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5 Reasons Someone Loses a Sense of Purpose (and How to Fix It)

July 19, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

Have you ever wondered why you’re here? What is your reason for being alive right now? Without a sense of purpose, are you living? Humans need a reason to wake up in the morning and have some satisfaction in their day–that’s the essence of a purpose-driven life.

Sadly, for many folks, they’ve lost their purpose. It’s not that they abandoned ship without good reason, but the cares of living can choke the life out of you. Do you still believe that you can conquer life’s mountains?

Five Reasons Why You’ve Lost Your Sense of Purpose

If you were to attempt to pinpoint the exact reason why you’ve lost your sense of purpose, what would you say caused it? Have you weathered some health battles that nearly took you out?

Perhaps you’ve had financial struggles that made you nearly lose everything. Here are some common reasons why people lose their sense of purpose and ways you can get back to a purpose-driven existence.

1. Your Anxiety is Ruining Your Life With a Lost Sense of Purpose

An anxious life is one of fear and not faith. Anxiety can make you think and feel things that aren’t true. It’s easy to lose your sense of purpose when stuck in fight or flight mode. When you’re struggling with anxiety, nothing in your life makes sense.

Your mind feels that you’re always in danger, and these overwhelming feelings can dominate your life. How can you live with purpose and conquer your goals when you’re in constant fear? Anxiety comes in many different forms.

Some will have post-traumatic stress disorder, while others will struggle with a generalized anxiety disorder. Regardless of which type you struggle with, none of them are easy. How can you live life to the fullest if anxiety is holding you back?

How to Fix It:

While anxiety is a genuine problem, it’s also a difficulty that’s treatable. Many people don’t get help because their afraid, but things like cognitive behavioral therapy can be of benefit. The type of anxiety you struggle with will dictate the treatment, but there are many ways to deal with chronic angst and take control of your life.

2. You’ve Stopped Dreaming

Life would be pretty dull if you didn’t have a dream. Remember when you were eighteen and the world was your oyster? You had so many plans for your life that you would conquer the world, as you were purpose-driven.

Now, you’ve lived in the adult world for a few years, and the dreams and plans you once overshadow your reality. Do you remember how exciting it was to lie on the ground and look up at the stars realizing that your possibilities were endless? What happened to that person who dared to dream?

Regardless of your age, you must have a vision. It would help if you had something to look forward to and a person to aspire to be. Whether you’re 25 or 80 doesn’t matter; everyone needs to have a dream and a sense of purpose.

How to Fix It:

At the core of someone who stopped dreaming is likely some depression or upsets in your life. If you’re struggling and going through the motions of living, you need to find your purpose again.

A purpose-driven life can mean all the difference between living and existing. Sit down and make a goal list of where you want to be in the next year, and you should start a vision board to watch your dreams turn into reality.

You can change this dynamic by simply starting the dreaming process again. If there’s an underlying mental health concern, fixing it can help you on your path.

3. Success Seems Unachievable When You Lose Your Sense of Purpose

Everyone has limitations. There are things you can’t do because of physical or mental restrictions. However, sometimes the limits are just perceived and not based on reality.

Additionally, sometimes you need to exercise your faith to push yourself forward. Did you ever dream of attending law school, becoming a doctor, or a teacher? Yet, the years of college and the cost of the degree made you feel it was unachievable.

It’s all about your mindset. Remember the old saying, “Can’t, can’t do anything?” Jilumol Mariet Thomas was born without arms. It would seem to the world around her that she couldn’t drive, go to school, or do many things other people do daily.

Imagine the look on the faces at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when she applied and obtained her driver’s license. The 28-year-old uses her feet to drive her modified car. She even stops for fast food and uses her feet like hands to get the order.

Ironically, she didn’t care how grim it looked and never took no for an answer. Everyone has this drive inside them, but you must learn how to release the inner power you hold. Finding your sense of purpose may require you to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.

How to Fix It:

The first place to start is to adjust your mindset. Stop thinking you can’t do something and start focusing on what you can do. Even the things that seem unreachable might be more obtainable than you think.

Why not listen to some Ted Talks or other podcasts where people have overcome insurmountable odds? Hearing these stories of how others overcome can compel you to push yourself a little more. Hiring a life coach is another good move to help you realize your potential.

4. A Lack of Focus Reveals You Lack a Purpose-Driven Life

If you seem stagnant, it’s likely due to a lack of focus. Let’s assume you wanted to finish college and get your degree. However, three kids later, you don’t have the time or money to accomplish this task.

Your focus has been shifted to more pressing matters, as your children are only little for so long. How can you focus on schooling and getting good grades when you’re so preoccupied with your chaotic life? One lady faced insurmountable circumstances when her husband left her with four kids.

She was naturally upset, but she decided she would make something of her life. She went to law school, worked a full-time job, and raised all four kids. Was it hard for her to accomplish this? Yes!

However, she was a judge on the show Divorce Court for 17 years. Mablean Ephriam was a force on the bench, but she was an overcomer in life.

How did she accomplish so much as she only had 24 hours in the day like everyone else? She got her focus right and had an inner drive that wouldn’t let her fail. She refused to be another statistic of someone who lived less than because of her circumstances, as she found her sense of purpose.

How to Fix It:

It’s challenging to keep your focus when you’re being pulled in 150 directions. Thankfully, there are some simple things that you can do to help enhance your attention. Try doing something like meditation or yoga that can help you purge all the negativity and things from your mind that keep you from focusing.

Try mindful living, where you learn to focus on the present and worry about yesterday or tomorrow. If you want to bring your attention to where you can accomplish things, you must let go of the chaos that fills your mind.

5. You Haven’t Found Your Calling

Some people say your sense of purpose is your calling in life. Each person on planet earth has unique gifts and callings. Look at the works of Picasso or Rembrandt. Can you imagine being able to create such masterpieces with your hands?

What about Beethoven? He was one of the greatest composers of all time, yet he was deaf. How can you possibly play music when you can’t hear it? According to The California Symphony, he used vibrations and memories from before he lost his hearing to compose.

What gifts and callings do you have to offer the world? Maybe you can’t play like the great Beethoven or paint like Picasso, but you can show love and kindness to people down and out. Part of a purpose-driven life is finding the thing that makes you feel alive and fulfilled.

How to Fix It:

Matthew 6:21 states where your heart is. There you will also find your treasure too. What makes you happy? Life is too short to be miserable, so you need to find your niche and the things that bring you joy.

Final Thoughts on a Purpose-Driven Life

Sometimes it’s challenging to have faith in yourself when you’re surrounded by fear. If you’ve lost your sense of purpose, the cares of this life may have become so heavy you can’t get beyond your troubles. Today is a new day, and it’s time for you to live the purpose-driven life you’ve always imagined.

You can do anything you want, but sometimes you need a little push. Where do you see yourself five or even ten years from now? Remember, all it takes is one small step to restore your sense of purpose, and it’s time to make a move!

12 Ways to Be Happy Around Hurtful People

July 19, 2022 by Chris Butler

It’s difficult dealing with hurtful people and their negativity. They feel unsafe and downright mean. You might feel they suck the air out of you when you try to be happy. Whether you’re dealing with unkind family members, co-workers, or neighbors, staying optimistic despite these people is possible. We will explore some suggestions that may help you.

