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Nutritionists Reveal 22 High-Fiber Foods to Eat Every Day

July 7, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Fiber is a crucial nutrient. It helps digestion and gut health, keeps our bowel movements smooth, and helps facilitate many bodily processes. Unfortunately, if you don’t eat a balanced diet, it’s also effortless to become deficient in this component. Make high-fiber foods a part of that lifestyle.

Are you not getting enough fiber in your diet? Don’t worry, and keep your positive thinking going! It can be surprisingly easy to get your daily fix of fiber. Here’s how nutritionists reveal 22 high-fiber foods to eat every day, in 5 neat categories.

1. Beans and Legumes

Legumes and beans are famous for being borderline superfoods. They’re full of nutrients and are often easy to prepare, so they’re great ways to get your fiber fix. Here are some options to consider according to registered dietician and nutritionist Alex Caspero:

· Lima Beans

Lima beans can be frozen or canned, and you’ll still get their fiber-packed benefits. Cook some with corn to create a delicious and filling succotash and get extra fiber from corn, or puree them with a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and seasoning to create a hummus. One cup of lima beans provides 12 grams of fiber.

· Black Beans

Black beans are packed with fiber, and they’re effortless to add to meals. They can be mashed and added to salads, soups, sandwiches, a sweet potato dish, or even wraps. One cup of black beans provides 17 grams of fiber.

· Chickpeas

Chickpeas are great options for protein when you don’t want to eat meat. You can use them as a replacement for chicken in virtually every meal, but remember to season them well as they can be bland on their own. Still, that blandness means they taste good with lots of different dishes. One cup of chickpeas provides 11 grams of fiber.

· Lentils

Lentils are highly filling and only take half an hour to cook in simmering water. They’re inexpensive and are fantastic as fillings for wraps, and you can use them to make lentil loaves. They’re also full of protein, which gives you more positive boosts than fiber alone, and one cup of cooked lentils provides 16 grams of fiber.

· Peanuts

Believe it or not, peanuts are technically legumes, not nuts! They’re also rich in healthy fats and are easy to use. Eat them as a snack, toss them into salads, add them to relevant dishes, or get them through peanut butter. Half a cup of peanuts provides 6 grams of fiber.

2. Fruits

The sweetness of fruit means most people enjoy them, so they’re healthy high-fiber foods that you can look forward to with positive thinking. They’re full of fiber and vitamins that give the body endless benefits! Here are some of the best to munch on for fiber:

Dietitians explain why you should freeze avocado (and how!).

· Avocados

They’re a bit of a “trendy” foot, but honestly, they deserve the hype! They’re full of healthy fats that keep you full, come with tons of vitamins, and can be added to sandwiches, salads, or eaten with toast. Half an avocado provides 7 grams of fiber.

· Blackberries

Berries are versatile and have so many great benefits for the brain and body. You can use them fresh or frozen and still gain the same benefits. Add blackberries to yogurt, blend them into juices and smoothies, add them to a fruit salad, or just munch on some for a snack. One cup of blackberries provides 8 grams of fiber.

· Raspberries

Raspberries don’t stay in season for long, so grab them while they’re good! They provide all the benefits of blackberries and can also be used frozen or fresh as needed. Just like blackberries, one cup of raspberries contains 8 grams of fiber.

· Apples

Apples are sweet, and there’s a reason the saying about keeping doctors away stars them! They can be eaten plain, with nut butter, or with another healthy dip. According to the author and registered dietician Keri Gans, apples have other positive sides, too, like their richness in vitamin C that keeps immunity strong and keeps the skin healthy. In just half a cup of them, they provide 7.5 grams of fiber.

· Pears

Pears are very underrated in the health world. They can be eaten with nut butter or savory spreads for some added flavor. One medium-sized pear provides 6 grams of fiber.

3. Grains

Grains are known for being full of fiber. As they’re such staple parts of daily meals, it’s relatively easy to consume enough of them as needed. Here are some grains to add to your diet for a positive fiber-filled boost:

· Popcorn

Popcorn is known as a not-so-healthy snack food. Still, it’s a high-fiber food. And, when not smothered in unhealthy coatings like butter or caramel, it is surprisingly good for you, says registered dietician and nutritional therapist Scott Keatley. Don’t go for movie cinema popcorn – try getting plain popcorn and adding flavor with cinnamon or garlic powder. In just half a cup of popcorn, you get 7 grams of fiber.

· Barley

Barley is associated most with drinks and soups, and you likely don’t think of it as a rice substitute. But it certainly can be one! Ten-minute barley can be cooked in a big batch and used in place of rice throughout the week. Mix it in with things like roasted vegetables, some healthy protein, and a little bit of dressing to make a filling meal option. One cup of cooked barley provides 6 grams of fiber.

· Bran

Bran has a lot of potentials and can be added to so many different meals and drinks. As a versatile food, it’s great for adding to oatmeal, baked goods, smoothies, and much more. The type of bran you use determines its benefits, says Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson and registered dietician Sonya Angelone. For example, oat bran has soluble fibers that keep you full and balance blood sugar, while wheat bran reduces constipation through insoluble fiber. Whichever you choose, the fiber provided by bran has lots of positive effects on the body, and just an eighth of a cup of bran offers 10.5 grams of fiber.

· Wholewheat Pasta

You don’t have to give up pasta entirely to live a healthy lifestyle. Wholewheat pasta tastes just as good as the white pasta you’re used to, especially when mixed with a tasty sauce (like olive oil and lemon, or even a tomato sauce) and is excellent when tossed with cooked vegetables. This makes for a high-fiber meal, and one cup of cooked wholewheat pasta provides 6 grams of fiber.

Overnight oats satisfy your hunger and nourish the soul.

4. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are famous for providing healthy fats and other health benefits, but did you know that they’re also packed with fiber? Here are some great options to add to meals or munch as a snack, according to the author and registered dietician Keri Gans:

· Almonds

Almonds are full of fiber, and they also have great benefits like vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids. They’re easy to eat as tidbits and can be added to salads, or even used to coat meat for a baked crunch. With all its positive sides, half a cup of almonds also provides 10 grams of fiber.

· Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a superfood, plain and simple. They can be added to yogurt, smoothies, salads, and poke bowls, and just sprinkling them over any dish you’re eating is a great way to get them into your diet. They’re packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and heart-healthy components. Just a quarter cup of chia seeds gives you 13.5 grams of fiber.

· Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are just as easy to add to food as chia seeds are. They have plenty of healthy fats – specifically monounsaturated ones – and bring down cholesterol while packing a big fiber punch. Half a cup of sunflower seeds provides 5 grams of fiber.

· Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are also easy to use, just like chia and sunflower seeds! They’re great additions to smoothies and yogurts, can be tossed into baked goods and breakfast foods, and add a fiber-filled kick with some essential omega-3 fatty acids. They lower inflammation in the body and can be great aids in fighting joint pain. A quarter cup of flax seeds provides 14.3 grams of fiber.

5. Vegetables

Vegetables are everyone’s go-to for a healthy dish, and with good reason. They have so many positive components, like vitamins and minerals, but they’re also packed with fiber. Here are some of your best options on that front:

· Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are great substitutes for normal potatoes. They’re full of vitamin A and can be used for sweet and savory snacks, too, says Gans. You can lightly fry some with healthy oils for sweet potato fries or toast them and top them with bananas, peanut butter, or honey. However you choose to eat them, half a cup of sweet potatoes provides 3.4 grams of fiber.

· Artichokes

Artichokes are great for adding to pasta or Mediterranean dishes, and they give you loads of fiber. Of course, we do know that artichokes can be tough to prepare, but don’t worry – canned artichokes and frozen artichokes are just as good, states Caspero, and they can be added to wraps, frittatas, and salads with ease. Uncooked artichokes of a medium-size provide 7 grams of fiber.

· Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are famously a bit of an acquired taste, but they’re a good alternative to cauliflower or broccoli when you’re tired of them, according to Gans. They’ve got lots of vitamin K and can make a delicious side dish when roasted with just a little salt, pepper, and olive oil. Half a cup of Brussels sprouts gives you 3.5 grams of fiber.

· Split Peas

Split peas can seem complicated, but they only take half an hour to cook thoroughly, and Gans says they are fantastic for easy one-pot meals. They also have other positive sides, like iron richness, which improves circulation, and half a cup of uncooked split peas gives you 22 grams of fiber.

Final Thoughts On These 22 High-Fiber Foods To Eat Every Day, According To Nutritionists

With so many different ways to get fiber into your system, you won’t get bored consuming the same thing every day to meet your daily requirements. Eat a wide variety of high-fiber foods in whatever way you prefer, and your body and digestive health will thank you!

Psychologist Reveals How Thinking Positive Reduces Anxiety

July 6, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Anxiety and worry are typical by-products of everyday human life. Regardless of whether you are preparing for an interview or a romantic date with a long-term crush, we all have significant concerns about the outcomes. While the fearful feeling may be scary, psychologists reveal that this type of worry has a positive side to it. But how?

A good example is that of a gentleman worrying about an upcoming date. Positive outcomes such as the situation encouraging you to buy a new outfit to impress your potential new partner may help you reduce the anxiety regardless of the result. Through thinking positive, you will manage to put things under control and reduce your anxiety levels. In this piece, we have compiled various ways in which we can alleviate anxiety through thinking positive.

Understanding the real concept in “thinking positive.”

It’s okay to be sad for a while. It’s okay to show your emotions. Positive thinking doesn’t entail on burying your head in the sand and ignoring the negative situations in your life. As a human being, you are bound to encounter both good and bad circumstances.

Positive thinking allows you to accept and approach unpleasant situations more productively and positively. Always tame your mind to see the best in cases and never the worst. Slowly build an attitude that allows you to accept reality but not accept defeat.

Comprehending anxiety

As humans, we deal with so much anxiety, mainly emanating from wanting to live up to your expectations and life goals. Understanding anxiety and its causes might help you build a better and more positive mindset. Naturally, we all have a negativity bias that enables us to detect danger and alert us of impending danger.

According to psychologists, being fearful and anxious are fundamental tools to your survival. Nonetheless, higher anxiety scales are triggered continuously by the pressure and tension in modern life. When this happens, the brain releases cortisol, the stress hormone, which leaves you in a feeble state of flight or fight.

Eventually, after a constant re-occurrence of the repeated pattern, it becomes automatic, and the doctor may diagnose you with anxiety disorders.

7 Things to remember for thinking positive and reducing your anxiety

1 – Self-talk sessions are important

Self-talk revolves around the involvement of your subconscious mind. Little known to most individuals, your subconscious mind is susceptible on the low side, but it’s equally compelling on the upper scale. It all depends on how you control your mind: you may decide to have total control over your anxiety or forever remain fearful.

You are probably going to go with the former. You must acquire the skills to communicate with your subconscious mind effectively. You are probably wondering how to ace this perfectly without doing any detrimental damage to the brain.

Psychologists encourage you to think of your subconscious mind as the kid and the conscious mind as the guardian. Ask yourself, “How can I raise a more loving child?” Naturally, individuals want to be kind and understanding parents whom their kids can always come to in times of trouble.

You will be on the right track to thinking positively if you treat your subconscious mind with positive and understanding thoughts. A part of all human beings is good and kind. Highlighting your positive side doesn’t involve changing who you are but finding and enhancing your better self. Program your subconscious mind to concentrate on compassion and care instead of the fear that fuels anxiety.

2 – Redefine personal self-concepts

It’s remarkable how you define your life and describe yourself. How you think about yourself and tell your story enormously impacts how you deal with life and its anxieties. Take a moment to reflect on what you would answer if someone asked you to describe yourself, your achievements, and your story.

If you struggle to answer this question frankly and positively, then you have some redefining to do. Easier said than done, right? Here’s how you apply a positive self-concept in your life, personality, and routines to alleviate anxiety.

Visualize your life, feelings, personality, and behavior.
Set the good from the bad and maximize the good.
Acknowledge that the unpleasant events in your life are mistakes and lessons you could use as learning tools.

You will realize how easy it is to forgive yourself, rise, and get rid of anxiety one you have a clear and positive self-concept.

3 – Stop thinking negatively

As discussed earlier, whatever you feed your subconscious mind will supply you with it. As the adage warns us, “Garbage in, garbage out.”

It’s not any different from this. Negative thinking never did anyone any good.

Not only is negative thinking a backward habit that triggers anxiety, worry, and fear. Negative self-talk is also distracting–and we might not even be aware of it. You must break the chains and habits of self-criticism and negative self-concepts to deal with anxiety effectively.

Have you ever noticed how your body reacts after telling yourself you are frustrated, worried, fed up, and stressed? You begin to drain yourself the love and energy you need to continue. Does this narration sound familiar?

By watching your thoughts, you start to learn how your mind affects your soul, emotions, body, inner self, and, eventually, your behavior. Quit thinking negatively, start thinking positive, and stand a chance to see the kind of transformations you are about to enjoy.

4 – Believe in success

People often define a person according to their success in a career, family, relationship, and individual progress. While it’s a valid parameter that goes out to gauge mental health, personal success has a lot to do with thinking positive while alleviating anxiety. What makes you successful in whichever way described?

It’s simple: once you believe in yourself and manage your worries, you can achieve anything you desire. You cannot chase success if you have fear, low self-confidence, and a long list of concerns. You have to start somewhere.

Firstly, acknowledge that you can succeed. Start thinking about how to get there rather than the reasons why you can’t get there. Unrealized dreams always lead to a bitter life full of worry and low self-esteem.

5 – Unburden yourself

Scientists believe that carrying a lot of burden from your past could also lead to depressive and stress episodes. You might want to let go of any perceived pain and hurt from your past that prevents you from living a stress-free, safe, and secure life. Take charge of your life and be responsible for what you feel towards yourself and others.

The complete realization that you are responsible for your well-being is a fundamental step towards reducing anxiety. Have a stable relationship with yourself to create a conducive environment that doesn’t condone anxiety and worry.

6 – Be happy regardless

Everyone wants to be joyous and happy despite facing specific challenges in life occasionally. True happiness gauges your ability to return to a state of being unconsciously happy. This power makes it easier for you to believe in your ability to think positively, especially during difficult times.

As discussed above, you will always have full control over the choice you make when responding to various situations. To know that whatever happens, good or bad, will not change your state of happiness is an intense form of liberation. If you practice this, you may begin to feel calmer and more positive in times of a storm, which is a commendable change from how you would previously react.

7 – Learn to be a self-compassionate person

Cultivating compassion helps reduce anxiety and fear by re-framing how we view the world. Learn to see the world from a different perspective in which many events will happen, both good and bad. However, learn to avoid attaching your emotional self to an assumed negative outcome of an event.

For instance, you worry that your date is going to go well. You know it’s a 50-50 shot. Do not decide ahead that it will be a failed attempt at dating. If it does end up in a disaster, be compassionate to yourself. Remind yourself that you prepared well for the evening, chalk it up to a learning experience, and leave the venue a satisfied individual.

Self-compassion helps you see the world from different angles and cushions you from falling too hard.

Also, compassion for yourself and others allows you to accept suffering and a shorter way to move on from unpleasant events. It may seem a little hard, but when you are compassionate to those who may have harmed you, you untie yourself from the pain and suffering. It also helps them see your positive side, which prompts them not to repeat similar mistakes shielding them from future harm. You will likely handle things better if you don’t retain your regrets.

Final thoughts on thinking positive to reduce anxiety

Generally, your outlook and attitude on yourself and your life highly determine how you manage anxiety and your mental well-being. Teaching yourself how to think and reason positively will eventually help you handle stressful situations in the best possible ways. We hope that this piece will guide you.

