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Awesome Guy Takes the Global Skimboarding Scene by Storm

July 22, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Adrien Raza is a professional skimboarder and four-time European Champion in the sport. Skimboarding is similar to skateboarding. Only participants glide over water instead of land. Adrien says the tricks in skimboarding also resemble those of skateboarding.

The skimboard is a thin wooden board that sort of looks like a miniature surfboard. As the name suggests, it skims lightly over the surface of the water as the athlete performs tricks.

Adrien says this about the sport:

“It was pretty much love at first sight, so as soon as I stepped on that skimboard for the first time, I was hooked. I knew I wanted to keep practicing this, I wanted to get good at it, and I did.”

Adrien first discovered the sport through his cousin one summer during his youth. Adrien was heavily involved in football at his school and spent many hours training. However, once his cousin let him try out his skimboard, he soon found a new obsession. Adrien felt skimboarding was more liberating than football, so he learned everything he could about the sport.

How Adrien Started Skimboarding

He spent hours watching YouTube videos of people skimboarding, trying to learn the basics. Once he’d practiced enough, he joined a skimboard group to pick up new tricks. The rest is history.

“So, the first time I stepped on a skimboard, I was maybe 12 or 13 years old, and I’m 25 now. So I’ve been doing this for most of my life,” Adrien says. “I think the freedom aspect of skimboarding is the most satisfying for me, and I’m not talking about the deep sense of freedom. It’s more, a skimboard is not very restrictive.”

Adrien skimboards pretty much anywhere, from city streets to backyard pools to beautiful beaches. He enjoys using his creativity in the sport and always keeps an eye out for new places to practice.

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Adrien takes the global skimboarding scene by storm.

In an interview with Red Bull, Adrien says there are three different types of skimboarding: flatland, wave, and urban. Flatland skimboarding takes place in shallow water, such as on flat beaches and in rivers. Wave skimboarding, as the name suggests, resembles surfing since it involves waves. Adrien lives in the Netherlands, so he doesn’t get to practice this form very often. His main focus is on urban skimboarding since he’s usually in big cities.

He stumbled upon urban skimboarding by accident, actually. During a visit to Taiwan, he didn’t have a car to get to the beach, so he improvised. He explored the city, looking for rails and ramps to perform tricks. There’s no shortage of places to practice in the bustling centers of Taiwan, as he quickly found out. While he does many of the same tricks, Adrien enjoys scoping out new places, as it feels like he’s rediscovering the sport each time.

Since the age of 16, Adrien has competed in small competitions in the Netherlands. He started getting the attention of people around the world. Eventually, He landed a sponsorship in the U.S. Adrien went there for a bigger competition and went on European tours each summer. Now, he’s a four-time European champion in skimboarding, something he’s very proud of.

He even got asked to perform tricks at a local skatepark in the Netherlands! You probably wouldn’t think of skimboarding at a place like that, but in Adrien’s mind, there are no limits. Of course, he’d never tried it before and didn’t know if it would work. He didn’t want to destroy the skatepark with the board, so he decided to do a few practice runs first.

Initially, it seemed difficult to skimboard at the location, but Adrien improvised and came up with a few ideas. Everything turned out well, according to his Instagram post. Here’s what he had to say about the experience:

“Huge shoutouts to @waalhalla for intentionally flooding their park. Absolute legends! We managed to clear out the flood and are already plotting for an improved way of doing it! Full video dropping soon!”

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A post shared by Adrien Raza (@adrienraza)

If a place has water, it looks like Adrien’s game for skimboarding it.

The fascinating history of skimboarding

Where did the idea of skimming the surface of the water on a wooden board come from, anyway? According to Surfer Today, it originated in Laguna Beach, California, around 1920. Lifeguards wanted to surf the shore breaks, but the water was too shallow for their surfboards.

So, they ended up building a small, round board using two planks of redwood and three strips of oak. The board was held together with machine screws and square nuts and was about five feet long. Fast forward a few decades and the design morphed into a much smaller, wider shaped board. This allowed for surfing waves and catching shore breaks more easily.

Now, people worldwide have gotten into the sport, practicing in rivers, lakes, ponds, and big cities. As Adrien explained, the sport has made it into the big leagues as well. In 1976, the first annual World Skimboard Championships were held at Aliso Beach, California. From that moment forward, it became a respected sport in the water sports community.

“Many of you have probably never heard of skimboarding, and that is really what I’m trying to push. I’m trying to bring awareness to skimboarding; I want more people to try it out and more people to feel that feeling I described before,” Adrien says.

Final thoughts on the guy who continues to make history with skimboarding

Skimboarding is much like surfing. Only it doesn’t require any particular wave or wind conditions. You can try this sport anywhere as long as you have shallow water and a board. That’s what Adrien loves about the sport – it’s versatile, flexible, and the opportunities are endless. Ultimately, the feeling he gets while skimboarding keeps him interested in the sport.

What started as a hobby led to a full-blown career, and he’s even won several major competitions in Europe. Adrien’s only 26, so he’s got many years ahead to break world records in skimboarding. Who knows where he’ll end up next, but we’re excited to keep following his journey.

Meet an Artist Exploring the Magical World of Linocut Printmaking

July 22, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

If you’ve never heard of linocut printmaking before, get ready to be amazed. It’s not only beautiful, but it is also very satisfying to watch someone make this type of art.

Linocut, also called linoleum cut, involves cutting a design onto a piece of linoleum using various blades or chisels. Next, the artist spreads a thin layer of printing ink onto the surface. Finally, he or she lays a piece of paper on top, applying pressure, so the drawing transfers onto the paper. In addition, you may also try using the services from Main Graphics Commercial Printing, which offer an array of printing services using the latest technology.

Alternatively, the artist may use a printing press to make this step easier. Most artists also use a tool such as a brayer or foam roller to smooth out the ink. Since the paper offers a smooth surface, the linoleum doesn’t add any texture to the drawing. This technique is a variation of woodcutting, and it offers several advantages to the latter process.

Since linoleum lacks directional grain and doesn’t split off like wood, it can create a greater variety of artistic effects. It’s easier to cut and provides more textural appeal than woodcuts. By placing it in the sun or heating it before use, the material becomes even softer and more pliable for cutting. Since it’s so user-friendly, it’s suitable for detailed prints of all sizes.

History of linocut printing

A British rubber manufacturer, Fredrick Walton, first invented linoleum in 1860. He wanted a cheaper product for his business and found that oxidized linseed oil provided the answer. When you heat up linseed oil, it thickens and becomes rubbery. Next, it’s pressed onto a mesh of coarse threads to help hold it together in layers of sheets.

When artists heard of the linoleum invention, they also found it provided a cheap, easy canvas for printing. The linocut process first came about in the 20th century. Historians believe its origins can be traced to German Expressionists in the early 1880s. A few decades later, Russian Constructivist artists began using linocut, and it also started appearing in the UK.

Picasso, one of the most famous and renowned artists in history, produced his first linocuts in 1939. He kept making them into the early 1960s and even invented a new form called reduction linocuts. This involves a piece of linoleum being used multiple times in one print and recut after each color gets printed.

