Weekly tips, affirmations, and small actions to feel your best.

7 Lakota Sioux Laws That Will Change Your Life

All eyes have been on the thousands of people gathered at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. The Native Americans and thousands of other supporters that have come from all over the world have been standing strong against the oil companies that want to see the pipeline through. After weeks of the Lakota people peacefully protesting in bitterly cold temperatures and brutal attacks from the police force, a miraculous turn of events took place.

The Army Corps of Engineers denied a permit that would grant Energy Transfer Partners, the company in charge of the pipeline, permission to build it underneath Lake Oahe, which supplies water to the reservation. The pipeline would sit just a half-mile upstream from the reservation’s boundary, and if a spill should happen, it would contaminate the drinking water for thousands of people. Because of the cultural and environmental sensitivity present, the Army Corps of Engineers will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to discuss alternative routes for the pipeline.

This is a huge victory for not only the Native Americans whose land, water, and very way of life were in jeopardy, but for the water protectors who stood in solidarity with them, as well as for our Mother Earth.

The Native Americans view all life as sacred, and we can continue to learn from them as we all work to heal the Earth together. We’ve listed seven values from the Lakota Sioux tribe that are central to their teachings, ceremonies, and beliefs, and we hope you can take something away from these valuable lessons.

The 7 Great Lakota Sioux Laws That Will Change Your Life

1. Prayer

Spirituality is a core component of life for the Lakota people. They believe Mother Earth is sacred, and so they honor and respect her greatly. They give thanks to the Creator daily through living consciously and also by praying to the Great Spirit. The Lakota people believe that the land doesn’t belong to us, but rather that we belong to the land. As such, they recite daily prayers of thanks to Mother Earth and Great Spirit for all they continue to bless us with and for the great privilege and honor of life.

2. Respect

Another central teaching to the Lakota people, they believe in honoring and respecting all life. The dragonfly is as sacred as the water, as the same force and energy run through all things on Earth. The Lakota people believe in helping others and preserving the Earth and the ways of the sacred as much as possible. They believe in peace, equality, and justice, and respecting all of our brothers and sisters, regardless of skin color or nationality.

3. Compassion

We all come from the Earth, so why treat any person or being with disrespect and lack of empathy? We all come from the same source, and the Lakota believe in treating everyone how you would want them to treat you. Care for others as you would yourself, because we’re all part of this circle of life. Compassion is important to the Lakota people, as they all work together and lean on one another for support and survival.

4. Honesty

Important to all Native American tribes, honesty is integral to their way of life. The Lakota work together as a people, and the system would not function if dishonesty prevailed. They teach their young to live a righteous path, and not lie to themselves or others.

5. Generosity

In this world today, we have greatly lost our sense of giving and generosity. We have the general mindset of “How will this benefit me?” or “What can I get out of this?” However, the Lakota people recognize that to give is to keep the Earth in balance, for we cannot just take, take, take and expect the planet to remain in alignment. They teach to give as much as you can, and to help your fellow brothers and sisters if they need assistance. Care for others like family, and only take what you need.

6. Humility

Another value this world could use much more, the Lakota live humbly and simply. They don’t believe in bragging or embellishing. They live according to the laws of nature, and nature never needs to overcompensate for anything. She just exists in her perfect harmony, without needing to show off or gain acceptance from anyone or anything. The Lakota believe in strength of character and honor, and both of these require great humility.

lakota

7. Wisdom

Finally, the Lakota value ancient wisdom and knowledge from sacred ways of life. They look back on the teachings of their ancestors and the great chiefs and leaders within their tribe in order to find the answers. Most importantly, they believe in the wisdom provided from the Great Spirit and Mother Earth, and never stray from the knowledge that this subtle energy imparts on them.

So, now that you know more about the teachings of the Lakota, we hope that you will take some of these important lessons into your own life. As a collective, we carry the responsibility of protecting and honoring our sacred Mother Earth. She’s everything, for she gives us life, nourishment, and comfort. Without her, we wouldn’t survive, and we can all do better to truly protect her. She’s counting on us now more than ever to take a stand and make a change.

