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Kids’ Drawings Are Being Turned Into Beautiful Jewelry Parents Can Wear Forever

November 19, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Any parent will tell you that one of the greatest parts of parenting is seeing your child express their creativity in their own unique way. If you have young kids right now, then you probably can’t wait to see what art projects they bring home from school each day, simply because they created it themselves and it came from their own imagination. Now, imagine that you could turn those precious drawings into a timeless piece of jewelry that will always remind you of your child.

Kids’ Drawings Are Being Turned Into Beautiful Jewelry Parents Can Wear Forever

A Turkish jewelry company has now made this a possibility, helping you to keep your child’s artwork alive through beautiful, handmade bracelets, necklaces, cufflinks, and ornaments.

Many times, a lot of our child’s memories and creative projects get forgotten and tossed aside as they grow older, but now, you will never forget the special art that your child creates!

Yasemin Erdin Tavukçu and Özgür Karavit founded their Istanbul-based company, Tasarim Takarim, two years ago. These two artists have enjoyed every piece of jewelry they’ve created in that time, saying that they make “a single moment of someone’s childhood timeless.”

Instagram.com/tasarimtakarim

Tavukçu decided to start making jewelry from children’s art after seeing her own daughter, Serin, making her own artwork. She partnered with Karavit, a goldsmith and sculptor, to turn her dreams into reality. Now, the two receive artwork from parents all over the globe.

All their pieces are made of either gold or silver, and no two pieces of jewelry are identical. According to Tavukçu, they have to brainstorm to come up with unique ways of making each piece since all of the art is so different.

These pieces of jewelry don’t just benefit the wearer, however. You’ll also get to witness your child’s face light up at seeing you wearing their artwork as jewelry! For Tavukçu and Karavit, they agree that their favorite part of the business is simply witnessing a child’s happiness over seeing their art turned into jewelry.

Instagram.com/tasarimtakarim

If you want to get a piece of your child’s art turned into jewelry yourself, check out Tasarim Takarim’s Etsy page. It takes about a week on average, and will cost anywhere from $100-200.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

7 Amazing Health Benefits of Sleeping With Your Dog

November 18, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Ask any pet owner about the notion of sleeping with their dog, and you’ll likely get one of two responses: they do, and they love it; or they don’t, because it’s nasty/disrupts sleep/etc.

From an evidentiary standpoint, the data appears to support the former group. Many studies have been conducted that confirm the health benefits of sleeping with dogs. Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published the opinion that sleeping with one’s beloved canine can bring forth a number of benefits.

And there appears to perhaps be something to this. Nearly 50 percent of all dog owners sleep with their pet. As an aside, this is one area where the Chihuahua, Poodle, Schnauzer, and Terriers have the advantage: over 60 percent of small dog owners sleep with their furry, compact friend.

Dog owners that sleep with their pet may already be aware of the things on this list. Some of you may just start inviting Fido under the covers.

Why?

Here are 7 amazing benefits of sleeping with your dog:

1. A dog provides comfort

If you’ve ever cuddled with a dog, you can probably attest to the fact that there is just something so comfortable about the experience. Simple things like listening to the dog’s breathing, feeling their fur, etc., can bring about a strong sense of comfort. When this feeling is carried onto the bed, it may provide additional benefits. This may mean improving sleep, or strengthening the special bond that you have with your pet.

2. They improve sleep quality

In many cases, the physical and mental benefits brought about by a dog’s presence in the bed can result in better sleep. In general, dog owners feel a sense of calm and assurance when their furry companion joins them in the bedroom. Interestingly, some insomniacs have reported an improved sleeping experience once their dog began sleeping in their bed.

Of course, this can swing both ways. Some people simply don’t sleep well with their pet, and vice-versa. Still, it doesn’t hurt to give it a try.

3. They relieve distress

Most dogs naturally have an exceptionally attentive nature. They love being close with their owners. This fact, combined with the usual comfort that a dog provides, can be a great stress reliever.

The use of therapy dogs is a common practice for this very reason. Therapy dogs will often follow their owners into bed for treatment purposes. It makes sense, then, that your beloved pet can provide similar benefits.

4. They give us warmth

There really isn’t a whole lot of science behind this one. Dogs are just comfy creatures; their warm-bloodedness, rhythmic breathing and propensity for close physical contact are enough to manifest a feeling of comfort in just about everyone with a pulse.

