Page 372

Sculptor Turns Waste Materials into Animal Sculptures

August 13, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Ptolemy Elrington, the founder of Hubcap Creatures, turns scraps into incredible animal sculptures. He builds the creatures using 95% recycled materials which include shopping trolleys, scrap metal, and hubcaps. The other 5% comes from upcycled materials that he happens to come across. Ptolemy chooses to leave any scars or marks on the materials, as he believes they “add texture and history to the creatures they decorate.”

He says: “I’m an artist, I’m a professional sculptor; I’ve been doing it for 18 years now and I love it!”

Using welding tools, drills, and screwdrivers, he brings the hubcap creatures to life. He’s created some amazing animal sculptures so far, such as a fox, shark, wolf and dragonfly. On his website, he offers both made-to-order sculptures and previously constructed creations.

Some of his artwork for sale includes the following:

3m high samurai, complete with a sword and armor
an adorable red and white fox
a 1.3m long MiG fighter jet
a dragon and egg, which has a glow-in-the-dark feature
a metallic owl with a BMW emblem for an eye
a greyhound dog
a beautiful African grey parrot
a giant mechanical spider, and more

“When I see a particular animal and I really like the look of it, I think that I want to try to capture the essence of that animal, to try to capture the feeling of that animal,” he says. “It’s something that I’m always striving to do in my work. And so far, I have never quite got there, and that is one of the things that drives me to keep on making stuff, to keep trying, and to keep on doing new things.”

It seems that there’s no limit to what Ptolemy can create.

So, how did he get started making animal sculptures?

“I’ve always loved drawing, I’ve always loved making stuff,” he says. “I’ve been inspired by all of the things around me, by nature especially. A lot of it is to do with the idea that people should stop chucking away stuff and start reusing it.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ptolemy Elrington (@hubcapcreatures)

It’s true that the world throws away perfectly good items much of the time. Instead of getting rid of things the second they’re no longer useful, however, we should donate or recycle them. This not only helps the environment, but gives the items a new purpose and extends their life.

According to his site, he studied art and design at Bradford and Illkley Community College in England during the mid-80s. After college, he took jobs doing theatre set and stage design and construction, large scale community art sculptural projects, and freelance artwork.

All of this experience culminated in him being able to create his own business following his passion full-time. He works alone, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. Many artists work best in solitude because it allows them to concentrate fully on their craft. While he spends most of his time in his workshop, he also does exhibitions in the community.

He’s been asked to make appearances all over Europe, including in London, Brighton, Scotland, Barcelona, Spain and Athens, Greece. Ptolemy has also made TV appearances on British programming networks. His work has made it to the newspapers as well. The Times, The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Sun, and other local and international papers have featured his animal sculptures.

Major clients he’s worked for include:

DEFRA (formerly MAFF)
The Eden Project
Kenwood
the R.S.P.B.
The Environment Agency
WWF
Essex County Council
Brighton County Council
Ronseal, Anglian Water
East Coast Trains
Ecover and more

He currently lives and works in Brighton, creating animal sculptures for anyone who desires one.

What inspires the Hubcap Creations owner to keep going

When you make art for a living, the daily grind sometimes takes the passion out of it. After all, when you have bills to pay, being able to put food on the table takes precedence. Even so, Ptolemy still finds his work enjoyable and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ptolemy Elrington (@hubcapcreatures)

“Sometimes, weirdly, I find finishing a piece a little bit disappointing; sometimes, I don’t actually want to quite finish it. But because this is my profession and I need to pay the rent, I have to eventually put a piece to one side and move one, but it’s not always easy,” he says.

“People sometimes ask me what keeps me motivated and there’s the obvious things…earning your daily crust. But also, there’s something else; it’s kind of [a] deep-rooted instinct, if you like – an urge, a need, a desire to keep doing it. And if you don’t fulfill that desire, you become restless and unhappy.”

If only we could all find that spark within ourselves, the greater purpose that we’re all searching for. Ptolemy’s story proves that, when you do find it, everything just falls into place. Of course, you have to put in the effort, but when you’re in the flow, nothing can stop you. We hope that everyone out there can discover their passion in life, because we all deserve to have fulfilling jobs.

Sure, everyone has to pay bills and take on responsibilities, but that doesn’t mean we have to live a robotic existence. All of these artists we feature had to overcome immense obstacles to achieve their dreams, but the key is, they kept going. Ptolemy’s incredible animal sculptures portray a story of perseverance and strength, showing the beauty that comes from second chances.

Final thoughts on the sculptor who turns forgotten scraps into animal sculptures

When most people see hubcaps and scrap metal lying on the side of the road, they don’t give it a second thought. The owner of Hubcap Creatures actually hunts down these yard waste materials for his animal sculptures. For him, trash doesn’t exist; it’s just discarded materials that can serve a new purpose in the form of art.

We hope you enjoyed hearing about this talented artist and feel inspired to follow your own dreams! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Counselors Explain 15 Signs of a Dysfunctional Marriage

August 13, 2021 by Chris Butler

When you’re in a good relationship, it’s full of joy, making memories, and having a good time being together. Sadly, many people don’t know the happiness of this kind of union because their relationship is full of heartache and sorrow. Identifying red flags on a dysfunctional marriage isn’t always as easy for the person in the situation as those around them.

So how do you know if your relationship is toxic? If you’re involved in a dysfunctional relationship, it can cause you a great deal of pain. Consequently, when you’re in an unhealthy situation, the issues only seem to grow with time.

It’s scary to use words like dysfunctional and toxic when talking about someone you love, but these terms describe a very real situation that many people find themselves in.

Are You in a Dysfunctional Marriage?

When things between you and your partner aren’t going well, counselors use the term toxic to describe your connection. The very essence of a relationship is to bring you happiness. You want someone who provides emotional support and fulfillment, and if your relationship doesn’t get those things, then it’s a dysfunctional.

A connection that is unstable and destructive is often a dead-end situation that’s toxic. Did you know that children who grow up under dysfunctional parents often seek toxic partners in their life? It’s odd because you would think that these individuals would want something different for themselves.

Ironically, even if you depend on your partner to provide your happiness, it’s a sign of dysfunction. The emotional roller coaster that toxic relationships offer is too much for a person to handle. While there’s no perfect relationship, everyone needs someone that builds them rather than tears them down.

A Classic Example of a Dysfunctional Marriage

Consider this example. Rachael and Kenny have been married for twenty years. Things started great, but over time they’ve grown apart. Rachael suspects Kenny of cheating. He’s constantly working overtime and taking more trips out of town than usual.

She feels they no longer communicate. While they still talk and love each other dearly, her frustrations and distrust for him are slowly making her consider leaving. Rather than confronting the issue and learning the truth, Rachel continues to sweep their problems under the rug.

Kenny is frustrated from working so much and is faithful to his wife. He becomes frustrated with her because he feels she no longer treats him the same. She’s constantly accusing him of lying, even when he’s honest. Will this couple last?

The main issue here is a lack of communication. They might save this marriage if they only sit down and talk things out. However, they ignore the obvious issues and let things fester.

Fifteen Signs of A Dysfunctional Marriage

A dysfunctional marriage can bring you many negative experiences, and those around you will often see the signs before realizing there’s an issue. Here are some indications that you’re in a toxic situation and need help, or you should get out!

1. Disappointment and Frustration

It’s exceedingly difficult to work on the easy things in the relationship, despite using maximum effort and hard work. Working with your spouse is nothing short of frustrating, and you feel attached by an insensitive egotistic narcissist every time you try to discuss the matters.

