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6 Ways To Forgive a Hurtful Person and Move On

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When someone hurts you, it can leave noticeable scars that plague the rest of your life. There are some things you can recover from. But there are other ways in which a hurtful person causes pain that’s difficult to release.

You likely want to move on from the pain that you feel. Forgiveness can be an excellent way to start – but not in the way you may think! Here are six ways to forgive people who have hurt us so we can move on.

1.    Think About The Benefits

It sounds a little selfish, but sometimes the best way to do something difficult is to remember that it benefits you. There’s nothing wrong with using that as a motivating factor, especially when you’re just starting on your forgiveness journey. Here are some significant effects of forgiveness to keep in mind:

hurtful person·         It Helps Healing

Resentment is a powerful and dangerous emotion, and it’s capable of completely stalling your journey and preventing you from finding peace and moving forward. Your emotional wounds can’t heal for as long as you hold onto the pain, and sometimes those wounds can become “infected” by that anger seeping into other areas of your life.

·         It’s Good For Health

Studies have long indicated positive links between health and forgiveness. This is because the act of forgiving someone relieves stress, which provides plenty of benefits to your physical wellbeing. This includes reduced blood pressure, improved immunity, and better pain management. On the flip side, unhealthy resentment and anger can lead to heart issues, anxiety, and worsened self-esteem.

·         It Can Improve Your Relationships

Resentment towards a person changes the way you view people and human nature in the world. That negativity towards only one single being who wronged you can creep into the relationships you share with everyone, even without you knowing. Being compassionate towards yourself and those you hold resentment for can change your outlook for the positive, fostering healthier and happier relationships with others in your life who are good to you.

·         It May Lead To Positive Reconciliation, If You Want It

Resentment can stop you from reconciling with that person who wronged you. In some cases, this isn’t a problem, and you’re well within your rights to not want to “make nice” face-to-face with someone who’s wronged you. But in others, you may wish to that reconciliation but not know how to go about it. Beginning with forgiveness is a fantastic way to go about it, as it gives you and the other party the chance to learn, grow, and recover.

2.    Rethink Your Perspective On Forgiveness

Many people believe that forgiveness involves giving in to someone’s hostile treatment of you, actively condoning them, or even downplaying their toxicity. This isn’t the case at all. Forgiveness is a complex subject, and it doesn’t mean:

  • Turning the other cheek
  • Approving of someone’s actions
  • Admitting fault or invalidating your emotions
  • Pretending something didn’t happen
  • Opening yourself up to future harm from the same person
  • Letting someone walk all over you

In fact, it’s quite the contrary! Forgiveness isn’t about letting someone off the hook. It’s about finding the courage and strength to use your energy for something more productive and allowing this act of toxicity to remain in the past as you move forward. For example, forgiveness can involve:

  • Deciding to be happy instead of angry.
  • Refusing to be bound by past negativity that keeps you upset and harms you.
  • Freeing your energy for more productive endeavors.
  • Deciding that resentment no longer serves you.
  • Giving yourself a clean slate for future interactions with other or new people.
  • Choosing to move on instead of being held back.

When you realize that forgiveness is more about your personal healing than someone else’s, it’s easier to understand that it’s good for you.

3.    Take Responsibility

Taking responsibility does not necessarily mean blaming yourself for the harm caused by a hurtful person. Instead, it means remembering that your current actions and the actions you take for the rest of your life depend on you.

If you’ve held onto resentment for so long, it can be tough to let go, but your positive thinking can be damaged when you hold on to blaming others as a coping mechanism. So start taking some responsibility for your life so you can begin to forgive. Here are some ways to do so:

·         Understand Your Emotions And Disregard Those Who Caused Them

The feelings that come from being hurt are ones you must take time to reflect on and understand. Focusing too much on blaming those who caused these emotions can mess up your chances of working on self-reflection. So shift your mental concentration and energy to your feelings alone. Let yourself feel them, even if they hurt, and watch them. Then, think about why those emotions are happening, and tell yourself that it’s okay to feel those feelings and that they aren’t “wrong” to have. Finally, ask yourself how you can move forward with these emotions and how to soothe them positively, then walk on into your life with that.

·         Choose Not To Take It Personally

This sounds tough to do, and to be fair, it is. But there are awful people worldwide, and if someone did something horrible to you, it’s not a reflection of yourself. In fact, it likely had almost nothing to do with you. You were the unfortunate victim of the explosion of that person’s issues, and nothing they said or implied about you reflected on you – it was their projection, and you don’t need to be offended by that.

·         If You Did Contribute, Accept That

There are plenty of people who do hurtful things, and it truly is only on them that you were affected. But there are also times when hurt is born out of hurt, or when two people were harming each other, and one person just happened to overstep first. If you did contribute in some way to the circumstances where someone hurt you, admit and accept that fact. Reflect on how to improve in this area of your life and how to prevent repeats. However, don’t overdo this. Acknowledging your part doesn’t mean assigning all blame to yourself. It means looking at a situation factually and rationally, and correctly holding yourself and everyone else involved accountable.

moving on quote4.    Ask Yourself Perspective-Shifting Questions About Your Relationship with the Hurtful Person

Changing your perspective is often key to finding it in yourself to forgive. This is because gaining a proper understanding of something or someone that hurt you can dramatically change the way you’ve thought of that pain.

Ask yourself a few questions to get yourself started, and then once you’ve answered any of them, follow the trails of thought they lead you down and see if you find some excellent self-reflection within.

Here are some questions to begin a paradigm shift in how you think about the hurtful person:

  • How would someone on the outside looking in view the situation?
  • Is there a pattern here? Have I been hurt in this way before, perhaps even many times?
  • Have I inflicted this hurt upon other people before?
  • What was the perspective, whether right or wrong or neither, of the person who hurt me?
  • Does the person who hurt me have low emotional intelligence?
  • Does the person who hurt me have significant personal issues or baggage that they unfairly took out on me, thus not reflecting my character at all?
  • Is there something positive that I can take away from this?
  • How have I grown because of this pain?
  • Have I let this pain rob me of things in my life?
  • Does the resentment and lack of forgiveness benefit me, or is it holding me back?
  • What can I learn from this situation?
  • Is my decision to hold onto this resentment keeping the pain alive?

5.    Let Go of the Victim Mentality

Victim mentality is a mindset where you excuse everything that happens to you and everything you do because you were a victim. You may even believe that you are continually being victimized to this day whenever something bad happens to you. You may say things like:

  • “If only that person hadn’t ruined my confidence, I would have aced that speech!”
  • “I would have gone much farther in life if they hadn’t held me back.”
  • “I’m only suffering all the time because of the things they did to me.”

The pain inflicted by a hurtful person can indeed cause deep wounds that take time to heal. But it becomes impossible to heal when you assign every single problem in your life to that one incident. You are a changed person, yes – but at some point, you need to learn who you are and take responsibility for moving your own life forward. Are you really going to let someone who hurt you hold you back forever? It’s time to create productivity, not drama.

6.    Work On Positivity

Positive thinking is sometimes the best way to tide you over when you’re struggling with a subject as painful and scarring as giving forgiveness. When you learn to see the world with a positive lens, you naturally find that forgiveness comes more easily. Here are some ways to promote positivity in your life:

·         Work Towards Your Happiness

Someone’s hurtful actions shouldn’t stop you from progressing towards the things you love. Find joy in life and set goals for specific achievements that you desire. It is never too late to begin seeking your happiness in life again or to start finding it in minor parts of your life.

·         Focus On Good Things

There are good and bad parts of life. Learning to focus on the good things and even find them in swathes of bad can dramatically change how you view the world. That kind of positive thinking can make you realize that the resentment isn’t serving your life.

·         Forgive Yourself

Do you harbor resentment towards yourself over the events that hurt you? Maybe you played a role in the events leading up to it. Perhaps you feel guilty for struggling to forgive or for not being able to move on. Regardless, it’s essential to forgive yourself. Learning to begin forgiveness with you means you know to give forgiveness to others.

hurtful personFinal Thoughts On Some Ways To Forgive a Hurtful Person and Move On In Life

When considering the subject of forgiveness, it’s important to note that it’s an entirely personal process. You don’t owe any individual your forgiveness, but you owe it to yourself. You don’t even need to tell a hurtful person that you forgive them if you don’t want to. But you do need to say to yourself that you’re moving on and letting go of the resentment that held you back. That, honestly, is more than enough.

How to Make the Fluffiest Japanese Soufflé Pancakes

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Have you ever had soufflé pancakes? If not, you’re in for a treat! Soufflé pancakes are just like regular pancakes, except they have a more fluffy, airy texture. It’s just like eating a soft cloud that melts in your mouth, topped with butter and syrup. Yum!

We probably have you drooling by now, so we’ll go ahead and tell you how to make these pillowy pancakes. If you’re bored with cereal and toast for breakfast, change it up with these soufflé pancakes.

