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This is What Happens When You Touch These Points On Your Feet

September 3, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Foot reflexology is a form of alternative medicine that applies pressure to specific points on the feet to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. The practice has its roots in ancient Chinese and Egyptian medicine, dating back to as early as 2330 BC. The ancient Chinese believed that the body’s energy, or chi, flowed through channels or meridians that ran throughout the body, including the feet. The body’s energy could rebalance by stimulating these channels through pressure points on the feet. As a result, it would lead to improved health and well-being.

In the early 20th century, a physician named Dr. William Fitzgerald introduced the concept of zone therapy, which divided the body into ten zones that ran from the head to the toes. He believed applying pressure to specific points within these zones could relieve pain and promote healing.

Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist, further developed the practice of foot reflexology in the 1930s. She mapped out the reflex points on the feet and hands and developed a method of applying pressure to these points, stimulating the corresponding organs and systems of the body.
Since then, foot reflexology has gained popularity as a complementary and alternative medicine form and is now widely practiced worldwide.

While scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited, anecdotal reports show that people continue to find relief from various health conditions through this practice. If you suffer from chronic ailments, it might be at least worth a try.

What Happens in Reflexology

Of course, your experience with reflexology will be different than someone else’s. Still, most people feel a sense of openness in their bodies and a tingling sensation throughout as the energy flows. Reflexology should not cause tension in your body. Instead, you should be headed towards a more relaxed state of being.

You might also feel:

Perspiration of hands or feet

The sensation of being cold or chilled

The need for deep breaths

A yearning to sleep

The relief of most, if not all, pain and discomfort

Loose, relaxed muscles

Feeling like your organs are free, without stress and tension

Reflexology is available through a therapist trained in ancient art. It can also be done at home with a partner, or you can perform it on yourself.

Before beginning, your first step is to consult a foot chart and map your ailment to the appropriate spot on your foot or feet. Then, use your thumb and fingers to massage, slowly and deeply while kneading the pressure point. Continue to massage the specific point for 10 minutes before finishing with an overall foot massage. End each reflexology session with deep, mindful breaths to solidify the energy flow.

How to Use a Reflexology Foot Chart

When you first look at a reflexology foot chart, it can be confusing and overwhelming. Don’t let that scare you off. Make time to study it and become used to reading it. You can take as much time as you need to plan your course of treatment because there is nothing time-sensitive about performing reflexology other than relieving your pain.

You can perform a session that treats your entire body or get specific in terms of one condition. As mentioned, every organ, gland, and body part are mapped to a point on either the right or left foot. If you know what organs are associated with your ailment, locate that area on the foot chart.

There is no right or wrong foot to start with, and many reflexologists work on one specific area on one foot and alternate to the other, then move to the next area and alternate again. When all else fails, and you aren’t sure what to do, start massaging at your toes and slowly moving down to your foot’s heel. As you do, pay attention to the points on the chart and observe how your body responds.

You can see from the foot reflexology chart that some areas are mapped to the top of the feet, including the mouth and teeth, the chest, and the lymph nodes.

Here are some common ailments and their touch points using reflexology

What ailments do reflexology healers heal with their practice? Here are a few:

Relieve Headaches

Headaches are often caused by tension in the neck, so begin by massaging the big toes to relax your neck a bit. Then focus on applying more pressure on the upper halves of each toe to pinpoint the nerves connecting to the head.

Sleep Disorders

To help with restless nights, target the pituitary gland by applying pressure to the bottom side of the middle of your big toe.

Colds and the Flu

You will target the areas corresponding to your sinuses, nose, throat, eyes, and lungs for colds and the flu. Pay attention to the side of your big toe and the middle of each toe. Finally, focus approximately an inch below your toes.

Digestion

Many organs are involved in the digestive process, mostly found on the bottom of the foot toward the bottom.

Asthma and Bronchitis

The lungs are the obvious target for helping with breathing. They are mapped to the middle of the foot, about an inch below your toes and the middle part of the top of your foot.

Back Pain

The back is connected to the upper and lower body and can be targeted by massaging each foot’s bottom half.

It’s important to remember that Reflexology is not an immediate cure, and the best results come from consistently targeting specific areas. It is not a magic remedy but over time, you will notice improvements in your specific problem areas.

Final Thoughts on Foot Reflexology

Foot reflexology is an ancient practice that can promote healing and balance in the body. While scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited, many people have reported positive results from this form of alternative medicine.

However, it is vital to note that foot reflexology should be used in conjunction with medical treatment under the guidance of a physician. While it can complement traditional medicine, it should not be used as a substitute for medical care. Therefore, individuals considering foot reflexology should consult their doctor to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their health needs.

Reflexology is not a diagnosing tool but a supplement to standard treatments for most ailments. It is not advised that you pursue a course of treatment using Reflexology without consulting your doctor.

5 Ways To Be Healthy When Those Around You Aren’t

September 3, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Did you know that in the U.S., 68.5% of American adults are overweight, and 34.9% are considered obese? In the last twenty years or so, obesity rates have been steadily on the rise, which, not surprisingly, coincided with the increase in processed, nutrient-lacking, chemical-laden food-like substances. Staying healthy today comes with a whole slew of challenges, both from a financial and personal standpoint. Luckily, though, many stores offer fruits and vegetables at wholesale or discounted rates, especially if they have produce that they plan on throwing away after hours. You can also find great deals at farmer’s markets and local co-ops.

