Blog
Inspiration
Embrace Your Gift: Reflections from a Celebration of Life
Last weekend, I attended the celebration of life ceremony for my cousin, who was killed in a tragic car accident. It was hard. Sad. Heavy. And yet, somehow, beautiful. As people stood up one after another to speak, I noticed something that stayed with me long after...
What Empowerment Really Means — and How to Live Empowered
The first time I thought I understood the word "empowerment," I must have been about 10 years old. My late mom belonged to Soroptimist International — a service club of professional and businesswomen dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls by focusing on...
Six Life Lessons from my Sagging Exercise Ball
I looked at my old exercise ball today. I've had it for 20 years—it's been through countless workouts, moves, and seasons of life with me. Recently, it has been losing air, and I've had to pump it more frequently. Today, it looked deflated and worn, sagging in places...
Is it a Midlife Crisis or a Midlife Purpose?
My husband and I have a private joke. Anytime one of us wants to do something radical or out of character, the other will ask: “Is it a midlife crisis or a midlife purpose?” If we can defend that it’s purpose and not crisis, the idea gets the green light. If not, we...
Living Empowered at 50: Grace, Grit, and a Little Glamour
Reflecting on a Milestone Year Turning 50 and fully embracing grace, grit, and purpose. As I crossed the milestone of turning 50, I found myself reflecting not just on the years gone by but on the journey—quiet, steady, and deeply fulfilling—that has brought me here....
Praise Your Way to Better Health: The Health Benefits of Praise
Have you ever wondered why you feel lighter, happier, and even physically stronger after a good praise and worship session? Well, it's not just spiritual. It's science, too! Praising God isn't just good for your soul; it's also great for your overall health. Yes, you...
Time to Pause and Reset – Start Afresh in 2025
It is time to pause and reset because we'll enter a brand-new year in just a day or two. How did you do with your 2024 goals? Take a moment to think about the ones you achieved and the ones you didn't. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small. As for the goals you...
What do 50-year-old Women Talk About?
Have you ever wondered what 50-year-old women talk about when they meet? Last Thanksgiving, I had the joy of spending time with my sister and my old friend of forty years and counting. With a friendship that has lasted several decades and countless memories as college...
We Are The Best – How Resilience Turned Adversity to Awesomeness at Our Medical School Reunion
Last weekend, we celebrated our 25th year anniversary of graduating from medical school. Who would have guessed that we almost lost all hope ten days before the event? In fact, we seriously entertained the idea of canceling the entire event we had planned over the...
Can Exercise Prolong Your Life?
Can exercise prolong your life? Check out what 100-year-old doctor and professor of nutrition John Scharffenberg had to say about this. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Abimbola Odukoya (@doctorabihealth) "If you don't exercise, you are going to die...
The First Step – The Power of Starting Somewhere
Today, I saw a 9-month-old infant take her first step in my pediatric office. If you had heard our happy screams and seen the joy on the faces of the parents and me, you would have thought we had won the lottery. Why were we so happy? Because we know that that single...
Queens Take Action – A Group Health Awareness and Transformation Challenge
Actions Must Follow Decisions Queens Take Action is a story about women, once high school classmates, who are now challenging themselves to improve their health and wellness. "I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions." ― Stephen R. Covey....
All Work and No Play
"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." This saying, first recorded in 1659, emphasizes the need to balance work and play to avoid burnout and boredom. Studies show that choosing work and achievement at the expense of fun, enjoyment, and freedom does not improve...
7 Lessons from Oprah’s Weight-Loss Journey
Let's hear from her directly before we share these 7 lessons from Oprah's weight-loss journey. "I couldn't work out anymore. I can't climb any faster or run any faster. I was down to eating one meal a day. There is nothing else I can do." – Oprah Winfrey, March 2024....
A Woman’s Place is in the Home
As we celebrate International Women's Day, what do you think about the saying, "A woman's place is in the home"? It's a phrase that's been around for a long time, but what does it really mean? Generally, it means that women should only stay home and cook, clean, and...
What Age is Old? 5 Steps to Staying Forever Young
Many of my friends and former classmates are celebrating their 50th birthdays this year. Fortunately, Facebook, WhatsApp, and other social media platforms allow us to celebrate their birthdays with them, even if it's only virtually. Common compliments as we all view...
Assalamu Alaikum – Peace Be Unto you: Keep Your Peace to Nurture Your Health
"Assalamu Alaikum" is an Arabic greeting that translates to "Peace be upon you." Muslims commonly use this greeting to wish peace and well-being upon others. However, wishing one another peace is not restricted to Muslims. In fact, after His resurrection, Jesus Christ...
Begin Again – New Year, New Beginnings
Last year, a friend asked me, "How can I get back in shape? I tried exercising, and I failed. Can I do anything else to manage my weight and stay healthy?" And I replied, "You haven't failed at exercising. You only took a break, and you will get back to it." She later...
What is Merry About Christmas?
Have you ever stopped to wonder why we wish one another Merry Christmas? Why do we say merry only at Christmas? After all, we don’t say Merry Birthday or Merry New Year. How did the tradition of Merry Christmas start? The origin of Merry Christmas is not exactly...
Thanksgiving Calories: 4 Do’s and Don’ts After Thanksgiving
Did you know that an average American consumes about 4,500 calories during Thanksgiving? In fact, some researchers estimate the number of calories consumed during Thanksgiving dinner to be closer to 6,300 calories! Thanksgiving is always a great time to show gratitude...