Here is how you can make the fluffiest Japanese soufflé pancakes:

Are you ready? Let’s get started.

souffle pancakes

Gather these kitchen supplies:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Strainer
  • Ramekin (soufflé dish)
  • Spatula
  • Large skillet
  • Spoon
  • Hand mixer

Ingredients:

  • Two egg yolks (separate from the whites)
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tbsp vanilla powder
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • Two egg whites
  • 1/8 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Maple syrup
  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Strawberries for toppings (optional)

How to make the soufflé mixture:

  1. First, grab your mixing bowl and put the egg yolks in. Whisk until blended.
  2. Next, add in the milk and vanilla powder, whisking them in as well.
  3. Then, get out the strainer and pour in the baking powder and all-purpose flour.
  4. Shake the strainer until all the powder falls into the bowl below.
  5. Whisk until completely dissolved in the liquid. Add in a little extra flour to thicken if necessary.
  6. Now, get out a separate bowl and place the egg whites and cream of tartar inside.
  7. Grab your electric hand whisk and blend until the mixture becomes foamy.
  8. Now, add in the tablespoon of sugar, beating until it forms a thick, creamy texture.
  9. Then, use a spatula to gradually blend this mixture with the egg yolks.
  10. Next, get out a skillet and melt a pat of butter in the pan. Spread it around with a spoon or paper towel so it coats the entire pan.

Making the soufflé pancakes:

  1. Now, put the ramekin in the middle and scoop the soufflé mixture inside.
  2. Put the lid on the skillet, and turn the heat on low. Cook for a few minutes, and then add a little water into the pan. Cover once again and cook for 6-7 minutes.
  3. Flip the ramekin over to cook the other side for about 4-5 more minutes. Cover with the lid and make sure to add more water to keep the pancakes moist.
  4. Now, check on your soufflé pancake. It should be very tall and pillowy, and will probably be the fluffiest pancake you’ve ever seen!
  5. Top with melted butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, and strawberries. (optional) Enjoy!

A few tips for perfecting these soufflé pancakes

  • If you don’t have a ramekin, you could just cook the pancakes in a giant skillet. Just make sure to spread them out enough so they don’t stick together. To create tall pancakes, you’ll want to keep adding batter as the pancakes start to form.
  • Making the meringue might take some practice. You should have a stiff texture where you can turn the bowl over and it won’t spill out. When you lift up the whisk, the egg whites should stick up firmly, having a bow at the end.
  • Keep the heat low to create the perfect soufflé pancakes. Unlike regular pancakes, these need to cook longer because of their size and thickness. Keeping the heat on low ensures that it cooks evenly throughout the pancake. If you turn it on high, the outside will cook faster, but the inside will remain raw.
  • Covering the skillet with a lid is essential for keeping moisture and heat in the pan.
  • To separate egg yolks from the whites, crack an egg and catch the yolk in your hand. Allow it to run through your fingers into a small bowl below. Then, place the egg yolks in a different bowl. This might seem messy, but it’s an easy way to ensure your whites and yolks stay separated.
  • To make sure the pancakes don’t deflate when you remove them from heat, you need perfectly beaten egg whites. If you over-beat them, they will break apart. Under-beating means you won’t have enough air bubbles to create a fluffy texture.

These soufflé pancakes have gained serious popularity worldwide

What began as a Japanese trend quickly spread across the globe. Shops have started opening up in the US, England, the Philippines, and other countries throughout the world. In some soufflé restaurants in Japan, they actually put limits on how many people can dine each day. They even have designated dining times, so people line up hours beforehand to guarantee a spot. It sounds crazy, but it shows just how popular these fluffy sensations are in Japan.

However, you don’t have to travel anywhere to taste this Japanese delicacy. You can make it from the comfort of your own kitchen, and it will taste just as wonderful! Feel free to add any other toppings you’d like, such as whipped cream or blueberries. Have them for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as a late-night snack.

They do require a little bit of preparation, but in total, it shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to make. Once you get the meringue out of the way, everything else should be a piece of cake. The cross between a pancake and soufflé is becoming a huge hit, and we hope you will give it a try!

japanese souffle pancakeFinal thoughts: these soufflé pancakes taste like a sweet cloud

If you ever wondered what a cloud tastes like, you will know after trying these pancakes. Soufflé pancakes are basically a level up from regular pancakes, having an airy, pillowy texture. The pancakes don’t just look cool being stacked a mile high, but they taste delicious as well!

There are entire restaurants dedicated to making these jiggly pancakes, but you can try them from your own home. You can even make variations like chocolate, strawberry, blueberry, or other flavors. If you decide to make these soufflé pancakes, let us know how you like them in the comments!

4 Habits Keep You From Being Highly Productive

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Productivity refers to being effective, efficient, and timely in finishing tasks, whether self-assigned or related to work and responsibilities. Being highly productive is a skill and trait that is pretty hard to master.

Many people joke about their lack of productivity as a result. But really, you know that it’s not a laughing matter.

If you’re one of those people who finds it tough to get things done, you may be doing a few things that seem beneficial but are jeopardizing your ability to be efficient. Here are four habits to let go of to become highly productive in life.

1.    Overloading Yourself

One of the main enemies of productivity is being overwhelmed. When you’re overloaded, you can’t focus on individual tasks nearly as well. This is why so many people are stumped as to their lack of productivity. They don’t realize that having a lot to do is often counterproductive for their motivation. Here are some ways you may be overloading yourself!

highly productive·         Having Too Many Options

Having lots of choices sounds good on paper, but it can give you fatigue trying to weigh them all and choose from them. All that information can shut down your brain, ruining your attempts at being productive altogether and degrading your positive thinking.

·         Using A Lot Of Tools

Similar to having too many options, this sounds nice on paper. If you work in a field that requires a fair number of tools and methods, it’s easy to accidentally give yourself a million different methods to use for every single little task. It’s best, however, to find few tools that perform many uses as opposed to many tools that perform few uses. The latter, after all, is how you wind up with so much to keep track of in such inconvenient ways!

·         Multitasking

A lot of people are oddly proud of their ability to multitask. Scientifically, though, there are few positive effects of such behavior. It actually slows you down and makes it harder for you to be productive – and if you do speed up, it makes it more likely that the results are of low quality. Some tasks can be done simultaneously, like small things such as brewing yourself a drink while you listen to voicemails. Tasks that require more focus, however, should not be done at the same time.

·         Always Saying Yes

You can’t commit to everything, and you shouldn’t feel like you have to always say yes to people’s requests for your assistance. You don’t owe them your efforts, and it’s okay to turn a few people down. Don’t forget that you’re showing others that you’re always available and opening yourself up to being taken advantage of by being a yes-man.

·         Filling Up Your Calendar To The Brim

Just because it can fit on a schedule doesn’t mean that it should be there. Not only does squeezing tasks mean you have no wiggle room for unexpected events or changes, but it also means you have no time to breathe or to have to yourself. That tires you out and can lead to unproductive burnout!

·         Trying To Do It All Alone

Being independent is great, but there’s a point where it’s taken too far, and you feel that you have to only rely on yourself. Learning when to ask for help or, if you’re in a leadership position, learning to delegate tasks allows for better productivity. It can be hard to trust other people, but you can’t build that trust if you never give others a chance to prove their capabilities.

2.    Never Planning, or Not Planning Well

Planning is central to all productivity. If your planning is done positively, you get positive results. And, of course, the opposite is also true. If you don’t plan well, your productivity will quickly tank, and you’ll wind up wondering why you have all these plans and still can’t get things done. It’s yet another counterproductive action that many people are surprised doesn’t work! Here are some ways you’re not planning well:

·         Never Planning Ahead

It’s okay to enjoy being spontaneous, but some things do need planning. Keep track of your deadlines, write lists for things you need to remember and develop a plan for complex tasks. If you don’t, you may wind up messing up and not doing what needs to be done. Research shows that this will have positive effects on your productivity!

·         Not Creating A Work Routine

The human brain functions best in routine. It allows you to continue functioning on all days by doing things you’re used to and know well. If you want to get into a productive mindset, getting into gear with the same routine whenever it’s work time can be positive for your ability to get to your tasks. So build those pre-work habits!

·         Having A Huge To-Do List

Being overzealous with planning can make you feel motivated at first, but let’s be real – the chances of you actually doing all of that is pretty slim! As the day wears on, you’ll find yourself feeling more panicked and overwhelmed, and then your productivity will tank. Worse still, you’ll feel bad that you didn’t get things done, and your positive thinking will only drop further from there. Stick to a to-do list with a maximum of 5 tasks per day instead!

dont give up quote3.    Getting Distracted Easily

One of the widespread ways that productivity gets tanked is via distraction. There are distractions virtually everywhere, and if you give into them even a little bit, you may find that you’ve gotten nothing done after devoting what feels like barely any time at all to a random distraction. Here are some examples of distractions that may be getting in the way of your tasks:

·         Mobile Devices

A quick check of your smartphone can devolve into your interest being piqued by a social media notification, leading to scrolling for an hour. Or it can cause you to get caught up in a group chat that’s been going for hours and isn’t dying down in activity anytime soon. Don’t check your phone unless it’s relevant for work or you’re on a break – and that applies to all mobile devices! Keep them in silent mode if you have to!

·         Environmental Noise

A noisy environment is hard to ignore. Try and set up a quiet workspace or ask those around you to respect your professional life kindly. This is especially true if you don’t work in a traditional office environment or work from home.