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Linoleum art appeared in the U.S. in 1911, displayed in New York City by Czech immigrant Vojtěch Preissig. In his books on linocuts, American printmaker Pedro Joseph de Lemos introduced simpler methods for art schools. He also created new techniques for color prints, including the printing of the key block first. American artist Walter Inglis Anderson created the first large color linocuts, which hung in the Brooklyn Museum in 1949. Today, many street artists practice linocut printmaking all over the world.

Meet Emil, a linocut printmaker extraordinaire

Emil got into this unique art form after taking a class on how to linocut. Ever since, he’s been obsessed with it, creating works such as beautiful, old buildings or inspiring nature scenes. He’s always coming up with new ideas and truly enjoys the process. To him, it’s an outlet for expression as well as a form of therapy.

“To me, art is self-expression; art is the thing that you can’t help yourself [from] doing. Art is going against the fear that what you are doing is not good enough.”

He goes on to say,

“Art is believing in yourself and trusting what you are doing is good enough.”

“I started making linocuts about three years ago. I’ve only ever taken one class. Otherwise I’m self-taught. Like a lot of people, I’ve been drawing my whole life, but I never really knew what to do with these drawings. Then I found linocut printmaking, and I’ve been exploring that technique ever since.”

He says that old buildings and the intricate ornamentation and architecture on them greatly inspire him. Emil also loves carving nature scenes into the linocuts. Leaves and flowers are some of his favorites, and he incorporates them into his work often.

“I’m most excited about seeing the first print being pulled from the block. Like that moment when you see your hard work for the first time is truly magical. I find myself holding my breath every time that happens. Seeing a piece as I pull it off the block for the first time is quite amazing,” he says.

Many people turn to art as an outlet and method of expressing themselves. Emil feels that without linocut, a piece of himself would be missing, so it’s very important to him. The passion and love he has for the technique show in his imaginative, elaborate pieces. If you’d like to check out more of his work, please visit his website. He offers several inspiring prints and even T-shirts for sale.

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“I don’t really know what my piece has to say, but I show myself in the pieces that I make. My vulnerability is in my fears and my passions. The pieces are, in a way, a mirror of myself,” Emil says. “I create because that’s the only way that I can feel true to myself. I can’t live without it, and I’m constantly thinking about upcoming pieces, constantly drawing and making prints, and I feel empty not doing it. So, I have to. I make art in the service of myself.”

Final thoughts on the artist who makes amazing linocut prints

Linocut printing may look complicated, but with practice, anyone can master this unusual art form. Linoleum may not look impressive to some, but Picasso and other artists throughout history saw its potential. Today, people like Emil use it to make masterpieces using only a few tools such as chisels and paint.

The finished product looks much like a woodcut piece, only smoother and colorful, in some cases. Artists have always seen the world through a different lens, and Emil is no different. Some people look a linoleum as flooring for their homes, while others see it as a canvas for a story yet to be told.

These 10 Simple Habits Restore Happiness and Joy

July 21, 2021 by Kristen Butler

Have the cares of life beaten you down until the point where you feel you can’t get up again? Do you long to feel happiness and joy and look forward to living your life? Thankfully, some simple habits can bring back the pleasure and contentment you desire.

Karen was a mother of four who lived for her family. She was married for 15 years to a man she adored. One day, her husband left her for another woman, and she was left to raise the children alone. Her once perfect suburbia life turned into a nightmare.

Not only was she struggling to take care of the children, but she worked full time and needed to run the household. Everyone around her noticed a difference in her overall demeanor. She didn’t smile anymore, and she always looked like she was running on empty.

Karen decided that she has wallowed in her self-pity and shame long enough. She found that by incorporating some simple habits into her life, she could get back everything stolen from her by the cares of life. Though this story is hypothetical, can you relate to it?

Has your life become so busy and chaotic that it’s ruling you? You can take charge and change things. Yes, it’s possible to smile even when your world is falling apart.

Simple Habits to Restore Your Joy

An old hymn written by Horatio Gates Spafford demonstrates how life can take you to the brink of destruction, but you have the human power within you to rise above it. Spafford lived in Chicago with his wife Anna and his four daughters.

He was a successful lawyer and part of a large firm in the city. However, in 1871, the great fires of Chicago turned the town to ashes, and he was broke. After cleaning up the mess and rebuilding, his family left the city for a vacation in England.

According to Phillips Library Finding Aids, they set sail on the S.S. Ville du Havre. Spafford was going to finish some business, and he would follow later to meet them. On November 21, 1873, the ship collided with a British vessel causing the boat to sink. Tragically, there were 226 people killed aboard this ship, and this included his four children.

Anna, his wife, was picked up by a carrier boat, and she made it to England. With no way to call him and let him know what happened, she sent a telegram that said, “Saved Alone.” He immediately rushed to his wife’s side, and as they embraced and grieved the loss of their children, he wrote the song “It Is Well with My Soul.”

The words of this hymn are life-changing when you consider the inspiration behind it. How powerful to think that losing almost your entire family could birth something as beautiful as a song that talks about peace like a river.

Ten Simple Habits That Can Bring Back Your Joy

What could the sad times in your life help you to bring to fruition? Here are some simple habits that can help you to restore your joy.

1. Give Back

The Golden Rule states that it’s always better to give to someone than to receive. You don’t know true joy until you give to someone who is in need. It’s also hard to worry about your troubles when you’re helping someone worse off.

Sure, your heart may be broken, and life hasn’t been kind, but do you have a roof over your head, clothes on your back, and a car to drive? There are so many people much worse off than you, and giving back to those folks can help remind you of your purpose.

2. Be Grateful for What You Have

Do you have an attitude of gratitude? Many people act like the Universe owes them something. You’re blessed beyond measure, and it’s time you start being thankful for your blessings. While you may not live in a million-dollar mansion and drive a $100,000 car, you still have a home and car to call your own.

Changing your attitude can change your entire outlook on everything. When you have an attitude of gratitude, it puts a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Things could always be so much worse than they are, but you still receive abundant blessings.

3. Keep A Manifestation Journal

If you don’t journal or keep a diary, it’s time to get started. However, there’s a new radical type of journal that has everyone buzzing. Rather than just writing random thoughts, why not write the things you want to see manifest in your life?

For instance, if you want to see yourself with a new job or a new home within the next five years, manifest it in this book. You can use it as a guide to set both short-term and long-term goals for you and your family.

4. Practice Self-Love

Did you know that self-love is essential for your overall happiness? According to the Simi Psychological Group, things like maintaining happy relationships, taking time out from the stressors of the day, and putting yourself first, can have a dramatic impact on your overall wellbeing.

5. Learn It’s Okay Not to Be Okay

Too many people beat themselves up when they feel they fail. You know what, everyone has disappointments. It’s not the falling that matters so much as the getting back up and going again part.

It would help if you learned that it’s okay not to be okay, life will change, and the entire world will be different in a couple of months. Chances are you won’t even remember the troubles you face today as they will be long gone.

6. Learn To Ask for Help

Do you overwhelm yourself because you don’t know when to ask for help? You can feel overwhelmed at work or home. If you need your spouse to do the dishes or take out the trash because you’re exhausted, don’t be afraid to ask.

It’s better than letting the trash pile up in the corner and then getting into an argument because you feel like you shoulder the burden.

