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11 Life Lessons From Bruce Lee

April 30, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Most people recognize Bruce Lee as a renowned martial artist and action film actor, but along with his incredible athleticism, strength, and poise, he also left behind many important life lessons. It takes a lot of dedication, determination, and willpower to reach the level that Bruce Lee did with martial arts, and many people have considered him one of the most influential martial artists of all time. Along his journey in life, he gained much wisdom that he shared with the rest of the world that we can still apply to our lives today.

Learn from these wise life lessons from Bruce Lee.

Here are 11 life changing lessons from Bruce Lee:

1. Live your life to the fullest.

“If you truly love life, don’t waste time because time is what life is made of.”

“Real living is living for others.”

“Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”

“To hell with circumstances; I create opportunities”.

“The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering”.

2. Embrace your mistakes.

“Don’t fear failure. — Not failure, but low aim, is the crime. In great attempts it is glorious even to fail.”

“Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them.”

“Those who are unaware they are walking in darkness will never seek the light.”

3. Your mind is the greatest enemy, unless you learn to master it.

“Defeat is a state of mind; no one is ever defeated until defeat has been accepted as a reality.”

“Do not allow negative thoughts to enter your mind for they are the weeds that strangle confidence.”

“As you think, so shall you become.”

“A quick temper will make a fool of you soon enough.”

4. Don’t try to control reality – just go with the flow.

“The great mistake is to anticipate the outcome of the engagement; you ought not to be thinking of whether it ends in victory or defeat. Let nature take its course, and your tools will strike at the right moment.”

“In order to control myself I must first accept myself by going with and not against my nature.”

5. Simplify your mind, simplify your life.

“It’s not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential.”

“If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you’ll never get it done.”

“Be happy, but never satisfied.”

“Absorb what is useful, discard what is useless and add what is specifically your own”

6. Only focus on becoming the best version of yourself.

“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”

“?The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.”

“Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself – do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.”

“For it is easy to criticize and break down the spirit of others, but to know yourself takes a lifetime.”

“To know oneself is to study oneself in action with another person”.

7. Push yourself past the comfort zone.

“If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.”

“Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one”

“In the middle of chaos lies opportunity”

8. You can achieve success through persistence, but more than that, believing in yourself.

“Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later the man who wins, is the man who thinks he can.”

“Remember no man is really defeated unless he is discouraged.”

“I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”

“The doubters said,
“Man can not fly,”
The doers said,
“Maybe, but we’ll try,”
And finally soared
In the morning glow
While non-believers
Watched from below.”

9. Stay humble.

“Showing off is the fool’s idea of glory.”

10. Don’t be afraid to walk the path alone.

“Only the self-sufficient stand alone – most people follow the crowd and imitate.”

11. Always know your self-worth.

“The more we value things, the less we value ourselves”

“It is not a shame to be knocked down by other people. The important thing is to ask when you’re being knocked down, ‘Why am I being knocked down?’ If a person can reflect in this way, then there is hope for this person.”

10 Reasons Animal Lovers Make The Best Relationship Partners

April 30, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Have you ever been in a relationship with someone with a pet at home? Maybe you noticed it, and maybe you didn’t, but there’s something extra special about those who love their furry friends that also choose to love us. With an animal lover for a partner, you are sure to feel the full emotion and devotion of a loyal heart that’s wagging in time with the tail of their furry pal. Here’s why…

10 Reasons Animal Lovers Make The Best Relationship Partners

1. Animal lovers make the best relationship partners because they anticipate your needs

As much as we wish they would, our beloved pets cannot speak their wishes to us. Animal lovers make better partners because they learn to read subtle cues and provide what is needed for the ones they love. As one researcher put it, ‘Neither infants nor animals have words to express their needs, and so it is left to the caregiver to anticipate and provide for those needs.’

2. Animal lovers make the best relationship partners because they are comfortable with gross stuff

Well, any animal lover has had to clean up after Felix or Fido enough times to know that sometimes, it can be grossly loving a pet. Pet owners everywhere have had their share of messy love, from hairballs to broken baggies.

But, the good news for you is that if your partner is an animal lover, they will be comfortable with how you smell two days after you should have had a shower. Your animal-loving partner will also have no problems with bodily fluids; yours or their own.

