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10 Paradoxes That Help You to Live a Meaningful Life

May 9, 2021 by Lakeisha Ethans

A paradox is any statement or saying that, on the surface, sounds ridiculous and contradictory, but in reality, it has a surprising basis in wisdom and reality. Many paradoxes around you are fascinating to examine. On top of that, many of them can teach you valuable lessons. But how can something as simple as a strange-sounding phrase give you that much value? Here are ten paradoxes of life that you can use to live a meaningful life.

1. The more you learn, the less you realize you know.

Have you ever noticed that many people are ridiculously confident when they begin something, only to get shocked when they realize that the subject at hand is much more complex than they initially believed?

This is commonly referred to as the Dunning-Krueger effect. The less skilled someone is, the more likely they are to overestimate their competence. It takes a significant amount of time before someone reaches a level of expertise where they have more positive thinking about their abilities again.

Here’s what you can learn from this for a more meaningful life:

The world is complex, and nothing is as simple as it appears at face value.
The world is constantly changing, with new bits of information that means constant learning is necessary for continued expertise.
There are always blind spots in knowledge, no matter how little or how much you know.
It is wisest to assume you know nothing when beginning forays into a subject.

2. The more you try to control something, the less control you have over it.

Many people derive a sense of security from being able to “control” things, whether that is people, their level of preparation, or their environment. There’s a safe feeling that can come with the ability to make sure everything will plan for obvious reasons.

Of course, all that control doesn’t always mean that things will go to plan, and most things dislike being controlled, which makes them even harder to manage. The more you attempt to dictate things, the less likely things will go your way, and the lower your positive thinking will drop.

Here’s what you can learn from this:

Planning is good, but it is impossible to plan for every possible situation.
Learning to be okay with not knowing what will happen next makes life much more interesting and much less stressful.
Adaptability is more crucial than conscientiousness.
The world is mysterious and cannot be controlled, and there can be beauty in that chaos.

3. The more available something is, the less badly people want it.

A scarcity bias is a strange psychological effect whereby most rare things are viewed in the most positive light. The less available something is, the more likely people are to rave about the desire to get their hands on it. In reality, this has little to no bearing on that item’s actual value.

Worse still, once someone finally gets their hands on the rare thing, they often get disillusioned with it. They realize that the inflated value was an oversell and could have done well with something much more easily available.

Here’s what you can learn from this:

Arbitrary value does not dictate something actual value to you or others.
What everyone wants doesn’t have to be what you want, and you shouldn’t blindly follow a mob.
There can be beauty in things that are not valued, and availability can make things more enjoyable.
Scarcity-based value often involves setting yourself up for disappointment.

4. The only thing that never changes is the inevitability of change.

There’s no way to avoid change. It is simply inevitable, and everything changes, no matter how much it seems like it won’t. Whether it changes in a few seconds, in several weeks, or fifty years, the fact remains that change will occur. Sometimes it’s gradual. Sometimes it’s sudden. All of the time, it cannot be stopped.

Here’s how this insight can help you lead a more meaningful life:

A resistance to change is futile; it will come whether you like it or not, and therefore you should accept it.
Once again, adaptability is more crucial than conscientiousness.
Finding security in temporary things will lead to many feelings of insecurity over the course of your life.

5. An abundance of choices makes choosing harder.

A wealth of choices seems like a lovely thing, but it can create an overwhelming situation where the paradox of choice comes into play. The more options are available, the more you want to weigh each one, and the more afraid you are of getting it wrong.

And, worse still, after all of that, you’re likely to regret your decision when a lot of other potential decisions were available. Your positive thinking can’t handle the fact that it “missed out” on other options, making a choice impossible.

Here’s what you can learn from this:

Less can truly be more in many situations.
Not every choice must be groundbreaking; some can be made for fun.
Instead of regretting choices, learning from their outcomes is best.
Being satisfied with what you can help you reduce regrets.
Comparing yourself and your situations to others and their situations is always going to end in dissatisfaction.

6. Seeking happiness can make you more unhappy.

Have you heard of the Paradox of Hedonism? It refers to the “coincidental” occurrence where happiness tends to find you when you aren’t actively seeking it. It’s the source of the famous quote by Henry David Thoreau: “Happiness is like a butterfly, the more you chase it, the more it will evade you, but if you notice the other things around you, it will gently come and sit on your shoulder.”

This is because pursuing happiness often involves setting lofty goals for an imagined emotional state with no real feeling, meaning, or purpose behind it. As a result, you don’t truly know what happiness looks like, nor are you capable of spotting it when it arrives. You then lose your positive thinking as you grow frustrated with your lack of happiness, which is completely counterproductive!

Here’s what you can learn from this:

Instead of seeking happiness, seek personal growth and improvement for a more meaningful life.
Don’t become obsessed with the idea of finding happiness, as you can make your own by seeing the joy in the world around you.
Allow yourself to feel a mix of positive and negative emotions, and don’t beat yourself up for not being constantly happy.

7. The more you cling to others, the more you push them away.

People in general dislike when others behave with neediness towards them. Clingy people can be suffocating. While it’s okay to be more affectionate than others, you also need to understand that the clingier you are, the fewer others will want to spend time with you.

Here’s what you can learn from this:

Maintain healthy boundaries in relationships with others, whether romantic or otherwise
Give others space when they need it and take time to request space of your own, even if you don’t always feel like you need it.
Respect the desires, time, and effort of others
Relationships should not persist out of obligation
You have no right to control others or demand their time
Let people choose to spend time with you because they like you

8. Failure is necessary for success.

There is such a huge negative connotation to failure. People often act like it’s a surefire sign of something horrible or proof that something is doomed. But you can’t be good at something if you’re not bad at it first. It’s necessary to fail to learn from mistakes and find ways to succeed.

It’s tough to develop positive thinking surrounding failure, but research backs the concept that failure is instrumental to growth and success. It is only really a failure if you decide to learn absolutely nothing from it! Of course, you can’t always succeed because that requires perfection, which is entirely unachievable.

Here’s what you can learn from this:

Find lessons to learn in all your mistakes and failures.
Please don’t beat yourself up over failures; celebrate how they help you to grow.
Pat yourself on the back for small successes.
Understand that progress isn’t linear, and you will continue to fail throughout life, even after you succeed.
There is nothing wrong with making mistakes unless you refuse accountability for them.

9. The more you try to do it at once, the less you get done.

People often seem to believe that multitasking is an inherently good thing. There’s nothing wrong with packing for work while listening to the radio, as those are two simple tasks. But the fact is that trying to do two complex tasks at once will result in a loss of productivity, according to research.

Here’s what you can learn from this:

Mindfully pay attention to and focus on the task at hand, and don’t let your attention be snatched away.
It is better to do one thing well than to do two things poorly
Multitasking isn’t an indicator of capability or intelligence

10. You don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone.

This widespread concept is awful said with regret and sadness, and yet still, so many people fall victim to this paradox. The reality is that most don’t recognize the value of a part of their life until they notice its absence. There is a lot to be grateful for in everyday life, and you need to appreciate it to avoid becoming the next fodder for this contradictory-sounding concept.

