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20 Cute Quotes About Being in Love

October 9, 2020 by Sarah Barkley

Being in love is indescribable, but these cute quotes come close to explaining it. These quotes will make you smile and think of the person you love if you aren’t already.

When you are in love, you’ll find yourself constantly thinking of the person you’re in love with. You’ll want to share each moment of your life with them. If this is how you are feeling, you’ll be able to relate to these quotes.

Remember these cute quotes about being in love and share them with your partner. Sometimes, it can be difficult to find the right words, but love quotes can help. Use them to make yourself smile, and share them to make your loved one smile.

Twenty Cute Quotes About Being in Love

1. “I swear I couldn’t love you more than I do right now, and yet I know I will tomorrow.” – Leo Christopher

When you are in love, you know that you will love your person more tomorrow. With each day, your love grows stronger, your bond develops more, and you grow more attached. So, even when it seems you’ve reached your limit on giving love, it’ll only grow more.

2. “I could not tell you if I loved you the first moment I saw you, or if it was the second or third or fourth. But I remember the first moment I looked at you walking toward me and realized that somehow the rest of the world seemed to vanish when I was with you.” – Cassandra Clare

Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment you fell in love. You will realize one day that your person has become much more to you than they used to be. As Clare explains, there will be a moment when it seems they are the only other person in the world.

3. “I saw that you were perfect, and so I loved you. Then I saw that you were not perfect and I loved you even more.” – Angelita Lim

When you first meet someone and first fall in love, they will seem perfect to you. This is what will help you fall in love. Eventually, however, you will see the imperfections and love them even more because of it.

4. “It’s like my life isn’t even real to me unless you’re there and you’re in it, and I’m sharing it with you.” – Luke Danes

If it ever seems like what you’re experiencing isn’t real because your partner isn’t there, you are in love. You’ll want to share every moment with them. So, it may be hard to engage when they aren’t present, and you’ll find yourself wishing they were there.

5. “You are the last thought in my mind before I drift off to sleep and the first thought when I wake up each morning.” – Unknown

Being in love will have you thinking of someone nonstop. You’ll fall asleep thinking of them and wake up doing the same. They’ll be on your mind as you work, drive, relax, or do anything else during the day.

6. “You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known—and even that is an understatement.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

It’s hard to describe your feelings for someone when you are in love. They are so amazing to you, and even the most beautiful words can’t explain it. It will always seem like you aren’t saying enough.

7. “I will love you always. When this red hair is white, I will still love you. When the smooth softness of youth is replaced by the delicate softness of age, I will still want to touch your skin. When your face is full of the lines of every smile you have ever smiled, of every surprise I have seen flash through your eyes when every tear you have ever cried has left its mark upon your face, I will treasure you all the more because I was there to see it all.” – Laurell K. Hamilton

As you get old, you’ll still be in love with this person. Your hair will become gray, and your face will wrinkle, but you will still love them through it all.

8. “Everywhere I look I am reminded of your love. You are my world.” – Unknown

Every sight will remind you of someone you deeply love. Even things that seem unrelated to them or your relationship will bring them to mind. The new, unrelated things will only remind you that you want to share it with them.

9. “I would rather spend one lifetime with you, than face all the ages of this world alone.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

Living many lifetimes wouldn’t be worth it if you couldn’t spend just one lifetime with the person you love. Tolkien explains this perfectly here, as time spent with a loved one is better than greater time alone.

10. “We are made of particles that existed since the moment the universe began. I like to think those atoms traveled 14 billion years through time and space to create us so that we could be together and make each other whole.” – Leonard Hofstadter

Sometimes it seems that the universe intended for you to be with someone. It seems that since the beginning of time, you and your partner were destined to complete one another. The world wouldn’t seem right if you hadn’t begun this relationship, so it must be natural.

11. “I realized I was thinking of you, and I began to wonder how long you’d been on my mind. Then it occurred to me: Since I met you, you’ve never left.” – Unknown

When someone hasn’t left your mind since you met them, it’s easy to know that you love them. You may constantly think about them and what they are doing. Or, you may want to share each moment of your day with them.

12. “I know that somehow, every step I took since the moment I could walk was a step towards finding you.” – Nicholas Sparks

It sometimes seems like each moment of your life has led you to the person you love, almost like everything that happened was for that reason alone. Sometimes the universe aligns this way, and you end up finding your true love.

13. “I choose you. And I’ll choose you over and over and over. Without pause, without a doubt, in a heartbeat. I’ll keep choosing you.” – Unknown

When you love someone, you’ll want to choose them all the time. You won’t put anyone or anything else before them. Without hesitation, you will choose them over all else.

14. “I love that you are my person and I am yours, that whatever door we come to, we will open it together.” – A.R. Asher

It’s a nice feeling to know that you always have someone walking along beside you. You won’t ever have to be lonely or scared to do things alone, because they will be there with you.

15. “In a sea of people, my eyes will always be searching for you.” – Unknown

You may find yourself continually searching a crowd until your sight lands on the person you love. Or, your eyes will constantly flicker to the door, waiting for them to walk in. When you notice yourself doing this, it’s a cute sign of being in love.

16. “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” – Maya Angelou

True love can last through anything. Through all of life’s hardships and struggles, your relationship will remain strong and bounce back each time.

17. “If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.” – A. A. Milne

You will never want to live without the person that you love. Just imagining the pain of them leaving this earth can be painful. This cute quote explains that perfectly.

18. “Grow old with me. Let’s count each other’s wrinkles as the years pass by. Let’s see who losses all of the teeth and who will need the help of the walking stick first.” – Unknown

Being in love will have you dreaming of growing old with someone. You’ll want to spend all of those years together, watching one another get older.

19. “You don’t love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or for their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear.” – Unknown

No materialistic things can make you love someone. The only thing that can lead to love is having a connection no one else can see or understand.

20. “And eventually you realize that real love comes down to feeling safe enough to be vulnerable.” – J.M. Storm

When you feel safe enough to let your guard down and be yourself, you’ll know that you are in love. You will feel safe expressing yourself, and you won’t be afraid for them to see all parts of you.

Final Thoughts on Cute Quotes About Being in Love

These cute quotes on being in love can help you describe the way you feel about your person. If these cute quotes made you smile, you are probably in love.

Make sure to share these cute quotes with the person you love. It’ll bring a smile to their face to know that you are thinking of them. Plus, it will get them thinking of you, too, if they are already.

Maryland Becomes 1st State to Ban Styrofoam Takeout Boxes

October 6, 2020 by Kristen Lawrence

Last week, Maryland became the first state in the USA to ban the use of styrofoam takeout containers. The law went into effect on October 1, 2020, and was first approved during the 2019 state legislative session. The ban includes items such as carryout containers, trays, plates, and cups. It will affect food service as well as other industries and businesses which utilize styrofoam, including schools.

The original deadline to stop using styrofoam was July 1, but on June 11, legislators pushed it back due to Covid-19. Several counties in Maryland have already banned foam containers, including Montgomery and Prince George’s. When the bill passed in 2019, Democratic Delegate Brooke Lierman told CNN that single-use plastics like styrofoam containers are taking over the neighborhoods, bays, and oceans. She was the primary sponsor of the House bill.

Lierman said that the state needed to take significant steps toward cutting back on the use of single-use plastics so that future generations can have a clean, safe planet. She had proposed the bill twice previously but believes that the public finally recognizes the urgency of the plastic dilemma.

This bill did not pass without opposition.

While the public strongly agrees with the bill, the American Chemistry Council voiced their opposition to the ban. They are an industry trade association for American chemical companies.

“Polystyrene foam packaging and containers provide business owners and consumers with a cost-effective and environmentally preferable choice that is ideal for protecting food and preventing food waste, particularly when used for food service. Foam packaging is generally more than 90 percent air and has a lighter environmental impact than alternatives,” the council said in a statement.

