Page 224

10 Ways to Gain Self-Confidence from Within

July 25, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

Not loving yourself could affect every facet of your life. You might miss out on the best jobs, and partners, or live life to the fullest. Many people with low self-confidence always end up with the short end of the stick, and these individuals end up in places they don’t want to be.

When you have low self-confidence, it’s always lingering under the surface. Sadly, the low view of yourself sabotages you in ways you never thought possible. You’ll have superior results when your confidence levels are where they need to be.

Believing in yourself and your abilities is a driving force that allows you to take risks, and healthy self-esteem will allow you to reach goals and have meaningful relationships. Is your self-confidence holding you back from having the life you desire?

Ten Ways to Boost Your Self-Confidence

If your self-confidence is lackluster, how can you fix it? How do you increase your views of yourself without becoming arrogant or haughty?

By changing a few things and implementing some new methods, you can see a dramatic overall change. Remember, what’s on the inside will always reflect on the outside. Here are some tips to help you.

1. Exercise Regularly to Build Self-Confidence.

In any self-help article, you will find sections about exercise. Authors highly recommend physical activity because it is vital to health and well-being. A study cited in the National Library of Medicine found a direct link between obesity and low self-esteem.

Being overweight is a challenge, but when you’re exercising daily, it can help you reverse weight issues. Additionally, working out helps keep your joints and muscles from stiffening as you age, and exercise can help you stay heart-healthy and feel great.

Moving and maintaining a proper weight will make you feel good inside and look great outside.

2. Be Thankful for Who You Are and What You Have.

You may not have a lot in this life, but when you have an attitude of gratitude, the Universe will bless you. Why do people focus so much on their collection of material possessions and money rather than other gifts?

Do you have a family that loves you? Many people don’t have anyone to walk this journey in life with them, so you’re blessed. Do you have a job? According to Statista, about 3.6 percent of the American population is unemployed.

The Census showed there were 331.45 million people who live in the USA. Considering 3.6 percent means that 1,191,762 people don’t have a job to care for their families. You’re blessed if you have a job. It may not be your desired job, but you have employment to meet your needs.

3. Start Loving Yourself With Daily Affirmations.

Using positive self-talk is one of the best ways of loving yourself. When you get out of bed each morning, you should cite positive affirmations to get you going. Look in the mirror and tell yourself how beautiful you are and that you love your eyes, hair, and smile.

Your self-confidence will improve as you start speaking positively about yourself each day. It’s hard to be downtrodden when using positive self-talk to fill your love tank.

4. Choose Your Inner Circle Wisely.

If you want to build good self-confidence, you need a robust support system. There will be days when you feel down and out because the world is so cruel. However, when you have people who stand beside you, they can lift you when you need it most.

When self-doubts come to try to tear your esteem down, your friends will help you get back to a place of loving yourself. If you have negative friends who tend to bring you down, it’s time to get new friends.

Surround yourself with people who will empower you for your journey, and you’ll see a drastic difference in your self-confidence.

5. Make a Statement With Your Appearance.

It’s often said that you feel good when you look good. Sometimes the little things can have the most significant impact on you. Taking time to shower, clip your nails, shave, dress stylishly, and make yourself presentable can-do wonders for your self-esteem.

Have you ever got a new outfit and had a little pep in your step because you felt amazing? When you learn to care for your body, you will feel like you’re wearing new clothes daily. Loving yourself boosts your esteem and makes you feel better in everything you do.

6. Develop a Self-Care Routine.

Loving yourself is about more than positive self-talk. It would help if you were pampered on occasion. When was the last time you bought yourself a new outfit?

Sure, you’ve got a family, bills, and other obligations that make you put off buying yourself anything. However, it would help if you learned to care for your needs too. You must get the stylish haircut you want, get a manicure/pedicure, and take a bubble bath with music.

You will boost your self-confidence when you learn to take care of yourself. Though many people love and support you, no one will take care of you as you can. Make sure you have at least a few hours each week for self-care.

7. Focus On Your Talents.

What are the things that you’re good at? Can you style hair like a pro, or maybe you’re a whiz at math? There’s not a person alive who doesn’t have unique gifts and callings.

So many people focus on the faults and failures that they have instead of focusing on the great things. Positive self-talk will get you everywhere in life. You should focus on the good stuff and work on the bad.

When you start talking to yourself like you talk to your partner or children, you will see a drastic difference in your esteem and confidence levels.

8. Change The Way You Think Towards More Self-Confidence.

Do you tend to see things that happen to you through a negative lens, or do you try to stay positive? There is power in positivity; you can’t deny how much better it makes you feel about yourself.

Don’t say how bad you feel when you wake up in the morning and feel horrible. Instead, say things like, “I feel great.” “I feel amazing.” “I am going to conquer the day.”

Stopping negative self-talk is imperative for your journey to enhance your self-confidence. Constantly seeing the proverbial glass as half empty will dramatically affect you. Start looking at the glass as half full even if you don’t believe it. Soon, you can change how you look at things by changing your mindset.

9. Buy the Right Clothes for Your Body.

Everyone has a particular shape, and certain clothes look better on you than others. Have you ever seen someone who could wear a burlap bag and make it look amazing?

On the flip side, you can wear uncomfortable clothes that are too tight or not flattering for your figure. Have you ever had an outfit that looked good on the hanger but was uncomfortable?

If you want to boost your esteem and have a go-getter attitude, you must learn how to dress to complement your shape.

10. Don’t Compare Yourself to Other People.

Everyone has times when they’re jealous of other folks. It’s easy to scroll social media and find people who seem to have a better life than you. Remember one thing; you never know what goes on behind closed doors.

Even the most put-together individuals have skeletons in their closets. People look at Oprah Winfrey and see all her successes. However, many folks don’t know about the struggles to get out of poverty and the trauma she experienced to get where she is today.

The grass always looks greener on the other side, but you must realize that your perception is skewed. It would help if you learned to be content with what you have in this life, as it will affect your self-confidence. Stop watching everyone else’s life and comparing yours and start living to the fullest.

Final Thoughts on Gaining Self-Confidence

It’s only normal to struggle with self-confidence and esteem on occasion. However, there are many things you can do to help you feel more confident and love yourself more. Have you ever heard the saying, “fake it till you make it?”

Sometimes you just need to start acting more confident, and you will see that soon it will become second nature to you. Many people struggle with their confidence levels because of anxiety and depression.

Thankfully, there are things you can do to combat these mental health problems and get your esteem back where it needs to be. What can you do today to start loving yourself more?

10 Ways Drinking Alcohol Harms Your Mental Health

July 24, 2022 by Chris Butler

Drinking alcohol is a coping skill many use to help ease their emotional pain. Though it has a depressive effect and sedates the body, it can cause an alteration in the chemical messengers in the brain. These messengers affect many things, including your behavior and thoughts. For some, even social drinking can harm mental health and emotional well-being.

Social drinking has been widely accepted as usual, and for most people, having the occasional drink typically doesn’t cause any harm. However, when a person drinks all the time, the effects can be catastrophic to the mind and body. One drink starts to impact the area of your brain that controls your inhibition, so you immediately begin to feel relaxed and even more confident.