2. Anger and Bitterness

When there’s resentment in your marriage, it’s like a deadly poison that kills from the inside out. When anger and bitterness festers under the surface, it’s hard to keep things healthy. Prolonged resentment is usually a conflict of values and an overly exaggerated sense of pride, but these underlying toxins can destroy your relationship.

3. Indecision

One major red flag of a dysfunctional relationship is when you are frequently skeptical about your partner’s conduct. A toxic individual will be pleasant, compassionate, and charming one night, but they’re the complete opposite the next day.

If your spouse seems more like Jekyll and Hyde, you will live on the edge and watch your actions and tone with them.

4. Domination

Does one person make all the decisions in your marriage, and one party has no say? If your relationship has a hierarchy where one person runs the show, it will not work. This union is one-sided, and the person who rules the roost is often demanding and controlling.

5. Constant Criticism

Your partner should build you up and not tear you down. According to Rachel Eddins, M.Ed., LPC-S, CGP from the Eddins Counseling Group, couples who criticize each other need firm boundaries. If your spouse is continually critiquing you till you feel like you’re walking on eggshells, you need counseling and the help of a third party to identify the root cause.

6. Grudges Are a Hallmark of Dysfunctional Marriages

Holding grudges is very juvenile behavior, yet many people harbor unresolved feelings. Grievances stem from unsettled complaints, and one party is not uncommon to feel victimized by their spouse. Resentment can fester like a malignancy in your union, and it can eat away at the foundation of your relationship, which causes ruin.

7. Boundary Infringements

Everyone has personal boundaries they create to protect themselves. When these boundaries are crossed, it makes you feel vulnerable and unsafe. A dysfunctional marriage violates the limits you’ve established as healthy, and the other party doesn’t care about the damaging consequences of their actions.

8. Pointing Fingers with The Blame Game

When a couple is unhappy, it’s easier to point the finger at the other party than take responsibility. One of the main reasons for playing the blame game is a lack of communication. When people stop discussing and working on the issues, it’s easy to blame the other person for the disconnect.

9. Relying On One Person for Happiness

You are responsible for your happiness, and you can’t depend on someone else to supply that to you. If your spouse has the burden to make you happy, then it’s never going to work. Sure, they can bring joy to your life, but you must learn how to be satisfied with or without them.

10. Absence of Trust

Trust is one of the core building blocks that you build your foundation of marriage on. If you have no trust for one another, then your union is on shaky ground. When trust is broken, you won’t last long.

A dysfunctional marriage is one where you constantly question one another. You question their motives, their stories, and everything about them.

11. Friction and Opposition

Is there underlying friction that no one is addressing? In many cases, the couple is reluctant to deal with the issues because they want peace. They don’t like to initiate another argument, so they would rather say nothing.

Having a good relationship means communicating, but if there’s so much tension that you can no longer talk about the issue, it’s toxic. According to Sherry Gaba LCSW, relationships fall into two categories, healthy or dysfunctional. If you’re not in a healthy union, then it’s toxic.

12. Unhappiness

No relationship is sunshine and rainbows all the time, but you should be happy overall. However, if you constantly feel unhappy with your partner, you need to find out why the situation has become dysfunctional. Everyone deserves to be with someone who makes them happy, and long-term unhappiness is emotionally damaging.

13. Emotional Detachment Becomes the Norm in a Dysfunctional Marriage

Part of being in a relationship is for the emotional security it provides. Sadly, when your union is toxic, you may not feel this level of connectivity with your spouse. When there’s selfishness or one party is emotionally unavailable, it’s a sign of a toxic union.

14. Conflict

Every relationship has conflict, but it’s how you handle this conflict that defines your union. An unhealthy partnership will damage communication, and they will see their partner as destructive or a troublemaker. Without conflict management skills, tensions will snowball.

15. Disloyalty and Betrayal

It’s not unheard of for people to cheat on each other, but it doesn’t make it hurt any less. According to research conducted by BedBible, 60 percent of marriages will deal with infidelities. Additionally, most of these relationships begin at work.

Once a marriage has such a betrayal, it’s often hard to trust and get past these blunders. The same study found that only 31 percent of marriages will stay together after one partner cheated, so stepping outside the union can often be a death sentence to your relationship.

Final Thoughts: Do You Repair a Dysfunctional Marriage

Why do people stay in toxic relationships that bring them more heartache than joy? Remember, if your union is not healthy, it’s dysfunctional. Sure, there are varying degrees of toxicity, but if your marriage is not bringing you joy, you likely know the sting of pain.

Sometimes a situation is toxic, but even dysfunctional marriages can be saved. Only you can decide on how much work and effort you will put into your union to turn things around. Regrettably, many folks would rather walk away than work it out, but in some situations, that’s best for both parties.

Therapists Explain 10 Ways to Build an Emotional Connection

August 13, 2021 by Deborah Tayloe

Everyone wants their relationships to be full of happiness, warmth, affection, and depth. When you learn an effective way to build an emotional connection, it can help you feel a deeper relationship with your loved ones. This is important for your spouse, children, parents, and anyone else you’re lucky enough to call family.

Understanding the emotional connection is not so easy, as it means different things to each of you. However, some generalities give this term common ground. When you have a relationship with someone, feelings allow this bond to form.

According to an article published by Everyday Health’s Isabella Gladd, this bond comes with emotional attachments that can secure the relationship. When there is no strong connection between two people, the relationship won’t last long or sustain the shifting winds of life. Having a bond with one another is so much more than just feeling a connection, as there must be ties and deep roots that emotionally bind you.

The connection does not appear between two people, as it takes time to cultivate and develop roots. Think of planting a new flower in the springtime. You often start these inside or from a seedling and transplant them to the earth.

If the flower is healthy, it will take root and begin to grow and flourish. However, how many times have you planted a flower only to see it wither away and die? You don’t know what you did wrong because you water it, and it was just as strong as the other seedlings who made it.

The difference is that this flower didn’t take root. For whatever reason, the plant didn’t grow and mature. Use this analogy to think of emotional connections. Many relationships are surface with no real depth, but to get the depth you want in your connection, it must take root.

Ten Ways to Build Emotional Connection with Loved Ones

An emotional tie allows you to create a secure bond, and it’s a connection that makes you feel safe emotionally. Additionally, having strong relationships allows you to have an increase in both your self-worth and your self-esteem. Teresa Maples-Zuvela is a renowned therapist that deals with relationship issues.

She suggests that it automatically improves the connection between the two of you when you develop a bond in your relationship. Conversely, this is the tie necessary to sustain marriages and improve on what you currently have going. Why do some married couples make it twenty years when others only make it 2 years?

The difference is the foundation and the emotional ties between the couple. The ones who make it for the long haul are deeply rooted and able to sustain life’s storms, but the others don’t have a deep enough connection emotionally to weather the turbulent weather. Here are some easy ways to help you build that emotional connection your relationships need.

1. Accept Them for Who They Are

Why do people always get together and try to change one another? You must love each other for who and what you are in this life. Remember, a tiger cannot change its stripes, so your loved one will not change their ways.

You’ll only disappoint yourself and the other party if you’re constantly trying to change them into something or someone you consider perfect. Part of establishing a connection emotionally is accepting the person as is.

2. See Things from Their Perspective

Everyone has a point of view. Your way of viewing things isn’t going to be the same as someone else. You must be open and understanding enough to see things from their side. If you’re so closed-minded that you don’t allow other opinions and perspectives, you will have difficulty developing deep connections with folks.

