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Researchers Discover Over 142,000 Virus Species in the Gut Microbiome

July 5, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Researchers at Wellcome Sanger Institute and European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) have identified over 142,000 virus species in the gut. Over half of them have never been detected until this study. This may seem like many viruses, but it pales in comparison to the total number on our planet.

According to studies, an estimated ten nonillion (10 to the 31st power) individual viruses live on Earth. This equates to one virus for every star in the universe, 100 million times over. However, most of them don’t pose a threat to humans; in fact, some are beneficial to our gut microbiome. Scientists have just begun to understand how gut bacteria affect humans and how we can improve our microbiome.

The paper published in February of 2021 in Cell contains an analysis of over 28,000 gut microbiome samples collected throughout the world. The researchers found an unexpectedly high number and diversity of viruses in various parts of the globe. This data will spawn new research about how viruses in the human gut impact our health.

The amazing human gut microbiome

The human gut houses a highly diverse environment filled with various bacteria and viruses. In fact, hundreds of thousands of viruses, called bacteriophages, live in the gut and can infect bacteria. Scientists have recently discovered how gut dysbiosis can cause obesity, diabetes, stomach issues, and even allergies. However, they have just scratched the surface in understanding the complex human gut and its impacts on our health.

In this study, researchers found over 70,000 virus species living in the gut that have never been identified before. They used a DNA-sequencing method called metagenomics to identify and categorize the virus species. Researchers from the two institutes analyzed 28,060 public human gut metagenomes and 2,898 bacterial isolate genomes from the gut. From this massive analysis, researchers identified about 142,000 virus species in the human microbiome.

Researchers hope to learn more about how the virus species affect human health.

Most of the viruses living in the gut are harmless to humans. We need them to survive, as they hold crucial genetic material that we need to function. As many species have not been identified until now, more research is needed to understand them better.

Dr. Alexandre Almeida, Postdoctoral Fellow at EMBL-EBI and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: “It’s important to remember that not all viruses are harmful, but represent an integral component of the gut ecosystem. For one thing, most of the viruses we found have DNA as their genetic material, which is different from the pathogens most people know, such as SARS-CoV-2 or Zika, which are RNA viruses. Secondly, these samples came mainly from healthy individuals who didn’t share any specific diseases. It’s fascinating to see how many unknown species live in our gut and to try and unravel the link between them and human health.”

Among the 140,000 virus species, researchers found a new, highly pervasive clade – a group of viruses with a common ancestor. The scientists referred to it as the Gubaphage, which they identified as the second most prevalent clade in the gut. The crAssphage, found in 2014, is the most ubiquitous; some studies estimate that 73-77% of humans have it.

Both viruses appear to infect similar strains of gut bacteria. However, researchers will need to do more studies to understand precisely how the Gubaphage functions. They believe this study will pave the way for important discoveries in the future.

How the bacteriophage virus species can treat diseases and prevent foodborne illness

Dr. Luis F. Camarillo-Guerrero, the first author of the study from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: “An important aspect of our work was to ensure that the reconstructed viral genomes were of the highest quality. A stringent quality control pipeline coupled with a machine learning approach enabled us to mitigate contamination and obtain highly complete viral genomes. High-quality viral genomes pave the way to understand better what role viruses play in our gut microbiome, including the discovery of new treatments such as antimicrobials from bacteriophage origin.”

They recorded the results in the Gut Phage Database (GPD). This database contains an organized catalog of 142,809 non-redundant phage genomes. Researchers can refer to this when studying bacteriophages and how they impact the human gut and our health.

Dr. Trevor Lawley, the senior author of the study from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: “Bacteriophage research is currently experiencing a renaissance. This high-quality, large-scale catalog of human gut viruses comes at the right time to serve as a blueprint to guide ecological and evolutionary analysis in future virome studies.”

Previous studies on this subject foretold this outcome

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh discovered firsthand how the bacteriophage virus species could treat disease a few years ago. They successfully treated 15-year-old cystic fibrosis patient Isabelle Carnell-Holdaway, who’d been battling a drug-resistant Mycobacterium abscessus infection half her life. While her infection isn’t cured, the bacteriophage treatments seem to have made it more manageable. The research was published in the journal Nature Medicine in May 2019.

A 2017 article by Veerasak Srisuknimit on the Harvard University blog wrote, “Now that more and more bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics, scientists around the world have a renewed interest in phages. The European Union invested 5 million euros in Phagoburn, a project that studies the use of phages to prevent skin infections in burn victims. In the USA, the FDA approved ListShield, a food addictive containing phages that kill Listeria monocytogenes, one of the most virulent foodborne pathogens and one cause of meningitis. Currently, many clinical trials using phage to treat or prevent bacterial infections such as tuberculosis and MRSA are undergoing.”

Final thoughts: Scientists found over 140,000 virus species in the human gut

In this groundbreaking study, researchers identified over 70,000 viral species that have never before been discovered. They say that most of them are not pathogens but hold DNA integral to a functioning microbiome. Researchers believe that future studies will provide even more clues about how these viral species affect us. Indeed, they believe future projects will uncover even more virus species in the gut.

5 Signs You’re Dealing With a Narcopath (And How To Guard Yourself)

July 5, 2021 by Chris Butler

You’ve probably heard of a narcissistic person or a sociopath, but what happens when the two of these issues combine into one person? Meet the narcopath. It’s a relatively new psychological term that combines the dangerous mix of two mental health disorders that brings both violent and sadistic traits together.

Understanding the Narcopath

Though the term isn’t included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it is a term some people use to describe narcissistic sociopaths. When both an antisocial personality crashes with a narcissistic one, the combination can be volatile. However, those that fall into the narcopath category meet the criteria for Cluster B personality disorders within the DSM-5, which is the American Board of Psychology diagnostic manual.

In a Cluster B disorder, the individual has a form of narcissism that is malignant. Additionally, they have traits such as paranoia, sociopathic tendencies, as well as a sadistic personality. Anyone who has this disorder can destroy other folks, families, and even the entire workplace where they’re employed.

Since this person only cares about themselves, they lack the empathy that most people have towards others. They feel a sense of entitlement and a grandiose view of themselves. When it comes to relationships with others, they dehumanize them, and they can quickly become hostile.

Signs of a Narcopath

Due to the psychologically unaware nature of these individuals, they can become quite abusive. They will manipulate, lie, and cheat to get their way. Other symptoms that come along with this mental health disturbance include the following:

Detached from their emotions – numb
Control issues
Absence of authenticity
Self-identity issues
Strong desire for praise and attention from others
Little thought about their actions and the effect on others
Need for approval from those around them

The person with antisocial personality and narcissistic tendencies are not above using or exploiting others for their gain. While many of these folks have similarities, not every individual will have the same traits or characteristics. They may appear to those around them as just an average person, but they’re able to hide their symptoms well.

Eventually, their true colors will come to the surface. Most psychologists consider Cluster-B personas as psychopaths or sociopaths, which some belief to be a severe and incorrect diagnosis.

The word Narcopath is used to define malevolent narcissists and prevent misunderstandings of the crossover between the two conditions. Furthermore, some debate concerning sociopathy and psychopathy being closely related exists among mental health professionals. Yet, they’re distinct disorders within the same field.