3. Animal lovers make the best relationship partners because they can find fun in the messiness

Chocolate syrup, whipped cream, or coconut oil…having an animal lover for a partner is better because they are laid back enough to find fun in getting messy. Cleaning up is part of the fun, too, just don’t shake the water off them.

4. Animal lovers make the best relationship partners because they know what it means to love unconditionally

Animals love giving love to us, and they give it freely. Animal lovers make better partners because they have received the unconditional love of a pet, and they try to give the same love to both animals and the important people in their lives.

All the physical activity involved with owning a dog will also keep your animal-loving partner more physically fit. That translates to more stamina, which means longer fun sessions in bed.

5. Animal lovers make better relationship partners because they believe in love at first sight

Most pet parents will tell you that their animal chose THEM, not the other way around. Many also feel that they were destined to be with their animal. Many others believe that a current pet is the reincarnation of a childhood pet.

Animal lovers feel about their pets like Hollywood depicts star-crossed lovers. These two were destined for each other. It’s hard to be upset about their passion when your partner is so romantic about their puppy or kitty love.

6. Animal lovers make better relationship partners because they are better caregivers

People who care for animals form a relationship bond with the animal. Animals need people for basic care such as food, water, bedding, and veterinary care. In return for being such excellent caregivers, animal lovers receive companionship and affection and give those to their pets and humans.

7. Animal lovers make better relationship partners because they make better parents

Raising animals is much like raising kids. Even as adult animals, dogs can understand enough basic language, gestures and body language to know almost as much as a human toddler.

Our beloved pets sometimes test our energy, patience, and emotions, just like children and teenagers. If your partner can handle a pet with kindness and compassion, you know that your animal lover will also be a good parent.

When you have an animal, your family will also be more active with outdoor activities. A study found that families with kids and dogs engaged in more outdoor fun and had more social interactions than pet-free households.

8. Animal lovers make better relationship partners because they can handle a commitment

A relationship with a cat or dog can last up to fifteen years. Some domestic birds, turtles, and lizards live even longer than that. If your partner is an animal person, you know that they can go the distance despite training frustrations, health problems, financial setbacks, heartbreak, and loss.

9. Animal lovers make better relationship partners because they are positive people

Animals are excellent stress-reduction companions. The act of petting an animal has the physiological effect of reducing both heart rate and blood pressure. Animal lovers make better partners because they are less stressed out.

Dogs are so easy to make happy with a treat, and they are happy because of their lolling tongues, wagging tails, and exuberant spirits. Your animal-loving partner is probably just as easy-going, positive, and joyful with how they show you they are happy to be with you.

10. Animal lovers make better relationship partners because they know how to be loyal

Just like our animals would never leave us in our worst moments, neither would an animal-loving partner desert you. At the end of the life of a beloved pet, an animal lover is right there deciding to ease suffering with the veterinarian.

Animal lovers have such tender, loving, caring hearts, and they give love selflessly to their life partners, including the furry, feathered, or scaly ones.

Which Bird Personality Type Are You?

April 30, 2016 by Power of Positivity

We love personality tests because they teach us more about ourselves, and now you can learn what your bird personality style says about you.

Yasir Osman of Leadernomics.com says the ‘DOPE [dove, owl, peacock, eagle] personality test divides people into four bird groups, i.e. the ‘neutral dove’, ‘analytical owl’, ‘relational pea- cock’ and ‘decisive eagle’. These bird groups represent different personalities. All the birds have their different basic desires, emotional needs, controlling factors and characteristics.’

What Does Your “Bird Personality” Reveal About You?

The 4 Bird Personality Test was created as a way for people to easily relate to the four personality categories. Because we are familiar with the 4 birds used, dove, owl, peacock, and eagle, we can relate the image of the animal and the typical personality traits that we might assign to each.

This makes it easier to remember your own personality style as represented by a bird. Representing personality styles with one of the four birds also helps you to picture a coworker, friend, family member, or romantic partner as a different bird personality style than your own.

Knowing the personality style of those around you helps you to partner better with them because you can see how they have a different perspective, strategy, and preference than you do. Each bird personality type has a different way of handling relationships, emotions, communication, and conflict.

About the Bird Personality Test

Richard M. Stephenson of richardstep.com created the 4 Bird Personality test, also known as the D.O.P.E. or dove, owl, peacock, eagle test) ‘based off of the original four personality types test formulated by Dr. Gary Couture.’