7. Buy Yourself Small Gifts

It would help if you spoiled yourself on occasion. It would be best if you bought yourself little gifts or splurge a bit on yourself. Of course, you know how it always feels great to get a new outfit or something extraordinary that can lift your spirits.

8. Limit Social Media

While you might think it’s silly to limit your time on social media as that’s your way to connect with the world, it’s not always a positive experience. You see people taking pictures and posting the good stuff, but you don’t see all the behind-the-scenes scary stuff.

Social media has become a way for people to hide behind a façade and portray the perfect family. If you’re already having issues with your level of happiness, then watching everyone else’s seemingly perfect life isn’t going to help. You need to follow more inspirational stuff like Ted Talks and sites like The Moth.

Here, you will find people who overcome the unthinkable and testify to others about how they made it.

9. Learn To Say “No.”

This is a big one! So many people are afraid to use the word “no” unless it’s their children. As an adult, you must learn when to say that your plate is too full, and you can’t possibly take on one more thing.

Telling your boss “no” might not be the best move, but you can tell them that you’re overwhelmed and want to do a good job and know you cannot. Sometimes, enough is enough, and you must know when you’ve reached your maximum capacity.

10. Get A Hobby

A hobby is a fun way to connect with other people and get some great exercise. There are tons of sports that you can get involved in to help with your fitness and playtime. You can choose from things like bowling, pickleball, hiking, basketball, crafting, water sports like kayaking, and a hundred other things. The key is to get out there and have some fun.

Final Thoughts on Simple Habits to Bring Back Happiness

There’s no way around the bad times in life. The good news is that in Psalm 30:5, you will find that passage that says: “Weeping may remain for the night, but joy is coming in the morning.” Whatever you’re going through that has destroyed your happiness can be fixed.

If you suffer from panic or anxiety, which is common when you deal with a lack of happiness, you know it’s worse in the evening. Many people who have mental illness notice how much more challenging it is at nighttime. However, the good news is that joy will come in the morning.

It would be best if you got through the night season of your life, but the sun will shine tomorrow. Using some of these simple habits to change your mindset and handle life, you can alter yourself for good. Life is never going to be perfect, and there will always be storms.

However, you’ve got to stop focusing on all the things that are so bad and start seeing all the good that’s around you. Change your pessimistic mindset to optimism, and you and everyone around you will notice the difference. What simple habits from this article will you use?

15 Things That Prove You Have a Soul Connection With Someone

July 21, 2021 by Deborah Tayloe

Do you believe in soulmates? Is there that one particular person that completes you and is your other half? You might call this a soul connection.

According to a study conducted by Marist Poll, 80 percent of folks under the age of thirty believe there is one person for you.

It’s hard to understand a sole connection, especially when someone has been through a divorce. Is it possible to have two soulmates, and what does that mean about the first failed relationship? The misconceptions abound, especially considering what a soulmate is and what it isn’t.

The good news is that there is no right or wrong answer to the vast number of questions regarding soul connections, and the term can mean something different to each person. However, many are skewed by the view of soulmates they see from television and movies.

It would help if you reminded yourself that life isn’t like those Hollywood productions. A soulmate is the missing half of your person, such as something that goes together like socks and shoes.

What would peanut butter be without jelly, or how does one have bologna without cheese? Your connection seems as natural as these common pairings.

What Is a Soulmate?

According to Psychic Lessons, a soul mate is someone who is your true love. This person shares similar energy with you, as well as likes and interests. Some folks believe that the Universe created this person for the express purpose of completing you.

Your soul connection may come to you to help remind you of why you’re here on Earth and your purpose. They can help awaken a fire in you and help you live each day to the fullest. When you meet this person, it can stir things deep inside you that allow you to reconnect with your spiritual side and the essence of your being.

Misconceptions About Soulmates

One of the biggest misconceptions among people is that a soulmate must be a romantic interest. While often they’re someone you fall in love with, they don’t have to be a lover. Many people naturally fall for the person they have a soul connection with because of the intense association.

Another thing to consider is that soul connections don’t have to last forever, such as marriage. Sometimes, people come into your life to teach you lessons, awaken something in you, and then they move on. This probably doesn’t sound like the stuff that dreams are made of, but few people come into your life and stay for eternity.

On the contrary, the intense connection between two people can be too deep, and you must release it. However, there are a few cases where this person will be bound to you for life. Regardless of whether you’re together in person, the love between you both will never die.

Soulmates have this innate way of touching the most profound areas of your life, and their love, compassion, kindness, and memories will stay with you all your days. Even if they go their separate way, they’ve made a lasting impression.

Do You Have a Soul Connection?

Have you ever wondered if you have a soulmate? You must understand that it can be a romantic or a friendship-based relationship.

This person gets you on a level that most don’t, and they’re always there for you when the chips are down. Here are some ways to discover if you have such a connection with another human being.

1. It’s Intense Between You Two

Your connection is so intense that it’s almost frightening. You could never hide anything from this person or lie, as they could pick up on the deception in a minute. Actually, you wouldn’t want to lie to them, as trust is a big part of what makes you two click.

2. You Finish Each Other’s Sentences

Since you know how each other will react, you can finish each other’s sentences with ease. You don’t even have to think twice about what they will say. Others around you marvel at watching you two converse.

3. They’ve Awaken Gifts and Talents You Didn’t Know You Had

This person brings out a side of you that you never knew existed. They’ve made you a different person, but all your changes have been for the better. You can’t imagine life before them, nor do you want to.

4. The Attraction Between the Two of You Was Instant

It was like something written in the stars as the connection you two felt when you first met was kismet. There’s no doubt there the part of you that’s been missing. You didn’t believe in love at first sight until you saw them.

5. It Was Fate How You Met

It was a chance encounter that seems like it was divinely appointed. It’s as if the Universe brought you two together in the weirdest of circumstances, but it was meant for you two to find each other.

6. There’s Great Communication

You two can talk about anything and everything. The communication between you has always been strong. You feel safe telling them your innermost secrets, and they feel the same way.

7. They Turned Your Life Around

You don’t even remember what your life was like without them. They’ve opened your eyes to a whole new world filled with excitement. You’re trying new things, and you’ve become a different person all because of them.

8. They Can Tell What You’re Thinking by The Look on Your Face

They know your facial expressions and the emotions you often display. In fact, they can take one look at you and tell you everything you’re thinking and feeling. There’s no way that anyone else can read you as they do, and you can’t hide your true emotions from them either.

9. You Can’t Imagine Life Without Someone When You Have a Soul Connection

Since they’ve come into your life, it seems like living is a lot more worthwhile. You can’t imagine one day without them, and the thought of them leaving scares you. They’re the one person who seems to get you, even on your worst days.

10. You Often Have an “On Again-Off Again” Cycle Due to the Intensity

You often see this kind of “on again-off again” cycle in romantic relationships. Things are super intense when you’re together, and you don’t know how to handle things. So, it would help if you took breaks to stop the insane level of passion between the two of you.

However, you’re drawn to one another like a magnet. It seems as if there is a powerful force that’s pulling you back together.

11. You Can Be the Real You Around Them

You love the fact that you can be 100 percent true blue with this person. Besides that, you don’t have to put on any façade or try to impress them.

They know the real you, the one that you don’t let many people see. They’re your person, and they love you for who you are.