Here’s what you can learn from this–and how it adds to a meaningful life:

Learn to be grateful for everyday things, even having your basic needs met, in a way that ensures you don’t forget your privilege.
Never take the people in your life for granted and communicate well to them about their value to you.
Take regular time to reflect on what you’re grateful for and how to best express that gratitude.

Final Thoughts On Some Life Paradoxes That You Can Use To Live A Meaningful Life

Paradoxes are a little split of ironic chaos in the world we live in, and understanding how they pertain to life can grant you an impressive understanding of the world. Apply this understanding to your ways of living, perspectives, and ideas, and you’ll find that these paradoxes can give your life a beautiful, meaningful life.

How to Make Bavarian Pretzels and Homemade Hummus Dip

May 8, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Most people only eat pretzels at shopping malls or carnivals, but you can make them right at home! When you get them at the mall, they usually come with cheese or garlic butter dipping sauce. We’ll pair the pretzels with a delicious homemade hummus dip to spice things up for this recipe.

Pretzels have been favored by millions since Germany invented them way back in the seventh century. Today, they’ve evolved into a popular bar and baseball game snack with tons of different varieties and flavors. You’ll need some time and patience to make this recipe, so you may want to save it for the weekend. Once you try your delicious creation, though, all that elbow grease will have paid off. Below, we’ll show you how to make homemade pretzels with hummus dip.

Here’s how to make easy Bavarian pretzels and homemade hummus dip

Are you ready to make those delicious pretzels?

Gather these kitchen supplies, first:

Pastry brush
Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Whisk
Sifter
Spatula or spoon
Cutting board or baker’s table
Large pot
Food processor

Ingredients for the pretzels:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp instant yeast
1 1/2 tsp brown sugar
2 tbsp softened butter
1 7/12 cup water
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp baking soda
Himalayan pink salt

Ingredients for making hummus:

2 cups chickpeas
3 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
Garlic clove
Freshly squeezed lemon
Fresh parsley

Directions for making the pretzels:

First, pour 1 cup of all-purpose flour into your bowl. Next, add the instant yeast, brown sugar, softened butter, and water. Whisk until fully combined.
Rest for 15 minutes. Then, add the salt into the bowl.
Hold the sifter over the bowl, and sift the remaining two cups of all-purpose flour into the mixture.
Use a spatula or spoon to further combine the ingredients for the dough.
Then, spoon out the dough onto a cutting board or baker’s table. Sprinkle some flour onto the dough to keep it from sticking.
Knead the dough into a baguette-like shape. Then, use a knife to cut the dough lengthwise into six smaller pieces.
Use your hands to form the dough into balls. Cover with saran wrap and rest for a few minutes.
Now for the fun part! Take the first piece of dough and roll it into a long, thin rope-like shape. Now, take the ends of the dough and pull them down, forming a hot air balloon shape.
Then, cross the ends over each other at the bottom, and twist them upwards twice. Place the ends in the middle of the top section of the dough, forming a mini pretzel. Repeat this with the other five dough balls.
Next, get out your large pot and fill it about halfway with water. Bring it to a boil, and add the baking soda.
Allow it to fizz and dissolve, then place the first pretzel in the water. Let it rest in the water for 20-30 seconds, then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Repeat with the other pretzels, then use your pastry brush to rub melted butter onto the pretzels.
Sprinkle the pretzels with Himalayan pink salt, and bake at 450 degrees F for 10-15 minutes.

Directions for making the hummus:

In a food processor, blend 2 cups of chickpeas, 3 tbsp tahini, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Add in 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
Blend until you have a mealy texture, then add one garlic clove. Squeeze some fresh lemon into the mixture, and use a spatula to combine it.
Next, add 1/4 cup of cold water, and keep blending until fully combined. The texture should now be smooth and creamy.
Scoop out the hummus into a small bowl, topping with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
Plate your pretzels and enjoy!

Tips and tricks for making amazing pretzels

If you’re not a big hummus fan, you can easily make other dipping sauces for the pretzels. Popular options include cheese, honey mustard, beer cheese, ranch, or even chocolate hazelnut if you have a sweet tooth! Actually, the chocolate would make a nice contrast with the salty pretzels.
Boiling the pretzels in baking soda and water gives the pretzels their traditional brown color. It also helps keep the pretzels soft on the inside and adds to the flavor. Chefs use food-grade lye for this step, but baking soda works just as well.
Instead of brushing the pretzels with butter, you can also use egg wash.
You can even make pretzel bites by cutting the dough into tiny, bite-sized pieces!
Alternatives to salted pretzels include cinnamon sugar, garlic cheddar, parmesan, or everything bagel pretzels.

As you can see, you can get really creative with your pretzel-making! Once you have the traditional recipe down, you can start branching off and trying new creations. Pretzels make a great after-school or work snack, and they actually don’t take long to make. The most time-consuming part is probably kneading the dough, but everything else is a piece of cake.

We guarantee these will give the kiosk inside your local mall a run for their money. You may even swear off mall pretzels forever after you try this recipe! Wash it down with a beer, or if you don’t drink, it pairs well with lemonade or iced tea.

Final Thoughts: Making your own Bavarian pretzels and hummus dip is surprisingly easy

Who knew that making pretzels is actually easier than it looks? All it requires is mixing the ingredients for the dough, kneading it, and twisting it into a pretzel. For the hummus dip, you need a food processor and a few ingredients, and you have an easy, healthy sauce. Maybe you’ve been looking for a new after-work snack, or you want to try out a new recipe. No matter the circumstance, these pretzels are light and savory snacks that you can enjoy any time of day.

10 Signs of Anxiety In Children That Parents Don’t See

May 8, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Has your child not been acting like themselves lately? Do you feel frustrated because you know something is wrong, but you can’t put your finger on it? They don’t appear sick, yet they are acting abnormally.

Children don’t come with a manual that helps you detect their various moods, ailments, or issues in life. A good parent must use their detective skills because what appears to be one problem can have a different root cause. One such medical condition is anxiety in children.

Anxiety is the great pretender. It can make even a child think and feel things that are not normal. In adults, this condition comes out in manners that is not always the same for a child.

Children can’t always express what they feel like a grown-up, so they will act out to let you know they’re hurting. It’s up to you to use these “Morse Code” type symptoms they display to dictate what’s going on.

Ten Common Signs of Anxiety in Children (Parents Miss These!)

If you know something is not right with your child, you may be quick to assume they’re being bullied, have an underlying medical issue, or are going through puberty-related problems. However, anxiety in children often comes out in mysterious ways. Here are the ten most common signs of an underlying anxiety disorder in kids.

1. Hyperactivity

When a child is hyper and acting out, you’re probably going to assume they’ve had too much junk food. However, if the hyperactivity issue continues, you may consider a diagnosis like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, things like genetics, environmental toxins, brain injuries, and low birth weight can lead to this neurological condition.

However, just because it seems to be one thing doesn’t mean that’s what’s going on; it can be different. Anxiety can mimic hyperactivity. The child who feels overly anxious may be extra hyper because the angst they feel won’t allow them to relax.

