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15 Positive Affirmations That Empower You to Be Happy

March 17, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

You deserve to be happy and live a fulfilling life, and you are responsible for making it happen.

Luckily, there are many ways to be happy, including using daily positive affirmations. By repeating affirmations each day, you will have an easier time being happy each day.

With happiness and positivity, you will be more successful and have an easier time reaching your goals. You can work toward your dreams, overcome struggles, and move forward while remaining happy.

Happiness depends on a positive mindset, which is why positive affirmations work so well. Repeat these affirmations to be happy each morning to start your day off on a positive note. Then, use them throughout the day if you feel your happiness slipping.

Fifteen Positive Affirmations That Empower You to Be Happy

Remember to tell yourself these things as you face the most challenging days.

1. I choose peace and acceptance.

When you are at peace and can accept the things you cannot change, you will be happier. With peacefulness, you will develop emotionally and connect with others better, which also contributes to happiness. To help you become peaceful, you could try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.

2. I continue to become a better person every day.

When you know that you are a better person each day, you will be happy. With this knowledge, you can look forward to what lies ahead of you. It can help you remember that you can handle anything and that you are becoming more successful each day, too.

3. I know I can reach my goals, so I am committed to achieving them.

Always remember that you can do anything you want to do and can set your mind to. Remember that often and you will feel happier as you work toward your goals. It will help you gain the focus and determination to work forward and stay satisfied as you do it.

Making progress toward your goals is essential for true happiness. You won’t be happy if you aren’t doing something to help you accomplish your dreams.

4. I will ignore negative opinions of me.

The only opinion of yourself that matters is yours, so if you like yourself, then that is all that matters. When you listen to and think about opposing beliefs, it takes time and energy to be productive. It will hold you back and interfere with your happiness at the same time.

Those who say negative things about you shouldn’t matter anyway. Surround yourself with people who love and support you, and this won’t be as much of a problem anymore.

5. I will take care of my body physically and mentally.

Taking care of yourself can help you to be happy. Fill your body with nutritious food, and make sure to exercise regularly. Both of these things will help you be happier naturally.

Take care of your mental health, too, by filling your life with positivity and good coping skills. Nutrition and exercise can also contribute to better mental health, making it a good option either way.

6. I am responsible for my happiness, so I will choose to do the things that make me happy.

The only person who can bring happiness to your mind and soul is you. Acknowledge this fact and then get started on making it happen.

Focus on things that make you feel happy and help you move forward positively. When you do this, you will feel happier and more peaceful. Remember that this is your life, and you are only responsible for your happiness.

7. I know that I deserve great things in life.

When you know that you deserve greatness, you will be more open to it. You will stop settling and only accept things that are good for you, even if it takes longer. If you repeat this affirmation each day, you will begin to see all of the positivity around you.

This positive affirmation will also help you when you have failed or made a mistake. Since failure and errors are bound to happen, it is always helpful to have a way to get through it. By using positive affirmations to overcome, you will be more likely to stay happy through it all.

8. I surround myself with positive people.

You will take on the mindset of those around you, whether they are negative or positive. Use this positive affirmation to help you eliminate the negative people in your life. If you can’t stop them, find ways to lessen the time spent with them or ignore their negativity.

When you fill your life with positive people, you will become more positive and happier, too. Plus, these are the people who will support you, help you, and encourage you. They will make you feel better when things get hard, and their happiness will be contagious.

9. I have the energy to be happy and prosperous.

Without energy, the things you do won’t be as well-done, if you do them at all. When this is the case, you won’t be proud of what you have done, and it can interfere with your happiness. Use this affirmation when you feel like you are losing energy, and it will help you keep pushing through.

When you have the energy to do your best and reach your goals, you will feel accomplished. You will be proud of your work and excited about it, helping you become happier. This pride and excitement will also help you keep pushing when you feel weak or want to give up.

10. I become stronger with each struggle I face.

Always remember that each obstacle or hardship you face makes you stronger. You grow and develop each time you go through something new. Plus, the satisfaction of overcoming it contributes to your sense of well-being.

When you face a struggle, repeat this affirmation as you work to overcome it. If you don’t, you won’t be happy because you will have given up and given into a negative mindset.

11. I still have time.

Feeling rushed or like you’re out of time can cause a sense of anxiety. When you feel this happening, repeat this simple affirmation to help you settle your thoughts. If you can do that, then you can be happy.

Even if you run out of time this time, there is still time later to try again. With each try, you will get closer to accomplishment. Focus on your happiness, and remember that there is always time to get something done.

12. I am proud of all the things I have accomplished.

When you are proud of yourself, you will be happy. Be proud of who you are, what you have accomplished, and the things that make you happy. You deserve to be happy, and this is one way you will get there.

13. I am patient as I wait for my dreams to come true.

Your dreams won’t come true overnight. Reaching them often takes time and dedication, which can be defeating if you allow it to be. Instead, make sure to stay happy as you work toward them by telling yourself that you are patient.

If you patiently work toward your dreams, then you can focus on the happiness of the journey. Each step you take gets you a little closer to where you need to be.

14. I will laugh and smile every chance I get.

Find things to laugh and smile about, and permit yourself to embrace the moment. These are the things that will make you happy, so do it as often as you can. Laughing and smiling will also help you attract other positive people, continuing the cycle and helping you continually.

15. I care about my happiness, and I choose to be happy.

It is essential to care about your happiness because you will never find it if you don’t. No one else can make you happy if you don’t decide to be happy on your own. Remember that you are responsible for your happiness, so you must care enough to make it happen.

Since you are the one responsible, remember that you can choose your emotions. If you want to be happy, you have to decide to be so. Care about your happiness because you are the only one who can make it happen, and don’t let anyone else determine your emotions for you.

Final Thoughts on Positive Affirmations Empower You to Be Happy

You are responsible for your happiness, so you must find a way to make it happen. These positive affirmations can help empower you to be happy, so repeat them each day as needed.

If you start your day with them, you are more likely to be happier throughout the day. You could also repeat them before you go to bed so that you feel more peaceful and more joyful as you drift off to sleep. Of course, you can even use them throughout the day to maintain an optimistic mindset.

Whenever you decide to use them, open your mind up to believing your words. If you do this, you will allow the affirmations to become a reality and help you be happier.

5 Ways To Raise A Motivated Child

March 17, 2021 by Lakeisha Ethans

Raising a child is challenging work! Kids can often behave in ways that defy expectations, give you headaches, and leave you wondering where you went wrong. Raising an internally motivated child is an entire experience thanks to the state of their still-developing brains.

It’s a tough job, yes! But you can raise kids with valuable lessons, positive thinking, strong morals, heightened compassion, and internally-sourced motivation to be and do good. So, how can you go about it?

Raising Your Child to Be Internally Motivated

Here are five ways to raise an internally motivated kiddo by teaching them to be a good helper to you.

1. Recognize Effort Instead Of Skill

Kids simply aren’t going to be as good at doing tasks as an adult. That’s just how life works. Unfortunately, while many parents know this logically, they don’t apply that to their praise. Focusing on skill will eventually lead to a child losing motivation when they make mistakes. You want them to value the act of hard work and perseverance, not the natural talent that few people have.

To recognize effort instead of skill, you have to disregard the child’s lack of ability and focus on how hard they’ve tried. Here are some ways to do so:

· Praise Effort Only

When you praise your child, edge away from technical ability and concentrate on their earnest attempts. Praise such as “Thank you for helping me clean the windows! I appreciate it!” and “You worked so hard to help your friend!” put the focus on effort. This reaction shows a child that you saw them trying hard and are grateful for that, which will make them more excited to put that same effort into their actions in the future.

· Be Patient

Helpful kids aren’t always the fastest, and they’re certainly not going to get everything right. If you want to raise an internally motivated helper, you must accept this fact and encourage them regardless. Don’t act as if your child’s efforts are a hindrance to you, and offer them guidance and help when needed. Will it be a hassle to your schedule?

