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Ozone Damage Increase Due to Pollution, According to Science

December 21, 2020 by Kristen Lawrence

New research found that increasing pollution over the past two decades resulted in higher ozone levels. While this may seem obvious, no previous study about ozone used data collected directly by commercial aircraft.

In the study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers gathered measurements from aircraft on international flights. They discovered increasing ozone levels in the lowest part of Earth’s atmosphere in the Northern Hemisphere over the last two decades.

This occurs even as tighter emission controls have lowered ground-level ozone in certain areas of North America and Europe. Despite better regulations, the ozone levels in Earth’s atmosphere continue to rise. Called tropospheric ozone, it occurs between Earth’s surface and 12 to 15 kilometers above Earth. The greenhouse gas can lead to lung damage in humans and kill plants at high levels.

What climate experts have to say

“That’s a big deal because it means that as we try to limit our pollution locally, it might not work as well as we thought,” said Audrey Gaudel, the study’s lead author and a Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) scientist at NOAA. She said that she and her colleagues found the largest increases in ozone in the tropics. Gaudel went on to say that ozone exported from the tropics may cause increases in other areas of the Northern Hemisphere. She and other researchers from CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder contributed to the study.

Gaudel and her co-authors, CIRES scientists in NOAA and international colleagues, discovered the greatest ozone increases in areas where it had been lowest previously. Malaysia/Indonesia, Southeast Asia, and India, for example, had the highest levels. However, between 1994-2004, those regions had low ozone levels. Between 2011 and 2016, those areas saw dramatic increases.

Gaudel said that prior studies couldn’t draw definite conclusions on the data due to a few long-term monitoring locations. Also, new satellites record data globally, so the results on ozone trends vary widely. Taking this into account, the researchers decided to use aircraft data from Europe’s In-Service Aircraft for the Global Observing System (IAGOS) program.

“Since 1994, IAGOS has measured ozone worldwide using the same instrument on every plane, giving us consistent measurements over time and space from Earth’s surface to the upper troposphere,” Gaudel said. Between 1994 and 2016, commercial aircraft took 34,600 different ozone measurements or four profiles each day. Using these measurements, Gaudel and her team analyzed changes in tropospheric ozone from the mid-1990s to 2016. They calculated these changes in ozone above 11 regions in the Northern Hemisphere.

A scientists explains these trends

They discovered an upward trend in ozone in all 11 regions, including four in the mid-latitudes and two in the subtropics. Also, they found an increase in two areas of the tropics and three equatorial regions. On average, the median values had risen by 5% per decade.

In the lower troposphere, which sits closer to Earth, ozone levels have decreased above some mid-latitude regions in Europe and the U.S. Here. Tighter ozone emission controls have led to reductions in pollution. However, these decreases have been offset by increases in the upper troposphere. This resulted in an increase in ozone overall from the surface to 12 km into the atmosphere.

What caused these changes in ozone levels?

The team analyzed emissions of one of the main drivers of ozone increases – nitrogen oxides – to understand what caused these changes. They input this data for the global chemistry transport model MERRA-2 GMI, which accurately reproduces the IAGOS measurements. This model showed that increased emissions in the tropics likely caused the subsequent increase in the Northern Hemisphere.

After taking this data into account, the team wants to focus on the tropics’ ozone levels for future studies. They believe Africa may soon become a global hotspot for air pollution precursors, and the IAGOS data will show recent trends there. The team will also compare tropical measurements from IAGOS with measurements from the NASA Atmospheric Tomography (ATom) field campaign. This measures small levels of gases and aerosol particles in more isolated, less polluted regions, including tropics.

Finally, the team will eventually analyze measurements from TROPOMI, an instrument on a European Space Agency satellite that gathers data on atmospheric composition.

“We want to understand the variability of ozone and its precursors and the impact of polluted regions on remote regions,” Gaudel said. “So we’re using the best tools we have, including IAGOS, ATom data, and TROPOMI data, to get profiles and columns of ozone and its precursors from different kinds of human activities and natural sources.”

What does this data mean?

With all of this data, they will better understand how pollution affects these levels, especially in areas near the tropics. According to the Climate & Clean Air Coalition, tropospheric ozone air pollution causes around 1 million premature deaths worldwide. It also leads to millions of chronic diseases, especially in the elderly and small children. Furthermore, it results in further warming of the atmosphere, worsening climate change.

In the stratosphere, ozone helps shield life on Earth from the Sun’s potent ultraviolet rays. However, in lower troposphere levels, a build-up leads to human and ecosystem damage. It also contributes greatly to smog, found mostly in large urban cities such as Los Angeles and New Delhi.

Experts say that limiting ozone in lower atmosphere levels boils down to reducing methane and cutting fossil fuels. Also, reducing pollution from agriculture will greatly aid in reducing tropospheric ozone. Ozone causes global crop production losses totaling 79-121 million tonnes, equaling $11-18 billion annually.

Final thoughts on ozone increase due to pollution

Experts have found a direct link between increasing ozone levels and pollution worldwide. Malaysia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, and India show particularly high levels of ozone in recent years. While emission controls have been enforced in North America and European areas, this only reduces ground-level ozone. In higher levels of the atmosphere, that amount increases, leading to health problems and crop failure.

Climate experts and researchers say that reducing methane and fossil fuel production can lower ozone levels. Greener technologies can lead to better health for humans and the planet, giving us a better quality of life.

Researchers Link Decreased Gut Microbiome to Everyday Chemicals

December 20, 2020 by Kristen Lawrence

Scientists began studying the gut microbiome more extensively in recent years, and have found that household chemicals decrease diversity. A team of researchers discovered a reduction in beneficial fungi and bacteria in the guts of children exposed to harmful chemicals.

This groundbreaking research was published on November 2, 2020, in Environmental Science and Technology Letters. The lead author and assistant professor in the Washington State University Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Courtney Gardner and Duke University researchers performed this study.