Twelve Ways to Be Happy, Even When Someone Is Hurtful to You

1 – Resist the urge to think about the hurtful person all the time

This restraint can be easier said than done, especially if you must deal with toxic people all day at work. Still, when you’re thinking about them, it gives them power over you. Instead, choose to show them respect, but keep your distance. To preserve your mental health, resist the urge to let your mind drift to them and their antics. Replace the negativity with positive thoughts about what you’re grateful for in your life.

2 – You can’t control their actions, but you can manage your reaction

As you know, you can’t control hurtful people or their negativity. But you have the power to prevent your reaction to them. Sometimes it’s best not to respond to their snide remarks. Other times, it’s best to speak up and tell them to stop being rude. Don’t get emotionally charged up by them or become overly accommodating to appease them. Instead, try to disengage and remain calm as you control your reactions.

3 – Don’t let their negativity change your view of life

It’s easy to allow hurtful people to overshadow your life. Please resist the urge to let them dictate your happiness. Your self-worth isn’t dependent on their acceptance of you. No matter what toxic people think or do, you can remain happy with your life. Your worldview mustn’t be based on what they believe but on your values and beliefs. No matter what these toxic people do, you can find joy in your life.

4 – Be respectful towards them, despite the hurtful words

They may not deserve your respect, but it’s not about them. It’s about who you choose to be despite their behavior. If you respond to them in a hurtful, mean way, you’re acting like them. Treating them respectfully is treating them like you would want someone to treat you. You can feel happy that you’re offering them respect not because of them but because of who you choose to be. Some simple ways to show respect could be:

Say good morning: It’s okay if they don’t respond. It is not about them. It’s about how you want to live your life.
Acknowledging anything good: Without being overly accommodating, mention something good you notice about them. Maybe they’re always on time at work or keep their yard neat. Whatever it is, be kind even when they are not.
Respect what they were: Although they’re mean and hurtful, they probably didn’t start their life like this. Who knows what’s happened in their life to make them unfriendly?
Respect that they’re a human: Even the most challenging person has worth as a human. Give them this benefit and show respect.

5 – Remind yourself of your brokenness

So, you may not be as hurtful as the mean people around you, but you have your shortcomings. Maybe you’ve been angry and said unkind things to your kids or partner. Considering your brokenness helps you keep perspective when thinking about the hurtful person. It doesn’t change the circumstances, but it could help you be more understanding when dealing with them. You can shrug off their offenses and not let them steal your happiness.

6 – Ignore the negativity

Of course, you can ignore the hurtful person in your life when all else fails. Sometimes, this is the best course of action when dealing with toxic people. If their negativity is getting to you, steal your joy, and distance yourself from them in the best way. If avoiding them isn’t possible, don’t converse with them. Walk away if they say mean things. You can also tell them you refuse to talk with them anymore. They may not like it when you tell them this, but that’s okay. You’ve at least been honest with them. Your happiness doesn’t depend on them enjoying you or talking to you.

7 – Be compassionate towards them

Hurtful, toxic people aren’t born that way. There’s usually a reason someone acts like this. Perhaps they’ve had something terrible in their lives and are angry at the world. Good chance, the way they treat you has nothing to do with you, but it could simply be they’re just reacting out of their pain. You can maintain your happiness no matter how they react towards you. It may be helpful to do these things when the toxic person is getting to you.

Remind yourself you’re not the problem, nor am I their solution
Stay busy filling your life with positive people
Find joy in your family and friends
Practice relaxation techniques to let go of tension
Think about things you can be grateful for in your life

8 – Don’t let someone hurtful control you

Good chance the person’s hurtful demeanor has nothing to do with what you’ve said or done. Don’t feel responsible for their actions. You don’t need to tiptoe around them. Be yourself, and don’t let them control you with their anger. Please resist the urge to soothe them or accommodate them. This behavior reinforces their rude behavior. Stay your joyful self. Remember, they don’t control you.

9 – Stay Calm

Dealing with hurtful people can be exhausting. You may feel a little beat up by a co-worker that constantly gossips about you or a neighbor who cusses you out if you don’t park your car precisely right. Try to stay calm and release the stress of the situation. You may want to

Do yoga to relax your mind and body.
Write in a journal to help release your anxiety about these situations.
Go for long walks to relax and release tension.
Listen to calm music that lifts your heart and mind.
Talk to a friend about what’s going on. Just talking about it can help you let go of the stress.

10 – Resist giving in to anger

Researchers say there’s a connection between psychosocial anger and heart disease. Those individuals who get angry a lot have more incidents of heart problems. When you’re mad, your blood pressure goes up. High blood pressure stresses your blood vessels, causing them to constrict and narrow so blood and oxygen can’t flow through them. This may lead to a heart attack or stroke. Anger is never productive. If tempted to be angry at the hurtful person, pull back and get yourself under control. Keep your heart and mind calm, so you aren’t endangering yourself.

11 – Don’t get manipulated by the negativity

Sometimes hurtful people like to play off of other people. They manipulate people to get what they want. If you sense this, refuse to get pulled into their manipulation. Don’t show that you’re interested in their gossip sessions. They’ll eventually give up trying to pull you into their schemes.

To remove yourself, you can say something like this:

Sorry, I’m too busy to talk right now.
Got to get home to help the kids.
Life is so busy that I’m not free to chit-chat.

Of course, you may end up being the topic of the gossip session when you use these excuses, but that’s okay. For your happiness, it’s good to avoid getting manipulated and used by these folks.

12 – Set some boundaries

If you can’t avoid being around the person every day, you can still set some boundaries. If you have a co-worker who insists on making snide remarks about you or someone else. Tell them to stop because you’re not interested in talking about people like this. Then get up and walk away. If they keep doing this, you may need to tell them honestly that you aren’t comfortable being around them when they talk like this. Be firm but kind when you tell them this. They should get the message loud and clear.

Final Thoughts on Avoiding Unhappiness Despite Hurtful Actions of Others

It’s difficult dealing with hurtful people. Whether you experience individuals like this at work, in your neighborhood, or your family, dealing with these toxic people can steal your happiness. It’s possible to stay positive despite their hurtfulness. Resisting the urge to think about them all the time, acknowledging that you can’t control them, and showing respect despite their behavior can help you hold on to your happiness. It’s also good to remind yourself that you aren’t part of their problem and you are their solution.

Indeed, the negativity and bitterness have nothing to do with you. This doesn’t change the situation but can help you have compassion. Don’t appease them or accommodate their behavior for the sake of peace. Be yourself, and don’t let their hurtful words take away your happiness.

10 Yoga Poses for Better Digestion

July 19, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Everyone experiences times when their digestion doesn’t seem to move along. It can be annoying, uncomfortable, and sometimes painful. Yoga poses can improve your digestive health and help you feel better.

These poses help massage and twist your abdomen in ways that support healthy digestion. You’ll feel more relaxed and better able to eliminate waste from your body.

Yoga offers quick digestive relief, making it the perfect remedy. The gentle movement of yoga is a safe and effective way to get things moving.

How Yoga Helps with Digestion

Digestion involves breaking down food to eliminate waste and absorb nutrients. If you’re having digestive issues, it can cause symptoms including:

Bloating
Discomfort
Gas
Constipation
Stomach aches
Nausea
Changes in appetite

These issues often stem from stress, lack of circulation, or not having enough physical movement. Yoga can help by reducing all these issues and allowing you to eliminate waste before experiencing issues. If you already struggle with digestion, yoga can help you find relief.