12. They Make You Feel Safe and Protected

There’s something about being with them that makes you feel protected. You feel safe from the world and like everything will be okay when they’re nearby. Even when you’re having a horrible day, they know exactly what to say to make things better.

13. Sparks Fly When You’re Together

Your connection is electrifying. They can brush up against your arm, and it sends a jolt of electricity down your spine. You can’t really put your finger on what it is about them, but you know that they make you feel a way that no one else does.

14. You Have a Similar Vision

It’s easy to have a soul connection with this person as you’re both going in the same direction. You both share visions of the future that are similar, and you’re not going anywhere unless they’re by your side.

15. There’s Undeniable Synchronicity

You don’t really know how to describe it with others, but there seem to be all these little coincidences that arise. It can be little things like pets with the same names or graduating the same year, but these little nuances are hard to ignore.

Final Thoughts on Recognizing When You Have a Soul Connection

Only you can identify if you have a soul connection with someone. How many items on this list seem to fit your relationship? Do you get anxiety if you think about one day without them in your life?

Remember, sometimes soulmates come around for a short period. While you will always love one another, you may not always be together. These extraordinary people often come into your life for a short period of time, and then they move on to other things.

Is there a way to tell for sure if the person you’re with is your soulmate? No, there’s no checklist or test you can give them to know for sure. Finding a soul connection is more about something you know deep inside and not something that fits into a neat box. However, if you’re blessed enough to have such an experience, it’s life-changing.

20 Uplifting Affirmations for Days You Feel Sadness

July 21, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Feeling sadness is a normal part of life, and there will be days when you can’t help but feel it. Letting it control your life can negatively affect you personally and professionally, though. Rather than allowing sadness to take control, try using uplifting affirmations to pull you through instead.

Beginning your day with uplifting affirmations can help relieve your sadness. Not only that, but using them throughout the day when you feel sadness creep back in can help, too. The affirmations convince your mind of what you are saying, allowing you to switch your mindset.

As you say the uplifting affirmations aloud, you rewire your subconscious mind. It improves your daily life and changes your thought process so that you can overcome sadness. Choose the uplifting affirmations that apply to your situation so that you can address your most immediate issues first.

Twenty Uplifting Affirmations for Days You Feel Sadness

A little self-love goes a really long way. Remind yourself of your worth whenever you feel melancholy.

1. I am healing and getting better every day.

If you experienced trauma that influences your sadness, this affirmation is perfect for you. Reaffirming that you are healing more each day will help you look for the good in your day. You will become more aware of how your sadness eases, allowing it to happen quicker.

2. I am focusing on the things and people I have in my life.

When you are sad because you don’t have something or when someone leaves your life, try this positive phrase. As you focus on what you have right now and the people who have stuck around, you will notice a boost in your happiness.

3. I am strong despite my emotions, and I can get through this.

Sadness might make you feel weak, but remember that you aren’t. You are strong, and you will get through this period of your life. Remember your strength and allow it to help you move forward.

4. I accept painful emotions and then let them go.

The first step to overcoming sadness is to accept the emotion, even when you’d rather ignore it. Ignoring it will only cause it to worsen, but accepting it allows you to validate the feeling. With validation, letting go of the sadness will happen naturally.

5. I am valuable and bring so much to the world.

When you recognize your worth, you will feel happier and more fulfilled. Remember the value that you bring to the world, and use this affirmation to solidify it in your mind.

6. I am doing things that I enjoy, and I won’t feel bad about it.

This affirmation will uplift you as you focus on what makes you happy without caring what others think. Express your happiness about everything, even when others don’t share the same feeling. Do activities you enjoy, dress how you want to, and choose the path that makes the most sense for you.

You don’t have to do what others are doing, even if they try to pressure or convince you. Focus on the things you enjoy, and you will experience much more life happiness.

7. I am focusing on my strengths rather than my weaknesses.

If you tend to focus on the things that you aren’t good at, you will experience more sadness in life. Everyone is different, so don’t focus on what you can’t do and others can. Instead, focus on the things that you are good at.

When you shift your mindset in this way and focus on your strengths, you will experience happiness. Concentrate on your weaknesses will do the opposite, though, as you will always think you aren’t good enough.

8. I am kind, honest, and ethical even through my sadness.

When you are sad, it is easy to let your values slide away, but you should avoid doing that. Instead, continue being kind, honest, and ethical even when it is tempting to be the opposite. By sticking to these attributes, you will receive good karma to cheer you up.

Plus, when you are kind, honest, and ethical, those around you will respect you for it. Others will be kinder and more honest with you, too, helping you to know the truth and experience kindness. All of these things will contribute to you overcoming your sadness.

9. I am connected to the universe.

With a connection to the universe, you will feel complete and fulfilled. Knowing that you have a connection to all of the people in the world and the earth we live on will give you meaning. With meaning, you can effectively overcome sadness and other negative emotions.

10. I am happy and feel loved.

Even when you have a day where you feel sadness, you can still be happy. By telling yourself that you feel happiness and love, you will experience those feelings. Repeat this uplifting affirmation until you have convinced yourself of it.

11. I am excited about the day-to-day activities of my life.

With excitement for your daily life, you will feel happier as you begin your day. You might not enjoy every detail of your day, but you can find excitement in the routine. Or, you can find excitement in a few of the activities that you have to do, giving you something to look forward to.

12. I am living at my own pace, and that is okay.

You don’t have to live at the same pace as everyone else. We all follow different paths, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. Don’t compare your journey to the journeys of other people, or you’ll drown in your sadness.

Instead, use this affirmation to remember that it is okay to live at your own pace. This reminder will allow you to look for the little joys in life rather than constantly comparing your life to others.

13. I am only responding to loving and healthy relationships.

If someone in your life contributes to your sadness, this affirmation is for you. Respond to those that make you feel happy and good about yourself rather than those that make you sad. Focus on loving, healthy relationships, and your sense of sadness will decrease.

14. I control my thoughts and emotions, and I choose happiness.

No matter what happens in your life, you are in control of your thoughts and emotions. Even when it seems like you can’t pull yourself out of it, you can if you choose to. Using this uplifting affirmation will give you the validation you need to choose happiness.

15. I am grateful for this part of my life journey.

Even the unpleasant parts of life deserve gratitude. Each situation you go through helps you grow and develop into a better, stronger person.

16. I am living in the moment today.

By living in the moment, you allow yourself to let go of regret, fear, and worry. Letting go of those emotions will help you find the joy in your life right now, helping you let go of the sadness, too. Embrace what you are doing and the people you are with right now, and bring your mind to the present.

17. I am resilient during obstacles and setbacks.

Hardship can make you feel sad sometimes, but you are resilient. You will get through this situation, and you will become a better person because of it. Always remember how resilient you are, and sadness won’t settle in as often.

18. I am letting go of the negative words of others.

You can’t always count on other people to be kind, and you likely have heard some negative things about yourself. The hurtful things that other people say can make you sad, but you can’t let them keep you down. Let go of the things that bring you down, and fill your life with positive and kind things instead.

19. I am hopeful for the future and know that everything is working out.

Many times, sadness stems from a lack of hope. With hope for the future, you can maintain a positive mindset and return to a state of happiness. Find comfort in the fact that everything will fall into place and allow the sadness to flow away.