Scientists hope that their research will further knowledge of how semi-volatile organic compounds impact human gut bacteria. These compounds commonly occur in most indoor environments due to their widespread use in building materials, furniture, textiles, and other everyday products. Researchers believe that SVOC’s may harm the gut microbiome and lead to a weakened immune system.

What is the gut microbiome?

The total microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and their overall genetic material, make up the microbiome. The microbes in our gut help with various bodily functions, including nutrient absorption to immune system regulation. It may surprise you to know that you have more bacterial cells than human cells; technically, you’re more bacteria than human! Humans have around 40 trillion bacterial cells and 30 trillion human cells.

All these microbes may weigh as much as 2-5 pounds, around the same weight as your brain. The gut microbiome acts as a second organ and affects your health in numerous ways. A healthy gut aids in the following bodily processes:

Digesting breast milk: Some of the first bacteria known to grow inside babies’ intestines are called Bifidobacteria. These bacteria digest the sugars in breast milk, which help the baby grow.
Digesting fiber: Certain bacteria digest fiber and produce short-chain fatty acids, which promote a healthy gut. Fiber can help prevent weight gain and diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Boosting your immune system: The gut microbiome helps your immune system respond to threats better. If you get an infection, healthy gut bacteria will communicate with immune cells to mitigate the infectious cells. By communicating with immune cells, the gut microbiome can control how your body responds to infection.
Helping control brain health: Research in the past few years suggests that the gut microbiome directly impacts the nervous system, and therefore, mental health.

Beneficial gut bacteria can also help control your weight, prevent digestive disorders, boost heart health, and lower blood sugar. However, an unhealthy gut microbiome may lead to diseases such as obesity, asthma, dementia, and more. Now that you know the importance and function of gut bacteria let’s go over the study mentioned above.

Study about household chemicals and gut bacteria

The researchers took measurements of ubiquitous semi-organic compounds in 69 toddlers’ and preschoolers’ blood and urine for the study. Then, they took fecal samples to study the children’s gut bacteria. The semi-volatile organic compounds they measured included the following:

phthalates, found in detergents, plastic clothing such as raincoats, shower curtains, and toiletries such as soap, shampoo, and hair spray
per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), found in stain- and water-repellent fabrics, coatings for carpets and furniture, nonstick cooking products, polishes, paints, and cleaning products.

Unfortunately, most people get exposed to these chemicals in their homes each day by breathing in air and dust particles. Children may ingest them when they crawl, play on carpets, or put objects in their mouths.

After taking samples from the children, they measured the levels of fungi and bacteria in their gut microbiome. They found that children with higher levels of bloodstream chemicals had a less diverse gut microbiome. Children with higher levels of PFASs in their blood showed a reduced population and diversity of bacteria. Those with higher levels of phthalates showed a reduction in fungi populations.

The research team expressed concern about these findings.

Gardner said they found the connection between everyday chemicals and fewer gut bacteria very pronounced and concerning.

“These microbes are perhaps not the main drivers and may have more subtle roles in our biology, but it might be the case that one of these microbes does have a unique function, and decreasing its levels may have significant health impacts,” she said.

Sadly, researchers discovered that children with high levels of SVOC’s in their blood also had other harmful bacteria in their gut. They found several types of bacteria that the gut uses to clean up toxic chemicals. Called dehalogenation, bacteria have been used for bioremediation to break down chemicals like cleaning solvents from the environment. However, scientists normally don’t find these in human gut bacteria.

“Finding the increased levels of these types of bacteria in the gut means that, potentially, the gut microbiome is trying to correct itself,” Gardner said.

She hopes that the information gleaned from the study will improve human health in the future. Perhaps better diagnostic tools or probiotics will become available.

“While these data do not denote causation, they offer an indication of the types of organisms that may be impacted by exposure to these compounds and provide a springboard for future research,” she said. “Gaining a more holistic understanding of the interactions between human-made chemicals, gut microbiome, and human health is a critical step in advancing public health.”

Here are ten incredibly good reasons why you should add probiotics to your menu.

Final thoughts on the link between the decreased gut microbiome and everyday chemicals

Consumer advocate groups lobbied to issue warnings about the dangers of our household cleaners and building materials. Companies may not have known about the risks when creating these products, but now, consumers have to deal with the consequences. Unfortunately, these chemicals have the potential to interfere with our gut health and disrupt our natural microbiome.

In a recent study, scientists found that children who had high levels of SVOC’s in their blood showed decreased gut bacteria diversity. This means they will have a harder time fighting off disease and infection. The researchers hope that more options for increasing diversity and the number of gut bacteria will become available in the future.

Scientists Discover a New Link Between Autism and Sound Sensitivity

December 20, 2020 by Kristen Lawrence

Surprisingly, zebrafish have been helping scientists to decode the connection between autism and sound sensitivity. For the study, the Queensland Brain Institute’s Associate Professor Ethan Scott and Dr. Lena Constantin compared genetic mutations in humans and zebrafish.

They took fish with the same genetic makeup as humans with Fragile X syndrome and autism. When they compared the neural networks and pathways which cause sound sensitivity, the researchers discovered striking similarities.

“Loud noises often cause sensory overload and anxiety in people with autism and Fragile X syndrome — sensitivity to sound is common to both conditions,” Dr. Constantin said.

“We think the brain is transmitting more auditory information because it is being filtered and adjusted differently.”

“Half of males and one-fifth of females with Fragile X syndrome also meet the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder.”

Dr. Gilles Vanwalleghem and Rebecca Poulsen, also from the Queensland Brain Institute, contributed to studying how zebrafish interpret their world. They wanted to examine how neurons function together to process stimuli and information.

Before we go any further, let’s discuss some of the symptoms and characteristics of both Fragile X syndrome and autism. Both of them involve sound sensitivity but have a few key differences.