Perhaps!

But kids can only get better at a task through repeated practice, which you will deny if you stop them from helping you now. Getting annoyed or impatient will also teach a child that they’re not good enough actually to be of help, or they’ll figure that no one needs their help anyway.

· Be Excited About Every Success

A kid yelling, “Look! Look! I did it!” as they show you an absolute mess of a thing they made that you can’t even recognize doesn’t seem like success to an adult. But to your child, this is a massive moment of accomplishment. Encourage repeated efforts by getting excited with them. You don’t even need to fake it – you need to get better at looking for the best parts of their results! Apply this to all moments of minute achievement. Your child already knows how to celebrate all their baby steps. When you reinforce the idea that those steps are truly worth celebrating, they will continue to be motivated by even the most minor ideas of success as they move forward.

2. Be An Example of Someone Who Is Internally Motivated

Most kids learn and learn well, by example. But it’s not enough to show them how you do practical tasks. After all, intrinsic helpfulness requires a child to enjoy being compassionate truly, and they’ll learn how to do that if you show them that you are similarly motivated.

Interesting studies have shown how being a capable example of a taught value is crucial to a child’s positive movement towards incorporating that value. In other words, it’s not enough for you to teach it, showcase it, then drop the act. You must truly be the kind of person you want your child to become.

When they’re very young, kids may have difficulty understanding why helpfulness is essential. Until they can appreciate why altruism and compassion are beneficial, you can teach children to be helpers by showing them how you do things.

You don’t need to force them to watch you – and that will likely be counterproductive. Instead, let them watch you as you work, do nice things for others, and practice regular kindness and compassion. They’ll naturally follow your actions to emulate you, even when they don’t yet understand its importance. This will make it easier to enforce this behavior with praise, so it comes naturally to them later on!

You can also do this by pointing out instances where other people are being helpful.

To do this:

When you spot acts of generosity out and about, point them out to your children and explain how the person is a helper and why it’s a good thing.
Openly thank those who are kind to you and explain how others’ generous actions help you, your child, and your child’s loved ones.
Encourage your children to think about how they feel when others give them needed help and show them that they can make others feel helped and happy in a similar way.

3. Don’t Use Extrinsic Rewards

One of the easiest ways to reward a child is perhaps the least effective. It’s tempting to give a child a toy, some candy, or a trip to their favorite place as a reward for being a helper, but this may cause them to be less helpful as time goes on.

Research has suggested that kids are inherently full of positive thinking; specifically, many young children are naturally generous and have a strong desire to help others. They are already intrinsically motivated to be helpers! But when you repeatedly give them extrinsic or external rewards, their intrinsic desire diminishes over time, replaced by a selfish motivation for material reward.

Instead of giving children external rewards for their actions, trying praising them for their efforts or expressing your pride in them for their helpful behavior. This will continue to motivate them to be genuine, compassionate people as they grow older.

4. Give Them Personal Responsibility

Children like feeling involved, so let your kids be engaged on a more personal level by giving them personal responsibility. Giving personal responsibility in this context refers to assigning specific tasks to children they must be entirely responsible for. It proves to have positive effects on a child’s desire to be kind and selfless.

Of course, there is a balance to be struck between coddling children and leaving them confused and unsure how to proceed. Personal responsibility should inspire children to do their very best and care about things beyond themselves. Here are some tips for achieving this balance:

· Make Things Age-Appropriate

Children certainly can’t do all the things adults can, which is why assigning tasks that fit their ages and levels of ability is crucial. For example, you can teach younger children to give pre-packed bags of items to charity, fold socks in a load of laundry, greet guests to the house, or befriend a lonely peer in class. These kinds of tasks are within a child’s capabilities, allowing for primarily positive results that encourage them to keep taking on more tasks. Build task difficult up slowly over time!

· Hold Them Responsible For Commitments

You’ve heard time and time again about kids who promise to take care of their pets, only to neglect them and leave their parents to pick up the slack. This is a poor way to teach personal responsibility – you’re showing kids that they don’t need to live up to their assigned or promised responsibilities because Mommy or Daddy will always be there to bail them out. Children must be held responsible for their commitments so they can see how their irresponsibility affects what they want. Start with small responsibilities and work your way up to bigger ones (so don’t jump into pet ownership right away), holding them responsible for what their jobs are.

· Don’t Step In Unless Necessary

Kids will make mistakes now and then, and sometimes, you will have to rush in, correct them, save a situation, and teach them where they went wrong. But for the most part, you shouldn’t have to. Let children make their own mistakes within reason, and they’ll learn to keep going. The best way to learn to be a helper is through practice and self-growth, allowing the natural process to work its magic!

5. Give Them Helping Opportunities

No matter how much you try to teach children about the concept of helpfulness, if they don’t get the chance to try being kind and selfless, they’ll never have any practical experiences that make them faithful helpers. Exposing children to all sorts of different opportunities for them to display their positive and helpful traits is key to their progression. Here are some tips for doing so:

· Make Helping Simple

Complicated helping tasks have value, but young children can be overwhelmed when they don’t understand a complex responsibility. If helping seems extremely difficult, they’ll not want to participate. Don’t complicate learning opportunities; break them down into simple steps that your child can follow. You can build up complexity over time, but you need responsibilities to be correctly accessible to your kid’s current abilities and levels. A challenge is fine, but keep it reasonable!

· Expand The Circle Of Concern

Most children only see their friends and family and are most aware of them. As a result, some kids don’t think about people beyond that small circle. Help kids to understand people outside of that circle and those who seem strange and foreign to them. Bring their attention to the people they meet every day, like waiters and bus drivers. Ask them to consider the impact of their actions on people other than themselves. Explain to them the different cultures and communities that they encounter. Their bubble will expand over time, as will their ability to be helpful.

· Don’t Shelter Them

Many parents feel the need to protect their children from the suffering and pain in the world. But this kind of sheltering prevents kids from learning about the world’s realities, thus preventing them from understanding the impact that their helpful compassion can have.

Final Thoughts on Raising an Internally Motivated Child

Children tend to be short-sighted and self-focused, but they also tend to be loving, genuine, and eager to help. By focusing on raising internally motivated kids, they will grow up to want to care for and be kind to others purely because it makes those around them happy – and makes them feel good about themselves, too!

4 Effective Ways To Turn Negative Thoughts Into Positive Ones

March 17, 2021 by Lakeisha Ethans

Everyone has negative thoughts sometimes. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that. But problems begin to arise when those thoughts overwhelm you, tinging your entire world a darker, more pessimistic shade.

The good news is that you can turn negativity into positivity with a little hard work and practice.

4 Ways to Change Your Negative Thoughts Into Positivity

Here are four practical ways to convert negative thoughts to positive ones.

1. Actively Seek Positive Things

If you’re not used to looking for good things in the world, it’s natural that you’d only see the bad. Unfortunately, bad things naturally stand out more to people than good ones, which is why actively seeking out positive things in your surroundings is essential. It takes time, but you’ll soon naturally see the good before the bad with stable outlooks like this.

Here are some tips and ways to begin this new cycle of thought-seeking:

· Ask Yourself Questions

When you find yourself spiraling into negative thoughts, pause and ask yourself a few things. For example, “What is a good thing I can see in this situation?” “How would a loved one help me in this circumstance?” or “What can I take away from this occasion?”. This shift distracts the negativity and breaks it up with positive thinking that is much more productive.

· Focus On Even The Smallest Good Things

Sometimes, positive things are smaller than the negative things in an environment, event, or situation. But that doesn’t mean that this small good thing isn’t worth caring about. Zoom in on that morsel of positivity and use it as a reminder that even the very darkest of clouds have their silver linings if you only concentrated on them and valued them enough!