However, what if no one around you shares the same goals of living a healthier lifestyle? Humans naturally want to do what those around them are doing, and don’t like to stray from the norm, for the most part. People bond over meals, and if one person eats differently than the others at the table, that can lead to them feeling left out and isolated from the group. So, how can you keep up a healthy lifestyle when other people around you don’t seem to care?

Here are 5 tips to stay healthy when people around you aren’t:

1. Try to find a support group or workout buddies in your area.

According to a study published by the American Psychological Association, people tend to lose more weight when they workout with friends or family. In the study, two-thirds of participants who enrolled in a weight loss program with friends kept the weight off six months later, while only a quarter of those who signed up on their own achieved the same results. You can check out local Facebook or Meetup groups in order to find people in your area who share your goals, or, you can try hassling your friends to get off the couch and get active with you.

Support matters when you want to change your lifestyle, and you need to surround yourself with those who will get you closer to where you want to be.

2. Focus on your own goals, and let others live their lives as they choose.

When cutting out junk food and making the commitment to exercise more, it can be tempting to push that lifestyle on others because you want them to feel as good as you do! However, they have to make that decision on their own to leave unhealthy habits behind and join you on your journey to better health. If you live in the same house with people who don’t take care of their health, just put all your energy into living the best way you can, and be the example for others. Once they see how vibrant and happy you are from nourishing your body and mind, they might open up and be ready to learn new information.

3. Offer to cook or make salads for your friends/family some nights.

A great way to stay on the healthy train is to prepare meals for other people who you share space with. Not only will this ensure that you eat healthful, wholesome foods, but others will have a nutritious meal, too. Plus, putting together a dinner as a family makes a great bonding experience that will benefit everyone involved. Not to mention, if you have leftovers, that’s one less meal you have to make, which means no one can use the “But I just don’t have time to make healthy food” excuse.

4. Go to restaurants that offer healthy options.

Going out with friends can really challenge one’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle. However, if you pick a restaurant that offers some healthier options on the menu, you can still enjoy your time with friends while sticking to your guns about eating better. People make eating healthy more complicated than it needs to be sometimes; as long as you do what makes you feel good, and make the best effort to honor your lifestyle choices, then you have it pretty well figured out. Your friends might try to pressure you into indulging in unhealthy foods (which you can and should do in moderation), but just remember what ultimately makes you feel best, and feel confident in your choice even if you’re standing alone.

Just because you have salad on your plate while they have steak and potatoes, doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time and enjoy their company.

5. Contribute to the grocery bill each week so you can have healthier food options (and maybe encourage others to eat healthy foods, too).

This probably applies mostly to teenagers and young adults who still live with their families, but even if you don’t control the weekly food budget, it doesn’t mean you can’t offer some say in the matter. You could set aside some of your money to contribute to the grocery bill each week, or if you can, buy your own groceries entirely. This way, you can keep up your healthy lifestyle without others complaining about the costs of healthier foods.

3 Mistakes People Make When Searching For Their Soulmate

September 2, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Are you seeking your true love or soulmate?

“When the soul is ready, its mate will appear.” – Unknown

Before too long in life, we get bombarded with messages in movies and advertisements persuading us to believe that our soulmate will come to sweep us off our feet and save us from ourselves. The seemingly perfect, fairytale relationships portrayed make us get our hopes up and have unrealistic expectations about what a relationship should really be like. We try so hard to attract our soulmates into our lives because society tells us that we will become whole once we find that person.

However, what happens is that we wager our entire happiness on a person we haven’t even met yet because ultimately, we want someone else to take away our pain and loneliness. In this reality, the illusion of separation can still seem very real, so we just want some way to escape that. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling this way; it happens to the best of us.

But, if you really want to find your soulmate, it will take effort, some personal soul searching, and not getting too attached to outcomes. Many people long to find their soulmate, but unknowingly do more to push them away than attract them into their lives.

When searching for your soulmate, make sure you don’t make these common mistakes:

1. Searching and asking for a soulmate before you have searched within your own soul.

If you only look outwardly for answers and acceptance, you will miss out on the true power you have within yourself to stand on your own two feet. You must first take a journey deep within your soul and learn to understand yourself. Without this understanding and awareness of yourself, a relationship with anyone else will be sorely lacking. You will look to them to understand when you don’t even know yourself. Remember that soulmates will never complete you; they can only add value to your life and help you grow as a person.

You have to block out all the noise from society telling you that you need all these things in order to become your best self and be truly happy. YOU are your own happiness, sadness, comfort, compassion, understanding, and well of knowledge. Once you complete yourself, you will attract others who are complete, too. Two complete people coming together as one will create a life of sheer bliss and abundance. However, you must make a commitment to yourself first. Be in a relationship with yourself first, and learn to love your own company.

2. You haven’t cultivated a love for yourself first.

This sort of stems from our last point; you cannot find love outside yourself. Only will you recognize it once you have such an abundance of it that it has no choice but to spill out of your heart and touch other’s lives. You must totally fall head over heels for yourself if you expect anyone else to feel the same about you. We all have probably been in relationships where our partner didn’t truly love themselves – they expected us to do all the dirty work for them.

But, how rewarding and fulfilling was that? Being in a relationship with someone who doesn’t have confidence in themselves will only drain you. So, if you don’t absolutely love yourself right now, as you are, no one else can possibly offer you that love you seek.