Many of us like a sense of warmth when we sleep, which explains the two or more blankets/comforters/etc. found on so many of our beds. Accompaniment of your dog, then, makes perfect sense!

5. A dog can help with depression

Dogs often both give and receive a sense of unconditional love and loyalty. Someone with depressive symptoms is often void of this feeling, or doesn’t experience the feeling nearly enough.

It is also common for someone experiencing depression to have difficulty sleeping. Put two and two together, and a dog’s presence may just help alleviate some of those symptoms.

6. They provide a sense of security

Speaking of innate canine traits, many of them have a keen sense for protection. This fact, in conjunction with most dog’s excellent sense of sound, can evoke strong feelings of security and well-being.

While most of us love sleep, it is definitely when we are at our most vulnerable. Most break-ins and other crimes occur during late night and early morning hours. This is where having a dog to provide an added layer of security can help!

7. And…the dog benefits, of course!

Come on… SURELY you didn’t think we’d leave out a man’s best friend?

Your pup absolutely loves spending time with you. They also deeply miss your presence when absent. Why not give them the special feeling of sleeping with the person they love most in the world?

It will also assuredly deepen the already special relationship that you two have. This benefits both you and your pet!

11 Behaviors Women Show When They’re Truly In Love

November 17, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Women tend to be much more in touch with their emotions, and yet, they sometimes keep those emotions close to the chest. They don’t want to give too much away too soon. They are subtle and complex in their signals. Sometimes, guys feel like they have to be mind readers to figure out what is happening inside their women. But, when they are falling in love, they let their guard down, and the signs become more apparent.

Here are 11 things women do when they are falling in love:

1. She Cuts Out Other Guys

It is not uncommon for people to have more than one dating situation going on at one time on the dating scene. But when a woman starts to fall for someone, they cut out those other suitors. They are no longer accepting applications. The position has been filled. I appreciate your interest.

2. She Uses The Royal We

She starts thinking of you two as a couple and refers to you both in conversation as a single unit. You will notice that she uses the royal we. “We would love to attend” “We brought you a housewarming gift” She starts thinking of you as part of her team.

3. She Makes Plans For You Both

She starts making plans for you both to do things together. Besides that, she doesn’t just plan to go on vacation alone or with her friends. She plans to go on vacation with you. She plans to go to dinner with you. She’ll assume that you will want to do those things together. She is thinking of you and her as a team.

4. She Gives Meaningful Gifts

She doesn’t just give you a throwaway gift that anyone could have gotten for you. In fact, she puts a lot of thought into what you want, what you like, and what you would most enjoy. She listens when you mention that you like a specific band, tv show, style of clothing, or sports team. And she pays attention to the details and gets you something that fits you perfectly. It is the thought that counts, and she is thinking about you.

5. She Finds Your Quirks Endearing

Your friends may joke about your quirks. Your family may find those quirks annoying as hell. But she loves those weird quirks about you. To her, they are what makes you so uniquely you. She falls in love with those little quirks of yours.

6. She Thinks About You All The Time

She can’t stop thinking about you. She’ll become distracted because she is daydreaming about you and her. She finds concentrating hard because you keep popping up in her day-to-day thoughts. Also, she lets you know she is thinking about you. She will text you or call or DM to let you know she is thinking about you.

7. She Acts Silly

Your lady turns into a giddy schoolgirl when you are around. She feels awkward and clumsy. Perhaps she giggles about things that she usually wouldn’t. Her love and joy bubble up from within, and she cannot hold it in any longer.

8. She Misses You

Yes, you just saw each other five minutes ago when you walked into the kitchen to heat that burrito, but she already misses your company. She wants more of your time together. She wants more of that emotional high from being around you.

9. She Can’t Get Enough

Because being around you is intoxicating to her, she wants to spend a lot of time with you. She’s thinking about you all of the time, and she misses you intensely when you are gone. She wants to keep that high going, so she will be slow to say goodbye. She’ll linger long after the date is over. She will squeeze as much time as she can out of you before you have to go. She’s addicted to you and her growing love.

10. She Is Self-Conscious

She wants to look her best for you. She’ll take forever getting ready, picking out her clothes, doing her makeup, and ensuring everything is perfect. She feels self-conscious because she wants to knock your socks off when you see her.