How To Spot A Narcopath?

Identifying a narcopath isn’t as easy as you might think, especially since each person is unique in their symptoms. It can be pretty challenging to identify this person. They can come across as charming, witty, and even be well-groomed.

They’re masters at knowing what to say and usually have intelligence. They can read you well, so they can identify your weaknesses and play into them. Their cunning nature makes their scheme very subtle to the point where most don’t recognize what they’re doing until it’s too late.

Others may see them as ordinary, everyday people. They can blend in well with a crowd, and they won’t stand out or seem apparent. One of the things that psychologists quickly notice is that they have an aura of being better than others.

Masters of Manipulation

Since they’re master manipulators, they know how to work with other people for their gain. People who are in relationships with this type of person may be abused in all ways possible, yet those around them would be oblivious. Have you seen those made-for-TV movies where a wife lived a life of torment and no one around them knew about it?

This person is callus and doesn’t care about others. The only use they have for those around them is to use them for their gain. If someone can help them get ahead, then they will do whatever it takes to get close to that individual.

You can’t have a normal relationship with this person as they will manipulate and use you. They’re pretty charming, so they can quickly gain your love and trust, but they will only turn it around to use for their benefit. Sadly, they will feel no guilt for their actions.

Five Common Narcopath Traits and Signs To Never Ignore

You typically won’t identify that anything is off with this individual until their personality issues affect their lives and those around them. When you add sociopathic tendencies to narcissism, it can increase a selfish and evil nature. According to the National Library of Medicine, Otto Kernberg was the first to describe this disorder back in 1984. He used the following characteristics to describe this mental health issue:

Aggression
Paranoia
Brutality
A diagnosis of narcissism
A diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder

So how do you protect yourself when this mental health diagnosis is often hard to spot? Here are five signs that you can identify in someone with this vicious form of narcissism.

1. Conversation Always Comes Back to Themselves

Like the typical narcissist, this person doesn’t care about you at all. They won’t want to be bored to tears hearing about your day when they could talk about themselves. Even if you try to speak to this person about things going on in your world, they will somehow bring the conversation back to making it all about them.

Their selfish nature is hard to deny, and they don’t have any qualms about the need to dominate the conversation.

2. A Checkered Relationship History

History is critical with any individual, as it is a good predictor of the future. You will often notice that this person won’t talk about their past, and there are no friends and family members to meet. They keep these things very concealed in their hearts because they can’t have healthy relationships.

In most instances, the family has written this person off due to their volatile behavior and can’t maintain friendships.

3. Playing Mind Games

Since you’re dealing with a master manipulator, you have probably become accustomed to their mind games. They don’t view you as a person they love or want to be around; instead, they only have affiliations with you for their gain.

Once they accomplish what they need, they won’t hesitate to drop you. A narcopath will use silence as a weapon, which is also to gain the upper hand and control you.

4. They Lack a Sense of Right and Wrong

Unlike ordinary people, the perceptions of those with this mental health disorder are skewed. While most people can define right from wrong, this person has no filters. In fact, they don’t care if something is wrong if it helps to further their agenda.

They see the world as one prominent place where there are tons of people to do their bidding. They only form “relationships” with those who will help them with their goal or scheme.

5. Their Eyes Are Empty and Hollow

One of the most frightening experiences when dealing with this sadistic form of narcissism is the look in their eyes. Perhaps, this is one of the defining ways to see if there’s any depth to them. The eyes have always been said to be the window to the soul, and it’s clear that something is lacking in the spiritual sense of this person.

When they look into your eyes, they can stare at you with a deadpan look. Some have noticed that they don’t blink a lot, but others feel that their gaze is so piercing that they’re looking straight through them.

The sad part is that it doesn’t have any substance with all the intensity their gaze brings. Behind all the piercing looks is dark nothingness. Many find it hard to look them in the eyes because they can make you feel uneasy. Is it evil that’s looking back at you?

Since this person is an untreatable narcissistic sociopath, they often commit horrific crimes with little thought. Could people like Jeffrey Dahmer have fit into this category which wasn’t known until recently? He was said to have above-average intellect, had a normal childhood, and no one thought he was anything but typical.

However, according to Biography, he killed 17 people, among other horrible acts. In theory, the average Joe living next door could have terrible secrets to hide. However, don’t be so quick to assume that only males dominate this category, as females can also be a narcopath.

Final Thoughts on Dealing with A Narcopath

There are good people in this world, and there are bad people. It’s scary when you’re dating or making new friends because you never know who will cross your path. As if having an antisocial personality or narcissism wasn’t enough, it’s a deadly combination when you mix the two.

The narcopath often flies under the radar until they do something horrible that brings attention to their mental health needs. Sadly, they’re usually the ones that make the news headlines. Learn the signs of this dangerous mental health disturbance and protect yourself.

12 Behaviors That Reveal Your Partner Has A Fear Of Commitment

July 5, 2021 by Chris Butler

It’s not uncommon to hear someone complain about their guy or girl and the fear of commitment.

Being stuck in the “friend-zone” is never fun, and it can put a person in quite a state of emotional turmoil. While everyone is quick to label a person as having a commitment issue, few take time to uncover what’s behind this hesitation.

The fear of commitment is deep-seated from past hurts or future hesitations. For instance, if a person lived a horrible life due to their parents’ fighting and violence, it’s easy to understand why they might not be so eager to commit. They fear that their relationship could turn out just as volatile if they take things to the point of marriage.

While those fears are unfounded because you control your destiny and not someone else, the anxiety becomes deeply seeded inside your mind. In a perfect world, this individual could get over it and move on, but they are so apprehensive about living in such turmoil again that they have “cold feet.” There are ways to get over past heartbreaks so that they can have a great relationship.

The Irrational Voices of Fear

You know that previous bad experiences can put a sour taste in your mouth when it comes to committing, but what are some of the other reasons people fear this step? Here is a list of the most common concerns that folks have and what drives their fear of commitment.

Commitment puts too much pressure on someone; when things are good, you shouldn’t mess with it.

Here are some doubts someone might experience:

What happens if you fall out of love?
Once you get married, the romantic aspects of the relationship change and become less thrilling.
Can you stay with one person for the rest of your life?
People who are together for eternity will become bored with one another.
Divorce is inevitable.
What if one person wants kids and the other party doesn’t?
Will they lie and be dishonest about the essential things?
What if the couple grows in different directions?
Will they cheat?
What if they leave?
How can it be possible with finances?
Can you handle their family members and their influence?
What if they don’t find each other attractive anymore?

Signs Your Partner Is Afraid To Commit

You’ve met the perfect person. Things have been going well for some time, but there’s never any talk of a relationship or anything that makes a traditional devotion to one another. Does this person have a fear of commitment?

If so, it’s better to know sooner rather than later so that you don’t get hurt. Here are some signs that your person is anxious about making anything in your relationship formal.

1. They Don’t Like to Make Plans

When someone has a fear of commitment, they don’t like to make advanced plans. It’s not that they don’t want to spend time with you, but they like to keep their options open should they get a better offer.

You want someone who clears their schedule to see you, not takes you out because they have nothing better to do. When you’re number one in their life, they will do whatever possible to be close to you.