·         Emails

Checking emails is often a part of work. But that doesn’t mean you should obsess over it constantly throughout the day. The temptation to check your emails leads to the desire to reply to them, which can effectively distract you from your current task.

Have one or two set times daily to check and reply to emails. Or if you get a lot of them, set hour-based intervals for when you’ll check them. Then, set a time for reading and replying to them. Don’t go into your inbox otherwise unless you’re specifically asked to or if it’s relevant to your current task!

·         Chores and Domestic Duties

You likely have to balance both work and home responsibilities – and they’re effortless to use against each other as distractions for one another! Dedicate precise times to each form of accountability. You can do chores either before or after work and keep work time set and sacred. You should also find quiet corners to work in, as tasks around you may also distract your workflow.

·         Family Obligation

No, this doesn’t mean to put work above family! It only really applies if you’re working from home. Sometimes, family members, especially children, may not understand that the fact that you’re working from your house means you’re still correctly, professionally busy. It’s tempting to cave into your kids asking to play or your partner asking you to do something for them. Set boundaries clearly: your work times are specific hours, the same as anyone who works in an office, and as soon as that time is up, then you’ll be free to do things with them.

4.    Perfectionism

Perfectionism is often framed as a trait that is nothing but positive. In reality, as a concept, it’s entirely flawed and even harmful to your self-esteem and everyday productivity. This is because:

·         Your Standards Are Impossible

Literally, no one is perfect! The drive for perfection is one doomed to fail from the start. It’s good to hold yourself to high standards and push yourself to work well, but once those standards are not reachable, you’re just heading for a blow to your self-esteem when you fail.

·         You’re More Indecisive

The need for perfectionism means you may feel that you must weigh every single possible pro and con before making a choice, even when everything is reasonably balanced in good and bad sides. It’s good to take time to consider things so you’re not impulsive, but there’s a point where decision-making becomes more critical than mulling it over. The longer you spend making a decision, the less time you have left to move on to the next step or return to your actual tasks.

·         You Get Thrown Off By Anything Unexpected

Perfectionism often includes a need for control. But life isn’t always going to go to plan, and things will happen that you couldn’t predict – and you’ll find setbacks and mistakes, too. When you’re too much of a perfectionist, you don’t know how to respond to unexpected events, slowing you down.

·         You Literally Spend Too Much Time Worrying About Productivity

It’s not productive to overthink productivity! If you’re a perfectionist, you may beat yourself up for any perceived slowness, even unreasonably so. That makes it even harder for you to get things done, and it erodes your positive thinking.

So, how can you overcome those aspects of perfectionism? Try:

  • Learning to get comfortable with mistakes and failure
  • Finding lessons and silver linings in difficult situations
  • Becoming a self-proclaimed completionist that wants to finish whatever they start as well as they can, even if it isn’t perfect
  • Focusing on the act of ending something and pat yourself on the back for completion

highly productiveFinal Thoughts On Some Habits To Let Go To Become Highly Productive In Life

Productivity isn’t easy to come by. But once you learn to drop habits that hinder your ability to be highly productive, it will all become more manageable. If you are significantly struggling with productivity to a point where daily tasks feel impossible, you should speak to a doctor for a professional opinion.

How to Use a Broken Garden Pot to Make a Mini-Garden

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If you have broken garden pots lying around, you don’t have to throw them in the trash. Instead, you can transform them into a beautiful indoor or outdoor mini-garden! If you’re into DIY crafts, you’ll love this fun gardening project. All you need to get started is a broken garden pot, some plants, and a little creativity. For inspiration and tips, knowngarden offers great ideas on how to turn everyday items into charming garden displays.

When you’re in need of more space for your growing plants, 15 gallon pots are a game changer for my plants, offering ample room for root expansion. The durability and size of these 15-gallon pots are fantastic, ensuring they thrive with better soil aeration and nutrient absorption.

You can use whatever types of plants you like. Just make sure they’re on the smaller side. You’ll be placing them all in one pot. So succulents or herbs will work best. Also, consider the location of your garden. For more tips on organic gardening, you can explore resources from knowngarden. They offer insights on plant choices, potting techniques, and ways to nurture a sustainable garden. For example, if it’s indoors, choose plants that don’t require a lot of sun. And, if gardening isn’t your thing, we’ll list some other uses for broken garden pots.

Here’s how to use a broken garden pot to make a mini-garden:

So what are you waiting for? Let’s make this!

What you’ll need:

  • Broken garden pot
  • Your favorite plants
  • A small spoon or gardening tool to pack in the dirt
  • Duck tape or masking tape

Instructions:

  1. Gather up all the pieces from the garden pot. Tape up the hole in the bottom so dirt can’t escape.
  2. Pour out all the dirt from your plants into the pot. Make sure to pile it up higher toward the back of the pot since you’re making a tiered garden.
  3. Next, place one of the broken pieces from the garden pot near the front. Press down on the dirt with your fingers to pack it in tightly.
  4. Then, place herbs such as lavender, thyme, or rosemary in the front. It’s okay if they hang over the pot. In fact, it adds to the aesthetic appeal.
  5. Place a little more dirt around the herbs. Next, pile more dirt from other plants toward the back. Of course, you want to have plenty of dirt to accommodate all the plants.
  6. Add a couple more broken pieces, spacing them out evenly to create tiers. Pour in more dirt if necessary, pressing down with your fingers.
  7. Place a plant or two at the top of the pot behind the third broken piece. Pack the dirt in with your hands or a small gardening tool.
  8. Work your way forward, placing plants on the second tier. Make sure to have a variety of plants on hand to create a vibrant, flourishing garden. As we said at the beginning, choose plants that won’t grow too large.
  9. Keep packing in the dirt and filling the pot with as many plants as possible. You can even place small pebbles on one of the tiers to create more variety. Other ideas include stones, crystals, and seashells.
  10. When you’re done stacking the plants and other items, you’ll have a beautiful homemade masterpiece. Place your mini-garden indoors in a well-lit area or outside with other plants. Do not forget to take pictures and share your beautiful creation!

Aren’t you glad you didn’t throw away that broken garden pot? Now, it’s home to a thriving mini-garden that will add some greenery to your home or outdoor space. We hope you had fun with this DIY project!

Other innovative ways to use a broken garden pot

You’d be surprised what you can do with a broken piece of pottery. The ideas are endless, but we’ll list a few to get you started. It’s amazing how a little ingenuity can give new life to a worn-out item.

  1. Use a broken garden pot to decorate your outdoor garden. You could place the pieces to look like stepping stones or put them near plants as an accent.
  2. Please place them in potted plants as decorative mulch. That’s because it will help trap moisture in the plant and keep unwanted animals or pests away.
  3. Use smaller broken pots to create DIY plant labels. Put them near herbs or plants so you can easily see what’s growing in your garden. You can use stick-on letters or paint to make the labels.
  4. Make unique garden art with your garden pot. One idea is a fairy garden, complete with gnomes, fairies, mushrooms, and other whimsical items. You could also add moss or paint the inside green to resemble grass. Additionally, you may choose bird statues, pebbles, rocks, or whatever items you’d like.
  5. Use the garden pots to create pathway edging. If you have a lot of broken pots, this is a great way to repurpose them. So place the pots in a garden lining your driveway or walkway for a nice landscaping accent.
  6. Let your kids or grandchildren experiment with making mini-gardens. Indeed, it’s a fun project to do together and encourages a healthy imagination.
  7. Give insects or small critters a safe home. If there’s a small crack in the pot, turn it upside down to create a doorway. Then, tiny creatures like frogs, lizards, or insects seeking shelter will have a place to rest.
  8. You can even use a broken garden pot for mosaic projects. In fact, you can build a whole new pot or unique pieces like a pumpkin, birdbath, or stepping stones.
  9. If you have a small broken pot, use it as a citronella candle holder to keep insects away. Please place it in a larger pot surrounded by plants to hide the broken parts.
  10. Create a “spill pot” with the broken pieces and your favorite plants. Add potting soil or compost to an area a little bit larger than the container. Bury the pot halfway in the soil to hide the broken area. Then, plant the flowers in the soil, adding a few to the pot to create a spilled effect.

garden pot craftFinal thoughts on finding new and creative ideas that will help you repurpose a broken garden pot

There are so many ways to give a broken garden pot a second chance. No need to throw them away when you can make mini-gardens, decorations, or lizard homes out of them! If you search online, you can find dozens of more ideas for reusing garden pots as well.

Not only do DIY projects encourage upcycling, but they also rejuvenate the soul and spark creativity. So if you need something to take your mind off things, give this broken garden pot project a try.

20 Positive Statements to Recite Every Morning

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Positive statements can help you get the best start to your day if you repeat them in the morning. They help you set and follow good habits that benefit you and your well-being. These positive statements will take root in your brain, and your mind will see them as the truth.

Once your mind processes the positive statements as truth, you will notice that it becomes your reality. If you tell yourself good and positive things, you will be happier and more positive. Finding positivity each day can help you be successful and driven, too.

The tone of your day is determined early on, so don’t forget to repeat these positive statements each morning. These affirmations can help you eliminate negative thoughts and replace them with uplifting ones that will help you.

Twenty Positive Statements to Recite Every Morning

Increase your positivity by stating these affirmations out loud each day.

positive statements1. I attract positive opportunities and circumstances.

