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5 Best Ways To Give And Receive Positive Criticism

November 2, 2021 by Lakeisha Ethans

Have you ever had a hard time understanding how to engage with feedback? Do you feel like whenever you try to help someone by giving positive criticism, you just hurt them? Or that you have no idea how to receive and implement feedback?

Whenever it comes to criticism, whether you receive or give it, you might have difficulty getting it right. Many people can’t distinguish between positive and destructive feedback. Most times, people get defensive when others point out that they did something wrong or improved something. Or they don’t know how to give suggestions, and they end up just being judgmental and destructive. But criticism is a necessary tool for improvement. And in your life, you will have to give it or receive it at some point. So, how can you learn to do that the right way?

What Is (Constructive) Positive Criticism?

In psychology, the idea of positive criticism is described by using the term constructive criticism. It refers to a method of giving feedback that can help improve human behaviors. There are two ways in which people give feedback: constructive and destructive criticism. One will lead to good outcomes, while the other will only hurt the person it is directed towards.

Constructive criticism focuses on building the recipient up. Even though it is direct and honest, it is worded to target behaviors instead of the person. It aims to point out flaws in specific methods of doing things without attacking the person. It aims to give objective feedback and stays away from engaging in subjective discussions. Additionally, it provides specific examples and straightforward suggestions for positive change. It focuses on encouraging and building up people while offering tools through which the recipient can minimize future issues.

In direct opposition stands destructive criticism. It focuses on the problem subjectively, as perceived by the person giving the criticism. But it only points out issues and offers no encouragement, guidance, or help. It tends to point out issues about the recipient as a person, thus tearing them down and making them feel bad about themselves. Whether that is intentional or not, it doesn’t matter. The effect stays the same. This type of criticism has no good outcomes. It teaches the recipient nothing. It hurts them and risks jeopardizing the relationship between the one giving the “feedback” and the recipient.

Everyone should strive towards giving constructive criticism only. Also, people have to learn to distinguish between constructive and destructive. This way, they know when to listen to feedback and when to ignore it altogether.

The Five Best Ways To Give And Receive Positive Criticism

Constructive criticism is a valuable method of giving feedback and is crucial to improving performance, research has shown. So, it isn’t something that can be avoided. You have to learn to deal with it the right way. But how do you do that?

1. Be Specific And Realistic

For criticism to be positive and constructive, it has to suggest specific and attainable changes. There’s nothing more destructive than being vague and making the person you’re talking to confused and lost. And you’ve surely felt this on your skin. Nothing can be more annoying than hearing, “maybe you should do your job better.” When you hear something like that, all you can think is, “Great, thanks, but how exactly do I do that?”. And that’s in the best case. Worst case, your blood starts boiling, and you feel like you want to smash something.

If you want to improve how you give feedback, take your time to think about what you’re going to suggest. Don’t just go over to someone and point out a flaw. And don’t suggest things that aren’t humanly attainable. Be reasonable and try to be specific. Give examples of what they are doing that could be improved, and propose realistic ways to do them. Instead of saying, “do your job better,” try saying, “I think you could save time by creating some databases to organize your documents.”

The same goes when you’re on the receiving end. When someone offers you criticism, look out for these two attributes. If the person is not reasonable and realistic, don’t even waste your time. Just go on with your day and avoid useless discussions. But if you see that people point out specific issues, give clear examples, and suggest reasonable changes, pay attention. You will get something useful out of that conversation.

2. Focus On The Behavior, Not The Person

People are apprehensive when it comes to criticism because they associate it with being bashed and judged. And there’s a sliver of truth in that perception. The idea that criticism should be constructive and positive is quite a new one. In the past, people were not afraid of being destructive in their feedback. Because of that, many people have felt the personal attacks that can come along with receiving destructive criticisms.

When learning how to be constructive in your feedback, you need to remember to never, ever attack the person. Never say things like “I don’t think you are suited for the job” or “I don’t like your voice.” Those kinds of statements aren’t actual feedback, and they are moronic on top of that. You will accomplish nothing by saying things like that. If you don’t like someone’s voice, there’s nothing they can do about that. And that’s not a real issue. It’s your subjective perception, and it does nothing but hurt others.

When it comes to giving feedback, you have to be objective and focus on behaviors that can be changed. If someone does something in a way that’s not efficient, suggest a better way. But never judge them for being slow. It will solve nothing.

If you are the recipient, be wary of personal attacks presented at “feedback.” If you hear something subjective and tied to you as a person rather than how you act, that’s a red flag. Don’t even bother listening to that kind of criticism. But if it’s about your behaviors, listen and internalize the suggestions.

3. Create A Feedback Sandwich

The feedback sandwich is the most used method of giving constructive criticism. The idea behind it is that all complaints should be accompanied by praise. It would be best if you wedged the criticism between an opening and ending using the PIP technique (Positive-Improvement-Positive).

If you have an issue with someone’s work presentation, don’t just bluntly tell them that. Instead, open by pointing out what you liked. Encourage them and captivate their attention. Then, tell them what they can improve and how. Ultimately, end with something else that was good, either about that presentation or their work in general.

This method works well because it creates a good context for a critical discussion. If you start with the criticism, people might go on the defensive. They might not want to listen and engage with what you are saying. By using PIP, you make sure that you avoid all complications and you get your point across diplomatically.

4. Don’t Make Assumptions

In many cases, people have reasons for acting in specific ways. If they aren’t pleasant enough, that can be an objective issue. But they might have their reasons for not changing that behavior.

You mustn’t make assumptions about people. That’s because you never know what they have been through and what determines them to act in specific ways. You might have good intentions when suggesting to someone to try being more outgoing. But you might falsely assume that they aren’t talkative because they don’t have anything interesting to talk about. If that assumption is incorrect, you risk hurting the other person. Instead, don’t make assumptions at all.

If you want to help people but don’t understand the reasoning behind their actions, ask them. Not only will you understand them better, but you will have all the necessary data to give them the correct advice. Also, you will have a much more productive conversation without the risk of offending someone.

5. Learn To Listen And Stay Calm

Having the ability to give and receive constructive criticism hinges on being able to listen and have calm conversations.

When you’re the one giving the feedback, remember that you’re not giving a monologue. You are supposed to have an actual conversation with the other person. Talk the issue through and plan the changes together. In most cases, the discussion will flow naturally without hitting any hurdles. Sometimes, the recipient will get angry, though. In those cases, remember to stay calm. You are trying to be helpful, so engaging in a fight is the last thing you want to do. And if the other person is refusing to listen, walk away. Don’t engage in something that could be potentially damaging for both of you.

Listening and staying calm are especially important when you’re on the receiving end. Understand that feedback is needed and should be welcomed. Don’t get feisty and defensive for no reason. Feedback will help you, and constructive criticism isn’t about being judged. It’s about getting new opinions and suggestions. If anything you hear is unclear, don’t be afraid to ask questions and engage in dialogue. Have a positive attitude and remember to welcome feedback.

Final Thoughts On Some Best Ways To Give And Receive Positive Criticism

Positive criticism is something that people have a very wrong perception about. It is often seen as bashing masked by pretty words. That misconception is something that you have to unlearn. In reality, constructive criticism is a great tool to encourage improvement. On the road to personal growth, you need to learn to give and receive constructive criticism.

To better give this kind of feedback, you need to be positive and make precise suggestions. Point out a specific issue and share a clear plan of action to improve that behavior. Remember only to point out objective problems and to stick to behavior. Never attack other people.

Learning how to receive feedback is all about being open-minded and listening. Take mental notes of the advice you get, and try to implement it. Don’t get defensive, and remember, constructive criticism is meant to help you.

10 Conflict Resolution Tips Never to Overlook

November 2, 2021 by Deborah Tayloe

Conflicts are inevitable in life. When you bring people from different backgrounds together, there’s going to be trouble. It’s often the case that most issues arise from misunderstandings, and usually, a simple explanation about the problems can help improve your conflict resolution skills.

The types of conflict till vary, and may include disagreement with family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues. You might generally get along with these folks fine. However, sometimes the wrong word or action at an inopportune time can start an all-out war. The need for conflict management is present in your work, home, and personal life. These are vital skills that can help you to live a more peaceful existence and to avoid drama.

Ten Conflict Resolution Tips

What do you do when you work, live next-door, are related too, someone who doesn’t get along with you? You try to reduce the conflicts, so there’s peace and harmony with them. Here are some tips on how to accomplish this task.

1. Don’t Push Buttons While Managing Conflicts

If you know your neighbor gets mad when your children ride their bikes on his part of the shared driveway, then you instruct your kids to stay off his side. You know that it will cause a big issue the minute they go on his property, so you use conflict resolution tactics to avoid a problem.

Some people are very picky about their lawn and driveways, and they don’t want kids riding bikes near their cars. So rather than cause a conflict over something so silly, make sure your children stay away.

2. Adjust Your Tone

One of the things that cause so many problems with texts and emails is that you cannot detect the other party’s tone. The email may come across as nasty, but the person didn’t mean it that way at all. Sometimes, it’s better to have face-to-face conversations to avoid such confusion, especially when important.

Assume you’re the shift manager at a fast-food restaurant, and you must require two of your employees to work overtime. You know that one employee won’t have an issue with it, but you know the second worker doesn’t have a babysitter and will be enraged. Since the orders came down from corporate, you have no choice but to carry out the demands.