Sadly, these great feelings are short-lived, and the changes that occur cause other, more sinister feelings to erupt. Have you ever seen someone get angry when they drink? It’s because the brain chemicals are out of whack, and the effect of alcohol is causing them to do and say strange things.

Alcohol affects people differently based on how their body responds, other supplements they take, and the amount they drink. Another negative consequence of too much drink is it slows your response times. It’s effortless to make foolish mistakes while under the influence and not comprehend the results of your actions.

Ten Ways Drinking Alcohol Affects Your Mental Health

The long-term effects of drinking alcohol are undeniable. It can reduce the number of chemicals in your brain, and this can cause serious mental health issues. You may drink more to combat the problems, but it’s only compounding.

Your mental health and alcohol are closely linked. A study by the Australian Government of Health and Welfare found that one in five people who regularly consume alcohol will have mental health issues. Here are some of the mental disturbances that drinking alcohol can do to you.

1. Drinking Alcohol Kicks Anxiety into Overdrive

Many folks who drink to self-medicate already have an anxiety issue. However, alcohol will only sedate those horrible feelings for a short while. You can’t depend on it to solve a common mental health disorder that can be effectively treated in other ways.

While social drinking one small glass might take the edge off at first, soon, you will need two drinks, then three, and even four to have the same effect. This is how dependence is born.

When you binge drink, having a hangover can make your anxiety accelerate. There are better ways to relax, like meditation, exercising, walking in nature, or doing yoga. It’s estimated that about 18 percent of adults in this country have some anxiety disorder, according to a study by the CDC. The American Psychological Association recognizes the following types of anxiety disorders:

GAD
Panic disorder
OCD
PTSD
Social anxiety disorder
Agoraphobia

It’s not uncommon to have one or more of these anxiety disorders together. Some people will have GAD along with PTSD and panic disorder all rolled into one.

2. Drinking Alcohol Contributes to Depression

Drinking alcohol can have a depressive effect on the body, so folks already prone to depression can be severely affected. One way to tell if that social drinking is causing you to be more depressed is to stop doing it and see if your symptoms improve.

Consuming alcohol has a direct effect on the nerve chemicals in the brain, which are responsible for maintaining your moods. If you’ve drunk too much and felt horrible the next day, you may also notice you feel depressed.

Since some of the signs of depression do mimic a hangover, it can be challenging to distinguish. Thankfully, the uncomfortable depressive symptoms usually go away when you stop drinking.

3. Causes Psychosis

Drinking alcohol constantly makes you more prone to psychosis when under the influence. Psychosis is where you lose all bearings and the sense of reality. You may see and hear things that aren’t there, as hallucinations and delusions are commonplace.

Another major issue with psychosis comes when you suddenly stop drinking after your body has become accustomed to its effects. It throws your brain into a tailspin as it no longer has the substance it used to function.

4. Increases Self-Harming Behaviors

You already know that alcohol interrupts receptors and brain chemicals, so it stands to reason that it can make you act impulsively.

Maybe the drink isn’t numbing the pain like you thought it would, so you turn to cut and other self-harming behaviors. It’s not uncommon for people under the influence to engage in self-harm activities, as their rationale and sense of pain are numb when under the influence.

5. Causes Higher Rates of Suicide

A shocking study by the World Health Organization shows that over 700,000 people commit suicide in this country each year. It’s considered the 11th leading cause of death in this country. Self-harming behaviors and drinking alcohol also correlate with suicidal ideations.

Drinking alcohol causes you to be impulsive, take risks you usually wouldn’t take, and not think properly. These issues are a recipe for disaster, and suicide ideation signals that you need immediate help.

6. Mood Disturbances

Inside your brain is communication pathways. This is where the brain sends commands to the other parts of your body. When you want to move your leg, your brain signals your leg to move. It happens so quickly that you don’t know what is happening inside.

When you put alcohol into your system, it alters these pathways and communication methods. Imagine getting water on the hard drive of your computer system. What would happen? It would short-circuit, fry, and not work as well or at all.

You might notice that you can’t think, have a more challenging time with your moods, and your coordination can be off. If you get angry while drinking alcohol, your pathways are more susceptible to the effects, which alter your moods.

7. Alcohol-Related Brain Injuries

What started as social drinking can turn into a habit. Long-term use of alcohol can have severe effects on the brain. The alterations that were once temporary while you drank have now become permanent due to the amount of alcohol consumed.

Your brain can become injured or altered because of this substance. You may notice that you have problems understanding what people are saying, can’t remember things, and lack reasoning skills. Alcohol-related brain injuries are called “wet brain,” it’s just as traumatic as having a brain injury in a car accident.

8. Memory Loss Can Come from Alcohol, Even Social Drinking

If drinking alcohol becomes commonplace, it can cause you to experience amnesia or loss of memory. If you drink until you blackout, you can be unaware of what you’ve done, where you’ve been, or all the in-betweens. It only takes a few drinks for your short-term memory to be impacted.

Sadly, long-term memory loss is possible. Ethanol is the substance found in alcohol, and it profoundly affects the hippocampus area of the brain. If you drink until you pass out, your brain is flooded with ethanol and damaging cells. If the drinking doesn’t stop, a temporary loss can become permanent.

9. Partial or Complete Black Outs

When you’re under the influence of alcohol, you can blackout. There are two different ways this occurs inside the body. A partial blackout happens when you’ve been social drinking and only had a few.

You may forget the names of the people you’re with and have recall issues. The complete blackout comes when you do not recall anything while under the influence. Your cognition is impaired, but so is your judgment.

Have you ever had someone tell you things you did or how you acted when drinking alcohol and had no recollection of them? When your blood alcohol levels rise too quickly, it causes you to blackout, which leaves you vulnerable.

10. Sleep Disturbances

Having a drink to put yourself to sleep is commonplace. However, inducing yourself with alcohol will only help in the short term. The things you took to help you sleep can soon start causing you to get little to no sleep. You may toss and turn and be unable to get any quality rest. Therefore, you need more to produce the same effects as you become immune.

Final Thoughts on Drinking Alcohol and Your Mental Health

The correlation between social drinking and mental health problems is undeniable. The more you drink, the more damage that occurs in your brain. The more dependent you are on alcohol to self-medicate, the more apt you are to cause significant mental disturbances.

Being a heavy drinker increases your risk of developing depression and anxiety. Another shocking statistic from this study shows that those who have anxiety and depressive disorders and start drinking are more likely to form a dependence.

Some people cannot tolerate an occasional social drink, as drinking alcohol takes hold of them and rules their life. Your genetics, personality, and mental health dictate whether having even one drink is safe.

Kind Nurse Designs Adult Bibs That Look Like Shirts, Restoring Dignity

July 24, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Paige Meyer, a young nurse from Australia, designed dignity bibs for her patients to help them feel more comfortable. During her career, one of her tasks involved feeding patients who could no longer do so alone.

Paige put adult bibs on them to keep their clothes clean but never liked traditional bibs much. Since they’re associated with babies, she felt they might humiliate her elderly patients. They never disliked the bibs, but Paige’s intuition told her they deserved better.