10 Ways to Feed Your Soul When It’s Running on Empty

July 6, 2020 by Power of Positivity

When you feel empty and exhausted, your soul might need some serious attention. Our minds and bodies get rest every single night when we go to sleep, but our spirits only get rejuvenated by going deep within for answers. Unfortunately, we are each trained to look everywhere but within for comfort and peace, which might explain why our world looks the way it does today.

From an early age, we’ve all been indoctrinated into a system that seems to place money and achievements above everything else. We go to school, get jobs, buy houses, and work our butts off for retirement. But many people feel unfulfilled following this outdated, one-size-fits-all model. Perhaps our modern ways of living don’t address what our souls need. Maybe placing our value in consumer products and incomes can explain the chronic emptiness most of us feel.

What can we do about this problem plaguing modern society? How can we fill our souls instead of just our wallets and egos? We have a few tips for you below, so don’t worry if you’ve been feeling lackluster these days. Every problem comes with a solution, even those that seem impossibly complicated.

Here are ten ways to feed your soul when you’re running on empty:

1 – Get rid of negativity in your life.

Whether that means cutting certain people out of your life or turning off the daily news, too much negativity can take a toll on your spirit.

If you feel exhausted and empty, look at what you expose yourself to each day and adjust it accordingly. Instead of waking up to your social media and news programs, have a technology-free morning where you enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to the birds outside. Simplicity can remind us that we often create problems that never should’ve existed in the first place. It starts with the quality of what we put in our minds and who we surround ourselves with, so by keeping our mental state balanced and positive, we can positively influence the world.

2 – Clean your home.

More people have turned to minimalism to live a simpler, more peaceful life. The things we own often end up owning us after a while with the debt we accumulate from them. Plus, items can only bring us temporary satisfaction; once we’ve filled them, we often throw them in the back of our closet to collect dust. Then, we need our next fix, and the cycle continues.

Once you clean out your possessions and only keep the things you need, you’ll realize how little you require to feel content. Plus, cleaning your space will have positive impacts on your mental health as well, as messiness can increase stress levels.

3 – Simplify your life.

This process doesn’t just mean cleaning out your possessions. Indeed, it means taking a long, hard look at your life and figuring out what activities you need to engage in. We place so much value in doing rather than just being; this obsession with always needing stimulation takes a toll on our mental health. Ironically, filling our lives with activities and chores only leaves us feeling more empty.

People will call you lazy if you don’t want to work the standard 40 hours a week, but our “always-on” society just doesn’t serve our mental and emotional needs. If you’re going to work from home and start your own business, go for it. If you want a quiet life out in the countryside away from all the noise in the city, do it. No one has a manual on how we should live, so if you crave simplicity, create a life that permits you the freedom to have that.

4 – Give your body the fuel it needs to thrive.

When we consume unhealthy foods, they don’t just affect our bodies; they compromise our spirits, too. Toxic foods lower our vibration and leave us feeling exhausted because our bodies can’t process all the unnatural ingredients. Here’s a small list of healthy foods to include in your diet if you want to feel your best:

Brazil nuts
Lentils
Oatmeal
Broccoli
Apples
Kale
Blueberries
Avocado
Leafy green veggies
Sweet potatoes
Eggs
Salmon
Chicken

5 – Meditate

Scientists praise meditation for its ability to affect the mind and body in tangible ways. For example, it can lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve concentration, create mental clarity, decrease anxiety and depression, and reduce stress levels. Some types of meditation help increase love and compassion for yourself and others. Meditation allows you to disconnect from the senses and get to know your soul.

If you’ve been feeling empty and exhausted from the constant stressors of daily life, we can’t suggest meditation enough. It will allow you to expand your consciousness so that you don’t just identify with your mind and body. Instead, you’ll begin to see yourself as one with everything else in existence, which will help dissolve the ego.

Maybe the key to society’s ills lies in this ancient practice.

6 – Treat yourself to self-care

In our fast-paced lives, we don’t spend sufficient time on self-care and self-love. With all of our responsibilities, we barely have enough time left in the day to sit down for a meal. However, to give the best of ourselves to others, we have first to fill our cups. Make sure you take enough time each day to attend to your mental and physical well-being.

Here are the 30 best benefits of positivity.

7 – Get away from technology.

While modern technology does have its advantages, we overuse it and isolate ourselves from others by spending too many hours per day in the virtual world. We don’t spend as much time talking to each other, instead of giving into mindless distractions and neglecting our loved ones. Scientists have linked the overuse of technology to many health problems, including insomnia, anxiety, depression, and even addiction.

Instead of going outside to play, kids today choose tablets and video games. Families go to the park together and get on their phones instead of interacting with each other. We’ve lost a lot of our communication skills because of technology. Many people check their phones throughout the day because of the dopamine hits they get from notifications, which takes a toll on our mental health.

Make sure you put down your phone throughout the day to give your brain a break. Get outside, talk to friends in person, and enjoy the world without looking through a screen every once in a while.

8 – Exercise.

We don’t need to list the benefits of exercise, because scientists have been talking about them for decades. Unfortunately, we don’t need to move as much with our modern lifestyles, and a lack of movement might be the culprit behind the explosion of disease we’ve seen in recent years. If you’ve been feeling empty and exhausted, try moving your body in ways you enjoy. Getting your body moving will lift your spirits as well.

9 – Create a job you love.

Most people don’t like their jobs, and simply stay to pay bills and keep up their lifestyles. Perhaps this unhappiness with modern work environments explains the rise in entrepreneurship and people working at home. While we all have to take on adult responsibilities, we shouldn’t have to work like drones throughout our lives doing jobs that make us feel empty.

If you don’t enjoy your job, do a little research about the hobbies that bring you happiness. Perhaps you can turn your interests into a full-time job that feeds your soul and doesn’t leave you drained at the end of each workday.

10 – Get back to nature.

We have created our lives around nature, not taking into consideration our place in the greater picture. We’ve destroyed a lot of our natural environment, and maybe this explains why so many of us feel discontent in modern life. We’ve cut ourselves off from the very things we need to sustain our lives. So, of course, many of us feel empty and disconnected.

If you’ve been feeling exhausted and defeated by life, make sure you take time to connect with nature as often as you can. Even a 30-minute walk through a forest can do wonders for your spirit.

Final thoughts on ways to feed your soul when you feel empty

If you always wake up feeling tired and depleted, it might not be your body or mind that’s tired – your soul may just need some attention. Simple ways to feed your soul include getting back to nature, taking care of your mind and body with healthy living, and reducing clutter in your home.

If you want to go even deeper with cleansing your soul, look at your job satisfaction and the people you surround yourself with. Sometimes, a deep detox is necessary to feel like your best self again.

Research Reveals Remedies that Replace Medication for ADHD in Kids

July 6, 2020 by Power of Positivity

ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neuropsychiatric condition that causes difficulty in concentrating, impulsiveness, and excessive energy. Of course, most parents know that doctors often treat it by prescribing medication.

The Attention Deficit Disorder Association defines it as the following:

“a highly genetic, brain-based syndrome that has to do with the regulation of a particular set of brain functions and related behaviors.”

As of 2016, The National Survey of Children’s Health reported:

Approximately 9.4% of children 2-17 years of age (6.1 million) were diagnosed with ADHD.

Ages 2-5: Approximately 388,000 children
Ages 6-11: Approximately 2.4 million children
Aged 12-17: Approximately 3.3 million children

Children diagnosed with ADHD often have erratic, inappropriate behavior patterns for their environment, especially in classrooms and other places where they have to sit for long periods.

Below, you’ll find some interesting statistics:

Boys get diagnosed twice as often as girls.
Furthermore, the average age of diagnosis is seven years.
Researchers estimate that ADHD affects 1 in 20 people under the age of 18.
Around two-thirds of people with childhood attention deficit disorders still suffer from symptoms as adults.
Adult ADHD usually presents with memory problems.

