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10 Signs You’re Disrespecting Yourself

August 10, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Are you disrespecting yourself? The relationship rules that exist are just as important for our relationships with ourselves as they are for our relationships with others. Trusting, listening, communicating and most of all respecting ourselves is important to living in our truth.

You can’t be the best version of you without giving yourself the same respect we demand of others. The problem is that we don’t often see how we treat ourselves as either respectful or disrespectful. These signs will certainly help:

You may be disrespecting yourself if. . .

1. You’re saying yes to things that are unimportant to you or that you don’t have time for.

Respect your time and energy by spending it on projects and with people that matter most. We aren’t doing ourselves any favors by over-scheduling our days and taking time away from the necessary self-care that makes us whole.

2. You present yourself as something you’re not to gain favor.

We’ve all felt the need to give our life a bit of a facelift to impress someone. We also know that we shouldn’t have to do it, yet we do it anyway. It’s the ultimate sign of disrespect to ourselves to think who we are isn’t good enough. And if we aren’t good enough for them, the real truth is they aren’t good enough for us.

3. You often agree with what someone says only because you don’t want to offend them.

Our opinions matter and when we don’t express them, we are basically saying to ourselves and everyone around us that they don’t. If someone is offended by our honest and thoughtful opinions, then they weren’t seeking advice, they were seeking a “yes” man. Show respect for you and others by expressing how you feel honestly and with kindness.

4. Disrespect yourself by putting your needs behind the needs of others.

We don’t do anyone any favors by ignoring what we need regarding rest, relaxation and overall self-care. We operate better, are more productive and emotionally stable when we are taking care of ourselves.

5. When you feel guilty for doing what is right for you even if it goes against the advice you’ve received.

Seeking advice has a place in our lives for sure, but it’s important to remember it’s only advice. Whether giving or receiving it, there shouldn’t be a personal affront when it isn’t followed. It only means it wasn’t quite right at that time. Don’t feel guilty for going against the advice you received and making a decision that feels right to you.

6. You don’t defend yourself by setting the record straight.

Nobody thrives on conflict, and sometimes it is easier just to let things go. We have to balance that with defending ourselves. To respect ourselves, it’s important that people know the truth about us and our role in certain situations. Sometimes it’s correcting a wrong, and other times it’s correcting a right. Either way, painting a clear and accurate picture is the ultimate sign of respect.

7. You regularly hide how you’re feeling.

We are creatures of feelings and emotions, but society has taught us to keep them hidden so as not to make others uncomfortable. You disrespect yourself whenever you say things are fine when they aren’t. Be true to who you are and, more importantly, how you feel.

8. You overtly seek outside attention.

The only attention that truly matters is the attention we give ourselves. When we seek attention from others, we look for outside validation of something we probably already know. If you find yourself seeking someone else’s approval, look within and figure out what’s missing. Then go to work on filling the gap.

9. You constantly try to make others happy, becoming their doormat.

We only can affect our happiness, and when we are happy, we want others to be happy too. The problem with trying to make others happier is that is we usually end up leaving them wanting, and as a result, we create a greater void on the inside. We can affect the greatest change by focusing on ourselves. As a famous quote by Mahatma Gandhi says, “be the change we want to see in the world.”

10. By surrounding yourself with bad company.

It is hard to be authentic when hanging out with people who do not appreciate and share beliefs and values that help promote our true selves. Take the time to find and grow with like-minded people that support who you are. It’s hard not to respect yourself when you are loved and supported.

Nobody sets out to be disrespectful to themselves, but so many automatic behaviors end up doing just that. Automatic responses to how we feel, not speaking our minds to avoid hurting feelings, and seeking validation from an outside source instead of within, while seemingly harmless, are forms of disrespect.

Stop Disrespecting Yourself

So stop disrespecting yourself. Know that you don’t have to take the path to least resistance by ignoring your wants and needs. Stand up for who you are and what you believe in a kind, but firm manner. That is the ultimate sign of respecting yourself.

25 Benefits of Lemon You Didn’t Know About

August 7, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Ancient civilizations believed that lemon has the power to ward of poisons and some recent research has supported this view.

Specifically, a study done at University California Davis found the biological activity of citrus, bioflavonoids were effective in anti-cancer activity in the body.

This citrus fruit has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties and provides a significant boost to the immune system. It is effective in fighting infection thanks to its levels of vitamin C, bioflavonoids, citric acid, calcium, magnesium, pectin, and limonene.

Most people have heard that starting your day with warm lemon water is a natural energizer that hydrates and oxygenates the body.

Here are 25 other benefits of lemons that you didn’t know about.

1. It helps break a fever.

Its juice increases perspiration which in turn can help force a fever to break.

2. Lemons help improve our mood.

The refreshing smell of citrus fruit can help lessen symptoms of depression while increasing energy levels.

3. Lemons help us breathe better.

They can aid asthma sufferers by thinning mucus and clearing the airways.

4. Lemon helps relieve the symptoms of arthritis.

It flushes out toxins and bacteria thanks to its diuretic properties. The reduction in toxins helps to reduce inflammation in the joints.