In this instance, you can try adjusting your tone and presentation on the matter. Rather than just ordering the overtime and making them feel defenseless, offer them a 15-minute break so they can call and make arrangements for an extended sitter. First, you’re a human being and know how frustrating it would be to be in their situation, so you need to deescalate the issue however possible.

3. Stay Away

Sometimes the only thing you can do to keep someone from flying off the handle is to stay away from them. Some people have underlying mental health issues, like anger and rage, and they don’t understand why. If you’ve had one too many problems with this person and it’s always a fight when you’re together, then staying away is the best way to achieve conflict reduction.

4. Avoid Snap Judgments in Conflict Resolution

Do you quickly jump to conclusions without giving things proper thought? It’s a common issue that many people face, but it’s something you need to address in conflict resolution practices. Being judgmental comes with some significant downfalls.

Take, for instance, the person who judges someone by their first impression. It could be a bad day, they may have had 100 things go wrong, and it wasn’t the right time to meet new folks. Yet, once you get to know this person, you find out they’re a fantastic individual.

Don’t be so quick to snap or judge someone when you don’t have all the facts. If a text message offended you, get to the bottom of their intentions before becoming angry.

5. Stop Being Defensive

Why is being objective so challenging? If you want to engage your conflict reduction skills, then you must learn objectivity. Issues that you don’t resolve will come back to haunt you when you least expect them, and they will cause all kinds of drama for you.

The problem is that if the other person becomes defensive, then they will get stuck on specific points and be unable to comprehend the entire matter. Try to maintain neutrality, and don’t deny your part in the problem. When no one admits to any wrongdoing, it will bring stress and concern to the issue.

6. Control Your Emotions When Managing Conflicts

Controlling your emotions is one of the most challenging tasks, and it’s not a new problem either. As long as there’ve been people on planet earth, there have been issues. In Proverbs 25:28, the Bible likens someone who can’t control their emotions to a city without fortification. Back in those days, a town had to have some security to keep outsiders at bay.

If they were to take down those walls, it would have been uproar. When your emotions spiral out of control, you can say and do things incredibly hurtful to others. An angry person removes all filters and feels free to say nasty things that they will soon regret.

No matter how angry you become or how hard this person pushes your buttons, watch what you say. Your words can cut like a knife.

7. Think Before You Speak

Some people have a thought run through their mind, and it flies out of their mouth. These are the folks that don’t give much forethought to their words. Additionally, these non-filtered individuals are known for their bold nature, which can be offensive to some.

One smart way to engage your conflict management skills is to think long and hard before speaking, especially when dealing with an issue. Weigh each word wisely. Make sure what you say will help resolve the problem and not enticing the other party.

8. Remember There’s No Right or Wrong

One of the significant reasons why conflicts occur is because someone thinks they’re right and the other person is wrong. However, it would help if you considered that gray area where things fall right in between. Both parties need to recognize that they might not be in the right, so compromise and strive to find that middle ground.

9. Don’t Assume Anything in Conflict Management

The National Library of Medicine addresses the issue of making assumptions and passing them off as established knowledge. How many times do you assume something because you don’t have all the facts? In this article, the NIH is speaking about medical terms.

So, assume you’re a doctor, and a patient comes into the office with a complaint of headaches, sadness, and crying a lot. They seem depressed, and since there are no definitive tests for mental health issues such as this, you assume they have a major depressive disorder and are having an episode.

Why not? According to the National Library of Medicine, it seems like a reasonable diagnosis with more than 17.3 million folks suffering from depression in this country. However, you made a massive assumption because it looked and felt like depression, but you didn’t do tests to back up your hunch. In most cases, additional tests aren’t necessary.

Consequently, you later find out through a chat with an ER doctor that the person had a brain tumor. In this instance, making assumptions and not getting the patient the treatment they needed soon enough could have caused death. Now, relate this story to your personal life. When you make assumptions and don’t have all the facts, you could be missing out on a significant piece of information.

The information you don’t have could be the key to conflict resolution. So, the next time you assume something without any data to back it up, think long and hard before handing out a diagnosis or judgment on the matter.

10. There Are No Winners and Losers

Did you know that some folks will argue to their dying days to avoid being wrong? Remember, when it comes to conflicts and resolving them, there’s no winners or losers. If you yell the loudest and get the most digs at the other person into the conversation, you’re not going to emerge the victor.

Get it out of your head that someone must win, and the other person must lose. Strive for resolution, not a trophy of another battle won.

Final Thoughts on Becoming a Master of Conflict Resolution

Life has various seasons, and some are more challenging to handle. You may find that you’re moody, irritable, and at odds with everyone. If you find yourself in many conflicts, this is a sign that your life balance is off.

Another thought to consider is that if you find yourself constantly in the defensive mode, you’re hanging around with people who aren’t good for you. Conflicts are everywhere. You can go to the grocery store and get into an altercation with someone who claims you took their parking spot, but you don’t have to engage in the battle with them.

Learning effective conflict resolution tricks can help you avoid the negativity and drama that comes with arguments. You want to lay your head on the pillow and night and not have stress choking the life out of you. Learn to let things go, remember there are no winners or losers, and strive to find the middle ground to avoid such issues.

15 Quotes to Help You Deal Only with What You CAN Control

November 1, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Life doesn’t always go the way you want it to, and there will be things that you can’t control. Learning to let go and focus only on what you can control can make all the difference in your well-being. Once you acquire this skill, you’ll have an easy time navigating the unexpected.

Your mindset can determine how you deal with the mishaps that occur in your life. If you focus on things you can’t control, you’ll experience unhappiness. On the other hand, if you focus only on things that are within your power, you’ll find happiness, peace, and success.

Don’t waste your time and energy on things you can’t change, and avoid ruminating about the past. You can’t control these things, so focusing your attention on other tasks and ideas is the best option. When you need some guidance, reading quotes from those that have been through it can help.

Fifteen Quotes to Help You Deal Only with What You Can Control

These quotes will help you remember how to deal only with the situations that you can fix while letting go of the rest. As you read through, choose your favorite quotations and post them in a place you’ll see them often. With more reminders, you’ll know to focus on the things that you can control.

1. “Don’t worry about what you can’t control. Our focus and energy needs to be on the things we can control. Attitude, effort, focus- these are the things we can control…” – Tim Tebow

You can’t control everything in life, so wasting time on things you can’t control has no benefit. Use your time and energy to focus on controllable situations instead. When you shift your focus, you’ll find that life gets a little less stressful.

2. “Today, I will go out with the flow of life and trust the process. I will not stress over things I can’t control.” – Unknown

If you focus on the things that you can control, your life will flow much more manageable. Have faith in the process and trust that everything will work out for the best. Stressing over the things you can’t control won’t change anything except your attitude and well-being.

3. “One of the most rewarding and important moments in life Is the moment you finally find the courage to let go of what you can’t change.” – Unknown

It can be hard to accept the truth when things don’t work out the way you hoped they would. However, once you acknowledge that you can’t change it and decide to let it go, you’ll feel free again. You can focus on the parts of your life that you can control, improving your future.

Spending time obsessing over the things you can’t change only holds you back. It saps your energy and time, and the result remains the same. Remember this quote the next time you need the motivation to focus on letting go of uncontrollable circumstances.

4. “If you focus on what you can’t control, you’re a little crazy inside, angry and depressed. If you focus most of the time on what you don’t have instead of what you do have, you’re going to be extremely unhappy.” – Tony Robbins

Spending your time thinking about the things you can’t control will affect your mental health and well-being. It can make you angry, depressed, and unhappy with your life.

Learn to accept the things you can’t control so that you can focus on what you can. If you can make the switch, you’ll quickly notice that you become happier.

5. “Have big dreams but focus only on what you can control: your own thoughts, words, and actions. This was Gandhi’s way … in the words of Buddhist poet Gary Snyder, our job is to move the world a millionth of an inch.” – Eboo Patel

No matter what happens in your life or the world around you, remember the things you can fix. As Patel explains, you can manage your thoughts, words, and actions in all situations.

When you focus on those things, you can get through anything and overcome unexpected events. Plus, your thoughts, words, and actions affect the world around you, too. You can improve the world by focusing on and improving your contribution.

6. “Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.” – Steve Maraboli

If you always focus on the things you can’t control, you won’t find peace or happiness in life. You’ll constantly desire a life you can’t have, upsetting your well-being and affecting your future. If you focus only on controllable circumstances instead, you’ll notice an improvement in all areas.

7. “Success at anything will always come down to this: focus and effort. And we control both.” – Dwayne Johnson

You can always control your focus and effort, the two main things that lead to success. Focus on your dreams and the tasks at hand, and always give your best effort. With focus and effort, you’re sure to reach your goals and find success in life.

8. “If you can’t do anything about it, don’t worry about it.” – Jeanne Calment

There’s no point in worrying about things you can’t change. Let go of the things you can’t control so you can focus on happiness and peace. Plus, you can put that energy into something you can control rather than wasting it on the things you can’t.

9. “Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what you can create.” – Roy T. Bennett

When you can’t control something in your life, it’s normal to become upset about it. Get past the negative feelings, though, so that you can move forward. Rather than wasting that energy, follow Bennett’s advice and shift your focus to something you can create.

When you put your energy into something productive, it helps take your mind off the things you can’t change. Plus, expressing yourself through creativity helps with getting over the thing you can’t control, too.

