A Good Book and a Good Cup of Coffee

 Heading into month nine of my journey of adopting a healthier lifestyle, I am very pleased with the progress I've made so far.

These nine months have flown by. I've kept myself busy not only with working out and eating better, but also with reading, researching, and remaining open to trying new things. Exploring new ideas and experiences has been a lot of fun, and the best part is that I'm getting healthier along the way.

 This very unorthodox method I've come up with has been working well for me, and maybe—just maybe—it can work for you too.

 So far, my favorite activity is definitely pounding away on the heavy bag. A close second is sitting down with a good book and a good cup of coffee. Over the last nine months, I've lost a good amount of unwanted weight, built up my strength and stamina, and improved both my reading habits and comprehension skills.

 Without a doubt, the reading has helped my physical training as well. My focus and concentration have improved tremendously, and that carries over into every aspect of my life.

 I still haven't come across a health and fitness book that has truly captured my attention. As I've said before, for me it's not necessarily about what I'm reading as much as it is about reading itself. Just as exercise strengthens the body, reading strengthens the mind. It contributes to your overall growth, and I can honestly say that with every book I finish, my world becomes a little bigger and my abilities improve across the board.

 The book I was reading in this post gave me a real mental workout. Not only did I learn more about myself as a person of African descent, but I also gained a deeper understanding of the experiences and struggles of Black people in America.

 Having dealt with racism personally, I can tell you that its effects can be both damaging and long-lasting. For me, adopting a healthier lifestyle is about much more than physical fitness. It's also about growing as a human being.

 Love, understanding, and compassion for others—regardless of who they are or where they come from—are vital to our existence. I challenge everyone to read a book about a people, culture, or community outside of their own. By learning about the experiences of others, we gain a better understanding of one another.

I believe that if you do, you'll discover that deep down we are far more alike than we are different.

Thank you for reading.