Additionally, adults face difficulty in following directions, planning, organizing, and focusing for long periods.

These eight nutrients help beat adhd.

Is ADHD a real disorder?

Some doctors and scientists believe ADHD doesn’t exist. For example, Jerome Kagan, professor, and psychologist at Harvard University shares the following message:

“…(ADHD) is an invention. Every child who’s not doing well in school is sent to see a pediatrician, and the pediatrician says: ‘It’s ADHD; here’s Ritalin.’ In fact, 90 percent of these 5.4 million (ADHD-diagnosed) kids don’t have an abnormal dopamine metabolism. The problem is, if a drug is available to doctors, they’ll make the corresponding diagnosis.”

Many professionals agree with the fact that medication for ADHD, especially in kids, just puts a bandage over a problem. In fact, the diagnosis may or may not exist. In other words, the doctors may just overprescribe the medication to get kickbacks from the pharmaceutical industry. Even in cases where children show strong symptoms of ADHD, the drugs should only serve as a last resort. That’s because medicines can have powerful, long-lasting side effects.

Of course, most doctors disagree with Kagan about ADHD being a hoax. Instead, they say that enough evidence exists to treat it as a real condition. All three of the best-respected, most well-respected U.S. medical bodies – the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the NIH (National Institutes of Health) – agree unanimously that ADHD is a real, diagnosable condition.

Researchers note that the brains of people with ADHD differ from those without it. Furthermore, doctors first noticed people having symptoms of the disorder over 100 years ago. Also, most people with the disorder who get treatment have tangible results.

However, even though evidence exists to prove the validity and reality of ADHD, many authorities on health say that the disorder is over-diagnosed.

Read more about the Harvard psychologist who believes ADHD is not a genuine diagnosis.

The rise in ADHD in America

Some statisticians have found that around 5% of school-aged children get diagnosed with ADHD. In some areas of the U.S., where the majority of ADHD diagnoses take place, up to 33 percent of children get diagnosed with the condition. In fact, some states report more than 13% of school-aged children to have a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder. That percentage almost triples the number of plausible cases. According to statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of ADHD diagnoses rose an astounding 41 percent from 2003 to 2011.

Some researchers believe that the marketing tactics of pharmaceutical companies have led to the rise in ADHD diagnoses and children taking medication for ADHD. However, it seems that adults now make up the dominant demographic of ADHD cases, perhaps because they didn’t get adequate treatment as children. According to research by the ADHD Institute, the disorder persists in 50-65% of adults diagnosed as children.

Risks associated with medication for ADHD

On May 1, 1971, the United States Congress approved the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), creating five classifications, or schedules, for prescription drugs. The higher the schedule, the more potential exists for abuse. Amphetamine, the main ingredient in Adderall and other medication for ADHD, is a potent nervous system stimulant. Congress lists it as a Schedule II drug in the U.S. because of its high potential for abuse and the possibility of causing severe physical or psychological dependence. Other drugs in this category include Vicodin, Oxycontin, and Ritalin.

Also, note that amphetamine exists in cocaine and methamphetamine. And children get put on drugs containing this ingredient at a very young age to treat ADHD.

Here are some of the most pervasive side effects of amphetamines, broken down into three categories: immediate, coming down, and long-term.

IMMEDIATE EFFECTS:

– a sense of wellbeing and euphoria

– higher confidence and motivation

– quicker reaction times

– sense of superiority

– dizziness

– headaches

– more talkative

– dry mouth

– increased energy

– hallucinations

– paranoia

IMMEDIATE EFFECTS (HIGHER DOSES/OVERDOSE):

– blurred vision

– tremors

– irregular breathing

– hallucinations

– seizures

– stroke

– coma

– violent behavior

COMING DOWN

– feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and irritability

– depression

– lethargy

– extreme exhaustion

– mood swings

– tension

– paranoia

– aggression that may result in violence

LONG-TERM EFFECTS

– chronic insomnia

– anxiety, depression and increased tension

– feelings of breathlessness

– dental problems such as cracked teeth

– malnutrition due to a lack of appetite

– reduced immunity and a higher risk of infections

– high blood pressure

– higher risk of stroke

– risk of kidney failure

– psychological problems

– paranoia

– propensity for violence

As you can see, medication for ADHD does not come without severe side effects in some cases. However, critics of pharmaceutical drugs believe that many psychological disorders can improve with natural remedies. Below, we will talk about a few natural ways to reduce ADHD symptoms in children without the harmful side effects of medication.

Natural Remedies that Replace Medication for ADHD in Kids

Avoid food dyes and preservatives.

According to WebMD, some food colorings and preservatives can increase attention deficit and hyperactivity in children.

Colorings and preservatives that may increase symptoms of ADHD include:

D&C Yellow No. 10 (quinoline yellow): You will find this dye in juices, haddock, and sorbets
FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine): Check the labels of cereal, granola bars, pickles, and yogurt
FD&C Yellow No. 6 (sunset yellow): Look at labels on breadcrumbs, candy, cereal, icing, and soft drinks
FD&C Red No. 40 (Allura red): A quick look at the label will show this on child medications, gelatin desserts, ice cream, and soft drinks
Sodium benzoate: You will find this in carbonated drinks, fruit juices, and salad dressings

Try biofeedback

Electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback uses brainwave technology to correct behaviors and ways of thinking. ADHD patients have a combination of low brain activity in the cortical regions as well as hyperactivity in the frontal cortex. Therefore, this situation dramatically contributes to those behaviors.

In an analysis of fourteen EEG biofeedback trials, children diagnosed with ADHD showed “consistent beneficial effects for all outcome measures.”

Give your kids plenty of opportunities to exercise.

Especially in a school setting, kids just don’t get enough time to move their bodies. Sitting still makes them restless and bored. Conversely, exercising helps children get a lot of pent up energy out of their systems. And the activity will help them feel calm and focused afterward. If they can’t exercise at school, make sure they have opportunities to play when they get home. Also, limit their time on technology. This can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, especially in children already prone to the disorder.

A balanced diet can replace medications for ADHD.

A daily healthy dose of vitamins and minerals may help improve ADHD symptoms. These supplements include l-carnitine, magnesium, vitamin B-6, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium. Additionally, herbs such as ginkgo, ginseng, and passionflower may help ease attention deficit symptoms. However, check with your child’s doctor first, as some herbal supplements are especially potent for children’s developing immune systems.

Make sure your children get enough sunshine.

Scientists only recently began to understand the importance of Vitamin D for brain function and immune system health. Not only does Vitamin D enhance one’s mood, but it also protects against brain inflammation. Thus, low Vitamin D levels also linked to disorders such as depression and dementia. Indeed, a 1,700-person study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge found that people with the lowest Vitamin D levels showed twice the likelihood of having cognitive impairments.

Don’t give your kids too many sugary treats.

Sugar can significantly exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Thus, cutting it from your child’s diet could potentially replace the medication for ADHD. Undoubtedly, kids already display attention deficit symptoms should not eat a menu that’s high in sugar. That’s because sweets contribute to restlessness and inattention.

Final thoughts about how to replace medications for ADHD with natural remedies

Kids have so many distractions today. Indeed, it might feel impossible for many of them to stay on task, to begin with. So if you add in an ADHD diagnosis, it is no surprise that children who don’t get proper treatment for the disorder suffer in school and other social environments. However, giving them a proper diet, plenty of time to exercise, and reducing food dyes and sugar in their foods can help alleviate symptoms.

20 Habits of Extroverts That Most People Misunderstand

July 6, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Extroverts are social animals. They love being around people. Because they may come on strong, some people aren’t sure what to do with them. They are often misunderstood. So, what are 20 habits of extroverts that most people misunderstand?