5. They can help prevent kidney stones.

Lemons are responsible for stimulating the production of the chemical compound, urinary citrate, a key compound in the prevention of kidney stones.

6. Lemons are effective as a topical disinfectant.

Use the juice from this zesty citrus on scrapes and cuts to disinfect the area.

7. Lemon preserves clothing.

The juice, along with salt, can help remove mold and stains from clothing.

8. They can treat acne and problem skin.

These are natural cleansing agents for the skin. That’s because of their antibacterial and antifungal properties.

9. Lemon lightens age spots.

The citric acid contained inside helps to even skin tone and fade dark spots.

10. They help oily skin.

The juices can cut through oil while helping to curb excess oil production in the skin.

11. Lemon will strengthen your nails.

Some of the juice mixed with olive oil will strengthen and whiten weak and brittle nails.

12. This citrus fruit is a natural insect repellant.

Wipe baseboards with a mixture of a squeeze of its juice and some water to keep ants, flies, and cockroaches at bay.

13. Lemons help with the signs of aging.

The bioflavonoids in this fruit are responsible for the reduction of free radicals which can cause skin damage and premature aging.

14. They help relieve headaches.

A mixture of green tea and lemon can be as effective as aspirin in relieving headaches.

15. Lemons are good for oral health.

They can help with infected and bleeding gums and can reduce tooth pain.

16. They fight against bad breath.

The citric acid in a lemon helps to balance our body’s pH which will aid in destroying the bacteria in the mouth.

17. Lemons whiten teeth.

Mix some of this fruit’s juice with baking soda for a natural teeth whitener.

18. They naturally exfoliate.

Rubbing a lemon directly on chapped and dry skin will aid in the removal of dead skin.

19. This fruit can detoxify the blood.

Our blood accumulates toxins and regular consumption of lemon acts as a detoxifying and purification agent for our blood.

20. Lemons can help ward off or heal infections.

Lemons are in antibacterial properties which can help heal and even prevent infection.

21. Lemons can provide natural highlights.

Add a little freshly squeezed juice to your hair conditioner and sit in the sun for awhile. After rinsing your hair, you will notice your natural highlights beginning to appear.

22. It can help prevent dandruff.

Massage a little lemony juice and warm olive oil into your scalp to relieve itchiness and dryness.

23. Lemons cleanse the body.

Mix a squeeze of this juice with a little milk or yogurt and massage over your skin. It will cleanse, exfoliate and soften in one step.

24. This fruit can improve your digestive system.

Warm water with lemon can help prevent constipation and improve your overall digestive system.

25. Lemons are an effective cleanser.

The juice mixed with water can act as a cleaning and disinfectant for your counters. Also, they can help remove pesticides from your fruits and vegetables.

The benefits of citric acid are far-reaching because they are effective both in healing and prevention. There is even promising research that says they can aid in weight loss.

How much lemon is enough?

It is recommended to ingest at least ½ of a lemon daily. The most simple way to start is by adding some lemon to your water.

A few words of caution. First, citric acid can be hard on the enamel of your teeth. So if when drinking lemon water or eating any citrus fruits, rinse with your mouth with plain water to remove the acid from your teeth. Also, if applying to the skin, they can make the skin more sensitive to the sun so make sure and wear sunscreen.

Even so, the benefits of lemon can’t be dismissed and adding it to your daily nutrition plan is wise.

If You See Someone With a Semicolon Tattoo, This Is What It Means

August 6, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Have you ever noticed a person who displayed a semicolon tattoo? It turns out that they probably have quite a story.

Tattoos have exploded in popularity over the past decade and have become an essential and artistic way for people to express themselves. Most people get tattoos to tell a story, or to showcase the pain, triumph, and obstacles they have faced throughout their lives.

Every tattoo means something different to the wearer of it. But in the case of the semicolon tattoo, the meaning is universal.

When Amy Bluel tragically lost her father to suicide, she wanted to commemorate him in a special way. However, she also wanted to raise awareness of mental health problems. She founded Project Semicolon, which allowed her to meet her goals. Project Semicolon aims to “present hope and love to those struggling with depression, suicide, addiction, and self-injury.”

Why a Semicolon Tattoo?

Read about the tattoo meanings that most people don’t realize.

We use the semicolon in writing when we join together two closely related sentences. The first part of the sentence could be a complete thought. However, the author decided to keep the sentence going. In other words, the sentence isn’t over.

In the context of mental health, the sentence is your life. Thus, the semicolon is the decision to continue living. The semicolon tattoo represents the fact that you have complete power over yourself. Moreover, you can choose to keep fighting, even if you feel like giving up and putting a period at the end of your life.

The entire movement aims to bring people together, to empower one another, and show that we can all overcome the obstacles we face, no matter the size. You can always rewrite your story, start a new chapter, and recreate your life even if you feel you have nowhere to turn.

Your story doesn’t have to end if you believe in your ability to create new beginnings. For many, the semicolon represents a new beginning of their life. The first half of the sentence has come to a conclusion, and they are now starting a new sentence – a new life – with a different perspective.