What is Fragile X syndrome?

The FMR1 gene, located on the X chromosome, makes a protein called FMR, which aids nerve cells in communication. A child’s brain requires this protein for normal development. Children with fragile X syndrome do not make this protein; if they have other fragile X-associated disorders, they may still make some FMR.

What causes it?

People with this condition have too many copies of a DNA segment known as CGG. In most people without the condition, this segment repeats anywhere from 5 to 40 times. In people with fragile X, it repeats more than 200 times. The more times the DNA segment repeats itself, the more severe the symptoms.

Children with a mother who carries the FMR1 gene mutation have a 50% chance of developing the condition. A father can only pass Fragile X to his daughters. Boys have a higher likelihood of developing Fragile X than girls and tend to have worse symptoms. This occurs because girls have two copies of the X chromosome, so even if one has the gene change, the other may not.

Boys have one X and one Y chromosome. So, if the X chromosome carries the gene mutation, they will have Fragile X syndrome. However, some people can inherit the condition without showing symptoms. Called carriers, they can still pass the gene mutation to their offspring.

Symptoms of Fragile X syndrome

Trouble learning developmental skills like sitting, crawling, or walking
Language and speech difficulties
Hand-flapping and avoiding eye contact
Temper tantrums
Poor impulse control
Anxiety
Sound sensitivity, as well as high sensitivity to light
Hyperactivity and trouble paying attention
Aggressive and self-destructive behavior in boys

Children may also exhibit physical changes to their body, such as an enlarged head, long, narrow face, and large ears. They may also have a large forehead and chin, loose joints, flat feet, and enlarged testicles (after puberty).

Characteristics and signs of autism

Autism, a developmental disorder that includes problems with communication and behavior, also involves sound sensitivity. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and children with it may need special learning environments. Autism occurs four times more often in boys than in girls. Most of the time, parents will notice symptoms before the child turns 3.

Common symptoms of autism include the following:

Not making eye contact
A narrow range of interests or intense interest in certain topics
Doing something over and over, like repeating words or phrases, rocking back and forth, or flipping a lever.
High sound sensitivity, as well as to touches, smells, or sights that seem ordinary to other people
Not looking at or listening to other people.
Not looking at things when another person points at them.
Rejecting cuddles or human touch.
Problems understanding or using speech, gestures, facial expressions, or tone of voice
Talking in a sing-song, flat, or robotic voice
Trouble adapting to changes in routine

So, how can zebrafish help us understand autism and Fragile X syndrome in humans better? The experts reveal some fascinating discoveries about the similarities between the neurons in humans and zebrafish.

The study

“Fragile X syndrome is caused by the disruption of one gene, so we can disrupt that single gene in zebrafish and see the effects,” Dr. Vanwalleghem said.

“We are able to study the whole brain of the zebrafish larvae under the microscope and see the activity of each brain cell individually.”

Dr. Constantin explained that the team recorded zebrafish larvae’s brain activity while playing clips of sound or showing them movies.

“The movies simulate movement or predators — the reaction to these visual stimuli was the same for fish with Fragile X mutations and those without,” Dr. Constantin said.

“But when we gave the fish a burst of white noise, there was a dramatic difference in the brain activity in Fragile X model fish.”

When they observed how the sudden sounds affected the fish, the team designed a range of 12 different volumes of sound. They discovered that the fish with Fragile X characteristics heard more subtle noises than the other fish.

“The fish with Fragile X mutations had more connections between different regions of their brain, and their responses to the sounds were more plentiful in the hindbrain and thalamus,” Dr. Constantin said.

The thalamus functions as a control center in the brain, sending sensory information from the body to portions of the brain. The hindbrain coordinates behavioral responses. Dr. Constantin says that the way neural pathways develop and respond to stimuli shows which parts of the brain are used and how we process sensations.

“Using the zebrafish, we’ve been able to see a lot more detail and, for the first time, seen more activity in the hindbrain, which we’re keen to explore further.”

“We hope that by discovering fundamental information about how the brain processes sound, we will gain further insights into the sensory challenges faced by people with Fragile X syndrome and autism.”

Creative Expressions of Health and Positivity with Art Therapy

December 20, 2020 by Positive Vibes

Art has always been an expression of self. Looking to help those suffering from mental health issues, it should come as no surprise that art has become a therapeutic tool. Art therapy has helped all generations develop their creative side while exploring what ails them. Utilizing creative processes also helps those looking to enhance their well-being, self-confidence, and social skills. Going beyond just coloring between the lines, art therapy offers something for everyone, in good times and bad.

Art Therapy?

According to the American Art Therapy Association,

“Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.”

This shows how art therapy has evolved, merging artistic techniques with psychological concepts.

Despite artistic expression having centuries of examples, art therapy is actually a relatively new field. In 1942, a British artist named Adrian Hill noted that it was art that helped him not only recover from tuberculosis. Indeed, it kept his emotions from overwhelming him.

The actual profession started in 1915 with the Mother of Art Therapy, Margaret Naumburg, when she founded the Walden School in New York that promoted artistic freedoms in children. Today, counselors use art therapy to resolve situations from domestic violence shelters to skilled nursing facilities. All of these counselors strive to facilitate healing in a positive setting.

Types of Art Therapy

Perhaps the basic principle behind art therapy is that you need not be gifted. That’s because there is no right or wrong way to express yourself artistically. Individuals can use the technique that they feel most comfortable with. Thankfully, there are a few to choose from.

Painting:

Oil, acrylics, or watercolors offer individuals the ability to express themselves with a paintbrush and whatever canvas they choose. While this freeform is soothing, professionals use caution with those struggling with perfectionism and poor self-confidence as controlling paint is much harder than a simple crayon.