How you can tell if you are an extrovert

If you are an extrovert, you have some common characteristics that all extroverts share. Those who have this personality type display the following traits:

Love to communications and talking, they often think out loud.
Love being the center of attention, it’s in their nature.
Can be impulsive and tend to leap before they look
Love group activities
Can’t stand being alone too long
Get inspired by others’ thoughts and ideas.
Like to talk out your feelings

Common Traits of Extroverts

Here are some often shared traits among extroverts.

1. They like to talk and listen

Extroverts like to communicate. Talking is essential to them because they love to relate to and learn from people. They want to express their ideas, but they also want to hear other people’s thoughts. Extroverts make great listeners because they understand communication.

They value your ideas and will often grab hold of something you’ve said. And, they will share with you how much they love your stories. This is why they have an abundance of friends. They’re just so doggone fun to talk to because they like to listen to other people.

2. Extroverts are private people

You may think that all extroverts are open and share personal things, but that’s not true. They have deep feelings that they won’t always share with a crowd. They have close friendships with people who know them the best. They are apt to be fun and outgoing with most people, but those closest to them know their heart and what’s important to them.

3. Extroverts love attention in public

If you know an extrovert, you know they love getting praised in public. It’s just who they are. They love attention. Because public settings are vital to them, they feel more valued when appreciated in public. So, if you have an extroverted friend, be sure to tell others how great they are when you’re in public. Of course, like all of us, they also love affirmation in private, so do that too.

4. They are excellent on teams

Studies found that extroverts learn best in group settings. They love study groups and group activities at school or work. These people enjoy being on a team because they love to be with people. They like discussing ideas and listening to other’s ideas. They’ll work hard on their team and often rise to the top as a good leader for the team because they’re good at drawing people into the group.

5. Get energy from being with people

You know they extroverts at the bar, they’re the ones moving from table to table talking and laughing with every person. They’re having fun just being with people. Extroverts get energized when they’re around people. Talking, sharing their ideas, and listening to other people inspires them to the point where they feel more energetic.

Being alone too much will cause them to feel out of sorts and depressed. Interacting with people is like air to an extrovert, too little, and they’ll begin to feel lifeless.

6. A person can be shy yet still an extrovert

Believe it or not, some extroverts are shy. Just because you’re an extrovert doesn’t mean you don’t feel reserved when first meeting new people. If you are slow at getting to know people, it could mean you’re shy. That’s okay. Generally, though, most of them don’t mind meeting new people. While introverts find this exhausting, an extrovert like people enough to not mind being with new people even if they’re on the shy side.

7. Need to problem-solve their problems

If you’re an extrovert, you like to solve your problems out loud. You wish to discuss, reason, question, and wonder by talking.

For this reason, these people are often also auditory learners or processors. Auditory learners like to talk about problems. They enjoy listening but can’t wait to share ideas. Here are some other characteristics of an auditory learner.

They’re better at remembering someone’s name but not their face.
They get distracted by noises easily.
They don’t like long narratives in books or plays.
They love plays and lots of dialogue in books.
They do the best listening to explanations from the teacher.
They like to recite poems, lists, or readings.
Talk to themselves or others
May read moving their lips since it feels like they’re talking
Like to listen to music while learning
Like lectures
Love it when their teacher praises them in front of the class
Good oral speller; needs to hear how to spell more than see it.
Gives lots of detail when the teacher calls on them

Of course, not all auditory learners are extroverts, but it’s more usual for these personality types to be auditory learners. They may lean towards other learning styles, but this is usually the most pronounced one.

8. Like to hang out with a group

Extroverts love a crowd. They don’t do well being alone, but love groups. They feel at peace in a group and can find interesting discussions and opportunities to learn and share ideas. They function well on teams and in groups at school or work.

9. May try to draw introverts in to help them

If you’re an introvert, you may have had an extroverted friend try to “help” you get involved in a group Extroverts think that if someone is alone, it’s a bad thing. This is because they don’t like being alone. It’s easy to misunderstand their motives, but it is because they care that they’re trying to pull you into the group.

10. Do get bored

If there aren’t enough opportunities to communicate, an extrovert will get bored. They get tired of doing activities that don’t require discussion or interaction. You see this in classrooms where the extroverts want to keep talking or clowning around when the teacher has told them to work alone. Extroverts can’t resist trying to get their neighbor’s attention to speak or be funny. They just need to interact.

11. Share a lot of detail

Extroverts are talkers. They can talk and talk. They often go into in-depth detail about a subject because they have been thinking about it assume you want to know as much about it as they do.

They will give descriptions from different angles, list the pros and cons, and then give a detailed account as to how they came upon all these thoughts. It can be exhausting for those listening unless, of course, they’re also extroverts.

12. They doubt themselves at times

It’s easy to assume that extroverts are completely confident all the time. This is a common misunderstanding. Extroverts are so outgoing. They often get lots of criticism. This can be unnerving as they try to change and figure out what would work better. They tend to be overly eager to change up things they think people won’t like to the point where they doubt themselves.

13. Not all extroverts are the same

There are different types of extroverts. Some extroverts are more ambitious than others. All extroverts do like social situations, but they will use them differently. Shy extroverts will surround themselves with a group of outgoing extroverts to make themselves more comfortable. No one size fits all, and this is a commonly misunderstood thing about extroverts.

Here are 17 habits of introverts that most people misunderstand.

14. Brains sense pleasure around people

Studies found that an extrovert’s brain reacts differently to seeing people. Their brain senses pleasure when they get around people. Being around people is what makes them happiest. They will find great pleasure in friends and family interactions. Extroverts rarely meet a stranger and enjoy talking with them.

15. Socializing can make an extrovert tired

Believe it or not, socializing can make extroverts tired. They need to recharge, just like introverts. But an extrovert will probably recharge with a small group of people instead of by themselves.

16. Not all born leaders

These folks can be good leaders, but so can introverts. It’s easy to stereotype personalities. Some extroverts prefer to follow rather than lead. Extroverts do like people, but being on a team or in a group is just fine with them. They don’t always need to be the leader.

17. Enjoy noise

Extroverts like noise. They don’t like it when it’s too quiet. They say that when it’s too quiet, they get distracted. Whether it’s playing music while they study or being in a loud restaurant for a meeting, extroverts prefer this over a quiet atmosphere.

18. They’re good teachers, public speakers, or salesmen

It only makes sense that people who love to talk will enjoy professions that require lots of talking. Of course, extroverts can be in any profession, but some jobs just lend themselves to outgoing, talkative people. Sales, speaking, and teaching are perfect professions for extroverts because they get to do what they love most-talk and discuss ideas.

19. Not great planners

Extroverts can be impulsive. They jump at things before they’ve thought through the details. They may say yes to everyone without looking at their calendar first. But because of this, they’re huge doers. They love staying busy and helping others. So, if you display these habits, be sure to keep your calendar with you and take a look once in a while, so you don’t over-commit yourself.

20. Love it when people drop in to say hello

This personality type loves it when someone drops by. Where an introvert would find this overwhelming, an extrovert is in heaven. They love people, and being surprised by an unexpected visitor adds energy to them because they have someone to talk to.

Final Thoughts on the Traits of Extroverts

Rest assured, when you meet an extrovert, you will know it! Their bubbly personalities and ability to make friends are dead giveaways.

10 Signs of an Exceptionally Intelligent Child

July 6, 2020 by Power of Positivity

All parents think their child is exceptionally intelligent. But when little Judy or Jack brings home their kindergarten school work, you realize your child is smart, but not necessarily exceptional. There’s a big difference, and extraordinary intelligence in a child usually shows up at an early age. So, what are ten signs you’re the parent of a brilliant child?

First signs of extreme intelligence in your child

Small children can show early signs of extreme intelligence. You may not even be aware of these things in your infant until you compare your child with other kids of the same age, or your pediatrician notices it. First signs that you have a child of high intelligence include

They’re very alert as an infant.
They have a long attention span as a toddler or infant.
They have language development.
These children have motor skill development.
They are ambidextrous at some point early on.
They have imaginary playmates.
These children speak early first words around nine months.
They read early, completing easy reading before the age of four.
These children start showing a sense of humor at a very early age.

