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The Leading Cause of Pain Everyone Should Know About

August 14, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Did you know that the foremost cause of physical pain can actually be overcome, and prevented by directing your thoughts?

Our overall physical health is a reflection of the energy that we give off. In this way, we literally become what we think about most. If we focus on negative thoughts and feelings, this creates disease within the mind. And that carries over into the body as well.

Plenty of scientific literature can attest to this. Indeed, one groundbreaking global study performed by Canadian researchers in 2004, found that “psychosocial factors,” such as stress, anxiety, and depression, posed as much risk for a heart attack as smoking cigarettes.

It’s true that some level of stress can benefit a person’s life. However, chronic stress or anxiety can impair many functions in your body. This causes digestive problems, heart disease, weight gain, memory problems, depression, and insomnia, to name a few.

“Our life always expresses the result of our dominant thoughts.” – Soren Kierkegaard

In today’s modern society, we’re exposed to almost constant stressors, which leads to the overproduction of the hormone cortisol, which is a stress hormone that enables us to respond quickly to a perceived threat. In pre-industrial times, this hormone would’ve signaled our flight-or-fight response, designed to help us survive in times of peril or hardship. However, our modern world can sometimes cause this hormone to go into overdrive, leaving us with a weakened immune system and frazzled mind.

The Studies on Physical Pain

On the other hand, when we turn our attention to the things that make us feel good, our brains release chemicals such as serotonin and oxytocin to help us relax and feel joy. According to a study performed by Randy Blakely, Ph.D., director of Vanderbilt University’s Center for Molecular Neuroscience in Tennessee and John Gordon, Ph.D., a professor of cellular immunology at the University of Birmingham in England, positive thinking can indeed impact the immune system, reducing the risk for diseases such as cancer.

In test-tube experiments, the scientists studied the effect of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood, on a type of cancer called Burkitt’s lymphoma, which impacts the immune system. In high concentrations, they found that serotonin entered the cancer cells, causing them to self-destruct.

Another professor from the University of Birmingham, Dr. Michael Frenneaux, discovered that depression doubles an otherwise healthy person’s risk of having a heart attack.

What About Emotional Pain?

Although emotional pain does eventually manifest physical pain in some manner, it can be managed and even reversed with relaxation techniques and becoming aware of predominant thoughts. According to Gregg Braden, a scientist, author, and speaker about how thoughts can change human DNA and other “New Age” topics, just two to three minutes a day of practicing mindfulness can drastically reduce cortisol levels in the body.

“Studies documented by the Institute of HeartMath (IHM), a pioneering research organization based in Boulder Creek, California, have shown that cortisol levels can decrease as much as 23 percent, and levels of DHEA, a life-affirming precursor to other vital hormones in the body, can increase 100 percent if we spend as little as three minutes using focused techniques designed to produce such responses,” according to Braden’s website.

As we’ve stated before, negative thinking can wreak havoc on your mind and body. That makes you energetically imbalanced and prone to a slew of diseases. In order to keep your immune system functioning properly, maintaining positive thinking patterns can determine your overall health just as much as eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of rest. All of these lifestyle factors and habits work together as a team to keep you healthy, and when one player starts to show signs of weakness, it brings the whole team down in flames.

So, how can you ensure that your mindset doesn’t become clouded with toxic thoughts that cause pain and disease?

Try these practices out in your daily life:

Write down positive quotes, affirmations, or mantras, or speak them aloud if you prefer.
Meditate for at least 10-15 minutes each day. Practice becoming the awareness behind your thoughts, meaning that you shouldn’t attach yourself to anything that enters your mind; rather, just let the thoughts come and go without judgment.
Exercise for 30 minutes at least 4 times per week. This releases endorphins, giving your brain clarity and making you feel more positive.
Smile at strangers.
Make sure your friendships make you feel excited and inspired, not depressed and tired.
Make time each day to exercise your creative muscles. That’s because you benefit from yoga, writing, drawing, pottery, etc.

The Connection Between Pain and Our Brain

The connection between our thoughts and how we feel has been scientifically proven time and time again. Plus, it shows that we can literally transform our lives through the power of positive thinking. If you don’t feel very vibrant either emotionally or physically, tune into your thoughts and see what they’re telling you. Then, make sure to practice some of the positive practices in your life. Then watch how your health improves over time. Our minds have such incredible power. Moreover, we as a species have so much potential to lead fulfilling, productive, and meaningful lives.

Through our thoughts, we can map out a life that far surpasses our wildest dreams. And that leads us into lives of abundance and great health.

“The mind is everything. What you think, you become.” – Buddha

5 Things Reading Your Birth Chart Will Teach You

August 13, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Have you ever read your birth chart? It’s actually pretty interesting.

Our birth charts, or natal charts, can deliver important messages to us about our strengths, weaknesses, relationships, and anything else that serves our souls in this lifetime. Learning about how the stars and planets aligned when you were born and how those placements affect your soul can help you greatly along your spiritual path.

Everyone’s birth charts are unique, and take into account all the planetary alignments on the exact day and time you were born. Many people find them to be astoundingly accurate and helpful, because you can uncover so much about who you are and why you came to Earth in the first place.