When you start your day believing that you’ll attract positivity, it’ll become your reality. Repeat this affirmation as you look in the mirror and open your mind to the possibility.

2. I am taking steps to become successful.

Sometimes you will feel like you aren’t getting anywhere, and it can be a discouraging thought. When you feel that way, you will surely struggle to keep pushing forward. Instead of those negative thoughts, fill your mind with this positive statement.

Starting your day with positivity will give you the motivation to keep pushing through. You will begin to notice that each little step is leading you closer to where you need to be. With that, you will find that you become more focused and work harder than before.

3. I trust myself and the paths I choose to take.

Be confident in the decisions you have made and the path you have taken. You are wise, smart, and capable of doing the right thing. Don’t look back and regret your choices because otherwise, you wouldn’t be where you are now.

Embrace the way your life is, and remember that you can make good decisions. Trust yourself and have faith in your abilities.

4. I will have a great day today.

Every day is a new chance for a fresh start, so take advantage of it. Start your day by telling yourself that you will have a great day so that you begin looking for good things right away. When you get your mind thinking of positivity right away, it opens your eyes to the greatness around you.

This positive statement is beneficial if you know you have something uncomfortable planned that day. If you have a meeting, an event, or anything else that might cause stress, use this affirmation in the morning. It will help you stay positive throughout the day instead of fixating on the things that might make you nervous.

5. I have the wisdom needed to make smart decisions.

Smart choices are easy to make if you apply the knowledge that you already have. You are wiser than you know, so remind yourself of your abilities every morning. It will help you stay confident and positive throughout the day.

6. I love the things that make me different because they make me the person I am.

If you notice that you are bothered by your unique qualities, try using this positive statement each morning. It will help you remember that the things that make you different are what make you special.

You wouldn’t be the person you are if it weren’t for those things. Embrace what makes you who you are, and your good qualities will shine through. The best part of that is when you feel good about yourself, you will feel happier and more positive all day long.

7. I will complete all of my tasks and responsibilities.

You will sometimes feel overwhelmed by all that is going on in your life. Using this positive affirmation each morning will help you feel confident in your abilities to complete everything.

When you feel confident in yourself, you will be more productive and focused. Then, you can get all of your responsibilities taken care of without feeling like you are drowning in things to do.

8. I have endless opportunities, and the right ones will come along when the time is right.

Beginning your day thinking that nothing good will come is the wrong mindset to have. Instead, tell yourself that opportunities will present themselves when the time is right. The best situations for you to be in will come when you are ready and looking for it.

This affirmation can help you get in the position you need to be in to accept the opportunities. Stay focused, and you will attract endless possibilities and find the perfect one for you.

9. I get closer to achieving my goals each day.

Every day that you wake up and get moving, you are one step closer to your goals. When you know that success is coming, you will be more likely to do your best on your tasks. Not only will you feel better about yourself and your work, but you will help yourself move along more quickly, too.

10. I will keep a smile on my face today to help me stay positive.

Sometimes a simple smile is all you need to feel good about yourself. Keep a smile on your face, and remember the positivity that it radiates. Not only will those around you notice, but you will feel better, too.

pop quote11. I am choosing happiness today.

You can decide on the way that you feel. If you want to be happy, you must tell yourself that you will be happy.

12. I keep my focus on my goals and priorities.

This positive statement will help you remain focused throughout the day. If you repeat the affirmation each morning, you will notice that the things that used to distract you aren’t such an issue anymore.

13. I am worthy, valuable, and capable of doing anything that comes my way today.

Know your worth, and remind yourself of your greatness often. You are worthy and valuable, just as this positive affirmation states. Give yourself strength and confidence by repeating this statement each morning and any other time you need some encouragement.

14. I am committed to being the best person I can be.

Open your mind up to the possibilities that arise when you are at your best. If you can have this mindset every day, you will accomplish so much and be happier overall. When you strive to be better all the time, nothing can stop you.

15. I am not defined by negative things people say.

There will always be mean people in your life, even if you don’t see them often. Mean people will present themselves in the most unexpected situations, too.

Don’t let their words get to you. Instead, use this affirmation each morning to help yourself be more resilient against anything that may happen that day.

16. I live life to the fullest, and I seize every opportunity.

With this positive statement, you will be more likely to take calculated risks and try new things. You will experience more and create many unforgettable memories. Plus, you will have opportunities that others never get.

17. I make a difference.

No matter what you do, you make a difference in the world. You make a difference in the lives of those around you, and especially for your loved ones. Never doubt the reason you are here because you make the world a special place just by being here.

18. I am going to try something new today.

Trying something new doesn’t have to be crazy or take a ton of planning. Instead, it could be as simple as tasting a new food or experiencing a new restaurant. Or, it could involve trying a new project at work or brainstorming a new idea.

19. I will overcome any obstacles or setbacks I face.

You never know what will happen in the day ahead of you, so be prepared for anything. Prepare yourself for any possible obstacles or setbacks by reaffirming that you will overcome them. You will get yourself an advantage if anything comes up because you will already be in the right mindset.

20. I deserve good things and experiences.

You are deserving of all the good things life has to offer. Don’t turn something down or hold back because you feel like you don’t deserve it. Go after the good things, and embrace situations that bring happiness and joy.

positive statementsFinal Thoughts on Positive Statements to Recite Every Morning

When you implement positive statements into your morning routine, you will be setting yourself up for success and positivity. The affirmations can help you see the good in your day, and they can eliminate self-doubt or other negative self-talk. Fill your mind with positivity first thing in the morning so that you can be ready for the rest of the day.

You have what it takes to reach all of your goals and complete your tasks for the day. Use these positive statements to start your day on the right path, and you can ensure better control of your life.

Your Zodiac Monthly Horoscope May 2021 According to Astrologer

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The cosmic views for May of 2021 begin with four planets in Taurus square Saturn. Your desires are strong, but they have to be postponed or curbed. Taurus is always full of new emerging desires, ideas, passions, and opportunities. Don’t put them aside. What they need are structure and patience. Releasing these feelings will only empower you and help you get going. The Sun-Uranus conjunction is strong for the first ten days, then they separate.

There are shifts and changes in your life that have begun to take root. Embrace the new, it’s time for a change, and you don’t want to be left behind. Humans have this amazing ability to adjust. Mars resides in Cancer all month and is in trine to Jupiter. Your energy level is strong as things begin to open up.

You’ll be able to handle a multitude of projects, options, and possibilities and all at the same time. Venus and Mercury are in Gemini by the second week of the month, and your ability to juggle will surprise you. Gemini energy is always capable of handling more than what seems possible and often with ease. Jupiter enters Pisces on the 14th, and the cosmic views show that your inner strength and fortitude are enhanced.

What is required now is faith. When you have it, things happen magically. Remember, you have to believe in attracting the support you need. The Full Moon in Sagittarius on the 26th trines Saturn and squares Jupiter. Your beliefs and ideals are being challenged. Don’t resist. Play with your possibilities, and the answers you are seeking will become clear. The invisible parts of your life, such as ideals and beliefs, have changed, affecting your choices. Keep your vision clear, and you will achieve your dreams.

Astrologist and life coach Linda Joyce, author of the book The Day You Were Born, reveals what lies ahead for May.

Cosmic Views for Aries (March 21st – April 20th)

cosmic viewsAries is the initiator. It advances through inner motivation and is unafraid of cutting through the chaos. If this is not you, then remove the blocks of fear preventing you from owning your destiny. You live with impatience, an inner need to manifest your dreams, and if inspired, you can help others do the same. With your ruler in Cancer this month, it’s all about organizing your inner world and not so much about taking action.

Mars is at the base of the chart, and it’s challenging you to see what’s important. Don’t cry over what you don’t have. Focus on what you want and where you’re going. Jupiter enters Pisces on the 14th, and you get an extra guardian angel. Jupiter in the 12th house of the unconscious brings you invisible support and opportunity. If something happens this month, it will be unexpected. You gain control through how you respond to what happens, so think before you act. The Sun and Uranus are conjunct in your 2nd house of finance. Money is a focus now. You’re not good at saying no to yourself, but it may be a good place to begin.

Don’t run up bills for things you don’t need. It’s more important for you to feel safe and strong than have a new pair of jeans. Pluto makes a trine to Venus and Mercury during the first week of the month, and it empowers you. If you pay attention, you will gain a greater understanding of what’s happening now and in your future.

If you’re in a relationship, both the good and the bad will be felt strongly. Work on what’s important. The details will take care of themselves. If you’re single, you could meet someone or take a relationship to the next step.

Taurus (April 21th – May 20th)

Taurus has become a sign of transformation and change. That’s what happens when you have Uranus visiting for seven years. It shakes up your life, your beliefs, and your dreams. For the first week of the month, you have four planets whispering in your ear. They are all square Saturn, which doesn’t allow for short-cuts. You must do the work to get the prize. Uranus wants you more independent. Stop being in a hurry and learn like others – the hard way. Short-cuts are seldom the right choice.