11. She Tells You How She Feels

The biggest and most stressful thing (for her) is telling you how she feels. This is a big step as it makes her vulnerable to rejection if you don’t feel the same way. It takes a lot of courage to admit your feelings, but when she is in love, she doesn’t care. She has to tell the world how she feels about you.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

25 Etiquette Rules You Should Never Forget

November 17, 2016 by Power of Positivity

A collection of interconnected rules that implies good impressions in our lifestyle as we engage in social and business interactions is usually referred to as etiquette. These good manners evolve from time to time as they reflect our cultural norms and other ethical codes as rules in various groups or occasions.

Though we get to contend in a lot of arguments these days about etiquette; whether they still matter or not as some people believe that these rules of good behaviors are unnecessary or outdated. Whichever side you choose to stand, the fact is that; everyone loves to receive respect and care or consideration at certain times. In fact, you should never disregard these acts cannot that show courtesy and kindness.

If we choose to do away with these good manners, our societies would quickly see disrespect for one another, insults, cheating, and many more ill manners.

A lifestyle of respect, politeness kindness does a lot of good in maintaining sanity and respect in relationships and our societies as it shows in how we treat other people around us.

In some other ways, etiquette also shows the kind of courtesy and morals you conform to and if you fail in certain expectations of the expected lifestyle, you may be at a risk of sabotaging a good image or even your own success. How you conduct yourself is either impressive to a person or offensive to another.

Here are 25 Rules of Good Manners and Etiquette Everyone Should Know (And Follow!)

1. Timing is very important. Always keep to time when honoring a meeting, date, event, etc. When you show up late, it says so much about your personality and the kind of regard you show to important things.

2. Always take note of what you pick out of the refrigerator at the office; if you haven’t kept some food or drink in there you have no business taking anything out. Leftovers should also be thrown away rather than getting the refrigerator stocked with junk.

3. Watch your manners when you make use of the cell phone. Being loud on the phone is a lot of disturbance to those around you. You are more likely to cause some distractions or disrupt other people’s concentration.

4. If you RSVP for an event, you must show up. If probably you won’t be able to honor such an event anymore, you must have communicated that early enough or else you will be causing a lot of imbalance for the celebrant.

5. Your diet plans are for you; don’t bother other people with what you have to do or eat. If you prepare food for a lot of people you should be considerate enough to note that your diet isn’t the same as well as others.

6. When your family is invited to visit a friend, make it a duty to help with some clean up and rearrangements especially when the kids loiter and displace things around.

7. Never break up with your partner or announce a death incidence via text; you should convey some information face to face or via a phone call.

8. No matter how cute dogs are, aside from taking them for a walk it is not ideal to take them to shopping malls or places where it is uncalled for. Most times people do this just for the sake of gaining some attention.

9. While using an earphone, make sure it is well plugged to avoid a situation where it’s playing in your ears and at the same time playing on your device’s speaker. It can be discomforting to people around.

10. When inviting people for a party, it is unruly to ask them to come with their food. They can eat at home; bringing their food has ceased it from been a party.

11. Posting your personal conversations and arguments on social networking sites is poor etiquette. The drama can be done privately in your inbox rather than bringing such awful conversation to the public.

12. Lend books to people only when they ask for it. When you force people to read a book by giving it to them, you may put some guilt on them and in the end, you will feel pained that they do not appreciate the book.

13. During a dinner, it is offensive to be loud while laughing, talking or even to stare at other diners.

14. It is expected that a person who invites you to lunch pays the bill. However, you should keep track of your portion and be ready to pay to avoid embarrassment.

15. When invited to a party, it’s courteous not to bring any uninvited guests. It is important that you use some decency here.

16. As a gentleman, always open doors and allow ladies to enter first. And if you have a reserved table, the man should locate it and lead his companion there.

17. While you are at a dinner party, it’s advisable to leave your phone on silent mode or put the cell phone off. It’s better to respond to urgent calls by text rather than excusing yourself too often to pick calls.

18. Perhaps you come in late to a meeting, class or any other gathering. It is more honorable to find a seat behind where you won’t be causing some distractions rather than trying to fit into your favorite position.

19. As a commuter, an able-bodied young person should give an elderly person or a woman carrying children his or her seat rather than leave them in less comfort.

20. Men should only sit on public transport if no woman is left standing near them. Men should always give their seats to ladies.

21. When a man has a lady as company, he is expected to use the exit first and clear the way for her as he assists her to exit the building, train, bus, etc.

