F7LN: Fredi Nyashia's 7 Loves..Nstruments of Nspiration

Who would’ve ever thought I would write a post about a bike & link it to Black male educators? No correlation, right? Well, you’ll see..

The discovery of a crack in my bike frame the day before South Beach Triathlon, didn’t seem like a big deal, despite the serious concerns from the bike shop worker. I was in gorgeous Miami and excited about my first outdoor triathlon of the year, so my only response was “well, its the only bike I have & I’m doing this race.”

Post race & returning to Chicago, I began inquiring & trying to figure out how I was going to salvage or get another bike. Just as watching Facebook posts of people out on rides was starting to make me feel like the the kid that couldn’t go outside & play, here comes MTC3 (Major Taylor Cycling Club of Chicago) family to save the day!

Much love to James & Chuck! To call them bike enthusiasts would be the understatement of the decade. And to watch & hear them both make cases for me to choose between 2 different bike options was the equivalent of watching Serena & Venus go at it on the tennis court..lol. Two hours later, I decided on the faster option with some serious enhancements. Then I just had to wait about 2 weeks for the for the build and to get fitted.

Happily I can say, I recently picked him (yes, my bike is a him..lol) up and I’m too excited to get back out riding.

Now what does that have to do with Black male educators you ask? Well, just like my car, my previous bike, etc, I give them names. For the last day or so, I’d been pondering on what to call him. Since I feel like my new edition is more sleek, enhanced, and will allow for serious power & speed, I was leaning towards superhero names. After a little research, it just seemed to good to be true.

Born Jefferson Pierce, Black Lightning depicted as a teacher & principal from a crime-filled & violence-ridden neighborhood who acquired electrical superpowers, he puts to use his abilities to transform his community.

This past May 14th was the 3rd year since my dad, who was a teacher and educational administrator, passed and I recently have been setting the foundation for new initiatives transforming communities in honor of him. Recognizing the power of Black male educators, in particular to our young Black boys, is the reason Black Lightning speaks volumes. Black males, in particular, in these positions have a unique perspective & impact. My desire to uplift and see more means of transformation, as well as to portray and embrace this, is the reason, yes, my latest edition will be named ‘Black Lightning’.

And since my bike is black and blue, after seeing these images, it just seemed perfect.

My dad, not just an educator, but so much more will always be my superhero. So, not only do I hope to have a little superpower in my rides, but I imagine the thought of him being with me as I ride watching over me will not only make me smile, but also provide inspiration.

And to all the Black men serving to educate & uplift our children, perhaps sharing this will inspire you too. This is dedicated to you all.

You can stream “Black Lightning’ on Netflix.

Last week, along my Facebook feed was a link to a media outlet discussing the recent end of what had been termed a 17 year “feud” between Jada Pinkett-Smith and Gabrielle Union. It’s always interesting how the media & people can spin things to diminish the relationships between Black women.

In this clip (at 3:01) & articles, Jada nor Gabrielle could not even attest to anything specific happening between the two of them spurring them not to speak for almost 17 year. With people surrounding them both feeding into probably rumor and/or gossip, it took until recently for them to realize there wasn’t any basis for this supposed “feud”.

For this reason, I believe whole-heartedly in hearing from the horse’s mouth as they say. Even recently I’ve shared with family & friends dealing with conflict the importance of not putting much weight in innuendos, rumors, gossip, and he-said/she-said. It is hard to see people not coming together as a result of other people’s misunderstanding, personal interpretation, or even hidden agenda and this is common amongst us, Black sisters. All it takes is a conversation and as Gabrielle said letting go of pride or insecurity for us ALL to rise!

Everything happens for a reason, so as a result of this article, I’m able to write and encourage us to reflect and think on what we truly put stock into and hopefully open up the lines of communication, show empathy and understanding.

And as a result, in addition to seeing two or more sisters independently being great, imagine what can accomplish together. I’m embarking on an endeavor that will uplift & speak to not only Black women, but also men, our children, our voices, relationships, families, and more. In the meantime, I also want to share and encourage each other in love & grace with one another.

