Gratitude seems to be a buzz word these days; however, it is a very powerful concept. Gratitude is defined as: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. The Bible says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
     We need to have an "attitude of gratitude" or should I say, having a heart of gratitude will change your attitude. It is so important to be thankful for what you have and not to dwell on what you don't have. If you look on social media, it looks like everyone is getting whatever they want. They're happy, they have awesome friends, they go here and there all the time. It seems like cost is not an issue.
    But pictures can be deceiving. If seeing pictures on social media make you feel insecure, ugly, and worthless, then, you need to stop comparing your life to what you see. You have worth and value. You have a purpose that no one on this Earth can fulfill; but, you!! You need to keep your mind dwelling on a positive state and not negative. "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." (Philippians 4:8, NIV)
     I am very grateful to have been given an opportunity to have two book signings at the Ballet Theater of Dover performances at Dover High School, Dover, Delaware. My book, The Tortoise Effect, went to #1 Hot New Release in its category within two weeks of being released in February, 2021. Thank you, Mrs. Emmons, for all of your support through the years of dancing at your studio as well as when I was writing my book.
    I am also grateful that people are contacting me and telling me how much the book has helped them in their present situation. It makes my heart happy to hear that I am helping so many people deal with the pain in their lives. God definitely gets the Honor, Glory and Praise.  
    While at the first book signing, the Podcast of, "Over the Rims Of Mugs," with Denise Harper was published for the community to hear at The Bridge, 88.7, website. I had given a copy of my book to the radio station upon its release in February and requested their feedback. Denise asked she could schedule an interview with me about my book in May, 2021. I was so excited, thankful and grateful that someone wanted to hear my story. My cup is truly running over for the opportunities that have really fallen into my lap.
    I am so honored to be the vessel that God is using to help people overcome their pain while using the strategies that are outlined in my book! Who knew, right? God using my experience with pain to help others through their pain. I am thankful to God for allowing me to go through this. My pain was not in vain!
    What are you grateful for today? List three things that you are grateful for right now on a piece of paper and put the paper in a place where you can see it throughout the day. Do this exercise daily to see how it will change your perspective in your life. 
    Take baby steps towards having a grateful heart. God Bless You! Juanita

I have anticipated this day since last year, 2020: The Opening Ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics. It was postponed for a whole year. I felt so bad for the athletes that would have to wait another whole year before they could compete and didn't know if they would ever be able to compete. Last year there were so many unknowns. This morning it happened!! I was up at 6:00 a.m. and got dressed for my workout. I had an hour before the Opening Ceremonies would start at 7:00 a.m. I knew it would be different. Especially, with no spectators.  I was ecstatic as the T.V. started counting down for the event to start. I love the music, the costumes, the staging, the culture, etc. And, then the Parade of Countries! I was overjoyed to see them coming in and holding their heads high. They were representing their country. To see their excitement as they came into the stadium was so surreal. They are the top athletes in the world.  The disappointment from last year was forgotten. The anticipation that these athletes have to be able to compete in a sport that they love: their passion. I was definitely taking it all in.

These athletes are on the top of their game. The best of the best. However, to get where they are was oft times a lonely road filled with a strict regime, diet, etc. Their road is filled with highs and lows. They have their hopes and dreams plastered forever in their mind. They don't dwell on the lows; but, know the lows will propel them to their highs. Nothing is going to stop them from their achievement: To be the best in the world, an Olympian!! These athletes have had to focus on the finish! No matter what situations come into their paths. "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Like them, we too have our stories. People will never know what we have had to overcome to be where we are at this moment. Everyone of us has had situations that we have had to get through. It's hard. It's rough. But, we did it. Let's celebrate the victories in our lives! Sometimes it is important to acknowledge the small victories and not wait for the huge victories. As long as we take baby steps and keep moving toward our dreams, we can accomplish them. Don't quit. Don't give up. Keep going. Keep your vision alive in your mind and in your heart. The sky is the limit!

     I have had a very busy June. I apologize for not blogging this month. I have had to finish the school year which included packing up my room and moving my "stuff" across the hall, a reunion on my mom's side, a reunion on my dad's side, a military memorial service for my dad, spent time with my family from Florida, helped back stage for one of the ballet workshop performances and attended a graduation party. With all this said, I am a surviver. It seemed a little overwhelming sometimes if I looked at it all at once; however, when I looked at what I needed to do for that day it was not so overpowering.
     I saw a marquis a few weeks ago that said, "Happiness is a means of travel NOT a destination." This is very thought provoking. So many people think that if they have this or that it will bring happiness in their life. In reality, we should have happiness on a daily basis. It all has to do with our attitude. I chose to be Happy no matter what the circumstances. I chose to be optimistic! "Happy are the people whose God is the Lord." (Psalm 144:15) "The joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10) "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7)  How do you see yourself today? Are you happy with your present state? If not, what is hindering you?
     Let's bring this attitude over as we deal with pain. Believe me, I'm not saying we should be excited to have pain in our body. Pain hurts. A body that has constant or chronic pain is always under stress. The body is trying to get your attention. But, while you are dealing with the pain you have a choice: to have a negative mindset or to have a positive mindset. I deal with pain every day. It is what it is. I am thankful that I know what I can do to alleviate the pain. I have to be consistent with self-care and make the most of what I can do and not concentrate on what I can't do. I can only do what I am able to do and not compare myself to anyone else. What mindset do you have?

