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7 Ways People With PTSD Handle Relationships Differently

August 20, 2020 by Power of Positivity

People with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have successful relationships with their loved ones all the time. However, it’s not without unique challenges that can put a strain on couples. If everyone is committed to the success of their relationship, they can achieve happiness.

*For this article, we’ll refer to a person who has post-traumatic stress disorder as a survivor.

As you can imagine, suffering from PTSD can make it difficult for a survivor to hold relationships with people due to emotional and psychological issues. This case is especially true because the people in the survivor’s life can become overwhelmed with all the problems that occur. It puts a strain on everyone involved, and this includes all relationships, not just romantic ones.

Knowing how a person with post-traumatic stress disorder handles relationships can be a big help for everyone involved. It can prepare you for issues that may arise and help take some of the strain from dealing with the symptoms. Keep reading to learn about seven ways that people with post-traumatic stress disorder handle relationships differently.

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Psychiatrists define post-traumatic stress disorder as a psychiatric condition that occurs in people who’ve witnessed or experienced a traumatic event. This condition is characterized by an inner turmoil that they continuously deal with. People who have post-traumatic stress disorder may have nightmares, flashbacks, depression, trouble making social connections, or uncontrolled fear, sadness, or anger.

People who have post-traumatic stress disorder may seem to lead a healthy life until they’re triggered by something. It could be a sound, a touch, a smell, or just about anything.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is most common in war veterans, especially older vets. However, it can happen to civilians also from life experiences such as car accidents, family deaths, life-threatening experiences, or other traumatic situations. They may even develop the condition from indirectly experience traumatic events, such as merely learning about the death of a loved one.

Can Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Be Cured?

Since post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental illness, it can’t precisely be cured. However, with proper support, it can be managed enough for a person to lead a healthy life. That’s great news because it means that a survivor can have normal relationships.

Here are eleven tips to help you recover from a mentally abusive relationship.

How Does Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Affect Relationships?

It really takes the support of a village to helps someone suffering from the post-traumatic stress disorder. Remember that they aren’t choosing to be the way they are.

1. Constant Feelings of Fear, Anxiety, Irritability, or Stress

Survivors of PTSD are often plagued by scary feelings of fear, anxiety, irritability, or stress. This can make it difficult to interact with a survivor, especially in public. Bizarre behavior can happen, making it embarrassing for everyone involved.

These feelings can often make it difficult for the survivor to relax. It may lead to a lot of ruined dates or angry outbursts at functions. This is especially true if a lot is going on, and the survivors get overwhelmed with everything that’s happening.

2. Intimacy Difficulties

People who have post-traumatic stress disorder can have trouble with intimacy, especially when their trauma comes from sexual abuse. Survivors may find that they don’t enjoy sex, or they can’t concentrate on it. They may not be able to perform at all.

For romantic partners of survivors, this can be incredibly frustrating. It can mean the end of the relationship in the long run.

If you’re in a relationship with someone who has intimacy difficulties due to PTSD, you must be willing to have an extreme amount of patience. Just your touch could be enough to set them off, especially if the abuse was recent.

As a survivor gets the therapy they need, this can help with sexual difficulties due to PTSD. However, a small percentage of survivors may get worse or may never get over it. Whatever the case is, be as supportive as possible.

3. Trouble Sleeping

Sleeping difficulties are common symptoms of someone who has post-traumatic stress disorder. They may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Nightmares may also plague them. Insomnia has been reported as high as 70% of people with post-traumatic stress disorder.

If you sleep with someone that has post-traumatic stress disorder, you’ve probably noticed that their sleep problems have become your sleep problems. If you are about to begin cohabitating with someone that has post-traumatic stress disorder, you’ll soon find out how they’ll affect your sleep. You may even wake up in the middle of the night to the survivor frantically or violently acting out nightmares.

It’s a situation that’s not for the faint of heart.

4. A Person With PTSD May Feel Unworthy

Survivors can sometimes develop a sense of feeling unworthy of love, which causes even more inner turmoil. They may have trouble trusting people, and they may think that the world is unsafe. This distrust can put a lot of strain on relationships because the survivor will continuously need reassurance.

In relationships, the survivor can feel paranoid about everyone’s intentions. They may accuse people of not having their best interest at heart, or they may continuously question people’s loyalty. They can become so dependent on everyone’s approval that it becomes overwhelming to those around the survivor.

It’s worse for romantic relationships. The survivor may have trouble trusting that you are. They may need constant phone calls, pictures proving who you’re with, or they may meltdown at the slightest change in plans. They may continuously question why you’re with them and what you see in them.

5. Social Isolation

People dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder can often have trouble interacting generally with others for all the reasons that we discussed earlier. They may simply feel unsafe around crowds or unable to socialize with people. They may be plagued with feelings of insecurity.

These feelings can cause them to withdraw from people, even people they’re close to. In a romantic relationship, this can cause a lot of stress since the survivor may not ever want to do anything or go anywhere. The survivor may become dependent on their partner for every social interaction. It’s hard to be someone’s everything.

Even worse, the survivor might withdraw from their romantic partner also. This can cause the partner to feel alone or abandoned, which endangers the relationship.

6. Denial

Some people coping with PTSD may be in denial that anything is wrong with their relationship. After all, there may be times where the relationship is perfectly healthy, and you’re happy, and everything seems perfect. Then, out of nowhere, a trigger occurs, and you’re left feeling confused while the survivor doesn’t recognize the problem.

Not all people with post-traumatic stress disorder are scary, sad, depressed, and angry – at least not on the surface. This variation can make it easy for someone to dismiss the symptoms of PTSD.

Their PTSD may manifest itself in other ways, such as hypersensitivity, communication issues, or dissociation. These types of traits may not be alarming, so they may not see them as a problem. However, even if the survivor can’t see it, you can see something is wrong.

It can be hard to convince survivors to get help sometimes, especially if they are in denial. However, if you care about them, keep trying.

7. Abusive Behavior

One of the most significant issues that partners have with their survivor is abusive behavior. Let’s be clear – not everyone with post-traumatic stress disorder becomes abusive. It’s more likely that they’ll withdraw rather than become abusive. However, some do, and it can get out of control if it isn’t addressed as soon as possible.

When the survivor becomes abusive, it may be time to leave, especially if there are children involved. They may not mean to hurt you, but if they’re triggered, things could get worse. Once you’re safely away from the survivor, you can try to help them from a distance. Just remember that your safety is the priority.

Final Thoughts on How PTSD Survivors Handle Relationships

People dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder want to have healthy lives and normal relationships. Most people put their best foot forward. They try hard but, no matter how hard they work at it, they still come up short if they don’t get help.

In these situations, they need love and support from the people around them. It’s easy when the survivor wants help and wants to get better. Eventually, with professional advice and support loved ones, things may be normal.

However, if the survivor is not willing to get help, don’t be afraid to walk away. It can be a hard thing to do, but it doesn’t help anyone if you get post-traumatic stress disorder from trying to help someone else with post-traumatic stress disorder.

In the end, just keep in mind that a successful relationship with a survivor is possible. They may approach the relationship differently while in recovery, but with some hard work, love, and support, they can be the friend, family member, or lover that you dream of.

10 Strength Training Workouts That Help You Get In Shape Fast

August 20, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Have you been procrastinating your strength training workouts because you don’t have an expensive gym membership? There’s no better time to start than the present because you can do an effective workout at home. These innovative exercises don’t require a lot of fancy equipment, either.

All you need is a small space in your house with enough room to move about safely. If you don’t have carpet, consider buying a quality exercise mat that is slip-resistant. They are relatively inexpensive, and you can find them in any sporting goods department or online.