Plus, she had firsthand experience with the degrading nature of adult bibs when her grandma’s dementia worsened. Her caretakers supplied her with a bib during mealtimes, which wasn’t easy for family members to witness. After all, no one wants to watch their loved ones suffer.

So, based on her experiences with adults in her care, Paige wanted to create dignity bibs instead. They resemble everyday button-up clothing so patients won’t feel embarrassed at a meal. This aesthetically pleasing clothing provides protection functions like regular vinyl bibs, making meals more enjoyable for patients.

“Dignity bibs are designed to protect clothing from mealtime mishaps while providing dignity by not looking like a bib,” she told The Courier.

“Our dignity bibs are designed and made by a nurse to help ease of use by both consumer and nurse. As a nurse, my aim is to promote dignity to all of my patients and believe this is just one way I can help.”

During the pandemic lockdowns, Paige had much extra time on her hands. When she wasn’t working, she began sewing the dignity bibs after rekindling her passion for the hobby. She discovered a unique pattern for the shirt covering and transformed it into an original design.

Then, she challenged herself to sew fifty per month during 2021. She planned on donating them to the area’s special schools and nursing homes.

Kind Nurse Sews Adult Bibs That Look Like Shirts For Her Patients

In her interview with The Courier, she explained a bit more about her inspiration for taking on this incredible project.

“I’ve just finished my nursing degree, and through nursing and learning to nurse and working as a nurse, it’s all about promoting dignity wherever you can … but the big gap I always found and had trouble with was putting bibs on adults and them losing their sense of dignity as soon as you put a bib on them,” she said.

Thankfully, her new design seems to be a hit with both patients and families alike.

“They use the front panel of a button-up shirt and once placed on top of the clothing, they just look like clothing. It’s less confronting for family as well because it looks like normal clothes.”

You can find a variety of designs for these trendy products online. One of the most well-known patterns comes from an Etsy store called Fabric Greetings. Their downloadable digital patterns cost $7.25 each and have received over 245 rave reviews.

The shop owner described the inspiration behind the design on the item’s main page.

“This bib was designed for a friend who had that same problem. He now shows up to dinner with one of his dignity bibs in hand. One of the nice things about these bibs is that each bib comes with a pocket – sometimes two. Great place to store your hankie or medicine container,” the description states.

How To Make Your Own Dignity Bibs

The owner added that they designed the bib using upcycled men’s shirts. However, you can use other shirt sizes to make them for children or young adults. For example, the bibs can also work for children with special needs. Patients with severe dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders can also benefit from the bibs.

The description continued: “If you have a basic knowledge of sewing and a sewing machine that does straight and zig-zag stitching, this bib can be made with no problems. If you have a serger, the process is even easier. When your bib is finished, it will cover the lap of the wearer when he is seated. So it is much longer than most adult bibs. I have made these bibs from denim shirts, regular oxford cloth, and flannel shirts. Whatever you have on hand works.”

The innovation even comes with a piece of velcro to connect the straps behind the wearer’s neck. Throw it in the washing machine with other clothes to clean it after mealtimes.

If you don’t have a sewing machine, no need to worry. You can still buy stylish adult coverings through many retailers online.

Ms. Meyer had already sewed fifteen of these coverings at the start of January 2021. Her mom and younger sister also helped her since they knew the positive impact it would have on patients.

“Watching nan … was a particularly big eye opener for the fact that as a family member it was hard to see. As a nurse, it’s hard not being able to do anything, but as a family member, it’s hard seeing it,” Paige said.

Paige set up a Go Fund Me page to help raise money for the sewing and transport of the bibs. While it’s no longer active, she was able to raise over $1,200 to support her goal.

Generous Nurse Restores Dignity to Patients With Stylish Bibs

Mealtimes shouldn’t be a humiliating or stressful experience for patients who need help with feeding. However, Australian nurse Paige Meyer found that the adult bibs used in most care homes looked childlike. She also watched her grandma with dementia suffer through mealtimes and felt elderly patients deserved more respect.

Wanting to give her patients a more dignified experience, she decided to sew new bibs for them. Instead of having an unsightly vinyl appearance, these resemble button-up denim shirts.

This helps patients look forward to mealtimes and keeps their dignity intact. If a relative needs help feeding, consider buying them a fashionable bib. It’s a small gesture that shows them you care, and they will certainly appreciate it!

How to Make a Ginger Turmeric Cleanse to Reduce Inflammation

July 24, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

A ginger turmeric tonic or cleanse can offer significant health benefits. Ginger and turmeric both have potent antioxidants that reduce free radicals. They also lower inflammation and ease stomach pain or digestive issues. In addition, people have used ginger and turmeric for centuries in herbal medicines to ward off respiratory illnesses.

As you can see, both of these roots can improve your health and stave off diseases. When combined, they make a potent natural remedy indeed. Below, we will expand upon the advantages of this cleanse and tell you how to make it at home.

Powerful Ginger Turmeric Cleanse For Reducing Inflammation

Key Ingredients

Two cups of water
2 teaspoons organic ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon organic ground ginger (or grated, if you have the patience)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1 pinch of cayenne or black pepper (this helps with the absorption of ginger and turmeric)
1 tablespoon raw honey (optional)

Instructions

Bring the water to a boil and add the turmeric, pepper, ginger, and cinnamon. Reduce to a simmer and let cool for about 10-15 minutes.
Strain the syrup over a small heat-resistant bowl.
Then, in another bowl, mix the lemon juice and optional honey. Once fully blended, add to the ginger turmeric mixture. If desired, you can add more water to increase servings.
Let the liquid sit until it cools to room temperature.
You can serve it cold over ice or as a hot tea if you prefer. For a bonus, slice lemon for added zest and flavor!
Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container for up to two weeks.

Other Delicious Ginger Turmeric Drink Recipes

Here are some other delicious ginger turmeric beverages you might enjoy.

Turmeric (Golden) Milk

This tea gets its name from the rich yellow hue produced by turmeric. It’s a popular drink in India as turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for millennia.

Ingredients:

1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric powder (if using fresh turmeric, add more)
A pinch of ground black pepper
2 cups coconut milk or oat milk
1 teaspoon ghee or butter
A teaspoon of honey for sweetness

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl. Then pour into a saucepan.
Bring the mixture to medium heat and let the tea simmer for 10 minutes. Don’t boil it since this will reduce the potency and effectiveness of the tea.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Serve while still hot.

Ginger Turmeric Milk Tea

This recipe is similar to the one above, except you won’t use ghee or black pepper this time.

Ingredients:

1 cup of coconut or almond milk
1 teaspoon coconut oil (for richness)
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ inch ginger root, grated (or ground ginger)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of honey (add to taste)

Directions:

Blend all the ingredients in a small bowl.
Pour into a saucepan and heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
Let the mixture simmer but don’t allow it to boil. Heating destroys some of the antioxidants present in turmeric.
Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes. Serve with sliced lemon if desired.

How Ginger Turmeric Tea Fights Inflammation

Not all inflammation leads to disease in the body. In fact, we need healthy amounts of inflammation as part of our natural defense system. Inflammation occurs when your immune system sends white blood cells to fight an infection or heal injuries. In general, acute inflammation doesn’t cause long-term damage and protects the body from disease.