2. Tantrums

Sadly, temper tantrums would appear normal for the toddler age group, but even teenagers can have meltdowns and tantrums when they don’t get their way. Another sign of anxiety is having outbursts. These explosions happen when someone cannot regulate their emotions or moods, and anxiety can certainly put you in a bad mood.

When your child feels horrible and doesn’t know how to put things into words for you, their actions can speak volumes. Having frequent meltdowns in children who usually don’t act this way is a cause for alarm.

3. Conversion Symptoms Like Stomach Aches Other Bodily Pains

One of the most common signs of anxiety in children has everything to do with conversion or somatoform symptoms. The medical condition of functional neurological symptom disorder means that the body converts mental angst into physical symptoms. If your child is complaining of headaches and stomachaches often, it might be anxiety-based.

When a child presents with a stomachache, it would be easy to assume they had a virus. However, when the stomachache is still occurring days or weeks later, then further evaluation is needed.

4. Agitation is a Symptom of Anxiety in Children

Anger is one of the easiest emotions to show, and it seems to be the “cure-all” for whatever someone is feeling. How many times have you been angry in the past week? If someone rubs you the wrong way, anger easily comes to the surface as it’s a powerful emotion.

Your child may be showing signs of agitation and aggression that weren’t a regular part of their personality. These signs can be concerning as they can lead them to trouble at school and at home. Agitation is a common sign of anxiety in children.

5. Restlessness

Have you ever heard the adage that someone was acting like a cat on a hot tin roof? Well, the metal from the roof would burn their feet, so felines would dance around until they could remove themselves from this situation. You may use this term about your child at times.

Does your child pace the floor, look worried, have a hard time focusing on playtime, or refuse to eat? Restlessness is a sign of inner turmoil. Think about the times you’ve felt restless and paced the floor as well as just felt general unrest.

It’s often impossible to put those feelings into words, which may be the reason why your child cannot tell you what’s wrong.

Ten causes of bedwetting in older children–and even teenagers.

6. Refusing to Go to Bed

Anxiety is always the worst at night, and if your child is refusing to go to bed, it can be an indicator of panic. They may fear the dark, the house being eerily quiet, and the overall isolation that comes with the night season.

Depending on the child’s age, they may fear monsters, ghosts, or other things that go bump in the night. If your child is suddenly refusing to go to bed at night, or they need ten drinks and two trips to the restroom before they settle down, it could be anxiety to blame.

7. Crying

Some kids are more emotional than others. Consequently, if a child is more whiny than average or starts to cry a lot, it’s a sign of trouble. You probably won’t guess anxiety as the root cause of a crying child, but it can be.

When their emotional load becomes more than they can handle, they can have these outbursts to help them feel better. Crying is a natural way to release pent-up angst, and they may be trying to get what’s on the inside to the outside.

8. Refusing to Go to School or Other Activities

Does your once social butterfly now prefer to stay in their bedroom alone? You can expect that as a child ages they will like their alone time, especially during the teenage years. There are many different types of anxiety, and one type of anxiety you should watch for is the social variety.

Social anxiety can make life so difficult for a person who must go to school and activities each day. They may fear things like people laughing at them, not being good enough, or falling in front of others. Anxiety can make a person think about all sorts of things that aren’t true, and social anxiety is a severe mental condition.

If this condition is left untreated, it can turn into agoraphobia, which is where the child will be fearful of even leaving home. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, children who have agoraphobia feel trapped in situations where escape might be difficult.

9. Worrying About the Future

Fears about the future are typical as an older child considers their life’s path. However, when they cannot control these worries and seem to take over their life, it can be a sign of anxiety. It’s advisable not to allow your children to watch the news or any programing with violence in them.

Even all these crime scene and detective shows can be too much for their minds to handle. You can cause anxiety in children by allowing them to watch programs on television beyond their grasp. Monitor the video games they play, the shows they watch, and the websites they visit on the internet, as these can help to add fuel to the fire of anxiety.

10. Irrational Fears

Children often have irrational fears, such as the boogeyman or monsters living under their bed. While it’s normal to experience some of these problems, it’s often easy for these fears to take over their life. The world excites the paranormal and explores such things, but it might be too much for a child who delves into this realm.

As parents, it’s essential to address irrational fears on a level that your child can understand. Irrational fears can cause significant anxiety, and it’s something that can often be prevented by monitoring their intake. However, some children are genetically disposed to anxiety, so you need to be on higher alert for such issues if it runs in the family.

Final Thoughts on Recognizing the Red Flags of Anxiety in Children

Anxiety in children is a complex condition. It affects more than seven percent of kids between the ages of 3-17, according to a study referenced by the National Alliance on Mental Health. However, it affects about 19 percent of the adult population.

Studies show that most people who have this mental illness usually have an onset of symptoms before they’re 21 years of age. Sadly, it can also develop after trauma or a period of severe illness. As parents, you must constantly be on guard and aware of your child’s symptoms complaints about feeling.

What seems like a textbook case of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder can be anxiety-based? Since there are various branches of anxiety, like general, obsessive-compulsive, panic, and agoraphobia, it’s hard to pinpoint the type you’re dealing with in your kid. It’s essential to get the help and guidance of a trusted counselor to help address these mental health concerns and identify the type.

Living with anxiety is never easy, regardless of your age. Sadly, when you’re a child and cannot fully articulate what’s going on inside the body, the parents must become a detective to resolve.

Inspiring Mother Shares Her Weight Loss Journey With the World

May 8, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Alexa, an inspiring mother to a 3-month-old baby girl, reclaimed her health and now shares her journey with others. She also promotes body positivity, helping everyone remember they are worthy of self-love. Despite being a busy mom, Alexa wanted to make sure she took care of herself as well. Here is her story about how she took her health back.

“My fitness journey actually started in the fall of 2018. At my heaviest, I weighed 272 pounds, so I started going to the gym. About a year later, I had lost 50 pounds, and then I just kind of hit this wall,” Alexa said. “I wasn’t really losing weight. I finally got back into it, and I ended up getting pregnant.”

A moment of awakening

This changed Alexa’s life forever, and pretty soon, the stress of becoming a mom got to her. She knew she needed to get back on track and focus on her health once again.

“This last October, I delivered a beautiful baby girl. After I delivered, I lost probably 15-20 pounds immediately, and then I started eating whatever I wanted. I weighed myself at the doctor, and I was 255, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh! This is horrible!’”

The weight gain came as a shock to her, but she didn’t let it keep her down. Instead, she decided to shift her focus from losing weight to just keeping herself healthy.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ALEXA (@muscle_mama_)

“It was really demoralizing, honestly, I realized at that moment. I said, ‘I have to take my health back again.’ I started working out again, and now I am down to 238. For me, this time around, it’s about creating a lifestyle that I can maintain for my family, for my daughter, and for myself. I want to be comfortable again in my own skin, and I’m getting there.”

The inspiring mother promotes body positivity as well as fitness

Alexa will not allow her daughter to grow up ashamed of herself.