We can easily understand the personality traits most closely associated with these four birds. We have seen representations of wise owls, peaceful doves, etc., so we can quickly categorize people as one of these four personalities once we know a little about them.

For example the following traits apply to the four bird personality types:

Dove – peace-loving and kind
Owl – logical and intelligent
Peacock – showy and outgoing
Eagle – bold and decisive

Personality tools like the Four Bird Personality Test can help people to become more aware of their own instinctual responses to conflict. A study by the Marquette University Law School found that these types of personality tests help people to understand the behavior of others, especially when it comes to negotiating conflict.

Knowledge of another’s personality gives you insight into their strengths and weaknesses. It also helps you to learn their preferred way of making decisions so that you can make sure to provide all of the information that they need, help them to manage their feelings about the decision, and try to create a win-win for both people.

Remember as you read the description that this is meant to be a tool used for guidance learning about strengths and opportunities, and helping you to work your best with other bird personalities. Let’s look more in-depth at what your bird personality reveals about you.

You can take the 40-question 4-bird (dove, owl, peacock, eagle or D.O.P.E.) personality test online through this link. Here are the summary descriptions of each bird personality.

Dove

The dove has a high emotional intelligence, while being very passive with communication.

Positive traits of the Dove in the four bird personalities:

Patient

Giving
Trustworthy
Introverted
Avoids risk-taking
Respectful
Honest
Reliable
Easygoing
Negative traits of the Dove in the four bird personalities:
Dependent
Predictable
Follower
Gullible
Dependent on others

Owl

The owl has a high logical intelligence, while being very passive with communication.

Positive traits of the Owl in the four bird personalities:

Introverted
Calm
Meticulous
Just
Mindful
Determined
Conservative
Detail-oriented
Careful
Curious

Negative traits of the Owl in the four bird personalities:

Distrusting
Self-centered
Indecisive
Vindictive
Short-sighted

Peacock

The peacock has high emotional intelligence, while being very active with communication.

Positive traits of the Peacock in the four personalities:

Talkative
Open-minded
Energetic
Emotional
Charismatic
Social
Enthusiastic
Adventurous
Competitive

Negative traits of the Peacocka are these:

Scattered
Emotional
Selfish
Controlling
Dominating
Power-hungry

Eagle

The Eagle has high logical intelligence while being very active with communication.

Positive traits of the Eagle personality are the following:

Charismatic
Honest
Takes initiative
Independent
Driven
Aggressive
Motivated
Compelling
Fearless

Conversely, negative traits of the Eagle are:

Blunt
Unsympathetic
Egotistical
Controversial
Impatient
Pushy
Stubborn

The eagle is the most common personality type of the four birds, with just over 29% of the general population being an eagle type.

Here is one example of how to gain some valuable insight from this personality tool:

Ask your coworkers to find out what their bird personality reveals about them. If you find out that you are an eagle, for example, and your coworker is an owl, you may need to draw them into a conversation by asking questions.

9 Things You Need To Do If You Love A Taurus

April 30, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Keeping your Taurean mate’s heart throbbing for only you is pretty simple if you do these 9 things for your partner. Earthy Taurus born April 19 to May 20 is rooted in the physical world and they relate best to the senses of touch and taste, which can be a wonderful benefit for you if your partner is a Taurus.

Many people feel a strong connection to astrology because the personality descriptions seem so much like us. Researchers believe that we may start to develop our personality based on repeated readings about our zodiac sign and descriptions of how our sign typically behaves. We feel a connection to the positive traits of the description, and we seek to change our behavior to be more like that of our astrological sign.

Researchers in the Journal of Social Behavior and Personality found that college students who knew their astrological signs, were more likely to feel a connection to a description of the personality for their sign (when they did not know that it was their own sign’s description) as compared to the personality description of another astrological sign.

At the University of Helsinki, Finland, researchers found that the belief in astrology could be used as a coping strategy for dealing with upsetting events. They found that those who believed in astrology felt that it gave support to their self-concept and that they could turn to an astrological chart reading for positive guidance during a crisis.

9 Things You Need to Do If Your Partner Is A Taurus

Don’t worry though because your Taurean partner is good in a crisis. In fact, your relationship should be easy for you if you can just relax, and do these 9 things that your partner needs you to do if he or she is a Taurus.

