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5 Ways to Stay Informed But Not Trapped by News Programming

March 31, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Today, you can catch a breaking new story every minute on your smartphone, computer, or tablet. It’s easy to be lured into the media headlines that cause you to experience fear and anxiety. However, you are the one who chooses to watch or read these articles and news programming.

Don’t get trapped by the continuous around-the-clock hype!

If you find yourself wanting to know what’s going on in the world, what the president has done, on top of any Breaking Texas News situation, then you must stay informed. But, do not allow yourself to become overwhelmed. The beautiful thing is you have the power to control what you see and hear.

We Can’t Always Blame the Media

Reporters and news outlets have one job, and that is to keep the public informed. However, they also add some aspects of entertainment into the mix. It’s not good for your mental health to watch and read continuous negative things going on in the world.

Since there is rarely positive stuff in the news, you must pick and choose your content appropriately. You must cut down the amount of media that you consume as well as watch the sources. Some media outlets tend to be more biased towards one political party or another, and they over-analyze things.

You must separate what’s news from what’s entertaining. Having specialists in breaking down every word of the president or other officials’ speech is not news. Mindless bantering back and forth about current events or topics is not necessary for you to hear.

You need to cut to the crux of what’s going on and leave the excessive stuff out. All the bantering is nothing but entertainment, and you don’t need to be entertained by reality television with such negative connotations.

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5 Ways to Control News Programming Consumption

Did you know that other countries don’t put so much focus on the news as the American people? Finland, for example, thinks it’s boring to talk about politics or what’s going on in the news media. They don’t believe that we need violent stimulants to get people to tune in to their programming.

In the United States, people have become consumed with getting late-breaking news at their fingertips. While it’s good to be in the know, it can be counterproductive too. Too much of a good thing is sometimes too much.

The news puts their focus on murder, death, pandemics, politics, and other things that bring nothing but violence, pain, and fear. While these outlets have an obligation to inform the public, you get to say when you’ve heard enough.

Many people could benefit from news media detox. While you should never shut out the world and not be informed about the current happenings, you need to control your intake. Here are five ways that you can stay informed but not be overwhelmed by the news media.

1. Create Healthy Boundaries

Life is all about creating healthy boundaries, and when it comes to the news, it’s not an exception. The best thing you can do is avoid making the news the start of your day. If you find yourself scrolling social media or other outlets to get the latest stories, then you may find that it starts your day on the wrong foot.

Change your consumption times and style. Try to catch the most important news in the evening or on the weekends. You need time to process some of the things you hear. There are also news media outlets that tend to be funnier rather than so stiff and argumentative.

Find a source that provides reliable news information that doesn’t upset you or make you feel anxiety. You need the facts, but you don’t need all the bickering and bantering about all the trouble in our government either. You can’t hide under a rock and not know what’s going on, but you can control how much and when you get your news programming.

2. Choose Only the Topics That Interest You

Within the news, there are hot topics, things you need to know about, and filler content. You can choose what you want to hear and avoid everything else. You can pick the topic like you choose what you want for breakfast each day. Select current events, weather, or another focus.

When you pick and choose what you consume, it will change how you feel after reading the news. If you just want the weather forecast for the day, then there is no need to watch an hour show and become overwhelmed by all the stuff you hear.

Additionally, since there are things that happen that are considered breaking news, you want to be informed. Things like 9/11 can happen at any time, and you want to know when dangerous situations are a concern. Choose an app that gives you like the top five breaking news updates so that you can stay updated.

3. Don’t Use Only One Source

You must be careful about the news outlets that you select to get your news from, as some are based on hype more than fact. If you’ve been on social media outlets, then you know that there is a great deal of fake news that can be very misleading. They pass around stories of celebrities that have died that are still alive and kicking.

Finding a trusted news source is the first requirement. Additionally, you want to find news programming that aligns with your view. For instance, if you are a liberal or a conservative, there are outlets based on your specific preferences.