· Make Lessons In Negativity

Lessons and learning are part and parcel of growth. Learning is an inherently good thing, even if the lesson is painful, complex, or not the one you hoped for. Unfortunately, when you’re stuck in negative thoughts, you don’t get to see the lessons at all. Instead, you’re trapped in unproductive patterns of self-hatred or self-blame. Ask yourself, what is a lesson you can take from this moment? How could you have and can you avoid a similar situation in the future? What can you do differently that will help? You’ll realize that the power to change and prevent repeats of this event lies with you!

· Use Humor

Humor is a common coping mechanism for stress, and according to studies, it works. Being able to make jokes helps your brain process difficult information while taking away the worst of the initial emotional sting. Sure, the problem is still there, but you’re coping with it positively and teaching your brain that laughter is the best medicine.

2. Learn To Handle Your Negative Emotions

This seems like a no-brainer when you’re trying to convert negative thoughts into positive ones. You need to learn to manage the bad emotions that well up within you if you want to direct your energies to better endeavors. But it’s not as easy as it sounds to do this! Feelings are powerful things, and it’s within human nature to respond and pay attention to them because they’re how our brains tell us something is wrong.

So, how can you handle these negative emotions so you can focus on converting them to better things? Here are some places to begin:

· Interrogate Your Thoughts

Alright, so negative thoughts and emotions are popping up in your brain. Dismissing or repressing them won’t help you in the long run, so go the other way – stare them right in the face and demand their explanations! This means you have to question your feelings and thoughts as if you were interrogating them. Ask them, are they grounded in reality? Are they serving you positively and productively? Where are they coming from? This method of addressing negativity is a healthy way to learn to understand your feelings and demonstrate that there are better ways to manage difficult situations than negative thought spirals.

· Learn To Manage Criticism

If you take criticism like a champ, then you don’t need to read this point further! The reality is that many people have difficulty accepting feedback, especially when it’s negative and even if it’s constructive. You may lash out at helpful critiques, but it’s also common to let it rot internally. This means you may motivate yourself to “prove them wrong” instead of listening to constructive criticism, or you may start berating yourself for not being “good enough” These are harmful ways to process critique! Draft a script that you can use when responding to criticism that shows you understand it and are thinking about it, then focus on the learning experience you gain from such feedback.

· Don’t Get Caught Up In Vague Things

Vagueness is a common state of negative thoughts and emotions. But that vagueness is terrible for you because it leaves honest thoughts undefined, looming as a Big Bad Guy you can’t quite face. They may be scary thoughts, but they belong to you. So define them. Name your exact problems, fears, and emotions, even when they sound or feel silly. Research has shown that defining feelings is often key to facing them in a positive way. When you do this, you can properly examine your thoughts and see that they aren’t as frightening as they originally appeared.

· Don’t Make Things Bigger Than They Are

Yes, it’s true that sometimes, situations are flawed. But that doesn’t mean they’re the absolute end of the world. Making mountains out of molehills, or catastrophizing, is a process that doesn’t serve you productively and creates negative situations and thoughts that aren’t even grounded in real life. Is the thing you’re feeling bad about really that bad? Will it matter in a week? How about in a month? What about in a year? Most of the time, your brain will be creating bigger problems than exist. Get out of this mindset, and positive thinking will follow.

3. Express Negative Emotions

To convert negative thoughts to positive ones, you must first learn to express that negativity. “Converting” thoughts doesn’t mean transforming bad things into good things all the time. While that is possible with some emotions, others dig deeper down, and those issues can be harder to “change.” Expressing those negative feelings can help make space for positive thinking. Here are some ways to express your worst thoughts:

· Write In A Journal Or Thought Diary

Journaling is a tried and true method for managing negativity, according to research. It allows you to freely express all your worst, most toxic thoughts and emotions in a space where no one can judge you for it. You can write anything and everything, and it’s all easily recorded for you to come back to for reflection later. You’ll express all your bad feelings and thoughts, allowing you to process them as you write while reducing their intensity.

· Talk To Someone

Telling other people about your negative emotions can help express them. You can speak to a friend, mentor, family member, loved one, therapist, or another person you trust. The act of venting or ranting like this can help you work things out verbally, and if you ask for it, it may even grant you the perspectives of the people you’re talking to.

· Do A Quick Workout

Exercise puts a strain on your body, forcing you to expend stressed or negative energy as you do. It also releases feel-good hormones called endorphins that make you naturally feel better. In addition to all of that, uniform, repetitive exercise – like running – has been found in studies to produce a meditative effect. The repeated motions can help the brain enter a calm state, during which the negativity is abated. Just twenty minutes of heart-pumping physical activity can help you!

4. Create Opportunities For Positivity

Positive things don’t always exist easily. You may be unable to see good things in especially low moments. Following this logic, without the chance to be positive, you may not be able to find any positivity at all. That’s why you must create opportunities for such good thoughts by manifesting them into your life. Here are four ways you can do so:

· Start Days With Positive Affirmations

Positive affirmations refer to any positive “mantras” or phrases that you repeat to yourself. These phrases are empowering, present-tense statements designed to manifest your desires into reality. For example, you might say, “I am confident and capable” or “Happiness lives within me.” The idea behind them is that repeating phrases to yourself enough will make them a reality, as your brain will internalize the repetitive message. Studies have found that positive affirmations are effective, so starting each morning with them is a great way to set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

· Surround Yourself With Positive People

Negative people tend to bring everyone around them down with them. When you spend time with people like this, you will begin developing their methods of thinking and looking at the world. That’s why it’s so important that you fill your social circle with positive individuals. These people will lift you, support you, and make you feel good about yourself as you learn to see the world as they do!

· Practice Gratitude

There are many everyday things that people naturally take for granted. Access to necessities, loved ones, transportation, a job… all these are things you can be grateful for. Regularly expressing thanks towards your life and the people around you is a fantastic way to develop a more positive outlook on the world and life. Try to name three things that you are grateful for every day, no matter how mundane they seem. You’ll soon realize that there’s always a sliver of light, even in dark times.

· Bring Positivity To Others

Sometimes, it can be hard to find any positivity in your own life. Creating positivity for others can remind you that there are good, happy things in the world. Offer to do a favor for someone, perform random acts of kindness, and give out smiles, greetings, and compliments freely. Your positive thinking can be further fueled by how much good impact you can have on the world around you. This encourages you to always look for positive opportunities, even in bad times.

Final Thoughts on Turning Negative Thoughts into Positive Ones

Negative thoughts have a purpose, but they shouldn’t be allowed to linger. Once you’re informed of their concerns, you can slowly begin focusing on better, positive things. Those bad thoughts will soon be transformed into good ones that help you learn, improve, and move on with your life.

Resilient Cat Lost Both Front Paws But Beat the Odds of Survival

March 16, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Rex, the cat, lost both his front paws and tail due to frostbite but still beat the odds of survival. His owner says that despite the challenges he faces, he remains a happy-go-lucky, loving guy. Here is his incredible story.

“Rex is a super special cat because he is missing both of his front paws and his tail,” his owner says. “A lot of people when they first see him have the question ‘Was he born that way?’ The answer is no.”

His owner goes on to say that he had both front paws and his tail at birth. However, when he lived on a farm as a kitten, he fell into his water dish one day. His front paws and tail got wet, and in the cold temperatures, the water became frozen. Due to exposure, he got frostbite, and his tail and front paws ended up falling off.

“The owners of the farm told me that they were considering putting him down when it first had happened, but he wanted to live so bad, and he was a fighter,” Rex’s new owner said. “So, they left him to see how he would fare, and he ended up surviving the winter.”

This kitten would beat the odds.

This little kitten wouldn’t give up without a fight and beat the odds after all. Rex’s new owner fell in love with him and his story and realized she didn’t want to live without him.