2. They Act Trapped When You Talk Commitment

When you’re brave enough to ask about a long-term commitment, they instantly panic. They may ignore the questions or change the subject. It’s apparent they are very uneasy and fear commitment, so they prefer to answer in generalities. If you push the issue with them, you might not like the answer you get.

3. Conversations Are Kept Surface

Someone who has irrational fears of a relationship wants to keep things very surface. They won’t open and talk about their deepest desires or biggest regrets. When they open, it makes them vulnerable. The last thing someone anxious wants is to be susceptible to others, making matters worse.

4. They’re Not Interested in Dating Seriously

Some people like to play the field. They don’t want to commit to you because it means they must forgo all the other affiliations and relationships they have. When someone doesn’t want to be exclusive, there are almost always others they’re stringing along.

5. They’re Slow to Respond to Messages

Remember the old days of waiting by the phone for a call from the one who stole your heart? Well, the advances in technology have made communication today effortless. You can send texts, emails and virtually follow their location on social media.

There’s no excuse not to respond to any form of communication, yet some people take days or even weeks to answer. The plethora of reasons why they’re too busy doesn’t work. If someone is important in their life, then they would make time for them.

Being on the lower part of their list of importance is a problem, especially if you have feelings to the contrary. It could be their fear of commitment that keeps them from responding, or it’s likely they want to keep you at arm’s length so you don’t get too involved.

6. There’s No Emotional Attachment

Emotional attachment is a big part of any relationship. A study was conducted in 2010 and posted on the National Library of Medicine. People who fear losing their partner often develop deeper connections than those who don’t care.

When an attachment goes beyond meeting physical needs, the person will likely work harder to make things work.

7. No Labels Are Attached

People who have a fear of commitment don’t like to attach labels to any of their relationships. If you ask them to be exclusive, they will be eager to quip that you’re just their friend. They don’t like being boyfriend or girlfriend because that seems to them like a more permanent situation, making them anxious.

8. No Consideration for The Future

If Mr. or Miss Right doesn’t seem to discuss the future, it could be because they don’t see you beyond the friend zone. They’re not thinking of a future with you because the relationship isn’t a forever situation to them.

9. They Hate Change

Commitment issues often come about because a person doesn’t like change. If your relationship seems to be going well, then they don’t want to mess with it. When the slightest thing is altered, even like putting a label on your union, then they may run for the hills.

10. Once The Magic Is Gone, So Are They

Another classic sign of someone who has a commitment phobia is they only are interested in the feeling and magic in the beginning. In a new relationship, the physical attraction is high and the feelings intense. However, as you grow together, things aren’t as exciting.

However, this person is attracted to those butterflies and fireworks they feel in a new relationship, and they may be classified as a serial dater.

11. The Future Plans Doesn’t Include You

When they talk about their future, their plans don’t include you in the mix. They may speak of concerts, sporting events, or buying a house of their dreams, but all their conversations are made without you in mind. They don’t make you a part of any of their future because they see you as someone who can take of their needs and loneliness in the present.

12. They Reiterate They Want to Move Nice and Slow

Whenever this person is backed into a corner, they let you know that they’re taking things slow. They don’t want to go too fast because of their anxiety. It doesn’t mean that they’re not going to commit to you, but it shows some underlying fears.

They may have moved too fast in previous relationships, and it turned out badly. It’s also a possibility that they’re not on the same page with you. Some people move slower than others, so while this is a red flag, it doesn’t mean to count them out of a long-term commitment. Just have patience and give the relationship time.

Final Thoughts on a Partner With a Fear of Commitment

Why are some people so fearful of commitment while others tend to dive in headfirst? Each person has a unique personality that makes them who they are, and they also have experiences that have molded them to be this way. It’s not that this person doesn’t want the fairy tale romance with the white picket fence and kids running around, but they’re scared of what all this responsibility entails.

On the other hand, some people don’t want to be tied down and prefer to live a life where they can be a free spirit. According to the National Library of Medicine, someone with a phobia is an irrational fear where there is no threat to danger. Even though the individual may realize that their fears are unfounded, the anxiety they experience cripples them from moving forward.

Before you get involved with anyone who displays any of these signs, you need to think long and hard. Do you want to waste months or even years pining after someone who can’t give you what you want? Plus, it’s never a fun position to be in when the struggle involves matters of the heart.

Principal Shaves Head to Prove a Point About Bullying

July 5, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

One middle school principal in Iowa shaved his head for an unlikely reason: to teach students a lesson about bullying. Principal Tom Hadley decided to shave his head in solidarity with a young boy being bullied. The 11-year-old had recently learned that his grandpa had cancer, so he shaved his head to support him. However, when he went to school the next day, some students made unkind remarks about his haircut.

Jackson Johnston, a 6th grader at Pekin Middle School in Packwood, Iowa, was heartbroken about his grandpa’s diagnosis. He and his grandfather, who he lovingly called “Papa”, spent a lot of time together. His Papa Rick taught him things like how to play golf and other sports, and how to drive a boat. When Jackson found out his Papa had been diagnosed with Stage 4 Mantle cell lymphoma, his world collapsed.

Jackson’s mother Amber said in an interview with NBC News that Papa Rick loved styling his hair. Of course, with the chemotherapy treatments, his hair started getting really thin and patchy. Jackson knew his papa felt pretty disheartened about losing his hair. So, he decided to do something to cheer him up and make him feel less alone.

He couldn’t make cancer go away, but he could support his papa during his treatments. While Jackson felt hopeless about the diagnosis, he wanted to stay strong for his papa. He decided the best way to support his grandfather was to shave his own head. He told his grandpa he wouldn’t be alone, and he wouldn’t be the only one losing his hair.

One Sunday morning, Jackson visited his grandpa sporting a brand new hairstyle. He told his papa that they should start a “new club for shaved heads.” His grandpa was pleasantly surprised and couldn’t believe he did that for him. He teared up at his grandson’s kindness.

Jackson shaved his head to show solidarity with his Grandpa but kids at school teased him

Jackson always looked up to his grandpa and wanted to be like him. Just knowing that he boosted his grandpa’s spirits during a tough time meant the world to him.

However, at school the next day, Jackson’s friends had a different attitude about his hairstyle. Some of his classmates teased and bullied him about his shaved head. One student called him “baldy” and another said “you look like you have cancer.” At first, Jackson felt enraged at the comments, but his anger turned to sadness later on.

When Jackson got home from school, Amber immediately knew he’d had a bad day. She couldn’t understand what happened, because Jackson was so excited about his haircut the day before. So, she asked her son what was bothering him, and he told her about the mean comments. She, too, felt angry and disappointed with the kids at school.

She decided to reach out to Principal Tim Hadley and tell him about her son being bullied. When he returned her call, she was taken aback by his response. He asked if she still had the clippers Jackson cut his hair with. She said ‘yes’, unsure of where he was going with this. Amber said he then asked if Jackson could bring the clippers to school the next day.

So, when Jackson got to school with his clippers, he had no idea what was in store. He just expected Hadley to call the bullies into his office and lecture them. However, the principal surprised everyone and ended up organizing an impromptu assembly with all 175 students at the school.

The principal asked Jackson to shave his head to prove a point about bullying

Now, Hadley’s request for the clippers made sense. Before asking Jackson to shave his head, however, he had an important message for the students.