Also, you must learn to love all of yourself, both the shadows and the light. This article by Sheila Prakash on Tiny Buddha says it best:

“I don’t think we will ever be able to love ourselves until we acknowledge all our different aspects—the “strong” and the “weak”— and start giving ourselves compassion instead of judgment. A puzzle needs all its pieces in order to be complete.”

3. You have no idea what you want in a soulmate or relationship.

If you don’t know what you want, how can you attract it? Think about it this way: what if you went to buy a new car, but had no idea what you wanted? Would you leave the dealership with a car, or just stare at all the cars in a state of confusion? Probably the latter, because you went into the situation blindly, not giving any thought to what you desired.

If you wouldn’t make a big decision like that without first thinking about what you wanted, then why treat relationships any differently? Soulmates should be given even more consideration because they will share their life with you, and rent a room in your heart. Something that serious requires a lot of your energy, time, and emotions, which means you need to have some idea of who you’d ideally like to share your life with.

You could either make a list, visualize, or create a vision board for what kind of partner you’d like to attract into your life. However, make sure when you do this that you focus on what you DO want in a relationship rather than what you DON’T want. Any thought we give our attention to creates our reality, so make sure you’re actively creating the world and the soulmate you wish to see in your life.

Which Stress Relief Technique Is Best For Your Zodiac Sign?

September 2, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Each zodiac sign has different triggers for what stresses them out, and also different stress relief tactics they use. Most people inevitably feel stressed from time to time, due to anything from job demands to financial worries to health problems, or other issues we all deal with in this modern world. Unless you’re somehow reading this from another planet in the galaxy (if so, please tell us how to get there), you have probably felt burdened by some sort of stress or anxiety at some point on your spiritual journey here. However, what stresses a Cancer out will differ greatly from what stresses a Sagittarius out.

All of us could use some sort of technique for coping with stressors, and some insight into what makes us the most frazzled can open the door for us to start dealing with the stress in a healthy way.

Here are powerful stress relief techniques for each zodiac sign:

Aries, March 21 – April 19

Rams pack so much into their day, and rarely slow down to catch a breather or just notice the little things in life. Aries can get burned out if they don’t take time to relax and rejuvenate from a very busy school or workweek. You have so much energy and use that to carry you through the week, but when your energy dwindles, this can leave you feeling like you’ve let yourself and others down.

Aries want to charge ahead full force at everything, but they need to remember to walk before they run sometimes. Take at least one day off a week to do absolutely nothing; you can replenish your energy and also have a chance to enjoy life at a slower pace.

Taurus, April 20 – May 20

A Taurus has a strong work ethic, and wants to get their work done right the first time around. They take failure pretty hard, and rather than seeing it as an opportunity to grow, they view it as incompetence on their part. A Taurus also tiptoes around people’s feelings at times, not wanting to hurt others or get into any disagreements.

Powerful stress relief techniques for this sign include going a bit easier on yourself, and not fixating on every little thing. Also, remember that you have no control over how other people will react to your words; you can only have ownership of how you handle a situation.

Gemini, May 21 – June 20

Geminis are a very dynamic and complex sign, and can change their mind on a whim. They never stop thinking, which can lead to stress if they overcomplicate a situation. Geminis thrive on good conversations and generally have a bubbly, upbeat attitude. They just want to have fun in life, and want to be around others who have this same kind of energy.

For a Gemini, their own mind can stress them out, so keeping active is a surefire way to kick stress to the curb. Geminis are a highly social sign, so any sort of activity where they can be around people is a preferable one to get involved in.

Cancer, June 21 – July 22

As a Cancer myself, I can attest to the fact that Cancers are often misunderstood and get hurt easily, leading them to retreat into their hard shell instead of telling others how they’re feeling. Cancers need to feel secure, and when they don’t, their stress builds until their shell finally cracks, exposing their true emotions. Cancers, instead of relying on others to nurse your feelings and make you feel safe, give that security to yourself.

Practice deep meditation and do things that make you feel the most protected. Also, give your motherly energy to other people – volunteer at a nursing home, help someone out to the car with their groceries, or anything that will get your mind off your emotions and onto other people.

Leo, July 23 – August 22

Leos want to be in control of everything in their lives, and can’t stand when they have no say in how things will go. A Leo loves the spotlight and must be the leader in everything they take part in, whether that’s a work project, a business deal, or anything else that requires leadership.

Leos need to learn how to let go and live in the moment, instead of trying to control every aspect of their lives. A fiery Leo thrives on respect and adoration from others, but make sure you Leos give that same attention to yourself first instead of expecting it from other people.

Virgo, August 23 – September 22

Virgos also think too much, like Geminis. Virgos have a very logical thinking process, and hardly do anything in life without thinking every little aspect through to the fullest. Without making lists to organize their thoughts, Virgos can easily let stress get the best of them. They also can be very critical of themselves and others, and enjoy a profession that requires paying attention to minute details. They are problem-solvers, and will help others solve any issues they’re having in life. However, getting to the bottom of their own problems is a difficult task.

Virgos would do well to put their thoughts and ideas on paper, and also not scrutinize themselves and others so much.