For an optimal workout session, wear comfortable clothes that are breathable and won’t restrict your movement. You might also keep a fresh towel handy and set up a fan so that you don’t get overheated. Also, have a bottle of cold water at your side to prevent dehydration.

Innovative & Improvised Equipment

When you have a family and money is tight, pricey gym equipment may be out of the question. Did you know that most strength training workouts don’t require costly equipment? For the ones that involve weight lifting, you can be creative and use weighted things you have handy around the house, like books, canned food, or even cat litter.

Most fitness experts advise that you do strength training workouts for at least 30 minutes per day. They can easily be integrated into your regular cardio or core routines. Here are ten of the best exercises to consider for your strength training workouts.

Weight Lifting

When you lift weights as part of your strength training workouts, they provide resistance for your muscles and help burn fat. If you are new to weightlifting, consider talking to a certified fitness trainer about the weight capacity and exercises that are best for you. As your body becomes accustomed to it, you can gradually add more weights to lift.

If you have any health issues or problems with your back or joints, consult your primary health provider before beginning a weightlifting regimen. Never lift any more than your ability, and stop immediately if you feel undue pain or strain. If you don’t have dumbbells, you can use homemade weights.

1. Dead Lift

To do this maneuver, you will need a sturdy duffle bag with side handles, filled with canned goods or books. Next, stand flat on your exercise mat with your feet a little wider than shoulder-width. Grasp the handles of the duffle bag and hold it above your head, keeping your arms straight.

Now, bring your bottom and hips back and bend your knees into a squatting position with your back straight. Squat until your knees are level with your hips, then carefully return to the starting position to equal one rep. Do from 5-10 reps, taking care that you don’t strain your back or arms.

If you are a beginner or have back problems, you can modify this exercise by supporting your back against a wall. Doing deadlifts gives your entire lower body an efficient workout, from your obliques to your glutes. To further enhance your performance and protect your joints, consider using knee wraps for squats and deadlifts. They provide extra stability and support, helping you push through challenging lifts while reducing strain on your knees.

2. Overhead Squat

Using the same sturdy duffle bag stuffed with cans or books, stand firmly on your exercise mat with your body straight and your feet aligned with your shoulders. Take a deep breath and expand your chest muscles while lifting your duffle bag and placing it across your shoulders. This is the starting position of the exercise.

Tighten your back, hips, and behind as you lift the duffle bag straight over your head. To prevent your neck from straining, move your head slightly back while you are lifting. Hold the weighted bag straight up for 1-2 breaths, then lower it back into the starting position. Try to do 10-12 reps.

These exercises are an optimal way of working the major muscle groups in your arms, neck, and upper back. You’ll notice how the muscles stretch as you do each repetition. Overhead squats are also beneficial to your core muscles.

3. Kettlebell Swing

If you don’t have a kettlebell, you can fill a large laundry detergent jug with sand or cat litter. As you stand on your exercise mat, grab the kettlebell’s handle (or the detergent jug) with both hands. Try to keep your arms straight while leaning slightly forward with your back straight and your behind out, like a squat. This is your starting position.

Use your core muscle strength to stand while you push your hips forward. The kettlebell will move forward to the chest level by the force of your body. Try not to use your arms to lift the weight. Lower your body and push your bottom out again to return to the starting position. Do 15-20 reps.

4. Hammer Curls

Do you want biceps that will be the envy of your friends? Why not try these muscle-building hammer curls. They give your arms a good workout as they tone and sculpt the muscles.

Stand comfortably on your exercise mat with a weight in each hand. Slowly bring the weights up toward your arms in a curling formation. Stop right before the weights touch your arms and hold for 1-2 breaths while tightening your biceps.

Slowly bring the weights back to the starting position to complete one repetition. Do these steps for 10-15 reps. As you build muscle, you can increase the weights evenly for each arm.

Body Weight Exercises

These next five exercises for your strength training workouts use the weight of your body for resistance. They provide an excellent way for you to burn fat and sculpt your body. You can purchase resistance bands cheaply anywhere sports and fitness equipment are sold.

5. Resistance Bands

To burn fat and build strength and endurance, your muscles require a resisting force. Consider adding resistance bands exercises to your strength training workout. These latex bands come in different sizes and can be used to shape your arms, legs, and parts of your body.

Try these ten fat-blasting resistance bands moves.

6. Yoga

For thousands of years, yoga has been a holistic philosophy to benefit body, mind, and spirit. Yogic exercise uses gentle movement, poses, and mindful breathing to strengthen your muscles and make your joints more limber.

Whether you are a novice or an experienced yoga student, you can find poses to help get your body in shape. Use a quality exercise mat and other specialized equipment. There are many online tutorials that can get you started.

Yoga builds strength, improves flexibility, and melts away stubborn fat.

7. Crunches

You can’t beat a crunch for the benefit of a sit-up without the added strain to your back. You can sculpt an impressive six-pack with them. Crunches can also help sculpt your back and shoulders. For your starting position, lie flat on your exercise mat with your hands behind your head, and bend your legs as if you were doing a sit-up.

Next, tighten your abdomen and core muscles as you raise your shoulders slightly from the mat. Only use these muscles and not your neck or arms. Notice the stretching sensation in your ab muscles as you hold this position for 1-2 breaths.

On the second exhale, lower your back slowly into the first position to make one rep. Aim to do at least 10-15 reps. For an extra bit of resistance, place a heavy book on your chest as you do the crunches.

8. Chair Dips

Remember that chair you used to slump in all day? How about using it as a tool for your strength training workouts? Chair dips work your shoulders and upper back muscles well.

Make sure you use a sturdy chair that won’t move. Put your chair on the exercise mat and stand in front of it, with your face looking toward the wall. Grab each side of the seat while bending on your knees and keeping your arms out straight. This is your first position.

Next, you want to bend your arms slowly till it forms almost a 90-degree angle. You should do this while you lower your body towards the ground. Hold this second position for 1-2 breaths, and slowly bring your body to the start position on the second inhalation. Do these steps for 5-7 reps.

9. Body Squats

These squats are excellent workouts for your glutes, hips, and thighs. Stand normally on your exercise mat with your feet aligned under your shoulders. Now, move your hips back and bend into a squatting position while keeping your back straight.

When your hips and knees are parallel, use your feet to jump up, straighten your body, and immediately return to the starting position. Do these for 5-10 reps.

Working out helps you build up a healthier immune system.

10. Pushups

Use an exercise mat or a carpeted floor for comfort. Nobody has ever left high school or the military without knowing how to do a classic pushup. Whether you loved or hated them, this traditional exercise should be part of your exercise routine. Feel free to modify them if regular ones hurt your back or neck.

First, lie flat on your exercise mat with your palms flat and a little wider than shoulder-width. Keep your back straight and balance on your tiptoes. As you inhale, use your arms and core strength to lift your body until your arms are straight.

Hold this position for 1-2 breaths, then lower your body to the starting position, doing 10-15 reps. Push-ups condition your whole body, especially your arms and upper torso muscles.

Workouts are more fun with a partner! Even solitary exercises like pushups can be done in tandem.

Final Thoughts: Try These Strength Training Workouts, and You Will See Quick Results

Strength training workouts can help shape your body and burn unwanted fat. Use them alone or with other weight training exercises.

10 Signs You Had An Invisible Illness Growing Up

August 20, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Did you know that you can be sick as a child and never get the help you need or a diagnosis of an invisible illness you have? How many times did your parents tell you to walk it off when you didn’t feel well? Howe many headaches or belly aches did you complain about that they thought was caused by being tired or eating too much candy.

Parents don’t know everything. They try their best to do what’s right for you, but sadly, they often don’t make the right choices. It’s hard for a young child to communicate with an adult about their needs.