“I asked if I can take him home, and eventually, the owners agreed to let me take him. The first thing I did was I took him to a vet, because to my knowledge, he had not seen a vet before.”

There, he got all his necessary shots and a wellness check-up. He also got neutered, which is standard for most animals today.

Rex’s new life turned out better than anyone could’ve expected.

The vet told his new owner that he still had a good quality of life despite his condition. His paws and tail had healed perfectly, and he could live a happy, normal life.

“I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I first brought him home because I didn’t really think that far ahead,” the owner said. “But, he ended up being so well-adapted! He could get up onto any furniture he wanted to – so the couch or bed or chairs – and he could get off of them without any assistance.”

“I am so lucky to have such a unique cat. And he is also the best. He is the cuddliest, nicest, loving cat in the world,” the owner gushes.

She says they named him Rex after the T-rex because of his short arms. Not to make fun of him, of course, but the name just stuck after a while. Plus, his owner says that his small front legs make him even more lovable and adorable.

“He hopped up to me kind of like a little bunny rabbit, and it was the cutest thing I ever saw,” she said. “He wanted to be pet, and he purred the whole time, and he wouldn’t leave my side. I think the fact that he doesn’t have front paws or a tail makes him way cuter.”

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His owner loves watching him play with his laser light toy. Seeing him try to catch the light with his short little arms is quite entertaining! He’s learned to walk very well with just two hind legs and uses them to scoot off furniture. Although he has a soft landing such as clothes or pillows, he can still land on his front nubs. He doesn’t let his condition stop him from living a full, normal cat life.

The lovable two-legged cat now has tons of online fans.

Rex has amassed quite a following on TikTok and Instagram and also has a line of merchandise! His owners sell shirts, hoodies, mugs, and stickers with his adorable face on them. On TikTok, they post videos of him just living his best life, and people have fallen in love with him.

There, they upload videos of him playing with his two brothers Pancakes and Slammer. The three cats can be quite a handful sometimes, but overall, they get along nicely. They nap, cuddle, play, and eat treats together, and sometimes cause some mischief as well! But, what would a life with cats be without a little commotion?

Rex also entered a competition for America’s Favorite Pet and made it to the quarter-finals! If you’d like to vote so he can make it to the next stage, you can do so here. We’re rooting for him!

If you want to see more of Rex, follow him on TikTok for entertaining videos of him and his brothers. Mostly, you’ll find videos of Rex hopping around the house, jumping up and down furniture, and begging for treats.

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However, there are quite a few clips of him cuddling or sleeping next to his brothers. There are even shots of his brother Pancakes helping Rex clean himself since he can’t. You’ll laugh, cry, and find hours of entertainment watching Rex, the cat that beat the odds of survival. We hope you enjoyed hearing his heartwarming story!

Final thoughts: Rex the cat lives a normal life and beat the odds despite losing paws and tail

Rex lives an amazing life thanks to his two owners, who never gave up on him. While the cat doesn’t have front paws or a tail, he doesn’t let that keep him from enjoying every day. He still gets to enjoy all the comforts and luxuries of cat life and has adapted quite well.

He shares his home with his two cat brothers, Pancakes and Slammer, who help him get by. They clean his fur and look out for him in general, as siblings should. Overall, Rex has conquered so much and has a loving, upbeat personality despite what he’s been through. He proves that you can overcome anything in life with the right mindset.

Oncologists Explain 13 Lung Cancer Symptoms to Never Ignore

March 16, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Knowing the key lung cancer symptoms can save your life.

Lung cancer is one of the most severe types of malignant cells to form in the body, and according to the American Cancer Society, there are 235,760 new cases diagnosed each year. Additionally, more than 131,880 deaths occur from this malignancy annually. Sadly, it’s the leading cause of death among cancer in the world.

The lungs are like sponges that draw in air and release any of the carbon dioxides you inhale. These vital organs provide the breath of life, so, understandably, those who have compromised lungs have trouble breathing. The most significant risk of developing lung cancer comes from smoking cigarettes.

However, there are many people with this malignancy that have never smoked a day in their life. Those who smoked and quit decrease their chances of this cancer; however, the risk remains as some damage to the lungs is permanent.

Thirteen Key Lung Cancer Symptoms

As with many other forms of cancer, it may be undetectable initially. In the initial stages, a person may feel they have bronchitis or a lingering severe cold. However, once the condition progresses, breathing becomes hard to breathe, making things like walking around the house unbearable.

Some folks may mistake lung cancer for asthma or other conditions like COPD. Anytime you have difficulty breathing, it’s essential to get help. Here are the most observed symptoms by oncologists worldwide.

1. Coughing up blood

2. Chest pain

3. Cough or cold that won’t go away

4. Chronic Headaches

5. Pain deep in the bones

6. Weight loss

7. Shortness of breath

8. Hoarseness in your voice

9. Muscle weakness

10. Nausea and vomiting

11. Elevated levels of blood pressure or glucose

12. Confusion or changes in mood

13. Seizures

The Causes of Lung Cancer

Smoking cigarettes is the number one cause of lung cancer, but it’s possible to develop this condition without smoking. For smokers, inhaling the carcinogens found in cigarettes damages the tissues of the lungs. The body’s defense system works hard to fight these toxins, repairing some of the damage.

The problem is that when a person smokes continuously, the body cannot repair the massive amount of injury that occurs. Thus, healthy cells turn malignant and begin to grow. Smoking is not the only way you can develop this type of cancer.

•Radon or Radioactive Gas

Another primary lung concern is inhaling a radioactive gas known as radon. Radon can be found in homes and businesses across the world. It seeps into these dwellings through tiny holes.

Radon can be found naturally in the earth, and since it’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless, you can be exposed without knowing. Once a genetic mutation begins, a person’s risk of developing lung cancer increases.

•Asbestos

Lastly, asbestos is another common cause of lung cancer. Asbestos was often used as an insulator in many buildings before the 1990s. Since this is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral, no one thought it was a problem to use it for its protective properties.

However, the asbestos lung is where a person has been exposed and has compromised breathing, but it can quickly turn into cancer.

•Other Heavy Metals

Cadmium and selenium are also heavy metals that can increase the chances of developing this malignancy, but it’s not as prevalent as other exposure methods.

•Untraceable

Sadly, there may be no traceable way that a person develops lung cancer, so the problem remains a mystery. Oncologists see many cases where sidestream or second-hand smoke causes tumors, and the American Cancer Society validates that just being around someone who smokes exposes a person to 70 dangerous toxins.

Understanding the Types of Lung Malignancies

When lung cancer develops, it’s scary, and you question whether you will live and your quality of life if you survive. The medical community divides this cancer into two categories, and understanding these classifications will help you better prepare for the future.

Oncologists identify the type of cancer you have by looking at the cells under a microscope. Small cell or large cell cancer is treated differently.

•Small Cell

Oncologists observe small cell lung cancer in those who have smoked for years and did so heavily. Though it’s not as common as non-small cell, it tends to be more serious, and the prognosis is grim.

The American Cancer Society states that only 60 percent of individuals with this cancer will make it past the five-year mark, and only about ten percent will recover. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is a mere 14-20 months. You must stop smoking, and if you need help, many cessation programs can assist you in quitting.

•Non-Small Cell

Non-small cell lung cancer is an umbrella term that contains several subcategories within it. While it’s not as severe as a small cell cancer, it certainly still brings about major issues and lung cancer symptoms. The categories within this section are:

•Squamous cell carcinoma

•Adenocarcinoma

•Large cell carcinoma

The treatment options for the lung cancer symptoms associated with non-small cells are often easier to care for. While it’s still a severe condition, it’s possible to recover. The goal is to slow or stop the progression and make breathing easier.

The key in treatment is identifying the malignancy’s stage and how far it has spread. Some cancers can be removed if caught before they metastasize.