People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can also find relief from doing yoga. IBS triggers overactivity of the nervous system, increasing stress. When you do yoga, it reduces stress and improves IBS symptoms.

Ten Yoga Poses for Better Digestion

Some yoga poses are better than others for improving digestion. Try these poses for the best results.

1. Seated Side Bend for Digestive Health

The seated side bend stretches your obliques, belly muscles, lower and upper back, and shoulders. It helps with bloating and gas while improving your digestion.

Start by sitting cross-legged on the floor.
Put both hands on the floor beside you.
Raise your left arm into the air and lean to the right, using your right arm for support.
Breath in and out four or five times.
Switch sides and repeat the steps.

2. Knee-to-Chest to Improve Digestion

This gentle movement relieves lower back strain while also massaging the large intestine. It promotes bowel movements, easing digestive issues.

Start by lying on your back, facing upward with your legs straight and arms at your sides.
Slightly tuck your chin and exhale as you slowly bend your knees.
Use your arms and pull your knees up toward your chest.
Keep your back and shoulder blade flat on the floor or mat.
If you can, wrap your forearms around your legs and grab opposite elbows.
Take four or five deep breaths before lowering your legs.

3. Downward-Facing Dog

This yoga pose helps nourish the intestines, promoting digestive health. While in this pose, remember to breathe deeply and fully exhale to help massage internal organs.

Start on your hands and knees.
Keep your hands in front of your shoulders and knees directly below your hips.
Spread your palms, placing weight on all four corners of your hands.
Turn your toes under to support your lower body.
Rotate your upper arms, hang your head, and move your shoulder blades away from your ears.
Exhale and lift your knees from the ground, keeping them bent slightly.
Don’t let your heels touch the floor as you lengthen your tailbone away from your pelvis.
Lift your tailbone toward the ceiling, keeping your inner legs tight.
Push your thighs back and stretch your heels toward the floor.
Straighten your knees, but don’t lock them.
Keep your arms firm while leaving your fingers on the floor.
Hold the pose for ten breaths (or more).
Bend your knees as you exhale and lower your body.

4. Bow Pose Supports Digestive Health

This pose resembles the shape of an archery bow. As it stretches your back, it supports digestion and alleviates constipation.

Lie on your stomach, keeping your legs straight and arms at your sides with palms up.
Bend your knees and pull your feet near your bottom.
Grab your ankles with your hands while keeping your knees aligned with your hips.
Lift your thighs off the floor as you pull your feet toward your body.
Simultaneously, lift your chest and head from the floor while keeping your pelvis flat.
Hold the pose for four to five breaths.

5. Triangle Pose

The triangle yoga post promotes digestion and gut health because it helps compress and release the colon. This process flushes toxins from the body, allowing for improved digestive health.

Start in a low-lunge position with your right leg forward.
Straighten the leg, keeping your foot in the same place.
Bring your left foot forward about six inches and turn it to a 45-to-60-degree angle.
Keep your heel flat on the floor.
Place your right hand on your right shin and raise your left hand toward the ceiling with your palm facing outward.
Keep your arm straight with your shoulders stacked on one another.
Stretch your head forward and lower your tailbone toward your left heel.
Hold the post for three to six breaths before repeating on the other side.

6. Seated Twist Can Help Improve Digestion

This pose promotes digestive health and bowel regularity. The twisting motion helps the small and large intestines move food and waste. It also alleviates bloating.

Sit on the floor and bend your left knee.
Cross your left foot over the top of your right thigh.
Place the left foot on the floor, and keep it planted throughout the movement.
Lean on your right hip and bend your right knee, facing the sole of your foot inward toward your bottom.
Place your right elbow next to the outside of your left knee.
Rotate your trunk to the left, placing your left palm on the floor next to the left of your bottom.
Turn your neck and look back over your left shoulder.
Hold the position for four to five breaths, elongating your spine as you count.
Switch sides and repeat the pose.

7. Supine Spinal Twist

This yoga pose stretches the lower back, increases spinal mobility, and alleviates constipation and bloating. It also supports general digestive health.

Lie flat on your back with both arms at your sides.
Bend your knees and place the bottoms of your feet flat on the floor.
Lift your hips a couple of inches and shift them to the right before lowering them back to the ground.
Straighten your left leg while bringing your right knee toward your chest.
Rotate to the left, bringing your right knee over your left knee without touching it to the ground. Don’t bend your left knee as you rotate.
Place your right arm straight on the floor perpendicular to your body.
Press your right knee with your left hand for a more intense stretch. You can also leave your left arm straight if you prefer.
Hold the position for four to five breaths and repeat on the other side.

8. Extended Puppy Pose for Improved Digestive Health

The extended puppy pose stretches your belly, relieving cramps after a large meal. It also promotes digestion and eases bloating.

Get on your hands and knees to begin the extended puppy pose.
Keep your hips where they are, and walk your hands forward as comfortably as you can.
Lower your head to the floor, letting your neck relax and opening your heart.
Stretch your spine by stretching through your arms and pulling your hips toward your heels.
Hold the pose for 30 seconds to one minute.

9. Cat-Cow Pose

This pose transitions from the cat pose to the cow pose and stretch your back and belly muscles. It improves circulation, massages your organs, and promotes gut health.

Start on your hands and knees with your back and neck flat.
Alight your knees with your hips and your wrists with your shoulders.
Enter the cow pose by tilting your pelvis and raising your tailbone toward the ceiling.
Your belly should move down, engaging your core.
Roll your shoulders back and look toward the ceiling without overextending your neck.
Hold the pose for four to five breaths before returning to the starting position.
Enter the cat pose by placing the tops of your feet on the floor. Your soles should be facing upward.
Turn your tailbone and draw your belly button toward your spine.
Arch your back by rolling your shoulders forward.
Lower your head and hold it for four to five breaths.
Repeat the cat-cow pose two or three times before resting.

10. Bridge Pose

This pose is a type of backbend that compresses the digestive organs. It also delivers blood to the heart and relieves fatigue caused by poor digestion.

Start by lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor, a hip distance apart.
Move your feet up closer to your bottom and press down with your feet to raise your hips.
Lift your pubic bone instead of your navel.
Put your hands together beneath your back on the floor.
Broaden your collarbones and roll to the top of your shoulders.
Roll your thighs inward and press down through your heels to lift the backs of your thighs.
Lift your bottom even higher and keep your thighs parallel.
Hold the pose as you count ten breaths.
Exhale, release your hands, and lower your body to the floor.

Final Thoughts on Yoga Poses for Better Digestion

Yoga can help improve many areas of your life, including better digestion. It helps with digestive disorders, constipation, and other problems. You’ll feel better and experience minor discomfort, gas, and bloating.

These yoga poses can quickly help you feel better. If you make them a regular part of your routine, you’ll notice a drastic improvement in your digestive health.

Psychology Explains Why People Treat Their Fur Babies Like Humans

July 19, 2022 by Chris Butler

Perhaps you’ve noticed how many people treat their pets like little humans. It’s a growing trend in the United States. Pet owners treat their fur babies like children researching the best foods to feed them, using unique bowls to enhance the enjoyment of their pet’s meal, or signing up their pet for doggie day classes while at work. According to psychologists, it’s a unique moment in human history.

Science explains why people treat their fur babies like little humans.