Maybe you didn’t have the right words to express how you felt, or the doctor couldn’t pinpoint what was going on in your body. It’s possible that you were fighting an invisible illness, but because it wasn’t always apparent to those around you, you were never diagnosed. All you knew is that you felt different than the other children.

Did Your Invisible Illness Start as a Child?

Perhaps, as an adult, you realize that your chronic illness started in childhood, and looking back, it all seems to make sense. Do you recognize any of these symptoms from your younger days?

1. Frequent Exhaustion

While other children came home from school, grabbed a snack, and headed outside to play, did you find that you needed a nap? Many kids are physically exhausted by the school and getting up early. If you needed more sleep than your friends, it could have been a sign of an invisible illness.

Pediatricians and parents often brush off a kid saying their tired and think they need to nap. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking a nap on occasion. However, when a 12-year-old is sleeping more than 8-10 hours a day, it needs to be investigated.

Thankfully, doctors are more receptive to childhood illnesses and realize that several serious health complications can start at a young age.

2. Chronic Headaches

Lots of things can cause headaches. People can see them as a side effect from stress, a poor diet, sinus troubles, and a plethora of other reasons. However, a young child shouldn’t be complaining of headaches often.

Many things can cause headaches in a child, specifically juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and eye problems like retinitis pigmentosa. Parents should never ignore ongoing headache problems when it could be a sign of an invisible illness.

3. Social Anxiety

Mental illness has a stigma attached to it. Though experts know more about these conditions today, there was once a time where it was never discussed. If you grew up in the 70s-90s, then it’s possible that you had problems that were brushed under the rug.

Do you remember being anxious, nervous, or had an upset stomach or headaches when you went into the grocery store with your parents? Were there ever times when you went to the bathroom during lunch because mingling with the other kids made you physically ill?

It’s possible that you had a social anxiety disorder or another mental illness. A chemical imbalance in your brain can happen at any age. Parents often say that their child is shy just because they didn’t fully understand the invisible illness that made them act and feel this way.

4. Constant Bruises, Muscle Strains, and Torn Ligaments

Did you ever notice that you had constant bruising? If you barely even brushed your leg against something, it would turn into an unsightly bruise? What about muscle strains and torn ligaments from doing simple things like riding your bike?

It’s normal for a child to have some bruising when playing and roughhousing outside or with friends. However, when the bruises seem to be constant and can occur for the smallest of reasons, they need to be investigated. Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can cause people to go through these problems all their life without being diagnosed.

Since Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a genetic condition, it takes specialized testing outside the routine blood work to diagnose. Many people wait decades to find out what’s going on in their bodies.

5. Heartbeat Irregularities

When you consider heart problems, most people don’t think about children getting these devastating conditions. Sadly, the American Heart Association found that about one in four children under the age of five is plagued by heart abnormalities.

One of the more benign conditions that affect children is an irregular heartbeat or murmur. Most kids outgrow these abnormalities and live a happy and healthy life. However, other illnesses aren’t as innocent.

Things like heart valve disorders, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, ventricular septal defects, atherosclerosis, and Kawasaki disease, can all affect children. If you had problems running on the playground with the other kids because your heart would race out of control, then it’s a sign that the invisible illness started young.

Doctors explain the causes and first symptoms of chickenpox.

6. Intolerant to Heat

Some children cannot take the heat. They will become sick, vomit, break out in a rash, or even pass out. While it’s common to think of an adult as heat or cold intolerant, most people would never consider this in a child.

The same issues that make an adult unable to take temperature extremes can happen to a little one. Things like thyroid conditions and autoimmune disorders can make the body unable to regulate temperature properly, which can cause a day at the park to turn into a nightmare.

7. Chronic Pain

It’s easy to pass off a child’s knee or back pain as a growing pain issue. Most children do experience growing pains. Consequently, other illnesses have nothing to do with growth.

Juvenile arthritis is one condition that should always be considered when a child is in chronic pain, but there are things like fibromyalgia that can start in youth too. Many invisible illnesses can begin at a young age, and they tend to worsen as a person gets older.

8. Frequent UTIs

Urinary tract infections are typically a female problem, though a male can get them on occasion. The very setup of the female system makes little girls and women prone to these horrendous infections.

While it’s perfectly normal to get one of these infections after a round of antibiotics, anyone who continues to get them several times a year is a cause for alarm. Conditions like diabetes, kidney problems, and an abnormality in the urinary system can all cause these issues.

One of the reasons why it’s so important to get to the bottom of this invisible illness is because frequent infections can damage the urinary system and plague you.

9. Always Sick

Were you always sick as a child? Do you remember every bug that came around you seemed to catch? The signs of a weakened immune system are hard to ignore. Many children have a compromised immune system from an underlying problem and have no clue what’s going on.

Parents catch on that their child seems to pick up every illness coming and going, but few doctors investigate it. A child who is always sick needs to be tested to see why their immune system is failing them. There may be an underlying autoimmune disease that is wreaking havoc on the body.

10. Extreme Skin Sensitivity

Children can have skin sensitivity that comes along with certain detergents used or other scented items. However, things like eczema, dermatitis, or even autism can affect how fabrics react with the skin.

Extreme skin sensitivity seems like nothing, and many parents learn to deal with it by changing detergents or trying other holistic practices. Sadly, there can be an invisible illness under the surface that is causing these irritations.

A doctor may look at it and say that it’s “goose or chicken flesh.” However, without proper testing and treatment, it can be a painful situation to endure through adulthood.

Final Thoughts: Fighting an Invisible Illness from the Cradle Up

Many children struggle to deal with the pain, skin inflammation, frequent infections, joint pain, and exhaustion every day. The struggle to be like other children and play carefree outside seems to be a dream.

The medical community has evolved in the past decade, and doctors are more informed about illnesses that involve children. Did you know that you can develop a severe mental illness like schizophrenia and bipolar as a child? Other things like Parkinson’s disease and diabetes can also plague the younger ones.

Parents need to take the complaints of their kids seriously. While they may be trying to get out of school or have developed hypochondriac tendencies that they use for their benefit, there is a good chance that they are telling you what’s going on the best way they know-how.

Children don’t always have the best communication system, so parents need to be in tune with their brood and listen to what they are saying. It never hurts to get an opinion from a medical specialist if a child is continuously complaining about not feeling well.

Canadian Ice Shelf the Size of Manhattan Collapsed Due to Global Warming

August 18, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Much of Canada’s last remaining ice shelf recently collapsed into the sea due to record-breaking summer temperatures, according to scientists. Ice analyst Adrienne White of the Canadian Ice Service studied satellite photos of the 4,000-year-old Milne Ice Shelf. She noticed that around 43% of it had collapsed. Additionally, she estimates that this occurred in just two days around July 30 or 31, 2020.

Milne Ice Shelf sits on the northwestern edge of Ellesmere Island in Canada, and until recently, it had been the country’s last remaining fully intact ice shelf. Of course, because of global warming, it was only a matter of time before the collapse. Many countries in the Northern Hemisphere have seen brutal summer temperatures. For example, the small Siberian town of Verkhoyansk reached a sweltering 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit one day in June. This high temperature set a historical record for the Arctic.

Rising Temperatures Due to Global Warming

One comprehensive study found that the Earth is the warmest it’s been in at least 12,000 years. Scientists reached this conclusion by looking at various geological markers. Plus, they used statistical analysis to reconstruct estimates of Earth’s temperatures thousands of years ago. These soaring temperatures explain why many ice shelves around the globe have started to collapse. Today, scientists are showing their concern.

The Milne Ice Shelf lost an area equivalent to the size of Manhattan in just two days. Amazingly, the Copernicus Sentinel satellite captured the event as it fell into the Arctic Sea. As it drifted further into the water, it broke off into two sizable chunks. These time-lapse photos on Twitter show the collapse of the ice shelf, and you can see where the ice breaks off in two pieces.