3. Trust Them

Have you ever seen the game where someone tells you to fall back into their arms and asks if you trust them? The point of this exercise is to see how much trust you have for one another. If you were to fall backward and not trust them, you might end up on the ground hurting.

You must trust your partner or loved one 100 percent. There can be no doubts when you’re trying to establish connections emotionally. Any doubt that seeps into the relationship can cause the foundation to become shaky.

4. Communicate Often

How well would your relationship with your boss be if you didn’t communicate? You must share to ensure that you stay connected. Communication unlocks the doors to the heart, allowing you to step inside the mind of others.

You understand one another when you communicate about your feelings, dreams, goals, and desires.

5. Never Judge or Criticize Their Actions or Behaviors

While this person may not act or say what you would, you should never judge them. When you criticize one another, you don’t build a bond but destroy it. If your partner feels that you will be critical of their thoughts or feelings, they will start being dishonest to avoid scrutiny.

6. Be Honest

Don’t lie, even if it’s a white, tiny mistruth. Mirel Goldstein is a renowned therapist from Clifton, New Jersey. She deals with couples counseling and blogs about her experiences to help others. She brings an interesting point in one of her writings.

Goldstein states that many people are stuck in “pretend mode” because they don’t believe reality is relevant. It’s often the case that the lack of acceptance allows two people to see things differently. Before you jump to conclusions that your loved one is lying, you need to make sure that you communicate to understand their perspectives.

Sometimes, it’s just a blatant lie that needs no explanation. These are the situations that you want to avoid.

7. Dream with Them

Do you remember as a child laying down and looking at the night sky and all the stars? Legend says that if you wish on a falling star, whatever you want will come true. There’s nothing like the peaceful calm of nature to set the stage for dreaming.

These are the experiences that bond you with your loved one. Forming an emotional connection while dreaming is a powerful way to link you. If your dreams are going in the same direction, it even further solidifies the relationship.

8. Argue Smartly

Choose your battles wisely, and don’t be so eager to jump to conclusions. It’s okay to argue and have beneficial disagreements because if you agree all the time, then it’s certainly not healthy. However, it would help if you did not quarrel about every little thing.

When everything you say or do becomes an argument, you will quickly shut down to avoid contention.

9. Plan Adventures

While you’re dreaming and making plans, you need to include some adventures and vacations. Life cannot be all about work and no play. You need time to feel free from the restrictions of your life and career and to be able to let your hair down.

Did you know that some countries mandate vacation time for the sake of the citizens’ mental health? According to The Travel Channel, Brazil is listed at the top, giving their residents thirty days’ annually. Vacation helps to reset the mind, and it lowers stress levels and gives people more time for their families.

10. Spend Quality Time Together

While it’s nice to plan adventures and to travel the world, you need to have quality time that works within your schedules. It’s not feasible to be globe-setting around the world all the time, and your funds may not permit it. Never underestimate the power of date night.

Having a set time and day that you spend time together is valuable. Who says that after you’ve been married or in a relationship long term that you can’t still date one another? In fact, it’s probably wise that you do date one another so that you can maintain the connection you developed when you first got together.

Keeping the magic alive means being together. What’s essential about these dates is that you experience new things, communicate with one another, and continue to work on your emotional bond.

Final Thoughts on Building an Emotional Connection

While building an emotional connection won’t happen overnight, it’s not something that can be rushed. You want to take time and establish the bond naturally and not force anything. Some people say when they meet, it’s kismet and everything seems to flow together naturally.

While others say that the connection didn’t happen till much later in the relationship, doing things like spending quality time together, going on adventures, dreaming, being honest, and accepting them for who they are is all helpful in solidifying this link. Whether it’s a partner or a parent, you need to learn how to accept them and not try to change them.

If someone feels that they don’t meet your standards or that you constantly want them to evolve into someone else, then they won’t trust you with their innermost secrets. In fact, it will open the door to dishonesty and a lack of communication. Now, you can take the knowledge you learned here and help to develop the emotional connections you desire.

7 Ways To Make Laziness Work For You

August 13, 2021 by Lakeisha Ethans

Do you think that you’re a lazy person? Many people feel ashamed of their perceived laziness, especially if they also feel stressed out about the things they should be doing. But what if there was a way for laziness to be a good thing?

Yes, that’s right – laziness doesn’t have to be a solely negative trait. In fact, you can use it to your advantage to live a more productive life. Here are seven ways to make laziness work for you.

1. Stop Multitasking

Lots of people believe that multitasking is a true sign of productivity. If you tend to be a little lazy, the pressure to multitask can make you feel like:

It would help if you did a lot at once to be a hard worker
If you want to get things done quickly, multitasking is your best option
It’s a sign of an intelligent and hard worker if someone multitasks

But as it turns out, all of those beliefs are entirely false! Studies have shown that the act of multitasking is terrible for actual productivity. The human brain isn’t designed to do more than one thing at a time!

Why Multi-tasking Does Not Work

Trying to insist on multitasking as a way to manage or ignore laziness can cause problems such as:

Forcing yourself to change tasks multiple times as you multitask, making your brain have to work extra hard to adapt constantly
Lowering your IQ for an average of up to 10 points
Damaging your productivity because it takes you a lot more time to switch between tasks, reducing your productivity by 40%
Tiring you out due to the constant task switching

In other words, don’t fall prey to the idea that multitasking is a good thing! Do one thing at a time, take breaks between tasks, and don’t fill your plate with too much at once. The lazy parts of you will rejoice, and it’s positive for your productivity, anyway.

2. Don’t Use To-Do Lists

Many people recommend the use of to-do lists to improve organization and task management, and prioritization. But if you’re lazy, preparing a to-do list is just another item you have to get done, creating a bit of a to-do paradox!

The fact is that to-do lists aren’t always helpful. They’re suitable for getting your ducks in a row or for those who struggle to remember or conceptualize tasks. But for the most part, you don’t need them. Here are some reasons to-do lists could be unhelpful:

Not Enough Context

A to-do list is nothing more than that: a list. Those words arranged in neat minor bullet points don’t tell you anything useful about them, such as the length of time they’d take, what time of day is best to do them, if you’re relying on other people for any of them, and how much time you can spend on them per day (if applicable). Without that context, to-do lists can be downright unhelpful, and if you were to write that context, you’d be wasting valuable time!

Too Many Options

A long to-do list presents you with many options for what you need to do or get done. According to research, the human brain isn’t capable of adequately processing more than seven different choices. The overwhelming amount of options can end up making you feel anxious or even unable to make a decision at all, which ultimately means you’ll spend more time deciding what to get done on a to-do list than actually doing anything. If you must make a to-do list, keep it short.

Checking Off Things Is More Motivation Than Doing Things

Doesn’t it feel great when you finally get to check something off of your to-do list? Well, unfortunately, that great feeling comes with a pretty big drawback. Your brain will want to do the faster tasks first to check them off for the positive hormone dopamine hit. Meanwhile, big jobs that need to get done will be left off to the side.

No Real Motivation

A to-do list is a piece of paper or a page on some software or an app. It doesn’t hold you to anything you’ve written down. You can feel good about writing the to-do list and proceed to ignore it and still feel like you’ve done something productive because you made a list. This completely defeats the purpose of having that list at all!

What does this all mean? Well, if you’re too lazy for to-do lists, don’t bother writing them at all. You’ll save time and energy while improving positive thinking.

3. Motivate Yourself With The Drive To Relax

Do you love lying around and doing nothing? Well, wouldn’t it be great if you could do that completely guilt-free? If you’re heavily motivated by the desire to kick back and thoroughly, you can use that as a driving force.