10. “You need to focus on getting where you need to be and not worry about what could have been and what should have been.” – Robbie Lawler

You can’t change the past, so there’s no point in looking back, wishing things could have been different. Don’t waste your energy or disrupt your well-being with these negative thoughts.

Instead, think of where you want to go next and come up with a plan to get there. Then, let go of what you can’t change and spend your time focusing on getting to where you need to be.

11. “I cannot always control what goes on outside. But I can always control what goes on inside.” – Wayne Dyer

You can’t change the world around you or the people in your life, but you can control yourself. No matter what else is happening, you can manage your thoughts and feelings. Choose positivity and happiness in all situations because you always have a choice in those things.

12. “You cannot control all of what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward all of what happens to you…You can choose to be happy and grateful rather than disappointed and bitter, by focusing on how it could have turned out worse but didn’t, rather than how it could have turned out better but didn’t.” – Brian Tracy

Things in life might not always work out the way you hoped they would. You can’t fix everything, but you can always maintain your attitude. So, when faced with something you can’t control, turn your focus to how you react instead.

Keep a positive attitude and choose happiness and gratitude no matter what. Don’t waste your time feeling bad about the situation. Look for the good in all things, even when it isn’t clear right away.

13. “We cannot control the way people interpret our ideas or thoughts, but we can control the words and tones we choose to convey them. Peace is built on understanding, and wars are built on misunderstandings. Never underestimate the power of a single word, and never recklessly throw around words. One wrong word, or misinterpreted word, can change the meaning of an entire sentence and start a war. And one right word, or one kind word, can grant you the heavens and open doors.” – Suzy Kassem

One of the things you can control in life is how you communicate your ideas. There will always be people who misinterpret them, but you can try to help them understand. Say only what you mean, and refrain from using hurtful, misleading words.

One wrong word can cause misunderstanding, leading to disruption and people being upset. Use kind words, and always think before you speak.

14. “I learned long ago to focus on things you can control and don’t even pay attention to things you don’t.” – Bryan Cranston

You can’t control everything, no matter how hard you try. Practice shifting your mindset to the things you can control, and you’ll get much further in life.

15. “The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.” – Charles Darwin

Out of all the things you can try to change, your thoughts are the most important to focus on. Your ideas can make all the difference, as they tend to predict what will happen next. Plus, your thoughts can change the course of the world if you focus on positive, productive things.

Final Thoughts on Quotes to Help You Deal Only with What You Can Control

Focusing only on the things you can control in life will help you move forward and find success. When you think about letting go of uncontrollable circumstances, you’ll find yourself investing your time and energy in more beneficial ways. Don’t let the things you can’t control hold you back and control your feelings.

Use these quotes about what you can control to improve your life and shift your mindset. The quotes will remind you to focus on the things that matter most.

15 Mantras to Feel Positive and Prepare to Succeed

November 1, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Positivity can help prepare to succeed, while negativity does the opposite. Negative thoughts can become so powerful that they make you feel bad about yourself and your abilities. You are likely your most prominent critic, and your thoughts can run over into your productivity and chances for success.

By using positive mantras each day, you can feel positive and prepare to succeed. You’ll notice more positive experiences in your life, and it’ll help combat stress. Positive mantras will help you clear your mind of distracting thoughts so that you can focus with intention.

These mantras will encourage and guide you toward positivity and success. If negative thoughts are holding you back, start using powerful mantras each day during your morning routine. These phrases can change your mindset and get you going on the right path.

Fifteen Mantras to Feel Positive and Prepare to Succeed

Even if you haven’t experienced negative thoughts, the mantras can still help you. The words will help you focus on the essential parts of your day, guiding you toward success. As you read this list, make a note of the ones that resonate with you the most.

1. I am thankful for what and who I have in my life.

When you’re optimistic about your life, you’ll feel better overall. A grateful heart and mind attract more positivity and helps you find success. Use this mantra as a reminder to acknowledge the good things that you already have in your life.

2. I am valuable and worthy, and I’ll only get better.

As you say this mantra, you don’t only have to think of success in terms of career goals. You can use this phrase to help improve any area of your life that you want to get better at. Positivity begins with seeing your value and worth in all situations.

When you know that you can help others in some way, you’ll feel better. Helping can come in any form, so always know your value and worth. It’ll help you improve and reach the success you dream of.

3. I am happy and motivated.

Happiness and motivation go together, so finding one will help you achieve the other. Set goals and find positive ways to work toward them. If you remain happy as you work toward your goals, you’ll experience more motivation moving forward.

Start with small goals, as all achievements bring happiness. Once you become happy with achieving your small goals, you’ll feel more confident tackling the bigger ones.

4. My journey is different than anyone else’s, and that is okay.

Don’t compare yourself to those around you because everyone experiences a different journey. Life wouldn’t be exciting if the same thing happened each time, so use this mantra as a reminder. It doesn’t matter how you get there as long as you don’t give up on reaching your dreams.

Remember that your path is unique and that it is okay for yours to be different. Your experiences shape you into the person you’re supposed to be, so embrace each step along the way.

5. I learn by doing.

If fear of failure holds you back, then this mantra is for you. You don’t have to be perfect every time you do something. Use the mistakes as learning opportunities, instead, helping you do better next time.

You can learn faster and achieve more by trying and failing than by not trying at all. Don’t turn down on opportunity or second guess yourself because you never know what you will learn from it. Remember that failing doesn’t mean you can’t try again, so there’s no reason not to try.

6. I enjoy life no matter what I am doing.

If you tell yourself that you enjoy life no matter what, you’ll realize that it comes true. Your negative thoughts could make you feel that work and other mundane tasks aren’t enjoyable. This mantra can help change that mindset and help you find joy in all moments.

Once you start enjoying all parts of your life, you’ll experience more success. When you’re happy, you’ll be more confident to take on new challenges and opportunities.

7. I live a life that makes me excited to wake up each day.

When you look forward to each day, you’ll feel positive and be more likely to succeed. If you aren’t living a life that you’re excited about, consider changing your situation. You can use this mantra to either change your mindset or to encourage you to change your lifestyle.

As you say this mantra, you might think of areas of your life that you could improve. Think about what you can do to change it so you can live a life that you love. It won’t happen overnight, but use this mantra to keep you heading in the right direction.

8. I make myself proud because I exhibit greatness.

Pride yourself on your accomplishments and your greatness because you deserve it. Feeling proud of yourself will make you want to get better, too. It’ll encourage you to improve and learn as you go along so that you can continue impressing yourself.

9. I believe in myself and my ability to do anything I set my mind to.

When you believe in yourself, anything is possible. Never doubt your ability to accomplish the things you set your mind to. Use this mantra each day to keep yourself motivated and prepared to succeed.

It doesn’t matter if other people believe in you or not, either. As long as you believe in yourself, that is all that matters in the end. Keep pushing forward and use this mantra to keep self-doubt out of your mind.

10. I can handle anything that comes my way.

There is nothing you can’t do, so use this mantra anytime you need a reminder. You’ll face setbacks and obstacles, but don’t let them stop you from reaching success. Find ways to overcome and work around anything that stands in your way.

You have what it takes, no matter what challenging situation you encounter. As you go through life, remember that you are capable of much more than you typically give yourself credit for. Unlock your inner strength because you can handle anything.

11. I push negative thoughts out of my mind and replace them with positivity.

By telling yourself that you push away negative thoughts, you notice that they disappear quicker. If you consciously replace them with positive ideas, it’ll help you prepare to succeed. Repeat this mantra each morning to start your day with the best mindset.

Your thoughts feed off of your energy, so this mantra is perfect for the beginning of the day. It’ll help you control your thoughts before negativity has a chance to take over.

12. I learn from obstacles and setbacks.

No matter how much you prepare, you will still encounter obstacles and setbacks in life. During hard times, remember that each moment is a learning opportunity. You have the strength to get through it, and it’ll only make you stronger.

If you can remind yourself of these things, you’ll be able to focus on the positivity in the situation. Staying positive will help you overcome any obstacle and prepare you to succeed.

13. I have the power to choose.

You always have a choice in life, whether you acknowledge it or not. Using this mantra can help you see the options in every situation, helping you to stay positive. If you can think this way, you’ll always feel in control and ready for success.

Your results come down to the choices that you made. You can’t blame anyone or anything but yourself because you are responsible for what you do and achieve.

14. I permit myself to chase my dreams.

Surprisingly, you sometimes have to permit yourself to do something. You might be following the path other people want for you, so you don’t go after what you want. Or, you might think you aren’t good enough to chase after your dreams.

No matter what is holding you back, permit yourself to chase your dreams. By using this mantra each morning, you’ll do things meaningful to you rather than what is expected of you. Follow your path and chase after your dreams because this is your life to live.

15. I acknowledge that what I accomplish today results in a better tomorrow.

Remember that anything you do today affects the day you have tomorrow. If you put things off, you’ll only have to deal with them the next day. Setting tasks off for another day only sets you behind, causing stress and negativity.

You can only achieve the results you want if you put in the work today. Do things each day to build on your dreams and prepare to succeed.

Final Thoughts on Mantras to Feel Positive and Prepare to Succeed

These mantras can help you feel positive and prepare to succeed. Repeat them each morning as a part of your routine, and you’ll start your day on a positive note. When you focus on positive self-talk, it boosts your confidence and gives you motivation.