“This is a huge, huge block of ice,” White told the AP. “If one of these is moving toward an oil rig, there’s nothing you can really do aside from move your oil rig.”

Learn how melting ice sheets are threatening shorelines.

White said that along with the two hunks of ice, many smaller ones formed as they drifted into the sea. The most extensive one measures around 21 square miles wide and 7 miles long. Both are around 230 to 260 feet thick. According to the Water and Ice Research Laboratory (WIRL), the massive break in the ice shelf may lead to further cracking and movement. These shifts will continue in the coming days and weeks as the ice becomes more unstable.

What Caused This Huge Ice Shelf to Collapse?

Ultimately, global warming led to the collapse of this enormous ice shelf, but more specifically, something called polar amplification was the culprit. This combination causes the Arctic to warm much faster than the rest of the world. Indeed, scientists warn of a six-fold increase in the melting of the polar ice caps since the 1990s. The Canadian Ice Service said that increasingly hot air temperatures, warming open water in front of the ice shelf, and offshore winds all contribute to disappearing Arctic ice.

The Arctic is more vulnerable to climatic change because the ice and snow typically reflect sunlight into space. With less ice and snow in this region, more light gets absorbed in the ground. That causes amplification of already warming temperatures. Gavin Schmidt, the director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, provided evidence on Twitter, showing that the Arctic is warming three times faster than the global average. In the area of Canada where the ice shelf broke off, temperatures from May to early August have been 9 degrees warmer than the 1980 to 2010 average, according to the University of Ottawa professor of glaciology Luke Copland.

“Without a doubt, it’s climate change,” Copland said, observing that the ice shelf is melting from both hotter air temperatures and warming waters.

Fast Decline of Ice Shelves in Canada

He added that the Milne was special because of the beautiful location and scenery in the area. Before the ice shelf collapsed, it measured around 72-square miles, which is larger than the District of Columbia. Now, it’s down to only 41 square miles, which means almost half of it is now gone. Ice shelves are not as large and old as glaciers but are still anywhere from hundreds to thousands of years old.

Adrienne White said that Canada’s ice shelf has steadily been breaking off during the last few decades because of humanmade global warming. Canada used to have a sizable continuous ice shelf along the northern coast of Ellesmere Island in the Nunavut territory, but by 2005 only six individual ice shelves remained. The Milne was the last complete ice shelf in the area.

“There aren’t very many ice shelves around the Arctic anymore,” Copland said. “It seems we’ve lost pretty much all of them from northern Greenland and the Russian Arctic. There may be a few in a few protected fjords.”

While scientists believed that the Milne had better protection from collapse since it’s located in an ice-dammed fiord lake, it has sustained many cracks over the last 12 years. While glaciers sit on top of the land, ice shelves float on top of ocean water. According to Business Insider, a research camp on the Milne fell into the sea as the ice shelf collapsed. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Another expert warns:

“It is lucky that we were not on the ice shelf when this happened – our camp area and instruments were all destroyed in this event,” Derek Mueller, a professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Carleton University, said in a blog post. Mueller explained the trip canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Along with the research camp, the Northern Hemisphere’s last known epishelf – a freshwater lake surrounded by ice – collapsed into the Arctic as well. Ice shelves help to control rising sea levels since they act as a dam, so with more of them collapsing around the Arctic, scientists believe the sea-level rise is inevitable. Just how fast this will occur, however, is still mainly speculation.

Rising Sea Levels Due to Ice Shelf Melting

Of course, even a centimeter of sea-level rise affects people living in coastal regions. Andrew Shepherd, Professor of Earth Observation with the University of Leeds, said that every centimeter of sea-level rise contributes to coastal flooding and erosion. In a few decades, global warming may displace millions of people worldwide, as around 600 million people live in coastal areas that are fewer than 10 meters above sea level.

Nearly 2.4 billion people live within 60 miles of the coast. Researchers estimate that around 200 million people live in coastal areas less than 5 meters above sea level. And they expect these numbers to rise to 400-500 million people by the end of the 21st century. So, the window of opportunity to tackle climate change is tiny. Therefore, scientists around the globe are trying to explain the urgency to politicians and large companies.

Let’s put this scenario into perspective…

If the current melting trend of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets continues, the regions could see an additional 6.7 inches of sea-level rise by 2100. These figures are according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). They published these findings earlier this year in the journal Nature by an international team of 89 polar scientists from 50 different organizations. This groundbreaking research into the rapidly melting ice sheets has grave implications if we don’t start taking climate change more seriously.

The team, including Professor Shepherd mentioned above, found that the two ice sheets lost a combined 81 billion tons of ice per annum in the 1990s. However, in the 2010s, this jumped up to a whopping 475 billion ton ice loss annually. That number represents an increase of greater than six times. The Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have lost an estimated 6.4 trillion tons of ice combined since the 90s. The melting ice only caused a global sea-level rise of 0.7 inches. And, the diminishing ice sheets in these two regions are responsible for only a third of all sea-level increase.

In the Fifth Assessment Report issued in 2014, the IPCC predicted global sea levels might rise a staggering 28 inches (71 centimeters) by 2100. The Ice Sheet Mass Balance Intercomparison Exercise team’s outcomes found that ice shelf loss in Antarctica and Greenland tracks with their worst-case scenario estimates.

Here are 5 habits that reduce global warming–a key point in your more mindful lifestyle.

Final thoughts on Canadian ice shelf breaking off due to global warming

Science continues to prove that humans have caused much of the global warming on the planet. Also, governments and researchers scramble to figure out how to combat it. Of course, some scientists deem the damage to be irreversible. But others have a more optimistic outlook. No matter your perspective on the issue, the science is clear that humans play a huge role in climate change. The recent Canadian ice shelf collapse is further evidence of our rapidly changing planet. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that the ice melting will slow down anytime soon.

IKEA’s Bully A Plant Project Is Proof: Positivity Alters Our Physical World

August 18, 2020 by Power of Positivity

While plants may not have feelings, they still respond to their environment by sending signals to other plants about impending danger. They also can sense water, light, and gravity, and have complex sensory systems that can pick up on changes in their surroundings. Some people believe that plants are aware of their environment that they actually grow better when humans speak kind and supportive words to them.

Due to the rise in bullying around the world, IKEA’s UAE division wanted to test this theory with two of their own plants. They brought two of their Dracaena plants to a school. Next, they instructed school children to speak kindly to one plant and “bully” the other one. IKEA partnered with ad agency Memac Ogilvy to create an inspirational marketing video about the bully a plant experiment. Then, they asked children to help with video recordings to play on a loop for 30 days to the plants.

Children either gave the plant compliments or said mean things on the recordings. Not surprisingly, the bullied plant withered while the other one flourished. The people involved in the experiment gave the plants the same amount of water, sunlight, and fertilizer, so the only explanation for the differences in growth comes down to the varied comments.

The company hoped to raise awareness on the harmful effects of bullying, because if it can cause a plant to suffer, these hateful words can hurt humans, too. In the Middle East, May 4th is Anti-Bullying Day. So IKEA wanted to get involved and show how much damage bullying can inflict on someone’s life. Below, we’ll go over some facts and statistics about bullying and what you can do to stop it if you or someone you know is a victim.

Facts about Bullying (people or a plant!)

First off, due to the advent of the Internet, cyberbullying is on the rise as well as in-person bullying. It seems much easier to bully people while sitting behind your computer typing on a keyboard, but this is what makes it so insidious. Rumors can spread much easier over social media platforms, and this can end up damaging the victim’s reputation for life.

