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7 Habits That Make It Easier to Release Resentful Feelings

February 1, 2021 by Power of Positivity

It’s easy to become resentful when you’ve been hurt badly. Perhaps someone said something offensive that hurt your feelings, or there was an action that caused you great mental pain.

When you get so upset that you feel anger and bitterness inside, it can cause a toxic condition that allows resentment to creep in.

What is resentment exactly, and how is it different than anger? When you resent someone, you dwell on a situation that was very pain full to you. You can’t let what happened to go, so you develop rage towards them. The biggest issue is that this one event can cause you to mistrust people in the future, and you may lack compassion towards others because of one mistake.

You must overcome these feelings and forgive the other person; even if you don’t do it for them, you must do it yourself. Allowing this toxic negativity to dwell in your heart will only cause you further complications down the road.

Overcoming Resentful Feelings

When you’ve been done wrong, it’s normal to be upset and angry. However, it would help if you let it go no matter how bad the offense. Now, you should know that letting it go doesn’t mean you have to be best friends with the person.

It just means that you choose to forgive so that it doesn’t cause you emotional issues. What if your best friend had an affair with your spouse? You must come to terms with the situation and forgive this individual, but it doesn’t mean that you must go on as friends. Sometimes, there’s a line drawn as some offenses cause unrepairable damage.

If you’re ready to move past the feelings of antipathy, here are some tips to help you work on the issues.

1. Write It Down

Perhaps, you have a list of people who’ve done you wrong and hurt you. Get a journal and write down what happened, when it occurred, and why it hurts you so badly. Getting your feelings out on paper will show you precisely what you need to work on, and you can think of this as your road map to get started in the healing process.

2. Find the Root Cause

There may be a few issues that are causing you pain in your life. So, you should pick the one that causes the most resentful feelings to work on first. Now, you must identify why this situation is hurting you so badly.

If you lost a job and it was due to someone else’s blunder, then you’re mad at them because they caused you to be fired. Find out the reason why the offense hurts you so bad. In this instance, it’s easy to see you’re upset because your income and livelihood was affected at the hands of someone else.

3. Identify If You Played Any Role

Did you have any role in this person’s actions? For instance, if your spouse had an affair, was it because you were ignoring their needs after they had told you several times about a problem. Now, there is never an excuse for infidelity, but if you were not in a good place with your partner, then you need to own any role that you might have had.

4. Are You Mad at The Person or The Situation?

Sometimes people get mad at a situation more so than the person involved, and the individual becomes the fall guy. This could be the occurrence if you were passed up for a job, and management gave it to another person in your office. You’re not mad at that individual, but you’re envious and jealous that they choose them over you.

In this instance, it’s not a problem with the individual but rather a problem within yourself. You can channel your feelings onto this person when it has nothing to do with anything they’ve directly done to you.

5. Allow Yourself to Have Feelings

Resentment and bitterness are powerful feelings, and if you try to push those feelings away, it may cause more harm than you think. It’s okay to be upset, and you can work on it when you identify the problem.

Developing hatred or grudges is never good for you and can cause you to form anti-social behaviors to avoid being hurt in the future. Give yourself a moment to have a pity party but know that you must quickly move on from it.

6. Talk to A Counselor or Therapist

Mental health professionals deal with resentful people all day long. You’re not going to tell them something that they haven’t heard before, nor will you shock them in any way. They can help you see both sides of the situation, see what input you had in the matter, and help you find a resolution.

Before you confront the person, you should talk with a trusted adviser about the matter and get a third-party opinion.

7. Confront the Individual

Now comes the most significant part in your step towards healing your resentful feelings. You must confront the person. This is so important because you release the feelings of negativity that you have and allow positive ones to enter.

In many situations, the chances are that the individual didn’t even realize that you were offended with them, which may be the case with a job issue. By confronting this individual, you’re being the bigger person and apologizing for any part you had in the matter.

Why is saying you’re sorry so difficult? Human beings have a hard time admitting when they’re wrong, but you must do this to heal these resentful feelings.

Moving on and Letting Go of Resentments

Now that you’ve gotten everything out into the open and talked to the person, it’s time to move past this event. If you continue to ruminate over the situation, then it’s only going to keep opening a wound that’s already started to heal. If you need help in this area, then you must learn to manage your thoughts.

• Stop Looking in The Past

Every time some negative idea or feeling creeps in, you need to remind yourself that you’ve already moved past it. If you entertain the idea for even a short time, you are reopening the door to allow all sorts of re-manifested issues. You have a bright future ahead of you, but you need to stop looking in the past.

• Change Your Thought Processes

If you still find yourself hung-up on this situation or person, then you need to make a bold move to retrain how you think. Sit down with your journal and write a list of all the redeeming qualities that this person has to offer. Be honest with yourself and write nice things about this individual.

Did you know that even the most unscrupulous and evil person around still has at least one good quality? While that quality might not be easy to see from your aspect, others can quickly identify their good characteristics.

•Forgive Them

Forgiveness is a journey, and it’s not something that you can do overnight. When you’re ready, you must forgive this person. Truly forgiving them means that you’re not ruminating about the event anymore, and you’re going to change your mindset against them. Don’t be mad if it takes you six months or a year to get to this point, but you must realize that it’s something that must be done for your sanity.

•Forgive Yourself

When you forgive this person, then you must also forgive yourself. If you had any part in the situation or made things worse, then you must let go of any ill feelings you hold against yourself. Remember, you’re always your own worst critic.

•Gain Spiritual Understanding

When dealing with a harrowing circumstance with resentful feelings, it’s good to gain spiritual understanding. Looking to a higher power for help and understanding is always wise. Did the situation happen to you to help someone else along their journey, or was there a lesson you needed to learn from all of this?

It’s not only emotionally damaging but also spiritually devastating to harbor bitterness and unforgiveness in your heart. These feelings can keep you from fulfilling your commitments and assignments while here on earth. Though you may feel like throwing the towel in, it’s time to let it go for the sake of your mind-body-spirit.

Final Thoughts on Healing Resentful Feelings

Wouldn’t it be nice if you never got hurt or had to deal with resentful situations in life? Sadly, there will always be life-changing events that will make or break who you are as a person. Learning to forgive is essential to your life journey, making you a better person.

Remember, there will be a day when you need forgiveness from someone for something that you’ve done wrong. If you want others to forgive the blunders you’ve made, then you must extend the same forgiveness to them. Karma ensures that what judgment you hand out always comes back to you, and you want to make sure what comes back on you is nothing but good and kind.

Counselors Explain 12 Ways Toxic Parents Impact Children for Life

February 1, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Most people try their hardest to be good parents. However, it’s normal to make mistakes, apologize, and learn from the experience. Unfortunately, some people were raised by helplessly toxic parents.

When you reminisce about your childhood, do you have fond memories, or would you rather forget it even happened? Perhaps your childhood was muddled in experiences of physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse. Maybe the dysfunction in your family unit was caused by substance abuse, untreated mental illness, or both.

If you grew up in a harsh environment, you probably vowed that your children wouldn’t suffer as you did. Do you avoid talking about the past by changing the subject? Have you hidden years of pain, fear, and anger in the dark recesses of your mind?

It’s important to remember that not all toxic family relationships are apparent. Some abusive situations are subliminal and may go unnoticed for years. Your memories and issues may not come to the surface until you are an adult and become a parent yourself.

If your parents were toxic while raising you, do you worry that you would be the same with your children? Conventional wisdom has always said that abused children grow up to be abusive. However, a three-generational study published by the EKS National Institute of Child Health and Human Development states things don’t always turn out that way.

After the evidence was reviewed, the study concludes that parents who were abused as children are not more likely to harm their kids. However, the study deals more with physical abuse than other forms of mistreatment. The authors do admit that more research is needed to come to a firm conclusion.

12 Ways Toxic Parenting Has a Lifelong Effect on Children

Sadly, toxic parenting can be a vicious cycle that haunts one generation after another. Was your childhood less than ideal? Here are 12 ways that toxic parenting can impact children for life.

1. They Have Issues with Boundaries

If you had a toxic relationship with both of your parents, you might not have learned proper boundaries. Most parents realize that as children get older and more responsible, they earn more privileges. They also understand that even kids need a certain amount of privacy.

When the parent/children relationship is skewed, the parents often don’t teach boundaries. They also don’t always value their children’s rights to age-appropriate privacy. Growing up with boundary issues is almost guaranteed to spill over into adulthood.

2. They May Develop Trust Issues

The first people children learn to trust are their parents and other caregivers. If that trust isn’t established at an early age, children can be fearful and distrustful of others. Parental trust issues have significantly negative consequences for future personal and professional relationships.

3. They Might Have Low Self-Esteem

As a parent, you say loving, sincere, and encouraging things to your children. They long to hear genuine praise like “I’m so proud of you,” or “I know you can do it.” Children need to hear “I love you” and all the esteem-building words their parents can offer.

Did you feel like your parents were on your side and made you feel loved and worthy? Even when parents must correct unacceptable behavior, good parents do it lovingly. Statements like “I’m ashamed of you” or “Can’t you do anything right?” are poisonous to a child’s heart and soul.