Jupiter enters Pisces on the 14th, and friendships become important.  You like your friends around you, but your challenge is to pick friends that lift you, not bring you down. Having a good time is great, but not at the expense of your values. Jupiter in your 11th house helps you set goals. You’ll have guidance and help from others. Jupiter in Pisces is all about faith and support from above. It builds strength from the inside out. Early in the month, Jupiter trines Mars, and your energy level goes up. Enthusiasm is strong, and it’s a great motivational force. When you feel strong from within, you get results.

The Full Moon in Sagittarius and your 8th house reveals what needs to be changed within you. It’s time for a transformation. The emphasis this month is on you, no one else. There’s a part of you that loves to be selfish, and now is your time to use it to your benefit. Look at yourself and be critical as well as validating. See your strengths and weaknesses and fix what you can.

If you’re in a relationship, you’re going through a transformation together. Hopefully, it will make you both stronger. If you’re single, you’re either ready to take a relationship deeper, or you could fall in love with someone new—all good.

Gemini (May 21st – June 20th)

Gemini is a challenging sign. If you didn’t do the work required by Taurus, which identifies your values and desires, you won’t be clear on what you want. As a Gemini, that’s a problem. Unless your path is clear, your restless energy takes over, and it could keep you from accomplishing your goals. For the first week of the month, you have four planets in your 12th house, and two of them are square Saturn.

You may feel powerless or unable to get things done. Don’t push. Step back and look at the whole picture. If you can let go and realize your power comes from how you respond, more than what you initiate. By the 10th, both Mercury and Venus are in Gemini, and you’ll feel a greater sense of control. With Mars in Cancer, in trine to Jupiter, your money issues improve, and how you earn your living may come from a new source. If it doesn’t happen immediately, it could arrive as a future opportunity. The message is, you’re ready to expand and try something new. You may be afraid of losing control, but you’re ready to open up and restructure your boundaries.

Saturn stations retrograde on the 13th, so don’t schedule any meetings on this day. Things may change or be canceled. But don’t panic. It doesn’t mean whatever you’re trying to do won’t happen. It just won’t happen on that day. The cosmic views reveal the Full Moon on the 26th, in your 7th house of relationships, brings any lingering issues between you and your partner to head. Don’t get upset. It’s there to help you resolve what you don’t want to look at. So, meet the challenge head-on.

If you’re single, it’s not a good time to meet someone unless you want to rescue them from a crisis. If Superman is your role model, it may just work for you.

Cosmic Views for May of  2021 – Cancer (June 21st – July 22nd)

Cancer energy is private. These souls don’t open up to just anyone. With four planets in the 11th house for the first week, finds them mingling with friends and making plans. There’s a strong emphasis on not being alone.

With Mars on your Ascendant for the first week, you’ll find yourself energized and eager to get things done. It will push you out of your safety zone and open you up to new possibilities. By the 10th, Venus and Mercury will be in Gemini, and your sense of privacy returns. Saturn stations retrograde on the 13th and remain’s in square to Uranus, making change challenging. At the same time, it is trine the Sun, Moon-Venus, and Mercury in Gemini – this kind of energy keeps you busy until the last detail is done. Mars trine Jupiter brings energy and strength. You’ll have an extra dose this month which helps you finish the job.

Jupiter rules your house of work, and if you haven’t had enough to make you feel good, it will begin to pick up and offer you new opportunities to make a living. Be open to the new. Don’t hang on to the past, something Cancer’s love to do. You can make anything feel safe once you get used to it. Jupiter enters Pisces on the 14th and challenges you to acknowledge your highest ideals. What ideas lift you and connect you to your higher self? What ideals give you a sense of purpose? Take a moment to think about what they mean to you.

If you’re in a relationship, things have improved, but not all the wounds are healed. However, you have a new lease on life and how you feel about those you love. This is a source of greater happiness. If you’re single, it’s a great time to meet others through friends. Put yourself out there, and you may be surprised.

cosmic viewsCosmic Views for Leo (July 23rd – August 22nd)

Leos know who they are and what they want. What they need to pay attention to is their direct style and sometimes need to be right. When you don’t listen to others, others don’t listen to you. It’s a simple as that. With your Sun in Taurus conjunct Uranus, Venus and Mercury, you feel the push to make changes in friendship and relationships in general. Saturn squares the Sun helps you examine what’s not working and why.

Saturn is the best teacher, but it tells you the way it is. So get ready for the truth. Jupiter trine Mars adds energy to you, both physically and mentally, and it helps. When you’re too critical, you have less impact. The Full Moon in your 6th house of work brings issues around your everyday schedule to the fore. Take a good look if you’d like an improvement.

The cosmic views show that Pluto is in trine to Venus and Mercury for the first two weeks of the month, and you feel in charge and clear on your mission. Saturn squares the Sun, and Uranus offers something other than change. You can put it off for a few weeks, but eventually, things shift, with or without your consent. Venus and Mercury enter Gemini and your 12th house by the 15th. Your intuition increases, but you’ll have to rely on your faith and not something definite.

Don’t let that slow you down. The cosmic views remind you that there’s nothing more powerful than intuition when you get used to listening to it. Jupiter enters Pisces on the 14th, and your ideals and goals get expanded. It’s been 12 years since it was in this sign, so it’s time to take a look and adjust the past to fit where you are now.

If you’re in a relationship, things are challenging. Your partner doesn’t know how to reach the new you. If you’re single, it’s a time to meet a lot of people through friends. Don’t get discouraged if “The One” is not a part of the picture.

 Virgo (August 23rd – September 22nd)

Virgos are both extremist and very practical. Once they accept a person or concept, they take the relationship or the idea to the enth degree, revealing its truth. Get out of your comfort zone, and people and ideas reveal their core. With four planets in Taurus in the 9th house of ideals, your purpose and passions are on the table. These four planets on earth make a trine to your Sun in Virgo and Pluto and the Moon in Capricorn.

You feel powerful and guided from above. There is a strong desire to act and take charge of your destiny. Do it; go for what you want with faith in yourself. When you do, the magic happens.  Jupiter enters Pisces on the 14th, and relationships improve. It’s easier now to get in touch with others and to build partnerships, either in business or personally. Jupiter squares your 10th house of career, showing you where change is necessary. By the 10th of the month, Mercury and Venus are in Gemini, your house of career. There’s a lot of busy work going on; don’t lose sight of your goals. If you don’t work toward the big picture, it’s easy to get lost in the details. With the Sun and Uranus conjunct in Taurus, change is inevitable. You see what’s missing, what’s been necessary to advance, and suddenly the path is clear.

Once you know where you’re going, it’s so much easier to get there. Saturn goes retrograde on the 23rd and is square Venus, the Sun, and Uranus: new ideas are difficult to manifest. The path is not easy, but the magic happens if you take your time and do the work. The Full Moon on the 26th in Sagittarius emphasizes the home. You’re changing from within, and that leads to new paths.

If you’re in a relationship, it’s also about to shift. If it’s good, you’ll feel more connected than ever before. But if you’re single, it’s time to meet your soul mate.

Libra (September 23rd – October 22nd)

Libra is seeking a truth that does not change. What it needs to learn is how to see it in all its disguises. Just because you’ve changed your clothes doesn’t mean who you are is different. The challenge of Libra is to recognize the truth behind its many disguises. With four planets in your 8th house, in trine to Pluto and the Moon, there is a desire for power and to be in control. Some things in your life have become difficult, but the challenge will pass if you just stay focused and do the work. Jupiter enters Pisces on the 14th, and your work schedule expands.

If you haven’t been working, you will. If you are working, then who you work with and how you do your job will have some adjustments. Saturn stations retrograde on the 13th, and you feel restrained. It’s for your own good. Right now, it’s important to advance one sure foot at a time.

Here’s what the cosmic views say about your personal life. The Sun and Uranus conjunct in Taurus is pushing you to make personal changes. Just let more of who you are out, and don’t protect your talents and the quirky sides of yourself; they add to your power and personality if you can own them. Mars is in your 10th house of career for the whole month. The focus is on your goals and getting closer to that dream.

Trust yourself, be prepared, and don’t be in a hurry, even if everyone else is. Rely on Saturn and its need to get things done right…before it advances. Mercury and Venus enter Gemini by the 10th, and when Jupiter enters Pisces on the 14th, it makes a square to both of them. Get a feel for what you want before you act.

If you’re in a relationship, things should be going well. Both of you are working hard. If you’re single, it’s a good time to meet others in unexpected places. Just be yourself.

Cosmic Views for Scorpio (October 23rd – November 21st)

Scorpio is a sign that many don’t understand. Perhaps it’s because it’s all about owning your power. That’s something that very few of us do well due to a lack of good examples. However, if you know who you are and where you’re going, it’s a lot easier to stay connected to your truth. If you’re still figuring yourself out, then it’s a challenge.

Scorpio is a sign of strong instincts. When in doubt, listen to them. With four planets in your 7th house, your relationships are both supportive and changing. The Sun Uranus conjunction is bringing in new people or changing the ones you have relied on in the past. With Jupiter entering Pisces on the 14th, your sense of self is empowered. The control that is so important to you will be available without difficulty. The cosmic views say that it’s time to embrace your path and your destiny.