Been Bullied
- The 2017 School Crime Supplement (National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice) found that around 20% of students age 12-18 experience bullying nationwide.
- The 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) indicates that, nationwide, 19% of students in grades 9–12 admitted being bullied on school property sometime during the previous year.
Seen

Bullying
- 6% of youth say they’ve witnessed bullying in their schools.
- 4% of school staff have seen bullying. 62% witnessed bullying at least twice in the last month and 41% witness bullying once a week or more.
- 57% of the time, bullying stops within 10 seconds when a bystander intervenes.
Been Cyberbullied
- The 2017 School Crime Supplement (National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice) indicates that, among the students aged 12-18 who had been a victim of bullying, 15% were harassed either online or through text.
- The 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) found that about 14.9% of high school students experienced cyberbullying in the 12 months prior to the survey.
Frequency of Bullying
- In one large study, almost half of children in grades 4–12 reported being bullied at school at least once in the last month, and 30% reported bullying others during this time period.
- Defining “frequent” involvement in bullying as occurring at least twice in the last month, 40.6% of students reported frequent experiences of bullying, with 23.2% being the victims, 8.0% being the children bullying others, and 9.4% involved on both sides.
Types of Bullying
- Verbal and social bullying occurs most often, while physical bullying happens much less. Surprisingly, cyberbullying is the least reported type of bullying.
- According to one large study, middle school students experienced the following types of bullying, in order of most frequent to least frequent: name-calling (44.2 %); teasing (43.3 %); spreading rumors or lies (36.3%); pushing or shoving (32.4%); hitting, slapping, or kicking (29.2%); leaving out (28.5%); threatening (27.4%); stealing belongings (27.3%); sexual comments or gestures (23.7%); e-mail or blogging (9.9%).
How Often Adult Notified
- Only about 20 to 30% of students notify adults if they’ve been bullied at school.

While rare, some cases of bullying may even lead to suicide if an adult doesn’t intervene. Research shows that bullying can worsen feelings of depression, anxiety, isolation, rejection and despair, and these feelings can lead to suicide in some cases.

Prevalence
- Between 25-33% of U.S. students say they have been bullied at school.
- Most bullying happens in middle school, with the most common types being verbal and social.
Risk Factors:
- Young people who are perceived as different from their classmates are at the highest risk of being bullied. They may be singled out for being either overweight or underweight, wearing glasses or clothes that aren’t considered “cool,” or being new to school. If they’re less popular than others, are perceived as weak or have low self-esteem, they may also be at higher risk of being bullied.

How to Prevent Bullying

To prevent bullying, it requires engagement from many staff members at school. Bullying prevention strategies that work the best involve the entire community getting involved, such as the bus drivers, nurses, teachers, cafeteria staff, and principals. Zero tolerance and expulsion are not effective in preventing bullying.
Bystanders who stand up for those being bullied can stop the interaction from escalating most of the time.
Studies also have shown that adults can help prevent bullying by modeling respectful, kind behavior, letting their students or children know that they can come to them if they’re being bullied, and talking to them about the reality of bullying.

While the bully a plant experiment may not have been performed by scientists, it still gives a visual of what bullying does to a living being. Just as the plants wither and decay from unkind words, children can become withdrawn and depressed when experiencing bullying. We could all use a little more kindness in our lives, and it doesn’t cost anything to spread it to others.

How Kindness Can Impact Others (and not just plants!)

A recent study reported on how people felt after either performing or observing acts of kindness for one week. Researchers instructed the participants to carry out at least one more generous act than normal for a close friend or relative, an acquaintance or stranger, or themselves, or try to observe kind acts. They asked participants about their levels of happiness before and after the study period. They found that everyone in the study who either performed acts of kindness for someone or observed a person being kind to others reported greater feelings of happiness.

It just feels better to spread kindness and compassion to others, because what goes around comes around. Whatever you put out into the world will end up coming back to you in some manner. So why not choose love every time? We have enough hatred and negativity in the world today, so we should try as much as possible to spread joy and encouragement.

Here are some ideas on how you can make a difference in someone’s life:

Pay it forward the next time you’re in a drive-thru line.
Compliment three strangers, whether at school or work.
Be a friend to others and always notify an adult if you witness bullying.
Post sticky notes around your school or office with inspiring messages
Leave money on a vending machine for the next person who comes by.
Bake cookies for your grandparents.
Ask a stranger about how their day is going.
Surprise your neighbor with an offer to mow their lawn or cook dinner for them.
Pay for someone’s groceries.
Speak kind words to someone and watch them grow, like in the bully a plant
Spend a day with your parents and help them with anything they need around the house.
Tell your friends and family you love them as much as you can.
Put on a free hugs T-shirt and stand at a popular town square.
Tell a store manager when a store clerk provides you with excellent customer service.
Leave unused coupons at the registers at your supermarket.

Final thoughts on the “Bully A Plant” Experiment

Bullying is still a widespread problem in many schools throughout the world. As you can see in the bully a plant experiment, unkind words can do a lot of damage. Bullying happens mostly in middle schools, and only 20-30% of students tell an adult if they’ve been bullied. So, most of the problem goes unheard, which means we should stand up for those who have remained silent. If you witness bullying, either get involved to stop it or tell a trusted adult.

Every child deserves to feel safe at school. And each of us can make a difference in ensuring that for them.

Nutritionists Reveal How to Beat a Vitamin B6 Deficiency

August 18, 2020 by Deborah Tayloe

Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, aids the body in carrying out more than 150 enzyme reactions.

These allow your body to process protein, carbs, and fat in your diet. Also, B6 plays a huge role in aiding nervous and immune system function. Scientists discovered this vitamin in 1932 but continue to study this vital nutrient.

Most people get enough B6 in their diet, but if you have other Vitamin B deficiencies, you probably lack sufficient B6 as well. Studies have found that people with autoimmune, digestive, liver or kidney diseases, smokers, pregnant women, alcoholics, and people who carry extra weight are most likely to develop a deficiency in this vitamin.

Even though scientists discovered this nutrient in 1932, scientists are still learning new things about it. Researchers also recently found that B6 contains a lot of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This means it may help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart problems. If you have a B6 deficiency, you will likely have notable symptoms that we will review below. We will also list a few foods with large amounts of B6 to help you overcome a deficiency.

Here are eight signs and symptoms of a vitamin B6 deficiency:

Skin rashes

Vitamin B6 deficiency may cause a red, scaly rash called seborrheic dermatitis. It most often appears on the chest, neck, scalp, and face and may cause swelling or white patches on the skin. It may also appear oily and flaky due to a lack of collagen in the skin. B6 helps to regulate collagen, which plays a massive role in maintaining healthy skin.

Taking B6 may help to get rid of any rashes quickly. Some people who suffer from this specific type of rash may need a B6 face cream prescribed by a doctor to ensure higher absorption rates into the skin.

Painful, cracked lips

A pyridoxine deficiency can result in swollen, red, sore lips, especially around the corners of the mouth. If your lips become too cracked, you may have bleeding and possibly infections if you come into contact with certain bacteria. You can ease these symptoms by eating more B6-rich foods or taking a supplement. Remember that riboflavin, folate, iron, and other nutrient deficiencies can also cause cracked lips.

A sore tongue

A Vitamin B6 deficiency may lead to a swollen, red tongue, a condition known as glossitis. A loss of red bumps on your tongue, called papillae, makes the tongue appear smooth and glossy. You may have trouble talking, swallowing, or chewing food without these bumps. If you have this condition, upping your intake of B6 should provide relief. However, deficiencies in other nutrients like folate and B12 can cause glossitis as well, so make sure to take a multivitamin.

Changes in mood

If you have inadequate pyridoxine levels, this can make you more vulnerable to experiencing depression, anxiety, and irritability. B6 directly helps make certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA, which both aid in regulating moods and sensations of pain. Studies have shown that in about 50% of people with autism, B6 supplements help to decrease behavioral problems because it helps to produce neurotransmitters. Research also shows that taking 50–80 mg of B6 supplements daily may help with symptoms of PMS such as irritability, cramps, anxiety, and depression.