Some people may want to find out about things going on across the globe, especially if they have loved ones in another country. Finding a news outlet that reports for a specific area is helpful to these folks. You don’t have to limit yourself to a particular source. Find a couple of news outlets that you rely on to keep you informed.

4. Watch Who You Follow on Social Media Sites

Facebook and Instagram are great sites to connect with politicians both near and far. However, you must watch who you follow as they may jam your news feed with alarming headlines that you don’t want to hear.

In times of American history, like during elections, it’s best to stay off social media or unfollow these people. You will be so overwhelmed with the banter and mudslinging that it can be quite unnerving. Think of the news the same way you do your diet. You must eat only what you want and trim away the unnecessary fat that does horrible things to your body.

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5. Make Sure You Engage with Local News Too

While you may be worried about what’s going on in the country or the world, it’s also necessary to know what’s happening in your local area.

You may or may not have a news station that handles your region, so turning to the newspaper is the next best option. It’s essential to stay up on local and national government.

Other Tips to Consider

If you find yourself being emotional or having anxiety or panic after watching the news, then you need to find another source. Many people find that the nightly news programs are too much for them or their children to handle.

Remember, your children are nearby listening to those current topics too. The talk of murder, home invasions, war, and other inappropriate child content can be frightening. The evening programs will make current events a priority, and they use provocative headlines to draw a crowd.

Keep in mind, news stations play a numbers game. They try to get as many people to watch their station over their competitors. It’s hard to watch news programming these days and not have some sort of emotion. Just be aware of the emotion you are experiencing and learn to process what you’ve heard.

Final Thoughts: Hitting Reset Button on Your News Consumption

What is your motive for watching news programming? Do you find that you like it as it’s entertaining, or do you just want the headlines and nothing else? Regardless of your goal, you need to make sure that you don’t look for outlets that only substantiate your viewpoint.

If you find that you have all sorts of emotions when you watch the news that causes panic, then taking a news fast can help. Some people don’t care what’s going on in the world around them because they believe that being ignorant of such matters equals bliss.

There are many countries in the world that don’t put such a focus on the news as the American public. However, there is a fine line between staying informed and not being overwhelmed. You must find an even medium to make sure you know what’s going on around you without being affected by your intake and ruining your positive outlook.

15 Ways to Organize and Clean Your Living Space

March 30, 2020 by Power of Positivity

With the advent of spring, you are probably searching for innovative ways to clean and organize your living space. Winter’s unfriendly cold usually keeps you indoors, and it is natural to allow housekeeping matters to slide a little.

The first glimpse of crocuses and a cheerful robin may invigorate your spirits and inspire you to revamp your dwelling. There is a reason why so many people in America are addicted to home renovation and DIY reality shows on television.

When you watch celebrities clean and organize their clients’ homes, do you make a mental list of the things you need to do? You may not be able to finish all they do in a half-hour show, but you discover new ways to start.

Now that they can do more outside, your family may be doing fewer indoor activities. You will have more time and space to decide what changes you want to make in the house. It’s the perfect opportunity to clean and organize what you could only dream of in the winter months.

Before you jump into a cleaning frenzy, consider drafting an action plan and a list of cleaning supplies you need. If you need to buy things, formulate a budget appropriate for your family’s resources. Here are 15 handy ways to clean and organize your living space.

15 Useful Tips to Clean and Organize Your House

1. Decide What Really Matters

Many home organizers call this step “decluttering.” Many people find it the most difficult because everyone has their definition of clutter. When you look around your house, do you feel tranquil or trapped in an avalanche of stuff?

You can’t clean and organize efficiently until you do a severe inventory and decide what matters. Within a reasonable timeframe, work in each room to sort and keep only those things that are necessary and bring real joy to your heart. You must force yourself to sell, donate, recycle, or pitch the rest.