Ten Signs You Are Raising a Particularly Intelligent Child

Here are some things to look out for if you suspect your child is brilliant (literally!).

Early readers

If your child is exceptionally intelligent, there’s a good chance they will be early readers. Some of these children are reading by the time they’re three with little or no teaching. This aptitude is often because they also have great memories and have memorized many words they’ve seen in books or from hearing you read to them.

Early reading is often a significant indicator that your child is a genius. They will have an insatiable appetite to read. You may need to make them stop reading so they can eat their meals or go to bed. Finding age-appropriate books can be challenging. Turn to some old classics for challenging yet age-appropriate reading materials. These classic books are often overlooked at schools, but provide a rich source of learning for your child.a

Here’s a list of ten tried-and-true classics your young, exceptionally intelligent child may enjoy reading (depending on the age/ability).

Treasure Island
Peter Pan
Swiss Family Robinson
The Hundred Dresses
Danny the Champion of the World
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Where the Red Fern Grows
Poppers Penguins
The Adventures of Robin Hood
Pippi Longstocking

Creative when playing alone

Children love to play, but exceptionally intelligent children are uniquely imaginative when it comes to playing alone. They often create an imaginary friend. Although this is common to all kids, gifted children are exceptionally creative.

One gifted boy told his father that a former United States president was his imaginary friend. Gifted kids are apt to create little worlds based on what they read or see. Studies found that kids who have an imaginary companion have an imaginative ability. They are better at storytelling, more prone to fantasy, and often explain things as magical.

Teach your kids these sixteen good money habits.

A highly intelligent child displays curiosity.

Gifted kids are curious about everything around them. They have a curious mind and tend to question everything. They want knowledge. You find yourself feeling overwhelmed by their questions, especially when their problems are beyond what you know. This is a great time to pull out books on the topics they’re most interested in. Show them how to search for answers in safe, online sites like Britannica Kids, National Geographic for Kids, or the World Book online.

Perseverance

When exceptionally intelligent kids find a subject, they’re interested in. They want to know everything about it. They’ll persist in asking questions about it, reading about it and talking about it. They’re persistent in problem-solving. They’re committed to finding answers. They have an incredible amount of energy and devotion to these topics. One boy loved learning about World War II. He read every book he could find on the subject, then he wrote his 200-page war novel at the age of 8, using the information he’d learned as the backdrop for his fiction work.

Creative

Your exceptionally intelligent child may be extremely creative. Studies show that creative people can come up with novel ways to solve problems, while smart people solve a problem in a more logical way. The relationship between intelligence and creativity isn’t understood by scientists, but it seems prevalent when a child is particularly smart.

This creativity makes your child comfortable thinking outside the box and inventive. Your child may be extremely original in their thinking. Exceptionally intelligent kids can exhibit these artistic qualities:

Being independent with their ideas
Comes up with creative stories, sometimes based on real or unreal events
Can find many creative solutions
Great imagination
Great at improvisation
Doesn’t bother them that they’re different
May be distracted by all their ideas.
Has his or her schedule
Maybe a risk-taker in some areas.
Daydreaming about their ideas

Great memory

Your gifted child may have an incredible memory for facts and figures. Some gifted kids memorize phone numbers or car license numbers just for fun. They’re like a walking book stating information they’ve read verbatim. They often can memorize math facts and spelling words after seeing them just once.

Be careful what you promise your child because they will remember it and bug you until you do what you promised.

An unusually intelligent child might also be highly sensitive.

Gifted kids may be highly sensitive. This sensitivity means that they are keenly aware of their feelings and other people’s feelings.

They are also sensitive to touch. Thus, they dislike scratchy clothing or tags on the inside of their shirts. They don’t like socks with seams or a chair that’s too hard or soft. This characteristic can be challenging for a parent, but it’s part of who your child is. Adapt to their preferences as much as possible without overly catering to every whim.

Strong will

Don’t be surprised if your exceptionally intelligent child is given to meltdowns. They get frustrated easily when they must stop doing something they like, or they feel like you’re not listening to them. They don’t understand why they need to stop reading because it’s so important to them. They’ll tell you why you should let them do what they want. They are secure in their opinions and persuasive in their arguments.

Good sense of humor

Gifted kids are funny. They crack jokes and puns all the time. Coupled with their constant talking and questioning, these comedians can take over a class as the class clown. Teachers find them delightful and distracting. They like to make their teachers crack up over their jokes while the other kids miss the point entirely.

May seem impertinent

Highly intelligent kids seem old for their age. Because they’re so verbal and have a vast vocabulary, they like to interact with adults at their level. They are sometimes perceived as rude or impertinent when they correct an adult’s mistake or ask personal questions. They are often viewed as impolite, but usually, they’re just curious or being funny.

Because of their ability to think abstractly, adults treat them as if they were older, but gifted kids are still kids. They can lack emotional development. One minute, they’re talking to you about a complicated physics problem they finished, and then they’re having a meltdown because they don’t want to eat their broccoli.

Final Thoughts on Raising an Exceptionally Intelligent Child

If you are the parent of a highly intelligent child, you will be amazed at your child’s incredible vocabulary and their ability to think logically. They’ll stump you with their questions and talk your ear off about everything they’re learning. You’ll be challenged to keep them intellectually stimulated with good books and activities. Take them to museums, gardens, historical sites, and on walks through the woods. Give them lots of different experiences to enhance their learning experience.

Guide your child in social situations. Tell them they must be polite even when they’re curious-it’s just never polite to ask the store clerk how many times she’s pooped today. Be prepared for an adventure as you watch your child continue to learn and grow, solving problems adults can’t and finding the most out of the box kind of solutions to problems. Also, be prepared to love them and accept them as they struggle to understand life. Be their support and sounding block when they’re sad or confused.

Don’t coddle them or tell always tell them how smart they are. This creates a self-centered kid who feels entitled. Teach them to think about others, to share, and to be ready to help.

Most of all, enjoy who your child not for their intelligence, but as a wonderful kid who’s growing into a responsible, kind person.

20 Be the Change Quotes That Will Refuel Your Soul

July 6, 2020 by Power of Positivity

In the crazy world that we live in, we could all use some be the change quotes. Remember that you can make a change in the world, no matter how small that change may seem.

All it takes is honesty and kindness, and the world could be a better place for everyone. These be the change quotes that can refill your soul and help you be the change that the world needs.

You may not be able to change everything at once, but you can contribute to positivity. When others see the way you behave, it will influence them to do the same.

20 Be the Change Quotes to Consume for Soul Food

1. “Every day the clock resets. Your wins don’t matter. Your failures don’t matter. Don’t stress on what was, fight for what could be.” – Sean Higgins

You can’t change the world overnight. First, you’ll experience failures, stress, and sometimes wins. Then, you have to keep fighting for the change you want to see.

2. “Just take any step, whether small or large. And then another and repeat day after day. It may take months, maybe years, but the path to success will become clear” – Aaron Ross

Don’t overwhelm yourself with too much at once. Instead, take the first step and then the next one. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to being the change.

3. “Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw

You have to keep an open mind if you want to make a change. Admit when you are wrong and accept new ideas or theories. You’d expect the same of others, so set the example and make a change.

4. “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall

You can be a positive difference or a negative one. Every small act you commit makes a difference, so make sure you’re doing the right thing always.

5. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

There doesn’t have to be a large group to make a change in the world. You can start making the change on your own, and others will follow suit. As Mead explains, even a small group of people can make a difference.

6. “The world is changed not by the self-regarding, but by men and women prepared to make fools of themselves.” – P.D. James

Being the change will oftentimes be uncomfortable. You may feel like you look like a fool, as James explains, but it has to be done.

