prompts and guided meditation, provides facts & encourages listeners to put the phone down for at least 15 minutes to just breathe.

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Here are a few books that I’ve read and a few that are next up!

Inner Peace and Purpose

The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama

Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty

The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

Success and Mindset

Atomic Habits by James Clear

The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra

You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero

Manifestation and Healing

The Source by Dr. Tara Swart

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Letting Go by Dr. David R. Hawkins

Celebrity Stories

Will by Will Smith

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

More Myself by Alicia Keys

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It’s going to take a conscience effort to limit the consumption of negativity but you deserve a better quality of life.

This is your gentle reminder to Turn the TV off, limit the phone time, protect your heart, and purposely choose the positive.

And most importantly, don’t feel bad about choosing peace. It isn’t selfish. It’s necessary for your health.

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Final thought: About a year ago I was searching for a Fresh Start, I wrote and recorded this affirmation as encouragement. I’m going to record more!

Take a listen.

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Want more reminders like this in your life? Follow me on Instagram @Chafeeza or sign up for updates at Chafeeza.com.