Say these mantras powerfully, and don’t let self-doubt take over. Believe what you are saying, and you’re sure to notice a difference.

12 Healthy Habits to Make Part of a Smart Daily Routine

November 1, 2021 by Kristen Butler

Humans are creatures of habit, and you do daily tasks sometimes without noticing. While most of these habits are essential for living, some may be more harmful than good. How can you integrate healthy habits into a daily routine?

It takes little time, effort, and patience if you want to develop better habits for your daily routine. Improving your health and enriching your life provide great motivation. Soon, these new habits will become second nature.

An article published by Forbes shares suggestions for developing habits into your daily routine. These include setting small goals, building on new practices, learning from failures, and taking a realistic pace. You strive for your dream of living your best life.

Twelve Good Habits to Add to Your Daily Routine

Cultivating better habits often includes trading one thing for another. If being more active is a goal, you may consider swapping an hour of tv for walking through the park. Exchanging a candy bar for a fresh piece of fruit encourages you to stay motivated if you’re a snack fan.

Often, this process includes breaking bad habits. As you replace them with healthier ones, it’s easier to continue to improve your life. Here are twelve ways to add healthy habits into your daily routine.

1. Be an Early Bird (An Early Start to Your Daily Routine)

Even if you’re a dedicated night owl, you must rise early for work and household chores. You’ve probably noticed that you feel better when you awaken with the sun rather than lie in bed until noon. Plus, you can get more accomplished and have more time to spend with your loved ones in the evenings.

Of course, everyone deserves to sleep in a bit on the weekend. An article written in Medical News Today emphasizes the importance of a routine wake-up. The article states that it can set your body’s natural sleep/wake pattern and promote a better night’s sleep.

When you try to retire around the same time each night, it may be easier to awaken at the same time every morning. You could also try using an alarm clock on the weekends. Soon, your sleeping schedule will be part of your daily routine.

2. Do Some Morning Stretches

According to a study published in the National Science of Sleep by Dr. E.S. Scarpsno et al., people change sleeping positions about 1.6 times per hour. Your movement during sleep may depend on gender, age, and other factors. Scarpsno and associates noted that older participants usually changed sleeping positions less than younger ones.

Although you do move throughout your sleeping period, your body is mostly immobile. Doing some morning stretches is essential as part of your daily routine. It can gently prepare your muscles and joints for another day of activities. Before you get out of bed, do the following:

1. Perform a few gentle stretches with your arms and legs.

2. When you stand, bend down slowly to touch your toes, and stretch your back.

3. Roll your head gently to work out any kinks in your neck. You could also stretch with yoga or tai chi.

3. Include a Healthy Breakfast in Your Daily Routine

Remember when you were growing up, and your parents insisted on you having a healthy breakfast each morning? They knew what they were talking about, and it’s a daily habit not to forget. Eating breakfast may benefit your memory, cognition, energy levels, and overall health.

It’s easy to skip breakfast while rushing the family for school and work. Consider preparing easy breakfast dishes the night before, like yummy oats, in a slow cooker. Fruit and homemade smoothies are also quick and healthy breakfasts for on the run.

4. Drink More Water

Your body is composed of approximately 60 percent water. This precious element is crucial for all body functions and for maintaining good health. Unfortunately, many people don’t get enough water each day.

Do you consume enough water? Keep a reusable bottle of cool water at your side throughout the day. If you’re not a fan of straight water, try adding a splash of fresh lemon juice or a few cucumber slices.

5. Disconnect from Technology

Think of all your daily activities that rely on technology. From computers, cell phones, and smart appliances, you may wonder how you ever lived without them. Remember that if people have lived without modern technology since the beginning, you could do without it for a couple of hours.

Give yourself and your family a daily break from technology, especially at mealtimes. Put away the phones, video games, and other mobile devices and talk to each other. Go for a walk or do something fun that doesn’t require the internet.

6. Create a Realistic Exercise Plan

Make exercise part of your daily routine if you want a strong, healthy body. You don’t have to buy an expensive gym membership and work out for hours unless you want to do so. Just fifteen to thirty minutes a day of physical activity can benefit you.

Simple workouts like walking through the park or in the woods are good exercise. You can also do stretches and other resistance training at home. When your exercise plan is realistic, it’s easier to incorporate it into a daily regimen.

7. Add More Vegetables and Fruit to Your Daily Routine

Have you ever heard the expression junk in, junk out? Think of your body as a complex car engine. If you add poor fuel, the engine won’t run correctly and will eventually quit working.

Instead of cramming your meals with processed junk food, replace it with healthier vegetables and fruit. An article published by the American Heart Association recommends that you enjoy 4-5 servings of fruits and veggies daily. They’re part of a balanced meal that will fuel your body effectively.

8. Stick to a Healthy Diet Plan

Speaking of healthy eating, maybe you’re trying to lose weight for a more toned and fit body. The diet and fitness industry are a multibillion-dollar business in America. The media is overrun with ads promising excellent outcomes with little to no results.

Remember that there’s no magic pill, chalky shake, or machine that miraculously melts the pounds. Many “diets” are so restrictive and unrealistic that they are impossible to maintain for the long run. Instead, use a healthy diet plan with a variety of wholesome foods each day.

9. Have Some Fun Every Day

As a responsible adult, you’ve learned the necessity of hard work and sound financial stewardship. You also know that raising a family, maintaining a home, and planning take work. Without these, life would be most challenging.

However, it’s just as essential to balance your workload with some relaxation and fun. Taking a break and enjoying time alone or with your family should also be part of your daily habits. Plan fun activities, watch movies together, or enjoy your favorite hobbies.

10. Be Kind to Your Mind

How does your body feel after a long day of activity? Your muscles, bones, and joints are probably weary and ready for a well-deserved break. Likewise, your busy mind needs rest after hours of stress and critical thinking.

The best way to recharge your brain is a calming distraction. A daily routine like meditation or journaling can soothe your mind and emotions. Plus, it may offer you more mental clarity.

11. Learn Something New Daily

Wouldn’t this life be dull if everything was the same and you were never challenged? Your brain thrives on solving problems and learning new skills or information. Keep your mind strong and healthy, and never stop learning.

Determine that your daily habits will include learning at least one new thing daily. Read a variety of subjects and talk to people from different walks of life. Try to learn a new skill or hobby that would enrich you.

12. Get Enough Sleep

If you strive to awaken around the same time each day, you’ll need the proper sleep. According to an article published by the Mayo Clinic, most adults need at least seven or more hours of shuteye per night. If you’re short on your rest, you’ll pay for it the following day.

It’s normal to have an occasional sleepless night. However, chronic insomnia may be caused by an underlying health condition. Frequently, an inadequate sleeping environment may be the cause.

Keep your bedroom as dark and quiet as possible for an optimal night’s sleep. Try a fan or a white noise machine if you need a little noise. Your room temperature shouldn’t be too warm, and you should dress comfortably.

Final Thoughts on Habits for Your Daily Routine

You only have one body, so developing healthy habits is important. You’ll notice the benefits by adding these and other essentials to your daily routine. You’ll find strength for the body, peace of mind, and joy for your spirit.

What Does Your November 2021 Horoscope Reveal According to Your Zodiac Sign?

November 1, 2021 by Linda Joyce

What’s your horoscope for November?

This is a time of self-examination and reflection. With Saturn still square Uranus, you feel a lack of discipline and structure, primarily because of the imposed changes on all of us as we struggle to find a new comfort zone. The new boundaries of our lives are not yet familiar. Thus there is not much in your life that you can count on. With Uranus in Taurus, values continue to shift and make you examine what’s important.

We’re all gazing through a new looking glass, and we see ourselves and our lives differently. It’s time for a new vision. Mars opposite Neptune adds a sense of insecurity to new ventures – what you need is faith. Trust your ability to adjust as you go. Nothing is written in stone, so the unknown surrounds you. The more confident you are in what you want, the more you will shape your destiny. With Pluto square Mercury, communication has become more profound. There’s a need to be knowledgeable and aware of what’s expected of you, don’t rely on others to tell you all you need to know.

The more you depend on yourself, the easier life will be. All the changes in the structure of your life make it difficult to know who and what to trust. Just accept that you’re on your own. If you haven’t developed a community of souls that support each other, you will realize now why this was so important in our ancestors. No one can do everything alone. And when your environment is dangerous, support is essential.

Horoscope for November: Aries (March 21^st – April 20^th)

Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet of action and vision. At the beginning of the month, Mars is conjunct Saturn, creating limitations and obstacles to whatever you want to do. Remind yourself that timing is everything. What doesn’t get done today can have a new beginning tomorrow. Mars in Scorpio, the sign of power and transformation, opposes Uranus from the 6^th to the end of the month.

Don’t let your anger get the best of you, and do slow down. This is an accident-prone aspect. It’s very easy to trip or fall when you’re not looking where you’re going. When you slow down, you see opportunities differently. I know your spirit dislikes limitations, but they are a part of life. Remind yourself that our challenges make us both intelligent and strong. Mars is the third-fastest planet (not including earth), and whatever it connects with gets energized – which means you motivate others. Make sure you use it to your advantage. This is a gift of the gods and a touch of magic. However, you can ignore it or use it, and it’s really up to you.