In addition to this, I have been blessed to see Jada’s recent FB release of “The Red Table” and encourage all my sisters to check it out. The pilot on “Motherhood” had me in tears as it was beautiful.

Be blessed today, queens..my sisters.

SOUTH BEACH TRIATHLON 2018…CHECK!
Now that this race has been completed, check out the video and images below as I give you a breakdown of how that day really went! It was a thrilling experience including pitfalls, successes, and waves of emotions (pun intended). And I must thank L David Stewart of Year 60 Photography, as well as United Healthcare for capturing such memorable moments of the day (see below)!!!

I decided to share daily clips of me as I prepare for my first outdoor triathlon of 2018. South Beach Triathlon. 4.15.2018 is the date and oh what I ride it is becoming…

Day 1: https://youtu.be/HrB5Zfnm01g

Day 2: https://youtu.be/vVIBc7Kl4Y0

Day 3: https://youtu.be/0yJi1sWBG_4

Day 4: See Day 5

Day 5: Part 1 – https://youtu.be/2ZxtE0JYUNE

Day 5: Part 2 – https://youtu.be/TtlY9bujC44

Day 6: Part 1 – https://youtu.be/-okN4W0mr8

Day 6: Part 2 – https://youtu.be/ziu2xQscZNA

Day 7: *RACE DAY* https://youtu.be/79G4G8ndbBg

On March 17, 2018, it was a blessing to have the opportunity to speak at the annual all women’s L.E.A.P. Conference. L.E.A.P., stands for Ladies who are Educated and have A Purpose. Young women, as well as a variety of generations of speakers, session leaders, and event hosts convened for some powerful moments of partaking wisdom & advice, sharing experiences, networking, connecting, praying and indulging in a true sisterhood event. Check out some of the captured moments from this awesome event!

Meet 4 other panelists from L.E.A.P. Conference

Speaking on living in your purpose..

Recently, I’ve been going through a few some music, tracks, videos and more, which have inspired me to revisit a few projects that I hope to finally move on this year. However, in the meantime, today I was listening to a song on which I was fortunate to lend my voice while working with my brothers, Race, Simeon & Jaytoo.

Recording “Ain’t No Words” was also an opportunity to engage with a few other ladies and friends, Shev Rock (my fellow U of I alum), Simone (who I’ve had the pleasure to do youth work with, as well as see her artistic talent in dance and stage) and Michelle, while in the studio. Recorded a few years ago, check out “Ain’t No Words” by Primeridian, featuring a track by Coolout Chris. Enjoy!

As we shift from winter into spring, many are getting excited to get outdoors and enjoy running, walking, playing and being active outdoors. Here I share my motivations and journey in becoming a triathlete recorded for the Winter Running Club. I hope that something may spark in you to get up, get out and get active in some form this 2018!!

Calling ALL young ladies ages 13-18 in the Chicagoland area!! You do NOT want to miss this year’s Annual L.E.A.P. Conference. On March 17, 2018 from 8am-4pm, this event will feature sessions for those looking to grow in the areas of professionalism and emotional/spiritual well-being.

I’m looking forward to presenting about Women of Color in Corp. America, yet additional sessions include:
– Be Your Own Boss
– Absent Father: Dealing with an absent or estranged father
– Balancing Relationships
– Sisterhood Defined:How to be a good sister
– Proverbs 31 Woman: The Power of prayer
– I Am Enough: Building our Self-Esteem

..and more!! Furthermore, all young ladies will gain a new sister and an opportunity to network with those who are experts in their fields. I hope to see you there!

This week on Friday, I pray to celebrate another year as the sun sets on the blessing of this past one and ushers in the promise of a new & glorious one. Ever since first hearing the song in this video, each time I hear it I would often think about my brother, Darrick, who passed at the same age that I am now. At the time of his celebration of life I would often think about how we say tomorrow is not promised, however, do we really do anything to act differently towards people in our lives to seize the time we are given?