4. They Often Feel Responsible for Another’s Well-Being

People who are raised by toxic parents often become people-pleasers as adults. Some parents place the unfair burden of their happiness on their children. They expect the kids to be little angels, and family life will be perfect.

When the going gets tough, these parents blame the children and often take frustrations out on them. Does this sound familiar to you? If so, it may be the root of perfectionism and people-pleasing issues that still hinder and hurt you.

5. They May be Critical and Judgmental

It’s one thing to offer your children constructive criticism out of love, but quite another to bash their ego. Parents who have a toxic relationship with their kids don’t know how to encourage them to try harder or do something else. Instead, they point out everything wrong and make unacceptable judgment calls.

If you were used to your parents criticizing everything you do or say, it might become a norm for you. Not only may you believe their judgments, but you may find yourself judging others harshly. It can be damaging to your relationships with family and friends.

6. They May Feel Alienated from Others

When you think of parental negligence, you may assume that the children aren’t cared for and their needs aren’t being met. However, children can have a safe environment with all they need and want and still be emotionally neglected. Some parents are so engrossed in their problems that their children are an afterthought.

People who were raised by toxic parents often feel alienated. They grew up without a strong parental bond, so they are used to being alone. They may blame themselves as if something is wrong with them to make their parents alienate them.

7. They Often Have Irrational Beliefs or Fears

Children use their parents as role models and usually model the intensity of their emotions. It’s not uncommon for a parent to pass irrational fears or beliefs to their kids. For example, a parent who has a water phobia may refuse to allow their children to learn how to swim.

Some parents can also enforce toxic religious views on their kids. Such psychological based abuse is long-lasting.

8. They May Bounce from One Toxic Relationship to Another

One of the most crucial issues stemming from toxic parents is that it often becomes the children’s status quo. Sometimes, one parent may be the abuser to both the children and the other parent. If your family dynamics were mostly abuse and enabling, the familiarity may be strangely comforting.

Do you have a pattern of going from one destructive relationship to another? You may have been raised with low self-esteem, and you don’t know any other way to live. Fortunately, you don’t have to settle for someone who mistreats you.

9. They Can be Distant and Closed Off Emotionally

How do you protect your heart when toxic parents raised you? You may build up emotional barriers that keep others away who may hurt you again. Keeping others at an arm’s distance may give you a sense of security.

However, these actions can isolate you and make your feelings of insecurity worse. According to a study published by Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, long-term isolation can cause depression and other anxiety-related issues. Building healthy relationships may be more difficult for you.

10. They Are Often Hypervigilant Parents

Have you heard the term “helicopter parent?” These are parents who are so worried about their kids that they “hover” around them nonstop. While parents should keep their children safe and be concerned for their well-being, hypervigilance can stifle their growing independence.

It’s understandable that if you grew up in an abusive home that you would be extra cautious. An article from the American Psychological Association states that obsessive parenting can have adverse effects on children’s emotional health. Hypervigilant parents usually are dealing with control issues.

11. They May Resort to Substance Abuse

An article published by the American Psychological Association lists substance abuse as a significant risk factor for parental abuse. If one or both parents are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their children’s safety and well-being are at risk. The problem only gets worse without intervention for both parents and children.

According to a study published by Pediatrics, children raised with abusive parents are prone to substance abuse as teens and young adults. If you saw your parents use harmful substances, it may be tempting to you. Plus, people often turn to substance abuse to escape their pain from the past.

12. They May Become Toxic Parents

Sometimes no matter how hard you try, you may become the person you never wanted to be. Do you see familiar patterns in your relationship with your children that you had with your parents? You may be repeating the past without even realizing it.

Final Thoughts on How Toxic Parents Affect Their Children

Do you still struggle from growing up with a toxic parent? Then you must consider talking to a certified mental health provider. It’s time you realized that the toxic relationship was not your fault. The cycle of neglect and abuse can stop with you.

Not all dysfunctional parent/child relationships involve violence or lack of care. Listen to how you and your children communicate with each other. The things you do and say will influence your children’s lives forever, so make sure it’s done in love.

10 Positive Changes in Life That Will Make You Happier

February 1, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Everyone deserves to be happy. No matter what you’ve done or what your life was like before this very moment, you deserve happiness. The good news is that it’s not hard to make yourself happy if you’re willing to make positive changes.

First, make sure you know what happiness is. Happiness has a general definition – an emotional state of being characterized by joy, enlightenment, a sense of wellbeing, and a sense of accomplishment. However, happiness is also relative. It can be different from person to person.

Once you’ve brainstormed what makes you happy, you can get started on actually making yourself comfortable. If you don’t know where to start, it’s a good thing you’re reading this. This article has excellent advice on what you can do to make yourself happier. Below are ten small behavioral and mindset changes you can make to become happier.

10 Positive Changes to Make You Happier

1. Think positive.

It’s tough to be happy when you’re thinking negative thoughts all the time. Thinking negatively can become a habit, and every negative thought is essentially feeding depression.

Thinking negative thoughts all the time can take a toll on your physical health. Your mind and body have a connection. If your mind is negative, your health may become worse. Bad health can also keep you from being happy.

Overthinking goes along with this. When you overthink things, it can be easy to turn those thoughts into negative thoughts. Stop overthinking everything and stick with the positive side of things.

Many people have a habit of seeing the negative side first. It may take some practice to learn to think positively, but it’s not impossible to make the change. Even just a few positive thoughts are enough to get you going in the right direction.

In short, practice positive thinking to be happy and healthy.

2. Cut out the doomscrolling.

Bad news and false information reign the internet. While you realize that not all of it is accurate, you cannot seem to tear yourself away. It’s addicting! That’s where doomscrolling comes in – consuming a large amount of negative information online in a short period.

There is scientific evidence that scrolling through a ton of negative headlines makes people sad and angry. According to psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD, it is a way to reinforce negative thoughts. She says that unhappy people are often looking for validation for being sad. In fact, doomscrolling can become a mindless addiction and can even indicate obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Most people who doomscroll don’t have OCD, so it’s much easier to break the habit. You can do this by taking a break from social media for a while–a positive change, indeed!.

3. Eat healthier foods.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “you are what you eat.” This couldn’t be truer, and if you eat foods associated with poor mental health, you can expect to be sad and miserable.

You wouldn’t believe how much food can affect your happiness. Research shows that eating fruit and vegetables can make people just as happy as eating sweets. However, in the long run, eating a diet high in sweets can lead to reduced health, and reduced health negatively affects your happiness.

No one is saying that you need to cut out burgers, pizza, and sugar thoroughly. However, it would help if you focused on eating a more balanced diet and increasing the number of healthy foods you eat. This can lead to you being happier in the long run.

4. Exercise more.

There is a science behind exercising and improving your mood. Exercise makes you happy on a chemical level. It reduces stress hormones like cortisol and increases happy hormones like endorphins.

These chemical changes can lead to increased self-esteem, better focus and concentration, and an overall well-being feeling. Best of all, these happy feelings occur shortly after exercising and can occur with as little as one exercise session.

Research has shown that aerobic exercise has the highest effect on mood. Participating in a dance fitness class or yoga is a great idea. Yoga even has meditation built-in, so it’s the right choice. Plus, it works on improving your aura and psyche as well.

5. Hang around happy people.

Happiness is as contagious as a virus. If your circle of friends is composed of happy people, you can be sure that it will catch up to you. Being around happy people makes it almost impossible to stay sad.

Conversely, if your circle of friends includes many sad, negative people, their emotions will rub off on you also. If this is the case, it’s time to make some new friends. If you don’t, you may find yourself bogged down with all of their negativity. Even healthy people may be affected if they stay around negative people all the time.

Keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with being the person to help someone else be happy. You could be someone else’s muse, which will increase your self-worth and, ultimately, your happiness. Just make sure they aren’t bringing down your joy in the process.

6. Learn to let things go.

If you want to be happier, learn to let go of grudges. Life is too short to spend that much energy on disliking someone or something that they did. The chances are that they’ve moved on, so you should also.

Holding grudges can negatively affect your psyche. You can’t control others or what they do, so accept whatever happened and let it go. You’ll feel so much better like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.

When you’re feeling light and free, it’s a lot easier to let happiness into your life.

7. Have fun as you make these positive changes.

Having fun always makes people happy. Even if you’re feeling sad at the moment, doing something fun can turn your frown into a smile. It’s almost like faking it till you make it.

A lot of people go through life never having fun – all work and no play. Living like this can be stressful and tiresome. Having fun is essentially giving your mind and body a break from stress.

Being always stressed, bored, and overworked is dangerous for your health. Not only will having fun make you happy, but it will keep you healthy. Look at it as a natural way to stay focused on tasks by giving you a break you need to recuperate.

8. Achieve your goals.

Everyone feels great when they achieve goals. It doesn’t matter if it’s small goals or big ones. They can have the same effect. If you continuously achieve goals, you’ll make yourself happier and happier.

It’s essential to make sure you set attainable goals. Setting goals out of the realm of your possibility will have the opposite effect. The best way to do this is to set SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely). If you do this, you’ll find that you get as much happiness from working to achieve the goal as you do from attaining the goal.