22. As a guest, it is not polite to refuse food. It is better to ask for a lesser portion rather than turning down the offer. If you are on a diet, it is more honorable to decline an invitation rather than accept it and then avoid their food.

23. Listening is very important. It doesn’t mean you must keep mute during a conversation, but showing a keen interest in the discussion and interjecting at an appropriate timing depicts that you are on the same page as your partner.

24. Show your good use of etiquette by greeting the driver when you board a bus or a taxi and show some courtesy by thanking them as you alight.

25. As a commuter, be careful not to inconvenience others with your luggage. Do not place your belongings on the seat next to you; if you can’t manage to hold them closely on your lap, you can as well put them under your seat.

The Most Important Trait Every Man Needs To Have In A Relationship

November 17, 2016 by Power of Positivity

The idea of Emotional Intelligence was first presented by two Yale psychologists in 1990 and explored a person’s ability to recognize emotions in themselves and others, apply emotions to tasks, and manage their feelings and the feelings of others. But how does this apply to a relationship? In long-term relationships, especially ones revolving around the creation and raising of children, a woman tends to be much more emotionally, physically, and financially invested in any relationship involving children.

If that relationship is to succeed, then it depends on the man’s ability to give, receive and communicate love. A committed relationship revolves around four critical abilities proposed in the theory of Emotional Intelligence.

Why Emotional Intelligence Is The Most Important Trait In Every Man’s Relationship

A man with emotional intelligence can recognize emotions

A man has to be able to recognize his own emotions. This requires some self-awareness and introspection about his emotional state. He has to know deep down who and what he is. He also has to recognize other people’s emotional states through body language, vocal tone, and facial cues. If a man cannot remember his own emotions or the emotions of others, then he will make emotionally inappropriate remarks or actions during very emotional times. He may joke at a funeral. Or he may wrongfully sling accusations at others.

Use emotions wisely

We all have changing moods or good and bad days. Someone with a high EI will be able to recognize when they are in a mood or emotionally upset and use those emotions to get things done without upsetting those around them. They will channel that emotional energy into something productive or work on something in a more emotionally conducive environment.

Understanding emotional intelligence

A man has to understand the emotional states of those around him. Relationships are emotionally complicated, and a man has to know how emotions evolve and be sensitive to minor variations.

Manage emotions

A man has to be able to manage his emotions and harness them appropriately. Emotions are a powerful energy source, and unchecked emotions can be a virtual volcano destroying every relationship around them. A man who manages his emotions well can take that volcano and turn it into a geothermal power station, providing warmth and power to those around him.

People with high emotional intelligence manifest through kindness, sincerity, affection, and empathy. In a relationship, these traits are crucial to its success.

Emotional intelligence begets kindness

If a man is kind and generous to those around him, especially to those unable to benefit him directly, he shows that he is not just another emotional vampire. Kind people tend to attract other kind people. A kind man will give back as much or more than they take in a relationship.

Sincerity

A sincere man recognizes his own emotions and is unafraid to express them to his partner. Being able to express genuine and honest feelings is a valuable tool in a relationship. Sincerity means the man is emotionally available and willing to risk being hurt to deepen the relationship.

Affection

A man has to be willing to express his affection openly. He also has to be able to receive appreciation from others. Affectionate men will have good, long-term relationships with their closest friends. Indeed, they give each other hugs and embrace open displays of affection with their partner and friends. Conversely, a man who cannot express or receive respect will have strained relationships with those around him and be closed off from his partner.

Empathy comes from emotional intelligence

Understanding and empathizing with another person indicates high emotional intelligence. A man that cries during an emotionally charged movie is a good sign. If he can connect emotionally with a fictional person, he will be able to do the same in an honest and romantic relationship.

Low emotional intelligence means that a man disconnects from himself and those around him. He cannot understand his emotional states, much less those he interacts with socially. He may be emotionally stunted due to early trauma and doesn’t get why others react to emotions the way that they do. Regardless of why, a man’s relationships depend on his ability to understand the emotional needs of those around him, understand his own emotional needs and states, and connect with others on more than a superficial level for his relationships to last.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

7 Amazing Health Benefits of Farting

November 16, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Society today is rapt with acceptable and unacceptable social behaviors. Most people will not point and stare at someone for farting, for example, as it is considered rude. Same goes for spitting, littering, yelling or otherwise acting uncouth in public.