Scientists believe that since B6 helps in the process of making serotonin, it may boost your mood. Ongoing research on links between PMS and possible vitamin and mineral deficiencies will determine if doctors can prescribe nutritional remedies in the future.

Weakened immune system

If you have a robust immune system, this can help in warding off disease and inflammation. Nutrient deficiencies such as B6 can interrupt the functioning of the immune system, leading to fewer antibodies produced to help to fight infections. A pyridoxine deficiency may also reduce the number of white blood cells in your body, which helps to regulate immune system function. Also, B6 helps in the process of making a protein called interleukin-2, which helps control the actions of white blood cells.

Fatigue and lethargy

A vitamin B6 deficiency can make you feel exhausted because this vitamin helps your body make hemoglobin, a protein inside your red blood cells and carries oxygen throughout the body. If your body doesn’t get enough oxygen because of a lack of this protein, you could develop anemia, making you feel weak and lethargic. In addition to tiredness from anemia, a B6 deficiency could make you feel exhausted because it helps make melatonin. Because melatonin promotes restful sleep, a lack of B6 may cause sleep problems such as insomnia.

Tingling feelings and pain in hands or feet

You may have nerve damage if you often feel burning, shooting, or tingling pain in your arms, hands, legs, and feet. Many people call it a pins and needles sensation because of the tingling, painful feeling. Because B vitamins play a significant role in regulating the nervous system, a lack of these vitamins can result in nerve problems. You may notice clumsiness as well as difficulties with walking and maintaining your balance. If you believe you have a B6 deficiency, make sure to have a blood test done, which can measure your vitamin and mineral levels.

Seizures

While seizures can have many causes, a lack of B6 can lead to seizures because of a GABA deficiency. Without enough GABA, your brain can become frazzled and overstimulated, leading to seizure symptoms such as muscle spasms, inability to control the arms and legs, and rolling eyes. Some people experience convulsions or lose consciousness during a seizing episode.

Researchers have observed a link between a B6 deficiency and seizures in newborns. In the 1950s, babies given infant formula without enough B6 had symptoms of seizures. In adults, seizures due to a pyridoxine deficiency have been observed mostly in pregnant women, those with liver disease or alcohol addiction, and people taking medications that didn’t react well.

Researchers have noted a high rate of recovery in people who suffer from seizures who increase their B6 intake.

Here’s how to beat a Vitamin B6 deficiency:

Many foods contain adequate levels of B6, so most people get enough in their daily diets. However, since your body can’t store very much of the vitamin, you should try to consume it regularly. Many kinds of cereal and nutrition bars have added B6, so if you don’t eat a lot of fresh foods, opt for these instead. The daily recommended intake for B6 for adults who aren’t pregnant is 1.7mg.

Here are some of the best sources of B6, as well as recommended serving sizes:

3 oz of Skinless turkey breast, roasted – 40% RDI
3 oz pork loin, roasted – 33% RDI
Cooked halibut, 3 oz. – 32% RDI
3 oz broiled sirloin steak – 29% RDI
3 oz cooked skinless chicken breast – 26% RDI
Cooked wild salmon, 3 oz. – 24% RDI
Medium banana – 22% RDI
small baked potato with skin – 21% RDI
1 oz roasted pistachios – 19% RDI
1 cup raw sweet red pepper slices – 16% RDI
1/4 cup prunes – 14% RDI
1/2 cup boiled frozen Brussels sprouts – 13% RDI
1 oz roasted sunflower seeds – 11% RDI
Half an avocado – 11% RDI
1/2 cup boiled lentils – 10% RDI

Most studies indicate that humans absorb Vitamin B6 better in animal foods, supplements, and fortified cereals rather than plant-based foods. If you follow a strictly vegan diet, you may need to take more B6, so you get the recommended values.

Final thoughts on how to beat a Vitamin B6 deficiency

B6 doesn’t get a lot of attention, but the human body requires a good amount of it to maintain a healthy nervous and immune system. Without adequate Vitamin B6 in the diet, you may experience symptoms listed above, such as rashes, cracked lips, a glossy tongue, fatigue, nerve damage, seizures, mood swings, and an impaired immune system. If you don’t get enough pyridoxine in your diet, go to your doctor for a blood test measuring your nutrient levels.

If they determine you don’t have enough B6, eat some of the foods listed above or take a supplement to increase your intake. Most people will not suffer from a deficiency because of the nutrient availability in most common foods in a modern diet. As long as you follow a balanced diet of animal proteins, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, and grains, you shouldn’t have a problem getting all the necessary nutrients.

Getting enough B6 ensures you can get restful sleep, maintain good physical health, and keep anxiety and depression at bay. You’ll also notice increased energy levels since B6 helps with increasing blood oxygen and hemoglobin. Take care of your body, and it will take care of you!

KFC Begins Testing the Manufacturing of 3D Printer Chicken Nuggets

August 16, 2020 by Power of Positivity

While everyone has heard of chicken nuggets, not everyone has heard of a 3D printer or 3D printing solutions. Even if you have heard of this printer, you likely haven’t heard of 3D nuggets. This is because KFC is only now creating these nuggets, and testing hasn’t even yet begun. 3D printing solutions are revolutionizing various industries, from food to manufacturing, offering new possibilities for innovation and customization. Experience the future of manufacturing with There you have it 3d‘s precision printing.

It’s news to most people that KFC is manufacturing these 3D nuggets. You are probably already wondering how this could even be possible, and we will get to that in a moment. They will be entirely edible, however, and the hope is that they taste just like the original recipe.

Before explaining more about the nuggets, however, it’s important to understand what a 3D printer is and how it works. Then you’ll be able to better understand what KFC is hoping to create.

What Is a 3D Printer and How Does it Work?

A 3D printer uses a digital file to make 3-dimensional solid objects. It is also sometimes referred to as additive manufacturing because additive processes are used. Whereas most printers print a flat image onto paper, these printers create physical 3D objects.

The additive processes are used to create an object by making layers of material until the object is completed. By using these processes, you will be able to create complex shapes with less material.

You will first need a 3D model, which you can create yourself or download. If you choose to create it yourself, you will need a 3D scanner, app, hepatic device, code, or 3D modeling software. To download a model, however, you can browse the internet for the one that you need.

Once you have a 3D model, you will need to prepare it for 3D printing by slicing it. You won’t physically slice this, as slicing is a term used to describe splitting the virtual model up. To slice it, you will have to use computer software to divide the model into many horizontal layers.

Once the slicing is complete, your model will be ready for 3D printing. 3D printing uses many forms of technology and material, depending on the exact need. Almost all industries are implementing it, so it’s only expected that it would be used with food, as well.

For an idea of what these printers are capable of, some of the uses include:

Eyewear
Footwear
Décor
Furniture
Tools
Prototypes
End-use parts
Dental products
Prosthetics
Architectural models
Fossil reconstruction
Artifact replication
Forensic pathology evidence reconstruction
Movie props
Hip replacement
Automotive and airplane parts
Human tissue replacement
Human organ replicas

How KFC Intends to Test Manufacturing of 3D Printer Chicken Nuggets

With many other businesses researching environmentally friendly alternatives to meat, it’s no surprise that KFC is on the ball, too. While other companies are manufacturing plant-based alternatives, no other company is attempting 3D Printer nuggets. This means that KFC is the first fast-food chain to ever attempt nuggets made in a laboratory. Adding a die shelf for pallet racks can help with handling organized nuggets. Get reliable forklift rentals from Tri-Lift NC, Inc. – Forklift Rentals, where we prioritize quality and customer satisfaction.