Critics of the ban on styrofoam say that alternatives to the material have higher costs, and the ban would increase expenses for farmers, small businesses, and nonprofits. County officials can issue fines of up to $250 for noncompliance. The ban excludes products packaged outside Maryland, such as cups of ramen noodles. Foam products for packaging raw or butchered meat and foam products for non-food items are also exempt.

The bill also gained much support

Supporters of the bill say that you can’t easily recycle foam products, and they don’t break down in the environment. A garbage collector at the Inner Harbor in Maryland has collected more than 1 million bits of polystyrene foam since its launch in 2014.

However, foodservice businesses and schools may apply for a waiver for up to one year. If the Maryland Department of the Environment finds that following the law would “present an undue hardship or a practical difficulty” for the business, it may exempt them.

Maine has also signed a bill into law, which bans styrofoam containers beginning in 2021, and New York will become pnly the third state to do so when the ban goes into effect in 2022. New York City already banned styrofoam in July 2019, making it the largest US city to ban the material. Other cities with enacted styrofoam bans include Seattle, Miami Beach, Washington DC, and San Diego.

What is styrofoam?

This is the trademark name for a chemical compound called polystyrene. Polystyrene is a petroleum-based plastic made from styrene monomers as well as other chemicals like benzene and dioxins. It’s lightweight and is up to 95% air, serving as sound insulation for food and beverage products. According to OSHA, prolonged exposure to styrene in factories can lead to dizziness, confusion, headaches, feelings of intoxication, and other health effects.

Not to mention, the World Health Organization upgraded it from “possibly carcinogenic” to “probably carcinogenic” for humans two years ago. Another study found a fivefold increase in the type of nasal cancer following styrene exposure. Benzene, listed as a human carcinogen by the EPA, can seep into groundwater and contaminate water supplies. Dioxins can cause hormone and immune problems in workers exposed to it.

Scientists sound the alarm about a plastic waste crisis in America.

What makes styrofoam so bad for the environment?

Styrofoam doesn’t break down. Some experts believe it could take up to 500 years for it to decompose. Plastics make up around 25-30% of landfills, and styrofoam is a massive part of this. It also is one of the main components of marine debris, heavily polluting coastlines and waterways worldwide.
It breaks up into tiny pieces, and land or aquatic animals who eat them may die or suffer intestinal problems while digesting the foam.
Styrofoam can leech into food, harming human health and affecting reproductive systems. When heated especially, the styrofoam releases toxic chemicals such as benzene and styrene, which transfer to the food we eat.
In 1986, the Environmental Protection Agency did a study on styrene residues and found it in all the human fat tissue samples taken. Most of the pieces were in small amounts; however, for people whose jobs involve styrofoam or who live near landfills, it could be much more significant.
Styrofoam can only be destroyed if it is incinerated at extremely high temperatures. This creates a small amount of water and carbon as by-products. However, if it’s burned in a typical fire instead of a special incinerator, it releases pollutants such as carbon black and carbon monoxide. Countries outside the US may not have proper disposal procedures for styrofoam, which can pose a significant health risk.
When exposed to sunlight, styrofoam can create harmful air pollutants, contaminating landfills, and areas where people litter. It can also deplete the ozone layer.
Each day, around 1,370 tons of styrofoam get thrown into landfills.
During the manufacturing process, around 57 chemical by-products are released during the combustion of polystyrene foam. Workers exposed to these for long hours may have adverse effects.

Alternatives to styrofoam

Because of the cheap cost and relatively easy manufacturing process, many industries and companies don’t want to switch to alternatives. However, if we want a cleaner, safer planet, we must do our part in reducing waste from styrofoam. Here are a few other options:

A company called Ecovative Design has created a line of products made from a combination of fungi, recycled paper, and agricultural waste. The products are lightweight and well-insulated, like styrofoam, but much better for the environment.
Use biodegradable products such as paper, bamboo, hemp, or corn plastic. These are also renewable resources, making them environmentally friendly as well. Because consumers can recycle paper, it’s an attractive alternative to polystyrene products.
Sugarcane-based products offer another alternative to foam products. The pulp from unused sugarcane stalks forms a paper-like product called Bagasse, which has a high heat tolerance and can hold liquid and grease. Because it can keep food products and provides excellent insulation, it can easily be an alternative to styrofoam.
Products made from cornstarch are another option. Cornstarch can replace petroleum-based styrofoam products quite easily because of its durability.
You could bring reusable containers to work or school for lunches and snacks. Many of these come from safe plastics or bamboo, which won’t leech into foods. If you do take out from restaurants, ask for paper when possible. At coffee shops, ask for paper cups instead of foam. Or, bring your mug or cup when possible (some places offer a discount when you bring your own).

Other recycling facts

In 1995, 40% of all US paper was recycled, including 32.6 million tons of paper & paperboard., according to the EPA. Every ton of 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper products you buy saves:

12 trees
1,087 pounds of solid waste
1,560 kilowatts of energy (2 months of electric power required by the average US home)
1,196 gallons of water
1,976 lbs. of greenhouse gases (1,600 miles traveled in the average US car)
Three cubic yards of landfill space
9 pounds of HAPs, VOCs, and AOXs combined
390 gallons of oil

Final thoughts about Maryland banning styrofoam takeout boxes

As several US states have made a move to ban harmful styrofoam containers, hopefully, other states will get on board as well. Styrofoam affects not only the environment, but it can cause ill health in humans and animals. Some marine and land animals who accidentally eat pieces of styrofoam can choke or even die because of intestinal complications. We owe it to them and Mother Earth to live more sustainably so we can all thrive.

The law in Maryland went into effect on October 1 and included takeout boxes, containers, plates, and cups. Maine will start banning these products in 2021, and New York in 2022. While there has been some pushback from companies and industries that use styrofoam, most people fully support the move to more environmentally friendly products. More than half of Maryland residents already lived in areas with foam bans in place, so most people won’t have difficulty adjusting to it.

You may be wondering what businesses will replace their foam containers with. Montgomery County in Maryland has already compiled a spreadsheet of more than 8,000 recyclable or compostable alternatives. Some are compostable materials such as the sugarcane as mentioned earlier pulp (Bagasse), and others are just plastic. While styrofoam is a form of plastic, it’s one of the hardest on the environment, so this is a big step in the right direction.

20 Positivity Quotes to Brighten Your Day

October 6, 2020 by Sarah Barkley

Sometimes you might need some positivity quotes to help turn your day around. It’s a great way to remind yourself of all the positive parts of your life, despite obstacles along the way.

These positivity quotes can help you refocus and change your thought process. Often, if you can change your negative thoughts, you will cheer up and have an easier time. When you are positive, good things seem to happen more often, and you will attract positive people.

Most of the positivity quotes are from positive people who know how to brighten a day that starts gloomy. Others are from people who have been in your position before and overcame. Either way, they offer helpful and positive insight into how you can brighten your day.

Twenty Positivity Quotes to Brighten Your Day

Feel a little bit down? These quotes will cheer you.

1. “In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact.” – Les Brown

It would help if you didn’t let a few unpleasant minutes ruin your entire day. Make a choice each minute to be positive or spread positivity. Use each minute in a way that will have a positive impact, as Brown explains.

2. “We can change our lives. We can do, have, and be exactly what we wish.” – Tony Robbins

If you want a change in your life, go for it. You can change whatever you need to so that you can have the experience that you wish for. Set your goals to accommodate what you want to do, have, and be.

3. “The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need tomorrow.” – Robert Tew (click to tweet)

If you feel like you are struggling today, stay positive. Remember that you are getting more robust with each moment and that it is helping you to have a better tomorrow.

4. “Feed your inner person encouraging things that build you up and cause you to be positive, hopeful and, inspired.” – Joel Osteen

Allow yourself to take in things that make you happy and inspired. The items you take in are what will determine your happiness and positivity. So, spend some time each day watching, doing, or listening to positive things.