20. I am forgiving, and I let go of things that hurt me in the past.

If your sadness stems from past trauma or pain, then forgive those that caused it. Whether you must forgive yourself or someone else, forgiveness is key to overcoming the pain. Once you have let go of the pain, you can focus on happiness and have fewer sad days.

Final Thoughts on Uplifting Affirmations for Days You Feel Sadness

Sadness is a natural human emotion, but you can’t let it linger and control your life. Using uplifting affirmations will help you change your mindset and emotions for the better. Remember that you are in charge of the way you feel, so work to develop the feeling you desire.

Accepting your sadness is essential to let it go, so don’t bottle it up or try to ignore it. Accept the way you feel, and then use these uplifting affirmations to turn your sadness around.

11 Signs of Avoidance Behavior Never to Ignore

July 21, 2021 by Chris Butler

Do you find yourself declining a night out with friends as you would rather stay home and watch TV? It’s okay to do this occasionally, but if you make a habit of it, you may be using avoidance behavior. It could be that crowds make you uncomfortable, so you end up play with the host’s animals rather than interacting with people.

Avoidance behavior is a coping mechanism to help you with anxiety. It’s your way of handling the powerful feelings you’re having without aggravating the situation. There are many ways to show these behaviors.

Do You Have an Issue with Avoiding Things?

Have you ever set your phone to “Do not disturb” so that you didn’t have to deal with people? Another common way to cope with your stressors is to go into public without a friend or trusted person by your side. Avoidance and social anxiety are remarkably similar, and there are better ways of managing your angst.

The problem is that your actions are beneficial, but they’re not helping you resolve the root issue. If you keep resisting dealing with this issue, then it will persist in making your life miserable.

Avoidance behavior is not uncommon. It’s often seen among those who have post-traumatic stress disorder or those with anxiety issues. Some folks may avoid others because they struggle with their emotional well-being.

Experts Weigh In On Avoidance Behaviors

Alice Boyes, Ph.D., is a psychologist who wrote the book The Healthy Mind Toolkit. She indicates in her writings that many people feel unable to deal with the strong feelings they have, so they would rather avoid them altogether. Staying home rather than mingling with others is one way to avoid dealing with these emotions.

There’s not a person alive that wants an overload of stress. So, in any situation that would cause you to feel such emotions, your mind views it as a negative experience. In essence, you’re protecting yourself by avoiding anything that puts you in harm’s way.

If you have issues with social anxiety and avoidance behaviors, it’s no wonder you would pass over a job that requires public speaking. Stefan Hofmann, Ph.D., puts an interesting spin on this common mental health matter. As a professor at The University of Boston, he has ample experience dealing with emotions.

He believes that emotions give you the power to handle uncomfortable situations. The problem is that this isn’t always positive. This false sense of power is a very destructive coping mechanism.

When people use isolation or substances to calm their angst, they’re using harmful methods to cope.

Eleven Common Avoidance Behaviors

Perhaps you use avoidance behaviors and don’t even realize what you’re doing. Your actions have become so commonplace that they feel like a regular part of your everyday life. Here are some standard avoidance methods that people use to ease their angst.

1. Avoiding Situations Where You May Be Judged

Any situation where you may be judge by your status or capabilities is uncomfortable. You probably avoid social situations for fear of judgment. The problem is that you’ve become afraid to go out in public because you think everyone is judging you, and this isn’t the case.

2. Flying Under the Radar

Remember being a child in school and terrified the teacher would call on you to answer a question? You may have put your head down, hidden behind a book, or seemed to be totally engaged in the hopes that they would pass you by.

Someone who is using avoidance tactics doesn’t want to stand out from the crowd. This individual prefers to fly under the radar so that they’re not detected.

3. Escapism

When you’re avoiding situations or feelings, it’s easy to become distracted. How many times have you become engrossed in a new series on Netflix just so your mind can take a break from the real world? Also, many folks use video games as an alternative world that doesn’t come with all the pain of reality.

4. Practicing Emotional Restraints

It’s easier to bury your feelings than to deal with them. Has anyone ever accused you of being emotionless or cold regarding a situation? It’s not that you don’t have emotions, but you’ve chosen not to deal with them because they’re too painful.

5. Constantly Procrastinating

Everyone procrastinates a little bit, but someone who uses avoidance does it more so than most folks. They tend to put off dealing with things they know will increase their stress or anxiety. Whether it’s work or social happenings, they will find a way out of it.

6. Mental Blocks

Since most avoidance is steeped in trauma, it’s possible that your brain cannot recall certain events. For instance, your mind can block out things that are so painful to protect you.

You may find that there are specifics or entire events that you cannot remember. You’re avoiding dealing with these issues because they’re too painful.

7. Feeling Detached from Others

Do you often feel like the odd man out? Even when you’re in a crowd, it’s as if you don’t exist. You tend to detach from others because you fear getting hurt. You want to be the person that goes to work, does their job, and goes home.

You don’t like to get involved in the social aspects of things, so many people don’t honestly know anything about you. Throughout history, you’ll find that many people were detached from society, and they lived in a world all their own.

8. Wishful Thinking

It’s good to have an optimistic outlook, but someone who engages in wishful thinking is often in denial. This person ignores the reality of a situation and is delusional about the matter. They have no plan of action to resolve the issue; they hope for the best.

9. Alcohol or Drug Use

The rehabilitation centers across America are full of people that used alcohol or drugs to mask the pain. Rather than dealing with the issue, they choose to self-medicate. The only problem is the pain only goes away while the effect of the substance is in your system.

When you become sober, you will still need to deal with the issues. Using numbing substances is only a temporary fix, yet those with avoidance tendencies use these methods all the time.

10. Self-Isolation

Isolating is a pretty common practice in people who feel socially awkward. If you find yourself avoiding phone calls, always saying no to a request for a night out, and preferring the comforts of home, then it’s an issue. It’s okay to crave solitude, but you need a healthy amount of social interaction too.

11. Unable To Have Loving Feelings

Have you ever seen someone in their 30s or 40s and has yet to have a meaningful relationship? The desire to love and be loved is powerful within a person. When someone has issues with avoidance, they will close off this part of their being to protect themselves.

They won’t open their hearts or emotions enough to feel such things, so they often live life alone where they think they’re safer. Thankfully, this can be overcome through counseling so that this person can have the love they deserve.

Six Ways to Cope with Social Anxiety

Now you know what avoidance looks like, but how do you cope with it? Well, here are a few ways that can help you to reprogram your brain to stop looking at the world so negatively.

Push yourself into social situations even when it feels uncomfortable. Exposure therapy is a great way to ease your way back into society.
Mingle with people at work. Even if you don’t want to talk to folks, you’re missing out on valuable relationships.
Engage in counseling. It would help if you found a counselor who is well versed in dealing with social anxiety and avoidance tactics. They can help you get to the core of the issue and find coping mechanisms.
Don’t procrastinate. Try doing the complicated tasks first so that the rest of the day is a breeze.
Show some emotion. It’s okay to smile occasionally, and it’s also okay to cry. Showing your feelings is a normal part of life.
Never self-medicate. When you take harmful substances to ease the pain, the need for more will grow as the discomfort never goes away. Get treatment for any substance abuse issues immediately.