For this creation, KFC has teamed up with 3D Bioprinting Solutions. They hope to create nuggets by combining chicken and plant cells in a lab using a technique called bioprinting. The famous seasoning and breading will still be used, however, and only the meat component will change.

The technique of bioprinting uses 3D-printing and is also used in medicine. When used in medicine, it is used to create tissues and organs. In this same way, scientists are going to try and recreate a chicken nugget.

It is rumored that these nuggets will be very similar to the look and taste of KFC’s original nugget recipe. If this is the case, KFC may just change the entire food industry with its creation.

Keep in mind that these nuggets will still contain chicken, so they are not vegetarian. KFC does have some stores that have plant-based products for vegetarians, but these nuggets will not be among those products.

To create the nuggets, KFC will provide 3D Bioprinting Solutions with the ingredients to make a 3D nugget. Then, the manufactured nugget will be created and tested.

KFC wants to create a product that will be used in the years to come. Since it is without question that a new product will be used soon, testing is essential. If KFC succeeds with these manufactured nuggets, this may be it.

When Will This Test Take Place?

KFC scientists hope to be ready for testing in the fall of 2020 and will first be done in Moscow, Russia. If it is successful in Russia, it will likely be implemented throughout the rest of the world, as well. The timeframe for all of this has not been determined or has yet to be released.

Why do They Feel This is Necessary?

While it may not be entirely necessary, scientists at KFC believe that manufactured nuggets are more environmentally friendly. They mean this in regard to the production process of the original recipe. It is believed that this method will be cleaner, less impactful on the environment, and it won’t harm animals.

This idea of manufacturing nuggets in this way was first thought up in response to other things, however. Since healthy lifestyles and nutrition are becoming popular, KFC thought it essential to create products that appeal to healthier lifestyles. With healthier lifestyles and the desire to be more environmentally friendly, this idea was created.

Researchers at the University of Oxford proved the environmental aspect to be true. They determined that manufacturing meat from cells can greatly reduce greenhouse gases in the environment. Plus, it will use 100 times less land than raising traditional meat would use.

Final Thoughts on KFC Begins Testing the Manufacturing of 3D Printer Chicken Nuggets

Even if KFC is successful in manufacturing these 3D Printer chicken nuggets, there will be other factors to consider. One important consideration is whether customers will be comfortable eating nuggets made in a lab. Since customer satisfaction is the determining factor of business success, it will be the customers who make the ultimate decision.

If the nuggets pass the KFC researcher’s tests and earn customer approval, the fast-food industry will be changed forever. Other fast-food chains will likely implement the technique, and other food products will be reproduced.

With the benefits to the environment, this direction for fast-food may be the most controversial one yet. Until the test results are in, however, it is unknown if this product will be available anytime soon.

15 Quotes About Accountability That Will Change Your Life

August 16, 2020 by Kristen Butler

Accountability means taking responsibility for your actions and thoughts. It means owning up to it when you have made a mistake. Plus, it means doing what you said you were going to do, and doing what you know needs to be done.

Being accountable is essential for success and living a life that you can be proud of. Whether this is in the workplace, at home, or in your relationships, accountability is essential. Living life this way will raise your self-esteem, allow your relationships to grow, and you’ll make progress toward your goals.

Not only is taking responsibility essential for yourself to, but it is also essential for those around you. It will be a perfect example for others to follow, and they will respect you more. Other people can’t push you to be this way. However, it is all up to you.

Sometimes it may seem easier to let things go or to blame someone else for your mistake. Doing this won’t get you anywhere, however. The next time you feel this way, remember these quotes about accountability, and you’ll feel back on track.

Fifteen Memorable Quotes About Accountability

1. “Be accountable for doing the right things. This means ethical execution of the activities that will actually support the goals you have chosen for yourself.” – Sam Silverstein

As Silverstein explains, as you work your way toward your goals, hold yourself accountable by being ethical. Getting to the top by doing wrong things will not keep you there for long. Plus, it’ll teach people that they shouldn’t trust you.

2. “Blame is the coward’s solution to his fear of accountability.” – Craig D. Lounsbrough

When someone is always blaming someone or something else, they lack responsibility. By taking the cowardly way out of a mistake, they are choosing to hinder their growth.

3. “My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” – Oprah Winfrey

You know what you should be doing right at this moment. Make sure you are doing the best thing you can that will set you up for the next big thing coming. One step leads to the future, and if they are all reasonable steps, you’ll be successful before you know it.

4. “Accountability separates the wishers in life from the action-takers that care enough about their future to account for their daily actions.” – John Di Lemme

Anyone can wish for a successful and happy future. Only those who hold themselves responsible for it are going to reach their goals, however. You have to be willing to get started and take action if you want to see progress.

This is something that needs to be done daily. Skipping out on what needs doing will only slow you down, whereas action will keep you on the right path.

5. “You are accountable for your actions, your decisions, your life; no one else is, but you.” – Catherine Pulsifer

The things that you do or say are your choices and no one else’s. Each decision you have made is the result of your own decisions, no matter how it turns out. You can’t place the blame on anyone or anything else, as you are the one who holds control of yourself.

6. “It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable.” – Moliere

You are responsible for things that didn’t get done, just as you are responsible for things you have done. When someone is counting on you to do something, you have to get it done on time. Otherwise, you won’t be living up to your responsibilities.

7. “People are more inclined to pass the buck than they are to take responsibility. The fact is, though, passing the buck doesn’t build your character or give you the opportunity to learn from your mistakes.” – Marshall Goldsmith

It’s easier to blame others than to admit to mistakes yourself. You can’t learn from your mistakes when you do that, however. It doesn’t give you a chance to grow and learn, and it can diminish your character.

8. “Ninety-nine percent of all failures come from people who have a habit of making excuses.” -George Washington Carver

It can be easy to get in the habit of making excuses. When this happens, you’re excusing yourself for not getting things done that should have been. You are holding yourself back and causing yourself to fail.

9. “In reality, we all have our lives, and the accountability for the achievement of our dreams and goals falls strictly on our own shoulders.” – Thomas Matt

You are responsible for reaching your goals and making your life the way you always dreamed of. No one else can get you there, and no one else can be blamed if you don’t make it. You have to work hard to achieve your dreams, and that means always being responsible.

10. “Accountability is – first and foremost – about being reliable. To get a good picture of your personal accountability, you may want to periodically ask yourself, “Can people count on me to do what I say I’ll do, as I said I would do it?” – Henry J. Evans

When you tell someone you will do something, and you don’t do it, you aren’t reliable. This is something to consider when determining how accountable you are. If you find that people can’t count on you, then you need to work on being reliable all the time.

11. “We are all responsible and accountable for what we do or say even if those behaviors occur in stressful times.” – Byron Pulsifer

You can’t use stress as an excuse to do or say things that you don’t mean. Even in times of stress, you have to take responsibility and make a conscious effort to be a good person.

12. “It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities.” – Sir Josiah Stamp

If you take the easy way out, you have to accept the consequences of doing so. Whether those consequences are a failure or lack of progress, you have to deal with them no matter what.

If those consequences are something more significant, you still have to deal with that, too. When you think of it that way, it may be easier to just take care of your responsibilities the right direction.

13. “In life, we can have results or reasons. If you are not getting the results you want, your reasons are the lies that you keep telling yourself.” – Harald Anderson

The reasons that Anderson is referring to are just excuses. You can make a change in your life at any time. So, if you aren’t where you want to be, it’s on you, and you have to stop lying to yourself.