Complications of Lung Cancer

As the malignancy progresses, the lung cancer symptoms will intensify. Additionally, further complications can result from cancer spreading to other parts of the body. The most common complications are as follows.

• Reduced Lung Function

As cancer progresses, blockages may occur in the airways. Cancer cells can grow in the bronchial tubes, making breathing a challenge. Pleural effusion is also a concern.

When tumors press on the lungs, it reduces your ability to breathe. Thus, it becomes easier for you to develop pneumonia.

• Chances of Infection Increases

One of the most annoying lung cancer symptoms you must deal with is persistent infections. Since these vital organs are compromised, it’s easier for you to develop bronchitis or pneumonia. Additionally, the decrease in your immunity also makes you more susceptible.

• Hemoptysis Coughing Up Blood

It’s not uncommon for you to cough up blood as your cancer progresses. It may be a bright red or rust-colored, but any hue is cause for concern. When the tumors irritate the airways, it causes bleeding. It’s estimated that about one-fourth of those affected experience these lung cancer symptoms.

• Increased Calcium Levels

Higher than normal calcium levels in the blood can cause your body to become hypercalcemic. To help fight cancer, the body will release a hormone-related protein that elevates this mineral. When this occurs, some common symptoms observed are increased thirst, stomach pain, dizziness, weakness, and the need to urinate more frequently.

• Blockage in The Heart

Though it’s rare, lung cancer can make its way to the heart. Once a tumor grows in this area, it will pressure the veins and arteries. This complication makes you more susceptible to a heart attack, stroke, or congestive heart failure.

• Esophageal Difficulties

Cancer can spread to the esophagus area, where it will cause you to experience problems eating. It can cause discomfort as food passes when cancer is present in this region as the walls of the esophagus become inflamed and raw.

• Compression of The Spinal Cord

Cancer can metastasize to the spine and cause the vertebrae in this area to be compressed. After being under pressure, they can collapse. If you have unrelenting back pain, leg, and arm weakness, as well as bladder dysfunction, it can indicate spinal cord compression.

• Pain and Discomfort

One of the most prevalent lung cancer symptoms you will experience is pain. Cancer destroys good tissue and puts pressure on the area as it grows. Additionally, fluid will fill the lungs and cause it hard to take a deep breath or even laugh.

Pain doesn’t occur until the advanced stages, and natural ways exist to manage the pain and combat cancer.

Final Thoughts on Lung Cancer Symptoms

The American Cancer Society states that lung cancer is the third most common cancer type in this country. The most prevalent is skin cancer, which is one of the most treatable types of malignancy. If you develop any lung cancer symptoms, you must seek treatment immediately.

Time is of the essence when you’re dealing with such severe cancer that has such a grim prognosis. Early detection is the key to saving your life, and the sooner you catch this disease, the better your chances of survival. Thankfully, many homeopathic methods exist to treat malignancy without invasive techniques.

Don’t give up hope if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer. There are options out there to help you during this difficult time.

(Editor’s Note 7/1/2021: Removed references to sage, curry and oregano within the article)

15 Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms Never to Ignore

March 16, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Type 2 diabetes symptoms should never be ignored.

The disease is a serious condition where the body doesn’t have enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. Your glucose levels should be no more than 100 to 125 mg/dL, which equates to an A1C of 5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L, according to Best Diabetes Solutions. Anything over this level is hyperglycemia, which is type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is dangerous because the high levels of sugar in the body cause the blood to thicken. The higher the glucose levels, the more complicated it is for the heart to pump the blood through the body, as it takes on a sludge-type consistency. The blood’s altered state makes it more susceptible to clotting or blocking blood vessels, which can cause heart attacks and strokes.

People with diabetes must control their blood sugar levels and monitor them throughout the day. Part of maintaining this condition is knowing the type 2 diabetes symptoms. When blood glucose amounts are excessive within the body, it’s typically easy to identify something is off.

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

There are many symptoms of diabetes that you should familiarize yourself with as it can save your life. When glucose levels get too high, you can go into a coma. Do you know when your sugar is elevated? Here are some common signs and symptoms that you should never ignore with hyperglycemia.

1. Frequent Urge to Urinate

Your body is trying to rid your system of excessive sugar, so the only way to do this is through elimination. Urinating frequently or eliminating more during each session is called polyuria by the medical community. Your kidney’s job is to absorb the sugar you’ve eaten and send it back to the body to use as fuel.

However, when diabetes causes this process to be interrupted. The excessive sugar in the body pulls more water, which can cause you to become dehydrated. Frequent urination is one of the expected type 2 diabetes symptoms that many people overlook, but it can lead to kidney failure in time.

2. Vision Problems

If you experience blurry vision or any other visual changes, then it’s a sign that your sugar levels are too high. The high glucose levels pull the fluid towards the eye’s lens, so it causes the vision to falter.

It’s possible to have temporary blindness if your glucose levels are at a severe intensity. However, people with diabetes are at an increased risk for glaucoma as well as diabetic retinopathy. If you notice any ongoing visual changes, it’s essential to seek help immediately.

While you may have fluctuations in your vision with sugar levels, you can develop irreversible conditions that affect your vision.

3. Chronic Fatigue

Would you be surprised to learn that 85 percent of people who suffer from diabetes report chronic fatigue? Fatigue can be considered sleeping more and not having the energy to do the things you normally do. Your energy may be as sluggish as your glucose-laden blood.

According to a study referenced by The Diabetes Counsel, fatigue is a severe issue with this condition. Since your body’s cells aren’t getting the proper nutrients due to sluggish circulation, it can impair your energy levels.

4. Sudden Weight Changes

When you first develop type 2 diabetes, losing your appetite is not uncommon. Not eating as much as you usually do can cause weight loss. This weight loss is expected due to the bodily changes occurring.

A doctor should evaluate any fluctuations in your weight that are more than ten pounds. It can be a sign that your body is struggling to regulate blood sugar levels.

5. Intense Thirst

Most people experience increase thirst when their sugar levels are elevated. The body takes vital hydration from the cells to combat the dangerous state of your system. In addition to losing water in the body, you’re urinating more, which can dehydrate you.

6. Numbing Sensations

Numbness is one of the standard type 2 diabetes symptoms that is hard to ignore. It’s a pins and needles sensation that one of your limbs has gone to sleep. The most common area for these feelings to occur is in the legs and feet. Part of the reason for these sensations is a lack of circulation.

Neuropathy can be annoying and painful. Unlike other causes of this condition, stomping your foot a few times isn’t going to make it go away.

7. Extreme Hunger

Some people can’t eat at all, and others are ravenous with diabetes. It’s one of the type 2 diabetes symptoms that puzzles the medical community. Hunger may come from the body using more resources due to the sluggish blood flow.

This condition is officially called polyphagia, and it means that your body is having trouble turning your food into fuel. The sensations come from your body falsely thinking that more food will give it the energy it needs.

8. Wounds That Do Not Heal

It’s a notorious problem that wounds on people with diabetes don’t heal as quickly as they do with other folks. Sadly, many wounds won’t heal at all, and they require medical intervention.

The problem is that the fluctuating glucose levels aren’t getting the proper nutrients to the wound. Without the healing blood to stimulate and jumpstart the restorative process, wounds can lead to amputations in those with untreated diabetes.

9. Sores on The Feet

Diabetic ulcers often form on the feet. A lack of blood flow causes these sores and painful numbing sensations to develop in the area. This region is prone to tough-to-treat infections, often leading to amputations.

If you notice any sores on your feet, you must treat them immediately. If they don’t heal properly, then get help. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, surgeons amputate more than 73,000 limbs in the lower region of the body each year. Sores on the feet are one of the type 2 diabetes symptoms you don’t want to ignore.

10. Lightheadedness

Elevated glucose levels cause you to feel dizzy, shaky, and generally unwell. An issue causes this feeling as the blood is having difficulty getting to your brain as it would normally. The feeling should subside as soon as sugar levels are back within an acceptable range.