Will you rise with the coming tides, or allow them to carry you out to sea? The choice is yours, but the victory at Standing Rock is only the beginning of a very long battle. We all must stand and work together if we want to make lasting changes for ourselves and future generations.

Wait For The One Who Truly Cares About Your Day…

In this day and age where we barely have time for each other anymore, finding someone who will make you a priority can feel like searching vast oceans for a long lost treasure. However, you don’t want to keep settling for less than you truly deserve, because that surely didn’t bring you happiness in the past. Sometimes, to get what we really want in life, we have to exercise a little patience along with a dose of positivity.

Not everyone we meet will rise with us along our own personal journey, and not every single person we have our eye on will work out romantically. Life is about trial and error, and keeping an open heart so that the right person can make a home there. You deserve the love you’ve been waiting on, so don’t settle. Not for something as meaningful and powerful as love, anyway.

Wait For The One Who Truly Cares About Your Day…

The one who will stay up late talking to you, even if they have to get up early for work or school. Because in their eyes, losing a little sleep sometimes is totally worth getting to listen to your voice and hear your thoughts.

The one who wants to know every little detail of your day, even the “boring” parts. The mundane parts of your day seem interesting to them, because they just want to know everything about you and your life. They want to take on your burdens with you, celebrate your accomplishments, and laugh about your crazy, hectic, stressful day with you. They just love hearing you talk, no matter what you have to say.

The one who will always text you “good morning” or “goodnight,” because you’re the first and last thing they think about each day. It might seem over-the-top or “mushy” to some, but to you, it’s a sweet and very necessary gesture. It means you have someone who will take a few seconds out of their day to check on you and let you know you haven’t been forgotten.

The one who asks you questions about your day, because they’re genuinely interested to know about it. They really want to know about your life and how every aspect of your day went; it doesn’t matter if you went skydiving or looked at rocks in Geology class. If it happened to you, they want to hear about it.

The one who calls you just to check up on you. These days, everyone goes through something almost daily. It’s a challenge just to get up sometimes, and by the end of the day, we have so much built up within us that it feels so comforting just to have someone to listen to our thoughts and frustrations. They get it, and they want to help you through anything you might face.

15181462_10154001738922371_2893339704160080515_n

The one who would drive for hours just to see you. Sometimes, you need to see each other in person, because a chat on the phone just doesn’t compare to the real thing. They totally agree, and don’t mind driving long distances occasionally, especially if you really need someone to talk to.

The one who would do anything just to cheer you up and see you smile. The one who truly cares about your day would go to great lengths just to make you happy, and they wouldn’t see this as a sacrifice or chore. They care about your well-being and mental health, and want to contribute positively to both of them.

The one who doesn’t expect anything in return. The one who truly cares about you will not have any expectations. He or she doesn’t want flowers, roses, money, time, a relationship, or anything in return for the kindness they show you. They just want to provide you with companionship and support, simply because they care.

Wait for someone who shows at least some of these behaviors, because this likely means that their actions and words are genuine. Wait for someone who listens wholeheartedly to what you have to say, not someone who you have to beg for attention. You deserve better, and you can only get what you want if you stop settling for less.

Powerful Advice From A Dying 24 Year Old

Most of us go through our days on autopilot, not really living, but merely existing. We have so much outwardly, but feel so empty and lost on the inside. We allow our minds to keep us up late at night, mulling over things that don’t really matter in the end, such as bills, money, what others think of us, etc.

Why do we do this to ourselves? 

Of course, none of us truly knows the answers and what happens to us after this life, and we’ve all been thrown into the same boat. How we navigate this life, however, and the choices we make along the way, define our character and existence. Our experiences and choices shape us, but many of us spend our lives locked into commitments chasing money and power and stability instead of digging deep within us.

We count down the hours on the clock until we can go home for the day, rest, and do it all again the next day. We run around all chasing something, and wake up one day wondering why we even chased it. It may not matter to you now what you do with each day of your life, but maybe this advice from a dying 24-year-old will give you a wake up call.