9. Be nice to other people.

While studies have shown that being nice to people only gives you a moderate boost in happiness, it’s still better than no boost at all. Plus, when you pair being friendly with some of the other advice in this article, that gives you a significant increase.

You could look at it in a different light. Being mean to people makes you sad and makes you think negatively. As stated before, negative thinking makes you unhappy. Therefore, being nice to people will help with positive thinking.

Either way you look at it, being nice to people is a great way to bring yourself some happiness.

10. Volunteer.

There are many needy people in the world, and doing something for others is a great way to make yourself happy. It could be from seeing others’ mood boost from being helped or feeling useful when volunteering. Plus, you’re making other people happy in the process. Making this positive change creates a win-win situation.

In fact, like exercise, doing for others can induce chemical changes in your brain. You will feel less stressed and more energized. Your brain may release endorphins which can aid in giving you an elevated mood. Plus, you can boost your self-confidence, give yourself a purpose, and even increase your physical health.

Final Thoughts on Positive Changes to Make You Happier in Life

As you can see from the ten changes above, it’s not hard to make yourself happy. All the changes listed are easy to incorporate into your life. Plus, most of them don’t cost any money, so that anyone can do them.

It merely takes the willingness to be proactive and the belief that you can make yourself happier. You must also realize that you are worth it, and you deserve to be satisfied. Stop overthinking things and go for it.

Doing all the changes at once could be overwhelming, so start with one or two and add others as you go along. Before you know it, you’ll be walking on sunshine.

10 Signs That Reveal Someone Is Hiding Feelings by Overworking

February 1, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Have you ever heard the term workaholic? This person works 24/7 and focuses their entire life on their career. Loved ones accuse them of overworking, but they fail to accept that as the truth.

Many of these people avoid family commitments, relationships, feelings, and other obligations because their job comes first.

The workaholic avoids family vacations or any downtime, and it seems to others as if all they do is work. However, if you were to take away the job from this individual, they would stir crazy. It’s apparent that they’re married to their career, but is there a reason why this person must be continually working?

Maybe you’ve been accused of being a workaholic, but you don’t understand why people label you with this term. According to the National Library of Medicine, there’s a psychological component behind the person who prefers to work long hours. What are you avoiding at home, or are you running from something, and your job provides the perfect escape for you?

Two Typical Examples of Workaholics

Let’s look at some hypothetical stories of people who work to avoid coping with their feelings.

Consider Suzie, who is the Vice President of a manufacturing company. She works long hours as her day starts at 6 am and often doesn’t end till 8-9 pm. She is only required to work ten hours a day, but she chooses to work all the extra overtime she can get.

Sure, the money is excellent, but what’s going on that Suzie feels she needs to work so much? Most people don’t know that Suzie’s husband is quite abusive, and anytime she is home, the fighting starts. She found that by staying at work, she only hears the machines’ silent humming and occasional workers chatting.

Suzie is using work to escape her abusive home life. Now, what feelings are you trying to suppress by staying at work? There is almost always a reason why someone chooses to live at their job, and if you dig deep enough, you will find the answer.

Consider another story. Adrianna works at the local coffee shop. She finds that her workweek keeps getting longer and longer. She’s started volunteering and working extra shifts so her coworkers could have days off.

Adrianna is 26 years old, and she doesn’t have a boyfriend or any real friends. She’s always felt like the “ugly duckling” and a social outcast. However, she is one of the best baristas in the city, so she thrives when she’s at work.

Her career helps her to erase negative feelings, and she has a sense of “normal.” Everyone loves to see her because her coffee skills are exceptional. It’s better than going home to an empty home and a boring life.

Ten Surprising Signs That Your Hide Your Feelings by Overworking

Can you relate to Suzie or Adrianna? The truth is that many people find that they can relate to these fictionalized stories. See, people often don’t know why they do the things they do until they sit down and think about it.

Working takes away your extra time to ruminate on your problems. Here are some red flags that you’re hiding your feelings by working too much.

1. You Use Your Job as A Crutch

How many times have you used your job to get out of things? If someone invites you out on a date, it’s easy to say that you can’t go because you must work. What if your mom or dad wants you to come to a family dinner?

You know how disastrous it was the last time the entire family got together, so you can use your job to get out of this mess. You may not even realize that you’re using your career as a crutch. The habit has become so common that you don’t even feel you’re lying anymore.

2. You Dread Going Home

Do you watch the clock at work and dread when it’s quitting time? Maybe you hate going home because there’s no one there to share the space. However, you may be avoiding the issues that wait for you when you walk through the door.

You may have children running amuck, or you have a spouse that you wish would find somewhere to go and leave you alone. Lastly, you may be unable to keep up with laundry and other household responsibilities. If you get off from work regularly, you might have to tackle those feelings that you don’t want to face.

3. You Never Take A Day Off

You don’t want to take a day off work, even if the boss says no more overtime. If you can’t be at your place of employment, you will find other work to do to keep yourself busy. You don’t use your sick days or paid days off, and you, no doubt, have more than enough to take off a few weeks without issue.

4. You Moonlight

Some workaholics become obsessed with having enough money and something to keep them busy. If the first job doesn’t provide enough time away from home, why not get a second or even a third job?

Some people will freelance or pick up something in the off times of their primary place of employment. One way to avoid your feelings is to stay busy.

5. Who Has Time for Fun?

The person who is overworking doesn’t see the need for fun and games in their life. They believe that only lazy people take time off to relax. There’s always something to do, and they never get involved in anything extracurricular.

The only sad part about this is that they often neglect their health and don’t exercise either. Many people who are married to their job grab fast food and don’t take time to cook nutritious meals.

6. You Have Stress and Anxiety Issues

Work is your sanity on one hand because you can avoid dealing with things that are troubling in your life. However, it’s threatening your mind, on the other hand. It’s impossible to work that many hours, not have time for self-care, and think it won’t bother you.

Everyone needs downtime where they can relax and destress their mind. When you’re always in action mode, it can quickly wear you out. You need to be able to shut down the work mode for just a few hours each day, or it can drive you mad.

7. You’re Experiencing Health Problems

What’s one thing that stress and constant anxiety cause? It won’t be long until you experience health problems. Your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose can all be affected by the lack of a healthy diet and constant pressure.

The body must have a nutritious diet and time to rejuvenate to stay in top shape.

8. You Get Angry When People Imply That You’re a Workaholic

One sure way to see if someone is overworking to hide underlying issues is by suggesting they cut back. How dare this person even suggest you work too much? It’s not as if they know your life anyway. You don’t want to face the reality that what this person tells you is the truth, and you are overworked by choice.

If you find yourself being defensive or becoming angry with someone who mentions your workload, then it’s a sign there’s an issue.

9. You Free Some Time So You Can Do More Work

Do you rearrange your days so that you can fit more work into them? Even if your first job only gave you a mere 40 hours a week, you still have at least another 40 or so that you can devote to moonlighting. If you find that you plan your day around work or move things around to do more work, you have a problem.

10. You Spend More Time Working Than You Planned

How many times have you told your spouse that you would only be working till noon on Saturday, but you still weren’t home by the evening? You may have only intended to work just a few hours, but it seems like when you’re in the middle of everything, eight hours seems like two.

If your job so engrosses you that you forget time and other responsibilities, you are overworking.

Final Thoughts on Overworking to Hide Your Feelings

It’s challenging to deal with some thoughts and feelings that you’ve hidden deep in your heart. Maybe you’re trying to outrun a trauma from your childhood, or perhaps, you want to avoid an empty house when you get home.

According to the National Library of Medicine, you can develop antisocial behaviors if you suffered abuse as a child. Whatever the reason you dive into the work pool and don’t seem to come up for air, it needs to be addressed.

How long do you think that you can continue to go on like this? When your body gets to a certain level of exhaustion, it will give you plenty of warning signs before it has a significant issue. It would help if you had a well-balanced life to be happy and healthy.

It would be best if you investigated the real reasons behind your crazy work schedule. Do you have financial issues, or do you have suppressed emotions, like anxiety, that you want to stay hidden? Did you know that workaholics are not always good workers anyway?

These people are often exhausted and use their jobs as a place to hide. You need a life outside of your job, and you have family and friends who would love to spend time with you.

Why Do People Get Zits? Dermatologists Explain 4 Causes

February 1, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Not many teens made it through high school without a few zits. Remember as a teenager waking to an inflamed pimple right on your nose or on your forehead? It was probably at the worst time, as the day of school pictures or the senior prom.

Fast-forward to the present and consider your skin as an adult. Are you still battling the same breakouts you did as a teen? You’ll be glad to know that you’re not an anomaly. A study published by the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology states that adult acne affects at least 15 percent of men and 80 percent of women in America.

Acne is a common skin condition. It’s caused when hair follicles become clogged by oil and dead skin cells. The results are inflamed or infected lesions called pimples or zits form.

During puberty, hormone fluctuations and excess skin oil production usually cause classic adolescent acne. While most people get blemishes on their faces, you can also get pimple breakouts on your neck, back, and shoulders.

Are You Predisposed to Breakouts

You can’t blame everything on your genetics. According to a study published by the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, researchers discovered a possible link between genetics and acne. Of the sets of twins who were studied, 81 percent of their acne issues were genetic, while 19 percent were attributed to different environmental factors, the study said.