People often like to make statements that hard work is its reward, but of course, that isn’t always true or the case for those with different motivations. Sometimes, the goal of a day of productivity is to achieve free time. In other words, it’s valid to be productive simply because you’re looking forward to getting to relax and do whatever you want, stress-free.

So if you find yourself to be so lazy that you want to nap, watch a show, read something, play video games, or do something else not typically considered productive, use that to motivate you. Do you want to relax? Well, then you have to get everything you need to do done and out of the way!

4. Let Go Of Perfectionism

Perfectionism is sometimes projected as being very important for hard work, but the truth is that this trait can be harmful. In these modern times, perfectionism is more and more enforced, and they’re beginning to harm people’s psyches and positive thinking.

No human being is capable of doing something in a “perfect” way. Studies have even found that perfectionism links to the following outcomes:

High criticism of the self, to an unfair extent
High criticism of others, damaging relationships
Worsened symptoms of anxiety and depression
Avoidant coping, where you refuse to get things done until everything is perfect
Higher stress due to unrealistic expectations

The laziness that makes you disinterested in perfectionism is an instinct you should follow! Let go of perfectionism and focus on just getting things done, even if they’re not done to the absolute highest standard possible.

5. Daydream Often

Daydreaming is the best friend of a lazy person, and it’s something a lot of people think is a sign of an idle or poor worker. But that’s far from the truth! Daydreaming is an excellent tool for productivity, and studies even show that it’s good for things like:

Planning ahead
Solving problems
Thoughts driven by goals
Creativity
Comfort
Mindfulness
Energy levels

So go ahead and be lazy and daydream as much as you want between moments of work! Scheduling daydreaming breaks during the day may even be a good thing to try doing if you’re struggling to stay on track with tasks when you daydream.

6. Do Smart Procrastination

Procrastination is usually a bad thing, as it means all the things you have to do pile up over time until they’re overwhelming, and when you finally get them done, you do a poor job because you’re in a hurry. But what about a more positive form of procrastination? What about intelligent procrastination?

The act of smart procrastination involves systematically deciding to put off certain non-urgent things to get time to think them over, see how they play out first, or wait for them to resolve themselves without your help efficiently. You can use this by:

Delaying significant decision-making that isn’t urgent so you can think about it with a clear head.
Not reacting immediately to the emergence of stressful problems, and you may find a few days later that they are either no longer a problem or never really were, to begin with.
Pausing in emotional times before acting, reacting, or making decisions.
Sitting in silence sometimes and let other people take the lead instead of jumping to grab the reins each time.
Learning to determine what is truly urgent and what isn’t critical and do those tasks accordingly.

Of course, you should be cautious when exercising smart procrastination. It should not be used as a tool for avoiding critical issues, nor should it be a tool for refusing to accept the responsibility that is yours. The goal of intelligent procrastination is to make you more productive by helping your laziness to determine what you genuinely can be lazy about!

7. Ask Others For Help

Many people have the mistaken idea that asking for help indicates weakness or a lack of capability, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Human beings are social creatures! They’re meant to work together, cooperate, and help each other out. As such, what is viewed today as “laziness” isn’t necessarily genuinely being lazy – sometimes, you need some help.

While you shouldn’t delegate all your responsibilities to others, there is no shame in knowing when and how to request help when you’re struggling with tasks. Do you worry that the people around you will resent you? Well, studies have found that you are more likely to be viewed positively if you do ask for help. On top of that, research indicates that asking for help can:

Increase productivity
Make you more satisfied in your tasks
Increase job performance
Help you connect with others
Boosts your success chances

Ask others for help, even if you think it might seem a little lazy at first. There is absolutely no shame in doing so when you need it!

Final Thoughts On Some Ways To Make Laziness Work For You

Laziness doesn’t have to be a bad trait! You can learn to use it to your advantage. It’s pretty powerful to take steps towards improving your productivity and working life while accommodating your laziness. Give it a try and see how it goes, and you won’t be feeling bad about your laziness anymore!

9 Types of People Who Will Rob Your Happiness

August 13, 2021 by Chris Butler

As a child, did your parents or grandparents ever tell you to watch the crowd you run with at school? Have you ever got a bag of apples at the grocery store, and one of them had some decay on the outside of it? If you don’t remove this apple from the rest of them, it won’t be long until the toxins rub off onto the other apples, and it will destroy the whole bunch.

Toxic people can rob your happiness, but you have the power to stop it. These folks have a unique way of making even the most positive things seem adverse. It doesn’t matter what you do, where you go, or what’s going on; they will find a way to let their toxic nature bring you down.

The reason these people are so lethal is that they’re overflowing with both hate and negativity. Sadly, there’s not just one type of poisonous individual that you must be looking for, as there are several types that can affect you.

Nine Types of Toxic People That Will Rob Your Happiness

According to the National Library of Medicine, the negativity you ingest has a powerful impact on your psyche. It’s more powerful than anything positive that you take in. For every negative thing that’s planted in your mind, it takes five times the positive things to counteract it.

Now, you see why it’s so easy for others to rob your happiness, but you need to be proactive about your inner circle. To help you out, here are nine types of people that you should avoid at all costs.

1. The Overly Critical One

There is no perfect person on planet earth, as everyone has flaws that make them unique. It’s okay to receive constructive criticism when it’s done in love, but if someone is flat-out criticizing you, then it’s negativity you don’t need. The problem with someone who focuses on the negativity is that they don’t look at all your positive attributes.

It’s not always a spouse who puts you down either. It can be your parents, siblings, friends, neighbors, or anyone you encounter daily. Wave goodbye to the person who never has anything nice to say about you or your methods.

The real issue is that if you ingest this negativity into your being, it won’t be long before your self-esteem suffers. The last thing you need is to believe the untruths they feed you, as they’re nothing more than lies. The overly critical person will rob your happiness if you allow them to.

2. The Selife Taker

Nearly everyone in the free world takes a selfie on occasion, and there’s nothing wrong with it. However, spending all their time and energy trying to get the perfect pose shows very narcissistic behaviors. These people are often eager to make sure what they look like on the outside is good; they often forget that what’s inside is what counts.

An individual obsessed with catching themselves in a picture-perfect pose shows signs of being self-absorbed and vain. They may never say a word, but their personality speaks volumes as their toxicity comes shining through.

3. The Condescending Can Rob Your Happiness

When you’re all fired up about a situation, the worst thing that someone can tell you is to calm down. You’re not a child, and you don’t need someone to chastise you and tell you how to act. Sure, if you’re overdramatic, it’s not a good look for you, but it’s still your right to feel and act how you want.

Someone who casually tries to get you to calm down when you’re upset is treating you like a child. Their behavior is extremely condescending, and they want you to be quiet. It could be that you’re embarrassing them, or they don’t want to hear what you have to say.

4. Self-Destructive Individuals

Do you have a friend that is in constant need of your support, but when the tables are turned and you need help, they’re nowhere to be found? This is a very toxic relationship that is never going to change. They want you to be at their beck and call, but they don’t have time when you need assistance.

They have 101 excuses for why they can’t be there for you, but the whole world must stop when they have a problem. You need someone who is there for you just as much as you are for them. Relationships should be 50/50, and if they’re anything less, it won’t work, and you need to move on.

5. Mansplainers (or Womansplainers!)

Mansplainers (or womansplainers for that matter!) are the ones who can grate on your nerves. Indeed, these folks can easily rob your happiness. They’re, no doubt, the most toxic of all people. They want to share their wisdom with you, but they don’t know your situation more than the next person. These people exist in every facet of life, but you must turn around and walk away from these toxic individuals.