2. Recruit Your Family

No single person in your home should bear the burden to clean and organize everything. It is everyone’s job to keep the living space clean and attractive. Get your family involved in helping you to create and complete an action plan.

Here’s a chance to show your children how to organize an efficient home. Encourage them to work by your side to declutter their rooms and family spaces. Even little ones can match socks and complete other small chores.

3. Inventory and Restock Your Supplies

A rainy day’s indoor activities may include seeing what cleaning and organizing supplies you have and what you must purchase. Many housekeeping websites feature cleaning supply lists that you can download for free. Inventory what you have and add what you need to your store order.

Check your cleaning tools such as the sweeper, mops, brooms, etc. to ensure they are in good shape. Consider upcycling old clothes, towels, and washcloths into a pile of handy cleaning rags. The Internet is full of free recipes for homemade cleaning solutions that are friendlier to the environment and your budget.

4. Make a Schedule

Are you one of those impulsive people who like to dive into a project headfirst, then you become overwhelmed? It’s an easy trap to get into when you are spring cleaning. Realize that it took a while for your house to pile up, and it will take a while to get it organized.

Work with your family to create a schedule that’s good for everyone. If you plan to do a little each day, you won’t feel overwhelmed with it all during the weekend. Take your time and work from room to room, top to bottom.

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5. Stop the Wardrobe Malfunctions

Perhaps one of the biggest complaints in family homes is the lack of closet space. When your closets are optimally organized, you may have more space than you realize. This is a significant component of your decluttering project.

Take advice from cleaning and organizing experts and weed through your closets ruthlessly. Maintain a wardrobe of attractive pieces that fit well and can be mix-and-matched to create several outfits. Get rid of anything that doesn’t fit, is out of style, or you have not worn in the past six months.

6. Organizing the Heart of Your Home

Like most homes, your kitchen is probably the central hub. When everything in your kitchen is a mess and unorganized, it affects the rest of the house. Allow yourself ample time to create a place that is attractive and efficient.

Since there is a lot of bacteria and germs in the kitchen, you want to make sure to sanitize this space thoroughly.

7. Time for the Bathroom

Since the bathroom is one of the most personal areas in your home, pay special attention to make it tidy and comfortable. This is a room that you must adamantly sort and keep to a minimum. Visit the bathroom showroom Esher for bathroom design ideas.

Take inventory of all toiletries and discard outdated ones, especially makeup. Clean out the vanity and group similar items in small totes or attractive glass jars. Clean the room from top to bottom and maybe treat yourself to some new plush towels.

8. Organizing for the Kids

Most parents realize that kids are messy by nature. While you can’t expect their rooms to be museum quality, they should be relatively clean and organized. Younger children will need more help.

Work with your kids to weed through their closets and encourage them to sell or donate toys they no longer use. Help them decorate their rooms attractively and make their space a fun, safe place they can enjoy.

9. Creating Your Personal Haven

If your bedroom is a disaster, it’s not pleasant for you or your partner. Your bedroom must be an intimate retreat that provides the rest and tranquility you deserve. If you splurge at all, consider using extra funds for this room.

Purge your closets, drawers, and surfaces from anything unnecessary. Clean it from top to bottom and spoil yourself with lush comforters, plump pillows, and delicate linens. Use colors, textures, and scents to create an intimate atmosphere for rest and romance.

10. Spruce up the Family Room

Whether you call it a living room, family room, or the “great” room, this space provides much of your family’s togetherness. If it’s overloaded with clutter, it may not be inspiring to anyone. Here is another group project.

Clear everything from your living room that doesn’t belong and put it in the right area. Clean, dust, and arrange the furniture, so it’s conducive to socializing or watching tv together. Take advantage of as much natural lighting from windows as possible.

11. What a Difference A Can of Paint Makes

Don’t despair if your budget is tight and doesn’t allow for expensive renovations. One of the least expensive ways to brighten a room is with a fresh coat of paint. Look through magazines and the Internet for exciting colors that appeal to you and your family.