7. “They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” – Andy Warhol

If you sit idly for a long time, nothing about your life will change. To make a change, you have to act on it.

8. “We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.” – J.K. Rowling

Change starts with each individual. To be the change, you have to start with who you are and what you stand for.

9. “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” – Albert Einstein

If you don’t like the way that things are, you can change them. To do that, you have to change the way that you think. Things won’t be different if you continue thinking the same way you always have.

10. “A small change can make a big difference. You are the only one who can make our world a better place to inhabit. So, don’t be afraid to take a stand.” – Ankita Singhal

Each day, you have a chance to make a difference just by speaking up when you see an injustice. Take a stand and make sure you’re heard because sometimes that is the only way to get people to listen.

11. “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman

Work hard to change the world in the way that you dream of. You are more than capable, and you can do anything you set your mind to.

12. “You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world.” – Woodrow Wilson

Your purpose on this earth is to make a positive difference in the world. Always think of how to improve things, and be positive and full of hope. It’ll inspire those around you to do the same.

13. “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” – Rumi

To change the world, you must start with yourself. Reflect and decide what you can contribute. The starting point may just be as simple as more compassion and kindness.

14. “One human can change the course of human history – all it takes is the right idea, at the right time, in the right place. And the right place is where you stand at present, the right time is right this very moment and the right idea is the one that defines your existence the best.” – Abhijit Naskar

It doesn’t matter who you are, you can change the world. Explore your ideas and give yourself opportunities to be heard and noticed. The perfect time to start is right now, where ever you are.

15. “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Barack Obama

You can’t just sit back and wait for someone else or some other time to make a change. As these be the change quotes explain, you have to act on it. Even if this means you are the first one to speak up, do it for the greater good.

16. “To really change the world, we have to help people change the way they see things. Global betterment is a mental process, not one that requires huge sums of money or a high level of authority. Change has to be psychological. So, if you want to see real change, stay persistent in educating humanity on how similar we all are than different. Don’t only strive to be the change you want to see in the world, but also help all those around you see the world through commonalities of the heart so that they would want to change with you. This is how humanity will evolve to become better. This is how you can change the world. The language of the heart is mankind’s main common language.” – Suzy Kassem

The key to being the change is to help others in whatever way you can. You don’t have to have money, as your time and your voice are enough to help the change come.

17. “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” – Steve Jobs

You won’t be the change if you don’t put yourself out there. People may think you are crazy, and maybe you are, but that’s how you will make a difference.

18. “As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” – Sam Levenson

Helping others is so important when it comes to making a change. When you help someone else, they’ll likely return the favor to someone else. Then, from there, no one knows how many people can be positively impacted by kindness.

19. “You’ve done it before and you can do it now. See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination.” – Ralph Marston

Don’t think negatively. Instead, see all of the positives and how you can use them to make the situation better. Put the anger or frustration that you are feeling into your campaign to be the change.

20. “If we change our thoughts from ‘it’s too late’ to, ‘there’s still hope’, we might see some change in the world.” – Kellie Elmore

It is never too late to change the course of life. Speak up, no matter what the timing, because there is always hope for a change.

Final Thoughts on Savoring These Be the Change Quotes and Refueling Your Soul

These be the change quotes will refuel your soul and help you make a difference in this world. Even if the difference is in your local community, your kind will reach people everywhere.

If you have the opportunity to be heard and noticed, make sure you take it. You never know when the change you were seeking will come.

As these be the change quotes explain, being kind, and helping others is a great way to be a change. No matter what you choose to do to be the change, make sure you begin acting on it now.

20 of the Best Quotes on Friends (They’ll Make You Laugh)

July 5, 2020 by Power of Positivity

These best quotes on friends will remind you why you should love and cherish your friendships. These relationships are one of the most important ones in your life, and they should be treated that way.

Friendships are about having someone to lean on and enjoy time with. You should be able to turn to your friends when you need a laugh, support, or just a brain break. The best quotes on friends are the ones that make you feel that same way; lighthearted and humorous.

Best Quotes on Friends That’ll Make You Laugh

There are the best quotes on friends for every type of friendship. If you find one that makes you think of a good friend, make sure to share it with them. Your friend is probably like you and will find themselves laughing, too.

1. “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” – Oprah Winfrey

When you’re doing well and at your best, you’ll notice many people who want to be around for it. It’s those who stay when things get rough that are your true friends, though. As Winfrey explains, you want the real friends who stick around after the fun ends.

2. “A loyal friend laughs at your jokes when they’re not so good, and sympathizes with your problems when they’re not so bad.” -Arnold H. Glasgow

While it’s good to have honest friends, it’s just as important to have friends who understand and are loyal to you. They’ll want you to feel good, so they’ll laugh when you’re trying to be funny. Likewise, they’ll listen and offer sympathy to problems they don’t think are too severe.

This kind of friend is important because you can truly let go around them. Plus, if they laugh at your bad jokes, they cherish your company, too.

3. “A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked.” – Bernard Meltzer

No one is perfect, and a good friend is willing to disregard your flaws and accept you as-is. They’ll understand that you have imperfections, as they do, too. If you’re willing to accept their flaws and they accept yours, you’ll know you found a real friend.

4. “True friendship is when you walk into their house and your WiFi connects automatically.” – Unknown

If this happens to you, you can acknowledge that you have a good friend in your life. It means you’re at their home enough that you often need their WiFi.

5. “We are best friends. Always remember that if you fall, I will pick you up … after I finish laughing.” – Unknown

Best friends are completely comfortable around one another. This means that they will not feel bad about laughing at you when you fall. They’ll still help you up, though, which is all that matters at the end of the day.

6. “There’s nothing like the deep breaths after laughing that hard. Nothing in the world like a sore stomach for all the right reasons.” – Stephen Chbosky in Perks of Being a Wallflower

You can only laugh this hard with someone you deeply care about and feel comfortable with. When you can let your guard down and allow yourself to enjoy that deeply, you have a true bond. These are the moments you will remember forever, even if you can’t remember what you were laughing about.

7. “Friendship is like peeing in your pants. Everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warm feeling inside.” – Unknown

No one else can know how that friendship means to you, because they can’t feel what you do. Everyone will see the bond, though, and know that you are good friends.

8. “There is nothing better than a friend unless it is a friend with chocolate.” – Linda Grayson

Seeing a friend will make your day better. When that friend shows up with chocolate, though, it takes it to a whole new level. Two of the best things at one time.

9. “It’s important to our friends to believe that we are unreservedly frank with them, and important to the friendship that we are not.” – Mignon McLaughlin

So, your friends may insist that they want you to be honest with them no matter what. This isn’t true, however, although they’ll make you promise. While it’s important to be honest in most cases, a little white lie can spare them hurt feelings.

10. “It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like, ‘What about lunch?’” – A.A. Milne

The best relationships are simple ones, as Milne hints to in this quote. When you can be relaxed and comfortable, you’ll be able to let loose and enjoy yourself. This is what friends are for, after all.

11. “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

When you are such good friends with someone that they know most things about you, keep them around. Not only does it show that they listen, but it means that you have had a deep conversation and lasting memories.

12. “A good friend is a connection to life — a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world.” – Lois Wyse

There are many perks to have a good friendship with someone. Most importantly, they can help you stay sane when the world around you seems insane. They’ll keep you grounded and help you de-stress.

13. “Best Friend, the one you can get mad at only for a short period because you have important stuff to tell them.” – Unknown

If you’ve ever been mad at your best friend, you can likely relate to this. You want to hold your ground and stay angry, but you want to talk to them, too. It’s a struggle, but it just shows that you need your best friend in your life.

14. “A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.” – William Shakespeare

When someone knows you so well and still loves you, they are a true friend. Even better, they will encourage and motivate you to keep growing and become better.

15. “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one!” – C.S. Lewis

Most friendships are formed due to a common interest. The connection with a friend can oftentimes be that instantaneous, too. You’ll feel that they are a person you would enjoy spending time with, and the friendship blossoms.