“I wear crop tops to the gym all the time with my little “mum tum,” and I rock it. Yeah, you can see my stretch marks from being pregnant, but those are battle scars. We need to learn not to be ashamed of our bodies. Girlfriend, I’m here to tell you, you know what? You wear the short shorts, wear the crop top, and be confident.”

Alexa says she wants her daughter to grow up loving her body instead of hating herself.

In a powerful Instagram post, Alexa says:

“Women don’t just hate their bodies, we are taught to.

I refuse to let my daughter learn this nasty habit. As babies, we all had little rolls and thick thighs. So when did that stop being acceptable and start being unattractive?

We are taught to pick ourselves apart for being too fat, too skinny, too ugly, the list goes on and on. Constantly focusing on the negatives instead of looking at the positives and just how far we come.

I could easily sit here and say my stomach’s too fat in this picture, or my back roll looks huge. Honestly, though, my mindset has changed. I feel proud of how far I’ve come. How much more toned my stomach is than a month ago or smaller my back roll is. We have to learn to build ourselves up instead of ripping ourself apart.

So teach yourself, your daughters, your friends, your family, hell even strangers, as women, we are all beautiful. We all have imperfections and quirks that make us perfectly us. Embrace them. Focus on the positives and how far you’ve come.

Above all, though, love yourself.”

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A post shared by ALEXA (@muscle_mama_)

More people should remember this advice, as we often get caught up in comparing ourselves to others. We never feel good enough this way because someone always outshines us. We can never keep up, and we end up feeling defeated.

However, instead of bringing yourself down, lift yourself up, as Alexa said. Focus on what makes you beautiful, and hold onto that image of yourself. This way, your inner self-talk will slowly start becoming more positive.

The inspiring mother has a few words of wisdom for those wanting to become healthier.

“My advice for people who are just starting out is to not get discouraged. When you see a picture on Instagram and the person has lost 100 pounds, that didn’t happen overnight, and it wasn’t a linear line for them.”

Oftentimes, we forget that social media doesn’t show the whole story. A lot happens behind-the-scenes in people’s lives, but we only see a few moments of that. You never know how long it took them to get to that point, either.

“They probably lost a bunch of weight, they probably gained some, then they lost some more. It’s a constant fluctuation and you have to mentally be able to handle that and get back in the game. Find something that’s easy to maintain, find things that you enjoy during the workouts, or get out and walk.”

As Alexa says, it’s important to find something you enjoy doing, so the exercise is more comfortable to stick with. After you get started, the workouts will become second nature, and you’ll even look forward to them!

“I really hope that you take the first steps because those first steps, while they are the hardest, they’re the most worth it in the end,” the inspiring mother says.

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A post shared by ALEXA (@muscle_mama_)

Final thoughts: This inspiring mother loses weight and shares her story with others

Oftentimes, weight loss involves a lot more than just a physical transformation. Your mental and emotional outlook improves as well, and your confidence soars. Alexa experienced all of this with her health journey and wanted to share her story with others. She hoped that someone out there might want to start their fitness journey after seeing her triumphs and struggles.

Just remember that it won’t always feel like a walk in the park, but the struggles build your character. When you don’t want to work out, but you still hit the gym, that’s when you find your inner strength. No matter what you look like, workout with confidence and remember that the real transformation lies within.

Your Partner May Be Falling in Love If…

May 8, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

A new relationship can leave you feeling ecstatic, delighting in every moment together. After a while of this, you might begin to feel like you are falling in love. This emotion is scary, especially if you don’t know if your partner feels the same way.

Since everyone shows love differently, it can be hard to know for sure. While you can hope that your partner is open about their feelings, they might not feel comfortable admitting their love. Being uncomfortable doesn’t mean they haven’t fallen in love, but it means that you must look for the signs instead.

Falling in love is exciting but scary, so knowing what to look for can help ease your anxiety on the matter. Some people express their love through actions, and others do it through words. Others struggle to express it at all.

No matter how your partner shows love, you can look for some of these signs to know for sure. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t notice any of the signs yet because love happens on different schedules for everyone. Please note these signs and watch for them the next time you spend time with or talk to your partner.

Your Partner May Be Falling in Love If…

1 – They Show Interest in You and Your Life

If your partner cares about you and shows a true interest in you and your life, they might be falling in love. They will care about all of the things that interest you or that are important to you. Plus, they will even care about the little tidbits of your day that don’t mean much, but you like to talk about anyway.

Someone that loves you will be interested in you on this level. It allows for trust, confidence, and a deep connection between the two of you.

2 – They Want to Be There for You When You Are Sick

When someone isn’t in love, they will not want to care for you when you are sick. If your partner is willing to not only see you at your worst but care for you, too, they might be falling in love. At this point, their feelings for you have become deeper than a casual dating situation.

3 – They Want to Talk to You

Your partner may be falling in love if they want to engage with you and have discussions. They will initiate conversation, so you won’t always be the one reaching out, either. As they fall in love, they will want to know more about you, so wanting to talk often is a good indication.

4 – They are Thoughtful

If your partner randomly brings you gifts or sends flowers, they might be falling in love. Even cooking your favorite meal or bringing you a coffee during a long workday is a good indication. Anything that shows they have been thinking about you is a good sign romantically and emotionally.

Sometimes they might leave you a little note to let you know they are thinking of you. They will also shoot a quick text message between tasks at work to wish you a good day. No matter what it is, if they go out of their way to do something thoughtful, they may be falling in love.

5 – They Include You and Want to Be Involved in Your Life

When someone is falling for you, they will want you to be involved in their life. They will want you to go to family events, office parties, and even out with their friends. Plus, they will want to be included in your life, too.

They will want to go to all the same events for your side of the family and friends group, too. Sharing your lives will begin to become normal, and your two lives will merge. While you will still be an individual, you will notice that you start spending more time together around others.

6 – They Want Your Loved Ones to Like Them

If your partner wants your friends and family to like them, they are probably falling for you. They will make an effort to win your loved ones over, and they will likely be anxious before seeing your parents.

When someone isn’t in love, they won’t worry about winning over the people that mean the most to you. They won’t be nervous or worry about making a good impression. There is a clear difference in this regard when it comes to looking for signs of love.

7 – They Talk About You to People They Know

When someone is experiencing those first signs of love in a relationship, they can’t stop talking about their partner. They will want their friends and loved ones to know that they care about you and talk about your accomplishments.

This type of bragging is different from people that brag about their latest fling without any emotion. Those that brag about a fling only wants to point out the physical qualities. Someone falling in love will talk about you on a deeper level.

8 – They Do Things You Like to Do

Even if they usually wouldn’t do something, they will do it if it means spending time with you. Your partner might do this not only as a way to spend time but also to connect on a deeper level. Participating in the things you enjoy helps keep the connection going, making it worthwhile to your partner.

Doing things that you like to do could involve any activity. It might be exercise, watching dramas, or walking around your favorite store. Just remember that you should do things they like to do, too, even if you usually wouldn’t.

9 – They Make You Feel Safe and Don’t Put You in Uncomfortable Situations

A partner that loves you will never willingly put you in an uncomfortable position. They won’t pressure you to do things that you don’t want to, and they will respect your boundaries. Someone falling in love will also make sure to communicate with you and establish what you are comfortable with.