Design experts recommend that you choose cool, neutral colors for your bedrooms and shared rooms. Feel free to experiment with an eyepopping color as an accent. Worst case scenario, you can always repaint what you don’t like.

12. Create a Focal Point in Each Room

Even the most expensive decorations offend the eyes if they are not tastefully arranged. You needn’t spend a king’s ransom to create a room that is delightful and inviting to family and guests. Each room needs a focal point to grab immediate attention.

It can be a beautiful mantel and fireplace or a large, stunning mirror. Perhaps you have a lovely picture or grouping that will attract the eye. Use one focal point as a theme for colors and textures of your accent pieces.

13. Shed Some Light on the Subject

After the dark winter days, everyone is ready to let in the sunshine. Replace heavy, dreary drapes with translucent window treatments, or leave the windows bare. Flood every corner of your home with as much natural light as possible.

In the evening, use lamps and candles for warm, ambient glows that will make everyone feel cozy. Clean the dust and debris away from lightbulbs, shades, and windows for optimal lighting. Consider light dimming switches in the master bedroom for a touch of romantic ambiance.

14. Get the Garage in Shape

Cleaning and organizing the garage is an iconic spring chore, be it dreaded. Sort through all stored items and follow the same decluttering rules. If you can’t move through the garage for all the junk, then it’s just wasted space.

Purchase inexpensive bins for storage and organize all the things on the shelves. Consider installing cheap pegboards for storing tools for easy access. Contact your local safety department about how to safely and legally discard paint, batteries, and other potentially hazardous items in your area.

15. Don’t Forget the Outside

If your porch and yard look like a battlefield, everyone will assume the inside of your home is the same. Clear away clutter and hire landscape maintenance for St Charles to do some landscaping. Add a coat of fresh paint to the porch and plant beautiful flowers for a curb appeal that the whole neighborhood will enjoy.

Final Thoughts: Use Your Time Wisely in Cleaning and Organizing Your Home

Cleaning and organizing your living spaces takes time and determination. With a plan and family cooperation, it can be done without overburdening one person. Then, you can do some fun things together to enjoy the spring weather.

Custom Sonic Drive Thru in Arkansas Keeps Truck Drivers Fed

March 30, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Many restaurants across the country feel heavily impacted by the Novel Coronavirus. Most are resorting to take-out only. Still, sales continue to decline as more people choose to cook at home and save money.

However, truck drivers have a hard time during the shutdown as many of their trucks can’t fit through normal drive-thrus. However, a Sonic in Fordyce, Arkansas wanted to make sure some of the most essential employees during the crisis have a place to get a meal.

Sonic Develops a New Kind of Drive Thru

Nearly two years ago, this Sonic built a drive-thru specifically for truck drivers like the ones from Fresno trucking companies, and it’s been a huge success. The owners of the drive-in noticed how many big rigs would drive past their restaurant on the nearby highways. So they wanted to be able to cater to them.

The restaurant features normal stalls for cars and smaller trucks. And, it also offers two separate menus for trucks pulling trailers and a third menu for 18-wheelers and buses.

So that employees could reach the truck drivers, the owners installed steps typically used for mobile homes. They were a bit worried about how it would work in their daily operations. Even more, they hoped they got all the measurements right since it cost them almost $2 million to set up.

To see if it would hold up to their expectations, they found a truck driver and offered him a free meal if he drove through to test it out.

Luckily, everything worked according to plan, and they made a Facebook post to say they had a stall just for truck drivers. The post went viral, and the rest is history.

Truckers Received This Well!

While this Sonic has been catering to truck drivers for a couple of years now, it’s especially clear how important the custom drive-thru is during the virus outbreak. Without truckers, we wouldn’t have food, medical supplies, and all the other essentials to meet our basic needs.