Libra, September 23 – October 22

Libras get very stressed out when people treat them unfairly. They hate confrontation and will spend hours deciding what to say to someone who’s hurt them, and if they should even bring up the issue or not. Libras are the sign of balance, after all, and don’t like anything to go unresolved, making their scales tip too far in one direction.

Libras are wonderful at creating harmony and have an airy sense about them that makes others feel comfortable and at peace. You treat others well, but this isn’t always reciprocated. If something bothers you, make sure to confront others, but keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Your peaceful nature will keep any confrontation from getting out of control, anyway.

Scorpio, October 23 – November 21

Scorpios, like Cancers, are a sensitive sign that hides their emotions beneath their hard scorpion shell. They enjoy having their privacy, and in general, don’t like being around very noisy or inconsiderate people. Scorpios also tend to hold grudges and like to get revenge on others who have done them wrong.

Scorpios, make sure you speak up if any boundaries have been crossed, and don’t allow others’ actions and choices to get under your skin too much.

Sagittarius, November 22 – December 21

Sagittarius’ need constant movement in order to feel at peace. They don’t like being told what to do and feel stressed when they must follow rules or adhere to boundaries set by others. They are very impatient, impulsive, and sporadic, and don’t like situations where they must act “proper” or behave according to other people’s standards.

People born under the sun sign of Sagittarius must make sure they stay active and get lots of time outdoors in order to not feel constrained.

Capricorn, December 22 – January 19

Capricorns have high expectations for themselves. They can easily overwork themselves if they don’t pay attention to their own needs. Thus, these folks don’t usually make a lot of time to unwind. They like telling others what to do, and often meddle in other people’s lives.

They, like Leos, must have everything under control. However, life doesn’t always go according to plan, so Capricorns need to remember to relax and let life happen sometimes. Also, don’t take work too seriously; make enough time for play, too.

Aquarius, January 20 – February 18

Aquarius is very witty, inventive, and adventurous people. They live a no-strings-attached kind of life, and any sort of commitment or attempt to reign them in will have them running for the hills. Aquarius is full of excitement, and will always show you a good time no matter what you’re doing. However, they can also be a bit detached emotionally, and let their stubborn streak get in the way of listening to others’ opinions. They don’t like to admit when they’re wrong and tend to think in an objective manner, not letting their emotions get in the way.

Aquarius need to remember that life doesn’t always go their way, and to let it unfold as it should.

Pisces, February 19 – March 20

Pisces are very secretive, creative people, and don’t like to be in the spotlight. Feeling exposed is a major stress trigger for Pisces, and they can even get sick due to negative energy from others invading their space. They prefer quiet atmospheres and shy away from loud people and situations.

Pisces need to make enough time for themselves to recuperate from putting themselves out there, and also work on increasing their vibration in order to shield themselves from any negative energy.

25 Things The Ancient Practice of Acupuncture Can Heal

September 1, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Acupuncture: some people swear by it and others attribute it to nothing more than a placebo effect. It is an ancient Chinese Medicine practice of strategically placing very fine needles into the skin to alleviate pain and to treat various physical, mental, and emotional conditions.

The job of the needles is to recreate balance by stimulating Qi. Qi (pronounced “chee”) is what the Chinese refer to as the life force of the body. It is this stimulation that begins to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and diminish symptoms of some diseases.

Acupuncture is gaining credibility in the Western world as being an effective partner with institutional medical practices for combating certain diseases and ailments.

An ultrasound study, from the University of Vermont, showed that when acupuncture needles were used on specific meridian points, the tissue in the vicinity of the needles sent signals throughout the body that stimulated blood flow and tissue regeneration.

One area where Western medicine and this ancient traditional practice are working together is when surgery is required. There are a plethora of studies that show recovery time from surgery and the need for pain medication following surgery is significantly lowered when acupuncture is performed before and after the surgical procedure.

Even the World Health Organization (WHO), an international authority on health-related matters, weighs in on the effectiveness of acupuncture. In a report it issued on the effectiveness of acupuncture for a variety ailments, it says:

“Over its 2500 years of development, a wealth of experience has accumulated in the practice of acupuncture, attesting to the wide range of diseases and conditions that can be effectively treated with this approach.”

The biggest question most people have when contemplating acupuncture is “does it hurt?”

There is something about the fact that needles are used that cause people to pause. Today, acupuncture needles are about as thick as a strand of hair, are sterilized and designed for single use. They do not actually cut the skin like needles used for injections, but instead they separate the skin for easier and pain-free penetration. It doesn’t generally hurt and most likely you will feel only a slight prick.

Acupuncture is rarely a one-time thing. The initial appointment is almost always a thorough exam that includes questions about your symptoms, behaviors, and lifestyle. You might be questioning the decision to try acupuncture when your acupuncturist is asking about how you’ve been sleeping, what you’ve been eating and your stress levels when all you are looking for is a little relief from your back pain.

Every ailment, according to Chinese Medicine, is an interruption in the flow Qi. Acupuncture is a total well-being practice, and it is important that a complete picture is gathered before the course of treatment is decided. A course of six to eight treatments is common, but the number may vary based on why you are being treated and how severe the condition is.