If you have an ongoing problem with being lightheaded, then it’s a sign that your sugar levels are not being well controlled.

11. Tingling Skin

When your hydration is affected, it can cause your skin to develop a tingling sensation. This is usually caused by a lack of water in the body. The hallmark sign of dehydration is dry, itching skin, though tingling is often reported too.

Tingling is different than neuropathy, though they may feel similar. Neuropathy can be very painful and unrelenting while tingling sensations will come and go.

12. Fruity Breath

If you notice a strange fruity smell coming from your breath, then it can be a sign that your body is experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis. When your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, it generates high ketones to combat the situation. These ketones are acidic, and your body turns into a war zone.

According to the Mayo Clinic, when your body doesn’t have the proper insulin, it will break down your fat to use as fuel. This is a dangerous situation that requires prompt medical attention. There are test strips where you can monitor your ketone levels to ensure you’re not in danger.

Ketoacidosis shouldn’t be confused with ketosis, a state where the body is burning fat for fuel from dieting. Ketosis is not a life-threatening condition, whereas ketoacidosis is dangerous.

13. Discolored Skin

When insulin resistance is present, it’s not uncommon for you to develop velvet-like patches that are dark and discolored on your body. These spots are usually noticed in the groin, neck, armpits, and knees, though they can occur anywhere there’s a fold in the skin. This signifies that old skin cells are still present, and new skin cells develop overtop of them, rather than shedding.

14. Depression

It’s quite overwhelming to make the jump from everyday life to one that requires constant blood monitoring and an altered diet. According to the National Institute of Health, people with diabetes are two times more likely to develop depression. It’s essential to recognize the signs of this common mental health issue and get help.

Diabetes doesn’t have to be a death sentence. You have the power to reverse type 2 and control it with diet and other lifestyle modifications.

15. Headaches

When your blood sugar levels are too high, it’s not uncommon to have headaches. The high glucose levels create a war zone in the body that can wreak havoc on your whole system. The hostile environment and lack of blood flow to the brain causes headaches along with dizziness and other weird sensations.

Final Thoughts on Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

If you examine this list, you will see many type 2 diabetes symptoms are severe. While some are annoying, like dizziness, others can be dangerous, like sores on the feet. You can control your diabetes with diet, exercise, and herbal supplements.

Many natural things like lemon water, chia seeds, and cinnamon can help reduce glucose levels when observed with a restrictive diet. The key is to monitor your blood sugar levels and ensure they don’t get too high, leading to complications.

10 Habits That Help Decrease Bipolar Symptoms

March 16, 2021 by Power of Positivity

One of the most perplexing mental health illnesses is bipolar disorder. Bipolar symptoms will cause you to shift from periods of highs with lots of energy to lows with mania.

According to the National Institute of Health, this condition causes you to have extreme changes in your behaviors and moods, as well as affecting your sleep and your daily activities.

The baffling part of this disorder is that the severity and frequency of these shifts are different for each person. Thankfully, there are many behaviors that you can utilize to help manage this mental illness. When you learn to modify your actions, you can reduce your symptoms.

Behaviors to Help Bipolar Symptoms

It all comes down to coping skills and strategies that will help you handle this illness. Sadly, there is no cure or quick fix for this condition, but by using a few tips and tricks, you can enhance your quality of life. Here are some of the best behavioral modifications to help you live with bipolar disorder.

1. Utilize Counseling

When it comes to bipolar symptoms, one of the best ways to combat your feelings is through counseling. Therapy is an excellent tool because it helps you change how you think and feel about your illness and learn practical ways to cope.

Using specific types like cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy can help give you specific tasks to do when you feel mania or those euphoric feelings creep in. Since treatment can be catered to your particular needs and challenges, it’s a unique experience for each person. It’s a valuable part of your treatment program, and one that a person suffering from bipolar should utilize.

2. Never Isolate

An adage states that no man can be an island all to himself, and this statement is true. The symptoms that come with bipolar disorder will urge you to isolate yourself from others. You may fear judgment or them noticing something is off.

So, it’s easier to lock yourself in your home or room rather than to deal with people who don’t understand. These fears are unwarranted. You don’t need to lock yourself away as you need a robust support system to manage this illness.

You need people to talk to that can help you in those times of depression or mania. While your medical team is an integral part of your support system, you also need family and friends to help you in your journey. Another excellent way to get assistance is by utilizing an online support group.

Discussing your feelings and symptoms with others fighting the same thing can be quite therapeutic. Mental health issues like bipolar cause you to feel all alone, so you need the support of others suffering from the same problem. The relationship you form can be quite helpful and push you to keep going.

3. Avoid Self Medicating

One problem that many people with bipolar disorder fall into is that they want to self-medicate their symptoms away. It’s never that easy, nor is it okay to turn to drugs or alcohol to try to fix the chaos in your mind. Substance abuse is high among people with this mental illness, and it can cause more problems than the original complaint.

A study published by the National Institute of Health stated that as many as 50 percent of those who have bipolar disorder also have a comorbidity of substance abuse. Most people don’t realize that these chemicals alter the brain’s function even more so, and it can make your condition worse.

If you feel that you need drugs or alcohol to cope with bipolar, you need to address it in therapy.

4. Decrease Your Stress

Did you know that stress can be one of the biggest triggers for those who have bipolar disorder? Sit down with a pen and paper and identify your life areas that are causing you strain. You might identify a relationship or spouse, or it may be your job that is causing you to feel overwhelmed.

Now that you’ve identified your list, write down ways beside it that you can combat this issue. For instance, if your workload is too much, why not ask your boss for fewer hours or to lighten your load? Set your mind to be solution-driven rather than ruminating on all the issues.

When you begin to attack these stressors one by one, you will find your shoulders feel lighter as your stress levels decrease.

5. Create a Routine

Establishing an effective routine is a great way to stay on track. Once again, a journal becomes a handy tool to help you when some days are worse than others. Having routine keeps you organized and makes you accountable.

Many people find comfort in knowing bedtime is at 11 pm, and breakfast is at 8 am. Consequently, when their schedule alleviates from this routine, it can send them into a tailspin. Sleep is often a significant issue for those with bipolar as you either sleep too much or not enough.

However, you should make sure that you get the proper amount of rest, as insufficient sleep can trigger your mental health condition. Additionally, when you start noticing changes in your sleep pattern, it can indicate that you’re going into a period of mania or depression.

6. Diligently Monitor Your Feelings and Bipolar Symptoms

One of the critical methods of managing your bipolar symptoms is paying attention to what you feel. If you have mood fluctuations or symptoms, you should journal these to go over them with our therapist.

Additionally, you should know when the signs are indicating a manic episode or a break from reality. The key is to catch things before they get to the dangerous levels so something can be done. A journal or chart can help you see any shifts in your moods or behaviors that warrant help.

7. Create an Emergency Strategy

What should you include in this plan? It should have a list of people to call when you experience specific symptoms and things to remind yourself of when you feel out of control. Having specific support people to help with different aspects of this disease is advisable.

8. Discover Coping Methods for Bipolar Symptoms

It’s not easy to deal with bipolar symptoms, but you can find healthy ways to handle all the challenges that it brings. The goal is to stay mentally and physically fit. Part of wellness is to have coping strategies in place.

Keep in mind what works for one person might not work for you. You may need to try several different methods to find the coping skills that work for you.

9. Manage Your Diet and Exercise Routine

More studies are being done about the connection between mental illness along with diet and exercise. When you work out, you boost your mood, so this can be an excellent way to manage bipolar symptoms. Many people find that they can turn to exercise when they start to feel a manic episode begin, and they can combat it naturally.

Additionally, diet is just as important as exercise. Cut out things like sugars, high fats, caffeine, and starches, and you will see what a positive effect it has on your body and your mood.