Your partner will also never put you in a position where you feel out of place or excluded. That type of position is sure to make you uncomfortable, and they will acknowledge that.

If your partner loves you, they will keep you safe, and they will do whatever they can for you. They will put themselves at risk to keep you from getting hurt and would never do anything to put you at risk.

10 – They are All-In

If your partner is falling for you, then they will be committed to you. They won’t want a fling and won’t be pursuing other people at the same time. If you bring commitment up, they won’t shy away from it but will openly talk about it.

You can’t just listen to them say that they are all-in, though. If your partner is falling for you, they will make an effort to be there for you, too. They will be all-in for all aspects of your life, not just when it is convenient for them.

11 – They are Honest with You and Share Anything You Want to Know

Love and respect go together, and they don’t respect you if they aren’t honest with you. A loving partner will be open and honest about both the big and little things. They won’t tell you what you want to hear unless it is true, so you never have to worry about being placated.

You won’t feel manipulated by them because you know they are straightforward. Your partner usually won’t be worried about telling you the truth, and even if they are a little anxious, they’ll do it anyway.

12 – They Make Plans with You in Advance

When your partner makes plans with you weeks or months in advance, they might be falling in love. Making plans is a subtle way they let you know they are in the relationship for the long haul. They want to plan a future with you and will make an effort to do so.

So, if your partner asks them to go to a wedding with you in the future, it is a good sign. Inviting you to a future event means that they plan on sticking around for a while, allowing the two of you to look forward to things together.

13 – They Always Make Time for You

Even when your partner is extremely busy, they will make time to spend together if they are falling for you. They prioritize your presence in their life, meaning you are essential to them. Making time even amid a hectic schedule shows that they are serious about your relationship together.

Final Thoughts: Your Partner May Be Falling in Love If…

While it might be hard to tell if your partner is falling in love, these signs might help. You can tell if they are all-in or if they are viewing your relationship as a casual fling. Sometimes these signs will be an indicator, but other times you will know if someone is falling for you.

Love is such a confusing but exciting feeling, and if you aren’t feeling as strongly as they are yet, it’s okay. You can ride out the relationship and see where it takes you because there is no timeline for falling in love. Otherwise, embrace this time in your relationship and watch for these signs from your partner.

7 Things Empaths Can Feel (That Others Can’t Understand)

May 8, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Empaths are people who have supernatural abilities to capture the mental or emotional condition of another person. They’re often confused with somebody sympathetic towards others, but it’s so much more than feelings of compassion. They can recognize a person’s emotional state just by looking at their face. Additionally, they can absorb those emotions they sense.

There are different degrees within this unique gift, and some have more vigorous intuitive natures than others. Some can detect the person’s energy around them by simply noticing alterations in behavior or even voice tones. Other empathetic people will take on the emotions of the person near them.

For instance, if this gifted individual is sitting in a room with people affected by trauma, they can absorb that energy as if it was their emotion. It’s not always easy to navigate this gift. In fact, it makes life a difficult journey at times. Many empathetic people have a challenging time balancing their compassion with healthy boundaries.

Even day-to-day interactions at the office can take their toll on someone with this psychic gift. Since these folks can absorb the energy in the atmosphere, it can often be draining if they don’t learn effective ways to unplug and cleanse their mind.

Seven Things Empaths Feel…But Others Probably Miss

While having an empathetic nature is a blessing, it can also be devastating if you don’t know how to channel it properly. Here are seven things that this person feels that the average person cannot comprehend.

1. Extreme Emotions from Earth’s Shifts

Some empathetic folks will become surprisingly overwhelmed in certain situations, especially when faced with earthly events. It’s an odd sensation that takes over their body because many reports that they can feel shifts in the earth occurring in their bodies. These people can feel the pangs of Mother Earth during natural disasters and things such as changing the seasons.

Other empathetic people have reported being in intense emotional pain when being near something in nature like a volcano or thunderstorm. Since everything has an energy or vibration level, this gifted person can pick up those energy fields in a stronger sense than most. This individual needs to identify the things that cause them to be overwhelmed and learn to channel them properly.

By keeping mental notes of the emotionally draining things, you can learn what you should steer clear from in life. If it’s things you can’t avoid, you should be prepared for the intense emotions you will encounter. Some empathetic people will have extreme anxiety, mood swings, or even feelings of dread and impending doom.

Those people who can feel the shifts within the earth are usually more sensitive than most, and they rank high on the empath spectrum.

2. Taken Advantage of By Being A Counselor

People are intrigued by the gifts of the empathetic person, so they often turn to them as a confidante for their problems. As highly intuitive people, they can absorb these emotions, making it easy for people to take advantage of them. When people realize how easy they’re to talk to and their kind and caring nature, they tend to overload them.

While this is good for the person who needs someone to talk to, it’s not always suitable for the individual that takes on the emotions of others. It’s very draining to have people seek you out constantly and want to talk about their problems. Many empathetic people want to take on roles like a counselor or psychologist, but the work is more draining on them than most.

Being super sensitive to the feelings of others can cause significant emotional distress. It’s imperative to set boundaries to protect yourself, especially when people lean on you more than others.

3. Drained by Energy Zaps of Introversion

Being immersed in the emotions of others zaps you, so it’s essential to have plenty of time to be alone. What happens if a child leaves a battery-powered toy on all night long? The toy will drain the battery, and it will not function anymore.

Empathetic people have the same experiences as the emotions of others drain their resources. One thing that this gifted individual learns is that they need to be alone to recharge. Using techniques like journaling, meditation, yoga, and nature can help keep things in balance.

Oddly enough, many empathetic people are also introverted, and they need this quiet time to be alone with their thoughts. It’s also essential to balance the type of people you encounter each day, as being around those that are constantly draining can have a negative effect.

4. Overwhelmed in Intimate Relationships

Sure, anyone can be overwhelmed when it comes to the dating world, but the empath seems to have an incredibly challenging time. They don’t know how to set appropriate boundaries, and they often spend more time nurturing the other person than being supported. Being overwhelmed and exhausted is normal for the introverted and empathetic person, but it takes it to a whole different level when you add in the relationship aspects.

Empathetic people have a higher degree of vulnerability and can even be more codependent in these situations. Setting boundaries and acknowledging personal limitations can help to preserve mental wellness in these situations.

5. Large Crowds Are Draining

Many folks don’t like large crowds because they have social anxiety. Just being stuck in these large masses can send a person with an anxiety disorder into a tailspin. However, empaths avoid these groups for another reason.

Imagine being in a supermarket and picking up the emotions of every person you walk by. Walking down the aisle to get a gallon of milk can be overwhelming if you don’t know how to channel these feelings. You could pick up grief from someone who lost a loved one, devastation from an individual that broke off a relationship, and panic from someone who just lost their job.

All these emotions can cripple the empathetic person if they allow them to. So, it’s essential to learn how to channel these energies and decompress after the day.

