“Come and Get Your Soul Food, Good, Old-Fashioned Soul Food”…

Those simple lyrics to a popular, old school hip-hop song by ATL’s own Goodie Mob have been fluttering through my spirit for a while. There’s something about food…spirital food, natural food and of course, soul food that does a body good.

Being a Christian under constant renovation, spiritual food and I have really gotten to know each other so much better over the last decade or so. I love spiritual food. I believe in Jesus. I read the Bible, pray, go to church and even in my daily failure, try to be aware of, and live in a way pleasing to God.

Being a blossoming “foodie”, I’ve taken a sincere affection to many things edible. Natural food and I are friends. I like cooking food, watching food being cooked and eating food. I spend time learning about food, visiting restaurants, challenging my palate and seeking new recipes.

Being a human, that’s subject to the pains of being human, I’ve come to appreciate the value of soul food now, more than ever. I’m not talking about fried chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, pound cake or potato salad. I’m talking about the kind of food that feeds your soul when it’s starved, deprived or despondent, or feeds it to keep if from any of the aforementioned. Spiritual food and natural food are often easier to receive and much easier to recognize. Our soul is so important. It houses our will, intellect, morals and emotions. Soul food is a must! And strategically enough, what happens with the natural food and spiritual food we intake also affects our soul. But what do we do about finding food for our soul?

• Get appropriate rest and ample relaxation.
• Take breaks to enjoy life and be refreshed.
• Seek help for what hurts you.
• Surround yourself with positive people.
• Be honest with yourself about your struggles.
• Hear the wisdom of others as they lovingly point out areas of opportunity in your life.
• Don’t be afraid to do how you “do you” differently if it’s going to help you, especially if you’ve seen it negatively affect you or those you love.
• Surround yourself with proof in the areas in which you struggle. Don’t be the juiciest grape in your bunch.
• De-clutter your mind. Rid yourself of things which rid you of the right things to think upon.
• Plan your day on purpose.
• Stay organized.
• Deal with tragedy quickly and as often as needed.
• Foster techniques to stay calm or be calmed. Count to ten. Say a quick prayer. Spin around on your head five times or whatever is needed to keep your inner peace.
• Think before you speak, type, respond or react.
• Fill your eyes and ears with good things, staying away from sights and sounds that will infect you rather than positively affect you.

@AngelaMMoore316