They deserve to have a hot meal as they work hard to get our supplies to us. This Sonic is one of the only places in the country with a drive-thru to accommodate truckers.

It’s crucial to recognize the pivotal role truck drivers play in keeping our supply chains moving, especially in challenging times like the current virus outbreak. Facilities like this Sonic, with custom drive-thru setups tailored for truckers, underscore the importance of supporting these essential workers. Beyond just delivering goods, truck drivers are the backbone of logistics, ensuring that everything from food to medical supplies reaches its destination efficiently and on time.

HorizonFastFreight stands out as a trusted partner in transportation logistics, offering specialized services like LTL and Partial Truckload shipping. Choosing Horizon Fast Freight ensures you leverage their years of expertise and unwavering commitment to quality service, supporting the seamless flow of essential goods across the country.

In addition to HorizonFastFreight, Tactical Logistic Solutions is crucial to our domestic trucking services, further strengthening our supply chains to be both resilient and adaptable. Their skill in optimizing shipping processes, no matter the scale, highlights their commitment to the logistics industry. Whether transporting a single pallet or a full truckload, Tactical Logistic Solutions offers thorough LTL and FTL services, tailored to fulfill every shipping need with accuracy and effectiveness.

Truck drivers face demanding schedules and unpredictable conditions on the road, yet their dedication remains unwavering. By providing dedicated drive-thru options like those at this Sonic, businesses not only cater to immediate needs but also acknowledge the tireless efforts of these professionals.

A truck driver from Pennsylvania, Michael Guthrie, says he and his wife frequently stop at this Sonic to get a hot meal while on the road. He said he’s been all over the U.S. and this is the only restaurant he’s found with something like this.

Guthrie says other drivers have reached out to him to see where they can eat during the virus outbreak as many restaurants have closed.

He tells them about the Sonic in Arkansas just in case they pass through the area. As more restaurants close due to the outbreak, Michael says he appreciates the effort Sonic is making to serve the people who can’t stop working, like truck drivers.

He added that many truckers are realizing how important their jobs are, especially during this difficult time.

He says they’re all radioing each other to give tips and support. For instance, they share where there’s parking available, what restaurants are open, and what drive-thrus are allowing people to walk up and order.

For truckers, this is often the only option as many dine-in areas have closed to stop the spread of the virus. That’s why he appreciates this Sonic so much because truckers don’t have to get out of their vehicle to order food.

About 70 percent of all freight in the U.S. is moved by trucks, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

A spokesman for Sonic says they are still following all safety protocols while serving customers during the virus outbreak.

Final Thoughts: Truck Drivers Are Essential Always, and Even More So Now

If you know a trucker, make sure to thank them. These men and women are quite literally keeping things running for us during this crisis. Do you know of any other restaurants or businesses that are helping truckers out during this time? Please let us know in the comments!

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

People Across the USA Sew Masks for Hospitals Facing Shortages

March 30, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Masks, so many hospitals face looming shortages of this critical supplies and others like ventilators and respirators. Fortunately, volunteers across the country step up to the plate every day. People with sewing machines are using their skills to create much-needed masks for hospitals across the nation. They can’t replace the N95 respirators. But they can help prolong the life of those devices so many nurses and doctors can conserve them.

People across the U.S. have formed sewing groups on Facebook and other social media platforms. There, they share patterns they think will work best for medical workers. Equipped with sewing machines and mountains of fabric, they get to work, creating thousands of masks for hospitals desperately low on medical supplies.

Even big retailers have helped during the crisis. Last week, JOANN Fabrics and Craft Stores put a video tutorial on YouTube. On it, they demonstrate how to make face masks at home. They encouraged people to drop the masks off at their stores. From there, they will pay to deliver them to hospitals in need.

With suppliers not able to keep up with the demand of the traditional N95 masks, people across the country are trying to bridge the gap. However, experts say that they are not ideal for preventing the spread of the virus, and medical workers aren’t using them on a large scale yet. Even so, the study cited shows that they stop fifty percent of contamination. And the strapped hospitals will likely need to bend the rules a little during this difficult time and take what they can get.