14. “Neither age nor experience matters when it comes to being personally accountable for any and all outcomes- no excuses whatsoever- be they positive or negative, nor shifting blame to other people or to external factors.” – Kory Livingstone

No matter how old you are or how experienced you are, you still have to take responsibility for yourself. As Livingstone explains, the outcomes of your decisions are on you, no matter what excuse you come up with. You can’t blame anyone else for what happens in your life, as you are the one in control.

15. “When accountability is present, people keep their eyes on a very clear prize. They know what they are working toward and how they are going to get there.” – Henry J. Evans

You have to know what you are working toward if you want to keep it in mind. Set a goal, even if it is a short-term one, and set your eyes on it. Make decisions every day that will help you get closer to the target.

Once you have achieved it, you can set a new goal for yourself. Or, you could just set one long-term goal and work on making that one. Whichever way you choose to do it, you must keep focused and stay active.

Final Thoughts on Quotes About Accountability Never to Forget

Everything that happens in your life is a direct result of your choices. This is why you must practice accountability every day. Each day when you wake up, you have to decide to take a step toward your goals.

If you do this, you will be sure to be successful in your endeavors. By taking responsibility for your life, you are ensuring no one else can mess things up for you. Placing blame on other people or events doesn’t help you reach your goals as it slows your growth.

Be responsible and do what needs to be done, and you can be sure to head down the right path. Remember these quotes the next time you feel like taking the easy way out, and you’ll be sure to hold yourself accountable instead.

Therapist Reveals 7 Steps to a Sincere Apology

August 14, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Two of the most difficult words to say are “I’m sorry.” Why is it so hard for some people to admit when they’re wrong? Giving an apology is good for the soul. It’s a way for you to get the forgiveness you need and move forward in your relationship. It takes something negative and brings it into a positive light.

You’re human, and when a situation becomes intense, it’s reasonable to say and do things that you don’t really mean. You say something in the heat of the moment that you wouldn’t usually say. Sadly, you hurt others either by accident or intentionally. Thankfully, you come to your senses and realize that you must say you’re sorry for the pain that you have caused someone.

You Must Be Regretful for Your Actions

How often have you heard a mother of father tell a child to apologize when they’ve done something wrong? The child grumbles out a halfhearted, “I’m sorry,” even though they didn’t mean a word of it. These kinds of apologies won’t work for an adult.

People want to see that you regret your actions and that you can move past this moment and onto greener pastures. The goal is to restore trust and not make this person an enemy. You need to offer an apology that is not only restorative but sincere. How can you accomplish this and not come off as that child who is being forced into this situation?

Some People Aren’t Ready to Forgive

When someone is hurt, their anger takes over, and their thoughts become irrational. Think of it the same way that your anger clouded your judgment, and you said and did things that got you into this predicament in the first place. The individual you hurt might not be so eager to forgive or even hear your apology.

You learned from a child that you need to apologize, but just because you know that you’re doing the right thing doesn’t make it easier. The person you offended could be angry and may harbor resentment against you, so they may not be ready to hear what you have to say.

Since you’ve overstepped your bounds, they may wonder if what you’re saying is even the truth. They may doubt your apology and your sincerity. The key element to genuinely extending or accepting an apology is purpose.

Some may find it hard to forgive you based on what was done, and even if they do exonerate you, they won’t forget the action. You may not deserve forgiveness, but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do the right thing.

Apologizing Releases the Burden from You

Apologizing to someone releases the pain and burden from you and puts the ball in their court. If they refuse forgiveness, then it will hurt them in the long run? You did your part to release the burden of guilt from your shoulders.

If they don’t forgive you, then they allow a black cloud to hang over them. Unforgiveness is like looking through dark glasses filled with anger and bitterness. If you’re the one who needs to apologize, don’t let your pride stand in your way.

Seven Tips to a More Sincere Apology

You need to right the wrong that was done as it speaks highly of your character. Did you know that there are seven tips that can help you apologize and with sincerity? Here are e, according to relationship experts.

1. Get an Approval Before You Apologize

It may sound silly to ask someone’s permission to seek forgiveness, but it’s the right thing to do. The person you wronged may not want to hear you saying I’m sorry, and they may not be at the place to move on. Some people need time and space to cool off.

You really must factor in what was done and the person who you wronged. Some people are eager to accept forgiveness and move past the deed, but others can hold grudges for years. Essentially, timing is everything. The goal is to make sure that the person you apologize to is at the place to receive it.

2. Show Sincerity That You Hurt Them

Part of asking for forgiveness is recognizing what you did was wrong and being regretful for your actions. You want to convey that you wish you could take back what you said or did to hurt them.

Try not to say use the word “if” in the apology. When you sound unsure whether you hurt them or not, then you leave things open to interpretation. You don’t want to shift any blame to the other person, but you should take responsibility for your actions in full.

3. Make Affirmative Actions for Change

Once you’ve crossed a line, it’s not always easy to go backward. For instance, if you had an affair, there’s really is no way to go back and change what you did. The only way you can move is forward.

You can explain your actions, but even if you do everything that you can to make it right, it may not be enough. Speak your peace and let the other party choose the outcome.

Let’s assume that you forgot to report tips at work, and your boss caught you. You can ask for forgiveness for your wrongdoing, but he still must fire you for theft. It doesn’t mean that you still don’t owe him an apology.

If they don’t forgive you, then it’s on them. You may be remorseful for your actions, but sometimes the deed is so severe that there is no way to recover from it. Still, it’s always a good character to make a sincere apology.

4. Make Sure They Know You Won’t Do This Again

In the scenario where you’re in trouble at work, part of reconciling with your boss is to let him know that you will never fail to report your tips again. The boss may show you mercy because you were sincere, or they may stick to company policy.

Your attitude can help predict the outcome. The person you apologize to can feel your sincerely, and your demeanor may choose whether they forgive you or not. Keep in mind that forgiveness doesn’t always mean there are no consequences for your actions.

If you apologize to a judge for going 25 miles per hour over the speed limit, he will probably still punish you. However, he may go lighter on you in the hopes that you learned your lesson and won’t do it again.

5. Give a Formal Invitation to Ask for Forgiveness

When asking for forgiveness, you must say the words “My friend, I am so sorry for what I have done. Will you please forgive me?” You may say a lot of other things as you apologize.

The most important thing is asking for their forgiveness. Don’t just assume they will extend the olive branch to you, ask, and make sure that you settle this matter.

6. Do a Follow Up Act

While your words are fitly spoken when you’ve hurt someone, you need to follow up your meeting with a consolation gift. You should send something that shows this person that you meant what you said. Things you could send include a card, flowers, email, or a special “just because” gift.

While you don’t have to spend any money or do another thing, it once again shows your sincerity and devotion to making a change. The gesture serves as a promissory note that you won’t make the same mistake twice.

7. Move on From the Past

If you have apologized for your actions and this individual has forgiven you, then it’s time to move on. Don’t dwell in the past as it can dictate your future. For instance, if you lied to your spouse and got caught, they can’t continually throw this up in your face.

When you have asked forgiveness, if they accept, then they must genuinely forgive. While forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting, it does mean moving on from this event. It’s never fun to be with someone who is continuously bringing up all your wrongdoings in an argument. They may have said that they forgave you, but their actions speak so much louder than their words.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Ruin an Otherwise Sincere Apology by Making Excuses

Don’t expect things to get right back to normal. In many instances, it takes time to heal the issues even though they did accept your act of contrition. If done correctly, this event can allow your relationship to grow.

When you weather a few storms, you will have to apologize for anything you’ve done wrong. These life lessons cause you to have a deeper level of respect for people. You can truly show how much you care for someone by your willingness to make things right.

Just remember that you must stick to the facts and never make excuses for your actions. The goal of apologizing is to get forgiveness and not prove your case.

You will make many apologies in life, but with each one counts as a lesson learned about how you should act and treat people. Saying I’m sorry should come naturally if you live with integrity.

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