Here are 5 incredible things you can learn from reading your birth chart:

1. Your birth chart will teach you what career path suits you best.

Our birth charts can also point us down the right road as far as a career choice goes. If you’re more of a drifter, your natal chart can help you determine how you best fit into the working world, and what you can do to illuminate your path further. It all depends on the alignment and positions of the planets and stars, which means that your career path could be entirely different than anyone you know. Our birth charts help us to recognize our individuality and feel comfortable within our own skin.

Also, knowing what you should do to make an income will help alleviate any stress you might feel about a possible career for you.

2. Your birth chart will teach you your unique strengths and weaknesses.

In your birth chart, you can uncover what types of activities and work come naturally to you, and what you need to work on more. The detailed information included in your natal chart can help you understand what types of experiences shape you into a stronger person, and what people and places you should avoid. The best part about the chart is that it’s completely honest, and will tell you both the positive and negative aspects of your personality. Don’t take it too personally, though; it’s only there as a tool to help you grow spiritually and allow you to learn important lessons.

3. Your birth chart will show you that you actually have three signs…

Your birth chart will show you that you are not just your Sun sign, but you also have a Moon and Rising Sign as well.

Our Sun signs quite literally describe the zodiac sign that the Sun occupies during the time we were born. So, if you were born on May 24, for example, you are a Gemini in terms of your Sun sign. However, your Moon and Rising, or Ascendant, signs are equally important.

Your Moon sign represents your instinctual self, which you might keep hidden from others. This can be interpreted as the “darkness” in you, and where you go to find peace and a place to rest your head from the pressures of the world. It also governs emotional development, and can greatly explain your behavior. Some astrologers believe our Moon signs more accurately describe who we are, although the culmination of your Sun, Moon, and Rising sign should encompass your true essence.

Finally, your Rising sign describes how people see you upon first glance, and how you appear to the world around you. It can either be the same as your Sun sign or completely different. Our rising signs help us determine how we will take action in the world, and what sort of help we can offer to others.

4. Your birth chart explains how the planetary alignments and positions affect your personality and energy.

Just learning about the traits of your Sun sign won’t give the proper depth when it comes to discovering all the secrets about your soul; this is where your birth chart comes into play. It describes the position of each planet and which Zodiac sign it was in at the time of your birth. You will see this listed on the left side of the chart.
Make sure you also pay attention to your North Node, because this represents the experiences you need to have in order to grow spiritually. Your South Node, on the other hand, shows the qualities that come second-nature to us that we have likely mastered.

In addition, the Earth’s 24-hour rotation about its axis determines which Houses the 12 zodiac signs will fall under. The Houses govern different aspects of life, and the placement of the Zodiac signs and planets at the time of one’s birth explain the great variations between even twins who are born moments apart. You can read here about what the Houses mean and how they affect your personality, strengths, and weaknesses.

5. Your birth chart reveals the big soul lessons you will face in life.

Your natal chart can also reveal the types of experiences you will have on the Earthly plane that will test your will and transform you from a caterpillar into a butterfly. This is important information to know because the lessons you learn while here will help you heal past karma and show others the way to the Light as well. It can also help you know what’s coming in your soul path, so that you may manifest what you need in order to bring those experiences to you.

Learn about the Mayan birth chart.

How to read your birth chart:

There are many free birth chart calculators online that you can use to read your birth chart. After finding one you prefer, follow these steps:

First, you will need to input your name, gender, date and time of birth, and the city and state in which you are born. Then, you will see a table listing the positions of the planets in your chart, ordered by sign and degree. You will also see your Ascendant sign, or how you appear to others, as well as the signs on the cusp of each house in your chart. We will cover that in further detail below.

After looking at the chart, you will see very detailed descriptions about your Sun sign, as well as what all the planetary alignments mean for you.

10 Signs You May Have Parasites In Your Body

August 13, 2015 by Power of Positivity

In reality, we all have certain parasites that live on the inside and outside of our bodies, but most are harmless. However, more dangerous parasites can enter our bodies when we don’t take proper care of them, and this provides an easy opening for hungry parasites to enter and start feeding off our organs.

Sounds like some sort of sick and twisted horror movie, right? Don’t worry, though; most parasites can be easily treated and removed from the body with the remedies listed below.

Here are 10 common parasite symptoms in your body:

You have frequent fatigue, exhaustion, depression, feelings of indifference and boredom, or severe anxiety
You have IBS, with symptoms including, but not limited to, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating.
Frequent skin rashes, including eczema, hives, lesions, sores, and dry skin in general.
You have a mood disorder or acute mental issues, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, restlessness, and forgetfulness.
You have trouble falling and staying asleep at night. In general, have problems relaxing. Additionally, you might even grind your teeth during the night or suffer from frequent nightmares.
You have a history of weight problems and have trouble losing weight and keeping it off. Common signs of an intestinal parasite include problems gaining or losing weight, rapidly or unexplainably gaining or losing weight, or having an uncontrollable appetite, or none at all.
Regularly occurring muscle and joint aches, including arthritis, heart pains, and numbness in the hands or feet.
You recently traveled internationally and recall having traveler’s diarrhea while overseas.
You have been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia.
In general, you have poor digestion and never feel satisfied after meals.