1. Let them set the pace for your intimate time

Your sex life is probably pretty outstanding if your partner is a Taurus. Not only that, but cuddle time is also pretty much mandatory daily. Taurus loves to be adored, and looking into your eyes, seeing your love for them, hearing how much you love them, is one of your partner’s favorite places to be.

Taurus can be quite passionate and energetic, so you may notice them initiating intimacy more often that you do. If your Taurus partner wants it every day and you’re fine with twice a week, you might be seduced on the days you’d rather pass.

2. Let them have it their way; most of the time

Partnerships are supposed to be equal, but the Bull is usually pretty bossy about their living space preferences, eating preferences, clothes, finances, you name it.

3. Accept their sometimes brutal honesty

Taurus loves you, just as you are, but they will also offer advice on how to make you even better. It’s up to you to resist, accept the feedback, or to let your Taurean partner mold you.

4. Let them express their gratitude with gifts

The easiest thing to do if your partner is a Taurus is to accept their overwhelming generosity and incredibly touching, perfect, thoughtful gifts that they give. Lucky you.

5. Honor their trust in you, always

Really Taurus is not that angry, rage-filled, snorting bull that some imagine, that is unless you break their trust. Taurus is so loyal and trusting of those closest to them. But you need to avoid angering the bull when your partner is a Taurus.

Before they decided to trust you, your Taurus partner was cautious in choosing you as a trustworthy person. If you break your Taurean partner’s trust, they may never forgive you.

6. Learn to love routine and consistency

Taurus is not boring. At least they don’t think so. But they do like things their way, which means that dinner should be carrots Florentine, served in the dining room at 5:30, followed by their favorite TV show, cuddling under a blanket while sipping their favorite beverage for an hour, followed by – you get the point.

Your life is kind of planned out for you when you attach yourself to a Taurus for a partner. The good thing is that you won’t have any unexpected surprises from your partner, but the bad thing is that things are pretty much the same day in and day out.

7. Help develop their self-esteem

Only Libra rivals Taurus in the love of all things beautiful. Taurus likes what life has to offer; Venetian glass, hand-tooled Corinthian leather, imported champagne. If your partner is a Taurus, it’s important to bolster their self-confidence. Don’t be afraid to tell them they have excellent taste, make great choices in their clothes, etc.

8. Pick up on the MAJOR hints about gifts

One of the strange things that you need to do if your partner is a Taurus is to understand that they already have their own birthday gift picked out. They also have the perfect wrapping paper, card, cake, and dinner planned out. Just ask them; it will make it easier on you.

Now the hard part is trying to exceed your partner’s expectations. This may be impossible, but your Taurean partner already has their next 10 gift-giving occasions on their Amazon wish list, so head there for some inspiration.

9. Avoid surprising your Taurean partner with anything unpleasant

We’ve already mentioned that Taurus likes things planned out, and when your partner is a Taurus, you should avoid startling them with something they weren’t expecting, especially if it might upset their plans that they have had for six months.

4 Signs You’re In A Selfish Relationship

April 29, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Nothing makes a relationship more imbalanced than selfish behavior. We all can, and will, be selfish at some point in our lives, especially when we want something badly. However, if being selfish is a constant occurrence in your relationship, it’s probably time to take notice and make a decision. There must be a state of equivalence that assures harmony in our loving relationships.

Dr. Srini Pillay, author of Debunking Myths of the Mind, wrote an article stating that “Selfish lovers are often hiding something they are very ashamed of as well. Giving makes them feel out of control and threatened as they worry that the reason for their shame will be revealed.

With this strong feeling of having to cover up all the time, they hold onto their love very tightly because giving it up makes them feel as though they are sliding on ice.”

There is a point when you need to stand back and ask yourself, “Is this self-love and preservation, or just plain selfishness controlling this relationship?

Here are 4 signs that you are in a selfish relationship:

1. In a selfish relationship, your partner is always nagging and belittling you.

There is a difference between someone pushing and pulling you to reach your goals with a cheerleader personality, and another making you feel worthless. A selfish person will never take your needs into consideration. They will do anything possible to make you feel worthless so that things are always about them. The focus can only be on what they are accomplishing. If you find yourself giving and never receiving this is the imbalance of a selfish relationship. Psychologist Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence, writes: “Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands. Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller, and we increase our capacity for connection – or compassionate action.” A relationship that is one-sided cannot flourish.