Why Some People Treat Their Fur Babies Like Actual Humans

1 – Fur babies make cuddly companions

Pets are cuddly little companions. They love to be held, scratched, and tickled. There are many benefits to having a pet in your life. Researchers found when you hang out with your pets, it lowers your blood pressure and decreases your cortisol levels. So take some time to cuddle with your cute kitty or snuggle with your Schnauzer. It’ll boost your mood, so you feel happier.

2 – Animals make you feel needed

Your pets need you. Caring for your pet triggers a protective, nurturing instinct inside of you. When you provide food, exercise, and housing for your pet, you feel needed by them. It validates who you are in a certain way. According to psychologists, validation is essential for humans. You need to know someone in your life requires you. Except for your relationship with your parents or other family members, your human relationships may change. But pets give you a sense of unconditional love. Once you have a bond with your pet, it lasts.

3 – Fur babies ease your loneliness

Your fur babies keep you company. People with a pet feel less lonely than those who don’t have a pet. More than half of pet owners say it’s easier to socialize when they have their pets with them. Your four-legged friends give you someone to “talk” to when you’re alone. They interact with their body and face. Having fur babies for company can chase away your loneliness and increase your well-being.

4 – It runs in your family

Have you ever noticed that keeping a pet runs in families? If you had pets growing up, there is a good chance you’ll own a pet as an adult. Your parents often hand down pet keeping. Being raised with animals helps you feel comfortable around them. You develop intuitiveness about what they need or want. Having a furry buddy in your life may be so natural that you can’t imagine life without your little fur babies.

5 – Or love for furry, feathered, or finned friends could be in your genes

Some people seem predisposed to enjoy being around animals. While others naturally love animals no matter how they were raised or taught as a child. Researchers think there could be a genetic link between people who naturally love animals. They aren’t sure which genes are responsible for making you feel a special love for animals, but genetics and the environment play a part in your feelings. No wonder you treat your little fur babies like little humans. It’s in your DNA.

6 – It’s a great habit to have

Maybe you’ve always had a pet in your life. Pet keeping may be a habit for you. This is because you feel most comfortable around pets. You may have experienced the many benefits of having a dog or cat in your life, and it’s caused you to naturally choose to always have a pet or two or three around your home.

7 – Dogs are a natural alarm system

If your dog barks when someone comes to your door, they act as a natural alarm system. They’re trying to let you know there’s an “intruder” in their territory. Although this can be annoying when it’s just your neighbor stopping in to say hello, you’ll be grateful for your noisy pet if it’s a burglar. Burglars say that giant dog breeds that bark loudly cause them to avoid a home when they choose a place to rob. When you know your pet is protecting your home, it makes you to treat them like family.

8 – Fur babies are sometimes a trade-off for parenting kids

Studies found that people’s investment in their pets is like how parents invest in their kids. Non-parents nurture their fur babies as a trade-off for parenting children but don’t see them as substitutes. According to researchers, this is a novel application of parenting. Researchers say this is a unique evolutionary puzzle.

9 – Lifestyle choices

Globally, fertility rates are down. Urbanization and an increased interest in education contribute to this phenomenon. These significant changes in how people work, live, and socialize have created new values of individualism over family choices. Many people find fur babies good companions for their flexible lifestyle choices.

10 – Fur babies help you prepare for kids…sort of

Pet owners of young kids compare raising a child and a pet. They may see both roles as nurturer, protectors, and providers to their children and pets. But those same parents expressed surprise that caring for kids was much more involved than caring for a pet. Humans aren’t as easy to deal with compared to animals.

So, the ways you love your sweet pet may help you, to some extent, get ready for a human baby, but in other ways, fur babies aren’t as much work as a child.

11 – Pets bring joy to parents of older kids

People with older kids don’t relate to their pets like people without kids. They have fewer concerns about disciplining or training their pets. They also don’t focus on the similarities of raising kids and pets. Interestingly, it seemed like this group had the most joy and satisfaction from having a sweet pet and children. Raising them together seemed to bring a sense of satisfaction and happiness into their lives.

Should People Treat Fur Babies Like Humans?

Treating your sweet pet like a baby is much fun, but it’s probably best to let them be. Animals are unique; if you humanize them, you’re taking away their origin. Forcing animals to do things they wouldn’t usually do may be helpful and stress them.

Here are some mistakes to correct when rearing a dog or cat.

Love isn’t food.

Seeing food as love isn’t healthy for humans or dogs. Obesity is a growing problem for dogs and cats. Your pet may gobble up your gooey ice cream treat, but it’s not healthy for them. Don’t cave in even if they stare at you while you’re eating. Please give them a treat especially made for them, not humans.

Skip the pet clothing.

Don’t dress up your cat or dog. It looks funny to you, but it causes stress to your animal. Be aware of your pet’s language. Skip the hats, capes, and raincoats that you think look so sweet on your pets. Many pets suffer silently while their owners laugh at their cute looks. This practice isn’t kindness. Even if your pets seem okay dressing up, avoid clothing. Let them be animals.

Let them sniff stuff.

Dogs and cats instinctively need to smell. It’s how they understand the world around them. Give them time outside to sniff the grass, other dogs, and the pavement.

It’s okay for them to obey their instincts.

It’s easy to get so caught up in treating your pet like a fur baby that you forget to allow them to obey their instincts. Cats like to stalk and hunt. They need to be allowed to do this. Dogs like to hunt and protect. Honor their instincts.

Your pet doesn’t think like you.

It’s easy to assume your dog or can thinks like you. Animals evolved from animals, not humans.

Dogs and cats can learn when it’s time to be fed, exercised, or go to bed. This isn’t because they decided this is a good idea. Because they’re creatures of habit, you establish these times for them. Be sure you allow them to be the beautiful animals they are. Avoid projecting human thinking abilities on them.

Train your pet.

Pets, especially dogs, need training. Fur parents who train their dogs have a stronger bond with their furry friends than with untrained dogs. If you’re treating your dog like a baby, you may not set boundaries for them. If you don’t punish your dog when misbehaving, you’re not teaching them. Some researchers say that humans putting “too much” love onto their pets can put too many expectations on them. This puts pressure on the animal and can confuse them.

Final Thoughts on People Treating Fur Babies Like Actual Infants

Pets have a special place in our lives. You may love cuddling with your cat or playing ball with your dog. It’s essential to figure out the balance between loving your pet unconditionally and treating them like animals. They are a different species than human beings and value being who they are without needing to be turned into little humans. Treating your fur babies like little humans may not be wrong if you learn to set boundaries and avoid feeling like they think and do things like you.

Non-Verbal Autistic Valedictorian Urges Classmates to Use Their Voices

July 18, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

In an inspiring graduation speech, a non-verbal autistic valedictorian encouraged her fellow graduates to “be the light” in this world. She hasn’t spoken since the age of ffiteen months, but learning to type allows her to communicate. On May 8, 2022, 24-year-old Elizabeth Bonker delivered her powerful commencement speech using a unique text-to-speech computer program.

Elizabeth’s four fellow valedictorians collectively chose her to deliver the speech. As a result, the 529 graduates of Rollins College, a private college in Florida, got to hear her moving message. She urged her fellow graduates to use their voices and serve everyone they meet. She also described some of her struggles as a non-verbal autistic and how others helped her navigate them.