This can be accomplished by visiting with a mental health professional, exchanging poor habits for better habits, reading self-help books, forcing yourself to be with your friends, and more.

Depression, Suicide, and the Semicolon Tattoo

According to WHO, more than 350 million people globally suffer from depression. People with mental illnesses often feel embarrassed to talk about their issues or feel like they will become a burden to others by voicing their problems. Many of these people suffer in silence, not knowing who to go to or where to turn. Project Semicolon invites people worldwide to share their stories, and wear the semicolon tattoo on their skin to show that they’ve committed to their lives and will keep marching onward, despite the adversities that come their way.

Wearing the semicolon tattoo is also a comforting reminder that you don’t have to face your issues alone, and many people all over the world have been in your shoes.

They know the hardships you have faced because they themselves have had to cross the same bridges. No matter how lonely you feel, someone out there can relate to your struggles.

The movement also aims to increase compassion toward mental health issues. Amy even wrote on her website that her organization “envisions a community that comes together and stands together in support of one another.” She encourages people to start conversations with others about their mental health issues, rather than resorting to self-harming, drugs, alcohol, or other destructive behaviors that do not serve people’s best interests.

While talking to others about your mental health can be difficult, it gets easier over time. The more you talk about your mental health, the easier it is to continue talking about it, and the better you begin to feel. Now, don’t tell everyone you meet you have depression. But speaking with people whom you trust is both healthy and relieving. Getting a semicolon tattoo is an easy way to start those difficult conversations.

You Are NOT Alone

Do you currently suffer from any mental illness? Remember that you do not have to face your problems and fears alone. Many people struggle with mental health all over the world, and many choose to see the silver lining in the clouds and make a conscious choice to live a positive, fulfilling life. Project Semicolon aims to support and inspire others to share their stories and get help when needed, but they are not a 24-hour hotline.

In an emergency situation, please call your local authorities, a mental health professional, or 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) for immediate help.

Final Thoughts on The Choice to Wear a Semicolon Tattoo

We leave you with this inspiring quote from Amy herself:

“A semicolon is used when an author could’ve chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life.”

Remember, you are LOVED, cherished, and created by the universe to fulfill a special purpose. No one can offer exactly what you can to the world, so let your light shine. Your life matters. More importantly, you can create a wonderful, happy existence. You never know who needs your smile, words, laughter, and kindness, so please remember this whenever you feel unwanted or lonely.

Being here on Earth makes a permanent imprint, and the Universe is a better place because YOU exist. Thanks for being with us on this beautiful, crazy ride we know as life.

10 Habits That Keep Couples Happy

August 5, 2015 by Chris Butler

Some couples seem happy all the time. No matter what they go through, they stay happily in love. What is their secret? It’s not a secret. They have learned to incorporate certain habits into their relationship. Here are ten habits that keep couples happy.

“It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes couples unhappy.” ~Power of Positivity

1. Happy couples practice good listening

Displaying good listening skills says to your partner, I care about you. Happy couples care enough to stop what they’re doing and give their full attention to what their partner is saying. Attentive listening when your partner is talking improves your relationship satisfaction. Happy couples believe that listening is essential, and they practice healthy listening skills. Some good listening skills include the following:

Get rid of distractions: Turn off your phone, the television and find a quiet location to talk.
Use total body language: Look at your partner’s eyes, lean forward, and don’t fidget while they talk.
Ask questions: After they finish, be sure to ask questions to clarify what they said. Please don’t assume you understand what they’re saying. Ask good questions that tell them you want to understand.

2 – Happy couples assume the best about one another

A couple who believes the best about one another displays a level of trust. They don’t behave jealously or with mistrust. That’s because they don’t base their union on a flimsy hope, but because they know each other’s character. Over time, they have gained one another’s trust and confidence. Happy couples have mutual trust without jealousy or accusations.

To build trust in a relationship, you should practice the following good habits:

Honest, open communication
Keep your word in small and big things
Show respect
Being vulnerable enough to express your feelings
Consistent behavior
Being humble
Admit when you make mistakes

3 – Happy couples laugh together

Happy couples know how to laugh together. They see the funny side of life’s everyday difficulties. They’re self-effacing, meaning they know how to laugh at themselves. This is because they don’t take themselves too seriously. These couples use humor with kindness rather than using sarcasm or mean put-downs. Laughter in a romantic relationship has a positive effect on the quality and closeness the couple feels. How can a couple learn to laugh together?