Drawing:

With so many drawing utensils and papers, drawing is a preferred choice for art therapists with clients who have cognitive or motor skill difficulties. Certified art therapists know how to match an individual’s drawing with a specific mental health disorder. While not the primary diagnostic tool, this ability gives clinicians valuable insight into an individual’s thought processes and emotions.

Collages:

Through manipulations of items already constructed materials like photos and magazine pictures, the individual can build a glimpse into their mind. Those who participate learn how to use creativity outside of therapeutic settings. It can help individuals envision their goals like jobs they may want, spiritual awakening cues, or where they see themselves in the future.

Writing:

Creative expression isn’t limited to only colors. Journaling, writing letters, or simply telling a story on paper are ways to help trauma survivors put their thoughts into words. Writing also helps individuals to capture their feelings of the moment or, once again, be used for goal attainment. Individuals could also mix drawing or painting with writing to develop a masterpiece that helps their well-being.

There are other techniques such as sculpture or photography. And in truth, no artistic expression is off the table for use.

Final Thoughts: What Can Art Therapy Really Do?

Whether you are using the artistic expression for help with troubling times or attempting to visualize your future, art is working in places you may not think it could. Here is how harnessing the power of creativity helps people heal:

Improvement of cognitive processes, including critical thinking and memory.
Promote insight, especially with overcoming problems or goal achievement.
Build emotional resilience through enhancing self, helping them adapt to stressful events.
Reduce conflict by bringing negative emotions expressing.
Enhancing the individual’s self-esteem and self-awareness.

The future of art therapy and the use of artistic creation brings with it endless possibilities. No matter where you find yourself in this world right now, positively expressing your feelings, hopes, and dreams could help you live your best life!

15 Quotes on Death for Your Hour of Need

December 19, 2020 by Sarah Barkley

Losing a loved one is hard, but these quotes on death help you in your hour of need. They will give you inspiration for going through the grieving process. Plus, the quotes on death included below will remind you that you aren’t alone in this situation.

The death of a loved one is life-changing, but these quotes on death will help you get through. With the motivation of those who have been through it before, you will feel better as you grieve.

During your hardest times, these quotes on death will be a shining moment in your day. Read them now and remember them later so that you can recall them in your moment of need.

Fifteen Quotes on Death

Take comfort from these fifteen quotes to help you with your grief.

1. “What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller

The love you felt for someone who has died can never be taken away from you. It will be in your heart always, and you can pull it up anytime you need it. You can’t lose the way you feel or any of the memories that were created.

2. “Love is stronger than death even though it can’t stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries, it can’t separate people from love. It can’t take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death.” – Anonymous

Death is inevitable, as you already know. Love is still stronger than death, however, even if it can’t be stopped.

Even in death, the love that was shared can’t be taken away. You will always have the memories and feelings, no matter what, which is why life is stronger than death.

3. “I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought, and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.” – Leo Buscaglia

As seems to be the theme in these quotes on death, the people you love are never truly gone. Although they may pass away, they are always with you in your spirit and heart.

They have left an influence on your life that will never diminish. Your actions and decisions will always portray the people who are no longer on the earth. They leave a mark in your life that can never be taken away.

4. “Everyone copes differently, some cry for the loss of a loved one, others smile because they know they’ll see them again.” – Unknown

Don’t feel bad about the way that you are grieving. Remember that everyone goes through this process differently. So, whether you cry or smile, know that you are doing just fine and that this hour of need will eventually pass.

5. “Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.” – Rumi

Just because you can’t see someone doesn’t mean they aren’t there anymore. The people you love are always with you, and that is something that can never be taken.

6. “Grief is the last act of love we can give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love.” – Anonymous

When you grieve for someone, it is a show of love for them. Don’t feel bad for going through it, because it just shows how special that person was to you. Allow yourself to go through the process and remember that it is all out of love for them.

7. “When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” – Kahlil Gibran

While death is hard, it helps to look back on the memories you shared with the person. Recalling these memories can help you cope with the loss and enjoy their presence once more. Look back on those memories and remember how happy that person made you.

8. “Our joys will be greater; our love will be deeper, our life will be fuller because we shared your moment.” – Unknown

Each person you love leaves an impact on your life. Your life will be better, you will love stronger, and your life will be more fulfilled because of it. Remember this in your hour of need because your relationship with that person is everlasting.

9. “It matters not how a man dies, but how he lives. The act of dying is not of importance. It lasts so short a time.” – Samuel Johnson

What a person does when they are alive is what truly matters and is what will last forever. If the person you lost left even a small impact on someone on earth, they are still here. Please don’t fixate on their death and instead fixate on the good they did while they were here.

10. “The pain of missing you is a beautiful reminder of the joy of loving you.” – Dean Jackson

Each time you feel sad or confused by a death, remind yourself of the joy they brought to you. Even through the pain, you can feel a little joy in the memories.

11. “No rule book. No time frame. No judgment. Grief is as individual as a fingerprint. Do what is right for your soul.” – Michelle Steinke-Baumgard

Everyone goes through the grieving process differently. It takes a different amount of time for each person, and everyone will follow different paths to get by. This process is unique to everyone, so remember this as you go through it.

12. “The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not ‘get over’ the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal, and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again, but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same nor would you want to.” – Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Grief isn’t something that ever suddenly ends, and it isn’t something that you can get over. As Kübler-Ross explains, you will feel better and learn to go on, but you will change.

As you change, your life will, as well. You will find a new sense of normalcy, and you will feel complete again. Even still, you won’t get over the death of a loved one, but you will learn to live with it.

13. “Grief is a most peculiar thing; we’re so helpless in the face of it. It’s like a window that will simply open of its own accord. The room grows cold, and we can do nothing but shiver. But it opens a little less each time, and a little less; and one day we wonder what has become of it.” – Arthur Golden

You can’t control grief. It will come and go as it pleases and will hit you when you least expect it. As Golden describes, it is like a window that opens on its own and lets in cold air unexpectedly. You will suddenly feel it with no warning at all.