He said: “You might know Jackson got a haircut, here. He did this in honor of his Grandpa Rick who has been diagnosed with cancer. I’ve also heard that a couple people in this room made some comments to him regarding it, poking fun at him, saying that he looks a little different. To me, that doesn’t sit well for two reasons: One, first of all, I’m very proud of you, Jackson. That’s an amazing step; it’s very bold to do that.”

He then asked the students to raise their hand if they’d ever known someone with cancer. Almost everyone in the room raised their hands.

Hadley continued his lecture: “So, for us to judge somebody else’s reaction to that, it’s wrong, and we can do better. In standing up for Jackson and showing my support for his Grandpa Rick, I’ve offered to let Jackson shave my head today.”

Hadley then sat in a chair in front of all the students while Jackson shaved his head. The students seemed moved by the fact that the principal stood up for Jackson like that.

The principal ended his speech by saying: “Support each other, love each other. We’re a family; that’s why we’re here. We’re Pekin family – that’s what we do; we support each other, good times and bad. I want to see more good times than bad, but I’m here either way.”

After hearing Jackson’s story, Hadley wanted to use the experience to teach the kids a valuable life lesson. He stressed to the students the importance of building each other up rather than tearing each other down. He also emphasized the fact that words carry weight, and to always think before you speak.

Jackson’s mom Amber said that after the assembly, her son received a lot of kindness and support. The students who bullied him even apologized and complimented him on his haircut. What a happy ending to this story!

Final thoughts on the principal who shaved his head to teach a lesson on kindness

After 6th grader Jackson Johnston got bullied for shaving his head, the principal wanted to teach the students a lesson. He told the students that they should support and love one another, rather than spread hate. Hadley told them to try to put themselves in the other person’s shoes and show empathy. By allowing Jackson to shave his head, too, he hopes that other students will really absorb the message.

Jackson says he will continue standing in solidarity with his Papa Rick until he goes into remission. However, even if he loses his battle with cancer, Jackson will keep his head shaved for life.

This heartwarming story shows that you can’t learn everything from a textbook. Sometimes, it’s the lessons you learn outside the classroom that really stick with you.

5 Signs of True Wealth (That Aren’t All About Money)

July 5, 2021 by Chris Butler

True wealth is a concept that can best be defined as genuine financial freedom that allows an individual to live according to their terms and by their desires. The exact meaning behind this sort of wealth differs from person to person, but one thing remains constant: it’s a goal that many strive to achieve.

But how can you tell the difference between wealth and true wealth? Have you ever noticed that certain people seem to rise above the crowd of the wealthy and successful, even when they’re technically among peers? What’s different about them?

Here are five signs of true wealth.

1. Freedom

One of the hallmarks of true wealth is freedom. It means independence, not needing to answer to almost anyone, and having the ability to do as you please. Here are some privileges common in real wealth:

· The Freedom To Choose Commitments

The ability to choose the people you spend time with, the projects you put effort into, and where you spend your money and other resources is the core of freedom. You’re not bound by what the world wants – you’re free to decide whatever you enjoy. This isn’t to say you don’t have any commitments. It just means that you can choose which ones you have, and you can be flexible about your personal decisions. You don’t feel trapped in your responsibilities and are happy to be involved in them.

· The Freedom To Cut Out Toxicity

It’s great to remove jerks from your life, but not everyone is free to do that. For example, many individuals can’t escape an annoying colleague, a power-tripping boss, or a toxic family member that easily. But someone with true wealth can. They aren’t confined to being around those they dislike or who bring them down and instead surround themselves with positive, uplifting people that further improve their wellbeing.

· The Freedom To Say “No.”

At some point, almost everyone needs to say “yes” to something they don’t want to do. For some, it happens way more often than they’d like. These requirements constrain genuinely wealthy people. They can turn down opportunities and jobs they aren’t interested in. Indeed, they can afford to keep their standards high and not compromise their preferences or integrity. They recognize that sometimes, a “yes” closes way more doors than it opens, and they’re fortunate enough to get to curate what they accept.

2. A Healthy Financial Situation

True wealth doesn’t involve being a millionaire, owning a mansion or a fancy car, or being one of the top 1%. In fact, true wealth is often as simple as enjoying a healthy and reasonable financial situation where you are secure, comfortable, and content with what you have. Here are some examples of this:

· You Don’t Have Debt

Did you know that the most significant source of stress of a financial variety is debt in America? This fact is according to a survey by GOBankingRates, which found that most people lose positive thinking pretty quickly when debt is involved. It’s easy to see why – owing someone or something a lot of money that you can’t even afford to currently payback is pretty much the opposite of true wealth. Of course, you don’t have to have zero debt to enjoy true wealth; you shouldn’t be completely bogged down by it.

· You Don’t Live Paycheck to Paycheck

It isn’t easy to climb out of a situation where you’re living from paycheck to paycheck. If you manage to overcome that situation, pat yourself on the back and let yourself enjoy some positive thinking! Sometimes, true wealth is as simple as having extra disposable income, which can build over time as you rise in financial capability.

· Your Net Worth Grows

If you’re someone who’s on the up-and-up in financial status, you may not be technically “rich” yet, but if your net worth continues to grow, then you may be genuinely “wealthy.” This situation is because you’re experiencing an equal uphill climb in financial status regarding savings and assets, projecting a positive trajectory for your overall financial situation. Regularly putting aside savings and watching them grow indicates that you know how to manage your money and are at least on your way to genuine wealth.

3. Not Showing Off

Someone who is genuinely wealthy knows that this is what they are, and they don’t feel the need to prove it to others as their wealth will speak for itself. Here are some things that a truly wealthy person doesn’t do:

· Name Dropping

Always talking about the people you know who are wealthy or famous indicates that you’re not wealthy. You know people who are. Someone who is genuinely wealthy knows that their worth is enough. Besides, it’s tacky to rely on the popularity of others to climb up in the world. If you’re good friends with someone of that level, they’d be naturally supportive of you, and you wouldn’t need to drop their name to climb.

· Flashy Outfits and Items

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying expensive clothes, accessories, and items and buying them when you can afford to. But some people intentionally try to choose things that scream how expensive they are, purely to make it clear to everyone that they have money. True wealth doesn’t need to play those kinds of games. Someone who is genuinely wealthy will wear whatever they want, even if it doesn’t make them “look rich.”

· Wanting Everyone To Know Them

Have you ever heard someone say, “Do you know who I am?”. Well, whoever they were, they didn’t have true wealth! Genuinely wealthy people don’t care if you know or recognize them or not. In fact, they enjoy opportunities to meet new people and are secure enough in themselves that exterior recognition doesn’t matter to them.

· Discussions About Wealth

The trend of true wealth is evident: genuinely wealthy people don’t need to flaunt their money. This also means they don’t see much point in talking about all the expensive things they have or engaging in discussions about how rich they are. It’s a boring topic because it’s a part of who they are, not their entire personality. Why waste time talking about that when they could discuss something more enriching instead?