The next big question often asked is, “what can acupuncture heal?” Well, it might be easier to list what it can’t heal or at least treat and relieve symptoms for. From that same WHO report mentioned earlier,

Here are 25 of the most common conditions the ancient practice of acupuncture can heal:

Low Back Pain

Neck Pain

Sciatic Pain

Tennis Elbow

Knee Pain

Mild and Severe Sprains

Facial Pain, including Lockjaw

Headaches and Migraines

Dental Pain and Gum Disease

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Joint Inflammation

Induction of Labor

Correction the Fetus in the Breech Position

Morning Sickness

Nausea and Vomiting

Postoperative Pain and Stiffness

Stroke

Essential Hypertension

Primary Hypotension

Renal Colic

Leucopenia

Adverse Reactions to Radiation or Chemotherapy

Asthma, Hay Fever and Irritation of the Nose

Depression both Chronic and Situational

Peptic Ulcer

Acute and Chronic Gastritis

The above is not a complete list of acupuncture benefits by any means. In fact, the studies into the effectiveness of acupuncture on specific diseases and conditions are ongoing, and more ailments are added to this list as the information becomes available.

If you are undecided about whether to try acupuncture or not, do your research and start to look at healing yourself in a new and integrative way. It doesn’t have to be all of one type of medicine, and if the latest findings are any indication, then an approach that combines the best of Western and Chinese medicine may be right for you.

Acupuncture practices are popping up in hospitals, clinics, and private facilities. And because acupuncturists can operate without the need for electronics and machinery, they can even be found in war zones, refugee camps and disaster sites around the world.

Acupuncture is certainly worthy of further investigation. It may or may not be right for you, but if you have a specific condition that you believe might be a candidate for treatment with acupuncture, it is worth having a discussion with a trained professional and your doctor.

5 Questions That Stop Negative Thoughts In Their Tracks

September 1, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Negative thoughts are the beginning of a destructive spiral that instantly takes over our lives and can keep a grip on them if we let it. Negative thoughts, if kept uncontrolled, will be destructive to us and those around us. We lose self-confidence, lack belief in ourselves and others and after a short time; we don’t even try to better out lives because we assume we’ve failed before we start.

It is very important to overcome the negative thinking at the very first possible opportunity to be successful and achieve our biggest goals and dreams.

Self-reflection is an important strategy that benefits us more than we can imagine. It helps us to stop and truly look into our lives, behaviors, and our relationships and think about what we’re doing right – and wrong.

When we do that, we will see the changes we have to make so we can improve our well-being. Reflection is one thing that’s good for our soul; so long as we keep it positive. We might have negative thoughts that become burdensome, but with the habit of positive thinking, we can reframe those thoughts to better serve us.

Positive affirmations are another strategy that can help us reflect with positive intention so that we can help chart the path of our day. There is no truly defeating our negative thoughts. Instead, we need to learn to manage them. And the initial step is to recognize them. It’s important to discover the weaknesses and triggers in our thinking we experience.

Here are 5 questions to ask yourself that stops negative thoughts:

These questions are meant to help us discover our negative thoughts and understand where they’re coming from. When you know their source, you can begin to make changes to address the negativity.

1. How exactly do these negative thoughts truly serve me?

The response to this question is usually ‘It doesn’t serve’. Much negative thinking is just unrealistic and inaccurate, and it serves no actual purpose. Negative thoughts only exist to remind us to take the appropriate actions. When you ask the benefit of the negative thinking, you can often discover that the negative thoughts simply start to disappear.

2. How else can we look at the situation?

With this question, we’re motivating ourselves to look at the situation from various perspectives and break down the feeling of belief that has led to our negative thinking.

3. What will somebody else think about my thought?

This is a good question to help view things from another person’s perspective. When we begin to look at ourselves through another person’s eyes, we’ll view the circumstances more clearly and draw a much more reasonable conclusion.

4. What’s the worst that can happen?

We can easily get caught up with negative thinking and see all kinds of things that can go wrong. To help overcome this spiral of negative thinking, it is important to spend some time figuring out the worst thing that can happen. Usually, the worst thing isn’t as bad as our imagination. Perspective is very important, and when we can keep things in perspective, they become less scary.

5. Can I handle the worst situation?

Often the worst situation might not be that bad. When we realize this, we have confidence that we can handle any outcome that comes up, and it will motivate us to move forward.

Life is full of unanswered questions, and it is the determination to ask enough of the appropriate ones that will eventually lead us to understand ourselves better.

We could spend our life wallowing in a sea of negative thoughts like -Why me? Or we could be grateful that we have made it this far. We are here to live another day. We have the ability to think for ourselves which means we can choose the course of those thoughts.

Negative thoughts can easily dominate our life and destroy our authentic self. When we allow negative thinking to consume us, we hold ourselves back from going after our goals. We won’t be able to think achieving our big goals is a possibility.

We might try to act like negative thinking doesn’t affect us, but that’s just a way of avoiding it. Make no mistake about it, negative thoughts do affect us and those around us.

Once we accept this, we can start to discover and challenge the negative thinking as it appears. As we keep challenging the negative thinking, we will quickly improve our self-confidence and begin a successful path towards achieving our goals.

Our goal is to start questioning our negative thoughts. Start with the five questions on this list or use questions that make sense to you. Do that and you will be surprised at how quickly your thoughts begin to change for the better.

5 Ways To Help Others Believe In Themselves

September 1, 2015 by Power of Positivity

When it comes to becoming successful and achieving our big goals, it is important that we believe in ourselves. But it’s also important that we help others believes in themselves, too. Helping others believe in and achieve their goal can accelerate the manifesting of our own.