Saturn square Uranus is still a part of the picture, and it continues to affect your finances. You’re unable to earn what you deserve for now. However, things begin to shift after the New Year. The Full Moon on the 27^th makes a trine to Pluto and reveals opportunities to make money. Be inspired. At the same time, it squares Jupiter, which stops you from reaching too high. Climb the ladder one rung at a time. Have a vision but keep your focus on the next step.

With the Sun closing the gap between itself and Neptune, your expectations and lack of reality may interfere with your advancement. The danger of aiming too high is the disappointment that often comes when you don’t reach your goals.

Horoscope for November 2021: Taurus (April 21^th – May 20^th)

Taurus is the sign of desire, and until you learn how to manage these persistent inner demons, you won’t be in charge of your life. With Saturn in your 10^th house of career, you are reaping the rewards or punishments of the choices you made. If you are still ruled by your desires, you won’t be celebrating. Instead, you’ll be angry at yourself. When you can respect and honor the word no, you’re on your way to success.

The Sun and Mars are in your 7^th house of relationships. If you’re in one, then you feel stuck and want a few changes. If you’re not, you have mixed feelings about opening yourself up to the desires and dreams of someone else. Money is an issue. Neptune square Venus makes you wish you had handled what you have with greater wisdom. It’s easy to deceive yourself when the truth is not pleasant.

However, the truth is the only thing you can rely on. Jupiter trine Mercury brings ideas that can turn into profit if you handle them well. Get some distance from yourself, and clarity will be yours. It’s difficult for a Taurus to realize that they are not the center of everyone else’s world. The Full Moon is in your sign on the 19^th, so be prepared to have an aha moment. What comes to the surface is what needs to be looked at. See both your flaws and your talents, then look at what’s in the way.

Pay attention to what has the power to lure you away from your goals. That’s what needs to be conquered. With Jupiter in your 10^th house, what needs to change for success to be yours will be clear. It has nothing to do with anyone else. Your life is created by you. When you take responsibility for the results, that’s when change happens.

Gemini (May 21^st – June 20^th)

Gemini invests in details. What’s happening around you often gets more attention than your goals. It’s essential to do both, see the little things that are out of place and rise above it all, so you get a view of where you want to be. With Uranus in your 12^th house for the last two years, it’s been challenging to hold to a routine. Nothing stays the same, so you’re constantly adjusting and trying to gain control over the loose ends.

The horoscope for November advises you to get clear about what’s important and let go of the rest. When you do, things work better. With the Sun and Mars in your 6^th house, work gets done. It’s where you have your focus, and even though Saturn interferes and slows things down, you’ll get to the finish line if you take things one step at a time. With Venus square Neptune, you see the flaws of worry and perfectionism, and it helps you let go. The more you can stay centered and be satisfied with less, the easier life becomes. Remind yourself it’s not forever. There are times when your perfectionistic nature sets you apart and makes life seem unique and worth living.

However, joy must come from living and embracing it all. Nothing works all the time perfectly, and the more you can adjust and let go, the happier you’ll be. With Jupiter in your 9^th house, there is an urge to travel. If it’s possible, do it. With the Full Moon in your 12^th house, trine Pluto, and square Jupiter, you realize that what works often has nothing to do with how perfect it is. It has to do with timing and the moment.

Relationships may not be easy this month. Your partner doesn’t like unexpected changes. However, right now, it’s what the universe is offering. If you’re single, you’re not open to a relationship this month. Let go, and if it’s supposed to happen, it will.

Horoscope for November 2021: Cancer (June 21^st – July 22^nd)

Cancers are creative and full of ideas. That is when they allow their feelings to express themselves in unique ways. This is the sign where one’s inner life is born, and it’s there as a refuge from the craziness of the world around you. If you’re too comfortable with yourself, you might become isolated – a Cancer trait. Aries rules your house of career, and this month Mars, its ruler, is conjunct the Sun in your 5^th house of authority and the ego. No one is going to take center stage from you.

You’re eager to make a stand against authority or the rules that you disagree with. The Sun opposite Uranus means change is happening. If you reflect, I’m sure you’ll notice that your vision of the world is different than what it used to be. Whatever you’ve been through has led you to see things in a new light. Now it’s time to put your unique insight into action. The Full Moon on the 19^th at 27 degrees of Taurus affects your relationship with clubs and friends and how you have fun.

Perhaps someone you’re close to is in a crisis or moving away. Whatever it is, you’ll feel it strongly. Saturn square Uranus puts a strain on relationships, especially in the money department. The Sun trine Neptune brings forth your romantic side. It’s essential to let go of perfection. Under normal circumstances, it may make you strive harder, but it can get in the way under change and challenges. Go with the flow – adapt.

If you’re in a relationship, communication is difficult. That shouldn’t stop you, but you must be committed to speaking the truth. Covid has brought some relationships closer and sent others to the divorce courts. The areas of contention are broad — financially and emotionally. The horoscope for November warns that what’s important is to listen. If you’re single, it’s not a good time to make new bonds. Have fun. When the time is right, it will all happen.

Leo (July 23^rd – August 22^nd)

Leos feel as if they’re the center of the universe, according to the horoscope for November 2021. Thus, whatever sign the Sun, your ruler, journeys through, it brings the light. This month the Sun’s in Scorpio and your 4^th house of the home. This is where your heart is for now.

The horoscope for November 2021 explains how all the chaos and change only make you long for something safe and sure. That’s what you respond to. Uranus, opposite the Sun, brings the opposite – change. Today, you need to rely on yourself, and there are no guarantees. With Saturn square Uranus in your 10^th house, there may be issues around work. Either thing aren’t going well, or there is a change you’re not happy with. Remember, you’re not always the easiest person to please. You want things your way.

The Full Moon in your 10^th house of Taurus on the 19^th may bring whatever you’re worried about to a head. What comes to your attention will not make you happy, but it doesn’t have to be negative. It’s just not perfect. Learn to adapt. As a fixed sign, it’s not your best quality. The Sun is square Jupiter until the 22^nd, and it rules your house of authority.

Jupiter is stubborn, and the Sun is powerful, so the battle will not be quickly resolved. Look for the truth of the moment and embrace that. It’s the only thing you can count on. This month finds you strong and energized, even if you’re not satisfied. Mars adds energy, and it’s just what you need. You have charisma, and you feel powerful. What you need is a dash of humble pie. It will get you further. Think about what’s important, being in charge for the moment or getting what you want.

If you’re in a relationship, know that your partner is overwhelmed. They want to expand and be cautious at the same time. Risk is necessary. If you’re single, you could meet a lot of exciting possibilities. However, until you know what you want, you won’t be able to choose.

Horoscope for November 2021: Virgo (August 23^rd – September 22^nd)

Virgos love being in control, but for some time now, that hasn’t been possible. Everything is shifting, and no one knows where anything or anyone will end up. Keep your eye on the prize, and don’t slow down. That’s all you can do. You have strong opposition to what you want to achieve, so you have to be committed. You’re idealistic in some areas, and not being grounded doesn’t help you now. The truth is empowering, and so is faith in new possibilities. Make them both a priority.

The Sun square Jupiter brings old unresolved issues to a head. What you always avoid returns and demands attention. Mars energizes you and makes you aware of your spiritual needs, not just those that others value. You must pay attention to both your ego and spirit. They are equally crucial to your health and strength. What you’re seeking is a sense of control and safety. It’s not going to happen for a while, so face your fears and conquer them. Don’t let them paralyze you. When we change, we take new paths, and we discover hidden sides of ourselves. That only makes you stronger and wiser.

Jupiter is trine your ruler Mercury, and it gives you an extra dose of strength and power. You still have the magic, so don’t get discouraged. It’s going to bring you a reward. Uranus square Saturn keeps the boundaries flexible and makes it challenging to build on.

If you’re in a relationship, your partner has not been available. They are working out their issues. Keep communicating. If you’re single, it’s not a great time to deepen a relationship or meet someone new. Be content for now with having a good time with friends.

Libra (September 23^rd – October 22^nd)

Libras seek balance, and balance comes from the truth. It’s the only thing that is unchangeable. Thus, this is the sign of justice, fairness, and truth – your fact, not everyone else’s. And that’s the ultimate challenge, can you hold your own when others don’t think the way you do? With your ruler, Venus, square Neptune, you’re off balance because of your dreams and fantasies. Let go of the way you want things to be for the moment, and see what you must do right now. The sextiles Venus makes to Mars and Mercury provide opportunities and ways to get to where you need to be.

However, with Saturn still square Uranus, the essential boundaries of our lives are not set in place and are still in a state of change. Without a solid foundation, you’re being asked to trust yourself and no one else. That begins with not lying to yourself. To advance and feel safe, you need to know the truth. Look it in the eye. You have everything you need to get to where you want to go, but the invisible ingredient is faith. You must believe in yourself. That’s what parts the sea and gives you the path to where you’re going.

The Full Moon on the 19^th in Taurus trine Pluto brings you the opportunity to make money, or perhaps it’s the results of your past efforts that are finally paying off. The only enemy you have is yourself. When you doubt your abilities and your path, then you reduce the possibility of it happening. Stand in your truth, and you’ll be seen, says the horoscope for November.

If you’re in a relationship, your partner is not at peace with themselves. You can only provide some support, but they have to work it out. If you’re single, not a good time to embrace something new. Work on yourself, and you’ll be ready when the energy changes.