“Rollins College class of 2022, today we celebrate our shared achievements. I know something about shared achievements because I am affected by a form of autism that doesn’t allow me to speak. My neuromotor issues also prevent me from tying my shoes or buttoning a shirt without assistance.

She explained?

“I have typed this speech with one finger with a communication partner holding a keyboard. I am one of the lucky few non-speaking autistics who have been taught to type. That one critical intervention unlocked my mind from its silent cage, enabling me to communicate and to be educated like my hero Helen Keller.”

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In her commencement address, she also mentioned another of her heroes, Mr. Fred Rogers. Most famous as the host of the preschool television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, he graduated from Rollins College in 1951.

“During my freshman year, I remember hearing a story about our favorite alumnus, Mister Rogers. When he died, a handwritten note was found in his wallet. It said, ‘Life is for service.’ You have probably seen it on the plaque by Strong Hall. Life is for service. So simple, yet so profound,” she said.

Non-Verbal Autistic Valedictorian Encourages Peers to Serve Others

Elizabeth continued: “Classmates, you have shared your passion for service within our community. Our friends in the sororities and fraternities raise money for so many worthy causes. Our friends at Pinehurst weave blankets for the homeless. The examples are too numerous to list. Rollins has instilled in all of us that service to others gives meaning to our own lives and to those we serve.”

She also drew inspiration from Victor Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning, and shared his message about serving others.

“While suffering in the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz, he noted how, despite the horror, there were prisoners who shared their last crust of bread. He writes, ‘Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.’”

“We all have been given so much, including the freedom to choose our own way. Personally, I have struggled my whole life with not being heard or accepted. A story on the front page of our local newspaper reported how the principal at my high school told a staff member, ‘The retard can’t be valedictorian,’” she said.

“Yet today, here I stand. Each day, I choose to celebrate small victories, and today, I am celebrating a big victory with all of you. The freedom to choose our own way is our fundamental human right, and it is a right worth defending, not just for us, but for every human being.”

Elizabeth continued: “Dear classmates, today we commence together. But from here, we will choose our own ways. For me, I have a dream. Yes, just like Martin Luther King, Jr., I have a dream: communication for all.”

Elizabeth Strives to Serve Others With Non-Verbal Autism

“There are 31 million non-speakers with autism in the world who are locked in a silent cage. My life will be dedicated to relieving them from suffering in silence and to giving them voices to choose their own way,” she said.

Bonker graduated with a degree in social innovation. then she launched a nonprofit organization called Communication 4 ALL. Its mission is to “ensure that non-speakers with autism have access to the communication and education essential to living meaningful lives.”

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Elizabeth Is a Highly Motivated Non-Verbal Autistic Woman Who Wants to Make a Difference

Adding to her list of accomplishments, she wrote a book called I Am In Here. The book describes her own experience as a child with non-verbal autism.

Around one in 44 children has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental disorder caused by differences in the brain. In fact, they estimate that around 25-50% of children with ASD have non-verbal autism, inhibiting their speaking ability.

During her speech, Elizabeth told her classmates: “God gave you a voice. Use it. And no, the irony of a non-speaking autistic encouraging you to use your voice is not lost on me. Because if you can see the worth in me, then you can see the worth in everyone you meet.

“We are all called to serve, as an everyday act of humility, as a habit of mind. To see the worth in every person we serve. To strive to follow the example of those who chose to share their last crust of bread. For to whom much is given, much is expected.

“My fellow classmates, I leave you today with a quote from Alan Turing, who broke the Nazi encryption code to help win World War II. ‘Sometimes, it is the people no one imagines anything of who do the things no one can imagine.’ Be those people. Be the light!”

Final Thoughts on Non-Verbal Autistic Valedictorian’s Inspiring Speech

Elizabeth Bonkers, a non-verbal autistic valedictorian from Rollins College, gave a moving graduation speech to her peers. She encouraged them to use their voices and serve others in their own way. Moreover, she’s living that example by helping others with non-verbal autism access the tools they need to communicate.

Elizabeth proves that no matter our struggles, we all have unique gifts to share. So, don’t be afraid to shine!

How to Train Your Brain to Beat Negative Thoughts

July 18, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

We live in a world full of hardships and pain. But it’s a world that can also be beautiful and full of opportunities. Unfortunately, many people are hardwired to be pessimistic and don’t know how to overcome negative thoughts. Maybe some don’t know how to change negativity into positive thoughts. But it’s important to understand that your mood and mindset can affect your life.

You’re more likely to have a bad day when you’re in a bad mood. But your day will get better when you’re in a good mood. But if your brain is hardwired to be negative, you must overcome some obstacles to rewire it. Plus, the environment we live in is stressful and exhausting. Because of all the hurdles in your way, negativity can become a habit.

Even one harmful thought can spark an entire change of mentality; before you know it, it can make you spiral. Sometimes, you don’t even notice it until it’s too late. Therefore, teaching your brain to default to a positive mindset is possible.

Why Do People Default to Negative Thoughts?

According to research, people can have up to 70,000 thoughts in a single day. Most of these thoughts pass through our heads without us even realizing it. When we see a traffic sign, we’ll automatically think about what it means. That’s not something we necessarily have control over. Sometimes, thoughts happen. Statistically speaking, it’s nearly impossible that, out of 70,000 ideas, all of them are positive.

Because of just how many thoughts we have, it’s inevitable that some will be negative. But that’s not even the central place negativity stems from. Many people are even born and raised in an environment full of pessimism spread by toxic people. Because of that environment, they develop a negativity bias. This means they think more about adverse events rather than positive ones. Their brain asymmetrically uses negative information at the expense of positive information. They dwell on criticisms or insults rather than being able to balance out the good and the bad.

Past events that have traumatized you can also make people prone to negativity. People learn and form decisions based on that negative information. This might be the case because they want to protect themselves. This idea makes sense from an evolutionary point of view. There’s no way to be disappointed when you expect the worst to happen, or that’s true in theory. Or maybe, if you wish the worst to happen and it happens, you’ll be prepared.

The Role of Evolution In Negative Versus Positive Thoughts

Evolution has taught people to be ready for the worst, but modern society doesn’t require that apocalyptic mindset. In this society, people can be positive without worrying about getting hurt. But negativity doesn’t only affect you in the short term. It doesn’t just make it so that you are moody and refuse to go out with friends once. It can affect your whole decision-making process. If you always expect the worst to happen, you’ll probably lose faith in yourself and others.

You’ll pass on every opportunity out of fear that you aren’t good enough to get it. Or maybe you’ll think you’ll be unlucky and miss an opportunity. You’ll probably deal with trust issues affecting your interpersonal relationships. You might refuse to go out because you’ll always expect to have a bad time. Or maybe you’ll limit contact with people because you expect them to betray you. Negativity can affect all areas of your life, even your health.

The mind and the body communicate through something known as the mind-body connection. This connection makes it so that thoughts can affect your health and overall mood. Negative thoughts cause stress and feelings of anxiety, which can lead to long-term struggles with anxiety disorders. They can stop your brain from producing endorphins and other chemicals that keep your health in balance.

The stress associated with negativity can make the body release hormones that speed up your heart rate and breathing, thus increasing blood pressure. Long term, this can lead to heart issues, for example, a higher risk of a heart attack. Alongside those issues, negativity weakens your immune system, can lead to stomach issues and increases the risk of insomnia.