4. Positive Traits That Add To Success

True wealth can often come from within yourself. As cliche as it sounds, wealth can even be defined as achieving inner peace and happiness. Plus, positive traits can contribute to someone’s success, effectiveness, and overall wealth. This applies in more ways than one. Here are some qualities that are signs of true wealth:

· Decisiveness

Even when it’s complicated or difficult, being able to make decisions is an incredibly positive trait to have. It means someone can be confident in their actions, combined with an ability to roll with the punches that leave them comfortable with the possibility that they may be wrong. It also means they know what they want and know what they’ll do to get it, which is a sign of true wealth for sure!

· Persistence

True wealth is usually accumulated via hard work and the motivation and commitment necessary to achieve goals. A truly wealthy person will continue down this path. Their ability to choose their trajectory in life and follow it through to the end is admirable and often the reason that they become successful to begin with.

· Adaptability

Someone who is truly wealthy knows how to adapt. They can quickly analyze new situations, react with flexibility, and act according to their observations, usually with fair success. It’s commonly known that adaptability has a positive effect on overall life satisfaction. The ability to go with the flow and switch things up when necessary is endlessly valuable, especially when someone has to make moves and decisions regarding financial situations.

· Open-Mindedness

A close-minded person fails to see the potential of their current wealth and cannot build it into real wealth and genuine success. The genuinely wealthy must be ready to listen to others, receive criticism well, and seek all sorts of unorthodox ideas. They gain wealth by trying everything and being interested, not through judgment.

· Thirst For Knowledge

Indeed, wealthy people aren’t just affluent in money. They’re also wealthy in knowledge. They continuously strive to learn new things and discover new methods and concepts to improve and grow. They’ll take classes, ask for outside input, and never stop honing their skills and building new ones.

5. Defining Wealth Uniquely

The truth is that wealth is different for different people. Everyone experiences true wealth differently. If someone happily defines wealth in a unique way to them that isn’t influenced by others, the chances are that they’ve found that exact wealth in their life and are extremely satisfied with it. This can come in the form of:

Fewer working hours
General financial stability
Owning a home, car, or other useful and expensive items
The ability to build a collection of favored items
An earlier age of retirement
A lack of concern regarding financial and social status
Regular vacations and holidays
The ability to donate to charity and put money into positive causes
General life satisfaction and positive thinking

If you feel like your life has meaning, you enjoy what you’re doing, and you feel fulfilled, that in itself can be considered true wealth. That’s how real wealth is measured – happiness, contentment, and being proud of where you are. You’ll continue to grow over time and accumulate more and more of that real wealth, even if you don’t earn more money. In other words, true wealth is something that matters, uniquely, to you.

Final Thoughts On Some Signs Of True Wealth You Need To Recognize

True wealth is a fascinating idea, and there’s a lot of debate about what it means, if financial aspects even matter to it, and if it’s even achievable in this day and age. Regardless of your stance on its concept, you can’t deny that it’s an attractive goal.

It’s not easy to achieve true wealth, but you can start today by incorporating positive habits that lead you to develop such wealth signs. You’ll know when you’ve reached true wealth when you feel content in your current financial, professional, or personal life. That’s all that matters at the end of the day!

14 Triggers That Could Cause Someone to Binge Eat

July 4, 2021 by Chris Butler

There are a few eating disorders that plague people, and all of them have their dangers. One of the most troubling is the urge to binge eat. Often these folks cannot control the amounts of foods they consume.

Though conditions like bulimia also involve binging, the purging aspect is different. Binge eaters often don’t purge what they consume; instead, they gain weight at a rapid level. The obesity epidemic continues to spin out of control in this country. In fact, Health Data estimates that more than 160 million people fit into this category.

Things That Cause a Negative Mindset

What is classified as binge eating? When a person consumes a massive amount of food in a short time frame, then it’s considered binging. Did you know that your habits can dictate how much food you eat?

Here are some practices you have control over that can help you to eat less.

Overthinking about your problems
Starving during the day and waiting too late to eat at night
Trying to be on super restrictive diets.
Cutting out whole food groups instead of using moderation
Eating while watching television.
Holding in your feelings and using food for comfort
Going out to eat too often
Snacking during the day
Eating on the road
Consuming too much fast food
Not controlling your sweet tooth
Yoyo dieting
Not using portion control.
Using food to socialize

Fourteen Triggers That Might Cause Someone to Binge Eat

You must know that eating disorders can cause significant organ damage, and there is no one safer than another. It requires behavioral modification as well as counseling to get through these disorders. Before you can begin to heal, you need to identify the behaviors and triggers that cause you to binge. Here are the most common reasons.

1. Stress

Everyone handles stress differently. Some choose to eat as a coping method, while others refuse to take a bite. Not just binge eating, but many eating disorders start with stress as the crux.

How many times have you sat down with a tub of ice cream and ate the whole half-gallon without realizing it? These bad habits can easily stretch your stomach, requiring you to eat more food to feel satisfied. Additionally, when you turn to food for comfort once, it will become a bad habit until you take control of it.

It’s imperative to reduced or eliminate stress if it’s the cause. You won’t be able to get binge eating under control when the pressure is still at the crux and unmanaged.

2. Family History of Eating Disorders

According to the National Institute of Health, eating disorders tend to run in families. It also states that things like binge eating often appear during adolescents, but they can also appear later in life. Treating someone who has a family history is always more difficult as these patterns are often learned behaviors.

If the entire family is overweight and has binging issues, it will be hard to go against the grain.

3. Emotional Trauma

Your emotions play a big part in your eating habits. Some people binge when they’re emotional, and they never put two and two together. Those with high anxiety may turn to pizza, chips, and other carbohydrate-laden foods to cope. Additionally, counseling can help you see the need to control your eating habits and get to the core of your need to binge.

It’s not uncommon to see overweight individuals with severe emotional issues, and their efforts to cope include eating. It’s the same principle that causes someone to drink alcohol or use illegal substances. These folks are using food to get rid of the pain.

4. History of Abuse

Individuals who have suffered from abuse are more likely to develop an eating disorder. Now, since there are many types of these disorders, it’s hard to say which one they will be inclined to. However, binging is quite common in people who have a history of abuse.

The abuse can be physical, mental, or sexual, but the outcome is still the same. It leaves your emotions a mess, and you feel violated. These feelings don’t go away, but you must learn practical coping skills. Even if the abuse happened 20 years ago, it could still affect your psyche as an adult.

5. Family History of Substance Abuse

Is there is a history of substance abuse in your family? Some may use alcohol while others will use food. Studies have shown that there are genetic links to substance abuse. According to American Addiction Centers Recovery, there isn’t one gene that determines whether you have an addictive personality, but there are many genes that make this determination.

So, when you have a history of addictions, it’s tough to overcome. Also, it can increase your chances of self-medicating practices by up to 50 percent. Whether it’s food, heroin, or tequila, the need to binge all comes from your chemical makeup.

6. Cultural Influences

Your culture can play a significant role in your eating habits. Contrary to binging is anorexia. This eating disorder is where a person doesn’t eat or takes massive amounts of diet pills to keep them from eating. They view gaining weight as ugly, and no matter how much weight they lose, they will never see themselves as anything other than overweight.

The cultural aspects of eating disorders cannot be ignored. Hollywood has played a big part in making women feel that they must be a size two to fit in. Women are starving themselves because they want acceptance. Now, for the person who is overweight, their culture can also be fundamental.