10. Join in on Your Treatment Plan

To learn to manage this condition and control the symptoms, you need to be an active participant in your treatment plan. Write down any questions you have and ask them at your counseling session or any appointments with your doctor. You must understand all the various ways that this mental illness impacts your life.

One of the keys to dealing with this disorder is learning about you. By recognizing your bipolar symptoms and identifying your triggers, you can avoid embarrassing and dangerous situations. Gather all the knowledge you can on the matter to be a partner in your treatment plan.

Another critical element in managing this condition is having a team working with you to communicate with and trust. If you don’t feel like you can talk to your therapist openly and honestly, you should find someone easy to talk to. Remember, this isn’t about picking a friend; instead, it’s about choosing someone to help you on this journey.

Final Thoughts on Decreasing Bipolar Symptoms

Living with bipolar disorder is not easy, even on a good day. Thankfully, there are many ways that you can decrease the bipolar symptoms you feel to make your life more enjoyable. Incorporating a few habits into your life, like journaling your symptoms and increasing your support system, can make it easier to handle the ups and downs of this mental health issue.

You must realize that you’re not alone in this fight. According to the National Institute of Health, there is more than 2.8 percent of the population, or 5.7 million adults, suffering from bipolar in this country. Some people would love to reach out to you, and you could use their support too. Remember, man isn’t an island all alone, you need the comfort of others to handle this mental difficulty.

15 Behaviors That Attract More Positivity Into Your Life

March 16, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Everyone could use some extra positivity in their lives. Some people may think it’s hard to come by, but it’s not. It’s as simple as changing certain behaviors, so you can allow positive things to flow into your life.

In this article, there are 15 suggestions for behavior changes that can attract positive things to you. Some of them will require a fair bit of effort, but most of them are surprisingly simple to do. Keep reading to find out how to get on the path to a more positive life.

The Law of Attraction

The Law of Attraction is simple – you tend to attract into your life whatever you focus on. If you focus on negativity, you’ll attract negativity. Do you want a positive life? Focus on positive actions and behaviors.

This law is NOT some governmental law that a politician signed. It’s a law of the Universe and of your psyche.

It may seem hard to believe, but you have the power to turn your thoughts into actions, behaviors, events, ideas, and even material things. Everyone can do this! It’s no secret, but many people don’t understand the Law of Attraction for some reason. Many people have never even heard of it!

15 Behaviors for Attracting More Positivity

As you read and practice the 15 behaviors below, keep the Law of Attraction in mind. You have the power to make things happen. You’re powerful, and no one can take that power away from you.

1. Have faith in yourself.

It would be best if you believed that you could be positive and successful in life. Tony Robbins, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and one of the most successful businessmen in the U.S., once said, “The only thing that’s keeping you from getting what you want is the story you keep telling yourself.”

Even if you don’t believe it at first, keep telling yourself that you can do it! Tell yourself every day that you’re healthy, motivated and that you’ll succeed. Eventually, you’ll start to believe it.

2. Be a giver.

Giving to people will make you feel good about yourself because it feels good to help others. Plus, giving sends out positive karma, which eventually finds its way back to you. Of course, you don’t want to share because you’re thinking about what you’ll get out of it. Your giving nature should be genuine.

3. Drop expectations.

A lot of negativity comes around because we expect too much out of a situation. It’s not so much negativity as it is a disappointment, but being continuously disappointed can lead to negative thoughts.

Dropping your expectations doesn’t mean lowering your standards. However, try to make your expectations more realistic, so you don’t get disappointed. That way, when a situation exceeds your expectations, you’ll get positive vibes and thoughts from it rather than negative ones.

4. Smile more.

There is scientific evidence that smiling can make your life better. A lot of theories are floating around about why this is true. One view that makes a lot of sense is that smiling gives you a happy face, leading to better social interactions.

Better social interactions lead to more friends, more fun, happiness, and ultimately, more positivity. Plus, you can motivate others to be or pursue happiness and positivity. It’s a win-win situation, so make a conscious effort to smile more.

5. Hang around positive people.

This is an easy one, especially if you smile more and have better social interactions. Positive behaviors are like colds – they’re contagious (but in a good way). If you’re around people who are always positive, it will rub off on you.

Alternatively, harmful behaviors are also contagious. That’s why you want to be cautious of the company you keep. You’ve probably heard the saying that “misery loves company.” A negative person will bring you down right along with them.

6. Take care of your health.

It’s hard to be positive with failing health. If you have some genetic disease, you may not be able to help that. However, most people don’t, and taking care of yourself can be as simple as exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet.

Doing these two things ensures that you have the nutrients you need to stay energetic and to have a healthy mind. It would be best if you had both of these to manifest a positive lifestyle, so you must take care of your health.

7. Do something that makes you happy often.

Happiness yields positivity, so you should do something that makes you happy frequently. It doesn’t have to be anything significant. It could be as simple as going to your favorite restaurant once in a while, taking time to hang out with your best friend, or treating yourself to a little shopping spree.

Of course, be careful not to splurge too much on anything, especially financially. Doing so can force happiness in the opposite direction. Keep it modest, and you’ll see how happiness leads to positive thoughts and other positive behaviors.

8. Think positive thoughts.

This is a no-brainer. You can’t expect to have a positive life if you don’t think positive thoughts. This can be a challenge if you’re used to seeing the glass as half-empty, but you can become a positive, optimistic thinker with practice.

One great way to do this is through written affirmations. Keep written affirmations around you in places where you are sure to notice them. This will help you think positive thoughts until you’re used to feeling them on your own.

9. Spend time outdoors.

Science has proven that spending time outdoors can make you happier. As stated before, being happy can lead to you being more positive. There is something about nature that resonates with the human spirit and lifts you to a place of peace and spiritual prosperity.

Going outdoors can boost your health, your mood, and your creativity. It can spark positivity in a way that you can’t get under fluorescent lights. You don’t need to be an “outdoors” type to benefit from this. Try spending some time on your porch or in your yard. Regular walks in your local park can be just as effective.

10. Forgive people.

It takes a lot of energy to hold a grudge. Meanwhile, the person you’re holding a grudge against is going on with their life as nothing happened. You’ll be stuck in limbo, holding on to negative feelings all by yourself.

Like negative thoughts, negative feelings will attract negativity. Negative emotions also add to health problems, so it’s beneficial to forgive people and move on.

11. Be grateful.

The grass is always greener on the other side. Until you’re on the other side, and you realize it was just an illusion. It would be best if you learned to be grateful for what you have. Even if you believe that others have more or have better lives than yours, there are always things you can be thankful for.

Being grateful inspires a certain state of mind that is conducive to positivity. It also makes you show your gratefulness in positive ways, which fosters more positive actions, ideas, and things in your life.

12. Remember to take breaks from life.

Life can be stressful, and stress can foster negativity. That’s precisely what you don’t need when you’re trying to be positive. Everyone has pressure, but you must take periodic breaks from it to stay healthy. The human mind and body are not designed to endure constant stress.

Taking some time to relax can rejuvenate you and your spirit. It can recharge you, invigorate you, and make you feel good about life again. Negativity will melt away, and you’ll be ready to receive all the positive blessings coming your way.

13. Meditate.

Meditation is a great way to relax and reflect on yourself. It helps you to discover things about yourself that may surprise you. In doing so, it allows you to live your life positively.

Although meditation is more spiritual, science has proven how much of a positive impact it can have on your health and, ultimately, your life. It’s worth making this a habit to see what positive things come out of it.

14. Get enough sleep.

Being tired naturally makes you grumpy and pessimistic. Even the most optimistic person can lose a little pep in their step when they’re tired. That’s because being optimistic takes energy, and if you’re tired, you don’t have enough of it.