He posted his story on a Reddit thread, and ever since, it’s gone viral. We hope you will take some wisdom away from this young man, and realize that we only have a short time on this planet. We may as well make the most of it, and love and live as authentically as we possibly can before our time is up.

Read on for the letter, and share it far and wide if you feel inclined to do so.

Powerful Advice From A Dying 24 Year Old

“I am only 24 years old, yet I have actually already chosen my last tie. It’s the one that I will wear on my funeral a few months from now. It may not match my suit, but I think it’s perfect for the occasion.

The cancer diagnosis came too late to give me at least a tenuous hope for a long life, but I realized that the most important thing about death is to ensure that you leave this world a little better than it was before you existed with your contributions . The way I’ve lived my life so far, my existence or more precisely the loss of it, will not matter because I have lived without doing anything impactful.

Before, there were so many things that occupied my mind. When I learned how much time I had left, however, it became clear which things are really important. So, I am writing to you for a selfish reason. I want to give meaning to my life by sharing with you what I have realized:

– Don’t waste your time on work that you don’t enjoy. It is obvious that you cannot succeed in something that you don’t like. Patience, passion, and dedication come easily only when you love what you do.

– It’s stupid to be afraid of others’ opinions. Fear weakens and paralyzes you. If you let it, it can grow worse and worse every day until there is nothing left of you, but a shell of yourself. Listen to your inner voice and go with it. Some people may call you crazy, but some may even think you‘re a legend.

– Take control of your life Take full responsibility for the things that happen to you. Limit bad habits and try to lead a healthier life. Find a sport that makes you happy. Most of all, don’t procrastinate. Let your life be shaped by decisions you made, not by the ones you didn’t.

– Appreciate the people around you. Your friends and relatives will always be an infinite source of strength and love. That is why you shouldn’t take them for granted.

It is difficult for me to fully express my feelings about the importance of these simple realizations, but I hope that you will listen to someone who has experienced how valuable time is.

I’m not upset because I understand that the last days of my life have become meaningful. I only regret that I will not be able to see a lot of cool stuff that should happen soon like the creation of AI, or Elon Musk’s next awesome project. I also hope that the war in Syria and Ukraine will end soon.

We care so much about the health and integrity of our body that until death, we don’t notice that the body is nothing more than a box – a parcel for delivering our personality, thoughts, beliefs and intentions to this world. If there is nothing in this box that can change the world, then it doesn’t matter if it disappears. I believe that we all have potential, but it also takes a lot of courage to realize it.

You can float through a life created by circumstances, missing day after day, hour after hour. Or, you can fight for what you believe in and write the great story of your life. I hope you will make the right choice.

Leave a mark in this world. Have a meaningful life, whatever definition it has for you. Go towards it. The place we are leaving is a beautiful playground, where everything is possible. Yet, we are not here forever. Our life is a short spark in this beautiful little planet that flies with incredible speed to the endless darkness of the unknown universe. So, enjoy your time here with passion. Make it interesting. Make it count!

Thank you!”

Related article: 7 Reasons Why It’s Never Too Late In Life

References: https://www.reddit.com/r/GetMotivated/comments/2xc947/text_soon_i_will_be_gone_forever_but_thats_okay/?st=iwl4mslq&sh=e96a6722
(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

How to Flush Pounds of Waste From Your Intestines With Just Two Ingredients

Yikes, you have intestinal problems. Of course, you want to sort this out pronto. This will provide you with a natural remedy for the likes of diarrhea, constipation, excessive flatulence, cramping, irregular bowel movements, low energy, and a weakened immune system.

We could tell you that this recipe is absolutely amazing, how well it works, and generally become selling agents for it by pointing out its undoubted benefits. However, we are a “proof of the pudding” website, so you need to try it out for yourself to see how it works FOR YOU.

Without further ado, here are the ingredients.

This Two Ingredient Remedy Can Flush POUNDS of Waste From Your Intestines

Ingredient #1 – Kefir

Pronounced “ke-feer”, this is described by the website that bares its name as having a “tart and refreshing flavor similar to a drinking-style yogurt, but it contains beneficial yeast as well as friendly ‘probiotic’ bacteria found in yogurt.” It goes on with its explanation, “For the lactose intolerant, kefir’s abundance of beneficial yeast and bacteria provide lactase, an enzyme which consumes most of the lactose left after the culturing process.” It can be made up of the milk from the following sources: cow, goat, sheep, coconut, soy, or rice.