These are the type of people who seem to have all the answers, and they’re never wrong. They make you feel like you want to pull your hair out and punch a hole in the wall but steer clear of them. The “know it all” type is never fun to spend an evening with, let alone be in a romantic relationship.

6. Conversational Narcissists

Is there anything worse than someone who dominates and hogs a conversation? You’re trying to explain things in your life and what’s going on, and the whole time they keep interrupting you to talk about their details. The fine art of conversation is something that some people will never get a knack for.

The conversational narcissists can’t imagine that anything you have to say could be more critical than the happenings in their life. They believe the sun and the moon revolve around their being, so this self-absorbed person is quite complicated to handle.

7. Jealous Individuals

It’s normal and healthy to have a little bit of jealousy in a relationship. According to an article on Psych Central, it’s also expected when you’re in love. However, the green-eyed monster can rear its ugly head and give you a lot of trouble.

These people are a different breed, as they can make you feel insecure and reduce your self-worth. Their tactic is to make themselves feel better, and the only way they can do this is to make you feel like trash.

Someone who is a true friend will never be jealous of your accomplishments in life. They will be happy for what you gain, and they will be by your side cheering you on. If you encounter someone who seems to hate everything you do and achieve in life, run the other way.

Do you need their dark shadow of negativity hanging over you? Don’t let the jealous person rob your happiness and make you miserable.

8. The Chronic Pessimist

Of all the people on this list, the constantly pessimistic people in life will rob your happiness quicker than anyone. This person dwells in negativity, and you won’t hear anything positive come out of their mouth. When someone lives in pessimism, it tends to cause depression.

This person may suffer from hopelessness, and it can be mentally draining on you. Keep in mind that there’s an acceptable amount of negativity that you can encounter without affecting you too much. Still, when someone hides behind such negative emotions, they don’t enjoy all the beauty around them.

Life is not a dark and ominous thing, but this person will do anything to steal your joy to bring you down to their depressive level. Will you let them rob your happiness?

9. Gossipers Will Rob Your Happiness

Gossipers are two-faced individuals. Remember that if they’re talking about someone else to you, then they’re telling your problems to someone else. Gossipers are pros at pulling people down to their level, and they often have malicious intentions.

They can act like the nicest person in the world, but as soon as you turn your back, they will stick the knife in it. You don’t need someone pretending to be your friend, as life is too short to mess with fake folks.

Final Thoughts on Staying Clear of People Who Rob Your Happiness

Do you recognize any of these toxic people in your life? These are the folks that will rob your happiness and cause you a great deal of pain. If you want to be happy and fulfilled, you must surround yourself with an inner circle that sees the glass as half full rather than half empty.

It’s challenging to stay away from toxic people when they’re your family, neighbors, and friends you’ve had for years. However, you need to cut the ties to these folks if you value your sanity. These folks like to create problems and complicated situations no matter where they are at.

15 Ways to Deal With a Co-worker Who Never Admits Fault

August 9, 2021 by Power of Positivity

When something happens in the workplace it usually ends up being someone’s fault. But of all the people that you will encounter, the most troublesome one is the individual who will never admit they’re wrong.

How do you handle a person who refuses to admit they are at fault? It can be a real problem when there is an office full of people who always have the blame shifted their way. This problematic colleague can ruin your workday, and they can cause relationship problems on the job.

Tips on Dealing with Those Who Won’t Accept Fault

The natural response to this conundrum would be to avoid this person, but that isn’t always possible. What if you work in a small department, and they are intertangled in your workday? What is the best way to deal with a toxic individual who will never admit fault? Here are some suggestions.

1. Don’t Judge

It’s easy to take a high position when you feel that someone is in the wrong. However, remember your parents telling you never to judge a book by their cover? The problem with being judgmental is that you may not know that whole story.

Before you jump to conclusions and start assuming the worst, you shouldn’t pass judgment on this person. After some investigation and proof, then you can consider your lofted position. However, there may be something underneath the surface that is causing this person to act this way.

They may not be out to get you or any other employee. Instead, they may be trying to protect themselves. The psychological aspects of these situations cannot be ignored.

2. Talk to Them Privately

If they are lying and it affects you, then it might be time to call this toxic individual out on their behaviors. Again, it’s easy to jump to conclusions, but you might find that the situation is different than you could have ever imagined.

Everyone has a chance to defend themselves, even in a court of law. At least talk to the person and let them know how their inability to accept fault is wearing on you. Don’t speak for others in this meeting. Only say the part about their behaviors that affects you.

3. Get to the Bottom of the Situation

You know that things are never as they seem. You need to call out specific instances and ask them to explain their actions. Let’s assume that they messed up on an order form for supplies, but they are fully aware they did it.

They might have only claimed ignorance because if they got one more write up, they would be fired. You may find that even though their actions are toxic, they had logical thinking. It’s still no reason to lie, but at least they weren’t being malicious and trying to get others in trouble. They were trying to cover their mistake.

4. Ask Someone They Trust to Talk to Them

If their actions affect the workplace, you may ask one of their friends to talk to them. Do they have anyone that they can trust? The person could be stuck in such a negative pattern of blaming others that they don’t even realize what they are doing.

Having someone in a trustworthy position talk to them could be what they need to set them on the right path.

5. File a Written Complaint

If you’ve done everything you can to live with the situation and can’t, then it’s time to use your chain of command. Most companies want you to put any issues in writing for them to investigate further.

A written complaint may cause disciplinary action. However, if they are doing things that are going to cause you to get into trouble, you need to speak up. This kind of toxic person will stop at nothing to keep the fault off them and put it on someone else.

6. Talk to Your Supervisor

Asking the advice of your supervisor is always a good idea. If you’re not comfortable putting things in a written complaint, you can talk to your superior without mentioning names. They can give you advice on how you should handle situations according to company standards.

7. Cultivate Compassion

One of the main reasons you should never jump to conclusions is because you don’t know that person’s past. What if they were an abused child who grew up in horrible conditions?

It’s common that someone who doesn’t want to admit fault has a damaged psyche and cannot accept blame. The formative years teach you patterns that can last with you for life. They may feel like that child who is going to get in trouble and be beaten or belittled.

Since you don’t know what’s going on in their mind, then it’s best to use compassion first before a gavel of judgment.

8. Step Aside

Sometimes, the best thing for you to do is to step aside. If you already have drama going on in your life and don’t need to borrow any trouble, let someone else handle it. If this person’s actions don’t directly affect you, then make the people that it does affect fight the battle.

9. Let it Go

Letting go is such a hard thing to do. If this person has been this way since they started at your company, then the chances are that you will not change them. Rather than focusing on this negative aspect of your job, just ignore it. If you notice these toxic behaviors, then others will see them too.

10. Offer Help

As we’ve already discussed, you don’t know what’s going on in this person’s mind. Rather than being the judge, why not offer a helping hand? It could be that they won’t accept fault because they are struggling on the job. If you offer to help them in the areas they are struggling in, it could be a win-win situation.

11. Stage an Intervention

Have you ever seen an intervention for someone who is messing with drugs or alcohol? There’s nothing that says you cannot stage an intervention with this coworker. Gather a few of the other coworkers together and sit down and talk to them.

It’s hard to deny allegations when there are several people there to back up the claims. Also, make the purpose of the meeting to help and not tear them down.

12. Write a Letter

Some people feel that it’s easier to put their thoughts into written form than to talk face-to-face. Also, a letter can allow you to say what you need to say and keep you calm.