You should make a habit of sleeping on a regular schedule for at least six to eight hours a night. You’ll have more energy, better social interactions, and clear cognitive functioning that will allow you to embrace all the positive things flowing your way.

15. Reward yourself.

Don’t forget to show yourself how proud you are of yourself. Set reasonable goals and when you achieve them, reward yourself. This mindset will encourage you to continue positive progressions towards your goals. It will also increase your happiness, your motivation, and your belief in yourself.

Reward yourself often, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your success or harm you in any way. Don’t be afraid to celebrate what you’ve achieved.

Final Thoughts on Attracting More Positivity Into Your Life

In life, you’re going to attract what you send out. If you send out negative vibes, that’s what you can expect in return. That old saying, “life is what you make it,” applies to this situation perfectly.

The 15 behaviors above aren’t hard or expensive to incorporate into your life. Even if you must start small, it’s going to make a big difference. Perhaps start with just a few and as you get used to them, add a few more and a few more until you’ve added them all to your behaviors. Before you know it, your life will be a shining example of positivity.

10 Behaviors Reveal Someone is a Negative Influence on A Child

March 16, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Children tend to mimic the behavior of those around them or react negatively to it. With this being the case, you must consider if the people in your child’s life are a negative influence.

You don’t want your child to learn bad habits, and you don’t want their behavior negatively impacted. To prevent these things from occurring, you must know the actions that reveal someone is a negative influence.

With teenagers, it is easier to recognize bad influences than it is with smaller kids. You can recognize the signs much earlier than the teenage years, though. Negative behavior can show up in children of all ages, including toddlers.

Ten Behaviors That Reveal Someone is a Negative Influence on Your Child

It is important to pay attention to the behavior of those that spend time with your child. Remember that some adults can be a negative influence on your child, too.

1. They Don’t Follow Your Rules for Your Home or Your Child

When someone in your home doesn’t follow your rules, it could cause your child to break the rules, too. This goes for adults and children, both. Your child is watching the behavior of everyone around them, and they will begin to pick up on their actions.

When your child has a friend over, make sure your house rules are clear. If the friend still doesn’t follow the rules, remind them that it isn’t an option. Don’t lighten up to make things less tense because it sets a bad example.

If an adult isn’t following the rules, privately tell them that they are setting a bad example. Most adults will take the hint, and those that don’t shouldn’t come over again.

It could even be a problem if the bad influence isn’t physically present in your home, too. Watch for those who reach out to your child when they know your child isn’t supposed to talk. When they are aware of the rule and keep trying anyway, it is a sign they don’t respect your rules.

2. They Want to Keep Secrets About Everything and is Always Sneaky

If your child has a friend who knows the rules, breaks them, and lies about it, you should pay close attention. While bending the rules and pushing limits is normal for adolescents, it can go too far. Habitual sneakiness is a toxic trait that you don’t want your child to develop.

Continue encouraging your child to talk to you about everything. Keep a line of communication open at all times, and assure your child that you won’t judge them for anything. Communication can help both of you if your child gets into a complicated situation with a negative influence.

3. They Take Unsafe and Unnecessary Risks

Unsafe risk-taking behavior is often copied, and kids are more likely to take risks together than alone. If someone in your child’s life takes unsafe risks, they are likely a bad influence on your child. These situations can quickly become serious, so it is important to recognize them and act on them right away.

In teenagers, a common unsafe risk they may take is speeding or texting while driving. With younger kids, an unsafe risk can be climbing on top of the highest play structure. Any unsafe risks can be appealing to your child, so this behavior is necessary to watch for.

4. They Talk Back to Adults

Talking back may seem like harmless behavior, but that is far from the truth. Backtalking is toxic, and it reveals that someone could be a negative influence on your child. If a child has a snide remark or questions everything you say, they likely are not a good influence.

Children who talk back to adults have a problem with authority and lack respect for adults. The worst part of this is that your child can pick up on this habit quickly.

5. Your Child’s Behavior Changes When They Have Spent Time Together

If your child’s behavior changes around this person, you should pay attention. You might notice this behavior while your child is in the presence of that person or anytime afterward. If your child has an unusual attitude, behaves disrespectfully, or seems unusually withdrawn, it is a sign of a problem.

Another sign that your child’s behavior is changing is if they no longer want to do things they enjoyed before. This is a sign that they are mimicking the friend who is a bad influence. It often means that they are being drawn to the things that the other person likes.

6. They are Controlling

One way to recognize a controlling person in your child’s life is to consider any changes in your child’s life. If they have stopped spending time with other people they care about, it is a sign of being controlled. For teenagers, this could be a sign that someone is trying to isolate them.

In younger children, you could watch for signs of a controlling person in other ways. If someone tries to prevent your child from doing something they want (and are allowed) to do, it is a red flag. Another sign is that the person tells your child they can’t be friends with someone else.

7. They are mean.

You may notice that someone bullies, teases, belittles, and puts other people down. They might also talk behind other people’s backs. These types of behaviors are indicators that someone might be a negative influence on your child.

You want your child to be kind and compassionate as they go through life. If they see someone in their life treating other people in unkind ways, they may pick up on those habits.

To reinforce the right way to treat others, ask your child to think about how they feel. By putting themselves in the victim’s position, they can recognize the bad behavior of their friend.

8. Your Child Seems Afraid of Them or Intimidated

Your friend might allow a person in their life because they are afraid not to. If they can’t stand up to someone, they might think their only option is to get on that person’s good side. Feeling intimidated could cause your child to go along with things they otherwise wouldn’t, which makes the situation even worse.

Your child may even begin exhibiting the same behavior they were intimidated by in the other person. Children don’t want to be bullied or harassed and will often do anything to avoid it.

9. Your Child Seems Obsessed with Pleasing That Person

When your child overly focuses on pleasing someone else, it is a red flag. This behavior could mean that your child is being used, and they will do anything to be included. When someone like this is in your child’s life, you will want to intervene.

The balance should be equal in your child’s relationships, whether with an adult or another child. They should never feel the need to do things they don’t want to make someone else happy. Make sure your child knows that they deserve more than that in their relationships.

10. They are Manipulative

You might not have realized that children can be manipulative, but it happens often. Your child can be manipulated by the adults in their life and by their friends. Some of the signs of manipulation include:

being dishonest all of the time
having a victim mentality
making threats
using the weaknesses of others to get what they want
putting two people against one another
using others for personal gain
giving ultimatums

If someone in your child’s life behaves this way, they are a negative influence. Not only will your child begin to behave this way, but they will be personally affected.

Being manipulated can cause your child to question their reality. It can make them feel like they are at fault, even when they did nothing wrong. Plus, it can make them lose their sense of self-worth and value.

What to Do if Your Child Has a Negative Influence on Their Life

You must intervene if someone in your child’s life is a bad influence. Keep in mind that it might not be easy because your child cares about or loves the person. Find a way to help your child understand why that person isn’t a good influence.

Describe the problem you have with that person, and then explain that the behavior is unacceptable. This way, the next time your child sees the negative behavior, your thoughts will come to mind. You can also encourage your child to make new friends who are good influences.

While it isn’t always a good idea to completely cut that person out of your child’s life, set boundaries, when this is the case, make sure you are always present when your child is with that person. Since you can’t be at school with your child, consider speaking with the teacher to monitor the behavior.

Final Thoughts on the Behaviors Reveal How Someone is a Negative Influence on Your Child

While you can’t always control the people in your child’s life, you can still help the situation. When you think someone is a negative influence on your child, watch for the behaviors mentioned above.

The instant you recognize the behavior in action, speak up. You must set boundaries so that it is clear to your child that the behavior is unacceptable.

It isn’t always possible to cut a negative influence out of your child’s life, but you can talk to your child. Explain to them why the behavior is unacceptable and that they aren’t allowed to behave that way. If all else fails, though, it may be necessary to cut off contact.

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