Here are some suggestions.
Watch a funny television show together
Crack funny jokes about the silly things you do or say
Create funny jokes that only the two of you understand
Tease one another
Be silly together

4 – Happy couples practice good communication

Good communication is essential for a happy relationship. These couples can be vulnerable with one another. They share their fears, hopes, and dreams without fear of ridicule. Good communication helps their relationship go deeper. Happy couples have meaningful conversations. This openness means you can freely share things they did that were hurtful or made you feel angry. The two of you can talk through your conflicts using good communication skills. These include

Talk about how you feel.
Avoid saying words like “you always” or “you never.”
Pick your battles
Listen to your partner
Be willing to admit you are wrong
Refuse to be easily offended. Your partner may have some insight that will help you.
Agree to disagree on some subjects

5 – Happy couples give one another emotional support

Emotional support is necessary for a happy, healthy relationship. When you have emotional support in a relationship, you feel like your partner understands you and wants the best for you. Supporting your partner could mean encouraging them when they’re discouraged or having a hard day at work or school. Happy couples ask each other what they can do to help or support one another. They try to improve their relationship by reading books together, attending seminars, or listening to podcasts.

6 – Happy couples don’t blame shift

Happy, healthy couples resist the urge to blame each other when they’re feeling upset.

It’s easy to slip into blaming, especially when you’re angry. Typically, there isn’t one thing that contributes to you feeling a certain way. It can be a hard day at work, the kids causing trouble, and then your partner does something that pushes you over the edge. It’s easy to see them as the problem. Happy couples sit down and unravel what is going on instead of lashing out at one another.

7 – Happy couples show one another respect

Happy couples show respect for each other by respecting one another’s feelings, opinions, and rights. They avoid things that show disrespect, such as the following actions:

Sarcastic put-downs
Eye rolling at what the other partner says
Snarky comments to questions
Public disrespect
Irritable comments
Manipulation
Happy couples display healthy respectful habits towards one another, such as
Patience
Kindness
Compassion
Apologizing
Taking responsibility
Forgive quickly
Allow their partner to contribute their ideas without critiquing them
Show respect in public

8 – Happy couples encourage each other

Encouraging words build up a relationship. It’s easy to fall into a bad habit of not expressing encouragement to your partner because you assume they know how you feel. You can encourage your partner in simple ways every day. Saying things like these can build the relationship:

I appreciate how you handled that situation
Thanks for caring about that as much as I do
I appreciate your thoughtfulness
I’m so glad we’re together
You make me feel loved
I missed you today
Thanks for being such a great listener

9 – Happy couples are committed to the relationship

A common habit of happy couples is a commitment to their relationship. They both want the relationship to succeed and will work towards that goal. They use language and do things that show their commitment to the relationship. These things include

These couples say “we” instead of “I.”
They build up rather than tearing one another down.
They are willing to do the hard work for their relationship like reading books on relationships, attending couples’ seminars, or getting counseling if necessary.
These couples aren’t looking around for other potential partners.

10 – Happy couples don’t always feel “in love” with one another

Contrary to popular opinion, being in a relationship doesn’t mean you always have lovey-dovey feelings. Sometimes the other person makes you mad. This doesn’t cancel out your love for them. All relationships have their ups and downs. Being “in love” generally means having butterflies in your stomach or a strong physical attraction. You may still feel attracted to your partner, but it may not have the same intensity. Love means commitment and keeping your promises. It’s more than a feeling. It’s an emotional connection to the other person and the best companion you can be to them.

People in Successful Relationships Avoid These Behaviors

Happy couples have positive habits that contribute to the happiness of their relationship. But what are some things they don’t do? Here are a few things they avoid.

They don’t gossip about one another:

It can be tempting to discuss personal things about your partner with your friends. You may not even realize you’re gossiping about them. A good question to ask yourself before you say something is, “Would I like it if my partner shared this information about you with their friends?” Your close friends don’t need to know stuff about your partner unless they’ve told you it’s okay to share it.

Keeping score of mistakes:

Everyone makes mistakes. Keeping track of your partner’s mistakes serves no purpose other than to point the finger at them. It does little to help your relationship. Instead, it will tear it down. Keeping track of your partner’s mistakes lifts you as if you’re superior to them, so you look as if you’ve never made a mistake. Happy couples don’t keep track because it takes away their happiness.

Keeping their relationship first and the kids second

Couples with kids know that it’s easy to focus on their kids all the time. Your kids have plenty of needs, but it’s essential to keep your relationship first and foremost. You can keep your relationships first by incorporating simple habits into your week, such as the following relationship-strengthening activities:

Scheduling a date night every week.
Cuddling together on the sofa to watch a show.
Go for a walk without the kids after dinner.
Smile at one another across the dinner table.

Final Thoughts on the Things That Keep Couples Happy

Those couples that seem so happy aren’t perfect. But they have learned the secret of practicing habits that help their relationship grow strong. They understand that feeling “in love” isn’t necessarily as important as showing respect, encouraging each other, and giving one another emotional support. They know how to avoid gossiping about one another, letting the kids take center stage in their lives, and keeping track of one another’s mistakes. Most of all, these couples know that being happy together doesn’t just occur. It takes lots of work and a wholehearted commitment to being a happy couple.

7 Life Changing Lessons To Learn From Introverts

August 5, 2015 by Power of Positivity

According to a 1998 National Representative Sample by the Myers-Briggs organization 50% of the population identifies as an introvert. Current reliable statistics were hard to find. However, it’s quite obvious that we live in a culture that glorifies extroversion much more. In business, politics, or just social gatherings, extroverts tend to take center stage. Meanwhile, the introverts prefer to work from behind the scenes.