Luckily, over time, it will happen less and less. While you will still miss the person you lost, the grief won’t hit you so overwhelmingly and unexpectedly anymore.

14. “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – A.A. Milne

There is no denying that the death of a loved one is hard to come to terms with. Try to remind yourself of how lucky you were to have had them in your life, however. Not everyone got that pleasure, but you were one of the lucky ones who did.

15. “When those you love die, the best you can do is honor their spirit for as long as you live. You make a commitment that you’re going to take whatever lesson that person or animal was trying to teach you, and you make it true in your own life. It’s a positive way to keep their spirit alive in the world by keeping it alive in yourself.” – Patrick Swayze

Whatever it was that was important to the person you lost, see it through. Live the way that they would have wanted you to, and honor their spirit as often as you can. When you do this, you are keeping them alive inside of you.

Final Thoughts on Quotes on Death for Your Hour of Need

It is never easy to deal with the loss of a loved one. These quotes on death will help you get through the hard times, however, and help you through the grieving process.

Reading them will remind you to think of all the happy times spent with your loved one. Plus, they will help you remember how lucky you were to have them in your life for as long as you did.

While these quotes on death won’t heal you, they will help ease your pain. Remember them in the moments you need them the most, and you will feel your loved one there with you.

15 Quotes on Peace to Remember Forever

December 19, 2020 by Sarah Barkley

Being at peace is important to living a happy and fulfilled life. As these quotes on peace will explain, everyone is capable of finding peace with the right mindset. It is only a matter of figuring out how and remembering how to always work on it.

With peace, you can deal with things in a better way, and life will become simpler. You might experience fewer enemies, less anxiety, decreased depression, and you will be more resilient to hardships. These quotes on peace serve as a reminder that peace is only obtained with the right mindset.

You are the only one who can control your mind, so you are the one who has to find inner peace. Expecting other people, places, or things to bring you peace will leave you waiting forever. So, work on becoming peaceful so that you can live the kind of life you desire and the one that you deserve.

Through the words of others, you will find motivation and inspiration to become or remain peaceful. With compassion, love, and forgiveness of yourself and others, you are sure to be at peace. If you find yourself struggling, later on, come back and re-read these quotes on peace.

Fifteen Quotes on Peace You Will Always Remember

1. “You will find peace not by trying to escape your problems, but by confronting them courageously. You will find peace not in denial, but in victory.” – J. Donald Walters

Running from your problems won’t bring you any closer to a peaceful mind. You have to address your problems head-on and work through them. You will find peace by addressing it, but in denying it, you would likely sacrifice peacefulness.

2. “Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace.” – Albert Schweitzer

Being compassionate is essential to finding peace, as Schweitzer explains. If you aren’t sympathetic to others and don’t show concern for them, you will lack peace forever. Work on being compassionate always so that you can always find peace in your life.

3. “Peace comes from being able to contribute the best that we have, and all that we are, toward creating a world that supports everyone. But it is also securing the space for others to contribute the best that they have and all that they are.” – Hafsat Abiola

When you give your all and support everyone around you, then you will find peace. You can’t do all of the work yourself, however. It is still important that you allow others to contribute, as well, because this also plays a role in finding peace.

4. “You who want peace can find it only by complete forgiveness.” – Helen Schucman

Without forgiveness, you will always feel a little lost. You have to forgive others completely so that you can let go of the negative feelings. Once you have forgiven, you will experience peace once again.

5. “Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” – Saint Francis de Sales

If you do things calmly and enjoy all the little things you do, your life will be more peaceful. On the other hand, when you are always in a hurry, you lose your sense of peace. So, even when things seem crazy, remain calm, and work through all the hiccups peacefully.

6. “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” – Dalai Lama

This quote on peace is an important one to remember because peace must start within. You have to be at peace with yourself before you can live a peaceful life.

This means that any internal conflicts you are struggling with must be resolved right away. Forgive yourself for the mistakes you have made, and work on any other conflicts you are dealing with. Once these things have been resolved, you can find peace in the rest of the world.

7. “If you are depressed you are living in the past if you are anxious you are living in the future, if you are at peace, you are living in the present.” – Lao Tzu

Try to focus only on the present instead of on the past or the future. The only moment you can control is the one you are in right now. If you can live in the present, you will be sure to find peace quickly.

8. “Peace is not simply the absence of violence; it is the cultivation of understanding, insight, and compassion, combined with action.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

While the absence of violence is a huge part of peace, it is not the only thing that peace involves. You also have to understand others and gain insight into things you don’t yet understand. Plus, as stated before, you have to be compassionate, and your actions should reflect this.

9. “Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures.” – John F. Kennedy

Becoming peaceful isn’t something that happens once and then sticks around forever. You have to work on it constantly. This involves changing your opinion sometimes, letting down your walls, and building on new ideas.

10. “We each possess what is needed to create peace on earth. We all know how to love, we just need to practice using that knowledge in all aspects of life.” – Lisa Prosen

Everyone is capable of finding peace and bringing peace to the world. As long as you show love to others, you are spreading peace to all. Remember this and work on it constantly so that you can always be at peace with yourself.

11. “Peace brings with it so many positive emotions that it is worth aiming for in all circumstances.” – Estella Eliot

Even when it seems hard to live peacefully and let things happen as they are supposed to, you have to work on it. It will bring so much positivity to your life that it will always be worth it. Remember Eliot’s words as you deal with tough situations so that you can continue to be at peace.

12. “Don’t hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen: this is the path to peace.” – Epictetus

Things don’t always work out the way you want them to, so it is best to stop hoping they will. Instead, hope that they work out in the best way or the way they were meant to happen. Then, accept things as they are because you can’t change the way things happen.