6. Hypervigilance Makes Sleeping Next to Someone Impossible

Empaths feel isolated at times, especially in a relationship. Sleeping near someone can cause them to have a fitful night, especially if you’re one of the more overly sensitive people. As a person goes to sleep, their mind runs through daily events like a loop of a film playing on a movie projector.

The empathetic person not only replays the events of their day in their mind, but they also can feel all those emotions from the movie playing in the mind of the one beside them. It’s called hypervigilance, which means that you’re in a heightened state of arousal. According to the National Library of Medicine, this is often seen in those with anxiety disorders like PTSD.

However, when you’re trying to get a good night’s rest, watching two movies at once is the last thing you want to do.

7. Overwhelmed by The Need to Give

Empaths often go out of their way to help others, but they often damage aspects of their life in the process. It’s a common issue that this gifted person doesn’t know how to say the word “no.”

They often offer their time, energy, even money to friends and family while neglecting their own needs.

Though the empathetic person is honest to a fault, they’re not always honest about what they can and can’t handle. They often lack self-love, and they don’t take care of their needs. Saying “no” causes an extreme amount of guilt as they feel their superpower has mandates from the Universe to help others.

However, everyone needs to rest their mind, body, and spirit, or they will be an emotional mess. If your physical man is sick, then your mind and spirit also feel the brunt of the pangs.

Final Thoughts on the Things Empaths Feel

The hallmark of being an empathetic person is the ability to feel and engage with other individuals’ feelings or bodily issues, as this person has an elevated level of sympathy. Empaths purify the earth through their vast amount of insight, but they often have a challenging time understanding their emotions.

There are many challenges to being an empathetic individual. When exhausted with the effects of stressful feelings, these folks may encounter the following responses:

extreme anxiety
depressive episodes
binge eating
sexual promiscuity
self-medicating practices with drugs or alcohol
physical signs that don’t qualify for a medical diagnosis.

The empathetic person must learn how to re-center themselves after a day of encountering many emotions. If they don’t understand and utilize these techniques, they will become overloaded and even sick. Some of the best strategies to safeguard your sympathies include using things like setting appropriate boundaries, utilizing time management, meditation, and spending plenty of time with Mother Nature.

Learning to take care of yourself is not always easy. That statement’s especially true when you’ve been given a gift that helps you take care of others. However, you must remember that if you’re an empath that you have special needs. You must honor your needs because how can you help others if you first don’t care for yourself?

As an article on the National Library of Medicine states, empaths must learn to turn on and off their switch if they want to be healthy.

You Might Be an INFJ If You Notice These 5 Things

May 8, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

INFJ is a personality type that stands for introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging.

Those with this personality type are often called an advocate or idealist. They are gentle, creative, caring, and passionate about the things that mean the most to them.

While INFJ’s are introverted, they are also sensitive to the feelings of others. They have concrete values and morals that they don’t tend to stray from, and they are hopeful for the future. This personality type is rare, with only 1-3% of the population falling into this category.

People who fall into this category are good at turning ideas into reality. They might daydream about their plans, but they get moving without waiting too long. Their goal is to make a positive change in the world around them and the lives of others.

If you think that you might be an INFJ, some signs will confirm it for you. You will notice differences between yourself and the majority of other people. Recognizing the signs can help you tap into the benefits of this personality type.

Breaking Down the Four Letters

INFJ is a mix of four different personality traits.

I means introverted. If you are an INFJ, you are introverted, meaning you enjoy and require time alone and like to limit social interaction. You will need time to reflect and ponder your ideas before taking action.

The N stands for intuitive, meaning you focus on ideas instead of fact. You will depend on your senses to figure things out and find meaning. Instead of focusing on facts or data, you focus on how you feel internally.

F stands for feeling, and it means that you make decisions based on feelings over anything else. You will view the situation from different perspectives by being empathetic, considering the thoughts of others, and look for a way to create balance. Above anything else, though, you will focus on feelings when making your decisions.

Lastly, the J stands for judging, meaning that you prefer plans and organization over spontaneity and flexibility. You will prefer thinking or observing when it comes to relating to the outside world. This behavior makes you seem logical or empathetic.

Five Signs You Are An INFJ

Do these traits describe you?

1. You Are Encouraging and Creative

If you have this personality type, you likely encourage others. Plus, you are creative, so you tend to urge people to tap into their creative senses, too. You dedicate time to uplifting others, and you view everyone as equals.

Another sign is that you empower others to think independently and urge them to test out their ideas. You won’t like having to come down on people if you are their career superior, either. Instead, you might find yourself trying to develop a different solution, using compassion and imagination.

INFJ personality types use their creativity to solve problems and move forward. You might dress creatively, too, preferring flowy or colorful pieces.

Creativity often flows through various mediums, and you will enjoy spending time alone developing your skills. You likely enjoy writing, creating, music, or other forms of art.

2. You are Soft-Spoken, Empathetic, and Passionate

INFJ’s have strong emotional understanding, allowing them to be soft-spoken and empathetic. They have a firm set of beliefs that they are passionate about, and they will easily become passionate about other people’s problems, too.

If you are like this, you might notice that you have a heightened awareness of people’s feelings. The heightened awareness and empathy make you more forgiving of those you are close to. Sometimes, you are so in tune with other people’s feelings that you are less aware of yours.

You will become so passionate about things that you pursue them single-mindedly. Speaking up for what is right, even if you do so softly, comes naturally to you, and you will advocate for others. You also tend to know what people need, even before they realize it themselves.

Those with this personality type will use creative methods to help inspire and convince others of a cause. Once you have done this, you will be dedicated and determined, and the cause will begin to define you.

3. You Form Strong and Meaningful Relationships

If you easily form strong, meaningful relationships, then you likely have this personality type. While you might be a natural introvert, developing deep relationships will also be natural. You will be good at expressing yourself, but only with those that you are closest to.

Your closest friends will be long-lasting and loyal, and you will always want what is best for them. You are a good listener and likely give good advice, too. Additionally, you will value sincerity, honesty, and authenticity in your relationships.

One of the reasons they form strong relationships is because they value meaningful conversation. Through meaningful conversation, they can help others with their creative insights and thoughts. People feel comfortable in your presence and willing to discuss deeper topics like secrets, fears, and dreams.

You are likely known for being trustworthy, too, so people know that you won’t repeat their secrets. Your trustworthiness is another reason that people are at ease around you.

As a warm and sensitive person, people will be attracted to you and want to spend time with you. Since you take such good care of other people, though, you sometimes forget about yourself.

4. You Focus on Personal Concern When Making Decisions

Objective facts are great, but you will value personal concern over fact in most situations. You are insightful and in tune with your feelings, and you know what you want or need in life. Chances are, you make your decisions by thinking of ideas and theories of what could work based on your self-reflection.

Focusing on personal concern is partly to do with your deep beliefs and convictions. Since you become emotionally involved in your decisions this way, you will be good at communicating and convincing others.

When deciding on a person in your life, you will rely on your emotions around them. If they don’t make you feel good, you won’t want them around as often. However, if they bring about good or calming emotions, you will enjoy your time spent with them.

Despite what the person has achieved or what others think of them, you form your decisions based on your emotions. Intuition is often the deciding factor for you.