Introverts are highly misunderstood. In our society, they might come across as rude, standoffish, aloof, or just unfriendly. However, introverts simply draw their energy from within rather than from other people. They require a lot of time alone to recharge. Unfortunately, most people just take that as a sign that they don’t want to be bothered and aren’t interested in connecting with others. Introverts do love people. However, they can get easily drained from all the excitement, and simply feel more comfortable in their own company.

Introverts may not win awards for “Best Personality” or “Most Popular Person” in high school. However, they can teach us valuable lessons that last far beyond the legacy we create in school.

Here are 7 important life lessons to learn from introverts:

1. You can be alone without feeling lonely.

Many people in today’s world can’t stand the thought of being alone. They constantly need the validation of others in order to feel worthy and feel bored or restless when they have to spend time by themselves. Introverts teach us that we can become our own best friends, and learn to truly enjoy the person we spend the most time with in life – ourselves! Think of how many people you hear each day that belittle themselves, bash themselves, and don’t show themselves the support and love they deserve.

By spending time in solitude, however, one can learn to form a loving bond with their own soul and see the spirit that lies beneath the skin suits we all wear.

2. Spend time nourishing your creativity.

Many artists, poets, musicians, and the like all have one thing in common – they love spending time alone. In fact, most of their time is spent in their rooms, dreaming, creating, imagining, and working on their own passions. Extroverts excel at garnering the attention of others and can walk into a room full of people like it’s nothing. However, they usually don’t spend much time on their inner selves, because it doesn’t come naturally to them. Introverts show us that honoring our creative, feminine nature can open up new portals in our journeys to discovering our highest selves and that expressing ourselves in more subtle ways allows us to reflect on our true nature.

3. Rely on yourself for the answers you seek.

Extroverts love attention and usually base their self-worth on what others think about them. The more people that love them, the better they feel about themselves. Although introverts do care greatly about what others think of them, they have learned that the greatest fulfillment comes from their own opinion of themselves. Introverts usually derive their energy and wisdom from exercises such as meditation and yoga and have learned that they can discover entire worlds otherwise unknown to them from simply looking inward.

4. The greatest inspiration comes from within.

We often look to others to inspire us, but what about the incredible inspiration that we possess already? Introverts have learned to rely on themselves, to become their own heroes. They don’t idolize anyone, because they know that we all are our own gurus. We can heal ourselves by simply matching our vibration to what we wish to experience more of in our lives. Introverts understand themselves on a deep level and therefore inspire themselves from the struggles they have overcome on their soul journeys thus far.

5. Listen more, talk less.

It probably comes as no surprise that introverts make better listeners due to the fact that they just don’t enjoy talking about themselves too much. They see gabbing about their own issues as shallow and almost useless, and would much rather offer a listening ear to someone else. They don’t like the spotlight, so naturally, they make wonderful listeners because talking too much drains their energy. Introverts show us that we can have deeper, more meaningful relationships and even become more effective leaders by showing compassion for others and allowing them to open up to us fully.

6. Get to know the depths of people’s souls.

Introverts usually don’t have many relationships, but the ones they do have are very deep, complex, satisfying connections. They don’t do as well making small talk and lasting first impressions. But give them enough time to break down their walls. You’ll see that they make some of the most loyal, generous, and best friends or lovers you will ever have. Introverts teach us to give others a chance to open up, and have relationships built on a deep bond, mutual respect, and compassion for one another. Introverts value long heart-to-heart conversations that they will not easily forget, and seek out friendships and relationships with people who exhibit those qualities.

7. Think before you speak.

Thinking too much can be just as disastrous as not thinking at all. Fortunately, introverts tend to mull over what they will say a bit before the speak, so as to express their thoughts clearly and precisely. Introverts don’t do well with being put on the spot. But give them a few moments to prepare, and they will shine.

Regardless of their performance in front of a crowd or even a small group of people, introverts show us that thinking about the impact of your words before you speak can change the entire direction of a conversation. The words and tone we use on a day-to-day basis with people greatly determine our relationships with them. And because introverts tend to be more sensitive to others’ needs, they care more about how their words will affect others.

5 Ways to Turn Around a Bad Day

August 3, 2015 by Chris Butler

A bad day makes a date with sweatpants and ice cream sound like the most desirable way to mark another day off of the calendar. In reality, a bad day is actually deterring you from your highest path. Moreover, it will continue to do so as long as you allow it.

Luckily, the bad day doesn’t have to last. YOU have the choice to turn a “blah” day into an “Ahhh” day. And that can make you feel accomplished, positive, and well prepared for the next day on your schedule.

Here are 5 ways to turn a bad day into a better day:

1 – Spending Time with Family

An excellent way to break free from a funk is to be around family. This family might be the one you were born with, the family found along the way or your soul tribe. These are the people who are closest to you and care about you most will lift you up and keep your mind off of the things that have put you in the pits.