Then, there is flatulence, what is most commonly referred to as farting. The majority of society views farting as gross – which it can be, and an absolute social no-no. Pretty much everyone that has ever cut an audible fart in the company of others will testify that its perhaps one of the most embarrassing moments of their life.

But, passing gas is a completely natural bodily function. Furthermore, it is absolutely necessary for a number of health reasons. Farting is a vital part of digestion, specifically when the gut needs to break down foods and eliminate certain by-products.

Here, we discuss 7 important health benefits of farting.

We’ll try to keep the cackles to a minimum.

“Although hydrogen sulfide is well known as a pungent, foul-smelling gas in rotten eggs and flatulence, it is naturally produced by the body and could in fact be in a healthcare hero with significant implications for future therapies for a variety of reasons.” – Dr. Mark Wood, Professor and Researcher at University of Exeter (UK) Medical School

1. It’s Good For The Colon

“Holding” any type of natural bodily reaction is not good for health; whether it’s urine, bowel movement, or gas.

In social situations, there likely isn’t much harm to holding in an embarrassing toot. Those with digestive issues, however, should know that holding in the body’s attempt to release byproducts of the gastrointestinal system is potentially dangerous.

2. It Helps Bloating

The feeling of being bloated is genuinely uncomfortable. This symptom is often experienced shortly after eating a meal, particularly a large one. It can lead to some uncomfortable stomach aches and pains, too.

Bloating may also indicate a buildup of gas that needs to be released. While the buildup of such gas isn’t usually harmful or dangerous, it can bring about much discomfort. This is where passing gas can immediately lessen bloating and associated symptoms.

3. The Smell Is Actually Healthy

Alright, so this one is kind of uncomfortable to explain…it’s actually kind of gross. But, again, it’s a natural, healthy benefit of passing gas.

Here’s why. When we pass gas, we release a small amount of a substance called hydrogen sulfide, which may be beneficial in thwarting off future illnesses. Studies suggest that the compound may also prevent cell damage and even prevent heart attack or stroke.

4. It Means Both A Healthy Gut and Bacteria Composition

According to Purna Kashyap, a doctor of gastroenterology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, “Eating foods that cause gas is the only way for the microbes in the gut to get nutrients. If we didn’t feed them carbohydrates, it would be harder for them to live in our gut.”

Dr. Kashyap refers to foods that are rich in fiber, such as beans and lentils, broccoli, cabbage, and kale. These foods improve our digestive functions, and also produce more gas.

5. It Can Help With A Balanced Diet

Yes, the gas that we pass may indicate the type of foods our stomach needs. Conversely, it may also indicate foods that we may be overeating.

For example, when we don’t consume enough fiber, we rarely pass gas. When overindulging on meat, our gas may give off a very unpleasant odor, indicating that we need to cut back a little.

6. It Can Serve As A Health Alarm

This is one of the more important benefits of farting. Interestingly, the characteristics of farts can actually help predict health issues in some cases.

Unhealthy characteristics of farts include: extreme odors, pains when passing gas, and an increasing frequency. These symptoms may help diagnose anything from food intolerance to colon cancer.

7. It’s Instant Relief

Okay, so this one isn’t all too groundbreaking…but it’s true, isn’t it?!

Gas buildup, bloating, and stomach pains can all be alleviated or reduced simply by letting out a fart. It may be embarrassing if we alert the coworker next to us, granted.

So, the next time you feel an extreme need to let one loose, go on ahead! Please, just don’t do it around me…

References:
Trionnaire, S. L., Perry, A., Szczesny, B., Szabo, C., Winyard, P. G., Whatmore, J. L., . . . Whiteman, M. (2014). The synthesis and functional evaluation of a mitochondria-targeted hydrogen sulfide donor, (10-oxo-10-(4-(3-thioxo-3H-1,2-dithiol-5-yl)phenoxy)decyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (AP39) [Abstract]. Med. Chem. Commun. MedChemComm, 5(6), 728. doi:10.1039/c3md00323j

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

Do You Swear? Here’s Why It Might Mean You’re A Genius

November 16, 2016 by Power of Positivity

“Yeah, there are 400,000 words in the English language and there are 7 of them that you can’t say on television. What a ratio that is!” – George Carlin

Please note that there will be no curse words in this article! You may continue reading!