It was then I started on the path of wanting to live life specifically engaging with loved ones and those whose lives have been a blessing. It’s important to take time to reflect, appreciate, and embrace either physically, verbally, or simply communicate to those we often take for granted…as you never know when you may no longer have the opportunity to do so.

To not wait to say “I love you”, to give a gift that says I’m thinking of you, to spend time with that person.

To not wait to do and say things to those we love so they know how much they mean to us.

To not wait to do the things that may touch, inspire and uplift them to bring out the best in them.

This video is one way of me expressing that, though everyone in my life is not in it, they are in my heart and often thoughts & prayers, not even knowing it. So as a reminder to myself and you as well as a birthday wish & hopefully inspiration to anyone reading this or viewing the video, take time every so often just to let them know their significance in your life.

“Imagine there was no tomorrow
Imagine that I couldn’t see your face…

..I wanna tell you something
Give you something
Show you in so many ways
Cause it would all mean nothing
If I don’t say something
Before it all goes away
Don’t wanna wait to bring you flowers
Waste another hour
Let alone another day
I’m gonna tell you something
Show you something
Won’t wait til it’s too late”

I share this as inspiration for all of us to not waste a minute, hour, day..not living life in purpose and intention to touch those who we have in our lives TODAY..NOW!

Song: “Tell You Something (Nana’s Reprise)” – Alicia Keys

I do not own the rights to this song.

About 3 years ago, I did a 10-day reboot to reset my system that consisted of sticking to fruits & vegetables only, juices, smoothies, soups, salads and meals prepped to detox the body. It wasn’t as hard as one might think because you had your sweet items though fruits, smoothies, and a cool apple-cinnamon-berry bake, as well as things like baked sweet potato fries you can season to your liking, and array of salads and hearty vegetable dishes.

With a focus on doing Liquids Only Mondays (#LLL) and 1 liquid meal a day for this month, courtesy of “28 Day Liquids (ONLY) Challenge”, I decided to share a few of my favorite juices, smoothies, and soups. If you are interested in the 10-Day Reboot, feel free to email me at fredinyashia@f7ln.com and I will happily send you a copy of it. PLEASE NOTE: Some of the recipes listed below are not from the reboot plan, but one I like to make.

Green Goodness
Spinach
Peanut Butter
Banana
Almond Milk
Add to blender or NutriBullet & blend.

Blue Lovin
*same as the “Green Goodness” but add Blueberries

Carrot-Apple-Ginger
Carrots
Apples
Ginger
Add to a juicer and extract the juice.

Green Detox Soup
2 garlic cloves
1 leek
small head of broccoli
6 kale leaves
1 zucchini
2 tbsp of olive oil
4 cups vegetable stock
-Chop garlic & veggies
-Warm oil on low heat, add leek & garlic for 3-5 min.
-Add the stock & remaining veggies & bring to a boil. Cook til zucchini is soft.
-Add salt & pepper to taste.
-Blend or process soup to your desired consistency.

Vegetable Blend
Chopped cabbage
Green Beans
Chopped carrots
Chopped green onion
Vegetable stock
Chopped potatoes
Chopped cilantro
Salt & pepper to taste
-Put all ingredients in crock pot to cook until veggies are tender.
-Can eat as is or blend. (If not blending,you can also add corn on the cob pieces)

Introducing Jefferson aka ‘Black Lightning’

The Power, Beauty & Love of Black Sisterhood

RACE REPORT: South Beach Triathlon 2018 [Video & Photos]

#SouthBeachTriBound: 7- Day Video Log

Powerful Moments at All Women’s L.E.A.P. Conference

Musically Inspired… “Ain’t No Words” – Primeridian ft Shev Rock, Nyashia, Simone & Michelle

L.E.A.P. (Ladies who are Educated & Have Purpose) Conference

Cherishing Another Year.. [VIDEO]

Reboot: Juices, Smoothies, Soups…