16. “Friends come and go, like the waves of the ocean, but the true ones stay, like an octopus on your face.” – Unknown

The friends who stick around through everything are real friends. They don’t leave when things change, and they stay by you always. In a way, they are stuck to you.

17. “Sometimes me think, ‘What is friend?’ Then me say, ‘Friend is someone to share the last cookie with.’” – Cookie Monster

If you are willing to share your last favorite treat with someone, you know you have a friend. You’ll want to enjoy all of the great things in life with them, even if that means less for yourself.

18. “It seems to me that trying to live without friends is like milking a bear to get cream for your morning coffee. It is a whole lot of trouble, and then not worth much after you get it.” – Zora Neale Hurston

There is no point in trying to seclude yourself from others. Make friends and enjoy the relationships you form. Otherwise, you’ve worked for something that doesn’t even make you happy.

19. “You can always tell a real friend: when you’ve made a fool of yourself, he doesn’t feel you’ve done a permanent job.” – Laurence J. Peter

Embarrassing yourself in front of a friend isn’t as bad as it sounds, because they’ll still like you. If they hear an embarrassing story about you, it won’t change their opinion of you, either.

20. “A friendship can weather most things and thrive in thin soil – but it needs a little mulch of letters and phone calls and small silly presents every so often – just to save it from drying out completely.” – Pam Brown

Relationships can be strong and survive hard times, but they need work, too. Without putting any effort into them, they’ll fade away until the friendship is gone completely.

Final Thoughts on the Best Quotes on Friends (They’ll Make You Laugh)

Having good friendships is important, and these best quotes on friends will help you remember that. As you laugh at these quotes, think of the friends who mean the most to you.

Friendships should be cherished and nurtured, as these best quotes on friends explain. They are also meant to be fun and carefree, helping you to stay balanced and happy.

15 Quotes on Family Love Everyone Needs to Remember

July 5, 2020 by Power of Positivity

There are many quotes on family love that you should always remember. The relationships you have with your family are ones that can’t compare to any others.

Your family knows you better than anyone else ever can. They understand things about you that you don’t understand about yourself. You’ll be able to turn to them no matter the situation, and no matter what has transpired between you in the past.

Quotes on Family Love Everyone Needs to Remember

If you are lucky enough to have a family, embrace and love them through everything. These quotes on family love can help you remember that the next time you encounter your family.

1. “In truth, a family is what you make it. It is made strong, not by number of heads counted at the dinner table, but by the rituals you help family members create, by the memories you share, by the commitment of time, caring, and love you show to one another, and by the hopes for the future you have as individuals and as a unit.” – Marge Kennedy

If you want your family to be a positive part of your life, make it that way. Go out of your way to create memories and show your family members how much you love them. This is what will make those ties stronger.

Creating memories and showing your love is only part of making the family ties stronger. You should also share your hopes for the future, and help your family reach their goals, too. All of these seemingly small things are what make a family better, closer, and more loving.

2. “My dear young cousin, if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the eons, it’s that you can’t give up on your family, no matter how tempting they make it.” – Rick Riordan

No matter what happens in your family, you can’t give up on them. They may annoy you, offend you, or even hurt you, but you should forgive them and give another chance. You’re tied to your family despite anything that happens, so give them some grace when they make a mistake.

3. “Nothing is better than going home to family and eating good food and relaxing.” – Irina Shayk

After reading this quote by Shayk, you probably envisioned a home in your mind. The home you envisioned is where you belong. This will be the home in which you can relax, be yourself, and just enjoy what is going on around you.

4. “One’s family is the most important thing in life. I look at it this way: One of these days I’ll be over in a hospital somewhere with four walls around me. And the only people who’ll be with me will be my family.” – Robert Byrd

Not everyone who is in your life now will be there in your hospital room when that time comes. The ones who will be there without a doubt are your family. This is because family love cannot be compared to anything else, and you’ll always be tied to them.

5. “Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life.” – Lisa Weed

A family is an extraordinary unit that you will always be a part of. When you feel alone, you know that you do have a family you can go to for love or guidance. You will always have someone to love, and someone will always love you if you have family in your life.

6. “Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs, the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones that would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what.” – Unknown

You may have come into your family in a way other than birth. This doesn’t mean you are loved or wanted any less than those who were born into a family. As long as your family unit accepts you and loves you through everything, you have a loving family.

Sharing the same genetics cannot determine the amount of love someone feels. Blood doesn’t mean a thing. All that matters is family love and embracing those who love you.

7. “My mother used to tell me that when push comes to shove, you always know who to turn to. That being a family isn’t a social construct but an instinct.” – Jodi Picoult

You never know who you can count on except family. When you’re in trouble, or you just need someone to turn to, your family will be there. Those you share roots with will always be there to help you when you need it most.

8. “Family is a unique gift that needs to be appreciated and treasured, even when they’re driving you crazy. As much as they make you mad, interrupt you, annoy you, curse at you, try to control you, these are the people who know you the best and who love you.” – Jenna Morasca

When you have family left in your life, appreciate them and treasure the time that you have. You’ll be annoyed and even angry sometimes, but you’ll also create unforgettable memories. Your family knows you better than anyone else ever will, and they’ll love you through the hardest times.

9. “The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution I know that works, is the family.” – Lee Iacocca

Many hardships can get in the way of family, but family survives all of the storms. In the end, no matter what transpired, family comes back together and supports each other. When you have that type of support system, it’s the only thing you’ll be able to have faith in completely.

10. “You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world, but a world lives in you.” – Frederick Buechner

It doesn’t matter how far away from your family you are because they are still with you. You’ll carry them in your soul because they have helped shape you into who you are.

Some memories can never be taken from you, and this is what sets you apart from everyone else. Your family creates this unique world inside of you that Buechner describes. This world is created because no one else has the same thoughts, background, and memories that you do.

11. “There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human, are created, strengthened, and maintained.” – Winston S. Churchill

Since you are most comfortable around your family, this is where you will grow the most. You’ll be able to develop and strengthen the virtues that will make you the person you want to be.

12. “Families are like branches on a tree. We grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one.” – Unknown

You all start from the same place, but you go in different directions. At the end of the day, however, each family member is still a part of the others. You have the same roots and the same trunk, despite the direction you chose to grow in.

13. “At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent.” – Barbara Bush

There are many things in your life that you will be tempted to put first, whether by necessity or desire. The thing that should always come first, though, is family.

Spend time with them and enjoy the relationships that develop. If you do this, you’ll have no regrets at the end of your life.

14. “When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.” – Mark Twain

Teenagers think that their parents don’t know anything. They don’t want to listen to their parent’s advice or anything else they have to say. As you get older, this all changes, and you’ll suddenly want to hear everything.

15. “Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights and our comfort when we occasionally falter.” – Brad Henry

As these quotes on family love explain, we start our lives in a family that will shape who we become. These relationships will guide you and give you the motivation and confidence do reach your goals. When you fail, they will be there for you, and when you succeed, they’ll still be there.

Final Thoughts on Quotes on Family Love Everyone Needs to Remember

These quotes on family love need to be remembered because these are relationships that can’t be replaced. Families aren’t perfect, and hardships and hurt feelings will occur, but you should never walk away.

Love your family, and let them love you. They were there from the beginning and will be there in the end. Remember these quotes on family love, and you’ll always feel blessed by those who are in your life.

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

Avoid food dyes and preservatives.

Try biofeedback

Give your kids plenty of opportunities to exercise.

A balanced diet can replace medications for ADHD.

Make sure your children get enough sunshine.

Don’t give your kids too many sugary treats.

Early readers

Creative when playing alone

A highly intelligent child displays curiosity.

Perseverance

Creative

Great memory

An unusually intelligent child might also be highly sensitive.

Strong will

Good sense of humor

May seem impertinent

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!