As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Believe you can, and you are halfway there.” Sometimes that belief comes from a supportive circle of friends. That is not to say that we don’t have the ability do it ourselves, but the more support we have, the easier it is for things to fall into place.

The belief we have in ourselves allows us to take action. And sometimes, our belief in someone else also prompts them into action. To rely on that support when we need it, we must be willing to provide that support to someone else.

Here are five ways to help others believe in themselves:

1. Encourage them to believe.

Simple words of encouragement are among the easiest and most efficient things that we can do to help other people believe in themselves. Consider times when we’ve been in pursuit of a goal, or maybe just going through the motions of your day. How do you feel when someone pays you a sudden compliment or recognizes an attempt that you have been making?

Hearing something positive and encouraging lifts our spirits, motivates us and raises our self-esteem. Getting this kind of positive feedback doesn’t just make us feel good and capable instantly, it also serves as the necessary motivation to keep us pushing forward.

“You’ve got this. – I know you do.” Simple and effective. Honest encouragement will go a long way in helping someone believe in themselves.

2. Acknowledge the good.

When trying to encourage someone, find them doing good and right things and tell them. When you take the time to notice their good deeds, it helps them realize they are on the right path. This will build their confidence, making them more effective and productive.

Write a note. Send a card. Call them. Praise them in front of other people. When people good about what they’re doing, it has a positive effect on everything they do. And it’s not just at work, it can impact their home life, their workout life, and even their creative life.

Kindness breeds kindness, so more than likely, they will start acknowledging the good deeds of others. It means that acknowledging the good of someone can spread to others – all from a simple note or phone call.

3. Challenge them.

The term challenge has a few negative connotations. In terms of helping others believe in themselves, we are challenging them to be the best they can be. It might be hard at first, but it is hard to do great things if we aren’t operating at our best.

Start by reminding them of their desire to bring their very best and give a challenge. “I challenge you to ignore the naysayers and keep going with the real work at hand, do the job, make the commitment, etc.”

4. Listen to them.

When we listen to people around us, we tell them they matter and that their ideas are worth hearing. Also, we’ll begin to understand what they cherish, what exactly their goals are, and we will know how to motivate better and inspire them.

Listening is the important thing. We shouldn’t ask so many questions that we begin to overwhelm them. It makes us seem less accessible and less helpful. Unless they specifically want you to help them see both sides of the coin, listening is a powerful tool to show your belief in what they are doing.

5. Believe in their good decision-making.

Decision-making is one thing that happens throughout our day. We make all sorts of decisions, important ones and superficial ones, urgent ones and long-term ones.

Making so many decisions can lead to decision fatigue. When we reach this state, it is hard to know if we are making the right decisions or just making them to make them. Sometimes just being told we are doing good work can make all the difference.

When we focus on helping other people, our potential shows. Make an intention each morning to show kindness and help someone become better. This not only helps the other person, but it helps your personal development as well.

Make it the real heart’s desire to help other people, and you’ll be successful in business and life. To give of ourselves is a good thing. We cannot put a price on making a positive impact on somebody. There’s no time like the present to focus our time and efforts on helping others.

5 Ways To Detox From Sugar Without Making It Difficult

August 31, 2015 by Sarah Barkley

For many years, people assumed fat was the culprit for society’s obesity problems. However, that theory has changed, and sugar has become a common cause. You can detox from sugar, but it’s hard if you don’t know how to do it.

Research backs the idea that it is sugar that causes high obesity rates. It doesn’t stop at obesity, either. Sugar plays a role in many chronic diseases, including heart failure, diabetes, cancer, dementia, and depression.

While sugar is harmful to your body, you likely still have cravings for it. Studies show that sugar is addictive, with some reports saying it is up to eight times more addictive than some drugs. As if that isn’t bad enough, sugar addiction is growing.

Some estimates say up to 70 percent of Americans are overweight, and one in two have pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes thanks to sugar addiction. Many people probably wonder if they are addicted to sugar but don’t know what to do about it. Learning what a sugar addiction looks like and how to detox from sugar can help you live a healthier life.

How to Know if You Have a Sugar Addiction

There are a few things to watch for if you want to know if you have a sugar addiction. Some signs of sugar addiction are more challenging to notice than others, but you are more likely to recognize the characteristics if you know what to look for.

You’ll want to watch for the following:

craving certain foods and indulging when you aren’t hungry
you allow certain foods that you know you shouldn’t
feeling tired, bloated, and depleted energy after eating.
frequently overeating
having an energy slump in the afternoon
you feel tired most of the time
making a habit of after-dinner sweets
you prefer sugary treats with your coffee
consuming soft drinks and soda frequently
you don’t enjoy greens
always choosing sweet food over healthier options
wanting chewing gum often
frequently using artificial sweeteners

These habits aren’t easy to overcome, as starting to detox from sugar can be challenging. You’ll need motivation and willpower, but knowing what to watch for will help you.

How Long Should a Sugar Detox Last?

A sugar detox is different for everyone, and it is up to you to decide how long you want it to last. Most of the detoxes last for one or two weeks, but some last for an entire month. When you set your timeframe to detox from sugar, make sure it’s reasonable so that you don’t get burnt out and give up.

Five Easy Ways to Detox from Sugar

Try these easy methods to break this high-carb habit.