What if a child grows up in a home where healthy eating and exercise aren’t encouraged? What if that child is giving a cookie when they have a temper tantrum, and because sweets work to calm the child, they learn to use junk food for life? Binging can also be caused by cultural influences.

If you hang with people who tend to frequent buffets and have more than one massive serving at dinner, it won’t be long before you mimic the same behaviors as it becomes acceptable. It’s scary how much people and your culture influence you.

7. Brain Anomalies

Did you know that some people with eating disorders often have brain abnormalities that cause them? Your brain issues can range from mild to severe, and they can affect the foods you consume as well as the amounts.

Brain abnormalities can cause eating disorders, such as binge eating. The signal from the brain to the stomach that indicates your full or hungry may not work correctly. Thus, you can overeat and not even realize how much you’ve consumed. Since most of these issues are psychological, it’s best to have counseling to retrain your brain.

8. Hormonal Defects

Different illnesses or diseases can cause hormonal abnormalities, so finding the underlying cause before treating the eating disorder is essential. Once the hormone levels are back to normal, they may overcome the eating disorder on their own or with some therapy. Some people require more treatment even after their hormones are normal again, and they may struggle with eating disorders for years to come.

Did you know that your hormones can significantly impact you’re eating? As your levels go up and down, so do your cravings for food. When you have these fluctuations, it may cause you to develop an eating disorder. Your hormones can make you overeat to the point of getting sick. If there is a hormonal imbalance in the body causing the binging, things should subside once the levels are back to normal.

9. You Suffered Abuse by a Bully

Did you know that people who have been bullied are more likely to develop an eating disorder than others? You often see bullies attack the overweight, and then they turn to food to comfort themselves from the attacks. Body image can come from bullying, and the bully doesn’t always have to be the schoolyard’s proverbial character.

10. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

OCD is a common anxiety disorder that causes people to be obsessive-compulsive about things. The need to control is a massive part of this disorder, and the symptoms can range from manageable to crippling. You may develop an eating disorder where you compulsively eat as a result. Thankfully, this is a very treatable condition that can be managed through counseling and herbal remedies for brain health.

Final Thoughts on Understanding the Causes of Binge Eating

Did you learn anything about binging that resonated with you? Did you see some of the everyday habits you have that cause you to eat more than you should? Maybe you have metabolic or psychological reasons for more.

Since obesity can cause significant damage to your system, as well as your organs, you must get binge eating under control. Getting help may include counseling or joining a support group. The longer you let the problem fester, the more weight you will gain. You may even turn to methods like purging to combat the need to eat so much.

Mental Health Study Links Loneliness in Teens to Internet Addiction

July 4, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Internet addiction is on the rise in our teenagers.

Being a teenager is a difficult time in a person’s life. All those raging hormones can interfere with the teen’s emotions, behaviors, school performance, and social life. Sometimes things can get so bad that they affect family life.

Teenagers tend to be one of the loneliest age groups. They might surround themselves with friends and family but still feel more alone than ever.

Over the past months, the pandemic intensified these emotions. They separate from many essential people in their lives – friends, teachers, mentors, family members. Most teenagers have been coping with this social gap by turning to the internet.

Unfortunately, according to a study done by researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland, combining lonely teens with the internet can result in internet addiction. The details of the study are outlined below.

Details of the Study

The study was led by Katariina Salmela-Aro, a professor of Education at the University of Helsinki. The study results were published in the Society for Research Child Development journal in January of 2021. It followed 1,750 teenagers from Finland over three years, observing them at the 16-year, 17-year, and 18-year-old mark.

The study showed two links. First, they found a link between increased loneliness and internet addiction. The second was a link between internet addiction and depression. Using a survey given to the teens at each of the one-year marks, they determined that the teens who felt the loneliest had a much higher internet usage rate over the years. They also found that these teens were more likely to be depressed than the teens who weren’t lonely or didn’t have an internet addiction.

The prevalence of internet addiction

The rate of internet addiction was highest among 16-year-old teens. The second highest addicted group was boys. This finding seems to point to the idea that teenage boys are much lonelier than adolescent girls.

While the study validates the theory that teens are lonely and becoming increasingly addicted to the internet, this isn’t a new idea. Many psychologists and researchers have speculated on this in the past. Professor Eugene Beresin, M.D., M.A., Executive Director of the MGH Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds, published a blog post in 2019 that discussed teen loneliness. He even mentioned certain health conditions that can occur due to this loneliness (discussed further below).

According to Professor Salmela-Aro, teens look for a sense of belonging on the internet. They’re often hooked on online gaming, social media networks (how many likes they have), or even chatting with strangers. That was before the pandemic. During the pandemic, their internet use increased, although this happened across all age groups. However, for teens, this only adds to problematic internet use (PIU). Even the teens who may not have had PUI before the pandemic are susceptible to the possible addiction.

The study showed that the pandemic wasn’t the only factor that led to PUI. Having distant parents also played a significant role in internet addiction. Teens who didn’t have a strong relationship with their parents attempt to supplement that relationship on the internet.

A silver lining?

The good news is that the addictive behavior may not be permanent. Professor Salmela-Aro said that internet usage seems to curb as some teens transition into adulthood, so there is a light at the end of the tunnel. She notes that it’s likely due to their brains developing more and their self-control growing stronger. Focusing on educational assignments (in college) helps to curb their internet usage.

Professor Salmela-Aro stated, “It’s comforting to know that problematic internet use is adaptive and often changes in late adolescence and during the transition to adulthood. Consequently, attention should be paid to the matter both in school and at home. Addressing loneliness too serves as a significant channel for preventing excessive internet use.”

This study points out a glaring problem among youth today – they are lonely, resulting in depression. Even with all the attention given to this problem, not enough is being done about it at an age where they could curb compulsive behaviors that result in depression. Suicide rates for teens ages 15 to 19 years old are higher than they’ve ever been in decades. It’s a serious issue, and our society needs to give it our full attention.

Loneliness and Depression Among Teens: A Serious Problem

It’s hard to imagine a teenager whose loved ones and friends surround are lonely, but loneliness is a feeling, not a physical state. Another way to put it is that they aren’t connecting to those around them – they may be just going through the motions. They may feel detached or alienated from those around them.

The best thing that could happen for any lonely teenager is for someone around them to recognize the signs of them being lonely. It’s preferable if this occurs before the teen gets addicted to the internet and falls into depression.

Signs of a lonely teenager include the following:

Low self-esteem.
Loss of confidence in themselves.
They withdraw from friends and family.
Acting out/bad behavior.
Doing irresponsible activities to fit in.
No ambition to try new things.

How to Help a Teen Out of Loneliness

It can be challenging to help a teen who is feeling lonely because they may reject your help. Many teens are unwilling to talk to an adult about what’s going on with them. However, it would be best if you kept trying to reach them. Don’t give up.

Don’t attack them directly. For example, don’t say something like, “I notice you’ve been acting weird lately. What’s wrong with you?”

This could lead to them getting defensive and shutting down even more. Instead, ask them how they’re doing. Ask them about specific things like school, friends, etc., and let them do the talking. If they don’t want to talk the first time, keep trying even if they tell you not to.