Scorpio (October 23^rd – November 21^st)

Scorpios listen to themselves more than others. They know the power of intuition. With the Sun opposite Uranus, your goals and career are under scrutiny. You may be considering some changes. If you’re in a business partnership, that may be ending, primarily because you desire to be independent and not restricted by others. With Mars conjunct the Sun this month, your energy level should be high. You’ll need it to follow through on everything you want to accomplish.

Jupiter trine Mercury keeps you juggling new ideas, and there are a few that have caught your attention. This is a time to step out of the box and try something new. The world has changed, and you need to adapt or add your new ideas to the pot. The New Moon in your sign on the 4^th allows you to make a special wish, make it on that day, and light a candle. New Moons are powerful for new beginnings, foretells the horoscopes for November.

The Sun square Saturn makes communication an issue. It will be easy to be misunderstood, so slow down and don’t be in a hurry. If you take the time, you’ll be fine. The Full Moon in Taurus on the 19^th at 27 degrees makes a trine to Pluto in Capricorn. If you need to convince anyone, do it at the end of the month. The key to success is making a connection. If you don’t connect, no one will listen. Jupiter in Aquarius adds strength by giving you confidence in yourself. Confidence will get you further than actual knowledge. It’s something others respond to. It provides an extra dose of strength for you to use wherever it’s needed.

If you’re in a relationship, your partner has been changing for a while. They’re evolving, and it will push you to open up as well. If you’re single, it’s easier to have a good time than to find the right partner. Remind yourself that everything happens when it is supposed to.

Horoscope for November 2021: Sagittarius (November 22^nd – December 21^st)

Sagittarius is the sign of truth and justice. This month, your ruler Jupiter is in the third house of communication and siblings. You are a sponge for knowledge, but learning how to communicate is an entirely different skill. There’s a sharp edge to the way a Sagittarius delivers their knowledge. They know how to get your attention. It’s why they make great writers.

With the Sun opposite Uranus, be prepared to be challenged. Your way of doing things needs adjustment. The Full Moon on the 27^th, in Taurus, makes you aware of your work schedule and what’s needs to change. Pay attention to the issues that arise, they need your attention. Your desire for independence is vital. This is something you’ve always embraced without pressure. You enjoy your alone time, and it’s a necessary part of learning, listening to yourself, and understanding how things happened and why.

With Neptune trine the Sun square Venus, your creativity and intuition are intense, while your work environment may be uncertain or chaotic. Don’t panic. It won’t last long. When things are crazy, just keep your center and take one sure foot at a time. The Full Moon in Taurus on the 27^th brings work issues to a head. Pay attention to the message and what needs to change. Jupiter in Aquarius in your 3^rd house may speed up how you communicate and to whom. That’s not going to serve you, so slow down. If you set the pace, things fall into place.

If you’re in a relationship, your partner is anxious and wants things to be different. Nothing’s going to change that quickly, so just give reassurance that it will all work out in the end. If you’re single, you could meet many crazy people now, and it could be fun. It just won’t last.

Horoscope for November 2021: Capricorn (December 22^nd – January 19^th)

Capricorn embodies a mature person who knows how to handle the most difficult of situations. The steady pace of Capricorn and their need to face their fears is something you’ve done since a child. Despite all your trials and tribulations, this has not been an easy time. Saturn, your ruler, is square in both the Sun and Mars as well as Uranus. You feel under siege – and you are. It’s time to restructure some of the fundamental issues of your life.

The change that is happening is a good thing, don’t panic, just make the adjustments. Saturn is passing through your 2^nd house of finances. You will analyze and adjust your investments as well as how you spend your money. Your restructuring will work to your advantage. Life is changing quickly, and it’s essential to let go and accept the new. The Sun and Mars in your 11^th house emphasize friendships. There are also some changes in this area. Perhaps someone moves away, so they’re more challenging to see, or you just see them differently. It’s a part of life. If someone leaves, someone else will take their place. It’s just how the universe works.

Venus rules your 10^th house of career, and it’s square, Neptune. Be careful of your instincts, predicts the horoscope for November of 2021. They’re not working well. You could be delusional when it comes to seeing what you don’t want to see. You’ve got the wisdom and strength to make things happen. Just make sure your feet are on the ground. Stay centered and look for the truth. It will never let you down.

If you’re in a relationship, you’re idealistic, and things are moving toward change. Have patience. If you’re single, your feet are not on the ground, and that’s not a bad thing. You’re an efficient person when it comes to business, but not when it comes to love.

Aquarius (January 20^th – February 18^th)

Aquarius is the sign of freedom and individuality. And with Uranus, your ruler, in Taurus and the 4^th house of the home, you’re changing at a core level. A new you is emerging, and now you feel strong enough to make the necessary changes. It’s essential to evolve. If you don’t grow, you shrink, so you’re doing the right thing. The sun in your 10^th house of career highlights your goals and some unexpected gifts that have come your way.

Saturn in your sign is providing an anchor as well as challenging you to see things differently, according to the horoscope for November. Once you know what you want, you’ll see the opportunity around you. Jupiter is that planet of expansion, and it’s also in your sign stretching your boundaries and getting you to try something new. Pay attention to your needs and what you want, and others will follow suit.

The Full Moon in Taurus happens in your 4^th house. The battle between home and work comes to a head. Examine the conflict that occurs around this time, and you’ll see what the universe is trying to tell you. Mars in Scorpio conjunct the Sun brings attention to you and your business. Your energy is focused on goals, and it’s an excellent time to make advances or be seen. The sun trine Neptune enhances your instincts and creativity. Listen to your gut. It’s in touch with the truth. In your house of career, the New Moon on the 4^th brings new ideas or possibilities to your work. Embrace them.

If you’re in a relationship, you have issues and challenges, but you can work them out. It’s all about sharing your truths. If you’re single, you’re surrounded by many possibilities, but nothing happens if you don’t reach out and make the first move.

Horoscope for November 2021: Pisces (February 19^th – March 20^th)

Pisces is the most intuitive Sun Signs, but it’s as much of a problem as an asset. You’re so sensitive. You pick up everyone else’s emotions. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage. You need to both open up or close down, depending on your needs.

With Neptune, your ruler in square to Venus and opposite Mercury, you are cautious about your next move. You don’t trust your instincts at the moment, and that uncertainty makes it difficult for you to move forward. With Saturn square Uranus, you feel a lack of control over events. It’s all about faith, and it’s your number one challenge. When you believe, things happen magically. When you don’t, nothing seems to work. You have the magic wand, and you don’t know it.

With Mars in Scorpio conjunct the Sun, your work schedule is going well. Things are getting done, and the energy you bring to the moment makes the difference. Your ideals are important now. You need to lift yourself above the banal things of life and align yourself with something beyond your reach. This is the hidden key to getting through difficult times. See yourself above the problem, don’t take all the knocks. With Pluto in Capricorn square Mercury, getting things done will be a challenge. Indeed, there’s resistance to your ideas or efforts. Don’t look for validation. It won’t happen. If it’s right for you and the moment is good, take a risk.

If you’re in a relationship, it’s tricky this month. There is too much going on that can’t be addressed or solved. If you’re single, it’s not a good time to start a new relationship. However, try and see someone you know in a new light. It may surprise you.

15 Self-Affirmations for When You Feel Sorrow

October 31, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Self-affirmations are powerful statements that you repeat to yourself for a mental or spiritual boost. When you repeat affirmations regularly, they eventually become part of your natural thought processes. Affirmations can help with many aspects of your life, including allowing you to overcome sorrow or regret.

Positive phrases affect your conscious and subconscious mind, positively influencing your behavior, thoughts, and actions. By using them to help overcome sadness or grief, you replace negativity with positive energy. The positive energy enables you to overcome the situation you’re in, guiding you forward in your life without leaving you regretful.

Repeating affirmations during your morning routine helps you start the day with positivity. It enables you to stay positive throughout the day, promoting the emotional healing process. You can also repeat the affirmations throughout the day, whenever you need help getting through your feelings.

Fifteen Affirmations to Help Overcome Sorrow

Everyone needs some positivity to help them get through hard times. Using affirmations can help you overcome your sorrow and move forward with your life. Start with these self-affirmations and, once you become comfortable with them, create your own later on.

1. I am not alone in my feelings of sorrow.

If you feel alone, it’ll be harder to overcome the way you’re feeling right now. This affirmation serves as a reminder that you’re never alone in your journey. You have loved ones and friends that you can turn to.

If you aren’t comfortable going to friends or family, look within for the guidance that you need. You are part of the universe, so embrace this time to connect your inner thoughts and feelings.

2. I lead a meaningful and fulfilling life.

You won’t know the exact reason for your place on this earth, but trust that you live a purposeful life. Everyone is put on the planet for a reason, so embrace each day that you are given. Use this affirmation as a reminder that your life is meaningful and fulfilling, and you’ll start to feel that way again.

Picturing your loved ones and favorite parts of life can help, too. Repeat this affirmation in the morning as you visualize all the good things, and you’re sure to feel better.

3. I allow myself to feel my sorrow fully.

You can’t ignore your emotion, or it’ll overwhelm you and consume your life. Even if you feel like you suppressed it, it’ll come back when you least expect it. Instead, give yourself the chance to grieve and overcome the way you feel right now.

If you notice that you try to ignore your grief, use this affirmation. It’ll help you accept your emotions and begin the process of moving on.

4. I envision a bright future ahead of me.

As you go through this challenging time, remember that you have a bright future ahead of you. This affirmation can help you visualize the great things you’ll experience. You are strong and will get through this, and envisioning a happy future will help you.