However, chronic inflammation triggered by stress, environmental toxins, or an autoimmune disorder can have a disastrous impact on the body. Studies show that when inflammation lingers, it can lead to conditions like cancer, strokes, heart disease, and diabetes. It may also result in arthritis, asthma, obesity, dementia, and other severe imbalances in the body.

Luckily, studies also reveal that ginger contains powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The research discovered that compounds in ginger like gingerols, shogaol, and paradols might even ward off cancer. In addition, the findings revealed that ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties improve cardiovascular disorders, diabetes mellitus, and gastrointestinal health.

Research shows that turmeric offers similar benefits for mental and physical health. Turmeric contains a potent polyphenol called curcumin, which gives the spice its rich yellow color. It helps relieve oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and anxiety.

Some people find that curcumin or turmeric offers pain relief after a workout. For highly active people, this may help increase performance and stamina.

A Study Proves It

However, those without known health conditions can still benefit from turmeric. A 4-week study measured the effects of turmeric on 60 healthy adults aged 60-85. Researchers found improved mood and lower stress in participants after taking 400mg daily during the study period. The researchers also discovered that participants had improved memory and attention after supplementing with turmeric.

So, everyone can benefit from drinking ginger turmeric tea and other beverages. However, it’s important to remember that ingesting turmeric alone may not have the same results. The body doesn’t normally absorb it well due to its poor bioavailability. As suggested in the recipes above, taking it with black pepper significantly increases absorption. In fact, some research suggests that it could enhance bioavailability by 2000%!

Hopefully, you will reap the benefits from this ginger turmeric cleanse and enjoy its healing properties.

Final Thoughts on Ginger Turmeric Cleanse For Improved Health

Cultures worldwide have made ginger turmeric drinks for many years to enhance health. Both roots contain potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that ward off chronic diseases. In fact, research shows that, when taken together, ginger and turmeric could even heal cancer.

They can also reduce pain, lower blood pressure, and alleviate stress in the body and mind. While ginger turmeric tea isn’t a miracle drink, it can provide healing when combined with a healthy lifestyle. Along with taking ginger turmeric supplements or beverages, getting plenty of rest and eating a balanced diet can restore health. Also, make sure to move your body regularly, practice mindfulness, and laugh often!

20 Signs Reveal That Your Partner Is Your Forever Person

July 23, 2022 by Chris Butler

You’re smitten with someone and believe they may be “the one” you will love forever. However, the classic question remains how do you know for sure? Is this the person your one true love or soulmate?

Twenty Signs You’ve Found Your Forever Person

Contrary to popular belief, making a relationship work takes more than love. You need honesty, compassion, loyalty, and hard work. If you listen to your heart, you’ll notice these twenty signs that reveal you’re with your forever person.

1. You Have a Simultaneous Love Connection

Maybe in past relationships, you were the one who fell in love first, or vice-versa. What if you and your current mate fell for each other simultaneously? It’s a good chance that this loving relationship was in the stars and you’ve found your forever person.

2. You are Best Friends With Your Forever Person

Using “friends” in a romantic relationship is poisonous for most people. However, you’ve discovered that your partner truly is your best friend. Shouldn’t friendship be as much part of a loving relationship as a physical one?

Research published by the National Library of Medicine suggests that friend-first initiation may be more prevalent than romance between strangers. Of course, it may have been love at first sight for you. Either way, a loving relationship usually develops into one of the deepest friendships imaginable.

3. You Don’t Have to Say a Word

Love is just as much a language of the heart as a verbal one. Consider how often you look into your partner’s eyes and know their thoughts. They also amaze you when they understand your feelings and needs without you saying a word.

Sure, such subliminal communication isn’t a substitute for verbally expressing your love, needs, and concerns. It’s just a beautiful touch of spiritual grace in a loving relationship. These are the times you know you’re committed to each other body, mind, and spirit.

4. You Can Be Genuine Around Your Soulmate

An article published by the Review of General Psychology states that authenticity facilitates your psychological well-being. Most couples agree that genuineness is essential for a lasting and loving relationship.

When you’ve found your soulmate, you’ll discover that you can be yourself with them; they feel the same when they’re with you. There’s no need for facades or hiding your real emotions. Your loving acceptance of each other encourages authenticity and honesty.

5. You Gravitate Toward a Forever Person

The law of attraction also works with finding your soulmate. Since like attracts like, you naturally gravitate to someone like you. They share some of the same interests and want similar things in life.

6. Your Spiritual Vibrations Get Higher

Did you know that everything in the Universe is tuned to a specific frequency? The more spiritually minded you become, the higher your frequency. You’ll notice more positive and higher vibrations when you’re in the right loving relationship.

7. The Spiritual Paths Soulmates are On Target

Your life’s path is just as unique as your fingerprint. However, when you find your soulmate, the merging of your paths shows similarities. You share some of the same dreams, aspirations, and the desire to share your journey.

8. You Feel Like You’ve Known Your Forever Person Your Entire Life

Have you ever met someone for the first time and felt you’d known them for a lifetime? Some may say that it’s dé·jà vu or connecting with a lover from a past life. You know you’re with the right person when your spirits resonate with attraction and familiarity.

9. You Meet Them at the Perfect Moment

One of the most beautiful gifts of the divine is meeting your lover when you need them most. Maybe you were experiencing a devastating loss or crisis of faith. You’ll probably discover later that they needed you just as much as you needed them.

10. Your Inner Voice Confirms: They Are Your True Soulmate

Do you take time to listen to that small, still voice that speaks to your heart? Your higher self knows you better than you do yourself. When you’re in a loving relationship, it will confirm that you’re both on the right path.

11. You Respect Each Other’s Opinions

Wherever there are two people, there will always be a difference of opinion. If a couple doesn’t respect each other’s thoughts and ideas, the relationship won’t last. You feel secure when you and your significant other can disagree but still respect and love each other.

12. Forever Partners Bring out the Best in Each Other

Does your mate encourage and make you feel like you can conquer anything? This supportive love is a significant component of a forever relationship. You do the same for them, striving to be the best version of yourself.

13. You Love Them Even at Their Worst

Nobody is perfect, and even the most charming soulmate can have bad days. How does your partner react to your mistakes, shortcomings, and emotional meltdowns? If you can see each other at your worst and still be in love, you can be sure it’s real.

14. You Listen to Each Other

Too many couples go through the motions and “hear” each other. Their partner’s conversation goes in one ear and out of the other. Then, they wonder why their relationship falters due to poor communication and misunderstandings.

In a healthy, loving relationship, you actively listen to each other. You don’t interrupt and think about their statements before you reply. You mirror the other’s emotions and maintain receptive body language.

15. You’ve Finally Released the Past

Let’s face it; everybody has a few skeletons in their closet that rattle from time to time. However, you can’t fully bond with your soulmate if one or both of you are shackled with past baggage. You know you’re with the right person when you can finally leave the past and walk with them into the present and future.