2. Your partner believes that what he or she does is more important.

Selfish people do not waste their energies considering the needs of another, even those of a life partner. They want what they want and believe that they have the right to put themselves first. There is a difference between self-love and being selfish. This behavior is a form of betrayal. If you don’t stand up for what you want your partner doesn’t feel the need or desire to stand up for what you desire either. You must show your worthiness and love in order to combat any selfish behavior in a relationship. A selfish behavior that is repetitively present is emotionally draining and toxic. It’s unhealthy. You begin to put yourself second and eventually any respect will disappear from the relationship.

“In an individual, selfishness uglifies the soul; for the human species, selfishness is extinction.” ~ David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas

3. Your partner is competitive and insecure.

There is an extra entity in your relationship and it is a green-eye monster called Jealousy. A person who is always trying to outsmart or be better than his/her counterpart is an insecure person with a severe degree of selfishness. If your partner is envious of you it is because you have something he/she doesn’t have and they know it. In a healthy relationship both people growth while bringing out the best of each other.“Jealousy is a disease, love is a healthy condition. The immature mind often mistakes one for the other, or assumes that the greater the love, the greater the jealousy – in fact, they are almost incompatible; one emotion hardly leaves room for the other.” ~ Robert A. Heinlein, Stranger in a Strange Land

4. Your partner doesn’t apologize in a selfish relationship.

This is a big one! If your partner can’t say “I am sorry” when they have done something offensive or hurtful, it’s a sign that they might suffer from a narcissistic disorder. Moral values do not exist in this psychological disorder. The narcissist doesn’t know resentment or wrongdoing. It’s all about them. You are not important enough to stop them from seeing their mistakes. One selfish soul in a relationship diminishes the ability to love fully with joy. If your partner is driven by an egotistical nature that never regrets anything, you have a selfish soul in your presence.

No relationship is perfect, but when there is no consideration, respect or trust, it can become an abusive partnership. You are the only who can decipher if a little selfishness is good, or if it borders on narcissism. Self-love and self-worth exist in loving and healthy relationships.

9 Things You Never Knew Your Brain Could Do

April 29, 2016 by Power of Positivity

In terms of brain research, we’ve discovered more in the last twenty years than all previous years combined. Much of this can be attributed to the frantic pace of brain imaging technology and other medical advances. As there are currently no signs that this pace is slowing, it is fair to state that we’ll continue to discover amazing tidbits about the brain.

For such a complex structure, the brain is not very large…at all. Roughly the size of our two fists pressed together, our brain weighs no more than 3 pounds (or 1.4 kilograms). For such a small entity, the amount of complexity involved in the brain’s circuitry has earned it the title “the most complex structure in the universe.”

The intricacy of the brain is surpassed only by its ingenuity. Truly, all of the greatest feats the world-over have been a direct result of the brain’s marvelous abilities.

No other brain in the animal kingdom is capable of generating the kind of higher consciousness associated with human ingenuity, with our ability to make plans and write poetry. Yet the most complex structure in the known universe – as it is often described – is more mysterious than the least-explored regions of the deepest ocean. – The Independent (UK)

9 Incredible Things Your Brain Can Do

We’ll discuss nine things that you may not know the brain can do. The human brain can…

Function after death

Near-death experiences (NDE) are a relatively common occurrence. One study undertaken at a hospital in the Netherlands reported that 18 percent of the 344 cardiac patients considered clinically dead recalled having life experiences after the fact.

Pam Reynolds is perhaps one of the best known cases. In Reynold’s case, her brain had been brought to a nonfunctioning state by brain doctors in order to perform surgery. Despite this, she was still able to recall relevant information pertaining to doctor’s conversations, surgical tools, etc.

http://profezie3m.altervista.org/archivio/TheLancet_NDE.htm

Process information faster than any personal computer

Notice that we included the word personal. Amazingly, engineers at Fujitsu designed a super computer that processes information faster. This computer also happens to be huge and inefficient. Our neat, compact brain will work just fine, thank you. Joking aside, the processing power of the human brain steamrolls nearly every man-made tech device.