People Across the Country Are Sewing Masks for Hospitals Facing Shortages

St. Luke’s University Health Network in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, posted on its website that they have enough supplies currently, but want to prepare for a possible surge in cases in the future. The hospital asked the community for donations of PPE (personal protective equipment) in addition to supplies for making masks.

A resident of nearby town Easton, Pennsylvania, Sheri Yeisley, agreed to help the hospital meet future demand. Health officials asked her if she could make between 10,000 and 15,000 masks.

Facebook Groups Form to Meet Demands for Masks

Knowing she would need a lot of help to meet this demand, she posted a Facebook Live video to explain how to sew the masks using guidelines from another hospital’s website. Some of her Facebook friends, including some elementary and high school friends, said they would start making masks for hospitals in their cities.

While Yeisley and her friends had enough fabric to create the masks, they needed more elastic for the tie. So, Yeisley reached out to a local swimsuitcompany that donated 3,600 yards of elastic. This volume would be enough to make 10,000 masks. She distributed the supplies to volunteers who agreed to help make masks for local hospitals.

Yeisley said she knows a lot of people who work in health care and want to keep them safe while they work to save our lives. She said she realized that if they get sick, no one will be able to take care of us. She’s trying to do whatever she can to help until hospitals receive more N95 masks.

And, in Atlanta…

Across the country in Atlanta, groups of sewers and workers from local fabric stores have created a Facebook group to coordinate efforts in creating masks. Called Sewing Masks for Atlanta Hospitals, the group has received requests from 15 different healthcare facilities that have asked for 3,000 facemasks total.

While most hospitals have enough supplies to last them for a while, they want to prepare for the future and have extra masks as a backup. Some smaller facilities have already started to run out of PPEs. One of the volunteers in the group, Christine Cox, said her son has been helping her make masks for hospitals in the area. Coordinators in the group are even bringing materials to homes that need more supplies to make masks.

Once the masks are ready, they’re shuttled to neighborhood drop off points. From there, the facemasks must go to a sorting area and undergo a quality control process. The masks have to be double-layered and made from cotton to be used in hospitals. The Atlanta Facebook group gained 3,000 new members in just a few days. In fact, some people are creating dozens of masks per day.

Final Thoughts: Do You Know a Hero Making Masks?

Do you know anyone in your area helping to create facial coverings or other medical supplies for hospitals? Please drop their name in the comments!

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

Michigan Bus Drivers Deliver Lunches to Kids Out Of School

March 30, 2020 by Power of Positivity

As schools close across the country, many families worry about how their kids will get meals during the day since most parents still have to work. Luckily, some school districts have allowed their bus drivers to continue working by delivering meals to students during the shutdown. Schools in Michigan closed a couple of weeks ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But hundreds of students still wait for the bus to roll up.

In Roscommon Area Public Schools, a rural district in the northern Lower Peninsula, bus drivers follow their regular routes looking for kids that need meals. The school district’s social workers and secretaries help with deliveries. They distribute to the children two plastic grocery bags filled with breakfast and lunch for four days at a time. They also have been giving kids a list of food pantries in the area if they need more assistance.

Without the bus drivers checking on kids, they might not get meals until nighttime when their parents get home. Other school districts, such as some in Oregon and Kentucky, have realized this and have allowed bus drivers to continue driving their routes to check on kids.

Bus Drivers In Michigan Deliver Meals to Kids While Schools Are Closed

In the rural Roscommon area, school lunches look a little different than usual during the shutdown. Michigan schools had to close for at least three weeks to try to contain the spread of the virus. Schools are now scheduled to reopen April 6, but school officials have discussed continuing the closures into spring.