5. You Understand That There is Good and Bad in the World

Understanding the world in this way shows that you are an INFJ. You will be more in tune with what is going on around you because you are looking for ways to make things better. Making things better is your goal because you know that it can improve, and you stay hopeful always.

You will likely think or talk about things like human nature or the meaning of life. Thinking about these topics will further your recognition of good and bad in the world around you. You likely believe that everything has a meaning, and you often reflect on the significance of small events.

Another reason you can understand that there is good and bad in the world because you always see the big picture. You’re always ahead because you have a plan and know that everything will work out. Having this mindset allows you to recognize the good moments in your day, despite anything else that has happened.

How Others View INFJ People

You already know how you view yourself, but you might not know how others view your personality. People will often think you are quiet, caring, sensitive, and a good listener. Those that are closest to you will know that you are complex and have rich inner thoughts.

However, those who don’t know you won’t recognize this in you because you keep it to yourself. People that aren’t close to you will think that you are shy and private.

Additionally, those that don’t know you well might think you are hard to get to know. People will likely be surprised when you speak up for what you believe in, too, since you are usually quiet and reserved.

Final Thoughts on the Traits of an INFJ Individual

If you recognized any of these behaviors in yourself, then you might be an INFJ. While there are many benefits of this personality type, you will experience challenges, as well. Recognizing the behaviors can help you steer them in a positive direction, though.

Using these characteristics to your benefit can help you become more focused, confident, and successful. Since everyone is different, learning about your differences is essential to making them work for you. Embrace who you are and the personality that you have because you can use it for positive changes.

Consider the complications that you might encounter as an INFJ, and make a plan for overcoming them. Doing so will help you navigate your unique personality type, making it beneficial to you. Remember these signs as you go through your daily life and embrace the things that make you different.

12 Signs Someone Is Going into Depression Relapse

May 8, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

When someone overcomes depression, there is always a risk that they will have a depression relapse. When a relapse occurs, there are usually warning signs to indicate that it is happening. The sooner you notice the signs, the sooner you can help the person before it spirals.

A depression relapse can occur at any time after the initial episode, but it typically happens within five years. The feelings and behaviors that accompany depression can interfere with a person’s personal and professional life. If you notice someone in your life isn’t acting like themselves, depression could be the reason.

Knowing the signs of a depression relapse can help you identify it in those around you. Just over 7% of adults in the United States suffer from depression, so it is not entirely uncommon. Of those that have experienced depression before, around 29% experience a depression relapse.

Twelve Signs Someone Is Going into Depression Relapse

The more often depression relapse occurs, the more common it will become in that individual. You can use the number of depression episodes they have had to help determine if that might be an issue now. Along with that, watch for these signs someone is going into depression relapse.

1. They Have Trouble Concentrating and Seem to Move Slower

If you notice that someone has difficulty concentrating or moves slower, it could be due to depression relapse. With all of the distractions and brain fog that come with depression, they find it hard to think. It can become so difficult to concentrate that even holding a conversation seems like too much.

Additionally, they might not do their job as well as usual because they are thinking more slowly. Depression affects memory, too, since the thinking process is slowed down. Concentration isn’t the only thing that slows down, though, because they might move slower, too.

If the person is moving slower than normal, it could be because of a relapse in depression. Whether they are walking or writing, they will seem to be moving slowly. Plus, their reaction times won’t be as fast, either, and they might speak more slowly.

2. They are Unusually Indecisive

Someone that is normally able to make decisions might become indecisive if their depression is coming back. Their inability to decide is sometimes due to a lack of motivation and recognizing the potential rewards.

Another reason they might be unable to make a decision is due to anxiety. People with depression often suffer from anxiety, as well, which makes it harder to make decisions.

3. They are Socially Withdrawn

If someone starts avoiding social situations, it could be because of depression. Being depressed often makes people feel like they don’t have the energy to uphold a conversation or enjoy themselves. If they haven’t been able to focus well, it could contribute to them avoiding social situations, too.

Sometimes, even if they attend social gatherings, they will still feel isolated, resulting in them leaving early. Then, the next time they are invited somewhere, they will turn it down to avoid that feeling.

4. They Experience Self-Loathing and Feelings of Worthlessness

When someone begins to feel depressed, they will feel worthless. They will criticize themselves and obsess over the things they lack while focusing on their mistakes and failures. Their self-esteem will plummet, and they will experience self-loathing.

One indication that this is happening is that they feel unworthy of anything good in life. They might feel like they don’t deserve their loved ones, job, or even their home.

A depressed person will experience feelings of guilt, too, even when they shouldn’t feel guilty. They often blame themselves for bad things that have happened, even if they couldn’t control it at all.

5. Their Weight Changes Suddenly

Depression often causes appetite changes, so if someone’s weight changes suddenly, it could be the cause. They might start binge eating or do the opposite and lose interest in eating entirely. If their weight fluctuates more than 5 percent in less than a month, it is a good indication of depression.

When someone once enjoyed certain foods and is no longer interested, it might indicate a depression relapse. They might also lack the effort to eat enough for sustenance.

On the other hand, they might begin eating everything in sight. The person might stop caring about eating nutritional food and binge on unhealthy options instead. Either way, a sudden change in eating habits and weight might signal a mental health problem.

6. They Lose Interest in Things That They Once Enjoyed

If someone is no longer interested in things they used to enjoy, it is a sign of depression. This loss of interest could be related to their relationship, hobbies, or methods of relaxation.

The things they once loved start to feel like a weight they must carry around. Engaging or participating will feel like too much effort to them, and it will seem like it isn’t worth it.

7. They are More Irritable Than Usual

One of the earliest signs of a depression relapse is irritability. When insignificant things set someone off, and they have no tolerance for stress, they are likely depressed. They will get into more arguments and seem angrier and more frustrated.

8. They Stop Taking Care of Themselves

Self-care isn’t always a priority for those suffering from depression. If someone that usually keeps up their appearance and takes care of themselves stops doing so, it could be a sign.

Not taking care of their appearance could mean that they start wearing things they usually wouldn’t. They might show up in dirty or wrinkled clothing or something that doesn’t fit properly. If they typically wear makeup or do their hair and suddenly stop without explanation, it is also an indication.

Additionally, not taking care of themselves in other ways is common for people with depression. As explained before, their eating habits might change. Plus, they might stop taking care of their hygiene and turn to negative forms of coping.

9. They are Constantly Gloomy

Being sad over losing a loved one, a job, or a relationship is normal, but being sad constantly is not. The person might cry, feel miserable, and even feel empty for an extended amount of time. It will affect their daily life and send them into a deep depression.

Sometimes they might not even feel sad, and it can be hard to put a name to the feeling. They will experience a low mood, a sense of hopelessness, or feel under the weather.

10. Their Sleeping Patterns Change

Depression can cause changes in sleeping patterns, but the changes vary for everyone. Some people will have trouble sleeping, while others might sleep too much.

A depressed person will lie awake at night thinking back on past events, regretting things they did or said. As they lie awake thinking negatively, the thoughts spiral and interfere with sleep.