Power a light bulb

The sheer number of electrical connections firing at any given time is quite staggering. These electric impulses are so numerous that it could hypothetically power a light bulb. In terms of units of power, the brain can produce the equivalent of about 25 watts.

Clear out toxins

Wait, doesn’t the immune system help clear toxins from the body? Yes, but the brain does as well. Scientists at the University of Rochester discovered activity in the brain of sleeping mice that showed the “clearing out” of damaging molecules often associated with neurodegeneration. This experiment serves as additional evidence that sleep is important to our brain health.

The brain performs better when tired

Contemporary thought is that our brain works better when we’re fresh and alert. While this is the case for work that involves logic and analysis, we’re actually more creative when we’re tired. It is simple logic, really: we’re not as good at filtering out distractions when tuckered out. Additionally, we’re less able to remember connections between ideas and concepts. These are two benefits to creative thought. It’s common for creative breakthroughs to occur when one is sleeping.

Shrink in size

While this is not a desirable attribute, it is true nonetheless. Stress is the most common cause of changes to brain function, and it has been discovered that stress can also decrease brain size. Animal studies show that chronic stress can cause the brain area known as the hippocampus to shrink. Currently, studies are underway to discover whether or not Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can shrink the hippocampus in patients.

Grow in size

Conversely, the brain is capable of growing denser in certain areas. Known as neuroplasticity, the brain has the remarkable ability of forming new neural connections throughout life. While our brain will never develop at the rate it does in early childhood, newly-formed neural networks can slightly increase the mass in certain areas of the brain.

You can rewire the brain

The brain is remarkable in its ability to adapt. Meditation brings a host of benefits to practitioners by lowering anxiety, increasing focus, and improving self-control. It is even possible for the brain to become wired for enhanced creative ability and improved memory.

Can make itself smarter

Early scholars thought that intelligence was a direct result of genetics, and that it was fixed in life. It turns out that neither of these are true. While genetics undoubtedly plays a role in one’s innate intelligence, it is not the sole determinant. In fact, in an article published in Scientific American, scientists came up with four truths about the brain:

(1) Fluid intelligence is trainable

(2) Intellectual challenges increase intellectual capabilities

(3) Anyone can increase their brain’s cognitive ability

(4) Numerous tasks exist that can increase one’s intelligence

If You See Butterflies Often, This Is What It Means

April 29, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Whenever an animal shows up repetitively, take this as a sign from the universe. Your guides will tell you to keep your focus on areas of personal growth. Animal guides serve as messengers. In fact, they deliver important lessons to you from beyond the veil. Besides that, they can also reassure you that you are on the right path in life. The butterfly symbolizes great transformation and personal growth. So seeing these creatures often calls you to look within at areas that you can improve upon.

Butterflies encourage you to pay attention to your cycles of growth. Indeed, they want you to really question what parts of your personality could use a fresh start. This spirit animal also urges you to approach life with grace and lightheartedness. They urge you not to shy away from a metamorphosis if your soul needs it. If you see butterflies often, they want you to receive the following important spiritual messages.

If You See Butterflies Often, This Is What It Means

Butterflies symbolize the transition between one lifestyle, personality, or journey into another. If you have been going through a major life change, you might spot more butterflies than normal. They may accompany you on your journey and encourage you that everything will turn out okay if you take the leap of faith with grace and bravery.
Also, the butterfly might want you to look more within to see if you have a different perspective than you used to. Maybe you have started to become more aware of your thinking patterns and personal beliefs, and have begun to shift internally. The butterfly represents transformation both within and without. So even if you haven’t undergone big life changes, you might have a lot going on in your heart that needs some attention.
Butterflies represent the ability to look at life in a carefree, lighthearted way. Maybe you have recently gone through a hard time and have carried a heavy vibration because of it. The butterfly invites you to look at the situation in a lighter way. They’ll help you figure out how to transform the darkness into something you can use for growth.
Also, butterflies generally have bright, vibrant colors, so they show us the beauty of life when we live it fully. Maybe you already live your life this way, but if not, the butterfly invites you to fully take in each day, and not take any time on this Earth for granted.
Different areas of the world interpret butterfly symbolism differently. For example, in Chinese culture, it can represent immortality. For the Japanese, a white butterfly represents the souls of the deceased. In Ancient Greece, butterflies represent the psyche or soul. You might resonate with any of these meanings, but most importantly, use the butterfly as a way to get in touch with your higher self, and don’t become attached to any one way of thinking about them.
Use the butterfly spirit animal during times of transition in your life. Call upon one of these graceful creatures when you sense a changing perspective about life, or when you have begun a transformation in your outer world. Also, if you feel stifled in life and need a way to open yourself up again, rely on the butterfly for greater creativity, self-expression, and vitality.