The kefir “grains” are a white or yellow jelly-like substance, making this ingredient unique, being the only milk culture to do this. It takes the shape of small coliflowers and some can grow in flat sheets the same size as a hand. The said grains ferment the milk and then are strained out.

care for your body

Ingredient #2 – Flaxseed

Looking like sesame seeds, only brown, the flaxseed has an array of health properties. They are anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, an antioxidant, skin-regenerative, and cardio-protective, and that is perfect for your large intestine.

According to Dr. Axe, if you take two tablespoons of flax, it is the equivalent of five grams of fibre, one quarter of the recommended daily allowance. It provides nutrients for the healthy bacteria in your gut so that it can aid your colon in cleansing properly.

***Note: If your body is not used to fermented products, it is highly recommended to start small and work your way up, but NOT to do it every day, as your body needs a break every now and then. However, keep going with it for two-three weeks for a cumulative effect.

Here is the recipe:

1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with about a quarter or third glass of kefir before breakfast and then again before bed (some people find it helps to first try kefir with meals, such as a little amount with breakfast). Drink at least eight glasses of water per day as well.

Do it for a week or so and then skip for few days here and there to give your body a break. You can use it as an ongoing maintenance or do it periodically.

https://youtu.be/yG-G9_LOkLA

Bibliography:
Author unknown, What is Kefir?
http://www.kefir.net/what-is-kefir/
Author unknown, 10 Flax Seed Benefits and Nutrition Facts
Dr. Axe https://draxe.com/10-flax-seed-benefits-nutrition-facts/
(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

5 Signs Your Relationship Will Make It Through The Holidays

The holidays can be rough on everyone. Your routine is disrupted. Money is tight from travel expenses to presents. Travel itself can be extremely stressful with flight delays and cancellations, traffic jams and booked hotels. Then, there are the relatives you only see once or twice a year. Spending time with your own relatives and introducing a new partner can be fraught with embarrassing stories and heated family discussions. Then, there is meeting and spending time with your partner’s relatives.

It is like moving through a social minefield. The holidays can put an abnormal amount of stress on a relationship, especially when they are new and you and your partner are still figuring some things out. So, how can you tell if your relationship can make it through this minefield without blowing up in your face?

Your relationship will make it through the holidays if…

You Both Roll With It

Don’t resist the kookiness of your family or get upset when they embarrass you. Roll with it. Don’t take yourself so seriously. If you can absorb the slings and arrows of your family’s outrageous behavior, it will keep things light and funny rather than tense and awkward for your partner. They don’t know your family and will take their social cues from you. If you get upset, then they will get upset and possibly poison the well for years to come. If you and your family fight and show your butt to each other, it may send a message that this is the way you will act in your potential future family with your partner. If you and your family make it awkward or tense for your partner, they may decide that it isn’t the kind of family they want to be a part of. Keep things light and avoid intense topics like religion, politics and family drama.

You Embrace the Chaos

Holidays are chaotic and things will go wrong. There will be travel delays. There will be snafus and mistakes on all sides. You will forget things. Don’t let these things upset you or ruin the enjoyment you and your partner have together. If you are a giant ball of seething anger and frustration for the entire trip, then your partner may decide that you two are not compatible. Don’t let things get to you and keep your emotions in check. Don’t try to control everything. Be calm. Look on the bright side of things even when they go wrong; and they will go wrong, so prepare yourself.

You Stand Back-to-Back

Your families are going to stress you out, along with the travel and money. Don’t take out the stress of the holidays on each other. It is easy to lash out in frustration at the closest person to you precisely because of their proximity. Resist the urge. Protect each other from your family and their specific issues. If you want to survive as a couple, then you have to have each others’ backs. Be your partner’s defender if your family is too judgmental, or ritual hazing gets a little too intense. If you join in the fun and games at your partner’s expense, then you just ended your relationship. This can be a make-or-break moment. Choose wisely.