1. Go Cold Turkey

Going cold turkey sounds complicated, but it is the best way to go with a sugar detox. Sugar is an addictive substance, so even a little sugar intake will keep the addiction alive and have you craving more. Going cold turkey means eliminating most packaged foods, flours, including whole grain flour and artificial sweeteners.

It’s essential to read labels and pass up anything that contains trans or hydrogenated fats or MSG. The problem with food labels is there are often hidden sources of sugar and other unhealthy ingredients.

Additionally, when it comes to hidden sugar, you’ll want to watch in some unexpected food sources. Some of your favorite foods that don’t seem sweet contain high amounts of sugar. Get into the habit of reading the labels on any food, even if you assume it’s healthy.

Some of the less apparent foods you should watch out for include the following:

ketchup
barbecue sauce
pasta sauce
reduced-fat salad dressings
bread
baked beans
flavored coffee

Aim to eat only whole, non-processed foods, including these:

fresh meat
poultry
fish
vegetables
whole grains
beans
nuts and seeds
high-fiber foods

Another way you can help yourself when you go cold turkey is to eat regular meals with snacks in between. You don’t want to let yourself get too hungry because extreme hunger can cause poor food choices.

2. Choose The Right Carbs

Some carbs are healthy, but you have to choose the right kind. Carbs from low-starch vegetables are the way to go. You can choose from greens, broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, onions, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, and much more.

Avoid carbs from starchy vegetables, including potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and beets. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid refined and white carbs because they lead to sugar cravings. Avoiding these foods means that you should avoid bagels, chips, French fries, white bread, pretzels, crackers, and pasta.

Starchy foods are complex carbs, and your body breaks them down into simple sugars. It can make your blood sugar spike and crash, resulting in more sugary cravings.

3. More Fat And Protein

Stabilizing your blood sugar helps dimmish cravings and keeps you feeling full. You can stabilize it by consuming good fats and protein at every meal and snack throughout the day.

Good proteins are grass-fed and raised without hormones and antibiotics. They include nuts, seeds, eggs, fish, chicken, and meat. That’s because proteins take longer to digest, which is why they make you feel full longer. Plus, proteins give you an energy boost that lasts for longer than sugar does.

Good fats include olive oil, coconut butter, avocados, and Omega 3 fats found in fish. These fats help control your blood sugar and keep you feeling good throughout the day.

Aim to start your day with a protein-rich breakfast with a healthy fat option, too. Many breakfast options are high in carbs, so be careful to avoid those foods. Instead, opt for things like omelets or poached eggs paired with avocado.

4. Toss Trigger Foods

We all have foods that are more problematic for us, and it’s usually easy to pinpoint them. Whether it’s a tub of ice cream, a bottle of soda, or any other sugary treats, trigger foods are hard to resist. Any food that causes you to over-indulge is a trigger food, and it’s best to get rid of it.

When you detox from sugar, it’s too tempting to keep your trigger foods in the house. The first few days are the hardest, but it’s sometimes best to keep them out of your home for good. It’ll be hard to throw good food in the trash, but it’ll be worth it to remove the temptation.

If you’re a frequent coffee drinker, you’ll want to cut back to one cup a day if you don’t want to eliminate it. Consuming too much caffeine triggers cravings, making the detox from sugar more difficult. It’ll be hard at first, but you’ll quickly notice that you feel better with only one cup of coffee.

Another trigger you should consider eliminating is alcohol. While it’s not a food, alcoholic beverages can trigger sugar cravings. Plus, most of these drinks are full of sugar and other unhealthy ingredients.

5. Get Good Sleep

Sleep is the best way to recharge and energize your body, so you won’t crave the energy that comes from a sugar high. A lack of proper sleep affects our appetite hormones by increasing our hunger hormones and decreasing the hormones responsible for appetite suppression.

People tend to overeat when they aren’t well-rested and what we choose to eat when we are tired are often sugar and refined carbs. Get a whole night of sleep, at least seven hours, to help ease the detox symptoms.

Work on developing a regular sleep schedule and before-bed routine to help you relax a little. As you implement patterns, you’ll find that you can get enough sleep. You can also try mantras that help you sleep better at night.

What About Artificial Sweeteners?

When you give up sugar, you also must give up artificial sweeteners. While they might seem like a good alternative, they are unhealthy. Plus, they can trigger sugar cravings just as much as the real thing would, too.

Using artificial sweeteners also prevents you from curbing your sugar addiction. You’ll still get that taste for sweets, so you’ll never stop craving sugar. The only way to overcome your sugar cravings is by eliminating artificial sweeteners, too.

It’s also important to note that craving something sweet likely means your body requires something nutritious. Opting for something with artificial sweeteners leaves you feeling hungry and wanting more.

What to Look for On a Food Label

When checking your food labels, you must look for more than just the word “sugar” on the ingredients list. Sometimes, sugar is listed as other names, including these:

Molasses
Lactose
Dextrose
Brown rice syrup
Evaporated cane juice
Agave nectar
Malt syrup
Glucose
High-fructose corn syrup
Sucrose

Final Thoughts on Ways to Detox from Sugar

If you want to live a healthier life and feel better, detoxing from sugar is the way to go. With sugar being highly addictive and the cause of many health concerns, it’s essential to make a change in your life. Remember, the first few days of your sugar detox are the hardest, so keep pushing through, and it’ll pay off.