Once you make this affirmation a part of your routine, it’ll become a natural thought process for you. When the grief threatens to settle in, you’ll naturally think of the happiness ahead.

5. I deserve happiness and joyful life.

If you don’t believe you deserve happiness, you’ll never overcome the way you feel right now. You must acknowledge that you deserve joy if you want to experience it. Use this affirmation each morning, and you’ll share more positivity throughout the day.

You’ll find that you look for good things in your life more often after using this positive phrase. Plus, you’ll be more open to experiences and opportunities because you know that you deserve them.

6. I feel the bond of love even if my loved one isn’t here with me.

When you aren’t physically with your loved ones, you might experience sorrowful feelings. Whether the reason for your distance is death or a move across the country, it can be hard to overcome. This affirmation can help you remember that the bond of love is still there, no matter where the other person is.

7. I feel my heart getting lighter each day.

When you’re sad, your heart tends to feel heavy. However, the more you think about your heavy heart, the worse you feel. It’s a constant reminder of why you’re sad in the first place, making the grief harder to overcome.

This positive self-affirmation can help you overcome that feeling. As you repeat the phrase, you’ll feel your heart get a little lighter. It won’t fix everything all at once, but it’ll help you overcome a little more each day.

8. I hold onto love even as I let go of sorrow.

If you lost someone you love, it’s tempting to wallow in your grief. Wallowing won’t help, though, and it’ll only halt your healing process. Remember that you don’t have to feel this way forever, and it doesn’t mean that you don’t love the person anymore.

Your love continues, even when your loved one is no longer with you. Even as you let go of your sadness, you’ll still feel love for them. When you use this affirmation, it also allows you to use your passion to overcome.

9. I feel happier and better every day.

This self-affirmation for overcoming sorrow is perfect for your morning routine. It’ll encourage feelings of happiness and positivity right from the start, preventing sadness from setting in. You will still experience moments of sadness throughout the day, but this phrase will help you stay positive.

This affirmation also prevents you from sinking further into grief each day. You can’t let it take over your life, so try this affirmation to help you heal a little more each day.

10. I have changed in my sorrow, and that is okay.

When you go through hard times, you won’t be the same person you were before. Your life changes and that means that you change a little, too. Sometimes, you might change quite a bit, and that is okay, too.

Some people look for normalcy before they begin to overcome it. If that’s how you’re handling things, you’ll want to find another option. Things aren’t the same, so you’ll have to see a new routine for yourself.

Once you accept that you and your life have changed, you’ll start to overcome your feelings. You’ll begin to set a new routine and identify the different versions of yourself.

11. I focus on the blessings I have in my life right now.

When things don’t go the way you’d hoped, it might be hard to see the good in your life. Likewise, when something tragic or unexpected occurs, you might struggle to count your blessings. However, focusing on the good things in your life right now can help you overcome your feelings.

When you’re upset, you might not want to run through the list of your blessings. Use this affirmation to help you overcome the urge to think negatively. When you repeat this phrase, you’ll find that all of your gifts come to mind and make you feel better.

12. I am coping with the grieving process.

Overcoming grief can be a tricky situation to cope with. All of the grieving process steps tend to be overwhelming, making you want to avoid them altogether. You must cope with the process, however, because it’s the only way to overcome.

Use this affirmation to believe that you can cope. You are strong enough to get through this, and you will overcome if you allow yourself to.

13. I use each day as an opportunity to heal from my sorrow.

By using this affirmation, you allow yourself to heal a little more each day. Start your day off by telling yourself that you’ll use today as a healing opportunity. When you use it first thing in the morning, you program your mind into believing that you feel better each day.

Don’t expect to heal all at once because the process takes time. You won’t miraculously feel better one day, so take steps to overcome a little more each day.

14. I am ready to refocus and start living life again.

If you want to heal, you must be ready and open to the process. This affirmation will help you switch your mindset and refocus on living life. Sorrow tends to halt everything in your life, but you can overcome and start living again.

When your focus is on your pain, you’ll stop making daily habits or working toward goals. Your mindset eliminates all feelings of happiness and joy until you can refocus your thoughts. Once you refocus and start thinking ahead, you’ll feel your negative emotions at ease.

15. I allow myself time to grieve, and I acknowledge when it’s time to move on.

There is no timeframe for your healing process, but you must acknowledge when it’s time to move forward. You can’t stay stuck in a hostile place forever, hoping things are different. Sometimes you have to tell yourself that it’s time to start living again.

When you use this affirmation in the morning, you allow yourself the chance to recognize your emotions. Plus, you will enable yourself to look for moments of happiness and progress, too. This affirmation encourages you to continue healing even as you look forward to life.

Final Thoughts on Self-Affirmations to Help Overcome Sorrow

Using self-affirmations to help overcome sorrow can speed the process up for you. While you shouldn’t rush the process, you must continue on your healing journey. If you feel stuck, using these positive phrases can help you start living your life again.

Use the affirmations each morning, and don’t hesitate to use them throughout the day. On your darkest days, you might want to keep the positive phrases running through your mind non-stop. The more often you repeat self-affirmations, the sooner they become your reality.

15 Behaviors That Help With Resiliency After a Breakup

October 31, 2021 by Chris Butler

The end of a romantic relationship is an emotionally painful experience. There is real grief associated with it. You may feel like you’ll never get past the hurt. No doubt, it’s challenging to move forward, but it is possible to spring back from heartache. Consider these fifteen behaviors that will help increase your resiliency after a breakup.

You may never totally understand why your romantic relationship ended, but several everyday things can contribute to a breakup.

Different goals: This may be the most common reason for the breakup. You and your partner didn’t have the same goals-marriage, career, kids, personal growth, etc. If you struggled to support one another and couldn’t accept one another’s goals, then the relationship had no future.
Personal changes: Many times, people change in a relationship. Perhaps they had a new experience, and you can’t understand why they’re so excited about it. One such example is finding faith. One partner starts believing in God in a new way, and the other person can’t accept or support their new values about faith. This experience puts a wedge between your relationship and makes it hard to go forward.
Lack of communication: Frequent or hurtful conflicts that don’t get worked out properly can damage a relationship. If you aren’t communicating honestly about your feelings, you will begin to feel alone. Not listening to one another and making communication a priority will cause a rift.
Loss of trust: Of course, if your partner is unfaithful, you will lose your ability to trust them. It’s hurtful when you find out someone is cheating on you. Besides that, it violates the boundaries of your relationship. It’s possible to recover only if the partner who cheated is humble and admits their wrong. But it will take work to fix the damage already done.

15 Behaviors to Help Increase Resiliency Post-Breakup

How can you become self-resilient and rebound? Try adopting these behaviors to become more resilient.

1 – Keep the physical separation to build resiliency

After your breakup, you may want to keep your friendship, but avoid old habit patterns that could lead you somewhere you don’t want to go. Leaning your head on their shoulders or long hugs could lead to a confusing crisis that ends up in more heartbreak. If you’re going to be friends, then act like friends and maintain the physical separation. You should consider any additional contact beyond that to be non-resilient.

2 – Avoid a rebound relationship to be self-resilient

A rebound relationship is a relationship that gets formed too soon after you have a breakup. You’ve probably seen someone who ended up in a rebound relationship and knew it would not work. If you’ve recently broken up with someone, it’s perhaps too soon to head into another romantic relationship. Rebound relationships rarely last because you’re still healing and apt to bring baggage into the new relationship. When you’re hurting from a breakup, avoid a rebound relationship. Take time to heal before you start another romantic relationship.

3 – What can you learn?

Recognize what happened and figure out what you can learn from the breakup. The breakup is a cathartic experience where you can step back and view things more clearly than you did when you were in the relationship. Maybe there were things about your partner you weren’t willing to admit. Or maybe there was a dynamic about your relationship that wasn’t healthy, but you didn’t see it till now. As you step back, take a deep breath. Then take a self-evaluation of what is to be learned from this unfortunate situation and become a better person.

4 – Practice gratitude

Right now, it’s easy to focus on the brokenness in your life. Keeping a daily gratitude list can help you get perspective. Keep a running list of what is going right in everything you can think of. Be as specific as possible. Or you can approach your gratitude list backward and write what’s not happening, and that’s good. See the good as gifts to you. Don’t allow the breakup to steal your appreciation for all that’s good in your life.

5 – Practice generosity

You may not feel like it, but reaching out to someone else can be healing and help you get the focus off yourself. How can you practice generosity? There are many ways, including the following:

Spend time with an elderly relative
Volunteer at a school or hospital
Show kindness to those around you at work or school
Pay for someone’s lunch
Buy flowers for a friend

6 – Block their posts (connecting on social media is a non-resilient behavior)

If you’re an avid social media follower, resist the urge to check up on what your ex-partner is doing. Seeing their posts will only make you sad. The best strategy is to block them entirely on every social media site. Researchers found that after a breakup, social media sites make it hard to stay separated from a romantic partner. Having contact through social media adds emotional stress and an unhealthy connection to the person. Blocking your ex-partner is a drastic move, but it’s the only way you can stop seeing any posts that will hurt you.

7 – Do things you love to bolster resiliency

Breakups are good times to re-evaluate your life and what you love to do. Maybe when you were in the relationship, you spent less time doing things you love to do. Did you stop crocheting or reading the books you love? It’s time to bring these things back into your life and enjoy them again.