Two Types and Subdivisions of Acne

If you have breakouts as a teen, it’s called adolescent acne. However, some people get zits well into adulthood, and when these flares occur in middle age, it’s called adult acne. Statistics published by the American Academy of Dermatology Association reports that at least 50 million people in the United States are affected by acne each year.

• Noninflammatory Acne

Non-inflammatory acne is characterized by blemishes called comedones. These comedones may be open or closed, states the article. You know them as whiteheads and blackheads.

• Open comedones: When clogged small hair follicles stay dilated, the clog has a dark color because of oxidation. These are called blackheads.

•Closed comedones: Whiteheads are called closed comedones because the debris in the hair follicle is sealed. They usually have a clear, yellow tint to them.

• Inflammatory Acne

In inflammatory acne, the comedones become inflamed and infected, causing pus-filled lesions. They are the more prominent blemishes that are usually red and sore to the touch. These are usually the ones that surprise you at the worst times possible.

•Nodular acne: This is a subcategory of inflammatory acne that develops when the infected lesions get bigger and more painful.

•Cystic acne: Some people develop this most severe form of zits. Large cysts can form deep within the skin tissue that is filled with infectious fluid. They are unsightly and quite painful. If you develop nodule lesions and cystic ones, the condition is called nodulocystic acne.

It’s not unusual for people to have a combination of non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne. You can develop whiteheads, blackheads, nodes, and cysts in a simultaneous acne issue. If you don’t resist temptation and pop or pick at these, it can result in permanent scarring.

Myths About Your Zits

Remember when you were a teen, and your parents warned you to stay away from chocolate and fried foods? Many people still erroneously believe that these treats can cause breakouts. While too much of it isn’t good for your body, there’s no concrete evidence that chocolate or fried foods cause breakouts.

Another myth that can cause more harm than good is that acne comes from not cleaning your skin properly. Yes, experts recommend that people with oily skin and acne use non-oily cleansers to gently clean away excess oil. However, scrubbing and washing too much can cause skin irritation that results in blemishes.

Four Reasons for Acne Breakouts and How to Fix Them

Do you have problems with adolescent or adult acne? It can be a source of frustration and embarrassment. Here are four of the main reasons you may be battling acne.

1. Fluctuations in Hormones

Although androgen is primarily a male hormone, females also have small amounts. As kids go through puberty, androgen in both genders causes the oil-producing glands in the skin to get bigger. When these sebaceous glands enlarge, they produce more skin oil, called sebum.

While your skin needs sebum to stay flexible and hydrated, excess oil can mix with dead skin cells and clog your pores. Some people have oily skin naturally, and these clogged pores can cause zits. Women whose hormones fluctuate during pregnancy or midlife are also prone to adult acne.

• How to Fix It

There’s not a whole lot you can do about hormone changes in puberty, during pregnancy, or pre-menopause. Even if you have naturally oily skin, use skin products that are formulated for you. Keeping excess oil at bay may minimize your acne breakouts.

Dermatologists explain stress acne, and how you can fix it.

2. Diet

You are what you eat, and certain foods can affect your whole body, including your skin. According to an article published by the American Academy of Dermatology Association, certain foods may cause acne. These are foods that are high on the glycemic scale or those that cause your blood sugar to spike quickly.

High glycemic foods are also high in simple carbohydrates, like white bread, white rice, sugar, white potatoes, and sugary junk food. The article states that when your blood sugar spikes, it can cause inflammation throughout your body. It can cause your skin to produce more sebum, which in turn can lead to more zits, the article states.

Some people in the cited studies experienced more acne when they drank cow’s milk. The studies included both genders and suggested that at least 44 percent of women surveyed consumed cow’s milk and were more acne-prone. The researchers found no evidence that dairy products like cheese or yogurt had the same effects.

Nevertheless, the article says that studies are only suggestive and aren’t conclusive. It is promising, though, when some people eat less of these foods and have few breakouts. More studies are needed, per the article.

• How to Fix It

The same article suggests that a diet rich in low-glycemic index foods may lower your risks for acne breakouts. Some of these healthy foods include fresh vegetables, whole oats, and some fruits. Talk to your primary healthcare provider or a registered dietician to find a diet that is best suited for you.

3. Makeup

Did you know that many makeups are made with oil? Even if your makeup isn’t oil-based, if you don’t wash your face correctly, the makeup can fill the pores with dirt and debris, leaving it prone to infection.

• How to Fix It

If you notice the appearance or worsening of acne symptoms, then you should switch makeup brands. Many are not made with any extra oils. Additionally, making sure you wash the makeup off your face when you return home can minimize breakouts. Further, adding a supplement of zinc or essential oils may help.

4. Chronic Stress

There will always be some stress in your life, but you can do things to reduce chronic tension. According to an article studied by the American Academy of Dermatology Association, there’s a link between chronic stress and acne breakouts. The article explains that chronic stress increases androgen production, which increases oil creation in your skin.

The excess oil can mix with dead skin cells, plug pores, and lead to irritating zits. The more you stress about your breakouts, the more apt they can continue. It’s a vicious cycle.

• How to Fix It

Learning to minimize stress in your life has many benefits. Not only is it better for your overall health, but it can help reduce your acne breakouts. Consider meditation, reconnecting with nature, or practicing yoga to de-stress and relax.

Look at the Labels

Now you realize that having acne breakouts doesn’t mean you’re not a clean person. However, you must use the right products and cleaning regimen to minimize breakouts. Be sure to read the labels on all your skin and hair products and look for these words:

Non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores.
Non-acnegenic, which means it won’t cause acne breakouts.
Oil-free, which won’t contribute excess oil that can clog pores and form blemishes.
Won’t clog pores, which is an easier way of saying non-comedogenic.

• Hands Off

Your hands also have oils and can transfer microscopic dirt and countless microbes to your face. Avoid touching your face or cleaning it. Also, please resist the temptation to pop a pimple because it can cause infection and scarring.

Final Thoughts on What Causes Zits

Acne can be painful both physically and psychologically, whether you’re a teenager or an adult. However, there are some steps you can take to avoid or minimize breakouts. If you develop painful cystic acne, consult a skin specialist for the treatment options that are best for you.

You don’t want to try to combat this without any assistance, as it can leave scarring. Many folks find that good old soap and water, which includes washing your face more frequently, is the best remedy for zits.

10 Behaviors That Reveal Someone is Paranoid (and 5 Ways to Help)

February 1, 2021 by Power of Positivity

If you know someone you think could be paranoid, you may be curious about their behaviors. Here are 10 common behaviors of someone who is paranoid.

What is paranoia?

Paranoia, according to a recent study, paranoia has two main characteristics:

A belief that something bad that’s going to happen
A belief that people are out to hurt them

Paranoia sufferers have feelings of being watched or threatened by people around them. Paranoia is common, although it varies in intensity and frequency in people. Everyone is a little paranoid once in a while, especially when you’re feeling vulnerable. You may worry about things, even if you know they aren’t based on reality.

But clinical paranoia is different. It’s associated with a mental health disorder that causes sufferers to live with constant anxiety and fear that people are trying to cheat, lie or hurt them. It’s an incapacitating disorder.

10 behaviors common that reveal someone is paranoid

There are some common symptoms of people who suffer from paranoia. They may present themselves a bit differently depending upon the person and the severity of their condition. Here are the behaviors you may see in someone you think could be paranoid. According to the National Institute on Health, here are a few of the primary red flags.

1 – Mistrust

People who are paranoid have a hard time trusting people. They assume that people are going to hurt them. Because of this, they will limit their social contact with people. They begin to question their family members’ loyalty, assuming they are trying to exploit or deceive them.

2 – Looking for hidden meanings

Similar to mistrust, a paranoid person questions people’s motives, assuming they mean harm. They look for hidden meanings in what people say or do. If someone looks over at them, they suddenly feel suspicious of the person’s intentions.

3 – Feeling betrayed

Feelings of betrayal are common for a person suffering from paranoia. They assume their partner is unfaithful to them or their boss is planning to fire them. It’s hard to convince them otherwise.

4 – Always on guard

A person who struggles with paranoia is constantly alert, watching and waiting for someone or something to hurt them. They feel persecuted by the government or their family. They can’t let their guard down and won’t share personal information for fear it will be used against them.

5 – Hard time forgiving

Those who suffer from paranoid aren’t able to forgive people. Instead, they’ll hold grudges and seek revenge. They assume the person who apologized was lying to them. Besides, they feel like they’re never wrong about what they do or their assessments of people.

6 – Defensive of imagined criticism

Ready to defend themselves, paranoid people get hostile if they think someone is criticizing them. They keep a distance from family members, and if they do have a partner, they will become jealous and critical of them.

7 – Suspicious of others motives

They are very private and suspicious. If a delivery person says hello, they’ll read something negative into it. Their fears feed these suspicions, and often they get caught up in conspiracy theories, which only adds to their suspicions.

8 – Worried about being deceived

Paranoid people worry that other people are trying to deceive them. This is why it’s so hard to help them. They assume the wrong motives of those closest to them. This worry causes them stress, which can lead to deeper paranoia symptoms.