2 – Spending Time with yourself

This may seem like it’s what you’re already doing, but sometimes the company you need IS your own self. The catch is that time spent with yourself has to be in the right setting. Think about turning on the Marvin Gaye for your soul, serenading yourself and showing yourself the love you truly deserve from the inside out. Look at yourself in the mirror and verbally affirm the wonderful, beautiful, happy human that you truly are.

3 – Deep Breathing

Breathing has been known for ages to calm the mind and spirit, bringing you the clarity you need to reverse engineer your situation, figure out why it happened, and properly send positive energy to it. A technique known as “Prana” breathing is excellent for dealing with the depressing situation at hand. In cadence, breathe in for 4 counts and out for 8 counts. Do this repeatedly and you’ll feel the calm wash over you, allowing you to float into a positive perspective and dig yourself out of the rut.

4 – Change the direction of your thoughts.

What goes through a person’s mind while the robe and couch combination is in full force is what matters most. If freedom from a bad day is to be found, it will begin with the conscious monitoring of thought. If the direction of thoughts is positive, then great! You’re on your way out already.

If they’re negative, remind yourself of your ultimate happiness, affirm it out loud. And don’t ever be afraid to act like a kid to bring out your happiness. Go ahead and jump on the bed, slide across the floor in your socks or sing out loud in the shower. Getting in touch with your inner child will put you into a positive frame of mind in no time.

5 – Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses soothing plant materials in order to alter a person’s mood, mind, subconscious state, or health. Aromatherapy often involves many different varieties of essential oils. Certain oils work to relieve stress, freshen your mind, and set the perfect mood to perk you up. For example, oils associated with lavender lemon, lime, peppermint, spearmint, and cypress (click to buy) are commonly used to cleanse and purify negative thoughts. Using these oils to purge your negative thoughts is going to allow you to embrace happiness and really get back to enjoying your life.

There are so many ways to turn a bad day around, but we wanted to share 5 to get you going. You can also meditate, exercise, do something random, call a friend, or even just turn on a funny movie while you’re stuck on the sofa.

How do you turn your bad days around? Share in the discussion below!

10 Life Lessons You Weren’t Taught In School

August 2, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Ironically, most of us spend at least 12-16 years of our lives in school, yet, we don’t learn much about real-life during our time there. Even the new “common core” education doesn’t begin to cover the true lesson that we need as adults to function properly in this world and stimulate our growth.

That claim is evidenced by this 4th grader who challenged the conventional system and garnered the attention of the school board in Florida.

After we get out of school, most of us have to spend some time deprogramming from the system we have been thrown into and lift the veil from over our eyes in order to learn important life lessons.

Here are 10 lessons about life that you probably didn’t learn in school:

1. Your job title doesn’t define who you are.

Most people go into careers that they don’t truly enjoy just to make good money, and according to a 2017 Gallup Poll survey, a whopping 70% of people in America feel disengaged from their jobs.

Many become attached to their job titles, thinking that their labels really determine who they are. However, you are much more than the job you hold; you are literally energy personified.

A job title doesn’t even begin to describe your true identity. In fact, it only shows what you do to make an income. Your character and level of consciousness do a much better job of portraying what lies within your heart.

2. You are a living, breathing embodiment of cosmic energy with endless power.

No one can take this power away from you, not with money, fame, war, threats, or insults. You incarnated here on this planet from the same Source as everyone else, so we all come here with equal potential. You’re not just a machine here to perform a job so you can pay bills and make your boss happy; you came here to shake this world to its core and redefine what it means to live on this planet.

You have left an everlasting imprint on the world just by being here, so don’t ever feel unimportant, because your life matters more than you have been led to believe.

3. Collaboration is more important than competition.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb

School teaches us to regurgitate “facts” we have learned in textbooks, get high marks on tests, put those results on our resumes, and get a good job making an honest living. It teaches very little about the power of the collective and what we can really accomplish together.

You have unlimited potential, but it expands even more when you become a leader and share your knowledge and experiences with others. Also, you should view others as equal players in this grand scheme of life.

4. Most learning takes place from experiences, not from reading textbooks.

Schooling seems to value learning from books over gaining knowledge from experiences. Extracurricular activities and recess time have been cut drastically in recent years as more emphasis is put on end-of-year statewide tests designed to measure everyone on the same principles.

However, everyone learns differently, and you don’t create yourself by reading the information given by others.

You invent yourself by getting out there and immersing yourself in new experiences that will make a lasting impression on your heart and soul. Real learning begins to take place once you have left the confines of school and allow life to be your teacher.

5. Happiness begins and ends with you.

Most schools teach that happiness comes from something outside yourself, whether that be grades on tests, how many friends you have, how popular you are, or something of that sort.

Truthfully, you will find happiness only within yourself once you realize that you are solely in charge of your energy, no one else.

6. All life is sacred, and we are all equal beings on this Earth, despite our physical differences.

When we get into school, we’re immediately placed in a class based on our intellect; you might know these as “regular” and “honors” classes. Our whole being is judged by how quickly we can calculate math problems or how high we score on a test, which further separates us from our peers. The color of our skin places us in categories by the state, and many of us got bullied by those who were in the “popular” crowd.