13. “No person, no place, and no thing has any power over us, for ‘we’ are the only thinkers in our mind. When we create peace and harmony and balance in our minds, we will find it in our lives.” – Louise L. Hay

You are the only one who has power over your mind, and there is nothing else that can control it. Your thoughts are what make your life what it is, so work on positive and peaceful thinking. If you can find the good in all moments, you will be happier and more peaceful.

14. “If you want peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.”-Desmond Tutu

You are already at peace with your friends, so talking to them won’t bring more peace to your life. The relationships that are causing problems are the ones you have with your enemies. You have to talk to them and work through your problems so that you can find peace again.

15. “Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” – Ronald Reagan

As Reagan explains, there will be conflict even in peaceful situations. Life is full of conflict, but the determining factor is the way that you handle it. If you can remain calm and peaceful as you work through the conflict, you will remain at peace with yourself and others.

Final Thoughts on Quotes on Peace to Remember Forever

Life isn’t always easy, and things don’t always work out the way you wanted them. Even so, these quotes on peace will help you remain at peace through it all. You will learn to accept things as they are with the knowledge that things work out the way they are supposed to.

Stay compassionate, show love always and to everyone, and forgive anyone who needs forgiveness. This means you have to treat yourself this way, too, because inner peace must come first.

If you find that you aren’t at peace, remember these quotes on peace and all the insight they offer. You will find the inspiration and advice you need, and you will be able to find peace once again.

Here are 15 Quotes on Dogs to Bring You Joy

December 19, 2020 by Sarah Barkley

Dogs are special animals, and they make one of the best pets, as these quotes on dogs will explain. They will give you love and loyalty, and they will make your life brighter.

You can always count on your dog, and sharing secrets won’t be an issue. Since your pet can’t speak, anything you say or do in front of them will remain between the two of you. You can’t ask for a better friend than that in life.

If you have a dog, you already know how special they are. They are excited every time they see you, and they will always leave you feeling loved and appreciated. Plus, they can brighten your day no matter what is going on.

When the stress of your daily life seems to be overwhelming, take a step back, and change your thoughts. Try thinking of your pet or your favorite dog, instead. Then, remember these quotes on dogs so that you can have some joy in your day.

Quotes on Dogs

1. “The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.” – M.K. Clinton

When humans make mistakes, other humans tend to have a hard time forgiving them. A dog, on the other hand, has no issues with forgiveness.

Dogs will love you no matter what you do, and they will never hold anything against you. If humans could be this way, there would be much less hate in the world, as Clinton explains.

2. “I like dogs. You always know what a dog is thinking. It has four moods. Happy, sad, cross, and concentrating. Also, dogs are faithful, and they do not tell lies because they cannot talk.” – Mark Haddon

Dogs have less variety in their emotions than people do. It is easier to figure out their mood because of this. Plus, you can always trust your dog with your secrets since they can’t tell anyone what you say.

3. “It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.” – John Grogan

Dogs make everyone around them happier and open hearts to love. They can bring a smile to most people’s faces, and they can draw people together, too. People gravitate toward dogs because of the joy they bring, causing humans to gravitate toward one another.

4. “When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.” – Anthony Douglas Williams

When you love a dog, you stop looking at them as an animal, as Williams explains. Instead, you see a friend or a companion. You see someone you can spend your time with and share your secrets with.

5. “The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too.” – Samuel Butler

No matter what you do in front of your dog, it won’t nag you or laugh at you. He will think your behavior is fine and will, in turn, behave foolishly, as well. This is why having a dog around is often better than having another human around.

6. “After years of having a dog, you know him. You know the meaning of his snuffs and grunts and barks. Every twitch of the ears is a question or statement, every wag of the tail is an exclamation.” – Robert McCammon

Pet owners learn to understand and know their dogs well. The sounds and behaviors will become an unspoken communication between you and your pet. Before you know it, you will know just what your pet wants or needs as soon as they try to communicate it.

7. “No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as much as the dog does.” – Christopher Morley

Dogs are great listeners. They love to hear your voice, and they also love the attention they get when you are talking to them.

No matter what you are saying, your dog will appreciate the conversation and listen intently. Even better, you won’t have to worry about being judged as you speak openly and honestly. Plus, your secrets are safe with your dog, and you’ll never have to worry about them telling.

8. You know, a dog can snap you out of any kind of bad mood that you’re in faster than you can think of.” – Jill Abramson

When you are having a bad day, you likely already know that a moment with your dog will cheer you up. No other coping mechanism seems to work as quickly as time spent with your pet. So, the next time you could use a boost, make sure to head home for some cuddle time with your dog.

9. “No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you feel rich.” – Louis Sabin

Dogs don’t care what you own or how much money you have. All that they care about is being loved and having a human to spend their time with. Remember this, and you will always feel like you have everything you need or want because you have your dog.

10. “Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell.” – Emily Dickinson

Your dog sees most of the things you do and hears everything you say. Even still, they do not tell anyone what they have seen or heard because they can’t speak. This is why many pet owners feel it is better to spend time with dogs instead of people.

11. “Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation, and almost as good for the soul as prayer.” – Dean Koontz

Feeling the fur of your pet is therapeutic and will help you think more clearly. It will ease your mind and calm your heart, no matter what the problem is. Spending time cuddled up with your pet is the perfect way to take care of yourself.

12. “For me, a house or an apartment becomes a home when you add one set of four legs, a happy tail, and that indescribable measure of love that we call a dog.” – Roger Caras

A pet dog adds a special touch to your home. They make it feel cozy, and they will make it seem full of life and love.

13. “Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith, and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made.” – Roger A. Caras

Dogs are truly loyal to their owners and to those that care for them and love them. They idolize their humans and show faith, trust, and love to them always. Even so, they don’t demand much in return.

As Caras explains, this is an amazing deal that humans have made. They receive so much unconditional love and loyalty from their pet and only have to give scraps in return.