9 – Argumentative

Those who suffer from paranoia believe they are always right. Anyone who disagrees with them is perceived as wanting to hurt them. They will retaliate and react in anger when someone tries to explain why they’re wrong. Paranoid people get hostile and stubborn, refusing to cooperate at any level because cooperation would be admitting they are wrong.

10 – Can’t relax

Constant fears, worries, and distrust of people make paranoid people high-strung and unable to relax. They believe the government or others are out to get them, so they must be vigilant. They can’t sleep, which can lead to worse paranoia symptoms.

How are people with paranoia diagnosed?

If you or someone you love is suffering from paranoia, seek help from a doctor. The doctor will evaluate to make the proper diagnosis. Here are things you can expect the doctor will do to diagnosis paranoia.

Your medical history: They will ask you about your medical history going back to your childhood. They will ask you about your family’s medical history and if others have suffered from a similar condition.
A physical examination: This may include blood work to eliminate other conditions similar to paranoia but have a medical cause.
Ask about your symptoms: Your doctor will ask you for a detailed description of the symptoms to better understand what you’re going through to see if you have paranoia.
Psychological tests: Your regular doctor may do these, but a psychiatrist or psychologist will often administer these tests.
Tests to rule out other mental health disorders: These tests may be administered by a psychiatrist or psychologist rather than your doctor. Other disorders are similar to paranoia, so it’s important to get the right diagnosis.

What causes a person to be paranoid?

Paranoia is caused by some breakdown in a person’s mental and emotional capacities, especially in their ability to reason and explain their emotions. Doctors aren’t sure about root causes, but there are some reasons why people may get this condition.

Genetics: Some researchers believe that there is a genetic link to paranoia, though they aren’t sure why it’s not always inherited.
Substance abuse: Another reason could be due to marijuana, cocaine, or amphetamines that change a person’s brain chemistry.
Traumatic events in your life: Child abuse can disrupt a person’s ability to think and feel properly.
Stress: Severe stress can cause it. This is seen in soldiers who’ve experienced war.
A mixture of these situations: Researchers believe that paranoia could result from any of these combinations.

How is paranoia treated?

Paranoia has no cure, but some treatments can help a person suffering from paranoia live a happier life that is productive. Of course, the treatment will depend upon how severe the condition is and how well the individual responds to the treatment. Treatments for paranoia include the following:

Medication: Antipsychotic and anti-anxiety drugs help with paranoia symptoms. Sadly, it can be difficult for a paranoid person to trust their doctor, so they may refuse to take the medication for fear the doctor is trying to poison them.
Coping strategies: Another helpful treatment is helping them learn to function in social settings. This may include some relaxation techniques to help lower their anxiety.
Behavior modification is another successful coping strategy for paranoia. A person with paranoia may not want to participate in therapy until they totally trust their therapist. This can take a long time. So, the success of any therapy may be slow.
Hospital stay: if the paranoia is severe enough, the person may need hospitalization to help them. This can feed their paranoia and cause anxiety and stress. Once the person is stabilized, they can begin other therapies.

For the person suffering from paranoia, there needs to be a trusting relationship between them and their therapists to reduce their fears and help them with their social skills. It can take years for a person with paranoia to progress and recover.

What if someone you know is paranoid?

If you suspect that someone you know or love has paranoia, you may feel at a loss about how to help them. Here are some suggestions that may help you.

1 – Ask yourself if what they believe could be true?

Sometimes individuals get dismissed as paranoid, but there are legitimate reasons for their paranoia. Please don’t assume they are wrong. Check it out first.

2 – Try to understand

Even if you don’t understand their fears, try to understand the root of their anxiety. It could help you understand why they believe these things.

3 – Talk with them

Express your desire to understand them. Listen to their concerns and fears with an open mind. Please give them the benefit of the doubt. They may be isolating themselves from so many people. You are their only open ear.

4 – Be careful not to dismiss their fears.

You may disagree with their fears of the government conspiracy, but don’t dismiss their fears. Their feelings are real to them, even if they aren’t based in reality.

5 – Affirm their feelings.

Admit their feelings without agreeing or disagreeing with them. You can’t force their feelings to change. They will feel threatened by you and pull away if you respond negatively.

How to get help for someone who is paranoid

You can’t make a person with paranoia get help if they don’t want help. If you push them, it will only cause them to pull away from you, assuming you have bad motives. Reassure them of your love and concern. Tell them it’s okay to get help. Always respect their desires, even if you’re sure they need help.

What about an emergency?

If you know, the paranoid person is getting worse and possibly heading towards a mental health crisis that could cause them to harm themselves or someone else. You need to act. You should contact a mental health crisis line immediately to get help from a trained person in these situations.

Final thoughts on determining if someone is paranoid

People who suffer from paranoia have difficulty coping in social settings like work, family gatherings, or at school. They may have mild to severe symptoms and display them, especially when they feel stress. Hopefully, these symptoms, treatment, and the ways you can help them will guide you to help your friend or loved one.

Cosmic Views for February 2021

February 1, 2021 by Linda Joyce

The cosmic views for February 2021 reveal how the world is changing, and it’s happening from the inside out.

When this pandemic begins to fade, you may discover that your goals and ideals are different. With distractions removed, you’ve had a chance to see your life in a complete picture, that is, what’s missing and what has been ignored.

The month begins with The Great Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Aquarius, joined by Venus, Mercury, and the Sun. Aquarius rules friends, groups, and humanitarian efforts. This conjunction, which only happens every twenty years, is the forerunner of change. Be prepared for innovation and a greater focus on community and humanitarian efforts.

Unfortunately, Mars and Uranus are still conjunct and in square to the five planets in Aquarius. Mars rules vision and the ability to cut through confusion and differences to the truth. It also carries with it anger and rebellion, especially when it’s near Uranus. Dreams and goals are being reshaped. For the first few days of the month, the Moon in Libra brings harmony as it makes a trine to the five Aquarius planets.

A sense of unity prevails as we struggle for a new balance and innovative resolutions to our problems. Pluto remains in Capricorn and continues to probe deeper into hidden fears that challenge you. Take a moment to redefine what’s important. Mercury is retrograde until the 21^st in Aquarius, and once you’re tired of rehashing the past, you will look to the future.

The Full Moon on the 27^th in Virgo brings work issues to a head. The cosmic views for February 2021 suggest we will have a surrealistic month as we move from the old into the new. The fog will gradually clear if you just keep advancing one sure foot at a time.

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

As an Aries, you’ve been angry for some time. This month doesn’t help. Not only is Mars still conjunct Uranus, but it makes a square to Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, and the Sun. Right now, everything and everyone upset you. The universe is not out to get you.

You navigated the waters that brought you to this place, and you can get out of it by just continuing to move forward. Get past your anger that life isn’t fair, it may not seem so, but there is a lesson in the experience. Take responsibility for where you are, and you’ll find a new path. For now, change is inevitable. Eventually, you’ll see it as a gift. Reach out to friends, they can be great support now, and some may offer good advice.

When it comes to working, that’s changing too. If you have a job, be grateful and do the work without complaining. Life is not perfect, and that’s okay. It’s time for a new vision. The Jupiter Sun conjunction gives you strength and the perseverance to get done what you believe is important. When it comes to your finances, you may be angry at yourself for spending on what’s not important.

Tough times are good teachers. Remind yourself that you’re a visionary. Allow yourself to imagine new opportunities. Neptune in your 12^th house keeps your fantasies strong as well as your faith. You know you’re meant for something special, so don’t give up until you get it.

If you’re in a relationship, you or your partner feel isolated. You can’t solve anything if you don’t talk. If you’re single, you will also feel isolated, but it won’t last forever, so have patience.

Cosmic Views for Taurus (April 21st – May 20^th)

Taurus brings more than desire this month. It’s a sign of action. With both Uranus and Mars together in your sign, change is inevitable, especially on how you make a living. You have a vision, and you want to manifest it. Yes, there will be challenges, but that’s the only way humans learn. If it’s too easy, lessons are lost. What’s important now is what makes you unique.

You’re beginning to listen to your own instincts, and they’re taking you down a new path. Whatever the results are, the experience gives you renewed confidence. And that’s the key to success. Not always focused on the practical side of life, you’re beginning to value its presence. Saturn in Aquarius, in Square to your Sun, encourages you to set boundaries with yourself and focus on the bigger picture. It will pay off.

Your love of “winging it” is finally being put in its place. A schedule is empowering and productive. You’re not afraid to start anything. It’s the commitment to finish that has been missing in the past. However, when you prepare and think things through, suddenly getting the job done is not so difficult.

With Neptune in your 12^th house, you’re feeling a pull to turn inward. There’s a strong spiritual element to your personality, and it needs your attention. Mercury is retrograde in Aquarius and goes direct on the 21^st. Be prepared for old friends to call or just show up. The Full Moon on the 27^th is in Virgo, and you’ll have to deal with a crisis at work – it’s probably nothing more than being overwhelmed by your schedule.

If you’re in a relationship, it’s not peaceful. Old issues will arise. If you’re single, it’s time to reconnect with an old love. Maybe you’ve changed enough to see someone in a new light.