8 – Time to rebuild your self resiliency

After a breakup, you need to rebuild your self-confidence. Think of goals you want to accomplish in your life, such as traveling, going back to school, or starting a new career. Take it a step at a time. You don’t need to change anything in your life, but if you have aspirations, at least consider them. You have a clean slate, so enjoy the season of rebuilding.

9 – Take care of yourself to increase self-resiliance

You may feel like not getting out of bed, but it’s essential to do it to begin to take care of yourself and boost your resilience after your breakup. Focus on self-care, both physically and mentally. Establish a daily routine of getting up, preparing for your day, and getting out of the house. Eat healthy foods, go for a walk or go to the gym. At first, your heart won’t be into doing these things, but you’ll begin to feel more robust over time, and your mood will improve, so you’re feeling more positive.

10 – Spend time with your friends and family

When you were in your romantic relationship, you may have neglected some of your friends and family. Make amends and reconnect with these people that are so important to you. Eat meals with them, go on walks together or have a cup of coffee together. Catch up on what they’ve been doing. You don’t need to share all the details of your breakup, but give them headlines, so they know what’s going on with you.

11 – Take accountability and change your behavior

It may be a good time to reflect on any unhealthy patterns you have in your life regarding relationships. Did you contribute to the brokenness of the relationship? What could you do differently next time? Was this relationship similar to another one you had in the past? Is that a pattern for you? This time allows you time to step back and reflect. If you have a trusted friend, talk with them about your reflections.

12 – Manage your stress and anxiety

If you’re experiencing a lot of anxiety and stress, it’s essential to manage it so you don’t end up making things worse for yourself. Don’t look to alcohol or drugs to numb your feelings. Studies show that a stressful event like a romantic breakup can lead to depression. If you feel like you’re battling depression, get some help from a counselor or your pastor. Remember, you’re not alone. These people receive professional training to help you work through this painful time in your life.

13 – Don’t be a victim

Being a victim makes you feel helpless. This situation leads to feelings of shame and guilt. Take responsibility for your contribution to the failure of the relationship, but don’t go beyond that. Other signs that you’re giving in to a victim mentality include the following:

Negative self talk
Bitterness, anger, or frustration
Loss of self-confidence
Blaming another person for everything
Giving up

14 – Don’t carry the relationship baggage to your next relationship

Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to cultivate resiliency after a breakup. Do the hard work it takes to learn any lesson, do some self-evaluation, and understand your contribution. If you don’t do these things, you may end up bringing some of the same issues into your next relationship.

15 – Get support from trusted friends and family

Remember, you’re not alone. There are friends and family who love you and care for you. When you’re feeling sad, resist the urge to be by yourself and feel sad. Instead, reach out to your loved ones for support. They want to share your pain and help you find healing. Allow them to help you and give you the big hugs you need right now.

Final thoughts on increasing resiliency after you end a relationship

Whatever the reason for your breakup, it’s a painful experience. As you push past the pain and begin to understand how to cope, remember you can get through this. Hopefully, these suggestions will help boost your sense of resiliency so you can get back to your happy life.

15 Contentment Quotes to Remember When You’re Down

October 31, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

If you want to experience life satisfaction, reading contentment quotes can help you get there. Contentment means that you have ease of mind and regularly experience a state of happiness. It can be hard to stay content when you’re feeling down, but these contentment quotes can help you remember that your life is good.

Feeling satisfied with your life requires that you learn how to be happy. If you find happiness in everything you do, you will become content with whatever you get in life. Even when things don’t go as planned, you can still experience contentment.

While many people think that financial wealth leads to a contented life, it isn’t always true. As long as you enjoy your life right now, you will experience satisfaction regardless of how much money you have. Plus, even the wealthiest people can become dissatisfied with their life.

Fifteen Contentment Quotes to Remember When You’re Down

When you’re feeling down, the best contentment quotes are ones that remind you that happiness is essential in your life. Happiness requires that you live in the moment without worrying about what the future holds for you. If you live this way, you’ll learn to be content with what you already have, helping you embrace all of your blessings.

1. “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” – Charles Dickens

No matter what is going on in your life, you have plenty of blessings to be thankful for. Focus on the good things in your life each day and, before you know it, you’ll make gratitude a habit. If you always think of the items and people you have in your life, you’ll experience happiness.

Please don’t dwell on past misfortunes because it’ll only disrupt your peace in life. Everyone has things from their past that they aren’t proud of, so let them go and focus on what you have now. If everyone wasted their time and energy ruminating about the past, no one would feel fulfilled.

2. “Contentment is a state of happiness and satisfaction. The choices we make are our own decisions for how we want to live our life.” – Ellen J. Barrier

With contentment, you’ll find that you love your life. You will be okay with how things are going, and you’ll be thankful for what you have. Plus, you’ll understand that your decisions are a reflection of how you live your life.

3. “If you’re not content with the small things, then you won’t be content with the big things.” – Anthony Liccione

Being happy with the small things in life will help you be more comfortable overall. Plus, as Liccione explains, it’ll help you be more content with the significant experiences in your life. Learn to embrace all the small blessings because they’ll help you find happiness.

4. “It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.” – Dale Carnegie

Many people think that happiness only comes to certain people or in specific places. However, this idea is false because none of it matters in the end. When it comes to contentment in life, it all depends on the way that you think.

5. “To be content doesn’t mean you don’t desire more, it means you’re thankful for what you have and patient for what’s to come.” – Tony Gaskins

It’s okay to want more out of life. You should have goals and dreams, and you should always work towards something. However, embrace what you have right now, too.

Learn to love your life right now, even as you work to better yourself and improve your circumstance. Practice being patient for the future, and live your life in the present moment.

6. “Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn’t need others’ approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.” – Lao Tzu

Believe in yourself, accept yourself, and aim for contentment in life. If you can do those things, you won’t need approval from anyone else. You’ll know that you are a valuable and worthy person that deserves happiness in life.

7. “It’s almost impossible to be satisfied in your own life if you’re constantly looking at what someone else has.” – Rachael Cruze

Don’t worry about what others have, and don’t spend your time looking on with envy. Embrace what you have and learn to appreciate what is right in front of you. If you stop looking at others, you won’t have much reason to experience dissatisfaction in life.

8. “When you can think of yesterday without regret and tomorrow without fear, you are near contentment.” – Unknown

You can’t change the past, so regret won’t help you experience happiness. Living in fear of the future won’t help you, either, because you’ll begin to dread the things to come. Instead, let go of regret and anxiety so that you can focus on your present happiness.

9. “Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have.” – Gautama Buddha

If you can’t appreciate the things that you already have, then you won’t experience contentment. When you want to experience fulfillment, look around at all of your blessings. Your thoughts determine your happiness level, so keep thinking about gratitude.

10. “When we cannot find contentment in ourselves, it is useless to seek it elsewhere.” – François de La Rochefoucauld

You can’t find contentment in an outside source. Instead, it would help if you found peace and happiness within, or you won’t find it anywhere at all. If you’re feeling down right now, don’t seek solace anywhere but in yourself.

11. “Gratitude and love are always multiplied when you give freely. It is an infinite source of contentment and prosperous energy.” – Jim Fargiano

If you want to experience contentment, remember this quote from Fargiano. You can give as much gratitude and love as you want, and you won’t run out or feel depleted. Instead, you’ll experience contentment and positivity in your life.

12. “If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he isn’t likely to be thankful for what he’s going to get.” – Frank Clark

You won’t ever be satisfied if you don’t start to appreciate what you have right now. If you’re always wishing for more rather than embracing what you have, try to make a change. Otherwise, you’ll always feel like something is missing from your life.

Additionally, don’t assume you’ll feel better when you reach a specific goal. That type of mindset will only leave you dissatisfied no matter how many goals you reach. If you aren’t feeling fulfilled now, you won’t be when you achieve your dreams, either.

13. “Realize that true happiness lies within you. Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside.” – Unknown

If you’re searching for happiness, you don’t have to look very far. It’s a waste of time to look anywhere else because your happiness already lies within you. Searching anywhere else will only lead to further disappointment, so start within first.

14. “The greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.” – Martha Washington

How you feel about your life right now depends on your mindset rather than what you’re going through. You can go through a hard time and still experience happiness and peace. Likewise, you can go through an exciting time in your life and experience unhappiness.

As Washington explains, your circumstances don’t determine how you feel about your life. When you’re feeling down, remember this quote to help you shift your mindset. Once you start thinking positively again, you’ll begin to experience happiness.

15. “Having contentment and gratitude in the present moment is the surest way to achieve success.” – Bryant McGill

Embrace the moment you are in right now. Avoid thinking about the past or worrying about the future. If you can live in the moment and focus on positivity right now, you’ll experience peace in your life.

With peace and contentment, you’ll be more focused on the essential things in your life. You can tackle any obstacle and overcome setbacks. Because of these things, reaching a state of contentment means you’re more likely to achieve success.

Final Thoughts on Contentment Quotes to Remember When You’re Down

When you’re feeling down, it’s hard to focus on all of the great things you have in your life. Use these contentment quotes to help you remember why you should be happy. When you can focus on the present and embrace the people and things that you have, you’ll experience happiness in life.

These contentment quotes come from people who have been in your position before. They felt the same way that you do now, and they learned to overcome. Remembering these contentment quotes will help you shift your mindset and become content with your life once again.

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