Final Thoughts on Avoidance Behaviors

Most people who have some form of anxiety will use avoidance behaviors without even realizing it. You’ve learned coping skills for your stress, and it’s become part of who you are today. However, you’re missing out on so many beautiful things, and some people can love and respect you that you’re pushing away.

There are ways to combat this avoidance so that you can live your best life. The good news is that you’re not alone in this battle. The National Library of Medicine estimates that seven percent of the adult population in this country suffers from social anxiety, and anxiety is one of the most treatable forms of mental illness.

Today can be the start of a whole new life for you if you’re only willing to take the first step.

20 Habits to Clear Negativity Out of Your Life for Good

July 21, 2021 by Kristen Butler

The world around you is hostile. If you turn on the news, pick up a newspaper, or scroll social media, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with all the disturbing events. How can you clear negativity in a world where it’s become a new normal?

If you want to keep your mental health intact, then you must be proactive. There is power in positive thinking, but you must be strong enough to overcome the malignant forces that try to keep you downtrodden. How many times have you got out of bed in a good mood only to be hit with some news that changed your entire attitude?

Twenty Ways to Clear Negativity

It’s effortless to get upset these days, and the negative energy is all around you. Thankfully, there are some ways that you can clear negativity and change your entire outlook on life. Now, it’s not going to be easy, but these simple tips can help you.

1. Change Your Friends

If you’re feeling rather negative, it could have everything to do with the people around you. If you’ve got a depressing person as a friend, it’s time to get some more positive people to hang around. There’s nothing worse than being around someone who is doom and gloom all the time.

2. Stop Listening to The News

The news has nothing good to offer these days. The weather and sports are usually at the end of the programming, so try tuning in to just the segments you want. Better yet, go to dedicated websites and get the news you want to hear without all the extra negativity.

3. Limit Your Time on Social Media

Social media is a beautiful way to keep up with family and friends. There are games and time-wasters aplenty on these sites. However, they can monopolize your day if you allow them. Try limiting your time on these sites as many of them are based on fiction more so than reality.

4. Meditate After Work Each Evening

Meditation is a great way to start and end the day. When you come home each evening, take a few minutes in the driveway to meditate. Yes, you can do it in your car too.

Just purge the negativity from the day and allow your mind to be free and clear to have the evening with your family.

5. Hit The Gym

Moving your body is the key to keeping you in a good mental headspace. According to the National Library of Medicine, exercise is used to treat and prevent disease. The key is that it raises those feel-good hormones and endorphins in your body, which can help you feel relaxed and at ease. There’s no better way to clear negativity than sweating it out at the gym.

6. Take Care of Yourself

How are you doing on self-care? It would help if you made time to take care of yourself. Even if you get half an hour each day, you need this time to handle your needs.

You should read a book, take a bath, or get a massage. Whatever it takes to make you feel relaxed and at ease, you should do it.

7. Journal Your Emotions

Did you know that journaling has been around since 56 AD in China? Remember when cave dwellers chiseled pictures on stones in their dwellings? The same principles from yesteryear are still influential today.

Thankfully, if you don’t like writing, you can also use your computer to keep a digital log. Journaling is powerful because you can put the things in writing that you would never say to someone else. It’s a positive outlet for negativity.

8. Use Positive Affirmations Top Start Your Day

Don’t grab your phone as soon as you roll out of bed. You need to start the day with an uplifting mantra. Try telling yourself how wonderful you are and how you will do whatever possible to have a good day. Hands down, it will change your life.

9. Try Yoga or Tai Chi

Is it any wonder that the ancient arts are more popular than ever? Did you know that Asian folks have lower rates of stress than those in America? A study published by the National Library of Medicine shows that Asians have better mental health than other people in this country, and they are eager to seek help when they have a problem.

With Tai Chi, yoga, and meditation practices, it’s no wonder why they fare better than most.

10. Spend More Time in Nature

Get outside! Nothing good happens behind four walls. If you want to clear negativity, then look at all the beauty and splendor around you.

11. Have Fun

When is the last time you laughed and had a good time? Go out and have a good evening with your friends, family, or spouse. It would help if you had this mental break.

12. Find a Good Work and Life Balance

All work and no time for family will be a big issue. Do you know that many people are married to their job, so they end up divorced? Make sure you leave the office. Besides that, don’t bring work home with you if you can avoid it.

13. Declutter Your Space

If you have a lot of clutter hanging around in your home, then it can encourage negativity. You need a clean space to help you feel peace and contentment. Remember that everything has a place, and everything should be in its place.

14. Smudge Yourself and Your House

According to The Subconscious Servant, smudging is an ancient art started by tribal and ancient cultures. It helps to cleanse the air and clear the negativity in your space. Plus, this act can also help to protect your family from unseen energies and harmful spirits.

15. Dance Like No One Is Watching

There’s something magical about dancing to your favorite music and pretending that you’re a rock star. Whether you want to try one of the new dances going around on the web or like the old stuff, it’s a good workout that’s also good for the soul.

16. Invest In a Himalayan Salt Lamp

Though these lamps are beautiful to add to any décor, they’re known to help purify the air in your home, as well as soothe allergies, and they can even boost your mood. When you want to clear negativity from your house, it’s a great way to start.

17. Spend Time with Friends and Family

Never neglect family and friends. They can help you stay upbeat, and most know exactly what to say in times of trouble.

18. Make a Bucket List and Cross Things Off

Do you have a bucket list? It’s hard to be negative and sad when you’re living life to the fullest. Start crossing things off this list and having the time of your life.

19. Create Boundaries

One reason why so many people have negativity in their life is that they don’t have effective boundaries. You must learn your limits and be willing to say “no” to people. Boundaries are healthy for both you and those around you.

20. Try A Vision Board

A vision board is often used in companies to help them get the team on board and make plans. There’s an ancient scripture in Proverbs 28:19 that says, “Where there is no vision, the people will perish.” If you don’t have things to look forward to in your life, then it’s not much of an existence.

You’re so much more than getting up and going to work and coming home to go to sleep. Life is what you make it, and you need a vision for your future.

Final Thoughts on the Twenty Methods to Clear Negativity from Your Life

It’s not an easy task to get rid of the pessimism in your life. It’s tough if you have things like a stressful job, challenging home life, and sickness. Still, there are ways that you can overcome the negativity.

Jane Marczewski is a 30-year-old lady who lives in Ohio. She made her grand entrance on America’s Got Talent to sing to the world. She shared her story before she sang.

There was barely a dry eye in the audience as she told them she has cancer in her bones, her spine, and her liver. She’s survived three cancer diagnoses in her years, and now it has metastasized throughout much of her body. The beautiful thing here wasn’t just her voice, but it was her attitude in the face of adversity.

She told the audience how she didn’t want cancer to define her, and she lived each day to the fullest. Her nickname is “Nightbird,” and she certainly can soar even in the darkest of her days and nights. Even with a two percent chance of survival, she still sings from her soul with songs she writes.

What challenges in your life seem so impossible that make you pessimistic? You can clear negativity from your life, and it will change you in ways you never thought possible.