Cosmic Views for Gemini (May 21^st – June 20^th)

As a Gemini, the focus of the powerful Saturn Jupiter conjunction is on your 9^th house of travel, truth, and ideals. Do your values and goals truly define and support you? Take a moment to reflect on how much you have changed. If you have, then everything else in your life needs tweaking.

Your gift and curse are a strong sense of idealism and fantasy. Your desire for perfection can get in the way of your joy. Learn to appreciate what is, rather than what you want it to be. It’s the path to true happiness. Faith is essential when you face the unknown.

Without a belief in something greater than yourself, life is a burden, and the weights get heavier every year. Don’t tackle anything difficult from the 3^rd to the 5^th. The Mars Uranus square to Jupiter and Saturn is joined by the Moon, and your emotions are challenged. Learn to detach and not focus on the problems of others.

Change is happening, but it’s out of your control. Your power comes from how you respond, not what you initiate. Be present and meet the moment with an open mind and heart. Mercury is retrograde and turns direct on the 21^st. The feeling of being stuck will begin to disappear. Mars and Uranus in Taurus and your 12^th house, stir up whatever you’ve been repressing.

Try not to get too angry at what you can’t control. The challenge is to choose what you get entangled with and not let it choose you.

If you’re in a relationship, the Sun Jupiter conjunction gives you both strength and endurance to get through any difficulties. If you’re single, you may meet a very supportive person who touches your heart. You’ll know if it’s real.

Cosmic Views for Cancer (June 21^st – July 22^nd)

Cancers have a soft and tender inner world, even if they have a sharp tongue when they open their mouth. In fact, they make great comediennes because they see contrasting realities, and they bring them to our attention with humor. Mars and Uranus are conjunct in your 11^th house of friends.

Don’t be surprised if a few friends are either angry or crazy for the first two weeks of the month. The eleventh house is also the home of your uniqueness, or what makes you special. This is a good time to see what makes you different. Honor it.

Others may anger you now, so remove yourself rather than get in a fight you may regret. The moment is demanding, so remind yourself you have the choice to say yes or no. Do what you can and let go of the rest. Mercury is retrograde until the 21^st, and it’s happening in Aquarius, the sign of friendships and humanitarian endeavors. Focus on getting rid of old issues, get them off your agenda list.

With Venus square Mars there’s a lack of unity and connection, making you feel more alone. It won’t last long, but it’s there to show you what you’re not paying attention to. Nice people have a shadow side, and so do you. No one is perfect, and this is the time for patience and understanding. The first week of the month is the most challenging. Remind yourself that obstacles make you strong.

If you’re in a relationship, your partner feels free and in touch with themselves. It lightens your load. If you’re single, you’re about to be attracted to someone different, which may surprise you. Go with your feelings. They’re telling you something about yourself.

Cosmic Views for Leo (July 23^rd – August 22^nd)

Leos face a battle of authority. With Mars and Uranus in your 10^th house of career in square to the Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus, there is not much that is not upsetting or in your way. Relationships, in general, are difficult now. You’re not getting the attention you need, so learn how to validate yourself. When you’re angry, you feel falsely empowered. When it passes, your insecurities return.

Change and compromise, so important now, are not easy for you. They make you feel vulnerable. And besides, in your mind, you’re right. Remind yourself that perfection is a state of becoming, not an actuality. Accept what is offered and work to turn it into your vision. Your advancement this month depends on how well you get along with those you must work with. Keep that in mind when you disagree, find a way to move forward.

Venus, a ruler of your 10^th house, is square Uranus for the first half of the month. Things at work are changing with or without your consent. The Sun Jupiter conjunction in Aquarius enhances your sense of individuality and independence. If you’re thinking of going into business for yourself, do so. You were never meant to have a boss. Mercury is retrograde until the 21^st, and it’s stirring up old issues and relationships. People from your past may show up.

Financial issues also get your attention. It’s all about adjustments, not real problems.

If you’re in a relationship, your partner is not cooperative, probably because they’re angry. Give them room to vent. If you’re single, you have a lot of new and old souls to choose from. However, for now, your independence is more important than finding the right partner.

Cosmic Views for Virgo (August 23^rd – September 22^nd) in February 2021

Virgo rules health and your work schedule. What you put into your body influences the energy you have and the work you do. If you have a purpose that inspires you, then spiritually, you feel empowered. The five planets in Aquarius are in your 6^th house of work. Yes, you’re going to be busy.

However, whatever you do will meet opposition. The Mars Uranus conjunction in your 9^th house is square of those Aquarian planets. Those in authority may not agree with what you do. Have patience. If you do, their anger will pass, and you’ll be able to negotiate.

Mercury is retrograde until the 21^st. Mercury rules your 10^th house of career and your ascendant, which is you. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself dealing with past or old issues. Long lost relationships may emerge and reconnect. Old projects may get support. As Mercury goes direct, it conjuncts Jupiter, the planet of expansion. Don’t dismiss the new ideas that arise without request.

They’re paving the way for new opportunities and paths. With Mars conjunct Uranus in your 9^th house, you feel angry or annoyed at what you don’t understand or think is important. If it’s on your plate, take a look, it’s there for a reason. The Full Moon on the 27^th in your sign makes a trine to Uranus and Mars. Expect the unexpected and be prepared to go with the flow.

There are some gifts in the chaos, so keep your center. Relationships, for the moment, are a bit isolated. Not surprising, considering the times. However, it’s important to stay connected in as many ways as you can. If you’re in a relationship, be there for each other, make the time.

If you’re single, it’s definitely not the right moment to meet new people. Take the time to reconnect with yourself.

Cosmic Views for Libra (September 23^rd – October 22^nd)

Libras are the bearers of truth. Even the souls that try to avoid it don’t escape the harsh reality that sticks to them like glue. The truth endures, lies seduce, it’s up to you to choose the right path. The Grand Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter brings strength and change to your 5^th house of children and authority.

This is where you are asked to stand up for what you believe in, to take your place at the center of your truth. When you do, everything falls into place. The fear is that if you own your differences, others won’t like you or approve of who you are.

On the contrary, the people who make their mark on the world are the souls that have confidence in their beliefs. They show the rest of us the way. Mercury goes direct on the 21^st and ends the conflict of new vs. old. When it’s retrograde unfinished business from the past reemerges. With Neptune isolated in the 6^th house of work, you’re concentrating on a singular project or not happening in this area. It won’t stay this way for long. Mars conjunct Uranus in your 8^th house is pushing for you to make a few changes in your life.

The square they make to the five planets in Aquarius challenge you to see new paths and options. If you’re in a relationship, be careful not to take your anger and frustration out on your partner. Take a run in the park, scream in the shower, but don’t attack someone innocent just because you’re frustrated.

If you’re single, it’s not easy to have a peaceful relationship for now. If you want to share your frustrations, it is one way to bond.

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

Scorpio energy is all or nothing. When you feel a lack of control, you’re upset. With the pandemic, no one is in control, so learning to go with the flow is the present challenge. It happens to be a life lesson, one you’ll struggle with until your last breath.

With Saturn and Jupiter in your 4^th house of the home, you are confronting yourself, or that part of you that you seldom share. To move forward and grow, you must move away from the past and accept where you are. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It is what it is. Adapt, adjust, and you’ll discover real power. With the square from Mars and Uranus in your 7^th house of relationships, in square to Jupiter Saturn, Venus, and the Sun, you may erroneously blame everything you don’t like on others.

Blaming others will not make the problem disappear. Anger has been bottling up for weeks, and it’s difficult to function without getting angry. However, anger will only make things worse. Mercury is retrograde in Aquarius and your 4^th house of the home, and it goes direct on the 21^st.

Take the time to examine your old wounds and then make a choice. Is it really worth hanging on to the past? Isn’t it better to create a new future? The New Moon in your 4^th house on the 11^th brings a new beginning to this challenging area of your life.

The Full Moon on the 27^th in Virgo and your 11^th house brings friendships and groups to your attention. If you’re having trouble with a friend, it may come to a head.

If you’re in a relationship, it’s not easy. At the moment, you’re getting angry without much provocation. No one listens when you’re angry. If you’re single, be grateful you only have to cope with your own aggravation.

Cosmic Views for Sagittarius (November 22^nd – December 21^st)

Sagittarius is the quest for truth. However, you must be ready to receive it. The truth challenges fantasies, the ones that help you avoid what you don’t want to see or know.

If you want to be strong, open yourself up to what is reliable. Build on the truth, and you’ll get past the storms of life. Jupiter, your ruler, is conjunct Saturn, and together they are planting the seeds of change. A whole new vision of the world is about to burst forth.

The energy that is embraced is Aquarian in nature, which means humanitarian causes, friendships, and community. What we’ve learned is that in difficult times we need each other. With Aquarius ruling your 3^rd house of communication, this is an area of your life that will be emphasized. Your ideas need to be heard.

With Mars and Uranus in your sixth house of work, your schedule is not something you can count on. Whatever work you’re doing has a feeling of uncertainty about it. It doesn’t mean you won’t work. It means you won’t have a set schedule. Don’t get angry. Get resourceful. When your mind is clear, you’ll find a solution. Don’t take on the problems of others. Find your position and hold on to it.