Here’s how you can remove parasites safely:

To start off with, we need to discuss how you can pick up a parasite in the digestive system in the first place.

Typically, people get intestinal parasites from undercooked meat, contaminated water sources, and heavily processed foods that contain large amounts of refined sugar. To prevent yourself from contracting a parasite in the first place, try not to eat meat from questionable sources, make sure to filter your water, especially in third-world countries or rural areas, and eliminate processed sugar and other refined foods.

Parasites feed off of weakened immune systems, so it’s very important to keep your mental and physical health in check. Many people forget that having a negative mindset causes a weakened immune system, which creates a parasite paradise. Stress and anxiety can cause a person to overeat. So with this frame of mind, people tend to binge on the wrong kinds of foods. For purposes of preventing parasites, take care of your mind by meditating, practicing mindfulness, and making time for self-care.

As far as removing parasites once you already have them, you can use certain blends of herbs, such as magnesium caprylate, berberine, and extracts from Tribulus, sweet wormwood, grapefruit, barberry, bearberry, and black walnut. Increasing fiber in the diet also wards off parasites. That’s because fiber naturally cleans out the gut. Remember, parasites thrive in a toxic, unhealthy environment. So by keeping yourself healthy, parasites won’t be as likely to take up residence.

Final Thoughts: Know When to Seek Help From Your Physician

If the parasites persist and natural remedies do not eliminate them, you can always visit your wellness practitioner to see about getting an anti-parasitic medication to get rid of parasites quickly.

Keep in mind that the key to achieving optimal health lies within your gut. Health starts here, because our intestines are essentially our second brains. By giving our bodies the proper nutrition, we can boost our immune systems naturally and ward off any ailments and diseases that could potentially harm us.

11 Life Lessons to Learn From Robin Williams

August 11, 2015 by Power of Positivity

The death of Robin Williams touched everyone. It’s hard to find anyone who wasn’t touched by this man through his acting and humor.

His death brought depression into the national spotlight and created a discussion around this silent disease and suicide prevention. That alone is something to be grateful to Robin Williams for, but we are lucky because he left us with many more life lessons to learn from.

Looking back over his interviews and his movies, there was so much to be learned from this creative, thoughtful and wildly intelligent man. Watch his performances, read his words and listen to him speak and you will see a man who cherishes what really matters and puts into perspective the things that don’t make a difference in the end.

It was hard to narrow down the lessons he left us through his work and his words to just eleven, so we decided to focus on the lessons from his life. If you want more lessons than you just need to watch “Dead Poet’s Society” again. It’s hard to find anyone who has seen this movie who doesn’t recognize the impact it had on a generation.

Williams said this about the film:

“I think ‘Dead Poets’ was probably my favorite, just to get started with the idea of doing a movie that people treated as more than a movie.”

Here are eleven life lessons we can all learn from Robin Williams – in his own words:

1. Do what feeds your creative spirit.

“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering – these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love – these are what we stay alive for.”

2. Do whatever it takes to make meaningful connections.

“I basically started performing for my mother, going, ‘Love me!’ What drives you to perform is the need for that primal connection. When I was little, my mother was funny with me, and I started to be charming and funny for her, and I learned that by being entertaining, you make a connection with another person.”

3. Everyone has story that we know nothing about.

“I think the saddest people always try their hardest to make people happy because they know what it’s like to feel absolutely worthless and they don’t want anyone else to feel like that.”

4. Pursue relentlessly the things you believe in.

“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”

5. There is a lesson to be found in everything.

“You will have bad times, but they will always wake you up to the stuff you weren’t paying attention to.”

6. Relationships matter.

“I used to think the worst thing in life is to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel all alone.”

7. Sometimes the best response is no response at all.

“Even fools seem smart when they are quiet.”

8. Find the silver lining in every experience.

“Sometimes over things that I did, movies that didn’t turn out very well – you go, ‘Why did you do that?’ But in the end, I can’t regret them because I met amazing people. There was always something that was worth it.”

9. Keep alive the things that make you feel alive.

“You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.”

10. Even the most brilliant, confident, and most successful people are insecure at times.

“The essential truth is that sometimes you’re worried that they’ll find out it’s a fluke, that you don’t really have it. You’ve lost the muse or – the worst dread – you never had it at all. I went through all that madness early on.”

11. The is always a need for hustle.

“Winning an Oscar is an honor, but, between you and me, it does not makes things easier.”

Final Thoughts: Fond Farewell to Robin Williams

Robin Williams taught us about the importance of self-love and the healing benefits of laughter. The loss of such a great talent and human is still felt today. There is much to learn from this beautiful spirit and it starts with finding the humor in everything. Laughing at something that makes you want to cry makes that thing much less scary.

It is still hard to fathom that this brilliant, talented, funny and somewhat tortured soul left this world so tragically.

We’ll leave you with this quote from “Dead Poet’s Society”:

“Seize the day. Because, believe it or not, each and every one of us in this room is one day going to stop breathing, turn cold and die.”

“Oh captain, my captain,” we honor you.

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.

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