*Or, if you’re looking for said curse words, please click on another one of our fab articles. Which there are plenty of, if we may say so.

Many of us know who George Carlin is. Many have an opinion on whether he was funny. He was certainly “vulgar, vile, rude, crude, lewd,” in his own words. Something that most people – fans and critics alike – will agree on about the late comedy legend is that he was brilliant with words.

Some call him a comedic genius.

And he swore…a lot.

Now, are we implying that every person who swears is a genius, or even intelligent? No. In fact, it may just mean the exact opposite. But there is a connection between cursing and intelligence – at least according to science.

One of the very interesting things about this apparent correlation is that popular mythology implies the exact opposite: people that swear like sailors are dumb.

Do You Swear? Here’s Why It Might Mean You’re A Genius

Well, many interesting things. In fact, the research conducted by psychologists Kristin Jay of Marist College and Timothy Jay of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts appears to contradict the old mythology that “people who swear are dumb.” This, despite the fact that both researchers hypothesized – as many do – that a propensity to curse does not have any linkage with intellect; and may just mean the opposite.

The study, published in the journal Language Sciences, may effectively disavow many of the previously-held notions about a person’s intelligence in relation to their swearing habits. Labeled as “taboo words,” the researchers made the following conclusion:

“A voluminous taboo lexicon may better be considered an indicator of healthy verbal abilities rather than a cover for their deficiencies. People who use taboo words understand their general expressive content as well as nuanced distinctions that must be drawn to use slurs appropriately. The ability to make nuanced distinctions indicates the presence of more rather than less linguistic knowledge, as implied by the POV [Poverty of Vocabulary] view.”

The researchers supplement this explanation with an overview of three main observations derived from their experiments:

– ‘Taboo word fluency is correlated with general fluency.’

– ‘Taboo fluency is correlated with neuroticism and openness.’

So, in other words. These smart folks reached the following conclusions:

– A wide-ranging “taboo” vocabulary is more likely to correlate with intellect than not.

– People who swear a lot often possess a rare, unique talent for self-expression.

– People who swear a lot often possess an aptitude for integrating curing words as a higher-level means of communication.

– Advanced knowledge and practice of “taboo words” indicates a presence of extensive verbal knowledge, per previous research on the topic.

– BUT, people that swear often have a propensity for neurotic thoughts and behavior.

Another interesting facet of the study: people that were able to conjure up the most curse words in 60 seconds tended to score higher on subsequently administered Intelligence Quotient (IQ) tests.

So…what does this mean?

Pretty convincing stuff. And potentially impactful.

It’s been known for years that language aptitude correlates highly with intelligence. Now, two prominent researchers may have effectively dispelled the myth that “people who swear are dumb.” Not only that, but they’ve taken it a step further by linking smarts with swearing.

What if this mindset catches hold? Will parents allow their kids to swear freely? “Aww, Charlie dropped the ‘F-bomb’…our little boy is all growed-up!”

Taken a step further, will such knowledge further challenge the traditional “societal norms” that are already undergoing a type of evolution? Do such findings potentially advance the capabilities and innate traits of future human beings?

It’ll be interesting.

Meet a 12 year old who enrolled in college and plans to join NASA.

George Carlin would be proud, indeed.

References:

Jay, K. L., & Jay, T. B. (2015). Taboo word fluency and knowledge of slurs and general pejoratives: Deconstructing the poverty-of-vocabulary myth. Language Sciences, 52, 251–259. doi:10.1016/j.langsci.2014.12.003

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

How to Flush Toxins From Your Fat Cells

November 16, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Our bodies accumulate toxins every day – it’s a natural, common, and everyday occurrence. From the food we eat to the air we breathe, we internalize and accumulate toxins. The levels of toxins can vary from person to person, of course. But even the healthiest person on the planet has some level of toxins internally.

Toxin: a poisonous substance that is a specific product of the metabolic activities of a living organism and is usually very unstable, notably toxic when introduced in the tissues, and typically capable of antibody formation.– Merriam-Webster.

The question then becomes: how do we get rid of them? And we should be asking that question.

Because toxins have the ability to disrupt, and negatively impact normal physiological and bodily functions. Whether we’re talking endotoxins – the toxins that line our bacterial cell wall; or exotoxins – those secreted by bacteria – they can cause all types of ailments, including diseases. Toxins can also increase the risk of cancer.