With Neptune in your 4^th house, opposite the Moon at the beginning of the month, your instincts are strong. Listen to them. Don’t isolate yourself. It’s important to be around others and be challenged healthily.

With Mercury retrograde, going direct on the 21^st, you will find a degree of order. If you’re in a relationship, old wounds may return to center stage. Don’t get stuck in the past if you want to move forward.

If you’re single, you could reach out to an old relationship. It’s your choice. Just remind yourself of the reason you drifted apart.

Cosmic Views for Capricorn (December 22^nd – January 19

Capricorn is the “common sense” Sun sign. Its mission is to integrate the spiritual and the practical. They need to work together for life to reflect power and wisdom. Your inner world can work in harmony with outer expectations if you value both equally.

Saturn, your ruler, is conjunct Jupiter in Aquarius, an aspect that only happens every twenty years. It brings great change to the world. This Great Conjunction occurs in your 2^nd house of values and money. Don’t be surprised if you discover a new avenue to improve your finances.

In every disaster, there is a great opportunity if you’re willing to see it. Make voluntary changes, adjust to the world that exists now. Don’t waste your energy fighting what you can’t change. Right now, it’s a struggle, but things begin to get better by the end of the month.

Aquarius is the sign of humanitarian efforts. You feel good when you make a difference. With Mars and Uranus in Taurus and your fifth house, you’re reshaping your ego identity and not letting anyone push you around. And with the Full Moon in Virgo on the 27^th, don’t be surprised if you spend time reevaluating what’s important. With Mercury retrograde in Aquarius and going direct on the 21^st, you may hear from an old friend from the past.

Aquarius rules your 2^nd house of finance, and with Jupiter and Uranus moving through it, change is in the air. Be open to new paths and possibilities. If you’re in a relationship, the emotional dynamics of your relationship should be good. The Moon trines the Aquarian planets making you feel valued and secure.

If you’re single, it will be difficult to connect to anyone on an intimate level for the moment. Have patience. Your time will come.

Cosmic Views Aquarius (January 20^th – February 18^th) in February 2021

Aquarius is the sign of the moment. This is where all the change is happening. With five planets in your sign, you have a lot going on. Listen and pay attention to what’s happening around you. There’s opportunity everywhere. You feel strong and powerful, and If you apply it correctly, that energy will help you achieve your goals. Saturn and Jupiter are square your 10^th house of career. What you want to achieve requires change.

Don’t fight it. Get going. Everyone has to adjust to a new world. Let go of the past and move into the future. With Mars and Uranus in your 4^th house of the home, you’re going through a shift from the inside out. You are a different person, even if you don’t know it yet. Some basic beliefs are in a state of change, and they’ve left you with a new vision of yourself and others.

Don’t be surprised if you’re angry. Just don’t punish yourself or anyone else for the past. Accept and move on. With Mercury retrograde and going direct on the 21^st, things should start to move. You feel strong, and you’re ready to take back your life.

Your goals need reevaluation. Once that’s done, you’ll find things start to move. If you’re in a relationship, there is tension and anger all around. Don’t let it get inside of you and affect your state of mind. These are trying times, so just get through them.

If you’re single, it’s not the best time to consolidate a relationship that is not already been tested. Your time will come.

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

Pisces is the sign of spirit, intuition, and the unconscious. And by the way, it’s your unconscious that’s really in charge. What you have floating around in your psyche from your childhood has more influence than you realize, especially if you haven’t dealt with whatever was traumatic.

This month you have four planets in the 12^th house, your house. You feel both empowered and helpless. Well, that’s the 12^th house for you. It works on faith and what you believe, and it does so without your permission. The square that Saturn and Jupiter make to Uranus and Mars brings up anger and resentment. Find a healthy way to express it. Do not direct it toward innocent souls.

You are getting ready to make major changes in your life, even if you don’t know it. Pay attention to your instincts. They’re powerful now, and they will give you the info you need to move forward.

Your career will move and change quickly as Jupiter moves through Aquarius and into Pisces. The gifts of that journey will come as a surprise, nothing you can prepare for. In June, Jupiter enters Pisces, and you feel strong and empowered, ready to tackle whatever is on your path. Don’t be afraid of change. It’s part of the challenge.

And besides, the cosmic views reveal that things have to be done differently. Mercury is retrograde and goes direct on the 21^st, so many things will begin to move once the energy is direct. If you’re in a relationship, you may be rehashing old issues, which is not bad if you resolve them. If you’re single, your time will come in a few months, so be patient.

15 Positive Affirmations for Anxiety Never to Ignore

January 31, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Anxiety can be a devastating disorder that seems to kick in unexpectedly. It can continue affecting you as you go through your day, interfering with all aspects of your life. Luckily, there are many positive affirmations for anxiety that can help you get through.

It is hard to explain how anxiety makes you feel, so it is hard to explain to your loved ones. This lack of explanation can make it hard for them to help you understand what you are going through. Anxiety can take away your confidence and self-worth, and it can make you feel like you’ll never be good enough.

These negative feelings are not accurate, however, as you are good enough. Through positive affirmations for anxiety, you can train your brain to avoid those negative thoughts. You will once again see how worthy you are, and your confidence will improve.

With those positive changes, you can reach your goals and become successful. The more often you repeat the positive affirmations for anxiety, the better you will become at controlling it. Find your favorite positive phrases and those that work for you, and implement them into your daily life.

How Positive Affirmations Help Anxiety

When you repeat positive affirmations, your brain begins to believe them. The phrases will help change the way you think and respond to situations, including ones that make you anxious. Along with that, positive affirmations for anxiety help achieve the following outcomes:

reducing stress
finding creative and positive ways to handle stress
being more optimistic about the future
accepting the past
higher levels of concentration and focus
greater chance of success
improved confidence
increased self-esteem and self-worth
better relationships
less emotional pain
increased inner-strength
resilience
happiness

Positive Affirmations for Anxiety

1. I will fill my mind with positive thoughts to override the anxious ones.

When you feel anxiety creeping in, you may first notice it in your thoughts. If you begin having anxious thoughts, start thinking about something positive. This affirmation will help you do just that, and you’ll find your mind clearing in no time.

2. I am successful and confident in what I do.

Anxiety may cause you to feel like you aren’t good enough and that you can’t be successful. If this happens to you, then use this positive affirmation to change that thought process.

You are good enough, and you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Don’t let your anxiety interfere with this.

3. I am doing my best to push through.

Anxious people know what it is like to have days where everything seems to go wrong, and you struggle to keep your thoughts positive. On days like this, use a positive affirmation to remind yourself that you are doing your best. With this affirmation, you may notice that the day begins to improve as your brain processes it.

4. This situation isn’t as bad as I think it is.

When you have anxiety, you will sometimes feel and act in a worse situation. As you know, these feelings and behaviors are not on purpose, and you probably want to stop them.

If you feel this way, use this affirmation to remind yourself that the situation isn’t as bad as you think it is right then. If you remind yourself that it is your anxiety that is causing the feeling, you will control it a little easier.

5. I am safe and calm, even as I watch around me.

Sometimes, watching the world around you can cause anxiety. The hustle and bustle of everyone else and the business of what is going on around you will become overwhelming. Even a quiet environment may trigger anxiety, depending on what your fears are.

Use this affirmation in those situations, and remind yourself that you are safe and calm. As you watch what is going on around you, you will stop looking for potential dangers if you can affirm that you are safe.

6. I am not letting fear interfere with my life.

Anxiety causes fear and, if you let it, it can control your life. Put an end to the interference by repeating this affirmation each day. It will help you try new things, work toward your goals, and be happier overall.

7. These feelings will not last forever, and I will get through them.

Your anxious feeling will go away eventually, and you will get through the hard times. Remember how strong you are as you speak these words, and remind yourself that you can get through anything. You can focus more and achieve more once you begin to believe it.

8. Everything will work out the way it is supposed to.

Find comfort in the fact that there is a reason for everything. Life tends to work itself out if you let go of what upsets you. Don’t let your anxiety lead you to believe otherwise, and repeat this phrase anytime you get overwhelmed.

9. I accept the past and will accept what happens in the future.

This phrase could go along with the last one that was mentioned. When you accept the past and what will happen next, you will realize that things will work out. As long as you repeat this phrase, you can accept anything that comes your way.

10. I will overcome my anxiety.

You are bigger and stronger than your anxiety. Even when you are struggling, this knowledge will help you get through it. Always remember that you can overcome anything, including anxiety.

11. I will let go of the things I cannot change.

Life is unexpected, as you already know. Things will happen that you cannot change, and that is just a part of life. Since you can’t do anything about it, it is best to let go.

Once you let go of what you cannot change, you will feel so much better. Your anxiety will ease, and you will feel lighter. Don’t let the things you can’t change control your life.

12. I am strong enough to keep moving forward.

You are stronger than you realize, and you get stronger each day. When life gets hard, and your anxiety is overwhelming, use this phrase to help you push on. You can move forward no matter what is going on, and it will help you reach your goals and find success.

13. I can get through this uncomfortable moment and use it as a learning opportunity.

Every part of life is a learning opportunity if you allow it to be one. There are lessons everywhere, but especially when you are uncomfortable or something doesn’t work out. Use those moments to keep going, and you will overcome the discomfort.