You can take the chance to call them out on their actions, but you don’t even need to put your name at the bottom of it. If you want to remain anonymous, then you can simply sign if from a concerned coworker.

13. Ask to Transfer to a New Department

If you’re at the boiling point with this person and their inability to accept fault, you can ask to move departments. If you work for a large company, there may be an opportunity for you to move around.

You may find that you would like to move away from this toxic person and their lying ways. However, be careful because these kinds of people exist in all facets of the workplace.

14. Make Sure You’re Never Alone with This Person

When you’re with a toxic person, you must always have a witness close by. If they tend to blame others for their actions or faults, you want someone close to you to say what happened. When you know that a person tends to be toxic, you know you need to take steps to protect yourself.

15. Move On

Though it’s a drastic step, it may be time to leave the company. If there are no departments to move around to, the supervisors don’t listen to your complaints, or if the person is in a position of leadership, then it may be time to go.

You can’t fight a toxic work environment, and you don’t want it to all come crashing down on you. If the situation directly involves you and could cause you to get canned, then move on. You were looking for a job when you found that one, and there will be another job out there for you.

Final Thoughts on Dealing with Those Who Refuse to Admit Fault

In some respects, you probably feel like a child when you’re dealing with an adult that cannot admit when they’ve done something wrong. It doesn’t matter if you’ve caught them red-handed, these people will lie, manipulate, and blame you.

The fifteen tips listed above can help you learn to deal with these people. However, it would be best if you were careful about which ones to use as each situation is different. Even if you decide to jump ship, remember that whenever you go in life, there will always be those toxic individuals who are eager to shift the blame to you. Learning how to deal with them is a better approach.

22 Red Flags Your Partner Doesn’t Care About Your Emotional Needs

August 7, 2021 by Deborah Tayloe

There’s nothing easy about relationships; however, certain things are deal-breakers when it comes to your emotional needs. Would you acknowledge red flags if they were waving right in front of your face?

You have two choices, you can either work on the issues in the relationship, or you can move on and find someone who isn’t so toxic.

22 Signs Your Partner Doesn’t Care About Your Emotional Needs

Do you know the signs of a toxic relationship? How would you gauge the health of you and your partner’s connection? Here are some signs that your emotional needs are in danger.

1. There’s an Overall Lack of Respect

You can tell a lack of respect when you speak, as they tend to roll their eyes, sigh heavily, or seem detached from the conversation. Your voice has no importance to them, and they make it known. They don’t care about your views, thoughts, or feelings.

2. There’s Never Any Compliments or Praise

Even if you get a new haircut and a makeover, they won’t throw a compliment your way. In fact, they may be down on you and often request changes, but when you put forth an effort, they won’t commend you on it.

3. They Encourage A Disconnect Between Family and Friends

Someone who is not caring for your emotional needs will encourage you to separate from family or friends. They don’t want anyone from the outside interfering with the toxic situation they have going on. They know they’re not doing you right, so they want to make sure that they separate you from those that might encourage you to leave.

4. They’re Demanding of Your Time

They’re very controlling of your time. The typical narcissist is very demanding and wants to know your schedule every minute of every day. Forget trying to have a social life as they want all your free time spent with them.

5. They Force Intimacy on You

The emotional abuser can be aggressive in the bedroom. They don’t consider your boundaries, and they will force themselves on you to meet their needs. They don’t care if you have a headache or are sick, as it’s all about them and what they desire.

6. They Monitor Your Spending

Emotional manipulation often comes with many other facets, like making you ask for money. Even if you earn a paycheck, you better not spend anything without their approval. One way of limiting you and your emotions is by controlling your finances.

7. They Call You Names When They’re Mad

Verbal abuse may not leave physical marks, but its damage is just as bad. Someone who calls you names and puts you down when you’re arguing is not the right person for you. Your partner should lift you and make you feel better about yourself.

8. They’re Very Secretive

While they want to know every little detail about your life, they are very secretive about theirs. Their control tactics are to put the focus on you and to take it from them. They can have a life you don’t know about, but you must be transparent.

9. They Push Moral Boundaries

If they know you have things you don’t like, such as smoking and drinking, they won’t respect you enough to keep it out of the home. Any boundaries you have, they will try to plow through to show who is in charge.

10. They’ve Cheated on You or Past Relationships

Part of your emotional needs requires someone to be faithful. If they’ve been unfaithful to you in the past and had issues in previous relationships, then it can cause some significant turmoil. Remember a tiger don’t change their stripes, and cheaters are usually repeat offenders.

11. They Refuse to Apologize

No matter how wrong they are, they will never apologize to you. They have a superior view of themselves, which means they won’t demean their authority by admitting they’re wrong. This person is impossible to deal with in an argument.

12. Guilt Trips Are Commonplace

This person is not above using guilt to get their way. They will put you on a guilt trip and make you feel inadequate to do what they want. Their manipulation tactics can be subtle or blatant.

13. They Make You Feel Inadequate

In their eye, you can’t do anything right. Even cooking makes you walk on eggshells because it seems like you can’t do anything to please them.

14. They Won’t Make the Relationship Public

Another big issue that can play into your emotional need is the desire for validation. Someone who won’t commit to you can make you feel horrible. There’s nothing worse than being stuck in the “friend zone” when you want to take things to another level.

15. The Demand Passwords to Social Media and Email Accounts

It’s not that they don’t trust you, but they know that they’re less than honorable with their accounts. They want you to tell them all your passwords so that they can monitor your every move. The Pew Research Center did a study in 2014 on sharing passwords.

They found that 67 percent of married couples choose to share passwords for transparency. However, it can be an infringement of your boundaries if you don’t wish to share this information.

16. Their Insecurities Dictate Your Life

They make their insecurities part of your life. For instance, they may constantly accuse you of cheating on them, or they may be very suspicious of your every move. Usually, when someone is crazy jealous, it’s because they have something to hide.

17. They Hold a Double Standard

While they expect you to live by one set of rules, they live by another. There is no consistency in the relationship, as they expect far more out of you than they’re willing to give. This is nothing but an emotional roller coaster ride.

18. They’re Mean to Family or Friends

You can always tell a lot about a person by the way they treat their parents. How do they speak to their mom and dad, and if they’re rude to them, you can’t expect them to be nice to yours? Additionally, it may not be that they don’t like your friends and family, but it has more to do with wanting to control who you’re around.

19. The Communication is Terrible

Communication is one of the foundational building blocks that people use to strengthen their union. You must communicate to ensure you’re on the same page. However, your communication with each other is lackluster, and it’s hard to know where you stand with them at times.

20. You Can’t Trust Them

It’s a big issue if there is no trust in your relationship. As much as you want to trust them, there’s just something in the pit of your stomach that feels off. A study was conducted and posted on the Journal of Neuroscience.

The vagus nerve runs from the stomach to the brain, and much research is going into the gut-brain connection. However, could these gut instincts be triggers of anxiety that your body knows something isn’t right. According to this study, it’s entirely possible that the feeling in your gut might be a response to your intuitive side, which is located in the right hemisphere of the brain.

21. They Lie

You can’t trust a liar. If they lie to you once, there are probably 100 other lies that you don’t know about. They can keep you in an emotional upheaval with their inability, to be honest.

22. They’ve Physically Hurt You

There is never, ever a reason for anyone to put their hands on you. If they do it one time, they will do it again. The classic abuser hits and then feels sorry and promises the moon or buys an expensive gift. Don’t fall for this type of abuse.