You Remember Why You Love Each Other

Sometimes, we spend the holidays with people we have been in a relationship with for just a short time. During the holidays, we get a chance to see our partners without rose-colored glasses. The family will bring up your partner’s warts and shove them in your face. How you deal with this microscopic inspection of your partner and your relationship will determine if you want to continue seeing each other after the holidays.

You Get Prepared For Lots of Questions

There will be close scrutiny of your relationship from relatives and friends. This can be a lot of strain on a new relationship. Hell, it can be a lot of strain on an old relationship. Be prepared with your responses to common questions about how you met, where do you see yourself in the future, what kind of work you do and where you went to school. At times, it will feel like an interrogation by a foreign intelligence service. They will compare notes, and if they catch you out on something, then your relationship could be doomed. Be patient and be honest.

Related article: 5 Secrets to Creating A Great Relationship

Take it all in stride and stick together as a team. Set boundaries with your respective families and enforce them. If necessary, duck out for a few minutes, or hours, of alone time so you two can spend time away from the chaos and catch your breath.

References:
https://www.bustle.com/articles/197171-7-signs-youre-headed-for-a-holiday-breakup-because-it-can-be-a-make-or-break
http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20412109,00.html
(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

The Top Relationship Tips From A Happily Married Couple of 72 Years

If you simply search what makes a marriage last, you’ll find thousands of articles about the topic. Everyone wants to know what makes a relationship last in today’s increasingly stressful, confusing world, but no one knows better than two people who have been together for more than seventy years. Yes, you read that correctly…more than seven decades of being committed to one another and no one else.

Mr. and Mrs. Lombardi, one of the world’s most inspiring power couples, got married 72 years ago, and have built a beautiful relationship based on love, trust, understanding, and friendship. They’re more in love today than ever, even at 95 years of age.

They’ve given us some great tips on keeping relationships together, and anyone who desires a long-lasting relationship such as theirs should pay close attention to their advice. After all, no relationship counselor or book written about the subject could substitute for real experiences and wisdom.

The Top Relationship Tips From A Happily Married Couple of 72 Years

long talks

1. Always just choose love.

Some days it might seem harder than others, but you have to commit to love if you want to keep your relationship together.

2. Compliment each other.

Relationships can only work if you commit to being kind to one another. You have to build each other up, not tear each other down. Say something nice to one another every day, even if it’s just “You look beautiful/handsome.”

3. Have an active sex life.

Touch and intimacy are important in any healthy, long-term relationship. Even if you don’t have sex as often as you used to, try to make time for intimacy at least a few nights per week.

4. Live close to family.

You need to have other relationships in your life besides the one with your spouse or significant other. Make sure to stay close with family and share memories and experiences with them.

5. Eat healthy and be mindful of sugar consumption.

Mr. and Mrs. Lombardi still ride around on bikes, even in their 90s. If they’ve taught us anything, it’s to commit to your health even in your younger years when you feel invincible, and stay active. They both eat homecooked meals every day and eat out sparingly.

6. Say no to cheating.

Cheating can destroy even the best, healthiest relationships. If you’ve committed to someone, then honor that commitment, and don’t throw away gold for a cheap imitation.

 

15267930_10154011906962371_8428725983427831988_n

7. Don’t go to bed angry.

You have probably heard this many times before, but the Lombardi’s stand by this 100%. They say “just kiss” whenever you feel mad, and it will improve everything. Maybe it won’t always be that simple, but you can’t knock it ’til you try it, right?!

8. An argument doesn’t mean the relationship is doomed.

In over seven decades of being together, the Lombardi’s have probably gotten in countless fights. They say arguments happen in any relationship, but they don’t have to tear two people apart. Everyone disagrees from time to time, but listening and respecting one another’s point of view can make the difference between a healthy argument and a harmful, unproductive one.

9. Have respect for each other.

Obviously, any relationship must have respect for it to work. Always remind your lover how much you value and appreciate them, because they sacrifice a lot to make the relationship work.