Saturn in Aquarius stations retrograde on the 13th, and communication and your sense of freedom are interfered with. It’s temporary, so don’t panic. Just look at what’s being revealed. It’s something you need to look at. Mercury and Venus enter Gemini by the 10th, and Jupiter squares both on the 14th. It’s time to make personal changes or at least expand and embrace a bigger picture. The Sun Uranus conjunction is changing both you and any relationship you’re in. There’s a need for freedom and the ability to do things your way. You have control issues, and change is not something you love.

If you’re not in a relationship, you have endless opportunities to meet various interesting possibilities.

who you are becoming memeSagittarius (November 22nd – December 21st)

Sagittarius is the sign of adventure and higher truth. There is a love of travel and differences and anything that challenges you. With four planets in the 6th house, in trine to Pluto, changes are happening in your work or workplace. Saturn squares the Sun and Uranus, bringing to your attention what is not right or needs to change. Another possibility – you’re ready for something new. Whatever the motivation, something shifts. Don’t wait for others to understand what you want — take charge of your destiny.

Jupiter enters Pisces on the 14th, and home life improves. You feel like redecorating or making some changes that improve or expand the space you live in. Mars in Cancer works on you from within. You see yourself and others differently, and it’s easy to see how to move forward. With clarity comes new choices. Mercury and Venus enter Gemini by the 10th, and Jupiter squares them by the 14th.

Work and friendships may be challenging, but the problems won’t last, so don’t make a big thing out of them. The Full Moon in Sagittarius brings a personal issue to head. Don’t try and avoid whatever comes up. You can’t. Something you haven’t wanted to expose may show its face. Just accept it and move on.

If you’re in a relationship, it’s a bit crazy at the moment. You’re being asked to expand and change in some way. If it’s not what you want, speak up. But some compromise needs to be made. If you’re single, it’s a time to explore, not commit. Keep your options open for now.

Cosmic Views for Capricorn (December 22nd – January 19th)

Capricorns know how to get the job done. They’re not in a hurry, so it gets finished right.  The impatience of youth has been conquered, and wisdom takes its place. With four planets in Taurus and your 5th house this month, your ego and sense of self are emphasized. No more hesitations on taking charge. It’s your duty to lead when everyone else is procrastinating.

With the Sun conjunct Uranus, your natural sense of independence is enhanced. The first week of the month makes you resistant to anyone imposing on your space.  Stay away from situations where you may have to compromise. Pluto is in trine to the SunUranus conjunction, and you feel you have the power, even if you don’t. If you’re working on a project that needs a leader, you’ll get it done.

If you’re working for someone who thinks differently than you, then it will be a challenging week. Jupiter enters Pisces on the 14th. Pisces rules your house of communication. The need to share your thoughts becomes more important. Express your point of view because you see things differently than others. They may not agree with you, but they need to hear what you have to say.

If you’re in a relationship, you’re together and in agreement on the changes in your lives. If you’re single, don’t be afraid to approach someone and introduce yourself. It will be well received.

Aquarius (January 20th – February 18th)

Aquarius knows how to connect to people who are very different than they are, and because of this, they’re not afraid to show their differences. Once the fear of being alone is gone, you’re free to be who you are. The first week of May is emotionally powerful. Whatever you feel passionate about takes the lead. You’re being driven by what you want to accomplish.

Here is what the cosmic views for May of 2021 reveal for you. With four planets in your 4th house of the home, your safe place is changing, and it’s okay. You’re opening up your world in a whole new way. It’s time to take a risk for what you want and allow the universe to show you the way. Follow your instincts and if an opportunity presents itself – go for it.

With Jupiter entering Pisces on the 14th, ways to improve your earning power present themselves. Mercury and Venus enter Gemini by the 10th, and Jupiter squares both of them by the 15th. Expansion, new ideas, and new comfort zones are being forged. Embrace your possibilities. Saturn in your sign has brought new structures and limitations to your life, but all for good reasons. This month it squares Venus, which pushes you to make changes at a core level.

Saturn stations retrograde on the 13th, and your instincts become stronger. Trust what they tell you. Mars in trine to Jupiter increases your energy level. Whatever you have to do this month will get done with ease. The Full Moon in Sagittarius on the 26th brings friendships to the fore. Your real friends show up when you have a need.

If you’re in a relationship, your partner is not peaceful, partially due to all the changes in your lives. If you’re single, you’re attracted to someone independent and unavailable. It’s a good time to meet others but not commit.

Cosmic Views for Pisces (February 19th – March 20th)

Pisces requires clarity and focus on being successful. If you’re not, you’ll stay stuck in indecision and distractions. The magic happens when you have faith. On the 14th.Jupiter enters your sign, and it pushes the boundaries of your life. Jupiter is expansive and strong; it gives confidence and clarity when it comes to goals. It’s time to embrace a bigger picture. With Jupiter trine Mars for the whole month, energy is high, helping you complete your tasks in record time. Saturn squares Venus and Mercury after the 10th, and Saturn goes retrograde on the 13th.

This slows things down and makes sure you deal with the small stuff before you move on. It stops you from rushing ahead to the finish line. The Pluto Moon conjunction at the beginning of the month passionately engages your emotions. When feelings are strong, you’re aware of what’s important to you. Passion helps anyone rise above the nonsense and connect to what’s important, especially a Pisces.

When feelings are clear, so are you. The trine from Pluto to Venus and Mercury for the first half of the month provides the strength and commitment necessary to get things done. The Full Moon in Sagittarius on the 26th draws attention to your career and where you’re going. Whatever needs your attention will be highlighted at this time. If you’re in a relationship, your partner will cooperative for the first half of the month and then feel the restraint of Saturn. Be supportive.

According to this month’s cosmic views, if you’re single, things go well until the 15th, then relationships become more difficult.

Jersey Mike’s Raises Over $15 Million During Annual “Month of Giving”

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Jersey Mike’s Subs and its customers across the country raised a remarkable $15 million for over 200 charities nationwide. The company set a goal of raising $8 million, but donations just kept coming in. Before they knew it, they’d raised almost double that amount during the company’s 11th Annual Month of Giving in March.

The sandwich company known for its fresh homemade bread gave donations to hospitals, youth organizations, food banks, and more. Jersey Mike’s locations around the country accepted gifts throughout the month of March. On March 31, its annual Day of Giving, over 1,900 restaurants gave 100 percent sales to local charities.

Jersey Mike’s raised over double its fundraising efforts in 2021 compared with 2019. Two years ago, the company donated $7.3 million to local charities during March. They couldn’t believe the outcome of this year’s donations, given financial strains due to the pandemic. The results mean even more this year since the pandemic led to Day of Giving celebrations being canceled in 2020.

A Decade of Doing Good Deeds at Jersey Mike’s

mark cuban

Learn how entrepreneur Mark Cuban helped a teenaged immigrant collect clothing.

Since the company started Month of Giving in 2011, Jersey Mike’s has raised over $47 million for local charities. You can find out more information about Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving here.

Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s Founder and CEO, says the following:

“We really hoped to do well this year after the disappointment of having to cancel last year’s Day of Giving, and the outpouring of support from across the country is truly inspiring. We are filled with gratitude and admiration for our customers, franchise owners, and team members who have helped these charities in such a big way, now, when they need it more than ever.”

Jersey Mike’s believes happiness is only real when shared with others

Cancro bought his first sub shop when he was just 17 years old. He gives credit for Month of Giving’s success to two local business owners in his hometown, Point Pleasant Beach.  Jack Baker of Baker’s Lobster Shanty and Bob Hoffman of Hoffman’s Ice Cream gave him advice he’ll never forget.

They both shared with him the importance of giving often and unconditionally to those around him. In fact, Hoffman impacted him so profoundly that Cancro featured him in a Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving commercial.

“Giving…making a difference in someone’s life” has been Jersey Mike’s mission since the company’s inception in 1956.

Jersey Mike’s has a long history of giving back to local communities and charities whenever possible. In fact, their website lists various charitable campaigns and fundraisers they’ve been involved in since 2007.

Notable charitable donations from Jersey Mike’s

Here is a timeline of these efforts.

jersey mike's

2007

At the first annual Life of Riley Foundation golf tournament that year, Jersey Mike’s raised over $14,000 for the organization. The foundation raises awareness of and funds research for pediatric brain tumors and helps families whose children have these tumors.

2008

In 2008, Jersey Mike’s Middle Tennessee stores raised almost $17,000 for the Michael Stanley Child Life Fund. The donation helped to sustain the Child Life Services program at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital.

Also, in 2008, the company gave $25,000 to Interfaith Neighbors. The nonprofit organization that assists working poor families and elderly residents of Monmouth County, New Jersey.

Jersey Mike’s Subs gave over $40,000 in media placement, cash, and food donations to Autism Speaks. The donations helped support the organization’s 6th Annual Carolinas Walk Now for Autism event. This donation and other funds provided by the community helped raise over $450,000 for autism research and family services.

2009

In 2009, Jersey Mike’s raised more than $50,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). In many cities, Jersey Mike’s store owners even invited members from local Boys & Girls Clubs into their stores. They shared stories about running a business and even let the young boys and girls make an authentic sub sandwich. “Many thanks to Peter Cancro and Jersey Mike’s – this support enables us to continue to fulfill our promise of helping young people reach their full potential,” said Cyndi Court, executive vice president, BGCA. “We also appreciate the time the Jersey Mike’s store owners spent with our members. It is a learning experience the children will never forget.”