5. “You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” – Dr. Seuss

Each day is a new opportunity and a fresh start. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to, so get started as soon as you can.

6. “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.” – Abraham Lincoln

Don’t let anything stop you from becoming successful. No one should be able to doubt your ability, and you have to keep moving despite any setbacks or criticism. As long as you have this resolution in mind, you will be able to push through.

7. “Virtually nothing is impossible in this world if you just put your mind to it and maintain a positive attitude.” – Lou Holtz

You can do anything you want if you set your mind to it, as Holtz explains. Maintaining positivity is essential, as well. If you can be positive and determined, you will succeed.

8. “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” – Dolly Parton

A rainbow wouldn’t be so beautiful if you were used to them all the time. You have to have something to compare it to. Likewise, you have to have hardships in your life to make the happy times more special.

9. “You’re braver than you believe and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – A.A. Milne

Positivity quotes should reinforce that you should never underestimate yourself. Give yourself all the credit you deserve and acknowledge your bravery, strengths, and wisdom.

10. “Sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us.” – Unknown

Remember that when something terrible happens, good things can come as a result. While that doesn’t change the hardship, it does set you on the right path to something great.

11. “Never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. Find another way. And don’t pray when it rains if you don’t pray when the sun shines.” – Leroy Satchel Paige

Keep working toward what you want because there is always another way when your first plan doesn’t work out. You can’t give up because life will always offer you something better.

12. “Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.” – Rabindranath Tagore

Bad times come into your life, but they only make beautiful parts more special. Don’t think of hardships and obstacles as something coming to ruin the day. Instead, think of it as something that will help you better appreciate the little things.

13. “It always seems impossible until it is done.” – Nelson Mandela

Cheer up and remember that anything bringing you down will be done eventually. You will get through it, so take on the task with a positive attitude.

14. “Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve.” – Mary Kay Ash

When you think you can’t do something, you are only holding yourself back. You can do anything you set your mind to. So, if you believe you can do it, you will get it done.

15. “Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive good things and good people will be drawn to you.” – Mary Lou Retton

When you are continually positive, positive people will be drawn to you. Likewise, good things will come to you, as well. These positivity quotes will remind you to keep being positive so that you can attract the energy you want.

16. “You have the power to be excellent. To inspire everyone who intersects your path, to innovate and make things better than ever before, to wow customers. And to stand for the best. Will you?” – Robin Sharma

You are capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for. Don’t prevent yourself from being an inspiration to others and to make the world better than it was yesterday. Do the best that you can and remind yourself that you are doing great things.

17. “Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” – Willie Nelson

Clear your head of all the negative thoughts you’re experiencing. You’ll find that when you do, you begin to have more positive moments. If you get in a positive mindset, you will be able to have positive results.

18. “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – Henry Ford

Life isn’t always as easy as you hope it could be. Just keep in mind that sometimes getting started or getting through is supposed to be tough. Like an airplane taking off against the wind, you may be starting rough, but it will even out.

19. “Stay positive. Forgive others. Invest in yourself. Trust your instincts. Lead with an open heart. Don’t let others ruin your day. Do things that bring you joy. Be of service to humanity. Find your soul tribe. Love yourself.” – Lewis Howes

Always be positive, even in the most challenging situations. Trust yourself and spread positivity as you go through life. Don’t let anyone bring you down and do what makes you happy.

If you can do these things, you will be able to have good days. Plus, all of these things will lead to loving yourself.

20. “We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes – understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.” – Arianna Huffington

If you can accept your mistakes, you can be happy even when things don’t go as planned. Even when you fail, you shouldn’t give up. Accept the failure and learn from it. Then, you will see that mistakes and failures are all a part of becoming successful.

Final Thoughts on 20 Positivity Quotes to Brighten Your Day

Everyone has a bad day sometimes, but it’s essential to get out of the funk so you can be at your best. Remember that if a day starts bad, it doesn’t have to end that way. You can re-read these positivity quotes to help brighten your day when you can’t pull yourself out of it.

You are capable of anything you set your mind to, and the hardships will pass. Be positive and focus on the good that will be coming to your life instead of on the difficulty at hand. You can have a great day as long as you can hone in on your positive thought process. Sometimes all it will take to change your thoughts is reading positivity quotes.

20 of the Best Quotes on Friendship You’ll Ever Hear

October 5, 2020 by Sarah Barkley

Friendship is one of the most essential things in life, and these best quotes on friendship sum it up. Friends will stick by your side through hardships and obstacles, and accept you for who you are.

They do all of this while creating lifelong memories with you. Whether your friend is similar to you or drastically different, you can learn something from them. As long as you surround yourself with positive people, your friends will help you learn and grow.

Friends bring light to your life and give you comfort. You can always count on them to be there when you need it most and to help you back up when you’re down. These best quotes on friendship can help you appreciate your good friends even more.

Twenty of the Best Quotes on Friendship

Kick back with a hot cup of tea and enjoy these wise words.

1. “A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” – Unknown

When someone knows all of these details about you and still loves you, then you have found a true friend. You won’t keep secrets from them or be ashamed of anything because they accept you for who you are.

2. “In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, for in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.” – Khalil Gibran

Laughing with a friend is sure to make you feel happy, which makes this one of the best quotes on friendship. In these little moments of laughter, you are creating memories that you’ll never forget. This is when you will feel the happiest and find everlasting joy.

3. “Many a person has held close, throughout their entire lives, two friends that always remained strange to one another, because one of them attracted by virtue of similarity, the other by difference.” – Emil Ludwig

During your life, you have likely always had a friend who is your opposite. Likewise, you’ve probably always had a close friend who was very similar to you. If you relate to this, you might have two close friends who don’t understand one another.

Even so, these friends hold a special place in your heart. It’s nice to have someone you can relate to and enjoy similar things with. It’s just as lovely, however, to have someone who can help you step out of your comfort zone.

4. “Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” – Amy Poehler (click to tweet)

Your friends should be an inspiration to you. They should challenge you and help you become a better person. In the process, they will build you up so that you can see your potential. When you find these friends, keep them around. Spend your time with them so you can grow and learn.

5. “How many slams in an old screen door? Depends how loud you shut it. How many slices in a bread? Depends how thin you cut it. How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live ’em. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give ’em.” – Shel Silverstein

This cute poem by Silverstein gives fun examples of how to measure things. He explains that the outcome depends on how you treat the situation.

If you cut the bread thinner, you’ll get more slices, and if you live a good life, there will be more good in the day. Likewise, the love a friend gives depends on how much love you give to a friend. Remember that everything in life is affected by what you are putting into the world.

6. “A friend is one who overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden.” – Unknown

No person is perfect, and a real friend will look beyond your imperfections. They won’t see the things that you are ashamed about, they’ll only see the good in you.

7. “When it hurts to look back, and you’re afraid to look ahead, you can look beside you, and your best friend will be there.” – Unknown

Life is hard sometimes, but it’s better with your best friend by your side. The past may be painful and the future uncertain, but you can always count on your friend. You will never have to feel alone in life when they are with you.

8. “Friendship takes work. Finding friends, nurturing friendships, scheduling face time, it all takes a tremendous amount of work. But it’s worth it. If you put in the effort, you’ll see the rewards of positive friends who will make your life extraordinary.” – Maya Angelou

Relationships of any kind can be challenging. Friendships, especially, because it takes so much work to nurture them and keep them afloat. People drift apart and go their separate ways, making it even harder.

You have to remember, though, that friendships are worth all of this work. They are worth all the effort and planning that goes into them.

9. “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” – Dale Carnegie

Avoid talking about yourself unless someone asks. Instead, talk about them. Show people that you are interested in them, and making friends will come quickly.

10. “True friends aren’t the ones who make your problems disappear. They are the ones who won’t disappear when you’re facing problems.” – Unknown

It’s impossible to make problems magically disappear. You can’t expect a friend to do that. What a friend can do it be there with you while you face the issues, and a true friend will do it.