Red Flags That May Reveal a Buildup of Toxins in the Fat Cells and Body

Here are just some symptoms and effects of toxins in the body:

Blurred vision
Memory loss
Acid reflux
Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders
Weight gain
Back pain
Low testosterone in men
Joint inflammation and stiffness
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Increased risk of cancer
Headaches; low energy; depression; bowel irregularities; digestive problems; skin problems

Water-soluble vs. Fat-soluble Toxins

Water-soluble toxins are those expelled from the body via the blood and kidneys. Our body has the capability of eradicating water-soluble toxins effectively via urination.

Fat-soluble toxins are a different story altogether. These toxins which include food additives, pesticides, pollutants, preservatives, and even metals, must undergo a chemical transformation is order to be eradicated from the body. For this to process to be optimally effective, it is important that components of the gastrointestinal system – particularly, the liver – are healthy and functioning properly.

Prevention

Preventative practices are crucial for just about every known adverse health condition or element, and toxins are no different. While accumulation of toxins can’t be avoided altogether, mitigative actions can limit the body’s toxicity levels.

Here are a few ways to reduce our exposure to toxins:

1. Eat whole foods

As the major source of chemicals and toxins comes from food, it is important to know which foods to eat. Whole foods – those free from additives, preservatives and other artificial ingredients – can help reduce toxin levels.

2. Use chemical-free products

These include body care (e.g. soap, toothpaste), cosmetics, and cleaning products. There are products on the market that are either chemical-free or contain few toxins.

3. Use a water filter

Water treatment has come a long way, but it’s still not perfect. Unfiltered water can contain a number of harmful elements that contribute to the body’s toxicity levels. Industrial and agricultural processes have further tainted the water supply.

4. Perform a cleanse of the toxins

A number of natural body cleanses that exist can expel some of the toxins within our body. There are also prescriptive cleanses available that may be effective.

How to Release Toxins at Home

In normal circumstances, a healthy liver will eliminate most toxins through bile immersion. Bile is secreted by the liver and feeds the toxins to the gallbladder for emulsion. The small intestine then filters and absorbs most nutrients and refeeds the fats containing toxins back to the liver for removal.

If any of the abovementioned mechanisms is out of whack, the body will not effectively eliminate fat-soluble toxins. This is where flushing can help solve the problem. More specifically, we want to cleanse the liver and gall bladder. According to the Functional Wellness and Chiropractic Center, this method is effective.

Ingredients:

To do this, we’re going to use some ingredients with potent cleansing properties. Here’s what we’ll need:

1 large grapefruit OR seven lemons

½ cup of extra virgin olive oil

4 tablespoons (TBSP) of Epsom Salt

Directions:

(Note: please ensure that you follow the directions below carefully)

Step 1:

– 4-6 days before starting this cleanse, drink as much apple juice (or eat as many apples) as possible. On the last two days of this time window, drink 8 ounces of apple juice every 3 hours.

Step 2 (first day):

Between 2 to 3 pm, dissolve 4 TBSP of Epsom salts with 2-3 glasses of water. DO NOT DRINK. Pour into a container suitable for refrigeration.

DO NOT EAT anything after completing Step 2.

Step 3:

Approximately 4 hours after completing Step 2, drink a ¾ cup of the Epsom salt/water mix. (Optional: add ¼ TBSP of Vitamin C powder to sweeten the flavor). Read Step 4.

Step 4:

Repeat Step 3 approximately 2 hours later. Read Step 5.

Step 5:

3-4 hours after completing Step 3, pour a half-cup of extra virgin olive oil. Squeeze the grapefruit or lemons into the oil. Close the jar and mix well. DO NOT DRINK, but immediately continue to Step 6.

Step 6:

15-30 minutes after completing Step 5, drink. For optimal results, this entire mixture should be consumed within 5 minutes. Sleep.

Step 7:

Upon waking up, drink another ¾ cup of the Epsom salt/water mix and rest. Wait 2 hours and then read Step 8.

Step 8 (final):

Drink what remains of the Epsom salt/water mix. Wait 2 hours. Afterwards, you may continue your normal eating routine except for fruits.

How to Deal With Narcissistic Parents

November 16, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Opinions differ on the topic of narcissism. Is it a personality trait? Or is it a flaw? Do we inherit it? Indeed, the still-enigmatic nature of narcissism evokes many of these questions and more. In fact, narcissistic behavior is a mix of all the aforementioned.