2010

In 2010, Jersey Mike’s locations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area raised $50,000 for Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer (WOKC). The local Dallas nonprofit aims to raise awareness about cancer in children. They have the hope that one day all children can live cancer-free.

2011

Jersey Mike’s raised over $600,000 for 66 different charities during the first annual Month of Giving in 2011.

2012

In 2012, the company raked in almost $858,000 for 74 different children’s charities nationwide for the Month of Giving.

2013

The company saw a massive increase in donations for the Month of Giving in 2013. That year, Jersey Mike’s raised an “unprecedented $1.7 million for 86 different charities nationwide.”

2014

During the 4th annual Month of Giving in 2014, their fundraising efforts led to $2.1 million in donations.

2015 and 2016

In 2015, this went up to $3 million in donations. The following year, the company raised over $4 million in donations for 180 different charities. Almost all the contributions – $3.4 million – came from the Day of Giving on March 30. That day, 100% of proceeds nationwide went to the charity partner.

2017 through 2020

The company doesn’t list totals from the Month of Giving in 2017 or 2018. However, the event is a success, as Jersey Mike’s raised $7.3 million in 2019 and $15 million this year.

Final thoughts on how Jersey Mike’s raised an unprecedented $15 million for Month of Giving

Since 2011, the popular sub sandwich restaurant Jersey Mike’s has hosted a Month of Giving. During the month of March each year, the company gives out coupons that help drive sales. The sandwich shop then donates the proceeds from this event to charities nationwide. This year, the company reached a new milestone, with over $15 million raised for local charities worldwide.

If you have been craving a sub sandwich, Jersey Mike’s is the place to go. Not only do they make delicious food, they give back to the community whenever possible. The CEO says they don’t give to get tax breaks or praise from people, but because they genuinely want to.

Psychology Explains How Curiosity Helps You Achieve Goals

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Many people have big dreams and goals in life, but not everyone has the traits necessary to achieve them. If you’re trying to build some of those characteristics to heighten your chances of success, begin with curiosity.

Curiosity is a fascinating trait. It refers to a desire to find truth or secrets in everyday activities and live life. It makes you curious, interested, and easily engaged. It’s no wonder, then, that it may also be the key to your goals being fulfilled!

Here are six ways curiosity helps you achieve highly-ambitious goals.

1.    It Gives You A Sense Of Purpose

curiosityCuriosity makes you explore the world around you, allowing you to learn more about your opportunities, life possibilities, and general future. As a result, you’ll develop new hobbies and interests that may give you a sense of meaning and purpose in life.

Curiosity and purpose go hand-in-hand, and in an ideal situation, they’d be a never-ending cycle of positive thinking and forward momentum. When you’re passionate about something or feel like something gives you purpose, you’re more likely to become even more curious about it, and that builds your passion even further. It’s, for once, a positive form of a cycle!

Studies show that having a sense of purpose is incredibly good for your wellbeing, as it helps with your self-control and self-regulation, which are vital components of goal achievement. The more curious you are, the more compelling the world becomes, and the more meaning you may find in your endeavors and interests.

2.    It Makes You Work Better With Others

Achieving highly-ambitious goals is usually something you can’t do entirely alone. While the main effort and the responsibility for achievement are yours, you’ll often need many other elements to get to success. You’ll have to work with like-minded people, collaborate with others, and seek knowledge and wisdom from experts.

Many people with big dreams become very proud of them, which is fair, but they may take it to a weak point. Believing that you have to “go it alone” for the achievement to matter is simply untrue and very stubborn. By nature, human beings want to support and help each other, and everyone needs a little assistance sometimes!

Curiosity makes you a better team-player, thus allowing you to achieve your goals thanks to the support and aid from the people around you. Here’s how:

·         You’re Better At Collaborating

Have you ever heard of the rules of improv comedy? When responding to others, you have to say “yes, and” to keep up the flow of the collaborative improvisation, always building off the other person instead of shutting down their ideas. That’s what collaboration is all about. Curiosity makes it, so you naturally want to say “yes, and.” You want to explore new possibilities and build off others’ novel thoughts, making you a better team-player overall.

·         You’re Better At Forming Dialogue

When you’re curious, you are less likely to be judgmental or accusatory when you see someone doing something in a way you think is incorrect. You would, instead, be curious about how the other person thinks, and you can ask them about it politely and with genuine interest. Those people will be happy to engage in productive, positive, and meaningful dialogue with you to give you new ideas and open your mind while showing your trust in the other person’s process.

·         You’re A Better Leader

Working with others sometimes means working in a positive above them, as a leader or manager. When you have very ambitious goals, it’s only natural that at some point, you’ll wind up in such a position. The best leaders are those who don’t fool themselves into thinking they’re intellectually above their team. They’re curious! They’re interested, eager to understand their team, and are very welcoming and flexible when introducing new thoughts and ideas. This encourages a team to be more creative, so your curiosity drives them!

3.    It Boosts Performance

Curiosity has been known to boost performance in many different fields. No matter where your goals lie, it’s likely that being curious may be able to help. On the surface, here are some areas of performance that being naturally curious can boost:

·         Academic Achievement

When you’re curious, you’re likely to put more effort into learning about different subjects. Of your own volition, you’ll be more willing to study, remember lessons, and do projects for academic success. This carries forward into other areas of your life, too, according to studies.

·         Improved Participation

Curiosity can help you participate in activities in a learning environment with higher enjoyment and positive thinking. It increases your desire to learn, so you’re more eager to join things you may have previously found tedious or boring. Alternatively, that curiosity may make you want to participate to see what will happen or try it out.

·         Work Performance

Many people’s goals lie in their career paths. When you’re curious, you’ll be more interested in progressing in that career. According to research, you’ll be more involved, work harder, and engage more with your work, leading to improved performance.

peace quote4.    It Opens Your Mind

Few goals can be met without an open mind. The world’s reality is that it’s so much broader than a single human brain can comprehend without seeking to expand itself. The sooner you realize that the faster you’ll arrive at your goals. Curiosity can help significantly with that, and here’s how:

·         It Makes You Find Innovative Solutions

Being curious means, you’re willing to look everywhere to solve problems, which is a crucial skill for achieving goals. You’re able to find methods to overcome hurdles in unexpected but effective ways, and you’re willing to try new and surprising things to achieve that solution.

·         It Shows You Opportunities

The world is full of unlimited chances and doors, but most people ignore a good portion of them in favor of more conventional opportunities. The ability to see all the possibilities that others don’t deem worth pursuing is precious when you have highly-ambitious goals. Curiosity can open your mind to a world of doors to open, and you’ll be happy to try each one, even if it seems strange!

·         It Expands Your Bubble

No one naturally knows about everything, and most people’s knowledge is limited to their personal experiences or the experiences of those they’re closest to. This can hinder progress towards goals, as the most extensive plans often involve a need to be cultured. To learn about things foreign to you, curiosity helps to expand your bubble. You’ll want to explore other cultures, mindsets, and ideas that you’ve never had access to before. Instead of shunning the unfamiliar, you will heartily welcome it.

·         It Helps You Face Your Fears

Everyone has some fears in life, but these fears can stop you from moving forward towards highly-ambitious goals. Curiosity helps you face these fears by making you intrigued by the unknown wonders that may lie beyond your apprehension. You’ll feel spurred to take action, even if it’s difficult, all because you’re curious about what will happen if you do!

5.    It Makes You A Better Person Through Improvement

Highly-ambitious goals don’t need you to be the best person you can be, but it certainly does help. When you experience personal growth, you learn to tackle problems better and prevent predictable issues that may arise when you chase your dreams. Being a better person means that your old hang-ups can’t hold power over you as you progress.

Curiosity can help you become a better person by pushing you to chase down self-improvement. Here are some ways that it does this:

·         It Increases Your Self-Awareness

Being self-aware is a crucial part of positive social interaction and everyday lifestyle choices. If you’re not in tune with yourself and your behavior, you’re more likely to do things that harm others and yourself. Curiosity helps self-awareness because it forces you to keep asking questions. You’ll challenge yourself and your actions, always seeking to discover the truth behind them.

·         It Keeps You Humble

To improve, you have to recognize your weaknesses and know how much you have left to grow. Curiosity can help foster this humility, as you have to put aside your pride if you genuinely want to find out more about a subject or discover how you can be better.

·         It Makes You Mindful

Curious people are more in touch with the world around them. They are drawn in by seemingly innocuous or unimportant features in the present. Being curious means knowing how to stop and smell the roses, as those roses could hold all sorts of secrets that you desperately want to explore and uncover! This is a crucial feature of mindfulness, which is an important trait that allows you to live your best life in the current moment.

6.    It Boosts Positive Thinking

Few people can successfully meet highly-ambitious goals with pessimism. Positive thinking and grounded optimism are often crucial to making good progress. When you’re always thinking negatively, you can form self-fulfilling prophecies. It’s like that saying goes: whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.