11. “A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails.” – Donna Roberts

Sometimes you may forget who you are or lay your goals and dreams become forgotten. A friend knows who you indeed are, though, and they will remind you of it until you remember on your own. Positive people like this can help you rediscover yourself and live up to your potential.

12. “That’s when I realized what a true friend was. Someone who would always love you — the imperfect you, the confused you, the wrong you — because that is what people are supposed to do.” – Unknown

A friend will love you for who you are, despite anything that happens. They will accept your flaws and mistakes and love you anyway.

13. “Growing apart doesn’t change the fact that for a long time, we grew side by side; our roots will always be tangled. I’m glad for that.” – Ally Condie

When a friendship ends because two people grew apart, it doesn’t change what happened in the past. They will always be a part of you because you grew and learned together for a time.

14. “Some people arrive and make such a beautiful impact on your life you can barely remember what life was like without them.” – Anna Taylor

When a person comes into your life, and you can’t remember what life was life before that, keep them around. These are the friends who will inspire you and who you will make everlasting memories with.

15. “Some of the biggest challenges in relationships come from the fact that most people enter a relationship in order to get something: they’re trying to find someone who’s going to make them feel good. In reality, the only way a relationship will last is if you see your relationship as a place that you go to give, and not a place that you go to take.” – Anthony Robbins

If you think only of giving to your friends and getting nothing in return, your friendships will surely last. You’ll notice that the more you give, the more you receive, too. Put into the relationship precisely what you want to get out of it.

16. “Best friends understand when you say, ‘forget it.’ Wait forever when you say, ‘just a minute.’ Stay when you say, ‘leave me alone.’ And open the door before you can say, ‘come in.’” – Unknown

Best friends are comfortable with each other, even when they push the other out of their comfort zone. They are comfortable enough to stick around when you tell them to leave. Plus, they are comfortable walking into your home without waiting to be invited.

When you find a friend like this, embrace the relationship. Having someone, you can be this comfortable with can help you through some of your most challenging times and best times.

17. “One measure of friendship consists not in the number of things friends can discuss but in the number of things they need no longer mention.” – Clifton Fadiman

You know a friendship is real when they know so much about you. When there isn’t much left for them to learn, you know you have let someone in that has changed your life.

18. “Best friends share laughs, memories, and inside jokes. They will always be honest and stand by your side no matter what. They wipe your tears, pick you up when you fall and are forever a piece of your heart.” – Unknown

Friendships should be happy and fun and should always involve making memories. Friends should be honest with one another and support one another in anything. They will be there for you when things aren’t going well and help you overcome the struggle. Most importantly, they leave an imprint on your heart forever.

19. “A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him, I may think aloud. I am arrived at last in the presence of a man so real and equal, that I may drop even those undermost garments of dissimulation, courtesy, and second thought, which men never put off, and may deal with him with the simplicity and wholeness with which one chemical atom meets another.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

You can be yourself around a friend and say whatever is on your mind, as Emerson explains here. Friendships like these are ones that you don’t have to feel insecure in. The friend won’t judge you, and you can be genuine with them.

20. “Tis the privilege of friendship to talk nonsense, and to have her nonsense respected.” – Charles Lamb

Life can’t be sober all the time. You have to be able to let go and relax sometimes. This is what a good friend is for, so you can talk about things that don’t matter and let loose for a while.

Final Thoughts on the Best Quotes on Friendship You’ll Ever Hear.

These best quotes on friendship are reminders of how special friends are. Friendships are unique and extraordinary and should be treated as such.

Remember to put into a friendship what you want to get out of it. Surround yourself with positive people, and you will find people who love you as much as you love them. Embrace your friends, and share the best quotes on friendship with them.

14 Ways to Protect Your Good Health During Flu Season

October 5, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Flu season comes around every year during the cooler weather of late fall and can last as late as April the following year. Its peak is between January or February, and its effects are felt around the country. There are six primary types of flu, or influenza as it’s medically called.

Knowledge, as they say, is power. And with symptoms that can range from mild to severe–or even life-threatening–we should all learn how to protect ourselves from infection.

The Primary Types of Influenza

Are you familiar with the various types of influenza that you can come in contact with during the flu and cold season? You might not have even heard of some of them as some are more common than others.

• Influenza A

This is the most common type of flu virus. Shockingly, it can be found in both animals and people. It’s the one that usually causes the most severe symptoms. Since this strain mutates rapidly, you must be careful to wipe down all surfaces an infected person touches.

Within this category, there are 198 subtypes and strains, and some are more severe than others. If you contract Influenza A, then you can expect to be sick for one to two weeks.

• Influenza B

While type B is not as expected, it has the same duration time of one to two weeks. It’s usually the strain that causes an epidemic, though it won’t cause a pandemic.

Type B is confined to only humans, and it’s generally weaker than Type-A. However, keep in mind that it can have some potentially severe side effects.

• Influenza C

Type C will cause seasonal flu epidemics, but it’s the least severe of all influenza strains. It can be dangerous to infants, the elderly population, and those who have weakened immune systems. It only lasts about 3-7 days, though it can last longer in those with other medical conditions.

It’s not uncommon to see influenza C coexist with a pandemic outbreak of influenza A. Since many view this as a mild respiratory illness, it comes across as nothing more than the common cold for most people.

• Influenza D

Influenza D was thought to be a strain that only affected swine and cattle. However, in 2011, the medical community conducted studies and theorized that it could be passed from animals to humans. The worldwide distribution of this flu strain is possible.

• H1N1 Swine Flu

Swine flu originated in Mexico in 2009. This deadly virus is a combination of three human types, as well as swine and bird flu. It’s a mutated part of influenza A, and it’s responsible for the first flu pandemic the world has seen in over four decades.

• H5N1 Bird Flu

The bird or avian flu is passed from birds to humans. Thankfully, it cannot be passed from person to person. If you contract this deadly form of influenza, your chances of survival are a mere 50 percent.

This is a severe type of flu that carries with it a high risk of severe complications. Many people experience multi-organ failure as well as the high mortality rates. New studies of the movement of this virus in Egypt show that there is a possibility of human-to-human transmission, though there is nothing definitive.

Protecting Yourself During Flu Season

It’s easy to see why protecting yourself is so essential during the cold and flu season. What may seem like a minor respiratory condition can be influenza C.

If you want to reduce the risk of you or your family getting sick this year, then here are 15 ways that you can help to safeguard your health.

1. Wash Your Hands More

You can never wash your hands too much. During the winter months, your hands may become dry and crack from the weather and hand washing.

You should always carry some lotion with you. Did you know that open wounds on your hands can increase your chances of getting sick?

2. Social Distance

Social distancing has become the new normal. When flu season rolls around, you want to stay far away from those who are infected.

The sad part is that you don’t know who is infected and who’s not. Stay at least six feet apart to ensure if someone should cough or sneeze; their germs won’t bother you.

3. Wear a Mask in Public

Masks help to protect you from germs you cannot see. If someone coughs or sneezes, then the chances of breathing in their germs increase when you are not adequately covered. If you’re going to wear a mask, make sure it covers your mouth and nose.

4. Cough or Sneeze Into Your Elbow

If you feel the need to sneeze or cough, do yourself and those around you a favor and cough into your elbow. Keep some tissues handy, too, as your sinus issues might scare someone trying to protect themselves.

5. Cover Your Ears, Nose, and Mouth When You Go Out

Invest in a lovely scarf so that you can cover your mouth, ears, and nose when you go outside. The cold air can wreak havoc on a weak immune system, and you need to keep these areas of entry warm.

Know the fourteen early signs that you might have influenza.

6. Stop Touching Your Face

There are 101 reasons you should avoid touching your face, and one of them is you can get influenza during flu season. If someone sneezes on a box at the grocery store and you pick it up 10 minutes later, that virus is on your hands. You certainly don’t want to put it anywhere near your mouth or nose.