But one thing that almost everyone can agree on is that loving a narcissist – heck, even being associated with one – is a tough thing. If you were to ask a person what either of these experiences are like, they’d likely not have too many good things to say.

Now, imagine being the child of a narcissist. How about the worst-case scenario? Being a child of two narcissistic parents? It goes without saying that this would be a tricky thing to endure. Almost assuredly, the child will receive emotional and psychological abuse, potentially resulting in psychological scars they will endure for the rest of their lives.

The Scars Resulting from Narcissistic Parents

Dr. Seth Meyers – a nationally-recognized clinical psychologist – elaborates on the somber reality in being a child of narcissistic parents:

“The reality of narcissistic parenting couldn’t be sadder: The child of the narcissist realizes early on that he exists to provide a reflection for the parent and to serve the parent – not the other way around.”

Dr. Meyers further elaborates:

“The problem with being a child of a narcissist is that it takes these children so many years of frustration and anguish to figure out that Mom or Dad isn’t quite right; until that point, these children are merely dancing as fast as they can, trying to please the impossible-to-please narcissist parent.”

Finally:

“It takes years to finally see that the type of parenting they’ve been receiving is wrong – if not emotionally abusive.”

In other words, children of narcissistic parents really have no childhood to speak of. They’re there to make the parent look good, and are predestined to servitude until independently able. The children experience years of psychological “anguish” before (hopefully) reaching the painstaking conclusion that something is very wrong. Of course, one can only hope the child can have some semblance of peace after such an ordeal.

How to Deal With Narcissistic Parents

People who endure the hardships of narcissistic parents often require some assistance. They might also need therapy to heal. That is those victims that actually realize it. Tragically, some of these individuals never fully comprehend the inherent damage from the abuse.

For those that did “recover” – or at least feel better – how did they manage to do so? As is the case with most (all?) types of psychological trauma, there is no one framework for recovery. This is especially true when the suffering originates from parental figures. This said, some guidance does exist that may help a person deal with the situation.

One particular type of therapy that has gained widespread approval from professionals is called Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT for short. The basis of DBT is formed from Buddhist meditation practices and techniques. Professionals quickly point out that DBT – as is the case with nearly all therapies based on Buddhism – is secular and non-religious. Further, one must not be well-versed in meditation to benefit from DBT.

Three specific practices form the basis of DBT: acceptance, dialectical, and mindfulness. We’ll touch on each one.

Acceptance

Applied in the context of DBT, acceptance is the realization that one cannot change past events. DBT states that humans prolong unnecessary pain and suffering by reliving the past.

Acceptance does not mean approving, forgiving, or overlooking the situation. Instead, acceptance teaches that if the past will not change, the future can– and for the better. With this in mind, the victim can move forward and enjoy a happy and prosperous life.

Dialectical

One definition of dialectical is “concerned with or acting through opposing forces.” DBT instills the belief that victims can improve while acknowledging and discussing the trauma experienced, in this case, emotional and psychological abuse.

The primary purpose behind this technique is to teach an individual to cope. More specifically, to cope safely and productively.

Mindfulness

The practice of mindfulness is perhaps the most ubiquitous in all of Buddhism and in all practices derived from Buddhist tenets. The University of California at Berkeley provides an excellent and comprehensive explanation of mindfulness:

Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment…we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them – without believing, for instance, that there’s a “right” or “wrong” way to think of feel in a given moment.

Perhaps most importantly:

When we practice mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we sense in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future.

As Dr. Meyers so eloquently states, being a child of narcissists is a tragic situation that often has life-changing consequences. The genuine trauma formed from years of parental abuse most often requires recognition and subsequent treatment.

To this end, results from DBT practitioners – including victims of narcissistic parental figures – look promising.

Final Thoughts on Growing Up With Narcissistic Parents

People who grew up with narcissistic parents often need support and understanding. In addition, they might require therapeutic interventions to heal the past pain. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), rooted in Buddhist meditation practices, presents a secular and accessible avenue for healing. The method is also good for those unfamiliar with meditation. By emphasizing acceptance, dialectical approaches, and mindfulness, DBT empowers individuals to confront their past, accept its very nature, and learn to cope productively. Whether one is striving to move beyond the traumas of the past or simply to understand their emotions without judgment, these techniques offer a transformative path toward a healthier and more fulfilled future.

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