10. Don’t forget to clean!

Mr. and Mrs. Lombardi believe that you should keep your home clean and organized. After all, a disorderly home likely reflects a chaotic inner life as well.

11. Commit to good parenting.

If you have kids together, treat them with the same love and respect that you show each other. Provide them with a decent education, and don’t pressure them into doing any one thing in life. Let them carve their own path, but show them the light along the way.

12. Marry good genes.

We don’t really think anything else needs to be said about this one.

13. Have a partner that shares your beliefs on faith.

Or, at the very least, supports your beliefs and takes the time to understand them.

14. Embrace both the good times and the bad.

It won’t always be smooth-sailing, but as long as you support one another no matter what, you’ll make it through okay!

relationship

Final Thoughts on Relationship Advice from a Long-Married Couple

They say to trust those with life experience. And if that’s true, then this long-married couple of 72 years has some wise advice for younger couples.

The Dark Side of Empathy: How Absorbing Emotions Can Drain You

Empaths, or highly sensitive people, know all too well the struggle of trying to balance their emotions in a world full of conflicting and intense energy. Most people would view empathy as a positive trait in an individual. But for an empath, they know the dark side of this innate characteristic. Being able to empathize with what another person goes through and offering support and understanding can literally save someone’s life, in some cases, but empaths take on the energy and feelings from every person they encounter. This gets deeply embedded into their consciousness, and can drag them down for weeks, even months, after the interaction.

What’s more, empaths don’t just absorb emotions from people they talk to. They can also take on the energy of their environment based on the sounds, lights, conversations, and overall frequency from each place they go to. Empaths sometimes view their gift as a curse, because it comes at a cost.

While we do need empaths, or highly sensitive people, in this world to help heal it, we also need everyone to look after themselves, too. Empaths tend to neglect themselves in order to take care of everyone else, and this is where the gift of kindness can quickly turn into a negative thing.

The Dark Side of Empathy: How Absorbing Emotions Can Drain You

Sensitive people just want to save the world, honestly.

They can’t stand the pain, suffering, violence, and oppression any longer. Instead, they want to see a world full of peace, love, and success for all, and because they must endure a reality that holds much of the opposite for many people, they get tired and lose faith easily. They have to take plenty of time to deal with the harshness of the world and process it on their own terms, and when they help others with their own problems, this cycle continues.

They absorb the emotions from everyone around them, and must take time for themselves in order to restore their energy. When any part of an empath feels imbalanced, it seems like an internal battle that they just can’t win. In a way, taking on the feelings and emotions of the world can burden them even more, which explains the curse of the empath in a nutshell. They want to save the world, but don’t want to lose themselves in the process. It’s a delicate balance that needs constant fine tuning and reworking in order to function, for both parties involved.

To give you a simple idea of how empathy truly works in the human mind, take this experiment done by Dr. Tania Singer, a neuroscientist, for example. In 2004, she and her team performed an experiment in which sixteen couples were placed in an MRI scanner. They gave a painful electric shock to the subjects, which caused physical and emotional pain. For the volunteers who had to watch their significant other in pain, the areas of their brains that control empathy lit up like fireworks.

However, many people feel empathy for those not even related to them. Take caregivers, nurses, and others who must cater to others’ needs on a daily basis for a living, for example. Many studies have shown that people in these professions often experience “secondary traumatic stress” as a result of dealing with patients regularly. They inevitably take on the pain and suffering of patients in the process of treating them, which can lead to emotional burnout.

However, how can people who are naturally more sensitive to other’s emotions and the world around them cope in an increasingly stressful reality?

Well, based on Singer’s research, the answer might be quite simple. Multiple studies done by her and her team suggest that compassion, not empathy, can help for people who feel especially affected by other people’s energy and emotions. Compassion means that you still care about another person, but that you don’t absorb their emotions and feelings. You care for them, but not with them.

Related article: Why Empaths Freeze Around Fake People

While this might seem harsh in a way, empaths must protect their energy and not spread it too thin. Empathy does no good if the people expressing it or feeling it must suffer in order for another person to have help.