7. Avoid Shaking Hands

While it’s customary to shake hands for business and social interaction, just tell people you are not doing that during the flu season. Some celebrities like Howie Mandel have been very public about their germophobic nature, and they wouldn’t dare shake a hand. It seems that he wasn’t, maybe as zany as everyone thought.

8. Resist the Urge to Hug People

Even if your sweet mom or grandmother is visiting for the holidays, please try to avoid hugging. It’s not only for your protection but for theirs too. If they insist on a hug, then make sure you turn your face to the outside, away from theirs.

9. Carry Hand Sanitizer with You

Hand sanitizer is an everyday item that is carried with you these days. Make sure you have a bottle that has at least 90 percent germ-killing capacity. Remember that it cannot take the place of washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, but it helps.

10. Beware of Doorknobs

There’s nothing worse than touching dirty doorknobs. Do you know how many times a doorknob in your place of employment is touched every day?

The germs on these surfaces are astronomical in numbers. Do yourself a favor and use a paper towel or the end of your shirttail.

11. Avoid Public Bathrooms–Especially During Flu Season

It’s never a good idea to hold your bladder unless you’re in the middle of the flu season. Public restrooms are a cesspool of germs and diseases.

If only everyone washed their hands, it would help a little. Sadly, many don’t wash their hands, and they carry germs from shopping centers and their home right along with them.

12. Never Drink or Eat After Anyone

It might be tempting to share a sip of cider with someone, but you must resist the urge. When you drink a beverage, your germs from your mouth go into that cup. Now, if you share it with someone else, then your germs also go into their mouth. It’s just not a good idea to eat or drink after any during anyone during the flu season.

13. Avoid Sugar

Did you know that sugar can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight off illnesses? The winter months are notorious for sweet treats and other goodies, but you need to be careful and eat healthily. Allow yourself a few special things, but make sure your diet supports health and immunity.

14. Take Immune Boosting Vitamins

Lastly, the best thing you can do for your body this season is to load up on Vitamins C and D as well as zinc and garlic. The goal is to build your immune system so that if it encounters microscopic droplets from other people, it can fight off these foreign invaders. Do you have time to be sick this winter?

Final Thoughts on Taking Precautions During Flu Season

Did you know that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that each person will get 2-3 colds each year? Sadly, almost 10 percent of the population will fight with influenza during the flu season.

It would help if you did whatever you can to protect yourself as some flu strains are deadly. While preventative measures won’t guarantee that you won’t get sick this year, it can reduce the risk of you contracting influenza. Safety and common sense are the keys to having a healthy, flu-free season ahead.

Study Reveals Female Chromosomes Resist Alzheimer’s More Than Males’

October 5, 2020 by Power of Positivity

It’s been known by the scientific community for a long time that women resist the symptoms of Alzheimer’s better than men. It was a groundbreaking discovery that opened a lot of doors for the research of the disease. At first, it wasn’t clear why this happened. However, recent advances in research have pointed to female chromosomes as the reason.

An August of 2020 report from researchers at the University of California San Francisco reveals that females might have a greater resistance to Alzheimer’s Disease–and generally live longer once they receive a diagnosis. This study concludes that this resistance stems from having an extra “X” chromosome.

In this article, you’ll learn what studies have revealed about female chromosome resistance to the disease and why they resist more than male chromosomes. First, you should know some basics about the disease to understand the information provided by the studies. Keep reading to find out more.

The Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease

This disease is a degenerative brain disease that causes severe memory loss and other cognitive functioning problems. It’s a form of dementia. Many people use the term with dementia interchangeably, but dementia is a term that describes the symptoms of a group of diseases. Think of dementia as the make and Alzheimer’s as the model.

Stages of the Disease

The disease can generally be separated into three stages:

Early-stage (mild) – the person may still lead an everyday life but may forget the location of objects, have trouble coming up with familiar words, have trouble with planning, or other simple memory-related problems.
Middle-stage (moderate) – the person may get words mixed up, have severe mood swings, display bizarre behavior like not wanting to bathe, have trouble with incontinence, and essentially need a greater level of care make it from day to day.
Late-stage(severe) – they will require around the clock care. The person has difficulty communicating, physical abilities may diminish, and they may be vulnerable to infections.

On average, women seem to resist the changes longer in the early and middle stages. Although the rate of progression in late stages speeds up for women, they still live longer than men because of the slow decline in the first two stages.

Statistics on Alzheimer’s

*These statistics are provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Around 50 million people worldwide suffer from dementia-related diseases.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and makes up about 70% of cases.
By 2060, 14 million people are expected to suffer from the disease.
Symptoms appear after the age of 60 and get worse with age.
The disease is one of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States.
It is also the fifth leading cause of death for seniors ages 65 and older.

What Causes Alzheimer’s

Unfortunately, scientists have not yet discovered what causes the disease. There are several proposed risk factors, but scientists know for sure that age is a factor. As of now, it’s the primary factor. However, the disease is not a normal part of aging.

Genetics is another proposed risk factor as well as education, diet, and environment. There is a lot of speculation about risk factors and causes, but unfortunately, scientists don’t know a lot about the disease yet. However, as research has progressed, a few interesting findings have come about. One of them is the fact that female chromosomes resist the disease more than male chromosomes.

Here are 25 things your doctor must ask about your parents’ health.

Why Female Chromosomes Resists the Disease More Than Male Chromosomes

According to Dena Dubal, MD, Ph.D., associate professor of neurology at UCSF, more women than men develop the disease since women live longer. This longevity puts them more at risk since age is a primary factor in developing the disease.

However, women are much more resistant to the symptoms than men are, so they live longer with the disease. Research also shows that women remain in the first and second stages longer than men do, supporting the research that shows they live longer. While this seems to be great news for women, keep in mind that, genetically-speaking, this also means that you’re more likely to develop the disease from your mother rather than your father.

For a long time, it was unclear why this gender anomaly was true. Recent breakthroughs in the research revealed that female chromosomes held the answer.

The X Chromosome

Most people are familiar with male and female chromosomes, but here is a quick breakdown for people who may not be up to date on the science. Prepare yourself for a short science lesson.

At the time of fertilization, an embryo receives a chromosome from each parent. This chromosome determines the gender of the future child. If it’s a girl, she will get an X chromosome from each parent. If it’s a boy, he will get an X chromosome from the mother and a Y chromosome from the father.

When you put all that together, you get:

Women have two X chromosomes.
Men have an X chromosome and a Y chromosome.

Some people say that because of this configuration, men determine the gender of the child. However, that’s another discussion for another article. This discussion will detail the significance of this as it relates to Alzheimer’s disease.

People often refer to the X chromosome as the female chromosome, although this is technically incorrect – as you can see, both men and women have an X chromosome. However, it’s referred to as such because if the embryo gets an X chromosome from the father, it will be a girl. Throughout the article, the X chromosome will continue to be referred to as the female chromosome for simplicity.

The KDM6A Gene

The X chromosome is the reason that women tend to resist the disease more than men. It’s because women have two X chromosomes and these chromosomes have genetic protection against the disease. In other words, women naturally have twice the protection that men have.

There is a gene in the X chromosome called KDM6A that produces a protein to protect against the disease. There are two “strengths” of KDM6A. Think of one as regular strength and the other as extra strength.

Research shows that 13 percent of women worldwide are lucky enough to have two different strengths, KDM6A genes, giving them even more protection. Seven percent of men have one extra strength, the KDM6A gene, but they still won’t have as much protection as women.

While there is still a lot more research to be done on this particular gene, and scientist don’t think that KDM6A is the key to stopping the disease in its tracks, it is an interesting development. It proves that research into the disease is going in the right direction.

Another Gene that Influences the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

There is another gene that is being researched as it relates to the disease. Scientists discovered a Colombian woman that proved to be a groundbreaking subject for a case study into the APOE gene, which is contained in chromosome 19.