3 Ways to Train Your Brain to Overcome Negative Thoughts

If you don’t learn to overcome negative thoughts, you’ll have to deal with all these issues. Even if it feels like you’ve been negative your whole life, that doesn’t mean you can’t change from negativity to positive thoughts.

1. Label Your Thoughts

One of the main reasons people get stuck in a can’t let go of negative thoughts is that they don’t even realize they are having negative thoughts. Most of the time, people don’t know how toxic and negative thoughts look and how to categorize them. So, even though naming your ideas might seem easy, it’s not quite as it seems. That being said, it’s not impossible.

You must know that you can usually sort negative thoughts into a few categories. When people are negative, they generalize, jump to conclusions, label others, catastrophize, or blame people. All these thoughts are irrational. They often stem from misconceptions about how you should evaluate and judge specific situations.

Or they result from certain stereotypes or thought patterns you learned when you were young. Because of this, it’s hard to identify something wrong with them. All these thoughts lead to the same outcome: they stop you from acting rationally and in your best interests. For example, when you throw blame around, you prevent yourself from understanding where you might have gotten wrong.

If you always blame others for your failures, you’ll never take accountability and grow from your mistakes. And all different types of negative thoughts lead to similar outcomes. One of the most common negative behavior people engage in is overgeneralizing, and, just like blaming, it doesn’t lead to anything nice.

So, you need to be aware of these categories and take them into account. Whenever you have a wrong thought, either make a mental note or write it down. Once you realize what patterns you engage in, you can start solving them. If you notice that you’re always overgeneralizing, you can force yourself to be more specific and begin taking context into account.

2. Exercise the Power to Positive Thoughts

This might seem silly, but one of the best ways to overcome negative thoughts is by exercising positivity. The more you force yourself to have positive ideas, the more your brain will get used to defaulting to them. Essentially, this is one of the most effective ways to rewire your brain.

To exercise positive thinking, you first need to be aware of the negative thoughts that you are having. Here is when learning to label your thoughts will help you. Once you know how to differentiate between positive and negative thoughts, you’ll have greater control over them. What you need to do next is reframe every negative thought you have. If someone asks you to go to a party, don’t just default to no. Don’t just deny out of instinct; stop yourself and take the time to reason about the situation.

After all, what’s the worst that could happen? Even if you don’t have a good time, you can always leave, and at least you tried it out. But part of overcoming negative thoughts is proving yourself wrong. And you can do that simply by trying things out and experiencing their effects. Positive thinking is something you need to become accustomed to.

3. Make Changes in Your Life to Overcome Negative Thoughts

Sometimes people can’t overcome negative thoughts simply because they don’t like their life. If you are frustrated with where you are, it’s time to make some changes. And no matter how stuck you feel, it’s always your choice to make things better.

If you don’t like your job, you can always look for a better one. Don’t let fear hold you back. If you apply to a few jobs, the worst that can happen is that you don’t get them. But you have to keep trying because opportunities don’t present themselves. And, once you succeed, you will have proven to yourself that life can be how you want it to be. But even if you don’t want to do that, you can make other minor changes.

Your diet and exercise regime are one of the first things you can change. Eating healthy and working out help release endorphins, improving your overall mood. Simple things like that will help you rewire your brain to be more positive. You need to make the conscious decision to turn your life around, and you’ll be able to overcome negative thoughts.

Final Thoughts on How to Train Your Brain to Overcome Negative Thoughts

Negativity is something most people struggle with. And it’s a mindset that can impact your life in the worst ways possible. When you engage in negative thinking, you stop yourself from feeling all the beautiful things life offers. You can even risk making connections and taking on the opportunities presented to you. But overcoming negative thoughts can seem challenging to do.

The truth is, letting go of negative thoughts is a choice you have to make. If you struggle with negative thoughts, you need to learn to pinpoint them. Understand when they happen and why. To do that, you need to label them and even write them down as they appear. Once you do that, it’s time to reframe those thoughts. Take a moment to be rational and look at the entire half of the glass.

Don’t jump to conclusions, and don’t expect everything to turn out badly. Take a leap of faith and do the things that scare you the most. That can even mean making changes in your life. Whatever you don’t like about your life, change it. Get a new job, try out new hobbies and go out more. And make sure your lifestyle is as healthy as possible. Once you take these steps, you’ll find that you’ll change your mindset to positive thoughts.

Facebook Mom Explains How Kids Learn Boundary Setting

July 18, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Many people in today’s world struggle with boundary setting, usually due to how their parents raised them. A lack of boundaries sets children up for a lifetime of relationship problems and poor self-esteem. So, teaching them early in life about establishing defined boundaries is essential. Not only will this bolster their self-worth, but it will also show others how to treat them. Sharing with others is wonderful, but caring for yourself is also essential.

One mom taught her child about boundary setting–and she sparked a heated debate online. Some parents agreed with her approach, while others condemned her for it. We can all learn a valuable lesson from her story, no matter what side you’re on.

Facebook Mom Explains the Importance of Boundary Setting

It all started when Alanya Kolberg brought her son Carson to a nearby park. He had a scheduled playdate with a friend and brought some toys to share. However, according to her Facebook post, things turned unexpectedly when several boys wanted to play, too.

“As soon as we walked in the park, Carson was approached by at least six boys, all at once demanding that he share his transformer, Minecraft figure, and truck. He was visibly overwhelmed and clutched them to his chest as the boys reached for them. He looked at me,” Alanya recalls.

“You can tell them no, Carson,” she told him. “Just say no. You don’t have to say anything else.”

However, as soon as Carson declined their request, the boys ran to Alanya, upset that he wasn’t sharing.

Much to their surprise, she told them: “He doesn’t have to share with you. He said no. If he wants to share, he will.”

When the boys’ parents heard what happened, they shot Alanya and Carson some dirty looks. Alanya didn’t back down, though, and shared her perspective on boundary setting in the post.

“If I, an adult, walked into the park eating a sandwich, am I required to share my sandwich with strangers in the park? No!

Would any well-mannered adult, a stranger, reach out to help themselves to my sandwich, and get huffy if I pulled it away? No again.

So really, while you’re giving me dirty looks, presumably thinking my son and I are rude, whose manners are lacking here? The person reluctant to give his 3 toys away to 6 strangers, or the 6 strangers demanding to be given something that doesn’t belong to them, even when the owner is obviously uncomfortable?”

She had a great point, but not everyone commenting on her post agreed.

What Others Had to Say About This Lesson on Boundary Setting

One parent commented: “You don’t want kids asking your kid to share their toys.. Then don’t take toys to a park full of children.”

Another person quipped: “He’s gonna make a lot of new friends.” One parent wondered if Kolberg’s lesson would have a detrimental impact on Carson.

“Will you unwittingly make your offspring the odd one out/selfish or with a total disregard for humanity?” they said.

However, others agreed with Kolberg’s approach to boundary setting. One commenter replied that expecting your child to share creates people-pleasing tendencies and poor boundary setting skills. The poster added that those who disagreed with Kolberg probably disrespect other people’s boundaries.

Another commenter felt that sharing with playmates or friends is okay. However, when it comes to strangers, children should set boundaries, so they’re not taken advantage of.

One mother took a valuable lesson from the story about boundary setting herself. She said she never learned how to say ‘no’ to others, which caused people to walk all over her. So, this proves that teaching children self-respect and limits with others can have impact well into adulthood.