16. You’re More Compassionate with Yourself

How many people would be in your circle if you treated them like you treat yourself? You’d probably be losing relationships left and right. Thankfully, you learn to give yourself a break when you’re with your forever person.

You become less judgmental, and you are more accepting of yourself. When you make mistakes, you apologize, make amends, and try to improve. You follow your lover’s example by being compassionate towards yourself.

17. Forever Partners Pick Each Other up When You Fall

Anybody can be madly in love when everything is going their way. The sun is shining, and the world’s a perfect place. It’s another story when the storm clouds roll in, and problems and mistakes darken your outlook.

You know you have a forever partner when they reach down further than you can reach up to them. They pick you up, dust you off, and encourage you to keep trying. You find that commitment and compassion sustain your relationship as you do the same for them.

18. You Can Still be an Individual

It’s a lovely metaphor to consider that you and your soulmate are one. It exemplifies how you work and love in tandem, like one flesh. The spiritual gist is inspiring, but it can’t be a literal interpretation.

Even though you feel eternally connected, a couple comprises two individuals. In human relationships, opposite attraction is just as important as similarities. You both need your interests and hobbies to maintain who you are.

In a healthy relationship, neither partner has a problem with allowing each other their right to individuality. The good news is that you’ll have more exciting things to discuss. You’re a complete person by yourself, but having someone special in your life puts a spring in your step and boosts your joy.

19. A Forever Person Knows How to Make You Laugh

Humor is a soothing balm for your heart and soul. Having a chronically grumpy and pessimistic partner is unpleasant, especially when considering forever. Spending time with your true soulmate will make you smile and laugh more.

You know how to tease each other good-naturedly, and they know how to make you smile. It’s those little inside jokes or their amusing observations that make you giggle and want more. They are a source of joy and light that strengthens your spirit.

20. You Can’t Imagine Being Without a Soulmate

In previous relationships, you stayed though you had many doubts. However, with this person, you can’t imagine spending one day without them by your side. Your connection with this person is much deeper than other people from your past.

Final Thoughts on Finding Your Forever Partner

Most people dream of finding their eternal soulmate to fulfill their lives. You may have a few broken relationships before you find that person. However, when you find them, the Universe will send you signs so you’ll know for sure.

18 Things to Say to Be a More Supportive Friend

July 23, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

Genuine friendship is a treasure that far exceeds any wealth the world may hold. It takes work and dedication, like a garden, to cultivate a relationship and make it last. You’re supportive and try to reassure each other, especially during difficult situations.

Eighteen Things to Say to Be More Supportive and Have a Stronger Friendship

As in any relationship, your friends are with you to weather the best and worst of times. How can you boost your buddy’s spirits when they are down or in a dark place? Here are 18 things you could say to reassure them of how much you care.

1. “I Believe in You.”

One of the most supportive statements you can offer a friend is to tell them how much you believe in them. You reassure them when they are at their lowest point and doubt their strengths and abilities. Love and acceptance are basic human needs, and you can offer these to your friend.

2. “I Can’t Stop the Storm, but I Can be Your Umbrella.”

When family or friends experience loss or other adversity, well-meaning people often say the wrong things. You can’t promise them they needn’t worry because everything will be fine. However, you can be supportive and reassure them that you’ll be at their side.

3. “I Love and Accept You Just as You Are.”

Best pals see each other for who they are and love them anyway. By loving and accepting them, you build their self-worth. They don’t have to look or be like anyone else for them to hold a special place in your heart.

4. “Your Past Mistakes Don’t Define You.”

Is it difficult for you to see your friend chronically kicking themselves for past mistakes? Often, it’s easier for folks to forgive others than to forgive themselves. Be supportive and encourage your friend to show themselves more forgiveness and compassion.

5. “You’re More Than Enough.”

The next time your friend feels down and less than, be the sunlight that brightens their day. Tell them that they’re more than enough and more incredible than what they can ever imagine. Please pay them a sincere compliment and boost their mood.

6. “It’s Okay Not to Be Okay Sometimes.”

Of course, you want to be supportive of your best buddy with words of encouragement. You may be quick to say, “be strong” or “you’re going to be okay.” But everyone has a right to grieve, feel vulnerable, and unsure.

They shouldn’t feel guilty if they need some time to fall to pieces and not be okay. Encourage them with your love and support, and your presence is a gift when you’re there for them.

7. “I’ve Always Admired Your Strength.”

Have there been times in your relationship that your best friend has been your anchor? Tell them how much that means and their strength inspires you. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to lift their spirits too.

8. “Please Let Me Help You.”

Many people feel that it’s a sign of weakness to ask others for help. It shows great strength and courage to swallow your pride and let someone lend a hand. Your best friend may be struggling with a problematic situation, and they feel embarrassed to ask you to intervene.

You can be sensitive to their feelings while still offering your assistance. They may feel relieved that someone cared enough to ask. You can also provide something more specific like taking them somewhere special, or you can help by babysitting their kids for a day.

9. “I’m Not Your Judge or Jury.”

It’s only human to reach out to a hurting friend and try to fix things. If you get into this mindset, you may become their adviser rather than their supportive friend. Even when they’re asking you what to do, they want you to confirm the decision they’ve already made.

Avoid judgmental statements and tell them what you would do if you were them. If their thinking is awry, let them come to that conclusion themselves. It’s refreshing and reassuring when you lend an empathetic ear without condemnation.

10. “Those Toxic People Don’t Deserve Your Time.”

Sometimes, your best friend may be in a toxic relationship, or they may have just experienced a breakup. They’re shattered, and they may feel that the broken relationship was somehow their fault. You must reassure them of your friendship and make sure you let them know that you’re on their side.

You can tell your friend they deserve better without indulging in name-calling and insulting the other parties. If a person doesn’t want to treat them with love and respect, they miss out. Let them know how much you value and appreciate your friendship.

11. “Take all the Time You Need.”

Patience is not a virtue that naturally comes to humans. The only way to learn how to be patient is to go through adversity. When you use your painful experiences and tools, you are more patient with yourself and others.

Time and patience are also beautiful gifts in a friendly relationship. Allow them time to make crucial decisions or to heal. They will appreciate your kindness and lack of pushiness.

12. “Being Your Friend Makes Me a Better Person.”

The beauty of companionship is that you bring out the best in each other. How has your pal been an inspiration and positive influence for you? Tell them what a blessing they are to you, and make sure you let them know that they make you a better person.

13. “I’m Sorry; please Forgive Me.”

According to an article by UCLA-Berkeley, forgiveness may boost your relationship satisfaction. People will have shortcomings and hurt even the ones they love the most. While offending others may be inevitable, it doesn’t mean that these offenses must linger without apology.

It takes a big person to admit they’ve done wrong and ask for forgiveness. If you’ve hurt your friend, even unknowingly, be quick to ask them to forgive you. Then, try to be supportive of your friendship by making amends.

Take note of what you did wrong, so you can try to avoid the mistake in the future. Make sure you validate their feelings, even if you disagree with what they’re saying. Whether or not you intended the offense, your actions caused pain.

14. “I Accept Your Apology and Forgive You.”