If you aren’t sure about this, you get two of chromosome 19 – one from your mother and one from your father.

APOE is a gene that comes in three variants: APOE2 lowers the risk of the disease, APOE3 doesn’t have any effect; APOE4 increases the risk. Around half of people with Alzheimer’s have APOE4, although APOE4 only affects about 20% of the population. That means that 80% of the population has one of the other two versions. From this statistic, you can deduce that fewer women have the risky APOE4 version than men, which is a minor factor that could play into why they’re more resistant to the disease.

APOE4 seems to encourage the formation of sticky plaques of the protein beta-amyloid. This protein clogs the brain in people with the disease. However, scientists do not believe this is a cause of the disease, but rather a symptom.

Referring back to the Columbian woman in the case study, she had APOE3. Due to a genetic mutation that ran in her family, causing a disproportionate number of them to develop the disease in their early 40’s, she had that genetic mutation also. However, scientists were baffled because she didn’t start showing symptoms until after 70 years old.

Scientists discovered that the woman had plenty of beta-amyloid. However, she barely had any of the protein Tau, which is a hallmark protein of people suffering from the disease. This is what led researchers to look into the different versions of APOE more closely.

Final Thoughts on the Female Chromosome Resistance to Alzheimer’s Disease

There is a lot more research to be done on this mentally debilitating disease. There are a lot of theories, but only a small amount of facts that researchers are trying to sort and link together. However, discoveries like that of the Columbian woman help lead to new breakthroughs.

It’s a fact that women are more resistant to the disease than men. Knowing about female chromosomes being more resistant to the disease than men’s is a groundbreaking discovery that will eventually open a lot of doors in the research. As it becomes more and more clear which genes play a role in this ravaging disease, the scientific community will get closer to a treatment and even an eventual cure.

Researchers Find a Link Between Less Brain Plasticity and Obesity

October 5, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Obesity is an ever-increasing concern in the United States. Besides being dangerous to your heart health, new research shows that obesity affects your brain’s ability to function. Here’s what researchers are saying about losing brain plasticity and being obese.

A September 24, 2020 article on Science Daily shares a study published in Brain Sciences. It concludes that obese people have less brain plasticity. This reduced brain functionality means that they are less likely to retain information and might take longer to master new concepts. But what does all that mean? Let’s take an even closer look at the several factors that contribute to obesity. Then, we’ll discuss brain plasticity and share new, healthier habits to boost brain health.

The definition of “obese.”

Approximately 42.5% of Americans are obese, which means that one in every three adults is thought to be overweight enough to be considered obese. Obesity is defined as being more than 20% over your ideal weight. Your perfect weight takes into consideration your height, age, build, and gender. The National Institute of Health says that this number means that your Body Mass Index (BMI) is above 30. You can gauge your BMI by getting your weight in kilograms and dividing it by the square number of your height in meters. There are many online BMI calculators available for easy checking of your BMI. The higher your BMI, the more chance you are of being considered obese.

What causes obesity?

Obesity isn’t just an American problem, but according to some studies, obesity is something like a worldwide pandemic spreading rapidly and contributing to medical, economic, and social issues for many countries. If you’re obese, you’re at risk for some types of cancer, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and at a greater risk of getting dementia. So what causes obesity?

Poor diet

Being obese develops gradually over time. Eating an unhealthy diet is a significant contributor to obesity which includes

Eating processed or fast food: These foods are high in sugar and fat.
Dining out: You tend to eat more when you eat out. If you get an appetizer before your meal, it adds calories. Plus, restaurant foods are often higher in fat.
Eating large portions of food: It’s easy to overeat if you’re with friends, family, or at a restaurant. You may be surprised at what a normal portion is if you’re used to eating large amounts of food.
Drinking a lot of alcohol: Alcohol is high in calories and sugar, causing you to gain weight quickly.
Drinking sugary drinks: Sugary drinks can pack on the pounds.
Eating for comfort: If you’re sad or depressed, you may be tempted to overeat.

Interestingly, overeating runs in families. If your parents overate, you might have learned bad eating habits while growing up. It can be hard to break the cycle, but if you know your parents ate unhealthy foods like these, you can begin new eating habits.

Sedentary lifestyle

Lack of physical exercise contributes to obesity. Sitting at work all day, watching television, or playing computer games encourage weight gain. It’s recommended that adults get 150 minutes of somewhat intense activity, like walking fast or riding a bike weekly. If you are trying to lose weight, you must need to exercise more often.

Genes

Your genes can contribute to being obese. You may find it a bit more of a challenge to lose weight due to your genes, but it’s not an excuse. Obesity is due more to an unhealthy lifestyle and bad eating habits than genetics.

Medical problems

Sometimes medical problems contribute to being overweight. Diseases like hypothyroidism and Cushing disease make it more challenging to lose weight and keep it off.

Hypothyroidism: Your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones slowing down your metabolism, so you gain weight.
Cushing’s disease: This rare disease causes your body to make too many steroids. Steroids increase your appetite and fluids in your body, making you weigh more.
Medications: Taking medications like corticosteroids, medicine for diabetes, or epilepsy also possibly cause weight gain. Also, antidepressants might cause weight gain.

What is brain plasticity?

Neuroplasticity or brain plasticity happens in the neurons of your brain. These are the nerve cells responsible as the building blocks of your brain’s nervous system. Your brain’s plasticity is its adaptability, its ability to change depending upon what’s going on.

Obesity puts you at risk as you age because you’re more at risk for disease or injuries. Having good brain plasticity helps your recovery. Researchers found that a healthy brain can rewire itself. Neuroplasticity not only means your mind can recover better, but you can have a good life afterward.

Besides controlling your weight, here are some other ways you can improve your brain’s plasticity.

Get enough sleep

You should get enough sleep to help your brain. Losing sleep prevents your brain’s ability to reset itself. Adults between 34 to 65 need approximately 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.

Learn new things

Whether you learn a new language, take up dancing, or learn to play the piano, learning improves your brain’s plasticity. Any kind of learning activity strengthens your mind and give it more flexibility.

Reduce your stress

Stress lowers your brain’s neuroplasticity. Find ways to reduce your stress, including

Exercise: Physical exercise relieves stress and improves your brain health.
Going for a walk outside: Nature is a natural cure for stress.
Mindfulness classes: Mindfulness teaches your brain to get in tune with sights, sounds and smells. Practicing mindfulness can help you relax.
Yoga: Stretching and breathing exercises in yoga relieve stress and help you feel calm.
Laughing more: Watch a read a funny book or watch a funny movie-anything to make yourself laugh. Laughing releases chemicals in your brain, making you feel happier and less stressed.

Read fiction

Researchers suggest that you read fiction to help your brain’s connectivity. Indeed, they point to this activity as a way to maintain cognitive function throughout a lifetime. Reading is also relaxing, helping to lower your stress levels.

Brain plasticity info you should know

Here are some fun facts about how efficiently this amazing organ works.

Brainpower: If your brain was hooked up to a light bulb, it could power a low-wattage LED light, which is around 25 watts of electricity.
Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol causes your brain to lose the ability to make memories.
Computer brain: Your brain can compute 10 to the 16th operations per second, meaning your mind can solve problems faster than a computer.
Speedy brain: Information moves through your brain quickly. The slowest speed that information travels inside your brain? 260 miles per hour!
Flying brain: Too much jet lag hinders your memory. When you’re jet-lagged, stress hormones get released, causing your memory to diminish.
The painless brain: Your brain has no pain receptors. That’s why surgeons can do brain surgery on patients while they’re awake.
Go ahead, daydream: Daydreaming is good for your brain. The regions of your brain that are the most active while you’re resting from tasks are in the place where daydreams are created.
Call me: Did you know that your brain is generally able to remember a maximum of 7 numbers at one time? That reason is why telephone numbers are seven digits long.
You can’t do it: Even though you think you can multi-task, researchers say it’s not possible. When you think you’re multitasking, you’re just quickly switching back and forth between two activities in your brain.
It is not heavy: An adult brain weighs 3 pounds, just 2% of your body’s weight.
Read aloud: When you read out loud, it encourages your brain’s function.
Yawn away: Yawning helps your brain cool off. When you are not getting sufficient hours of sleep at night, your brain temperature rises. So, yawn all you want and cool off your brain.