“It’s not at all clear the world needs more empathy if that means experiencing another person’s suffering as your own,” says Michael Poulin at the State University of New York. “Doing that may simply double the world’s suffering.”

These Beautiful Photos Truly Capture What It Means To Be A Father

Many first-time parents get a little terrified before their first child is born, and rightfully so. All those little insecurities begin to pop into their heads about if they’re truly cut out for parenthood and if they’ve prepared enough for the tough but extremely rewarding journey ahead. However, unlike most stories you’ll hear in mainstream media about modern parents, plenty of dads out there give 110% for their children every single day, even if they have to wing it sometimes.

Dads might not know the little things, like how to put their daughter’s hair in a ponytail or how to get their son to stop crying in the middle of the night, but they always pull through for their little bundle of joy.

Give it up for these dads below, because they show us the beauty of fatherhood and prove that good parents still exist in the world today.

These Beautiful Photos Truly Capture What It Means To Be A Father

1. This Dad makes sure his daughter is fully ready for her dance recital by helping her put on makeup.

278905-10-600-53c212670e-1473437385

He may not know the ins and outs of applying makeup, but this Dad still tries his best to get his daughter ready for her big debut. He shows his daughter the importance of helping the people she loves to succeed, no matter what she must do in the process.

2. This father looks like he needs a good nap, too.

278955-11-600-53c212670e-1473437385

Both Dad and baby are tired, so why not take a nap together? He shows his baby that even adults need rest, too, and to always take time for himself even as he gets older. And, you’re never too old to wear a pacifier, apparently.

3. Cribs aren’t just for kids, right?

279055-13-600-53c212670e-1473437385

This Dad just wants his son to get a good night’s sleep, and doesn’t mind being uncomfortable if it means his son will get to bed quicker. This teaches his son that sometimes, you have to get out of your comfort zone in order to help others. He might also enjoy sleeping in the crib – I mean, it looks mighty cozy in there!

4. Even Dads need a fresh pedicure sometimes.

279205-16-600-53c212670e-1473437385

Dads will do anything for their little girls, even if it means getting their toenails painted bright pink and having to clean polish off the towels. He’s teaching his daughter that you sometimes have to let go a little in order to have fun in life and bring happiness to others.

5. This little boy can’t wait for his Dad to come home.

279255-17-600-53c212670e-1473437385

This Dad clearly spends a lot of time with his son, because look how excited he is for his Daddy to come play! This shows the deep bond between father and son, and illustrates the fact that even when you have to be apart, your son or daughter will always miss you if you’ve given them the love and attention they deserve.

6. Big smiles from both Daddy and baby.

279305-18-600-53c212670e-1473437385

This Dad is showing his bundle of joy what bonding truly means. You don’t have to do anything special; as long as you’re together, that’s what really matters.

7. You can just feel the love between this Dad and his daughter.

279355-19-600-53c212670e-1473437385

Dads and daughters have a very special bond, and these two are clearly best friends. This Dad is teaching his little girl the value of having a close relationship with your parents, even if you may not see eye-to-eye all the time.

8. Holding his newborn baby tight.

279405-2-600-53c212670e-1473437385

Newborns need even more love and care than older infants, and this Dad doesn’t hold back on love and affection. Truly a beautiful moment captured, as father and son get to know each other in those first precious moments of life. Erika Parker Portraits is a newborn photographer New Orleans.

9. Dads know how to be silly and make their kids laugh.

279505-22-600-53c212670e-1473437385

This Dad shows his son to never take life too seriously, and never stop being a kid. Take note of their matching Batman shirts, too – how adorable is that?!

10. This Dad loves his son just as much as any other father would, even if they don’t share the same genetics.

279555-23-600-53c212670e-1473437385

You don’t have to have similar DNA to have a strong bond, and that’s exactly what this Dad is showing his son. Love doesn’t know race or ethnicity – it surpasses all of those labels and constructs.

11. This Dad takes his baby everywhere, even to work.

279605-3-600-53c212670e-1473437385

Work doesn’t stop, but neither does raising a child. This Dad doesn’t neglect his fatherly duties, even if work calls. He’s showing his baby to never forget family, even in the midst of other responsibilities.