When they do open up to you, you’ll need to resist the urge to get bothered or upset by what they tell you. Your reaction is everything – it will determine whether they’ll let you know things in the future or not. Try to remain calm and open-minded. Don’t be judgmental because their self-esteem is probably already fragile.

How Else Can You Pull a Teenager Out of an Internet Addiction?

Besides talking, getting the teen out and about can help curb loneliness. It’s hard during the pandemic to get out and meet people, but it’s not impossible. Even small interactions such as those with a grocery store clerk can help the teen to feel a little less lonely.

Make sure you provide plenty of reassurance during these times. A teen can feel hopeless with no end in sight to this pandemic right now, so make sure you’re there for them. Keep encouraging them to put down the phone, games, and laptops/tablets and come out of their room to participate in family gatherings.

Most of all, don’t be pushy. Keep trying, but don’t be so aggressive with it. Let them know that they can come to you when they’re ready.

When Loneliness Has Already Turned into Depression

The teen in question may have already become addicted to the internet and depressed. Unfortunately, it’s not hard for teens to take that leap.

Just like Professor Salmela-Aro’s research points out, teens are depressed these days. They have so much pressure on them to fit in, all while dealing with raging hormones that they don’t know how to handle. Add other issues like family problems, school performance issues, and the rapid growth spurts they experience, which can continuously change their sense of self. You have a recipe for disaster.

Signs of teen depression can include the symptoms of loneliness.

Other signs are:

Running away.
Violence.
Getting into trouble at school.
Drug and alcohol abuse.
Reckless behavior.

Depression among teens is scary. In 2017, the rate of suicide for teens ages 15 to 19 was 17 per 100,000, and the attempted suicide rates were almost four times that. Teens are only having a hard time dealing with this depression.

Gender Differences in Teenage Suicide

Statistics also show that the rate of suicide is higher among teen boys than girls – more than twice as high. This aligns with Professor Salmela-Aro’s research which showed that internet addiction was higher among boys and 16-year-old teens. An even more interesting (but equally gruesome) statistic is that, across all age groups, more women than men attempt suicide, but more men than women succeed. While suicide is generally thought of in a non-gender-specific way, there is a gender imbalance in the statistics.

This doesn’t mean that you should pay more attention to depressed boys than girls. Both groups are at risk. If you know someone showing suicidal signs, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or text CONNECT to 741741. You also can contact them online.

Final Thoughts on Internet Addiction, Loneliness, and Depression

It can be hard to know what a teenager is feeling. After all, many of their feelings aren’t rational because their brains haven’t developed enough to cope with things like adults do. You’re not a psychic, and if they don’t talk to you, they may leave you in the dark.

However, think back to when you were a teen. What issues did you face? How did they make you feel? This may give you a bit of insight into what the teen is feeling.

Try to curb their loneliness before it becomes a PIU. Just be there for them in the way they need, not how you want to.

Finally, if you’ve missed the loneliness stage, make sure you recognize any signs of depression or suicide. Get the teen some help immediately and know that all those raging hormones may subside and allow the teen to live everyday life in a few years.

Meet The Howling Dog That Became an Instant Internet Sensation

July 4, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Ellie is no ordinary pooch – this howling dog became a hit worldwide from her powerful vocals! Known as Elliehowls, she now has over 500K followers on TikTok and almost 15K on Instagram. People can’t get enough of her yodeling and howling antics, and we can see why. Here’s her story.

“I told my then-boyfriend, now husband, that I wanted to go to the dog rescue just to look,” her owner said. “I always wanted to go and just look at the dogs, because I’m obsessed with dogs, but this time was a little bit different.”

Love at first howl

When Ellie’s mom walked into the shelter, she immediately laid eyes on the adorable pup. Ellie was the first dog she saw when she walked in, and her mom knew it was fate.

“[She was] in her crib, looking at me with these puppy dog eyes; she was so quiet and calm, and she kind of just looked at me, and we both knew.”

Ellie’s mom said she can’t quite explain it, but they just had an instant connection. She just felt in her heart that she should take Ellie home. Now, her owner says “she truly is one of the best things to ever happen to me.”

Ellie isn’t just a howling dog, either; she can also say “I love you!” There’s nothing better than hearing those three words from your fluffy friend.

The dog’s full name is Ellie May, and her owner says she howls when she’s happy. That’s where she gets her online username, Ellie Howls!

“When we howl, she howls,” her owner says. “She is truly like a huge part of our lives, and she brings so much happiness to us and everybody around us.”

Ellie is just a normal, happy, howling dog

“She loves to do anything outdoors; she just wants to explore and she never wants to come inside,” her mom says. “But, when she is inside, she loves to cuddle on the couch. She just loves to be around us and be with us.”

They have another dog as well named Gigi who is three years old. She’s a Yellow Lab mix rescue that started off as a foster, but she’s now become part of the family. She and Ellie go on lots of adventures together, and truly enjoy each other’s company. According to Gigi’s Instagram, she growls when she’s happy, so her username is Gigigrowls. To each dog their own!

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A post shared by Ellie (@elliehowls)

Ellie’s mom says another thing the howling dog loves is swimming. Some dogs shy away from the water, but others like Ellie dive headfirst and love getting their fur wet!

“Her version of swimming is a little different than other dogs,” her mom says. “She stands on her back paws and splashes with her front paws, and she could do this for hours!”

Not only is this a hilarious thing to watch, but Ellie seems truly happy while “swimming.”

Ellie the howling dog is a lucky pup, indeed

Ellie is fortunate to have found such a wonderful family, but not all rescue dogs get so lucky.

“There are so many dogs at the rescues that need loving homes and so many dogs that might not ever leave the rescue,” the dog owner explains. “It really brings so much joy knowing that you can bring one of those dogs into your life, and show them love, and they will return the love.”

Adopting instead of shopping is a great way to help out an animal in need. There are so many loving dogs to choose from at rescues, and many of them make great family pets.

“It’s amazing, and I would encourage anybody who’s on the fence about it to just go and start as a foster dog or cat parent. That way, you’re helping the animal and you might just find your forever animal that way. And, if you don’t, you get to be a big part of their life by placing them in somebody else’s home, and you can keep doing that until you find the right one.”

More information on what makes dogs howl

Howling is just another way for dogs to communicate (and perhaps channel their inner wolf)! Other than barking or shrieking, howling gives dogs another medium of communication. Some common reasons dogs howl include:

For attention
To alert their owner to nearby threats
Communicate or make contact with other dogs
Response to high pitched noises or sounds (such as sirens)

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A post shared by Ellie (@elliehowls)

These are some of the positive reasons for dogs howling. However, excessive howling could signal an underlying condition or mental issue.

Common troubling reasons for dog howls include:

Separation Anxiety: this happens when your dog is alone for long time periods. The howling is often combined with other anxious behaviors like scratching, pacing, or tearing up items.
Medical problems: howling may be your dog’s way of communicating that something is wrong with them. If they start to howl more often, cry, or shriek, you may want to take your dog for a checkup.
Sounds: Dogs respond to certain sounds, such as sirens, by howling. It may seem annoying, but it usually stops as soon as the noise fades away.