Final Thoughts on Connecting Lowered Brain Plasticity to Obesity

Being excessively overweight is not only unhealthy for your body, but lowers your brain’s ability to adapt to changes. Brain plasticity improves your memory and the overall function of your brain. Obesity’s effect upon the mind is something researchers are just discovering. They’ve found that as obesity increases, so does low brain plasticity. The most significant contributors to obesity are poor eating and a sedentary lifestyle. Your genes and some medications you’re taking could also make it more difficult for you to lose weight.

Fortunately, you can improve your brain’s plasticity at any age by learning something new, lowering your stress, or reading a good novel. Of course, implementing a healthy diet, exercising, and limiting alcohol improves your brain health, too. Your brain is worth protecting. If you’re struggling with being overweight, get help today so you can lose weight and preserve your brain’s plasticity now and in the future.

Psychologists Explain 4 Things That Make A Relationship Work

October 5, 2020 by Lakeisha Ethans

We all want to make a relationship work–and ever better, for an entire lifetime! Sadly, the fact is that a lot of relationships don’t make it that far. You likely want to do everything you can to avoid having your partnership meet that fate!

Many strive to discover the secret to a happy relationship, and the answer is more complicated than just one be-all-end-all! Here’s how psychologists explain four things that make a relationship work.

1. Positive Thinking Helps Make a Relationship Work

Positive thinking is a powerful thing, capable of completely changing your perception of any given situation. It’s also something you need to have if you want to keep a relationship healthy.

This has to be a mutual choice between both partners in the relationship, says Licensed Psychotherapist, author, and radio show host Barton Goldsmith. Both of you have to decide to control how you carry yourselves to promote more positive behavior and manage moods together as a team.

Here are some tips for developing positive thinking that can help make your relationship work:

· Approach Problems With A Positive Mindset

When there’s a conflict or severe issue, pause and breathe before launching straight into combat mode. With positive motivation, problems are more likely to be solved through compromise and open-mindedness, says Monte Drenner, a licensed mental health counselor.

· Share Positive Events In Your Life

When good things happen, seek out your partner and tell them about it. Numerous studies have found that sharing these positive points in your life – especially when you feel excited to tell your partner the great news – can facilitate a stronger bond.

· Foster Good Self-Worth

Positive thinking applies to each partner, too. You must have healthy self-worth that isn’t attached to having a partner or how your partner makes you feel. If you rely too much on your partner for happiness, things will fall apart pretty quickly! You need to feel secure enough in yourself that other people’s opinions don’t damage your self-esteem, says School of Love NYC founder and dating coach Monika Parikh.

· Reminisce On Times Of Laughter

Did you know that studies have shown that laughing together and then looking back on that laughter together is great for a relationship? Dr. Megan Stubbs, a relationship and intimacy expert, states that asking each other about your favorite happy memories together is a great way to begin reminiscing. The shared emotions and memories bring you together and can even make you think of the future to come.

2. Communication Can Make a Relationship Work

There’s a reason that so many people say communication is the secret to a happy relationship. No human being can read minds, so you need to talk to your partner about different concerns you have or opinions you hold, says Goldsmith.

· Share Your Downs

Being vulnerable can be scary, but it’s part of communication. Your partner can’t know how you feel if you don’t tell them. Licensed psychologist, Rapport Relationships founder, and dating coach, Dr. Jennifer B. Rhodes, even goes so far as to state that letting down your guard can be a huge part of intimacy as a whole.

· Don’t Make Assumptions

No matter how well you believe, you know your partner, making assumptions is a surefire way to land yourself in confusing misunderstandings. Lasting Connections founder and psychologist Sameera Sullivan points out that mind reading in this manner can be dangerous and that it’s much better to ask instead of assuming to avoid hurting anyone in the process.

· Talk About Boundaries

Knowing your limits is essential in a relationship, and many relationships will suffer from silence and ignoring these problems than they will ever suffer from violence, says Parikh. Don’t ignore your partner’s crossing of limits or things that hurt you. Talk about them and be direct and clear about where your boundaries are. Don’t become compliant. Avoiding a fight isn’t as positive as it sounds, and couples that fight healthily and regularly often have a stronger relationship. You should feel comfortable discussing these things with your partner; if not, that could be a huge red flag.

3. Positive Reinforcement

Reinforcement is the act of continuing to make it clear that you love and appreciate your partner. It’s easy to accidentally fall out of the habit of being sweet and romantic to someone you’ve been in a relationship with for years and years.

But leaving the honeymoon phase doesn’t mean the sweetness should end, says Goldsmith. If anything, you need to continue working on your relationship forever, and you shouldn’t become complacent in the way you show your affection. Here are some ways to make sure positive reinforcement is still a part of your relationship:

· Encourage And Support Your Partner

Offering words of encouragement shows that you think of your partner’s experiences and pay attention to what they’re going through. Expressing admiration at their improvements or successes and being supportive in more challenging times tells your partner that you care.

· Surprise Your Partner Now And Then

These surprises show you’re thinking of your partner outside of the typical red-letter days. Clinical psychologist Joshua Klapow, Ph.D., also The Kurre and Klapow Show’s host, recommends tangible romantic gestures. Instead of sending emails or texts, buy tiny gifts, write small letters, or help them check something off their to-do list!

· Schedule A Date Night

Date nights are a break from mundane, everyday life, states Maple Holistics Health and Wellness Expert Caleb Backe. You’re choosing to spend quality time with your partner outside of your daily life. They’re your partner in relaxation and the hustle and bustle. Plus, it’s fun to get that time to yourselves to hang out! It spices things up. You get to talk to each other and rekindle a spark. There’s no denying the positive effects these dates have, so make them a regular thing!

· Hold Hands In Public

Klapow recommends that you and your partner hold hands in public – just like you did when you first began dating! This act is intimate but public, a display that you and your partner are together. It’s also a natural way to bond through touch while indicating that you are happily there for your partner, always!

· Kiss Each Other More Often

When you first started courting your significant other, kissing was probably a highlight of your dates. As time goes on, in most relationships, make-out sessions are replaced by quick, chaste pecks on the lips or a kiss on the cheek. Sarah A. Intelligator, a Family Law lawyer and owner of the Law Offices of Sarah A. Intelligator, recommends that you never stop kissing each other as you did before. When you eliminate these heated shows of affection, you’re subconsciously sending the message that your partner is less desirable to you, and that can sour intimacy and fun.

· Keep Romance Alive

Just because you’re comfortable with each other doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still flirt and be sappy partners in love! Keep buying flowers. Keep doing romantic things. Be embarrassingly romantic. Act like you’re still in the early “chase” stages of your relationship. You’d be surprised how much that can help keep the spark alive!

4. Be Your People

When you’ve been with someone for a very long time, it’s easy to slip into a state where you don’t do anything without the other. You become almost interchangeable and, in the worst-case scenario, could get codependent.

This is very unhealthy because the common idea that a partnership is two halves making a whole is not accurate. A partnership is two whole people coming together out of love and appreciation. Your entire life shouldn’t be about your partner, and you shouldn’t be relying on them to give you everything you need. That’s too much pressure for anyone, and it’s blatantly unfair to yourself, too.

Here are some tips for being your own person while still being a unified couple in a relationship:

· Give Each Other Space

Everyone needs alone time. Even the happiest couples need individual time to themselves, says Parikh. Learn to be comfortable and feel positive without your partner next to you at all times. Lead your own life! Have your own hobbies! Have your own me-time! And of course, respect that your partner also needs all of that, too.