If you let them get by with hitting you or any other kind of abuse, then you’re going to be in an emotional and physical upheaval as long as this relationship persists.

Final Thoughts on Emotional Needs Being Unmet

Your emotional needs are just as important as your physical ones. A partner doesn’t have to be toxic or abusive not to meet these needs either. You can have 101 things going right in your relationship, but it can be miserable if you lack a few areas.

Perhaps you have a great relationship where you respect one another, and there is true love, but you feel emotionally bankrupt. It doesn’t always mean that the person you’re with is terrible; it just means that they’re not suitable for you. You need someone who completes you and makes you feel loved and respected in all manners within the relationship.

You don’t have to settle for someone less than perfect for you just because they look good on your arm. Find someone that treats you like the king or queen you are, and you will find someone that makes your life and your emotions easier to handle.

5 Reasons Always to Trust Your Gut Feelings

August 7, 2021 by Deborah Tayloe

Have you ever made a quick judgment or decision based on a gut feeling? That small, still voice often defies reasoning; sometimes, you don’t know why. Nevertheless, your intuition aims to protect and guide you on a mental and spiritual level.

Although most people have intuition, it’s often difficult to describe it, says a study published by Frontiers in Psychology. Drs. Leiszle R. Lapping-Car and Christopher L. Heavy’s research found that not everyone has an inner voice. Some may only discern symbols, while others have language and symbols. It’s a way you “feel” about something without having prior knowledge.

How does your heart speak to you? Is it the same soft voice that you hear in your mind when you’re reading to yourself? Maybe you’ve known this intuitive gift since you were a child. Or, perhaps you’re unsure and want to become more familiar with that inner connection.

Whether that internal nudge is in the form of language or symbols, you’ve probably experienced it at least one time in your life. Have you ever met a person for the first time, and you instantly were repelled? They may have seemed perfectly lovely, but your gut told you that something wasn’t right about them.

That Feeling in Your Gut

As a triune being, your body, mind, and spirit connect inherently. When one is affected, the other two are also affected, be it positive or negative. So, your entire body will tune in to your internal conversation.

According to an article published by Dr. Emeran A. Mayer for the National Review of Neuroscience, there’s a reason we get these intuitive feelings in the pit of our stomachs. Emeran explains that your gut flora works in tandem with your brain in a system called the enteric nervous system. This interaction is related to higher cognition functions and possibly intuitive decisions.

It makes sense that your inner voice and your gut feelings work together for your well-being. Intuition also intertwines with your spiritual being. People who claim to have psychic abilities often describe them as sensitive to their intuition on a spiritual plane.

Intuition as an Unseen Blessing

Have you ever canceled plans to go on a trip or an event because you had an unexplained feeling? Countless people have experienced the exact intuitive directions and were glad they did. For some, following their intuition probably saved their life.

An article published by the Smithsonian shares a spine-tingling example. Legendary financier J.P. Morgan was a registered passenger for the Titanic’s maiden voyage in 1912. Instead of going, Morgan decided to stay one more day in France. Did Morgan receive an intuitive warning that saved him from one of the worst ship disasters in modern times?

Only the Universe knows what heartache and catastrophes you may have dodged in the past because you were sensitive to your heart’s voice. Some instances you soon recognized after the fact. Is there anything to this intuitive skill, or is it purely coincidence?

How Do You Recognize Your Intuition?

Have you ever reflected on a decision or judgment you made because you “felt” it was the thing to do? Then, you have a head start in understanding how your inner voice works. It doesn’t always stand up to reasoning.

Many people have a butterfly tingling in their stomach that either encourages them or serves as a warning. Others hear that small, gentle voice or see a symbol that’s instantly familiar in their minds. Maybe you’re one of the thousands who receive both intuitive sensations without warning.

The Psychic Link

Those who link their intuition with supposed psychic abilities divide these feelings according to their senses. Seeing symbols or actions before they happen is called clairvoyance or to see clearly. Clairaudience is a gift where someone hears what the spirit is saying, so it’s connected to your inner voice.

If you have clairsentience, you are so empathetic to other’s feelings that you experience them yourself. Maybe the one you’re most familiar with is claircognizance when you know something without prior knowledge.

These are spiritual definitions that many people use to describe your intuitive nature. Some people have a heightened sense of intuition, while others rarely have it. You may register anywhere on this internal spectrum.

Five Reasons Why You Should Follow Your Gut Instincts

Even the staunchest critics can’t explain the remarkable accuracy of some people’s gut feelings. Of course, we are human, and intuition can make mistakes. Doing research and making informed decisions crucial in your life is always a good idea.

However, there’s no disclaiming how countless people worldwide have listened to their inner voice and were glad they did. The more familiar you become with your intuition and using it, the more you’ll trust it. Here are five reasons why learning how to trust your gut feelings may be beneficial.

1. It Can be Your Internal Alarm System

We’ve all met new people along the way who triggered an alarm in our minds. Although they seem normal and nothing is obvious, your gut tells you to beware of these folks. Sometimes, you later discover it was only a wrong first impression and realize the new acquaintance is acceptable.

Nevertheless, evolution has equipped humans with an internal warning system for survival. Maybe there was something wrong about this person that you saw subconsciously. It’s better to be safe than sorry and listen to your gut.

The same thing applies to other decisions in your life. It could be a warning if you don’t feel right about something. You are connected to the spiritual realm that is gently guiding you. The Universe has your best interests at heart.

2. Listen to Your Body

Your body is one of the most precise engineering works in the Universe. It stands to reason that it would warn you of any imbalances or threats to your health. Every cell in your body is working together for optimal health. They often speak to you with pain or other strange sensations to get your attention.

While healthcare professionals never recommend that you self-diagnose according to your gut feelings, it’s a red flag that you should seek medical attention. Be your own most assertive advocate and talk candidly with your healthcare provider about your feelings and sensations.

3. The Positive Side of Intuition

The good news is that not all of your gut feelings are geared toward negativity or ominous warnings. Are you one of those who found your soulmate by listening to your heart? Your inner voice may often motivate you to do something new that’s worth the risk.

Intuition and creativity often combine to produce some of the most incredible art, literature, music, and inventions. The discovery of theories and laws in science and medicine started with a hypothesis or a “hunch.” When you learn to trust your inner voice, there’s no telling how your creativity may flourish.

4. You May Cope with Change Better

If we all had a choice, nobody would want change. It brings you out of your comfort zone and drives up your anxiety. However, change is necessary if you continue to grow, learn, and even live. The Universe is in a constant flux of change.

Listening to your heart may help you with these unpleasant feelings. Keeping the status quo at work may be fine, but what if your inner voice calls for a change? If you silence that voice, you may miss a lifetime opportunity.

Your gut feelings can also help you stay afloat during loss and despair. When everything negative is coming against you, it’s that gentle voice that encourages you to endure. The internal cheerleader says, “You can make it,” and “This also shall pass.”

5. It May Keep You Connected with Others

Do you connect spiritually with your lover, family, and friends? Maybe you’ve heard the plethora of stories about these bonds that transcend distance, time, and some even say death. Have you ever had an overwhelming sense that your loved one was in trouble, only to find out later that they were at that time?

The same phenomenon is often described when parents can “feel” the same pain as their children feel miles away. Although some experts may scoff, you know for yourself when you’ve experienced this internal communication.

Have you heard the phone ring and instinctively knew who was calling? These heart-to-heart connections also use your inner voice. Just because it’s unexplainable doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist for you.