Stay hydrated during your detox to help flush the sugar out of your system quickly. The sooner it’s gone, the easier it will be to avoid sugar whenever possible. You’ll also quickly find new favorite foods, and healthy options will taste better for you.

As you detox from sugar, stay diligent and listen to your body. By listening to your body, you’ll begin to understand your cravings and determine which vitamin or nutrient you need. As you end the vicious cycle of poor food choices, you’ll quickly feel better overall.

11 Important Life Lessons We Can Learn From Wayne Dyer

August 31, 2015 by Power of Positivity

“Heaven on Earth is a choice you must make, not a place you must find.” – Wayne W. Dyer

One of the most beloved and influential motivational speakers, self-help authors, and spiritual teachers of our time, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, has passed away, according to information from his family. He impacted the lives of thousands of people through his words and teachings and awakened many people to the reality that lies beyond the one we see everyday. He wrote many notable books about spirituality and how we can realize our own potential by simply looking within, quieting our minds, and living through our hearts. Some of his works include Your Erroneous Zones, one of the best-selling books of all time with 35 million copies sold, The Power of Intention, and The Shift.

He was not afraid of dying and simply saw it as another adventure to go on. Even though the universe has taken him elsewhere to live out his soul’s plan, he left behind many important lessons we can all apply to our lives today.

Here are 11 important life lessons we can learn from Wayne Dyer:

1. Wayne Dyer explains, only you can control your reality.

“How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.”

“When you abandon making choices, you enter the vast world of excuses.”

“Your reputation is in the hands of others. That’s what the reputation is. You can’t control that. The only thing you can control is your character.”

“Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.”

“You must become the producer, director and actor in the unfolding story of your life.”

“A non-doer is very often a critic- that is, someone who sits back and watches doers, and then waxes philosophically about how the doers are doing. It’s easy to be a critic, but being a doer requires effort, risk, and change.”

2. All change begins from within.

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.”

“The more you see yourself as what you’d like to become, and act as if what you want is already there, the more you’ll activate those dormant forces that will collaborate to transform your dream into your reality.”

“You’ll see it when you believe it.”

“Not only do you become what you think about, but the world also becomes what you think about. Those who think that the world is a dark place are blind to the light that might illuminate their lives. Those who see the light of the world view the dark spots as merely potential light.”

3. The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself.

“You cannot be lonely if you like the person you’re alone with.”

“Practice being the kind of person you wish to attract.”

“My goal is not to be better than anyone else, but to be better than I used to be.”

4. You can set the standards for how amazing your life will be, according Wayne Dyer.

“Here is an affirmation for today: I feel passionately about my life, and this passion fills me with excitement and energy!”

“Once you believe in yourself and see your soul as divine and precious, you’ll automatically be converted to a being who can create miracles.”

“With everything that has happened to you, you can either feel sorry for yourself or treat what has happened as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing. You get to choose.”

“By believing passionately in something that does not yet exist we create it. The nonexistent is whatever we have not sufficiently desired.”

5. Live your passions.

“Begin with the end in mind. Start with the end outcome and work backwards to make your dream possible.”

“Go for it now. The future is promised to no one.”

“Doing what you love is the cornerstone of having abundance in your life.”

“Don’t die with the music still in you.”

6. Wake up each day with thankfulness in your heart.

“Upon awakening, let the words Thank You flow from your lips, for this will remind you to begin your day with gratitude and compassion.”

“Each experience in your life was absolutely necessary in order to have gotten you to the next place, and the next place, up to this very moment.”

7. Have a “yes” mindset about life.

“You’ll seldom experience regret for anything that you’ve done. It is what you haven’t done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear. Do it! Develop an appreciation for the present moment. Seize every second of your life and savor it.”

“I am realistic – I expect miracles.”

“When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way.”

“I have absolutely no limits on what I intent to create.”

8. Spread kindness like you’ll never run out of it.

“When you are able to shift your inner awareness to how you can serve others, and when you make this the central focus of your life, you will then be in a position to know true miracles in your progress toward prosperity.”

“When the choice is to be right or to be kind, always make the choice that brings peace”

“If you meet someone whose soul is not aligned with yours, send them love and move along.”

“Love is my gift to the world. I fill myself with love, and I send that love out into the world.”

9. Correct your mindset, and your life will transform.

“Heaven is a state of mind, not a location.”

“No one can create negativity or stress within you. Only you can do that by virtue of how you process your world.”

“What we think determines what happens to us, so if we want to change our lives, we need to stretch our minds.”

“The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of the state of your mind.”

“You leave old habits behind by starting out with the thought, ‘I release the need for this in my life’.”

10. Don’t let fear or rejection stop you from following your dreams.

“You are not stuck where you are unless you decide to be.”

“We are divine enough to ask and we are important enough to receive.”

“Remind yourself that you cannot fail at being yourself.”

“I am thankful to all those who said no. It’s because of them, I did it myself.”

“There’s no scarcity of opportunity to make a living at what you love. There is only a scarcity of resolve to make it happen.”

11. Learn to appreciate silence, advises Wayne Dyer.

“Make peace with silence, and remind yourself that it is in this space that you’ll come to remember your spirit. When you’re able to transcend an aversion to silence, you’ll also transcend many other miseries. And it is in this silence that the remembrance of God will be activated.”

“Embrace silence since meditation is the only way to truly come to know your Source. ”

What are some of your favorite Wayne Dyer quotes? Share with us in the comments!

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