What if your friend has done something to hurt you? If your friendship is genuine, they won’t rest until they’ve made it right. The essential thing to remember is not to allow bitterness to darken your spirits.

Holding a grudge can affect your entire well-being, says an article published by the Mayo Clinic. You can become anxious and depressed and can’t enjoy the present because you are stuck in the past. According to the article, learning to forgive may lower stress levels and improve mental health.

Your pal will be supportive and empathetic of your feelings. You can’t forget the transgression, but forgiveness allows you to leave it in the past. When they apologize, forgiving is more meaningful than harbor bad feelings.

15. “Have You Considered This Perspective?”

You can always count on a genuine friend to tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear. They’ll give you an honest opinion out of love even if the truth hurts a bit. You’ll do the same for them and help them explore other perspectives when they need solutions.

16. “Your Smile Makes Me Happy.”

What are some of the things about your companion that make you crave their company? Maybe when you’re having a bad day, all it takes is their smile to cheer you. It could be their infectious laughter or what brilliant conversationalists they are.

17. “I’ve Always Trusted Your Opinion.”

A solid friendship strikes a healthy balance of give and take. You both stand in the gap for each other. When you help someone and sense their gratitude, you may feel just as wonderful as they do.

Remember when your pal was your rock in a time of crisis? They have your best interest at heart and wouldn’t steer you wrong. They’ve had a lot of experience, and you value their opinion.

18. “You Deserve the Best in Life.”

It’s also important to be supportive during joyous occasions. Be genuinely happy for your friend’s success and other blessings. Stand with them on the mountain tops; you must be part of the joy they deserve.

Final Thoughts on Things to Say to be a More Supportive Friend

Weave the fabric of friendship with wefts of love and warps of strength. Honest communication is essential to keep your relationship happy and healthy. Knowing what, when, and how to say something meaningful to them can make all the difference.

6 Things That Make Physical Attraction (Besides Good Looks)

July 23, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Many factors play a role in physical attraction beyond just appearances. Of course, our biological drive encourages us to choose a physically fit and healthy partner for reproduction. This response happens unconsciously most of the time, as evolutionary forces guide us in picking a partner. But what about long-term happiness?

Historically, women once valued physical fitness more than men, which pointed to healthy genes. Men preferred young, fertile females, offering the best chance of delivering a healthy baby. However, even though we still have instincts that impact decision-making, physical attraction isn’t so black and white.

When choosing a partner, we have evolved to care about more than just beauty and physical fitness. In the modern world, finances, kindness, personality, career choices, religion, and other factors also determine compatibility.

What Happens to the Brain in Physical Attraction?

Attraction isn’t just about how someone looks – it’s a cocktail of factors, including physical appearance, scent, and even a person’s voice. The brain plays a huge role in all of this.

When you see someone you’re attracted to, your eyes send a message to your brain, zooming down the optic nerve. They say, “Hey, look at this person; they’re interesting!” This information then makes its way to the hypothalamus, one of the command centers in your brain.

The hypothalamus is a bit like a puppeteer. It pulls all the strings that control your hormones, and in the case of attraction, it releases dopamine and adrenaline. These two hormones make you feel good, and give you that excited, butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling. It’s like nature’s way of rewarding you for finding a potential mate.

That’s not all, though. The hypothalamus also sparks off another process that creates a hormone called oxytocin. This hormone, often known as the ‘love hormone’, is involved in bonding and trust. It can make you feel more connected to the person you’re attracted to.

Then, the amygdala, the part of the brain involved with emotions, gets involved. This brain area helps assess the other person’s suitability as a mate. It’s like a little matchmaker in your head, weighing up all the information and deciding.

And let’s not forget about the part pheromones play. These are chemicals that we unconsciously smell, and they can influence how attractive we find someone. It’s believed that they might signal genetic compatibility. Amazing, right?

So, as you can see, physical attraction is a complicated process involving different parts of the brain, a range of hormones, and even our sense of smell. It’s like a grand orchestra playing a symphony, each instrument adding its unique sound to create the melody of attraction. No wonder it feels so powerful!

6 Other Factors That Influence Physical Attraction

Below, we’ll delve deeper into these factors that determine physical attractiveness.

1. How Kind You Are

Regarding physical attraction, kindness, and generosity instantly make someone more appealing. After all, most people naturally gravitate toward friendly people and steer clear of mean-spirited individuals. Not everyone shows their true colors at first, of course. But after getting to know them, you can generally tell if they have a good heart.

Scientists have confirmed that kindness plays a massive role in physical attraction. One study found that women find altruistic men more desirable, both emotionally and physically. The research also showed that women felt no more attracted to “macho” men than non-aggressive men.

Another study involved women choosing a man named Todd based on three different descriptions of him. Researchers presented one version of the man as kind and gentle, another neutral, and the third as a “bad boy” persona. Women mainly chose compassionate Todd for long-term relationships, platonic friendships, and sexual partners.

Researchers also asked the women what personality traits they considered most important in a steady partner. They gave them ten different characteristics to choose from. They listed sensitive, confident, easygoing, and assertive from most significant to least important. Physical attraction declined for dominant, demanding, aggressive, submissive, shy, and quiet men.

Finally, another study found that men and women felt more attracted to partners displaying prosocial behaviors, such as altruism.

2. Confidence Boosts Physical Attraction

If you feel comfortable in your skin, others will take notice when you walk into a room. Self-confidence makes you more desirable because it gives off a vibe of security and stability. People with high self-esteem tend to have better relationships because they have learned to love themselves. This makes it easier to get along with people and increases physical attraction.

One study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences analyzed the link between emotional honesty and physical attraction. Researchers told participants to watch as people expressed various emotions and rate their attraction to them. Participants rated the actors who displayed more authentic, clear emotions more highly.

Researchers also measured each participant’s brain activity while they watched the actors. Brain scans displayed increased activity in the reward circuit, an area of the brain linked to social relationships.

3. Your Sense of Humor

Having a sense of humor is essential to make it through life with a shred of sanity! It also increases physical attraction because it shows potential mates that you don’t sweat the small stuff. A University of Kansas study supports this, showing that men and women prefer funny partners.

Also, meeting someone you can share jokes with makes a happier future together. And, humorous people tend to have more friendly, agreeable personalities, a trait that increases physical attraction.

4. How Often You Smile and Display Happiness and Joy

Even if you don’t always mean it, smiling can signal to others that you’re open and friendly. In a study from the University of British Columbia, researchers discovered that participants felt more physical attraction to women who smiled. However, women did not find men who smiled any more attractive. Perhaps from an evolutionary perspective, friendliness and happiness in women holds more weight.

5. Being Easygoing Increases Physical Attraction

Having an easygoing, agreeable nature also matters regarding physical attraction. No one wants a partner that will add stress to their lives. One study published in the journal Biology Letters discovered that women rated visibly stressed men as less attractive. Researchers believe that evolutionary forces also play a role since cortisol lowers testosterone levels.

In general, having a laidback approach to life leads to happiness in relationships. It shows potential partners you have the resilience and emotional stability to handle challenges.

6. Being Similar Enhances Compatibility and Long-Term Happiness

We tend to feel drawn to people most like us in terms of upbringing, values, and personality. We want our partner to validate and understand us; having a similar SO makes this much easier.