By doing this, you will be more likely to try new things and seek new opportunities. New things are always uncomfortable, but you can find a way to make them better.

14. I am getting ready for the day and taking care of myself.

With anxiety, you sometimes might not feel like getting out of bed, much less taking care of yourself. Say this affirmation in the morning if it seems like it might be a bad day for you. Then, listen to your words and start getting ready.

Get out of bed, take a shower, brush your teeth, and whatever else getting ready means to you. If you can do this, then you can do anything you set your mind to that day. Say this affirmation to yourself every day, and you are sure to start on a positive note.

15. I am in control of my thoughts, and they do not control me.

You are the only person who can control your thoughts. Use this to your advantage and fill your thoughts with positivity. If you don’t, the negativity can take over, allowing your thoughts to control you.

Always remember that you are stronger than letting your thoughts control you, however. You are capable of changing your thought process and reaching a point of positivity. Repeat this positive affirmation until you can get there, and you will find that it was easier than you expected.

Other Ways You Can Stop Anxiety

While positive affirmations for anxiety can help you overcome the feelings, there are other things you can do, too. The key is to find what calms your mind and soul and does those things often. Other things you can do include:

writing affirmations where you will see them each morning before you start your day
mindfulness meditation
keeping a journal
decluttering your home and workspace
playing calming music or music that makes you feel good and happy
breathing techniques
yoga

Final Thoughts on Positive Affirmations for Anxiety Never to Ignore

Positive affirmations for anxiety can help you get through life and overcome negativity

These affirmations can remind you of your self-worth and make you feel more confident. Plus, they can help you keep moving forward and overcome anxiety.

Through positive affirmations for anxiety, your entire thought process can change. The more often you repeat them, the more positive your thoughts will become. Plus, you will be able to recognize when your anxiety is beginning to take over so that you can control it.

Even when you aren’t struggling, using these positive affirmations for anxiety can prevent anxious moments. Your anxiety won’t affect you as much as it used to. You can also use these positive affirmations for anxiety whenever you feel like the anxiety is creeping in again.

14 Habits That Make it Easier to Access Your Intuition

January 31, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Have you ever depended on your gut feelings to decide a dilemma or intuit someone’s true intentions? Is having a sixth sense real, or is it a Hollywood hoax used to make good movies? There are ways that you can discover your intuition.

Fourteen Ways to Access Your Intuition

If you want to open your intuition and see and feel things beyond the physical reality, then there are ways that you can accomplish this task. You can open your third-eye or be more insightful by following a few of the tips below.

1. Meditate Every Day

While meditation is a common element born of the New Age movement of the 70s, its practice goes back thousands of years. An article published by Project Meditation states that the first evidence of meditating dates to c. 1500 BCE in Ancient India.

You can use this ageless practice to sharpen your intuition. All you need is a quiet place to sit or lie down and synchronize your body, mind, and spirit. As you relax, allow your thoughts to pass through your mind without judgment. The more you practice, the more sensitive you can be to what your sixth sense is telling you.

2. Enjoy Time Outdoors

You are connected to the skies above and rooted in the earth and nature. Anything that touches a strand of this eternal web affects the universe. It makes sense that reconnecting with nature can open your intuition as well as your creativity.

Try to spend time outdoors at least once a day. Take a walk through the woods or stroll through the city park on your lunch break. Be aware of the sky, trees, plants, and little woodland creatures. Open your mind to any messages these stunning beauties offer for your life.

3. Study Books about Intuition

Do you want to increase your knowledge about your sixth sense and how to use it? You can glean a plethora of information from books and online. Check out books for free at your local library about expanding your intuition, psychic abilities, and spirituality.

You may also consider keeping a notebook about certain information you want to remember and where you found it. Bookmark reputable online sites that are devoted to spirituality studies and exercising your mind’s extrasensory gifts. It may also be helpful to keep a small file box dedicated to your study materials.

4. Stop Resisting Your Inner Knowledge

Sometimes your gut feelings don’t make any sense. You may feel like it’s silliness, and you don’t want to act on it, but your inner knowledge can guide you into all truths. After a while, you will learn to listen to your intuitive side and stop resisting these often-correct feelings.

5. Practice Reading People

You are dining in a restaurant out of town you’ve never visited. As you sip your drink and glance across the crowded room, you notice a woman. You know you’ve never seen her before in your life, yet she feels strangely familiar.

For a moment, you get a vision of this lovely lady fighting to save someone’s life in an operating room. Of course, there’s nothing that could cue you to believe that she is a doctor or trauma specialist. It’s almost as if you’ve seen a glimpse of her life, and you “know” what she does.

Is this a common occurrence for you? Why not capitalize on it and practice reading people? If you are at a party or other gathering, see what your sixth sense will pick up. You might be surprised at what you learn.

6. Listen to Your Body

Your body and brain have a vital interdependence that often overlaps. Neither one can survive without the other, so they relay important messages that keep both safe and working efficiently. You listen to your thoughts, and you should also listen to what your body is saying.

If something is going wrong in your body, it has ways of letting you know. In a podcast produced by Commonwealth Club, Dr. Rachel Carlton Abrams, she explains how listening to your body is the key to cultivate the best relationship with yourself and with others.

7. Learn to Be Spontaneous

There’s nothing wrong with establishing daily habits. Routines provide points of reference and help remind you of important events and activities. However, you can get stuck in a rut, and it can block inspiration, creativity, and your intuitive directions.

See what happens when you do something out of the ordinary. Spontaneity is an ideal way to gain a new perspective and notice more unanticipated moments. It’s ok to have your routines if they aren’t so rigid that you imprison your mindfulness.

8. Learn from Your Past

Do you remember sitting in your high school history class and wonder if any of these dates, events, or long-gone people have anything to do with you? You may not be a history buff but learning from the past is crucial for understanding the present. Historical events can also provide perspective and a possible indicator for the future.

Before the advent of human writing, early humans passed on their history, traditions, and culture orally. Children listened at their elders’ feet and gave the same stories to their children from generation to generation. Even prehistoric humans realized that the stability of the future depended on lessons from the past.

What are some things in your past that can help interpret your life situations today? Even negative experiences can be used as tools for learning and growing as a person. Keeping a daily journal is one way you can reflect on past experiences to gauge your physical, mental, and spiritual progress.

9. Talk to Other Intuitive People

Is having a sixth sense just a figure of social imagination? An article published by Psychological Research and Behavioral Management suggests that intuitive feelings may have a genetic link. If so, it stands to reason that you may meet countless people who are in tune with their inner thoughts.

Casually bring up the subject when you’re talking with family and friends. If you are psychically sensitive, there’s a big chance some people in your family are too. Share information and learn from each other’s experiences. Avoid being argumentative with those who have different views on spiritual communication.

10. Use Tarot or Oracle Cards

When you learn to expand your intuitive side, tools like tarot or oracle cards can be helpful. Nobody can accurately predict future events, and divination tools were not designed to do so.

Instead, tarot, oracle cards, and other tools are meant to help you identify and listen more to your gut feelings. Each card and layout are entirely subjective to you, the reader. You can find excellent books and online articles about using cards and other divination tools for your spiritual growth.

11. Practice Mindful Breathing

If you had to “remember” to breathe, you would probably die within minutes. Fortunately, the brain’s autopilot system takes care of your respiration without you giving it a second thought. However, mindful breathing means that you are “aware” of your breaths and whether you are inhaling and exhaling correctly.

Mindful breathing is a standard of yoga and other meditative practices. As you relax, inhale deeply through your nostrils and slowly exhale through your mouth. The fresh oxygen rejuvenates your body and brain and clears your mind of needless clutter.

12. Ask Your Spirit Guides to Manifest

Most spiritual traditions around the world recognize life forces that transcend human dimensions. Whether you call this force a deity, angels, ascended masters, or the Universe, they are here to accompany you on your journey to realize your intuition.

While you meditate, you must visualize and welcome your spirit guides into your thoughts. It doesn’t matter how you identify them. They will gladly manifest themselves in a way that you can understand and benefit from their eternal knowledge.

13. Look for Signs

The best way to see an unfamiliar concept in action is to test it. If you believe that you are intuitively gifted, ask your spirit guides or the Universe for a sign. Make it something specific, like finding a white feather today.

Don’t be surprised when you get your request answered, and it will help you become more sensitive to other spiritual signs that you’ve never noticed until now.

14. Follow the Law of Attraction

Remember the old saying that birds of a feather flock together? The law of attraction is glaringly evident in the natural and spiritual world. You can expect to attract positive outcomes and influential people in your life if you are brimming with negativity.

Your intuition is part of your thought processes, and they’re the essential way you bring things into your life, whether positive or negative. As you learn to trust your sixth sense more, it can help you align with the Universe to attract the things you’re destined to have. The key is learning how to keep a positive attitude and having the courage to change negative beliefs and habits.

Final Thoughts on Accessing Your Intuition

Most people have an intuitive side. You can expand your inner voice by studying, listening, and practicing. While you’ll always have hits and misses in life, your sixth sense can be a tool to help you navigate and understand your intuition better.

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

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!