Another commenter, Marissa Obermier, also saw the value in Alanya’s story about sharing. Marissa said she’s trying to teach her daughter that it’s okay to say ‘no’ sometimes.

“Like if she doesn’t want to be hugged or kissed, she can say no. Her body, her choice. I know this was talking about toys, but this is teaching consent,” Marissa said.

Setting Boundaries Isn’t Selfish; It Is a Necessary Lifeskill

Alanya ended the post by saying: “The goal is to teach our children how to function as adults. While I do know some adults who clearly never learned how to share as children, I know far more who don’t know how to say no to people, or how to set boundaries, or how to practice self-care. Myself included.

“In any case, Carson only brought the toys to share with my friend’s little girl, who we were meeting at the park. He only didn’t want to share with the greedy boys because he was excited to surprise her with them.

“Please remember that we don’t live in a world where it’s conducive to give up everything you have to anyone just because they said so, and I’m not going to teach my kid that that’s the way it works.”

Alanya’s story reminds us that boundary setting doesn’t make us selfish; it’s simply a necessary part of being human. Dr. Tracy Hutchinson, a therapist with over twenty years of clinical experience, explains that personal boundaries “set the basic guidelines of how you want to be treated.”

She added that establishing these guidelines sets the foundation for respectful, caring, healthy relationships. Being assertive and letting people know your needs will help you discern between the toxic and uplifting relationships in your life.

Final Thoughts on Boundary Setting Lesson from Facebook Mom

Not everyone agreed with her perspective when Alanya Kolberg shared her story about boundary setting. She took her son Carson to a park to meet a friend for a playdate. Once there, he quickly felt overwhelmed by a group of boys asking to play with his toys. He didn’t know what to do, so he looked to his mom for help.

After she told him it is okay to say ‘no,’ the boys ran to Alanya to tattle on him. However, she held her ground, even when the other moms at the park glared at them. She wanted to teach her son that he shouldn’t feel obligated to share his toys. Of course, others should respect his decision either way.

Do you agree with how Alanya handled the situation? What would you do as a parent if you were in her shoes? Let us know what you think.

57 Year Old Vegan Breaks Guinness Record for Pushups

July 18, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Dr. Joe DeMarco, a vegan chiropractor and ex-bodybuilder, broke two Guinness World Records for the most pushups. On May 25, 2022, he shattered records by completing a great 21,008 of the challenging exercise in twelve hours.

He also broke a record for the most pushups in eight hours, completing 15,261 in that timeframe. This equates to an average pace of 29 pushups per minute!

Previous records were 14,444 in eight and 20,085 in twelve hours.

DeMarco claims that his whole-foods, plant-based diet gave him the strength and energy needed for the record-breaking performance. He also had experience with gymnastics and enjoyed a 20-year bodybuilding career, which contributed to his success.

The inspiring vegan athlete may have retired from bodybuilding but not from staying fit! He still loves to challenge himself and focuses more on bodyweight training nowadays. Instead of putting so much emphasis on lifting weights, he started doing more cardio exercises.

He also practiced breathing techniques to increase his stamina. He lost 22 pounds during training, dropping back to his old gymnastics weight in college.

Some people expressed their doubts about him competing in the challenge, mainly due to his age. However, DeMarco felt confident he could break the record for pushups, even though he acknowledged the difficulty of this exercise. He never felt insecure about his capabilities and pushed full-speed ahead.

DeMarco Ignored the Whispers of Doubt and Pursued the Pushups Record

Strength wasn’t a concern since he was a former bodybuilder and a Masters National Bodybuilding Champion. However, moving to bodyweight training and cardio would also allow him to work on his exercise endurance.

He also credited a healthy, plant-based diet for his ability to shatter the previous pushups records. DeMarco avoids junk foods and processed vegan items, opting for whole-foods nutrition instead. This gives him the energy and nutrients required for intense workouts or seemingly impossible challenges.

While training for the world record attempt, his wife cooked him healthy, protein-rich meals. She supported him 100% and experimented with different recipes to see how he responded to them. In addition, she made homemade electrolyte drinks to ensure he stayed hydrated and energized.

Luckily, Mrs. DeMarco seemed to know exactly what he needed because he never felt tired during his training. He could train six or seven hours daily and still maintain a healthy energy level!

Vegan Athlete Donated Money Raised to Animal Shelter

However, he’s not just vegan for his health – he also deeply cares about animals. Part of his motivation for striving to break pushup records came from his love of animals. He dedicated the Guinness World Record achievement to his beloved rescue dog Buddha. DeMarco adopted Buddha about two years ago, saving him from a traumatic past.

He doesn’t know much about his previous situation but noticed he had specific “triggers.” For instance, he gets angry when strangers come to the house, indicating he may have been a guard dog. However, he quickly became a cuddly, sweet dog with a lot of hard work and training.

Unfortunately, he suffered a back injury last year and lost the use of his hind legs. He also developed a tumor on his spleen, which was removed, but not before cancer had spread. DeMarco doesn’t know how much time Buddha has left, but he felt honored to dedicate the pushups challenge to him.

DeMarco also set up a fundraiser for his Guinness World Record attempt. All money raised went to Cape Ann Animal Aid, a nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter in Gloucester, Massachusetts. So far, donors have raised over $7,000 for the shelter, which will help with animal care and adoption events.

On the fundraising homepage, DeMarco says he has always had a passion for animals and fitness. Throughout his life, he’s rescued and fostered many animals who needed a loving home. This love for animals also motivated him to adopt a completely vegan diet.

The plant-based diet works wonders for him since he crushed two Guinness World Records! Most of us would feel accomplished doing even 50-100 pushups, so 20,000 is genuinely remarkable.

If you’d like to donate to the fundraiser, you can do so here.

Other Vegan Athletes Shattering Records

Sophia Ellis, a UK-based vegan athlete and two-time British champion, holds an impressive twenty powerlifting records. She proves that being vegan and strong are not mutually exclusive. In April 2022, she rewrote history by breaking six national records at the British Women’s Classic Championships in Scotland.

At the competition, she deadlifted more weight than any female in British powerlifting history, a whopping 237.5kg (524lbs). She now holds a new British record in both Classic and Equipped categories in every weight class. Even more remarkably, her accomplishment marked an unofficial record throughout Europe.

At the same competition, Ellis also squatted 170kg (374lbs) and bench pressed 118 kg (260lbs). Unsurprisingly, she broke records for the bench pressing round, too. Her weight lifted across all rounds amounted to 525.5kg (1,158lbs), breaking another British record in both Classic and Equipped categories.

Furthermore, she broke the European deadlift record at the 2021 European Championships in Sweden, deadlifting 230.5kg (508lbs). Ellis also earned a bronze medal at the IPF World Classic Championships in October 2021. Since she had never competed there, it was a notable accomplishment in the fitness and exercise sport.

Final Thoughts on 57-Year-Old Vegan Holding the Guinness Pushups Record

Recently, Dr. Joe DeMarco, a 57-year-old vegan and former bodybuilder, broke two Guinness World Records for most pushups. He completed 21,008 pushups in twelve hours and 15,261 in eight hours, smashing previous records. DeMarco destroys the old stereotype of a protein-deficient, weak vegan, proving that eating plant-based makes you stronger!