14. “A dog doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart, and he will give you his.” – John Grogan

As stated in one of the other quotes on dogs, pets don’t care what you have. They don’t care if you have an advanced education or barely any education at all. As love as you give them love, a dog will love you and be loyal to you.

15. “Fall in love with a dog, and in many ways; you enter a new orbit, a universe that features not just new colors but new rituals, new rules, a new way of experiencing attachment.” – Caroline Knapp

A dog will completely change your world. They will open your eyes to a new lifestyle, and you’ll develop new habits and routines that revolve around them. Plus, you will become attached to your pet in a way you never knew was possible.

Final Thoughts on Quotes on Dogs to Bring You Joy

As these quotes on dogs explain, you can receive so much joy from having one around. If you already have a dog, then you already know this. These quotes on dogs will be a nice reminder of how lucky you are, even if you already know.

If you don’t have a dog, these quotes on dogs may convince you to run out and get one. They will be your best friend and your most loyal companion. You will be able to trust them and count on them in all phases of life.

Whether you have a dog or not, however, these quotes on dogs can bring you joy. Remember them when you need a boost of happiness in your life, and make sure to share them with others.

15 Humorous Quotes on Marriage

December 18, 2020 by Sarah Barkley

Marriage is one of the best parts of life for those who choose to get married. You move in together, learn all of the little quirks about one another, and start a family together. These humorous quotes on marriage will reveal that those benefits aren’t the only benefits of being married, however.

Marriage should be a joy, and it should leave you laughing and happy. While it is truly a hard relationship to be in, it will be more fulfilling than any other. Marriage has to be worked at, and there will be hardships along the way, so remember always to find the humor.

By finding the funny parts of marriage, you’ll smile and laugh instead of being angry or annoyed. It will make the harder times that much easier to handle, allowing you to get back to a peaceful marriage. Remember these quotes on marriage, and you’ll be sure always to remember to laugh.

Fifteen Funny Quotes on Marriage

1. “We’re all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness–and call it love–true love.” – Robert Fulgham

As Fulgham sums up, life is weird, and every single person is weird in some way. Marriage happens when two weird people come together and combine their weirdness. So, when you think of it this way, love and marriage are a little weird, but they are completely worth it.

2. “If my mother wanted to tell my father something during the game, she had a better chance of him hearing if she bought a ticket and went down there and held up a banner in the stands.” – Ray Romano

One partner in a marriage tends to like sports so much that they tune everything else out. When an intense game is on, it will seem impossible to get through to the relationship’s sports lover.

The best bet for the other partner is to buy a ticket to the game and make a sign to hold up. As Romano jokes, this is the only way to get through to the person watching the game.

3. “The most important four words for a successful marriage: ‘I’ll do the dishes.” – Unknown

Married couples have to help one another out with everything, including the housework. If your spouse often hears you say you’ll do one of the household chores, they’ll instantly be happy. The more often you or your partner does this, the better off your marriage will be.

4. “Marriage is an attempt to solve problems together which you didn’t even have when you were on your own.” – Eddie Cantor

Think about the problems you have to solve with your spouse. Most of them are likely problems you didn’t have before marriage. It will seem like a funny part of marriage that you probably didn’t expect when you realize this.

This isn’t to say avoiding marriage would mean avoiding problems, however. The problems married couples deal with are simply different than those that single people deal with. This doesn’t mean either situation is better than the other.

5. “I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” – Rita Rudner

Everyone is annoying sometimes, and everyone does something that will get on your nerves. This is the same for you because you will be annoying your spouse often during your marriage. The key is to find the person you don’t mind being annoyed by, which feels the same about you.

6. “Marriage is like twirling a baton, turning a handspring or eating with chopsticks; it looks easy until you try it.” – Helen Rowlan

You have likely heard (or experienced) how hard marriage can be. However, it seems easy for those who have never been married, much like people think the things Rowlan mentioned are easy. Once you give it a shot, however, you’ll quickly see how hard it truly is.

Remember that the things in life that are the most worthwhile are the hard ones, though. Marriage is worth every struggle and every hardship. Find the humor in it, and you’ll be reminded that it will be okay.

7. “Being married means mostly shouting “What?” from other rooms” – Unknown

There are many times spouses can’t hear each other. It seems that instead of moving closer to one another, however, they try to shout louder to be heard. This is one of the funniest parts of marriage when you think about it because it is never dreamed about.

8. “Married life teaches one invaluable lesson: to think of things far enough ahead not to say them.” – Jefferson Machamer

You will often find yourself saying things you wish you could take back. Since you can’t take back what has already been said, however, follow the advice given by Machamer.

Next time, plan and think of what effect your words will have. If you think this way, you’ll avoid the regret of saying something offensive to your spouse.

9. “Marriage has no guarantees. If that’s what you’re looking for, go live with a car battery.” – Erma Bombeck

Marriage is unpredictable, and you will never be able to guarantee what will happen next. The minute you think you have things figured out, then you’ll have another thing to overcome.

So, when you get married, remember this. If you are still looking for a guarantee on something, follow Bombeck’s advice and buy a car battery.

10. “For marriage to be a success, every woman and every man should have her and his own bathroom. The end.” – Catherine Zeta-Jones

Many arguments are started because of the state of the bathroom a married couple shares. Everyone likes things a certain way, and it is impossible to share a bathroom and have things remain in place. So, to avoid these never-ending arguments, it is best to have two separate bathrooms.

11. “I married for love. But the obvious side effect of having someone around to find my glasses cannot be ignored.” – Cameron Esposito

While you love the person you married, there are other benefits besides spending your life with your soul mate. One of those benefits is that they can help you find things you have misplaced. Without your spouse, you would have to look all alone and maybe never find what you are looking for.

12. “Marriage is full of surprises, but it’s mostly just asking each other, “Do you have to do that right now?” – Unknown

It seems that when you are in the middle of something, your spouse needs you to do something else. Then, they may ask later why you never got it finished.