Final Thoughts about Trusting Your Gut Feelings

Sometimes, you need more than reasoning for crucial decisions in your life. Don’t discount the fact that your intuition also plays a substantial role. You may not understand how it works, but you can see how it can benefit your life when you learn to trust it.

9 Ways to Help Recover From Jaundice and Support Liver Health

August 7, 2021 by Chris Butler

When you hear the medical term jaundice, you probably think of a newborn baby. However, this condition can happen to adults, too, especially those that have liver issues. Have you ever seen someone’s skin or eyes turn a shade of yellow when they’re sick or have cancer?

Jaundice is a condition where too much bilirubin builds up in the blood. Bilirubin is a substance that is an orangish-yellow color. It’s a pigment that occurs as your body breaks down red blood cells in your system.

The liver is responsible for taking this substance and turning it into bile so it can quickly be passed through your stool. When your levels are too high, it’s an indication that your liver cannot filter this waste as it’s not cleaning the blood. It can be caused by the cells breaking down at an unusual rate, or it can be generated from a sluggish liver.

Your skin, which is the largest organ in your body, will quickly show if your blood is becoming toxic from having too much bilirubin. Signs of this can indicate a condition like bile duct disease, among others. Hemolytic anemia is another severe medical disorder where the red blood cells your body makes are being destroyed faster than what the body can make them.

According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, your bilirubin blood levels should be no more than two to three milligrams per deciliter. If the bilirubin rises higher than this, then it will cause a significant change to your skin. The higher the levels, the darker the yellow pigment that’s released.

However, not all discolorations of the skin stem from jaundice. So it’s always best to consult with your primary care physician to find an actionable treatment plan before you proceed.

How Your Diet Affects Your Liver

When it comes to jaundice, your diet can be a contributing factor. Some foods are more accessible for the liver to digest than others. Recovery and prevention can have everything to do with your diet.

Since the liver oversees metabolizing the nutrients from your food and getting rid of the toxins in your blood, it has a significant responsibility. Everything you put in your mouth requires the liver to help the digestive system.

However, the things you ingest are metabolized differently, such as the nutrients and chemicals. So, some foods are more friendly to the liver than others. For instance, eating many foods with saturated fats, salt, and sugar can be troublesome for the liver.

Other troubling foods include alcohol and some medications that can damage the cells within this vital organ. If you have liver issues, you need to ensure you eat things that will help and not hinder your digestion, which will help the liver detoxify easier and won’t cause further damage.

Nine Healthy Ways to Recover from Jaundice

If you need some natural ways to help you with your liver issues, then you have the power to do many things. Here are the most helpful ideas to help the liver out and decrease bilirubin in your blood.

1. Hydrate

How many times have you heard that you need to drink more water? Water is necessary for every part of you, and it’s essential to organ function. When you drink water, it helps the body to flush toxins through the system. Being dehydrated from a lack of water is not what you want when there’s a buildup of toxins in your body.

2. Load Up on Fruits and Vegetables

Every fruit and vegetable out there has some sort of nutrients that your body needs. For instance, lemons are something that you could certainly use. While it’s acidic on the outside, inside, your body, it turns alkaline.

Lemons are known for their powerful ability to help flush toxins. According to The Alternative Daily, they can help regulate blood sugar levels as well as lower blood pressure. Lemons have been used for centuries to aid in weight loss and overall body health, as they’re a natural diuretic.

Other fruits to consider include strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries. These contain a good deal of fiber, and they’re more manageable for the liver to digest. Sorry, fruit juice just doesn’t have the same effect as eating raw, unprocessed fruits or veggies.

3. Avoid Alcohol

Did you know that alcohol is toxic to nearly all your internal bodily tissues? Is it any wonder that it can make medical issues with the liver worse? Numerous studies warn that drinking excessive alcohol can cause persistent inflammation, decrease your liver function, and even lead to conditions like lead to diseases like cirrhosis and fibrosis.

4. Pack In the Whole Grains

A study was conducted and posted on the National Library of Medicine. The participants had some sort of hepatic insufficiency. Eating a diet full of whole grains like wheat, barley, buckwheat, and oats brought a significant improvement in their liver enzymes. This research proves that consuming whole grains can help to heal the liver, which will ease jaundice.

5. Snack On Nuts and Legumes

Things like vitamin E and phenolic acid can help to boost liver production, and you can find these essential vitamins plentiful in nuts and legumes. Not only are they full of vitamins, but they’re also rich in antioxidants that your body needs to thrive. Plus, you have a rich source of fiber and healthy fats that can assist your entire system.

6. Avoid Raw or Undercooked Fish or Shellfish

Though you may love sushi, it’s best to avoid this and other raw fish when you have a liver issue. The issue with raw or undercooked fish is that it may have toxins that your body cannot handle in its already compromised state. Even worse, the toxins found in this fish could cause further issues in your liver and other parts of the digestive system.

Since your red blood cells are already compromised, bringing in something that has the potential to carry bacteria, parasites, and viruses is not a wise decision. Until your bilirubin number gets to the proper levels, avoid undercooked fish.

7. Load Up on Lean Proteins

If you love to eat fish, you can certainly eat any that is fully cooked. Also, anything with a high source of protein, such as tofu, and poultry can help. You should avoid red meat, as it’s known to cause more stress to the liver.

Pack in the salmon and mackerel, as they have oils in them that contain things that your body needs like zinc and omega-3s. Why are these oily fish so good for you? Well, they help to metabolize carbs and fatty acids in the body and prevent oxidative distress from free radicals.

In fact, the medical journal Gastroenterology Research and Practice published a study on this topic in 2016. They found that Omega-3s improved non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease with no side effects.

8. Get Out in The Sunshine

Hendrik Vreman, Ph.D. is a pediatric specialist at Stanford University. Phototherapy is an all-natural way to treat jaundice, and it’s a quite common condition that new parents have with their infants. However, you can still use this method as an adult.

The only word of caution is that you need to make sure it’s not direct sun. She recommends that you use outdoor canopies since these devices can filter out harmful ultraviolet rays, and they will protect you from skin cancer. They’ve done many studies on this condition with infants, and 93 percent respond well to phototherapy.

9. Eat Carrots

You know that beta-carotene is terrific for your eyes. But According to the National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, carrots deliver powerful benefits it has to the liver.

Additionally, it helps to build and strengthen your immunity. Just drink two glasses of pure carrot juice every day for two weeks, and you will see a dramatic improvement in your jaundice as well as your overall health.

Another benefit to carrots is that they help clean and repair damage in the liver, which can be dangerous and cause fatty liver, among other issues.

Final Thoughts on Healing Jaundice and Enjoying Better Liver Health

Mother Nature provides so many healing plants that can cure what ails you. The best part about treating with nature is there are no harmful side effects and worries of toxicity. From carrots to sugarcane and even grains, your body can use the vitamins and minerals in these plants to heal itself.

If you start seeing signs that your liver is not functioning correctly, you must take immediate steps to remedy the situation. According to research by Harvard Medical School, around 20 percent of the American population has fatty liver disease, or 90 million people, and many aren’t doing anything to treat it.

The liver is one of the few organs in your body that can repair itself, which is favorable if you have conditions like jaundice. If you make changes to your diet and overall lifestyle, you should see improvements in your liver function. Keep in mind that severe conditions like cancer and cirrhosis require different approaches as these are considered advanced issues.

Thankfully, there are many things you can do to treat an overproduction of bilirubin right at home.

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

Why Multi-tasking Does Not Work

Not Enough Context

Too Many Options

Checking Off Things Is More Motivation Than Doing Things

No Real Motivation

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!