Of course, his background in gymnastics and bodybuilding also helped him considerably. However, he credits his diet with giving him the energy and endurance necessary to push through the challenge of such strenuous exercise. Also, his doting pup Buddha inspired him to take on the world record pushups attempt. DeMarco also took on the challenge for animals, making him even more deserving of the win!

25 Personality Traits That Might Keep Someone Single and Unhappy

July 17, 2022 by Chris Butler

Most people long to find their soul mate. However, some significant reasons why some folks never find that person their heart desires. There’s more to relationships than good looks and money, as you will be unhappy if there’s no substance of personality.

Everyone wants a fairy tale where they find the prince or princess and live happily ever after. Consequently, you also want your partner to have a good personality so you enjoy spending time with them. Sadly, beauty is often only skin deep, and there needs to be something good inside for you to cling to this person.

Personality Traits that Might Keep You Single and Unhappy

First, let’s acknowledge–many people are happily single by choice.

That’s a beautiful thing! This article intends to help people unhappy in their single status, hopefully encouraging them to consider whether they display negative behaviors. Recognizing the presence of these traits can help one change their ways and find the happiness they deserve.

If you don’t want to be unhappy in your life, then there are specific characteristics you need to change about yourself. When you’re having a hard time attracting someone who completes you, it could be because you have some less desirable personality traits.

1. Overtly Cocky

No one likes a cocky person. This individual thinks that they’re just a bit better than everyone else. If you’re overconfident and brash, you need to make some changes.

2. Perfectionism Causes You to Be Unhappy

In a perfect world, everything would be without issue. However, there’s no perfect person or world. When you have such high demands on yourself and your life, you suffocate the vitality out of what could be a good relationship.

3. An Inpatient Personality

An inpatient person will be unhappy and make those around them miserable. It’s often been said that patience is a virtue. It’s a cruel way to live when you’re quickly irritated or provoked to anger over the smallest of things.

4. Deceptive

No one likes someone dishonest. If you’re prone to lying, either chronic or pathological, you need help. There’s a reason you feel the need to be so deceptive, and it’s likely costing you true love.

5. Unhappy People Are Often Ungrateful

Are you unthankful for your things and don’t show gratitude when people do something for you? You can ensure you will be unhappy and single if you don’t learn to appreciate the little things your partner does for you.

6. Unempathetic

A callous or unfeeling person is not someone you want in your life. You want an individual to put their arms around you and tell you it will be okay. If you’re not sympathetic by nature, this is a character flaw you need to work on.

7. Stubborn Personality Type

It’s okay to stand your ground if you feel the matter is worthy, but you can’t be stubborn about everything. When people encounter stubborn folks, they think they’re childish and need to have their way. It’s very problematic and makes everyone unhappy.

8. Workaholic

A workaholic is married to their job, and it will not only make you unhappy but won’t leave time to bring anyone else into your world. A workaholic is someone who doesn’t know how to rest. At the crux of this disorder is someone who has something to prove to themselves or is running from something.

9. Sycophant

No one loves a brown noser. The sycophant person loves to kiss up to anyone who has influence or power and can help them get something they want. This individual always has a plan, and they tend to be a bit manipulative too.

10. Vindictive People Are Unhappy

Do you hold grudges and want to get even with everyone who do you wrong? This is a massive issue in a relationship, and it will make you miserable. A vindictive person is always out for revenge and can’t spend much time on positive things, as their mind tends to dwell on the negative.

11. Paranoid

If you’re paranoid, you will cause people to scatter like bugs when you turn on the light. No one likes a person who is always suspicious of their every move, which will suffocate anyone wanting to get close to you.

12. Unforgiving

You will have to learn to forgive when having someone in your life. You want people to forgive you when you make a mistake, so you must also forgive others. In many instances, the unforgiving person is also vindictive.

13. Slacking Makes People Unhappy

Are you dependent on others for your happiness and overall wellbeing? Maybe you have a mooching personality that wants everyone to do everything for you. No one likes a freeloader as their better half, so this could be one reason you’re unhappy and single.

14. Doesn’t Adapt Well to Change

Life is never going to be predictable. You must be willing to roll with the punches and embrace change. If you fall to pieces every time the wind blows in a different direction, you will be in for some significant issues.

15. Disloyal

Would you turn your back on a friend or lover in a minute if it meant saving yourself? A disloyal person is no one you want in your corner, let alone your bed. These people look out for number one, and if you tend to be disloyal, you need to seek therapy to help change this character flaw.

16. Impulsive

A little impulsivity is good, but you can take it to extremes. There can be a significant price when you do things without considering the consequences. Impulsive people often cause their partner to be unhappy, as they must go behind them cleaning up their messes.

17. Pretentious

Do you stick your nose up in the air and act like you’re better than those around you? A Pretentious person can be a lot to handle, which might be why you’re still single. People look for those who are humble and treat everyone as equals, as it makes a difference when you’re kind in this world.

18. Hypocritical Personality

When you say one thing and do the other, it’s hard for people to look up to and respect you. Being consistent and practicing what you preach is essential.

19. Possessive

The possessive person has a problem with jealousy. Does the green-eyed monster affect you in relationships? Being possessive of the person, you love only shows your insecurities.

This will make you and them unhappy, as no one likes to be smothered or feel that they can’t breathe from a jealous spouse watching over them.

20. An Unhappy Person May Display Anger

Someone with a short fuse is hard to manage. Do you fly off the handle at the slightest thing? Do people walk on eggshells around you because they fear you may snap? Anger issues are not something to play with, and it’s a sign of an inner rage that hasn’t been handled.

People with rage often have horrible childhoods and have experienced trauma or other significant life occurrences that caused these feelings. According to The Mayo Clinic, many people with anger issues can’t have successful relationships, as it causes them to hurt the ones they love most.

21. Bullies Are Unhappy Inside

Many folks think of bullies as kids who dominate the playground. Sadly, there are just as many adults who bully others as children. It shows your maturity level when you are forceful with others to get what you want. Picking on the weakest and most vulnerable people only offers a significant character flaw of cruelty. Breaking this cycle is key to happiness with someone else.

22. Arrogant

The arrogant person never admits their mistakes. They don’t think they’re wrong as everyone else is the one in the wrong. The personality of a person with arrogance is hard to stomach, let alone be in a relationship with them. You’ll be unhappy if you can’t admit you’re wrong and take steps to fix the issues.

23. Competitive Personality

A bit of a competitive nature will help you thrive and climb the ladder of success. However, you can carry it to extremes. Everything is not a competition; many times, there are no winners and losers in life.

24. Threatening

No one wants to be in a relationship with a threatening person. If you’re intimidating others and acting like a bully, there’s something seriously wrong. People often threaten and abuse others as it makes them feel good about themselves, but they’re miserable inside.

25. Unhappy People Might Also Be Undependable

When you look for a potential partner, you want someone you can depend on. You want them to be there when they say they will, and they should always have your back. An undependable person has a severe personality flaw, and finding a healthy relationship is challenging unless it’s fixed.

Final Thoughts on Personality Traits that Keep You Single and Unhappy

Did you see any personality traits on this list that resonated with you? Do you have character flaws that you know need to be addressed before you can be in a happy and fulfilling relationship?

The good news is that there’s nothing you can’t overcome with positive thinking, determination, and the help of a good therapist. You can have the soul mate you desire if you work hard to improve yourself.

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Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!