Your best bet is to assume that your spouse always wants you to be doing something different than you’re doing. This is a cycle you will notice in marriage, and both partners are equally guilty of this humorous situation.

13. “The best way to get most husbands to do something is to suggest that perhaps they’re too old to do it.” – Ann Bancroft

You can nag your husband for months to get something done, and they still won’t do it. The minute you suggest that they might be too old to do it, they’ll get started on it.

Keep this in mind the next time your husband is putting off a task that you need to be done. It’s a pretty sure way to get them moving, as they will do anything to prove you wrong about them being old.

14. “At every party, there are two kinds of people: those who want to go home and those who don’t. The trouble is, they are usually married to each other.” – Unknown

It would be fine if the person who wanted to stay and the person who wanted to go home came separately. Unfortunately, those two people often came together. This is where one of the biggest sacrifices of marriage comes into play.

15. “It’s fun to complain with someone. Nothing brings us together more than complaining about other people. That might be the thing that holds us together more than anything.” – Lew Schneider

Being married means you will always have someone to complain about. They won’t judge you or tell people what you said, and you’ll feel better afterward.

Plus, you’ll feel closer to your spouse once you have both complained about people together. This strange and humorous benefit to marriage is one that can’t be forgotten.

Final Thoughts on Humorous Quotes on Marriage

While marriage is strange and hard, sometimes, it is also beautiful and wonderful in every way. As these quotes on marriage reveal, marriage is humorous and unexpected. However, accept every unexpected situation and find humor as you go through it with your spouse.

Remembering these funny quotes on marriage will help you through those unexpected times. Plus, they will remind you of the delight you find in your marriage and of the quirks you love about your spouse.

Woman Who Lost 110 Pounds Shares Weight Loss Tips

December 18, 2020 by Kristen Lawrence

Are you looking for weight loss tips from someone who knows the struggles firsthand?

Cassandra, formerly known on Instagram as “shrinkingcass,” managed to lose over 110 pounds on her weight loss journey. Once weighing over 400 pounds at her heaviest, she decided to lose weight because she wanted a better quality of life. While this brave woman knew it would not be easy, Cassandra felt inspired to take her health into her own hands. She also wanted to have the energy to keep up with her young kids and be able to do more with them.

She started by eating healthier, exercising at the gym, going for walks, and doing yoga. Cassandra said she had never really made health and fitness a part of her life, but knew it was not too late to start.

“I love exercise and being active. It is something that wasn’t even a factor in my life before, and now it’s pretty much my favorite hobby,” Cassandra said. She proves that anyone can begin a healthy lifestyle and actually enjoy it, no matter one’s age.

Cassandra Summoned Up Her Determination and Dedication

Her dedication led to her losing over 100 pounds over the course of two years. And Cassandra’s incredible journey showed her the importance of staying in shape and improving her health. Putting all her excuses and limitations aside, she put 100% of her focus on achieving her weight loss goals.

Her advice to anyone out there interested in improving their health and losing weight is to keep going, no matter what.

We all have days where we don’t feel like making a salad or powering through a workout, but those days make you stronger. “You will have bad days, you will have days where you get off track. Sometimes it would even turn into a week or month, and that’s normal, that’s okay,” she said.

As long as you get back on track eventually and return to your goals, don’t beat yourself up about taking a break. Life gets busy and overwhelming sometimes, and it’s equally important to rest your body and mind. Indeed, you can learn to relax without giving up entirely because everyone needs a chance to recharge. “You only fail when you give up. You always have to keep going.”

Do Not Worry About Perfection; It Is the Effort That Counts

We hope that Cassandra’s inspiring advice motivates you to work toward your own goals, whether in fitness or other areas of your life. No matter what you want to achieve, it takes incredible willpower and dedication.

Always give 100%, but remember to allow yourself to recuperate and treat yourself from time to time. Humans aren’t machines. So we shouldn’t expect ourselves to act like them.

Instead of trying to achieve perfection, do the best you can, with what you have and where you’re at. We all begin our journeys at different levels. So don’t compare yourself to others.

All that matters is that you become just a little bit better than you were yesterday. Going on a fifteen or twenty-minute walk will always beat sitting on the couch. So if that’s all you have time for, that is a success. You can always become a better version of yourself, even if you take baby steps.

Cassandra wants you to know that you can achieve anything you set your mind to, as long as you work hard and stay determined! You can always modify exercises and go at your own pace.

While her gym was shut down during the pandemic, Cassandra posted some of her favorite workouts to do from home. She didn’t let the shutdown keep her from her fitness goals, and she inspires many who also had to take a break from the gym.

Yoga Is One of Cassandra’s Favorite Weight Loss Tips (and relaxing, too!)

Cassandra focuses mostly on strength training, but she has found a love for Yoga as well. “Yoga has taught me so much lately, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually as well.

I need it now more than ever, with the craziness that is 2020, and so much uncertainty around the next few weeks. Yoga is truly the best for anxiety and stress relief.”

“Yoga is like my own mini vacation. Especially right now, when we can’t go anywhere or do anything, it’s nice to be able to take a mental break and just unwind and relax! Exercise doesn’t have to be intense or make you sweat in order to be good for your body!”

Whatever type of exercise you enjoy, try to make it a part of your daily routine, even if you only have 20 minutes to spare. The more you work out, the more you will fall in love with it, just as Cassandra did!

Final Thoughts on Cassandra’s Weight Loss Tips

She says that you don’t have to have a “#fitspo” body or be skinny to enjoy fitness. We agree entirely, and we hope that you find an exercise you enjoy no matter where you are on your health journey. Memorizing weight loss tips is only part of the journey to a healthier life.

Remember, your healthy lifestyle should revolve around making positive changes for yourself, not just getting to an “acceptable” weight. While everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their skin, remember that every single body type is worthy, and your internal health is most important.

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