Research has long indicated that individuals with high levels of curiosity tend to be happier, more positive people. This is likely because:

  • They have lower levels of anxiety thanks to years of just going for it
  • They’re more satisfied with life as they tend to have fewer regrets
  • Having more novel experiences that make them feel better and happier
  • They learn more things and feel more accomplished as a result
  • They have better social relationships and therefore have more social support

In other words, curiosity feeds positive thinking, which feeds curiosity again! The power of interest is such that it can form numerous healthy cycles that are easy to perpetuate, and optimism is just one way that it achieves this.

curiosityFinal Thoughts On Some Ways Curiosity Helps You Achieve Highly-Ambitious Goals

They say that curiosity killed the cat, but few realize that this famous saying finishes with “but satisfaction brought it back.” As it turns out, curiosity is more likely to bring you back than metaphorically kill you. So go ahead and chase after your goals with zeal! You’ll find that your chances of success are heightened when you dare to ask questions and experiment.

Science Explains 3 Ways Exercise Improves An Aging Brain

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If you are researching ways to keep your aging brain agile, don’t overlook exercise! That idea makes perfect sense.

Exercise is probably one of the most recommended solutions for every physical and mental health-related problem globally. This is for a good reason! The research into exercise’s benefits is wide-ranging and detailed, showcasing its effects on fitness, disease risk, positive thinking, and more.

But what about the brain? Specifically, what about cognitive decline? Anyone who has seen the effects of mental impairment due to age knows that it often seems and feels unstoppable, so it can be a little strange to think that exercise can prevent it.

So, can exercise help aging brains stay healthy? Research says so! Here are some findings that provide insight into the complex subject of cognitive degeneration and its links to physical activity.

1.    Exercising Helps Aging Brains

aging brainsFor a long time, people have touted exercise as a simple, foolproof solution to the ever-approaching threat of cognitive decline and the effects of an aging brain. For the elderly who are already dealing with some brain aging, this appears to be true.

A randomized control study titled “Acute Exercise Effects Predict Training Change in Cognition and Connectivity,” published in the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise journal in 2020, provides positive insight into this subject. The National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging funded this study. Here are some details regarding the paper:

  • The trial was relatively small, involving only 34 elderly individuals aged 60 to 80.
  • All participants were not regular exercisers but were otherwise healthy during the experiment.
  • Multiple trials involved brain scans, working memory tests, and physical activity.
  • The study built on previous research regarding the mental boosts provided by exercise, especially given the contradictory results of earlier experiments.

The study’s methods were as follows:

  • Participants rode on a stationary bike twice, once each on separate occasions. The first occasion involved light resistance, and the second involved more strenuous workouts. Both rides lasted 20 minutes.
  • Before each bike ride and after, participants underwent memory tests and brain scans.
  • The brain scans sought to concentrate on regional activity bursts in the brain, specifically in areas known to share and collect memories.
  • Researchers administered working memory tests, giving each participant a flashcard-type quiz on a computer screen. The trial involved rotating adult faces – eight in total – that switched every three seconds. Participants then matched two cards to one previously seen.
  • The same participants were split into two groups and assigned 12 weeks of regular exercise training and a stationary bike. The exercise involved 50 minutes of pedaling thrice weekly.
  • One group was told to do lighter workouts, while the other was told to do moderate-intensity workouts.

The study results:

The results of the study were simple but obvious. Participants experienced noticeable cognitive benefits from just one exercise session. Those benefits seemed on par with those achieved by participants who performed regular exercise over more extended periods. This provides a positive outlook for those who don’t exercise regularly or simply can’t. Here are some specifics about the results:

  • Some participants had significant regional connectivity in their brains between the prefrontal and parietal cortices after just one exercise session. The areas mentioned are responsible for memory and cognition-related functions. Others did not experience this change.
  • Those who had the regional connectivity improvement also performed with more accuracy on the memory tests conducted.
  • The improvement in the aforementioned regional connectivity experienced benefits for only a short time, indicating immediate but brief benefits.
  • With long-term exercise, most participants experienced the aforementioned regional connectivity benefits. But it was no different to the one-time, short exercise benefits.

Takeaways on helping aging brains:

  • The benefits to short exercise are clear, but they are temporary, necessitating regular action to continue providing effects.
  • Benefits of long-term exercise routines are more consistent, but they’re not better than short exercise.
  • Both short and long-term exercises have similar cognitive benefits to aging brains, but long-term exercise routines allow for the benefits to last.
  • Further research is necessary to understand why not everyone can benefit from exercise sessions.
  • Further research that includes those with beta-blockers and chronic health conditions will likely have different results.

happy life meme2.    Moderate Exercise Is Best

Simple exercises are great for those with mobility issues and are an easy way to get exercise into a busy routine, but they’re often too gentle for tremendous results. And, of course, intense exercises are fantastic for strength-related results, but they’re less convenient and may not even be possible for those with aging brains. Moderate exercise is, therefore, the apparent winner for those who want to work out to fight cognitive decline.

Luckily, it turns out that science indicates that moderate exercise is the most effective way to keep an aging brain healthy as time goes on.

These findings are central in a study called “One-Year Aerobic Exercise Reduced Carotid Arterial Stiffness and Increased Cerebral Blood Flow in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment,” published in 2021 in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. It built off of a study from 2020 titled “Brain Perfusion Change in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment After 12 Months of Aerobic Exercise Training” in the same journal.

About the study

The study revealed that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity has positive effects on a slowly aging brain in two ways that simple, relaxed exercise is not. Before we delve deeper, here are some details regarding the paper:

  • The study is a randomized controlled trial with 48 participants aged 55 years to 80 years old with specific symptoms of an aging brain.
  • The study lasted for a year and split participants into two groups.
  • One group of participants underwent a regimen involving moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise. They were to perform it for 30 to 40 minutes, thrice to five times weekly.
  • Another group of participants underwent simple, non-cardio stretching and toning workouts. They were to perform it for 30 to 40 minutes, thrice to five times weekly.
  • The study aimed to determine how cerebral blood flow and central arterial stiffness were affected by aerobic exercise training in elderly individuals with beginning signs of cognitive decline, specifically amnestic mild cognitive impairment.
  • The team monitored both groups over the year.
  • CVLT-II and D-KEFS, both standard and commonly used neuropsychological tests, were used to measure improvement and change.

The findings:

Findings were reasonably straightforward, indicating that the group that performed moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise enjoyed much better benefits to their brains than those who did stretching. Here are some more detailed findings:

  • Participants who did moderate-to-vigorous exercise benefited from increased cerebral blood flow to and in their brains. They also experienced a lower level of central arterial stiffness, which refers to the blood vessel stiffness in the neck.
  • When oxygen consumption, a standard indicator of overall aerobic fitness, increased in participants, their benefits increased.
  • Those who stretched and did gentler exercises did not experience any of these changes at all.
  • According to researchers, no participants experienced improved executive functions or episodic memory, which may take longer than a year of exercise to develop.
  • Gentle stretching does have physical well-being benefits but likely is not as crucial in maintaining the health of an aging brain.

3.    In Middle Age, It May Not Matter

It’s commonly said that the sooner one begins exercising, the more positive the benefits will be when you grow older. Unfortunately, this may not be the case, according to a 2021 study involving 2,000 women.

The research paper, “Longitudinal Assessment of Physical Activity and Cognitive Outcomes Among Women at Midlife,” was published in JAMA Network Open. Here are some details regarding the paper:

  • The study lasted over the course of twenty years.
  • The participants were 2,000 middle-aged women with an average age of 45.7 at the beginning of the experiment.
  • The study aimed to assess whether physical activity could affect women’s cognitive outcomes in later life in a longitudinal manner.
  • The areas of cognitive ability measured were verbal memory, processing speed, and working memory.

The findings:

The study had interesting findings that were contrary to what was likely expected. Most people generally agree that exercise provides neuroprotective benefits, but the results of this study indicated that it has little to no effect. In fact, the study authors suggest that the common belief stems from reverse causation instead of any actual concrete evidence.

Naturally, as with all areas of research, this study has its limitations. This study specialized in self-selected exercise and its ability to slow neurodegeneration and cognitive aging. It is still possible that increasing physical activity, using specific exercises, or uniquely adapting physical activity type may have different effects on aging.

The current goal following this study lies in learning to stall cognitive aging beginning in the middle ages of one’s life. For now, there is no confirmed way to do so, but physical activity still provides plenty of well-being benefits that are useful regardless. Even if it doesn’t prevent the aging of a brain, its other effects are well-worth exercising for.

aging brainsFinal Thoughts On Some Ways Exercise Can Help Aging Brains Stay Healthy

Let’s get one thing straight. All exercise, no matter what kind, if done without physical injury, benefits you in some way, shape, or form. This can be via increasing positive thinking and mood, improving fitness, helping the cardiovascular systems, and much more. But just because exercise is always good for you, that doesn’t mean it’s always assisting every part of the body.

The brain is a complicated organ, and cognitive degeneration is a complex topic. Then, it makes sense that only specific kinds of exercise may be the most beneficial to an aging brain, especially in the fight against degenerative disorders and other forms of mental decline and impairment.

As you age, you should be doing some exercise to give your body the help it needs to maintain a healthy and positive state. But if you’re interested in fighting the aging of your brain, try to tailor your exercise choices. For example, opt for moderate-to-vigorous aerobics such as brisk walking. Give your doctor a call if you need more advice on cognitive health.

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