9 Ways to Detach From a Codependent Relationship

July 21, 2021 by Deborah Tayloe

Do you feel trapped in a codependent relationship draining you physically, mentally, and spiritually? A relationship is meant to benefit both people. However, it turns toxic when one person demands all the attention, and you search for a way to detach from them.

What is Codependency?

You can depend on each other in a healthy relationship with a mate, relative, or friend. However, a codependent relationship is one-sided, and one person constantly caters to the other person’s needs. A study published by Dr. Ingrid Bacon explains the main signs of this toxicity are as follows:

Chronically sacrificing yourself for the relationship
Focusing on their needs while neglecting your own
Constant conflict because of the other person’s control issues
Difficulty expressing and recognizing your emotions

It’s an unfair advantage when you’re giving your all, and everything you have falls short. Codependency is often linked to substance abuse and other self-destructive behaviors. Some of these people have narcissistic personalities and prey on caring and selfless people.

Here Are Some Ways to Detach From Codependency

When the only thing that binds you is codependency, the relationship feels more like a prison. Maybe you can’t stand up to your toxic partner, relative, or friend. You owe it to yourself to speak up and detach from this burdensome situation.

These toxic relationships usually involve mental, psychological, verbal, and physical abuse. None of these are any good for your mental and physical wellbeing. Here are some ways that you can detach from this overly toxic situation.

1. Weigh Your Options to Decide How to Detach

Often, a codependent relationship will create misconceptions about your life. Maybe the other person makes you feel like you have no other options. They might even tell you that directly.

Before you can love another, you must love yourself. Realize that you deserve a relationship that works for you, not one based on obligation. You have every right to detach from a toxic relationship.

Remember that you can be with someone who gives as much as you do. If your current person wants to wallow in self-pity and toxic behaviors, it’s their choice. It’s also your choice to walk away and heal.

2. Have a Conversation

If you’ve been in a codependent relationship for a while, it probably won’t be easy to detach suddenly. However, if you talk about it, you can make the transition easier for you both. Do it at a time when you are both calm, and you do not have any distractions.

Be honest and say how you feel. Try to listen to what your partner has to say actively. Bringing everything out into the open makes you less likely to have misunderstandings.

3. Stand Your Ground as You Detach from Your Partner

Some people are so needy in a relationship that they can only think of themselves. Does this description fit your significant other? You’ve spent so much time doing for them that you’ve lost yourself.

Be firm in what you say if you’ve decided to detach from a toxic person. If you remain in a relationship hoping that they will change their self-destructive habits, you’re only hurting yourself. It’s time that your needs and dreams are addressed.

What if your relationship with a family member is codependent? Although you’ll always be related, you have a right to set and enforce boundaries. Let them know that while you’ll always love them, you’ll no longer be a party to their self-serving ways.

4. Try to Stay Calm

There’s no easy way to break up a relationship, especially a codependent one. As you discuss your decisions with your soon-to-be ex-partner, emotions will probably be over the top. Expect them to be shocked, sad, or angry. If it turns to violence, go immediately and seek help if needed.

Try to be as calm as you can in the conversation. They may try all sorts of manipulations, such as gaslighting or shifting the blame. This is typical behavior for a toxic partner.

It’s best if you don’t lose your cool and give in to their manipulation. If the emotions escalate, you may be tempted to cry, scream, or curse at them. These may be the emotions that your mate is displaying.

However, if you speak calmly and don’t play the blame game, your partner may listen and mirror your quiet mannerism. You can’t reason with someone in a shouting match.

5. Speak Your Mind

Just because you stay level-headed in this conversation doesn’t mean you are giving in to them. Be honest if you are trying to detach from a toxic relationship with a lover, family member, or friend. You have every right to express how you feel and that you’re tired of being taken for granted.

This isn’t a time to keep score or to remember every instance of their failures and shortcomings. Focus the discussion on your feelings by using “I feel” statements. For example: “I’ve given it a lot of thought, and I feel like I owe it to myself to call it quits. I can’t continue being an enabler to self-destructive habits, and I deserve happiness.”

Your feelings and decisions aren’t up for debate. Of course, they’ll try every tactic to make you feel sorry for them. Let them know that this is when you must consider your needs.

6. Setting Boundaries Is Essential as You Detach

You can detach from a codependent relationship with a lover or a friend without facing them again. However, it’s not that simple if it’s a parent, sibling, adult child, or relative. Genetics may connect you for a lifetime, but you still have a say in coping with that person.

You must discuss the toxic relationship and be clear about the boundaries you set. Let them know how you want to be treated. For example, tell them that while you love them, you’ll no longer be bailing them out of their financial crises from poor money management.

If they can’t respect your terms, you won’t associate with them until they do. They may feel hurt, but it’s the only way you can repair the relationship. You needn’t be a savior to someone constantly taking advantage of you, even if they are family.

7. Reviewing the Relationship

Breaking a codependent relationship can be a devastating loss. As you remember the past with the toxic person, you may try to sugarcoat all the pain. There may have been some good times together, but the good things don’t negate the negativity that makes it impossible to continue being together.

It’s helpful to concentrate on positive aspects and grow from them. However, don’t use them as an excuse to stay in an unfulfilling relationship. Be just as transparent with yourself as you are with your toxic person.

8. Consider Some Alone Time

In a study published by the Journal for the Theory of Social Behavior, Christopher Long and James Averill state that solitude can be beneficial. It gives you quiet time to boost creativity, freedom, and intimacy. These are vital components in your decision to break away from a one-sided relationship.

Most people don’t have the luxury of renting a log cabin in nowhere. Any place you can retreat to peace will help. Turn off the phone and other technology and try to focus on what you need.

9. Boost Your Self-Talk to Detach from Codependency

How would you feel if somebody treated you the same way you treated yourself? Would you be pleased or hurt and insulted? Walking away from a codependent relationship may require changing your inner conversation.

A toxic partner would make you feel like everything is your fault. Soon, the voice in your mind may tell you that you constantly mess up and aren’t good enough. Negative self-talk can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental issues.

It’s time to be your advocate and put yourself in a positive light. Remind yourself that you are beautiful and worthy of love and a fulfilling life. It’s not your fault that a toxic partner, relative, or friend won’t change.

Stop listening to the past negative conversations in your mind and replace them with positive, inspiring ones. By using the law of attraction, the Universe agrees with your affirmations and makes them so. It may take time to change your self-talk, but you’ll be glad you did.

Final Thoughts on the Need to Detach From a Codependent Relationship

It’s challenging to detach from a toxic relationship, especially if it’s family or someone you’re in love with. However, you must consider your mental health needs above anyone else. Codependency is a big issue; you will feel free once you break the chains that bind you.

4 Ways To Find Your Purpose in Life

July 21, 2021 by Lakeisha Ethans

For many, the ability to live life to the fullest hinges on the ability to find and carry out a purpose. Life becomes more meaningful for many individuals when they discover a purpose in life!

While finding a purpose and fulfilling it shouldn’t be the defining feature of your life, there’s no denying that successfully determining that purpose can be motivational and helpful to you. But that’s easier said than done! To help you out, here are four ways to find your purpose in life.