· Assess Yourself And Grow On Your Own

You need to be a strong person on your own, continually learning and growing with the years, to maintaining a healthy relationship. Your partner should be doing the same. That’s why you need to evaluate and assess yourself, says Amy Bishop, M.S., a couples therapist. There’s no denying that even the very best people can have negative or questionable behavior. We all have toxic or bad sides to us because we’re human and flawed. Your job is to continue learning from your mistakes and being aware of the things you need to work on. Put effort into growing and developing as a person, and your relationship will grow, mature, and become healthier with you. Don’t let your pride stop you from acknowledging your weaknesses!

· Have Separate Friends

According to research, the least positive relationships most likely to fall apart are those where you have all the same mutual friends. Think about it – you have the same support group and have no social circles of your own, which is far from a positive factor. Worse still, if the relationship falls apart, the friend group is caught in an uncomfortable situation. Mutual friends are good, but have separate circles on top of that, too!

· Take Care Of Yourself

You’re a grown adult, and you don’t need another human being to look out for you all the time. You get to decide what you want and need and how to spend your time. Yes, you should take your partner into account when your decisions or actions affect them. But if it’s just about you, then be independent! You don’t need your partner to help you with everything or be there for every second of your life, says Parikh. Having one person as your only go-to is toxic for them and for you. Besides, you can always tell your partner about your individual adventures later!

Final Thoughts On Some Things That Make A Relationship Work

Making a relationship works takes effort. You need to stay positive, communicate well, make sure your partner knows you love them, and continue to work on yourself. It might not be easy, but if you love the person you’re dating or married to, it’s certainly worth it!

15 Quotes on Hard Work to Motivate Your Success

October 4, 2020 by Sarah Barkley

Many quotes on hard work can help you become successful. They will help keep you motivated and remind you of what you have to do to reach your goals. These quotes on hard work are essential because the only way to the top is through hard work.

Success can’t be obtained for free, as great as that would be. It can still be enjoyable, however, as hard work leads to higher overall satisfaction.

It’s especially important to put in hard work when you would rather give up. Pouring your negative energy into something positive will help you get past the slump. So, the next time you need some motivation to propel you towards your goals, remember these quotes on hard work.

Quotes on Hard Work to Propel You to Success

1. “The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.” – Vince Lombardi

Becoming successful isn’t easy, and you have to pay the price to reach it. This price is hard work, dedication, and determination, as Lombardi explains. Even if you don’t win or things don’t go as planned, if you have done your best, you have succeeded.

2. “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope. You will fill yourself with hope.” – Barack Obama

You can’t sit around waiting for good things to come to you. It doesn’t work that way. Instead, you have to get up and get started on all the hard work your goals require.

When you do this, you’ll be more hopeful, and those around you will be more hopeful, too. Each step you take and each task you finish will get you closer to where you want to be. Don’t hold up your goals by sitting idly and feeling hopeless.

3. “Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.” – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

Being great at something isn’t what determines if you reach your goal. Instead, those that are consistent in their hard work are the ones who will get to the top. Even with all the talent in the world, if you aren’t working hard, you won’t be successful.

4. “Study while others are sleeping, work while others are loafing, prepare while others are playing, and dream while others are wishing.” – William A. Ward

If you want to be successful, you have to be willing to do what others will not. This desire means you may have to miss sleep, pass on leisurely activities, and choose hard work over relaxation.

While everyone else seems to be enjoying life, they wish for success that they won’t reach. On the other hand, you will be working hard to accomplish your dreams. This dedication is what will set you apart from everyone else and allow you to become successful.

5. “A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” – Colin Powell

Becoming successful can’t magically happen, and it won’t happen overnight. You have to work hard and fight until you reach it. Stay determined and don’t let obstacles slow you down.

If things get hard, keep pushing through. Remind yourself that it is the only way you will become successful and that it will all be worth it.

6. “Without ambition, one starts nothing. Without work, one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Nothing comes easily, and you will never get anything without working for it. You don’t get handed completed goals for free, so you have to be ambitious and keep working hard. Only then will you be able to achieve your goals and make yourself proud.

7. “When you do more than you’re paid for, eventually you’ll be paid for more than you do.” -Zig Ziglar

It can be hard to do more than you are paid for, but it will pay off in the end. When your extra work catches up with you, you will end up being paid more for less work. Keep this in mind as you think about the work you’re doing that you aren’t paid for.

8. “The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained in sudden flight but, they while their companions slept, they were toiling upwards in the night.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Becoming successful doesn’t come easily, and there will always be obstacles to overcome. It is never a straight shot, and things can’t always go as planned. Instead, keep fighting even as your rivals sleep or rest leisurely. Before you know it, you’ll have reached the level of success that they can only wish for.

9. “Winners embrace hard work. They love the discipline of it, the trade-off they’re making to win. Losers, on the other hand, see it as punishment. And that’s the difference.” – Lou Holtz

Those who reach the top enjoy hard work. They know that hard work is the only way to achieve their dreams and sustain them. So, they embrace it and think of it as a payment for their successes.

The people who don’t enjoy hard work, however, are the ones who will never reach the top. They think achievements should be handed to them, and they think of hard work as a bad thing.

10. “My success was due to good luck, hard work, and support and advice from friends and mentors. But most importantly, it depended on me to keep trying after I had failed.” – Mark Warner

Good luck, hard work, support, and advice are all great, but they will not help individually. You have to have all four to reach your goals and move to the top.

Plus, you have to be willing to try again when you have failed. Failure shouldn’t mark the end of your journey. Instead, it should just make the next path clearer before you begin. Always keep trying, and the rest will fall into place.

11. “Obstacles can’t stop you. Problems can’t stop you. Most of all, other people can’t stop you. Only you can stop you.” – Jeffrey Gitomer

Unexpected issues and hardships can’t prevent you from reaching your goal. Only you can decide to stop trying or to give up on your dreams. Or, you can make the right decision and try again until the desired result is reached.

12. “I think the thing about that was I was always willing to work; I was not the fastest or biggest player, but I was determined to be the best football player I could be on the football field, and I think I was able to accomplish that through hard work.” – Jerry Rice

If you are willing to work hard, even when you don’t feel like it, you will be successful. You don’t have to be the most talented. You simply have to be the one willing to work the hardest. When you are putting in hard work, you’ll pass even those who are more talented than you are.

13. “You can’t cheat the grind. It knows how much you have invested, it won’t give you anything you haven’t worked for.” – Eric Thomas

There is no way around hard work. The universe won’t magically give you what you want or need. You’ll only get it when you have worked hard for it.

You have to determine your goal and figure out what you need to do to reach it. Then, don’t give up until you get what you wanted and dreamed of. You will only get back what you have invested in it.

14. “Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task that demanded our best.” – Theodore Rubin

Easy work won’t make you happy. The thing that will make you happy is working hard to reach your goals. The satisfaction that Rubin explains can only come with hard work and determination to be successful.

15. “It’s not about money or connections – it’s the willingness to outwork and outlearn everyone.” – Mark Cuban

Some people think that having money and connections would make them luckier and more successful. While it may help, it isn’t the only way to reach your goals.

Money and connections aren’t even the best way to reach your goals. Those who work hard will end up passing those who used money and connections. Remember this the next time you think you’d already be where you want to be if you had those advantages.

Final Thoughts on Quotes on Hard Work to Propel You to Success

Reaching success isn’t supposed to be easy, but it is achievable through hard work and determination. Once you developing a hard-working routine, it’ll start to become something you enjoy. The hard work will leave you with satisfaction that nothing else can replace. You will have reached your goals and developed hard-working habits to help you maintain your role.

Even when hard work seems overwhelming, each second you devote to it will pay off. Remember these quotes on hard work when you feel like giving up, and they will motivate you to keep working hard.

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

Get enough sleep

Learn new things

Reduce your stress

Read fiction

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!