Out of school, though, none of these trivial lessons really matter. We all come from the same force, and we will all go back to the same source. We may look and act differently, but inside, we all just want love, compassion, and meaning in our lives. Schooling wants to separate us, but the universe just wants us all to become united in the truth once again.

7. Food is medicine.

What school teaches very little of is something that will impact your entire life: nutrition. Upon graduating, most of us learned the horrors of our food industries on this Earth and began educating ourselves on proper health and nutrition.

Fruit and vegetables can heal and will raise you into a totally new vibration.

8. If most of society is doing something, you should probably do the opposite.

Schooling teaches conformity, but looking at our current state of affairs, most of us can probably agree that paving our own path will take us to a better place than following the crowd. Nonconformity will set you free from society’s chains.

9. Self-love opens the door to attracting love from others.

In school, you won’t learn one of the most fundamental lessons about life: how to love yourself. Your relationship with yourself determines your entire life, from the relationships you have with others to how you feel mentally and physically. Love will save us, and it all begins in your own heart.

10. Helping others will bring more true happiness than bringing home a bigger paycheck.

Another lesson hardly emphasized in grade school is the power of helping others. We get taught that only our grades and class rank matter when there are so many people hurting in today’s world that need our help. We have the ability to come together as a whole and bring balance to a very chaotic world, but only if we realize that we are all one family, one life force, one being that can turn darkness into light with the power of our intentions.

Final Thoughts: Share the Lessons You Learned After Leaving School

What other important lessons have you learned outside of school? Share in the discussion below!

10 Lessons We Need to Learn from Animals

August 2, 2015 by Power of Positivity

From the tiniest bug on the sidewalk to the mighty lion roaming the African savannah, animals of all kinds can teach us valuable life lessons.

If we really pay attention, other animals can teach us many important lessons that we may have forgotten in the haste of our normal daily lives. Just by interacting briefly with other creatures, we can take away valuable knowledge that we can’t always learn from our fellow humans.

Even your own pet can teach you new things every single day without you realizing it. We live in such a fascinating universe that constantly gives us opportunities to learn.

Open your eyes and silence your mind to take in all the lessons our amazing animal friends can show us, including these ten.

10 Things Animals Teach Us About What Matters Most:

1. Live in the present moment.

Humans often bounce around from one thought or place to the next without fully immersing themselves in what’s happening around them. Other species, on the other hand, don’t have much else to think about other than searching for food, water, shelter from the elements, and their next mate.

Take a deer, for example – they peacefully flow from one activity to another, searching for berries, fresh water, or just enjoying their surroundings. If you get the chance to observe this graceful creature in action, you will surely forget about everything except the present moment.

2. Love unconditionally.

When people think of animals that show unconditional love, dogs usually come to mind. These loving, cuddly animals never withhold their desire to offer support and understanding to their fellow human friends, and even if you get mad at them, they will still be there for you.

Dogs are called man’s best friend for a reason, because of their undying loyalty, faithfulness, and respect for human beings. We can learn a lot about how to treat one another based on how our furry canine friends treat us.

3. Smile no matter what.

In Australia, you can find a tiny, cute animal called a Quokka scurrying through the trees…and stopping to take selfies with humans if they’re not too busy. Recently, people have been posting their pictures with this amiable, cheerful creature, and the first thing you will notice about them is their infectious smile. They seem to live out their days without a worry in the world and keep a positive attitude through it all.

So, even if you’ve had a bad day, think of how the Quokka would handle it, and you will instantly break out in smiles.

4. Work together.

Ants, in particular, are a shining example of this in action. They carry tiny specks of dirt underground to form complex tunnels and living systems, tackle prey as a team, and help each other carry leaves back to their colony to use as mulch for raising fungus, which they eat to survive. They work harder than many species just to get through each day, and they do it as a team. No one gets left behind, and no one carries all the weight while others just sit on the sidelines.

What can we learn from them?

To value one another, collaborate, and work together to coexist instead of competing with each other for resources.

5. Make time to rest.

Let’s face it – humans tend to work way too much, and rest way too little. Other species don’t overwork themselves; they enjoy every moment of downtime they get to re-energize and relish in life’s beauty. Look at pigs – they roll around in the mud all day, eat, and lay around until they get hungry again.

While they might seem lazy, we could actually learn a thing or two from them about learning to relax once in a blue moon.

6. Be brave.

More than any other animal, lions represent courage, strength, and resilience. They don’t back down from a challenge and must hunt aggressive prey for their tribe. They don’t just lurk in the shadows – they make their presence known and pick themselves back up every time they fall. If someone says you have the heart of a lion, consider that a compliment; it means you show incredible strength and bravery in the face of extreme adversity.

Humans tend to let fear stand in our way, so channel your inner lion next time…your fear will quickly step to the side.

7. Follow your own path in life.

Horses tend to live pretty independently, and often stray from the pack when they get an itch to explore on their own. While they have a majestic, fanciful appearance, they also have a fierce, stubborn side that takes them into uncharted territory and allows them to pave their own path.