Depressed people might wake up frequently during the night once they fall asleep. Sometimes, they will wake up and be unable to fall back asleep. Either of these experiences can cause them to feel a lack of rest during the day.

11. They Experience Constant Fatigue

Not only can depression make you feel exhausted, but the sleep issues that come along with it only make the problem worse. Between these two problems, a person with depression is sure to experience constant fatigue.

They won’t have the energy to do basic household tasks and tend to let daily chores go. The fatigue may become so bad that they don’t want to get out of bed in the morning, either. Even the simplest things will be hard for them to accomplish because they always feel worn out.

12. They Have Unusual Aches and Pains

Depression affects physical health and not only mental health. If someone has unexplainable and unusual aches and pains, they might be depressed. Their muscles might be sore, and they will get headaches, an upset stomach, limb pain, or chest pain.

They likely won’t experience pain in all of those areas at once. Instead, they will notice that the pain moves around the body, affecting different parts at a time. Sometimes, though, they will feel an aching sensation that seems to be all over their body.

Having these types of aches and pains is an indication that someone is depressed if they don’t usually experience this issue. The pain isn’t typically due to something being physically wrong. Instead, it is a side effect of depression that you shouldn’t ignore.

Final Thoughts on Signs Someone Is Going into Depression Relapse

Depression is hard to get through, and then there is always the worry of a depression relapse. If you recognize these signs in someone, reach out and see if you can do anything to help. Sometimes they need to know someone is rooting for them and wanting to see them pull through.

The sooner they get help to overcome the depression, the better off they will be. If the depression festers, then it can become worse and cause suicidal thoughts. When that happens, immediate help is necessary, such as contacting the Suicide Prevention Lifeline or going to a local hospital.

Child Genius Enters College at 12, Plans to Become a Space Engineer

May 8, 2021 by Power of Positivity

12-year-old genius Alena Wicker aims for the stars, planning to become the youngest black female to ever work for NASA. She’s just graduated from high school and will attend virtual classes at Arizona State University this semester. There, she will double major in astronomical/planetary science and chemistry to reach her goal of becoming a space engineer. She’s dreamed of working for NASA since childhood and hopes to become an engineer by her 16th birthday.

She originally wanted to pursue astronomy, but her passion for building things led her to the engineering field. Alena hopes that one day, she’ll get to build a space rover like the ones sent to Mars. Armed with one of the top engineering laptops, she’s constantly refining her skills and pushing boundaries. She’s confident that her dreams will become reality, telling ABC News she’ll be driving one before graduating college.

The aspiring engineer from Texas loved designing and building things even as a child. Like most young kids, Alena enjoyed playing with Legos, but she took her creations pretty seriously. She built elaborate structures such as the Taj Mahal, the Disney castle, a NASA rocket, and the Apollo 11. She even made a Lego replica of the Millennium Falcon.

Alena said the following on ABC’s Good Morning America:

“Ever since I was 4, I loved playing around with different types of Legos.”

89-Year-Old Earns Ph.D. in Physics, Proving Age is Just a Number

The popular childhood pastime helped her channel her passion for engineering. As Alena’s mom, Daphne McQuarter, watched her daughter create these masterpieces, she realized she had a genius on her hands.

“She would organize the Legos by color, by size,” McQuarter recalled of Alena. “She was always strategic with her Legos, and if you messed up her Legos, it was a whole problem. If you took one of her Legos out of the little set, she knew that one of her Legos were missing.”

As an avid Star Wars fan, Alena said the Millennium Falcon was probably her favorite build so far. She spent 14 to 15 hours over two days completing the design, barely even taking breaks to sleep.

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A post shared by Alena Analeigh BrownStemGirl (@thebrownstemgirl)

From Legos to space ships, Alena’s ambition is out of this world

Seeing Alena’s visions come to life as she designs them motivates the child genius to follow her dreams. However, despite her excitement about her future, she can’t help but notice the glaring disparities in STEM fields. She observed that women and people of color are largely underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers. Wanting to bring awareness to the racial and gender inequalities somehow, she launched her own website.

Called the Brown Stem Girl (BSG), the site provides support and education for women of color interested in STEM careers. According to the Pew Research Center, women actually make up half of the U.S. workers in STEM jobs. However, most of them hold healthcare positions; few women or people of color work in fields like engineering or computer jobs.

The research also discovered that Black people only represent 9% of STEM workers, while Hispanic people make up 7%.

Alena told her mom, “I want to create this culture of Brown girls in STEM, because it’s this whole gap, and I just want to do something.”

Alena created the whole business plan for the website by herself. Of course, she knew she’d need help getting the project off the ground. She took matters into her own hands, contacting graphic designers, public relations managers, and more.

“She actually did all the legwork, not me. I just kind of sat in the background, and I got the fun part of writing the checks,” McQuarter said jokingly.

The child genius has other projects in the works, too

When Alena isn’t busy with college courses, BSG, or building things, she’s learning Spanish and Arabic. She and her mom love to experience the world through traveling and exploring different cultures. Alena even lived abroad in Amman, Jordan for a short time while attending school.

She’s also working on a children’s book called “Brainiac World.” Growing up, kids used to tease her about her intelligence, calling her “brainiac.” So, she decided to turn her childhood nickname into something inspiring and positive instead.

In addition to the book, she’s also got a podcast in the works, planning to release the first episode soon. Alena says the podcast will encourage girls in STEM by bringing other women in STEM on the show. They can provide valuable information and answer any questions the girls may have. Alena hopes to have Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black female astronaut in history, as one of her guests.

With all of these career goals and projects, Alena’s future is looking very bright. According to her mom, she’s even been contacted by NASA, though she can’t reveal details just yet. While this child genius has big dreams, she hopes to inspire other girls to pursue their passions as well. She told ABC news this:

“It doesn’t matter what your age or what you’re planning to do. Go for it, dream, then accomplish it.”

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A post shared by Alena Analeigh BrownStemGirl (@thebrownstemgirl)

Even though Alena’s clearly a gifted child, she still enjoys doing normal kid activities, too. When she’s not building Lego rockets or working on her career, you can find her hanging with friends or watching movies. She also loves to sing and do sports like track and field. Alena loves to keep busy and immerse herself in many different activities and experiences.

While her mom makes sure to nurture Alena’s natural talents, she also wants her to enjoy her youth. She may be a genius, but her mom encourages her to stay involved in regular school activities as well. Word of Alena’s career aspirations continues to spread, and it’s gotten her a lot of attention. However, her mom says she’s still just Alena to them, “the goofy kid in the family.”

Final Thoughts: Child genius enrolled in college at age 12, now she plans to become a space engineer

Alena’s got big plans for her future, aiming to land a career with NASA by the time she’s just 16. She hopes to become a space engineer and build space rovers like the ones sent to Mars. It seems Alena’s well on her way to success, and we’re excited to watch her achieve her dreams.

We’ll leave you with this inspiring advice Alena received from a postal worker: “We’re in a new year, in a new season, and no one can hold us down anymore. So you can keep your feet on the ground, but you can continue to reach for the stars.”

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