When you have a partner with similar thoughts and beliefs, it reduces the likelihood of conflict. This likely plays a huge role in our relationship choices since we naturally desire partnership harmony.

Science also confirms this, as a study of 1,523 pairs revealed similar personalities among romantic partners and friendships. Perhaps we instinctively choose those who feel familiar because it seems safer than branching out.

One of the study authors, Assistant Professor of Psychology Angela Bahns, summarized this phenomenon best: “Change is difficult and unlikely; it’s easier to select people who are compatible with your needs and goals from the beginning.”

Final Thoughts on Factors That Determine Physical Attraction (Beyond Just Looks)

Physical attraction may have mattered more in ancient times when society wasn’t as complex. Back then, people didn’t care much about personality since we had to work harder to survive. We no longer live off the land, but some of these evolutionary forces still apply.

Men and women still value physical fitness and appearance but also consider someone’s inner beauty. Kindness, generosity, agreeableness, and sense of humor increase physical attraction when choosing a lifelong partner. This proves that beauty isn’t just skin-deep; looks fade while personality lasts forever. Of course, that is the key to long-term happiness.

15 Ways to Change Your Life for the Better

July 23, 2022 by Kristen Butler

Are you unhappy or want to change your life for the better? The key to self-improvement is willpower. You can do and become anything you want to, as long as you have the proper mindset and good habits.

Where do you see your life in six months, one year, or even five years from now? Only you can envision your future and ensure you follow through.

Fifteen Habits to Change Your Life

If you don’t like the direction you’re going in life or how you feel inside, you can take control and fix it. If you feel stuck, your mindset tells you you can’t change. Here are some simple things you can incorporate daily that will help you in your journey of self-improvement.

1. Live in the Present to Change Your Life

If you’re constantly living with the regrets of yesterday, then you’re robbing yourself of the pleasures of today. You can’t change what happened yesterday but can fix your tomorrow. So, live for the moment, and don’t miss out on the beautiful things around you because you’re too busy turning around.

Use the past mistakes as lessons learned. Everything that happens in your life is a learning experience, and when you embrace it as such, it will change your view on things.

2. Don’t Sleep the Day Away–Get Up Early!

Your body runs on a time clock known as the circadian rhythm. People used the sun to gauge their sleep/wake cycles in past generations. When the sun came up, they got up. When the sun went down, they went to bed.

These days, people work weird shifts and stay up all night. It throws your body’s internal clock off. Have you had a clock that the battery was getting low and started losing time? Your body is like this broken clock which can’t keep up when things are off.

According to the National Library of Medicine, behaviorists have found when the internal clock is out of sync, it can cause issues like:

•Poor eating habits

•Chronic digestive issues

•Shifts in body temperature

3. Change Your Life by Going Device Free

If you want to change your life, learn to put down your devices for a bit each day. Connect with your children, partner, or your friends without distraction. You’ll find it will enhance your relationships and give you a sense of freedom.

No one should be tied to a device and living in a virtual world, as it’s unhealthy and mentally harmful.

4. Drink Water (one of the healthiest life habits!)

When you stop and consider that your body is made up of 60 percent water, you understand why drinking H20 is essential. According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, being deficient in water dehydrates your body. Many people are mildly dehydrated and don’t know it. However, the article says that when you lack sufficient water, it can cause the following issues:

•Poor digestion

•Inability to absorb nutrients

•Poor circulation

•Dry mouth

•Problems maintaining the proper body temperature

•Issues with the transportation of nutrients

5. Eat Real Food

Your diet is an influential factor in how you feel. When you eat plant-based foods and fill up on protein, it has a dramatic impact on your mental health. If you feel horrible and struggle to get out of bed daily, one way to change your life is to fix your diet.

6. Create Things-To-Do Lists

Do you know you waste a lot of time and energy trying to remember what you must do? Lists help you stay organized and ensure you accomplish the most important things. David Allen, the author of The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, discusses lists’ importance. Using his groundbreaking methodologies, he says that organizing your day will help you stop procrastinating and enhance your life.

7. Sharpen Your Mind (healthy brain habits may help you retain cognition for longer)

You work your body to enhance your muscles, so why not work your brain too? Cognitive training exercises are all the rage these days, and they can help you improve your cognition, memory, and creativity. Doing puzzles, math problems, and games like checkers or chess can help keep your mind sharp. Also, listening to Ted Talks can help with your cognitive function.

8. Strive for Six to Eight Hours of Rest

Program your mind that nothing good happens after midnight, so you should strive to be in bed no later than midnight. Your body needs six to eight hours of sleep to restore and function properly. Skimping on rest to reach an important deadline may help you in one area, but it will hurt you in another.

9. Exercise Regularly

Exercising is essential for your health. Did you know that when you move your body, you will balance glucose levels, handle stress better, be happier, improve your circulation, and feel better overall? Your body is lacking if you’re not getting at least twenty minutes of physical activity three days a week.

10. Stop the Negative Mental Chatter

Everyone has mental chatter they contend with, but you can silence it with willpower. Think of this negative chatterbox as a toddler that demands to be heard.

Whenever that child inside screams something negative, you combat it with something positive. Soon you will find that you can control those inner voices and improve your life.

11. Change Your Life by Choosing Simplicity

Society lives with the philosophy that you must accumulate material possessions and wealth to be fulfilled. What a powerful concept when you learn that less is often more. Collections of accomplishments and material goods will only sustain you temporarily.

You can’t escape from the mindset of wanting more, as it possesses you and takes over your life. Simple living is the key to happiness, and it’s a start in the right direction towards self-improvement.

Even in Biblical days, this was a significant issue, as pointed out in Philippians 4:11. Paul stated in this verse that he’s learned to be content with what he had and to embrace the season of life he was in. Rather than working and making your life’s goal to fill your bank account, it can change your life to strive for the betterment of humankind.

12. Set Life Goals with a Vision Board

Self-improvement always starts with goals. An article in The Huffington Post mentions vision boards and several behaviorists’ views on these new trends. The goal of making these boards is to give you a clear path toward where you want to go.

When you take the time to create this vision board, you’re giving yourself a roadmap toward future success. Incorporating things like your health, relationships, finances, home life, personal and professional growth, and spirituality can help you improve your life.

13. Create Passive Income Streams to Change Your Life for the Better

If you want to be financially stable and not put “all your eggs in one basket,” you need passive income. This will give you a cushion to fall back on should one part of your income cease.

Developing such strategies takes time and effort, but it’s the new way to protect your future. Jobs can come and go, but it’s life-changing when you have your finances in order by having several income streams.

14. Have a Desire for Self-Improvement

If you want to change your life, you need a desire. Staying on the right path is a daily struggle, but you can accomplish it if you push yourself a bit. Even moving slowly is still moving. Tell yourself you must keep going no matter how tired, stressed, or depressed you feel.

15. Cut the Timewasters

Everyone has time wasters in their life. These are unproductive activities that inhibit you from reaching your goals. If you’re spending three hours a day on social media, think of what else you could do in this time if you weren’t on the internet. What if you spent this time doing crosswords to enhance your brain or reading a good book?