Be like the horse and run freely into the wind without thinking of what the consequences might be – just let your heart take the wheel and drive you where you need to go.

8. Listen more, talk less.

Dolphins actually communicate with one another via high-pitched whistling noises, and each one makes a distinctive sound that other dolphins can immediately recognize. They have very advanced communication techniques that rival our own, in some ways, and must listen in order to understand each other’s location in the vast ocean. If they all whistled at once, none of them would be able to find one another – they have honed their listening skills in order to function best as a group.

Humans can especially learn from dolphins that listening to another person, rather than always needing to talk, can actually benefit relationships much more in the long run.

9. Get silly!

Bunnies have very silly, playful personalities, for the most part, and can teach us to let our guard down and have a little fun with life every once in a while. They hop and run around, lick our feet when they want our attention, and never sit still for too long. Some consider them as hyperactive, annoying little creatures, but they just like to enjoy life and express themselves in a way only that they know.

10. Practice forgiveness.

Unfortunately, elephants often fall victim to poaching or other violence inflicted by humans, and they usually lose family members in the process. Elephants possess great intelligence and feel complex emotions just like we do. Many organizations take in orphaned elephants who have watched family members die or get injured at the hands of humans, yet these elephants allow their new caretakers to rear them anyway. Elephants can teach us to forgive in any situation, even if we can’t always understand the other person’s actions.

What have animals taught you during your life so far? Share your lesson in the discussion below!

How to Release Attachments to Past Relationships

August 2, 2015 by Power of Positivity

We’ve all carried baggage from past relationships at one time or another. Whether it’s from a past love, friendship or even a family member, we carry the baggage from these relationships with us, and it can affect everything we do. Everything.

The problem isn’t actually the baggage itself but how we allow the baggage to define us. Can we figure out who we are independent of the baggage or has the baggage created who we are?

If the baggage is defining who we are, then we owe it to ourselves to release its hold over us. “Just let it go,” they say. But just letting it go is a much more difficult task than it sounds. Letting go of something we have been carrying around with us for a while isn’t something that happens overnight, but it is possible.

Here are some ways to help us begin the process of releasing the hold our baggage has on our lives, the decisions we make, and our existing relationships.

How to Release Attachments to Past Relationships

1 – Be willing to release the attachment

Why we hold onto baggage is different for all of us. We might use it to shield us from future hurt, to help propel us into action, to allow us to feel certain emotions, or to keep us from moving forward. Any action motivated by the baggage we hold onto is not serving us.

We often want to release the baggage, when in some way it is giving us something we think we need. We know it isn’t healthy, but on some level, we keep justifying it to ourselves. Letting go of the baggage is hard and doesn’t happen overnight, but we have to start with the affirmation that it is what we need to do.

2 – Journal

We should start writing down our thoughts, beliefs and the behaviors that affect our mood. Be honest and just write anything that comes to mind. It’s important to create a judgment-free zone where we are able to be real with ourselves. As we continue to write, we will start to notice patterns and triggers that we can begin to recognize and change.

Research backs this claim. Mental health experts recommend journal writing as a therapeutic intervention for patients.

3 – Challenge the Story

We write our life’s story from our perspective. If the story is not contributing positively to our current reality, it is up to us to challenge it. Our story is from our point of view, as it should be. But to begin to let go of the baggage, it is helpful to take a step outside of our story and write it from another perspective. Another perspective helps us to release the overwhelming emotion we feel and can help us break the hold it has on us.

4 – Find the Positive

Every relationship, even the bad ones, serve a purpose in our lives. Our goal should be to find something positive that will help us reframe how we look at the relationship.

Maybe the relationship helped define acceptable behaviors, made us stronger and more resilient, or helped us become more grateful for small moments. We can only begin to let go once we stop focusing on the bad and shift our focus to the silver lining, however small.

5 – Treat Others With Kindness

It is easy to treat kind people with kindness, but make it a goal to treat everyone with kindness – even those less deserving. This shifts our focus from past bad behaviors to future good ones. When we stop letting the bad behaviors of past relationships determine our future actions, we can begin to let go.

6 – Visualize Your Own Version of Happy

As we begin to separate ourselves from the baggage, it is important to visualize what our happiness without it looks like.

How do we feel and act in our relationships with others? And how does our time alone make us feel? Finally… How do we make decisions without the baggage as an influence?

Once we have a clear vision of what life is like without our dependence on our baggage, it is easier to make choices with that future in mind.

7 – Release Expectations

As we begin to act independent of our baggage, it is important to move forward without expectations. It is our expectations that will keep us tied to the behaviors of our past relationships. We oftentimes have expectations, some of which are unrealistic, without even realizing it. That is why journaling is so important. You will become aware of when the baggage is creeping in.

Final Thoughts: It Can Be Healthy for You to Release Past Relationships

It’s okay to be a little weary of the process. We harbor a great deal of emotion and it can be painful to get through it. If we continue to hold onto it without facing it, it will affect everything we do. Don’t wait until there is a risk of losing something wonderful to release the baggage.

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

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!