1. Ask Yourself Hard Questions When Trying to Find Your Purpose in Life

Finding a purpose often requires that you truly know yourself on a deeper level. One of the best ways to kick start this is by asking yourself difficult questions and trying to find answers to them. The most soul-searching questions are the ones that few people ever get around to correctly answering, and they’re also the ones that will reveal the most about your purpose. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

· What Motivates Me and Gives Me Energy?

Passions and desires can be very intrinsically motivational, pushing you to new heights and filling you with energy to perform them. While you need more than pure motivation to stick to your goals, having that motivation and drive from the get-go is a sign of passion and is certainly a leg-up. Think about what things give you energy and motivation – they might be your purpose calling to you.

· What Does My Inner Child Want?

Kids are often much more frank and positive about their dreams. They’ll say the craziest things and proudly proclaim the strangest ambitions. While you probably can’t fulfill the more fantastical parts of such childhood dreams, the inner child in you still holds onto those ideas. Try and get in touch with your inner child and ask what they want. Do they want to help people? Perform onstage? Have a hundred friends? How can you fulfill the spirit of these desires? If you’re having trouble, you can ask yourself what things you loved most as a kid and what your ambitions were when you were younger.

· Who Do I Want To Be?

Think about all the people who inspire you and who you’ve looked up to in your life. Think about how you want other people to perceive you and who you want to be to those around you. And, most importantly, think about the person you want to be for yourself. Your purpose may center around these desires!

· When I’m Old and Gray, What Do I Want To Look Back On?

Imagine yourself in your old, retired age. What would you like that future version of you to be proud of? What do you want them to be able to look back on and reminisce? Now, how can you get there? This trick is known as “backward planning” when you start by envisioning your goal and work your way backward to see what steps you have to take. Studies show that this is a great, positive way to follow through with objectives and plan accurately for the desired achievement.

· Who Do I Want To Help, and How?

Many people find that helping others is a great purpose in life, but it can be a little broad to simply put it that way. Narrow the scope by asking who you specifically want to help, and then ask how you wish to do so. Spending some time volunteering and performing altruistic tasks may help you figure this out, and it’ll even increase your wellbeing, according to research. Not sure if your main goals in life center around helping others? That’s totally valid, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t someone you want to help – just that the person you want to help most is yourself. It would help if you still asked how you want to help yourself in the process.

· If I Could Do Anything, What Would It Be?

It’s good to keep your thoughts and ideas realistic, but when you need to do a task as momentous as finding a purpose, there’s no harm in dreaming big. Ask yourself: if you could craft the perfect day, what would it be? If money was no object, what would you do? If you got to wake up tomorrow as a completely new person, who would you wake up as? These broad and dramatic questions can help bring to light your passions and the things you genuinely want to do.

2. Step Outside Your Perspectives to Find Your Purpose in Life

It’s tough to find your purpose in life when your small area of perspective limits you. The reality is that many people struggle to find a goal because they never expand their horizons far enough to see what will click with them. Don’t let that happen to you!

To find your purpose in life, you need to leave your narrow perspective and seek other paradigms. While you don’t have to agree with every new viewpoint you encounter, you can certainly learn from them and shape your lens through new experiences. Here are some ways to step outside your perspective so you can find your purpose in life:

· Try New Things

It can be scary stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying new things in life. But you’re capable of doing it! You don’t need to overwhelm yourself with multiple huge things all at once – do something new every week or so, even if it’s as simple as eating at a new place or listening to a new genre of music. You can “ramp up” the “difficulty” of the challenge of the new things you try as your comfort zone naturally expands.

· Talk To New People

The people around you have unique opinions, experiences, and journeys that can provide a fascinating insight into humanity and the world around you. You can listen to all sorts of different occasions if you encourage yourself to strike up conversations with strangers now and then. You may discover something new that sparks your interest!

· Ask For And Listen To Feedback

When you’ve talked to many people, you’ll find a fair few who you can look up to and value the thoughts of, and a lot of them may have found a purpose that you think may be yours. Ask those people for feedback on your journey, tips to improve, and their stories. You’ll receive a fair bit of criticism and will be able to learn a lot from constructive feedback. Though not all criticism you receive will be ones that suit your needs, you’ll still find a lot that will help you!

3. Make Space For Yourself to Find Your Purpose in Life

You must have space to spread your wings and grow to find your purpose. Without space, you won’t be able to experiment and learn to grow into the meaning you’ve found in life.

People often assume that a purpose comes easily, but although it tends to feel more natural than other endeavors, that doesn’t mean no effort is involved. You’ll still need to grow into that purpose and will have to face challenges and moments of doubt. That’s why this space is so important!

Of course, the term “making space” can refer to many different things, which may be equally important in finding your life’s purpose. Here are some ways to make that space so you can seek that meaning in your life:

· Take Time For You

Self-care is an integral part of overall well-being, and studies sing praises of its many benefits for mental and physical health. Taking time to take care of yourself will help you flourish from a well-being standpoint, and it will also aid in your ability to seek your purpose. When you’re tired and burned out, it’s hard to find things that call to you. You need to have the energy, positive thinking, and motivation necessary to recognize your passions and the things that interest you, and you can’t do that if you haven’t been looking after yourself.

· Find A Community

Support systems of positive people are essential when you’re looking for meaning in life. Being surrounded by negative nancies or people who don’t understand your passions enough to support them in any way can drag you down. Surrounding yourself with a kind, supportive system of people – whether through your friends, colleagues, or a particular group for people who have similar goals to you – can help you to find a space where you fit in. In this space, you can give and receive ideas, help, and encouragement!

· Be Flexible

Life has a funny way of bringing you to places that you may not have expected. Learning to be flexible with your idea of a purpose in life is essential to going with the flow and accepting the chaos and ever-changing nature of existence. Sometimes, your purpose may be different than you initially thought, and that’s okay! Being too inflexible to adapt can get you stuck in a false purpose that you only like the idea, not the execution of.

4. Think Positively to Find Your Purpose in Life

Positive thinking and good thought patterns can be helpful as you seek your purpose in life. Sometimes, it can take a while for that purpose to show up, and in the meantime, you have to continue to enjoy your life as it is. You’ll even find that the more positive thinking you use, your purpose may find you more quickly! Here are some tips for using positive thoughts to find your life’s purpose:

· Accept Yourself

You have unique strengths, flaws, quirks, and traits that make you a one-of-a-kind, fantastic human being. While it’s good to improve yourself, it’s also important to accept the person you are. Self-acceptance will allow you to find your purpose in life more easily because you’re in tune with and proud of the person you are!

· Have An Abundance Mindset

An abundance mindset means appreciating the here and now, being grateful for what you have, and taking your time in life because you know that success isn’t a race. This method of thinking can have positive effects on the way you view your purpose and your overall journey, as you will be more focused on what you can do now as opposed to where you may end up.

· Do What You Love

Your purpose likely lies in the things that you enjoy. Don’t deprive yourself of the things you love, even if they’re “impractical” in the working world. Keep doing the things that light a fire in your belly, and you’ll be happier and more likely to find a purpose.

Final Thoughts On Some Ways To Find Your Purpose In Life

Finding a purpose in life can be difficult, but much of it has to do with taking your time. Get to know yourself, explore your interests, foster new perspectives, make new friends, and take good care of yourself, and you’ll find your purpose – or, more likely, it will come and find you!

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