As with any other animal totem, butterflies will show up the moment you need a sign from beyond. They can guide you to continue down the right path in life. The butterfly represents a variety of different meanings and perspectives. So no matter if you feel the need to transform in a certain way, change your perspective about life, or increase your self-expression, the butterfly can accompany you and provide some support along the way.

11 Quotes To Remember When You’re Overthinking

April 28, 2016 by Power of Positivity

The mind loves to think, and it never seems to want to stop. In fact, overthinking is so pervasive that many people consider it a worldwide epidemic.

Through extensive research, psychology professor Susan Nolen-Hoeksema of the University of Michigan found that overthinking occurs mostly in young and middle-aged adults, with 73% of 25-35 year-olds identifying as overthinkers. There are also more women (57%) than men (43%) who tend to think too much.

The mind sometimes resembles a five-year-old child. That’s because it wants to have everything a certain way and never knows how to sit still. If you allow your brain to run a mile a minute without interjecting, it will only press on with the madness until you discover that your mind has slowly become a prison. Learning to take time quiet your mind, instead of distracting it, can allow you to have more mental clarity, focus, and give up the toxic habit of overthinking.

“We are dying from overthinking. We are slowly killing ourselves by thinking about everything. Think. Think. Think. You can never trust the human mind anyway. It’s a death trap.”~ Anthony Hopkins

11 Quotes To Remember When You’re Overthinking

1. You will never be free until you free yourself from the prison of your own false thoughts.

2. Before you talk, listen. Before you react, think. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try!

3. Stop worrying about what can go wrong, and get excited about what can go right.

4. Overthinking – the art of creating problems that weren’t even there.

5. There is nothing in this world that can trouble you as much as your own thoughts.

6. Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but it doesn’t get you anywhere.

7. Stop overthinking. You can’t control everything, just let it be.

8. Dear mind, please stop thinking so much at night. I need sleep.

9. Overthinking is the biggest cause of unhappiness.

10. Don’t ruin a new day by thinking about yesterday. Let it go.

11. A quiet mind is able to hear intuition over fear.

Here are 3 ways to stop overthinking:

1. CONNECT WITH NATURE.

If you don’t live or work in nature, than you need this the most. Take time to get out in nature. This could mean going on your lunch break in a nearby park, or going on a vacation to get away. Anything you can do to strengthen your bond with nature will greatly benefit your mind and stop overthinking immediately.

You can focus on the beauty in the trees, a leaf, a waterfall, the sky, mountains, a lake or whatever you gravitate towards. This will immediately stop your mind. When you allow yourself to do this, you will find that you will think more clearly throughout the day.

2. REPEAT PEACEFUL WORDS TO YOURSELF.

Pay attention to your brain at this very moment…what kinds of thoughts do you observe? Most likely, you will notice that the majority of your thoughts center around what you have to do today, or what someone said that made you angry, or even degrading thoughts about yourself. Don’t feel bad, though; with so much negativity around us, maintaining a consistent positive mindset isn’t always easy. However, you can actually counter the negative words and overthinking with the repetition of peaceful words.

Anytime you notice you are overthinking or you feel anxiety or worry coming on, stop those thoughts in their track as soon as you realize it with calming words. Whatever words resonate with you better.

Some examples are as follows: Peace. Love. Light. It’s ok. Life is Good. I’m ok.

While this isn’t completely quieting your mind, it does stop overthinking, it will allow your mind to slow down and focus on what really matters at this moment. Words carry a lot of meaning and power, so use them to your advantage whenever you feel stressed out.

3. MEDITATE.

We suggest meditation a whole lot on our website, but for good reason. When you meditate, you stop the flow of overthinking and negative thoughts bombarding your consciousness every second and instead move into space where stillness takes precedence.

While you don’t have to turn off your brain to meditate, many people feel that their thoughts slow down incredibly and overthinking stop immediately.