Warren Buffet is one of the wealthiest men in the world, with an estimated net worth of over $113 billion. At the beginning of his career, he would read all day long. At times, he would read over 1,000 pages a day.

Now, you must consider that being an avid reader doesn’t guarantee success, but on the flip side, most successful people love reading. How can you change your life by cutting out timewasters and picking up other, more beneficial habits?

Final Thoughts on Ways to Change Your Life by Having Better Habits

Having toxic habits and people in your life will be like arsenic, and it slowly drains the energy out of you. However, when you’re on a journey for self-improvement, you can combat these toxicities with a positive mind, spirit, and emotional stance. When you let go of some of these poisonous habits, you will notice your world changes for the better.

15 Inspirational Quotes About Being a Happy Person

July 23, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

If you want to be a happy person, you must look within to find it. Taking responsibility for your happiness is essential, but you’ll sometimes need inspiration. Many inspiring quotes can help you find the joy you deserve and desire.

You can’t control what happens in the world around you, but you can manage your reaction. External situations can trigger negativity if you let it, or you can shift your mindset to focus on the good.

A happy person chooses this state of mind, and it doesn’t just come to them by chance. You can maintain joy by looking at your situation in a positive way, even when you can choose negativity.

These inspirational quotes about being a happy person can remind you of your choice each day. You can’t make a change at any time, too, choosing to be happy despite the circumstances.

Why Being a Happy Person is Essential

Being happy improves your life by benefitting your relationships, health, performance, productivity, and overall well-being. You’ll see the good all around you, even when things don’t work out as planned.

Being happy also makes you feel good about who you are, encouraging you to chase your dreams. You’ll feel motivated to wake up and tackle your goals, checking one thing off your list at a time. Inspirational quotes about being a happy person can help you get back on track. They’ll help you focus on what truly matters in your life and see the good every day.

Fifteen Quotes About Being a Happy Person

These words of wisdom remind you of what it takes and why it’s essential to be a happy person. They give you a boost, allowing you to overcome uncertainty. You’ll become a better person as you grow and develop in meaningful ways. Choose a few of your favorite quotes and place them in a place you’ll see each day.

1. “If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.” – Andrew Carnegie

Being happy requires setting goals that consume your thoughts. You must focus your energy and hope on something positive if you want to feel good about your life. Remember this quote so that you never forget to set goals that bring meaning to your life.

2. “In our lives, change is unavoidable, loss is unavoidable. In the adaptability and ease with which we experience change, lies our happiness and freedom.” – Buddha

You can’t stop change from coming, even if you want everything to stay the same. Likewise, loss happens sometimes, creating negative feelings within.

However, you can still choose to be a happier person even when things don’t work out how you’d hoped. If you can learn to adapt to changes and accept things as they come, you can find joy and freedom in your life.

3. “In our daily lives, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but the gratefulness that makes us happy.” – Albert Clarke

Being happy isn’t what makes you grateful for what you have. Instead, it’s gratitude that brings joy to your life. Take the time to express thankfulness for all you have and the people who love you. When you focus on the good in your life, you’ll feel happy more often than not.

4. “Being happy is something that each of us determines, it is not something that we find outside of yourself, it is within us and our choice.” – Catherine Pulsifer

You can choose joy at any point in your life. Searching for it through external sources won’t work because it’s all about looking within. If you want to be happy, remember this quote so that you can always find joy.

5. “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” -Mahatma Gandhi

Stay true to your values and beliefs. Don’t say anything you don’t think, and don’t do things that don’t fit your thoughts and words. All of these things must be the same if you want to be a happy person. Speak your mind, stand up for yourself and your beliefs, and do what you say you’ll do. If you follow these words of wisdom from Gandhi, you’ll notice an improvement in your mindset.

6. “Our capacity to draw happiness from aesthetic objects or material goods in fact seems critically dependent on our first satisfying a more important range of emotional or psychological needs, among them the need for understanding, for love, expression, and respect.” – Alain De Botton

You can have all the pretty little things you want and still not find joy. Instead, you must first identify and tune into your emotions and psychological thoughts. Reflect on and practice self-love, respect, and understanding. If you can focus on these things, you’ll feel better about expressing yourself and who you are.

7. “Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

You only get one life, so don’t waste it on meaningless things. Follow this advice from Radmacher and live your best life each day. Do the things that bring joy and take every opportunity for excitement and progress. You’ll be glad you took the time to do it all because it leaves no regret at the end of the day.

8. “The only thing that will make you happy is being happy with who you are, and not who people think you are.” – Goldie Hawn

You must embrace who you are and what you’re about if you ever want to be a happy person. Don’t be who you think others want you to be, or you’ll always feel like something is missing. Be true to yourself, appreciate what makes you different, and focus on enjoying life.

9. “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer

When you’re happy, everything else falls into place. You can’t find joy by tackling your to-do list and becoming successful. However, if you can be a happy person, you’ll find that success comes a little easier. Follow your dreams and stick to your values, and you’re sure to find a career or lifestyle that you love. With that, you’ll be happy and feel passionate about making progress and developing.

10. “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

You’ll find joy if you can bring your thoughts to the present. Joy is present in each moment, even if you aren’t where you want to be. Look around you and find something to be thankful for, and you’ll start to see everything good in the world.

11. “Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn, or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” – Denis Waitley

You can travel the world and buy everything possible, but it doesn’t guarantee joy. Instead, you can become a happy person by living in the present and loving each moment of life. As Waitley says, show and receive love, live with grace, and practice gratitude.

12. “We can have peace if we let go of wanting to change the past and wanting to control the future.” – Lester Levinson

You can’t change the past or control the future, and trying will only disrupt your peace. Let go of anything you can’t change, and focus only on what you can do now. When you let go, you’ll find peace and joy again.

13. “Happiness, not in another place but this place…not for another hour, but this hour.” – Walt Whitman

There’s no reason for waiting or searching to find joy. It is always with you, and you only have to know how to look within. You can choose to make a change right now, switching your mindset to focus on contentment.

14. “If you want to be happy, do not dwell in the past, do not worry about the future, focus on living fully in the present.” – Roy T. Bennett

Many of these inspirational quotes about being a happy person focus on being present. Therefore, you must let go of the past and stop ruminating over things that went wrong. Likewise, stop worrying about the future because it disrupts your peace and productivity in the present.

15. “If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the world belongs to you.” – Lao Tzu

Some people look for another person who will make them feel happy and fulfilled, but it won’t work. Even when you find a great person you like to spend time with, you won’t find joy in life. You must look within, be thankful for what you have, and love the life you live. Doing these things helps you find satisfaction with or without another person.

Final Thoughts on Inspirational Quotes About Being a Happy Person

Being a happy person can make all the difference in your life. You’ll feel good about who you are and what you’ve accomplished. Besides that, you’ll embrace the people who care about you. Contentment is essential in life, and all else falls into place once you find it.

So remember these quotes, and write down the ones that resonated within you. Read your favorite quotes when you wake up to help start the day positively. You can also read some at bedtime, allowing you to fall asleep with a clear and happy mind.

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

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!