   I am so excited that my book, The Tortoise Effect, is helping so many people that are dealing with chronic pain, whether it is emotional, physical or spiritual! Pain is pain! Everyone deals with it differently.  So many people have reached out to me to thank me for telling my story. It has truly helped them. For this, I am forever grateful. I am thankful that by me going through my pain, it has helped so many people already. And, my book was only released February 16th.
    The definition of chronic is: persisting for a long time or constantly recurring. I had never labeled myself as having "chronic" pain; but, since writing the book, I realized that was what I had. As i was growing up, I just dealt with the physical pain as much as I could. I knew I couldn't walk for long walks. I couldn't sit down for hours without getting stiff. I had to always be up and down. It's a wonder I could practice piano for long periods of time like I had to do in college. I just thought the pain was normal. Thank goodness that I liked to stretch. It's the best thing I can do for my body.
   One of my podiatrists said with his education and his experience in his field there is no way that I should be able to do what I do. He stated that my body had compensated so much that it can do things that medically I shouldn't be able to do. I just made up my mind to do things whether I had pain or not. Pain was not going to dictate what I could do or not do in life. I found ways to do things. I kept moving, pressing forward. I was trying new things to see if I enjoyed it
   It's important for you to keep going. Keep moving forward. Don't let pain limit you. Don't let pain define you. You CAN do anything. Sometimes we have to adjust our mindset so that we can move forward. Don't let life pass you by. Don't be a spectator. Be a participant. Dream Big. Keep moving.
   

The link below will take you to Amazon.com where you can pre-order, "The Tortoise Effect."

https://www.amazon.com/Tortoise-Effect-Juanita-M-Clendaniel/dp/1735588326/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

January 23, 2021
I am excited about my newest endeavor, writing. I started my journey in June, 2019. At this time, I not only was taking a weekly writing class with assignments to complete; but, also packing up my classroom and moving inside the school, painting five black boards (that I had never done before), organizing my new classroom as well as my house, teaching a music summer camp, and making time to go to four day trips.  That summer was doing a lot of things out of my comfort zone. I look back on it and don't even know how I did it. However, out of all of that busyness I learned to calm my body and to enjoy the process of having a summer to refresh myself. I learned that when you get out of your comfort zone is when the real magic and passions come out. This taught me to have a plan and work my plan.

I had ideas going around my head for writing a book and didn't seem to be going anywhere. An opportunity presented itself and I went for it. This class promised that when I finished the 12-week course that I would have a product: a book. I went for it whole-heartedly doing the research and assignments necessary to reach my goal. After writing and following my instructors strategies, I had a rough product at the end of nine weeks. Yes, nine weeks! I had no writer's block that so many people mention. It was a great experience. I would recommend this to everyone!

The book is about my life and things that I have gleaned from my experience. My hope is that it helps you through the process and lets you know that you are not alone. This website is going to have articles as well as other information about pain and exercises that I have found to help me. I am coming from my experiences and not from a medical perspective.

This is a new endeavor for me; therefore, this website will be constantly changing and adding new pages. Thank you for taking your time to follow me through my journey.

​Juanita 

Chronic pain. While it affects you physically, it also takes a tremendous toll emotionally and spiritually. There’s a massive struggle to keep your mind and heart in the right place while the body is healing or adjusting to new limitations. In “The Tortoise Effect,” Juanita Clendaniel shares how she came through her lifelong struggle with chronic pain and the startling discovery she learned in her 40’s about the root cause. While her physical body had limitations, Juanita rose above them to live a joyful and fulfilled life. In this book, she shares strategies to help guide anyone through their season of pain, and shows how to live free from the fears that often come with it. Your life doesn’t have to stop because of chronic pain. You can move forward, one step at a time, fulfilling your dreams and purpose!

Praise From Readers:

After reading The Tortoise Effect, I walked away believing that by trusting God, I can get through anything.  Now I realize that pain has a purpose, so I choose to endure it, holding fast to the encouragement found in this book!
—Deborah Brinkley, Pastor and Author

I thoroughly enjoyed The Tortoise Effect. Juanita’s testimony and encouragement is desperately needed in the era we are living in. So many people are stuck in their pain and this book shows anyone how to move forward. Slow and steady wins the race!
—Dr. Sharese Paylor