12. Music is meant to be shared, especially with your kids.

279705-5-600-53c212670e-1473437385

This Dad knows how important it is to expose kids to music at a young age, and he puts on a private concert for his baby to do just that. It doesn’t get much cuter than that, folks.

Related article: 10 Parenting Behaviors That Create Empathetic Children

Sources: https://www.instagram.com/daddydoinwork/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/doyin-richards/21-photos-that-depict-true-modern-fatherhood_b_5718727.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063

These Things Happen To Your Body When You Drink Enough Water

Water is life. Literally. Life as we know it currently is improbable without this precious liquid. All life on Earth requires water to one degree or another. Water is so integral to life that astronomers look for liquid water as a sign of potential habitats for extraterrestrial life. A human being can die as quickly as 24 hours from the lack of hydration.

Assuming perfect conditions, you might live up to 3-4 days without water to sustain you. You can go 30-40 days without food but water is more integral to our physiology. All of the chemical processes in your body require water to either carry out or facilitate. When you’re dehydrated, your blood changes from a thick red kool-aid into something closer to jello. As the blood thickens, it becomes increasingly more difficult for your heart to push that thicker fluid around your body.

Another property of water is its ability to incorporate chemical substances into its own makeup. If you have ever added a powdered mix to your water, then you have experienced that property first hand. Your body also incorporates a lot of chemicals into your body’s water. That balance of chemicals and water is necessary to carry out key biological functions like moving nutrients across the cell wall or from the blood vessels into the cells themselves. Your brain needs this fluid to facilitate the transmissions of electrical impulses throughout the brain and nervous system.

When you get enough water in your diet, some very positive things can happen:

health

Most of us feel we drink enough on a daily basis to keep hydrated, but the things we drink often dehydrate us instead of hydrate us. Coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks often contain caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic. What that means is that those drinks encourage the body to eliminate water from the body. Sports drinks can have a similar effect as they contain electrolytes, and drinking too much of sports drinks, can cause an imbalance in the chemical composition of your body. For every sports drink you have, you need an equal amount of straight water.

Increased Energy

Your body needs water to produce the sugars your body uses for fuel. When dehydrated, the body has trouble synthesizing these sugars and you feel tired. When you get enough hydration, your body’s power plant can run at full steam and you will feel energized.

Less Constipation

Your digestive processes need water to operate at full effectiveness just like the rest of your body. Water lubricates the bowels and facilitates the transfer of nutrients from the bowels to the bloodstream. Water also keeps the waste products moving on down the line. Less hydration means more waste gets slowed down inside the colon and small intestine. Digestive disorders often have their causes traced back to chronic dehydration.

Fewer Stomach Ulcers

The stomach is lined with mucus to protect itself from its own stomach acid. The mucus that protects the stomach is made up of 98% water and 2% sodium bicarbonate. When dehydrated, the mucus becomes thinner and less effective, thereby causing an increase in ulceration as the stomach acid starts to eat the stomach lining away.

Weight Loss

Sometimes when we are thirsty, we eat instead. If you drink plenty of fluid each day, your body will be able to process the food more efficiently and use the energy quicker, and you will fill your stomach with water and cause the sensation of being full. If you feel full, you will eat less. Water has no caloric value, and substituting hydration for a snack will decrease your caloric intake and boost your energy level. If you are more energetic and eating fewer calories, your body will be forced to retrieve energy from long-term storage and burn fat instead. You need about two or three liters of pure water a day to stay hydrated. Drinking more water will help your body flush toxins easier and facilitate your body’s normal chemical reactions.

weight loss with water

Better Mood

Your body needs balance, and when the hydration balance is off, you will feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. Your brain needs water to work just like the rest of the body. When dehydrated, you feel lethargic, apathetic and you will have a hard time thinking straight. This lack of energy can translate into a lack of enthusiasm for life, which can slowly slip into depression. By drinking water, you kickstart your metabolism, and with increased energy often comes an increase in mood. Your body will feel better, and so your mind will start to feel better as well.

Skip to content