In conclusion, howling is a primal instinct that dogs have. Since they come from wolves, this makes perfect sense. Some people believe dogs howl as a sign of boredom or loneliness. Others think that they howl to search for a dog companion or communicate their location with pack members. In a way, howling acts as a “telephone call” with other dogs since the sound travels for long distances.

Final thoughts: cute howling dog becomes internet sensation

Not only is Ellie a loving, friendly dog, but her howling habit has earned her many fans! When her owner posts on her Instagram or TikTok page, people can’t help but laugh at her wolf-like habit. Dogs howl for many reasons, but Ellie’s owner says that for Ellie, it’s simply a sign of happiness. She loves to copy her owners when they howl, too!

Does your dog howl at the moon, sirens, or just because? We’d love to hear your thoughts and comments!

15 Daily Affirmations to Free Your Mind of Toxic Thinking

July 4, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Toxic thinking can hinder your ability to achieve success or reach your goals. It can prevent you from achieving happiness, peace, and contentment in your life, too. With this being the case, you must free your mind of toxic thinking as soon as possible.

While eliminating toxic thinking might sound like a hard task, it is easier than it sounds. If you can remember that you control your thoughts, you can change them for the better. All it takes is consistency, positivity, and determination for positive thinking to become a habit for you.

As you begin your day, try some of these positive daily affirmations. The affirmations will help you start your day off positively, and you will feel more positive as the day goes on. When you find negativity and toxic thinking creep in, repeat the affirmations to help push it away.

The more often you use these positive affirmations, the better you will feel. You will quickly reap the benefits of positive thinking, and you can move forward positively. Always remember that you deserve to live a happy life, so make sure to free your mind from toxic thinking.

Fifteen Positive Affirmations to Free Your Mind of Negativity

Review these sentences when you need a boost of positivity in your life.

1. I trust myself and let go of self-doubt.

If you can trust yourself, your self-doubt will decrease. Repeat this affirmation each day as you get ready, and you will notice more positive thoughts throughout the day. You can also repeat it anytime you begin to doubt yourself.

2. I am happy with my life and grateful for what I have.

When you remember how good your life is, you can free your mind from toxic thinking. Think of all the things you have to be grateful for, and recall them often. Thinking about the good things in your life will help you change your mindset.

3. I can do anything, even if it takes longer than expected.

When you decide to do something, you can do anything that you set your mind to. It might not happen as quickly as you want, but it will happen if you keep pushing forward. Eliminate any thoughts that tell you that you can’t do something because you can do anything.

As long as you push those thoughts away and remind yourself that you can, you will get there. Toxic thinking will only hold you back or slow you down.

4, I accept the way I feel and will work toward happiness.

Accept your feelings, and then find a way to work through them. Without acceptance, achieving happiness isn’t possible, so it is an essential first step. It is normal to feel toxic feelings once in a while, but you can’t let them linger any longer than necessary.

5. I forgive myself and anyone who has wronged me.

When you haven’t forgiven someone, it can cause toxic thinking. Forgiveness is essential, and with it, you can move forward positively in life. Forgiving yourself is most important because you can’t live up to your potential until you do.

6. I will take the steps I need to for a better future.

Toxic thinking can hinder your ability to better yourself and create a good future. Use this affirmation so you can free your mind and move forward positively. Say this statement aloud and encourage yourself to begin taking the steps you need to.

7. I have great ideas, and I can see them through.

Don’t ever doubt that your ideas are great. The things you come up with are good, and you can accomplish them if you set your mind to accomplishing them. If you feel self-doubt creeping in, remember this daily affirmation to eliminate those thoughts.

Repeat this affirmation as often as you need to, and begin your day with it. It will help you keep an open mind to the ideas you come up with throughout the day.

8. I don’t compare myself to others because we are all different.

Comparing yourself to others is unfair to you and can lead to toxic thinking. Everyone is different, and realizing this can help you remember not to compare.

Plus, the people you compare yourself to have their own issues that they keep hidden. No one’s life is as perfect as they make it seem, making it even more unfair to compare yourself. Remember that what you see or hear about someone’s life is only what they want you to know.

9. I have faith that everything will work out for the best.

Use this affirmation to convince yourself that everything will be okay because it truly will be. When toxic thinking creeps in, repeat this statement until you feel better.

Life has a way of working out exactly how it was meant to. Don’t let the toxic thoughts convince you of anything different.

10. I choose happiness and positivity always.

By choosing to be happy and positive, you are sure to free your mind of toxic thinking for good. You are in charge of your feelings and mindset, so make sure you maintain positivity. Even during the hard times, remember this affirmation to help you get through.

If you can do this, you won’t have any issues with toxic thinking overtaking your mind. Otherwise, toxic thinking can cause you to have negative thoughts and an unfocused mind.

11. I love myself as I am right now, and I won’t let the words of others change that.

When you practice self-love, you can free your mind of toxic thinking and negative self-talk. Always remember to love yourself in this exact moment because you are perfect the way you are.

If other people try to bring you down with negative words or insults, ignore them. They are only trying to stand in the way of your happiness and create self-doubt in your mind. Rise above that, and repeat this affirmation until you are convinced.

12. I am letting go of things that don’t bring me happiness or peace.

Rid your life of the things that don’t make you feel happy, content, at peace, or safe. Fill your life and spend your time with people and things that mean the most to you.

By letting go of the other things, you will find that your mind doesn’t turn to toxic thinking as often. You will fill your day with a sense of fulfillment and happiness as you choose only positive things for your life.

13. I will focus my thoughts and energy only on important things.

After you let go of things that don’t bring happiness, it will be easier to fulfill this affirmation. Focus on what is important to you, and the rest will all fall into place.

Things that aren’t important don’t deserve your thoughts or energy, and by giving in to them, you will create a toxic mindset. Avoid toxic thoughts by focusing only on the positive and important things in your life.

14. I will think positive thoughts so that I can become successful.

With positive thinking, your mind will be clear and more focused on the task at hand. Positive thoughts will give you the courage to push yourself and grow as a person. Plus, it will help you erase any self-doubt you may have as you try to reach your goals.

With all of these benefits, it is essential to get started on changing your mindset. As you think positive thoughts and push away toxic ones, you will find that success becomes more achievable.

15. I am strong, and nothing can stop me.

With this realization, you can do anything that you decide you want to do. Remember your inner-strength, and know that you are getting stronger every day. Nothing can stop you if you repeat this affirmation each day because you will remember it often.

As you get ready for your day, look in the mirror and say this affirmation out loud to yourself. Repeat it until you feel your inner-strength kick in. Then, you can be confident all day knowing that you can do anything.

Final Thoughts on Daily Affirmations to Free Your Mind of Toxic Thinking

Life should be enjoyed, and the only way you can achieve this is to free your mind from toxic thinking. Your toxic thoughts can hold you back and prevent you from reaching your goals and dreams. Negative thinking can make you feel bad about yourself and stand in your way of happiness.

Working to eliminate toxic thinking is essential if you want to feel happy, fulfilled, and successful in life. By repeating these positive daily affirmations, you can get one step ahead of your toxic thoughts. Fill your thoughts with positivity and joy instead of negativity, and you will be open to much more.

If you find yourself reverting to toxic thinking, return to these affirmations to free your mind of toxic thinking. You deserve happiness as you go through life, so do whatever you can to achieve happiness.

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

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!