Doing it despite the odds

overwhelming for many.

How do we remain motivated despite the odds?

I have spoken before about accepting ‘what is’ as a first step in dealing with this pandemic. Now is the time that we prove ourselves undeterred by challenges. It may be difficult, but you may have to ignore everything else and just do it. Completely focusing on a specific task at hand sometimes requires that you remove yourself from the ‘noise’ and zone in on what you alone must do. Of course, you may have to explain what is happening to those around you, so they understand that you need your space and trust that they do not take it personally.

Recognise, too, that you may have to overcome mental blocks or challenges and break down these internal barriers. We are sometimes our worst enemies and we see obstacles rather than solutions. Tell yourself that you can do it

Onion, garlic Sweet potatoes Turmeric

and when it seems impossible, do not be afraid to seek assistance or support. The tasks may sometimes seem daunting, but the important thing is to keep at it and, instead of feeling overwhelmed; build a mountain of positivity around you. Connect with positive people who urge you to continue and celebrate your little steps along the way.

I believe we have two choices in these times — FEAR or DESIRE. I remember being afraid of lizards as a little girl and the trauma I experienced sitting in the swing only to discover a lizard on the ground in front of me. I could not move, and no one was around to shoo the lizard, who was not moving either. I had to overcome my fear and jumped from the swing. Of course, the lizard ran away as soon as it sensed my presence. The fear disappeared almost immediately. I learnt in that moment that fear paralyses action and shuts our brains down. I urge you to choose desire over fear. A desire is really a want and wanting something motivates you to action and gives you something to look forward to.

We can forge ahead in these challenging times by defying the odds, to get up and go despite it all. This is not the time to lose hope, to become lost. It is a time of hope, a time to rise to the occasion and manifest all the wonderful things you have always desired by just doing it.

Coleen Antoinette is an arts educator and lover of culture and people. She is currently the director of marketing & communications at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. You may share your thoughts or own experiences with her at coleenantoinette@gmail.com.

also provide antioxidants which will also boost the immune system.

Garlic cloves are said to help treat the common cold and also have immunity-boosting powers. One clove contains calcium, potassium and sulphuric compounds that are powerful enough to wipe out bacteria and infection. Raw garlic is most beneficial for health, and in clinical trials it seems to lower blood pressure and cholesterol and kill parasites in the body.

Onions are excellent sources of vitamin C, sulphuric compounds, flavonoids and phytochemicals. Phytochemicals or phytonutrients are naturally occurring compounds in fruits and vegetables that are able to react with the human body to trigger healthy reactions.

The deep orange-yellow colour of sweet potatoes tells you that they’re high in the antioxidant beta carotene. Food sources of beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in your body, may help slow the ageing process and reduce the risk of some cancers. In addition to being an excellent source of vitamins A and C, sweet potatoes are a good source of fibre, vitamin B-6 and potassium.

Many scientists have described turmeric as the queen of spices,

the most effective nutritional supplement in existence, outranking a combination of several medications to provide superlative medical benefits for the brain, body, and skin. Turmeric has been in use for thousands of years, mostly as an Asian spice. The research on turmeric has been extensive; its effectiveness in curing everything from the common cold to cancer has been hotly debated.

Moringa

The moringa plant is of African origin and has been touted as the miracle plant. It has been in Jamaica since 1817 and is now found growing islandwide. Moringa has seven times more vitamin C than oranges, four times more vitamin A than carrots, four times more calcium than milk, and twice as much protein as milk. It has three times more iron than almond and three times more vitamin E than spinach. It is considered in many circles to be the number one treatment for high blood pressure and diabetes.

Fish

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and are especially high in fatty fish. Some good choices are salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel and tuna. Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain a healthy heart.

Y cousins’ dad — Aston “Oney” Shirley — was buried like a king in his very own mausoleum earlier this year. Nicknamed Oney because of a terrible accident that cost him his leg, Aston Shirley lived his life on one leg as if he had eight. There was nothing that he did not do. He moved about with his disability, exuding the same energy he did before the unfortunate accident. His youngest son did not know him with two legs and shared in a tribute how he only came to the realisation at twelve that his father had a disability when a security guard directed him to park his vehicle in the handicapped section. The picture of this man with his crutches swinging out of the driver’s seat of a big truck tells a story of resilience — a story of a man doing it despite the challenges.