If you try it and find you still cannot stop thinking, try a guided meditation or yoga. These practices bring awareness into the body and make it much easier to cope with daily challenges.

7 Signs Your Partner Is Afraid To Commit

April 28, 2016 by Power of Positivity

You might be afraid to read this and find out that your partner is not ready to commit, but then again it might be better to know now instead of continuing to invest time while you wait for them to decide.

What are commitment-phobics afraid of anyway? In our article 10 Signs You’ve Found A Keeper, we discussed how mature people have outgrown their fear of being hurt. Is it possible that your partner hasn’t outgrown their fears yet?

The fear of emotional pain is one reason your partner might be afraid to commit. Fear of tying themselves down is another. Let’s look at 7 signs that your partner is afraid to commit, and if there are any solutions for this common relationship problem.

7 Signs Your Partner Is Afraid to Commit

You feel pretty certain that your partner could be ‘The One,’ but lately they seem to have cold feet. What’s going on and why aren’t they as excited about taking the relationship to the next step as you are?

1. Your partner still mourns their last broken relationship

You really need for your partner to stop talking about their ex. Either them saying how great or how bad things were makes it clear that they are afraid to commit to a new relationship.

2. Your partner’s self-image is single

People are capable of change, when they want to, but if your partner is still living a single lifestyle, it means that they see themselves as a single person. They may have a ‘lone wolf’ mentality, or ‘me against the world’ mindset.

Maybe your partner is projecting an available attitude toward all possible sexual partners, and if that’s the case, it’s a sign that your partner afraid to commit to one person for the rest of their life.

3. Your partner is egotistical

Researchers studying narcissism and relationship commitments cite previous research that people with an inflated sense of self-worth are more argumentative, hostile, selfishness, and self-centered. It’s hardly surprising then that the researchers also found that egotistical people are less likely to be strongly committed to a romantic partner.

A selfish person is only concerned about his or her own interests. It is very unlikely that they will be ready to commit unless you can be a doormat who lets them have everything their way. A narcissist is afraid to be in a relationship because they might have to compromise. Or they could be afraid of missing out on something better. Either way, it might be best to read our guide for handling these kinds of people: 5 Signs You’re In A Relationship With A Narcissist.

4. You haven’t met your partner’s family

Meeting the family is a big relationship step and it usually means that your partner is committed, ready to let the world know about your love, and ready to make you part of their family. If you’re still waiting to meet them, your partner may be afraid to commit.

5. Your partner is unable to connect on a deep level

Emotional love, caring and concern are all things that your partner should not be afraid of in a relationship. But some people, especially men, are afraid of showing emotion for fear of being judged as too feminine.

Regardless of social conventions, all humans are capable of deep love, but some people are afraid to open themselves up to emotion because it feels vulnerable.

6. Your partner makes last minute plans with you, and then it’s a booty call

Everybody knows that a booty call is usually a hook up without the emotional entanglement. If your partner is soliciting sex from you while keeping you at a distance emotionally, it is a sign that they are afraid to commit to you.

Researchers in the Journal of Family Theory say ‘People slide into having sex. People slide into having children. People slide into dangerous relationships. In contrast to sliding, there are strong conceptual reasons to suggest that clear decisions generally build the most resilient intentions. Sliding transitions may undermine the formation of dedication in relationships, even in those that continue.’

They compare last minute decision making to ‘sliding’ into a choice rather than ‘deciding.’ If your partner wasn’t afraid to commit, they would make a clear, conscious, reasoned, and planned decision to be with you, and they would know that they wanted that with plenty of time to make plans for a great date together.

7. Your partner describes your relationship as something other than romantic to others

Your partner just introduced you to others as their friend, or they just introduced you by name. This could be a minor slip up, but if your partner does this consistently, it could be a sign that they are afraid to commit.

Rather than giving you a title that implies that they are committed to you, such as ‘boy/girlfriend,’ ‘life partner,’ or ‘significant other,’ your partner has neglected to mention to others that they are intimately involved with you. That little incident of can hurt your ego, so if this hurts your feelings, please ask them to introduce you as their girl or boyfriend in the future.

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

Function after death

Process information faster than any personal computer

Power a light bulb

Clear out toxins

The brain performs better when tired

Shrink in size

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Can make itself smarter

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!