For many children, the break from school feels like a vacation, but for others, no school means they won’t have access to the free meals provided by the district. To make sure kids can still eat during the crisis, schools have come together to help those in need. They’ve turned buses into food trucks in just a few days to meet the demands of the students who rely on them for food.

Some larger school districts organized meal pick up sites so that families can drive up to get pre-made meals. In smaller regions where kids don’t have transportation to pick up food, however, the bus delivery makes more sense.

The Challenge of Rural School Districts

In rural school districts in northern Michigan, 850 students are scattered across almost 350 square miles, and many of their parents have to go to work during the day. Two-thirds of the students come from families who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches due to income. These students might be miles from a pickup site and not have reliable transportation, so the district decided they had to do something to help out.

Almost 600 kids in the area would likely go without meals during the day if not for the buses turned into food trucks. The seats generally filled with kids on their way to school are now piled high with bags of food for the students who need them for daily nutrition.

Roscommon’s eight school buses currently used solely to deliver food to children in need. The cafeterias fill each day with teachers, secretaries, and lunch ladies. Together, they fill up grocery bags with nutritious foods such as ham sandwiches, fruits such as apples and oranges, carrot sticks, and granola snacks. The school district decided they would continue paying workers. In their hearts, they knew that their work didn’t stop just because the students were sheltering at home.

It turns out the kids still needed them, so they all got to work to provide for their students. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer asked schools to keep paying staff, so school officials reached out to employees to see if they could come in to help feed the kids. Most people agreed wholeheartedly.

The buses travel hundreds of miles daily on rural dirt roads to deliver meals. While the work has changed, the route stays the same. The school’s social worker typically holds counseling sessions to talk to kids about challenging situations at home, such as evictions, utility shutoffs, and other painful parts of their lives. She uses the opportunity to deliver food to check in with them and ask about their families and home lives.

A Looming Problem: Supply Shortages

However, she worries about the possibility of the shutdown lasting longer than three weeks. The schools are already running low on supplies, as they have to use crackers as a grain source when they’d typically include foods such as rice. They’d have to deal with supply chain problems with food delivery due to the pandemic. However, they’re trying to work with what they’ve got so they can keep bringing food to kids.

At the end of the bus driver’s route last Thursday, he had brought food to 82 kids to keep them fed through the weekend. In total, the eight buses provided meals for 539 kids.

Final Thoughts: Our Nation’s Children Could Suffer Hunger Without Selfless People

This scenario plays out across the nation during this crisis. This one school district does not stand alone in the commitment to feeding our children.

Do you know of anyone bringing meals to kids during this tough time? Please share them with us in the comments below!

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

25 Free Online Classes for Adults to Stay Productive

March 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

There are numerous online classes for adult learning. You can enhance your knowledge and skills, which will position you as a leader in your industry. Perhaps, you can study a subject that has always fascinated you.

Thanks to the power of the internet, you can learn in the comforts of your home. Before you pay for any online classes, do some research to find comparable ones for reduced or no cost.

If you are retired, you may be bored or feel a lack of purpose. Studying a course online can stimulate your brain and open new possibilities for you. Most of these classes let you create your schedule and work at the pace you want.

For the best experience, you will need a high-speed Internet connection and a reliable computer or tablet. If your course is live and interactive, you need a webcam and a headset with a microphone. Of course, you may need a pen and paper in case you want to take notes.

Taking classes online may also be the boost you need to get a raise or a better-paying job. Are you ready to start learning? Consider one or more of these twenty-five free online classes for adults.

25 Free Online Classes for Adult Learners

1. Get Your GED

In previous decades, people didn’t always finish high school, and they decided to go to work or join the military instead. In today’s job market, having a decent career without a high school diploma is nearly impossible. And the Armed Services will only accept graduates too.

Life happens, and maybe you had to drop out of school. Instead of feeling depressed and struggling financially, you can use free online classes to get your graduation diploma equivalency or GED. The certified adult education instructors will help you study for the test, which is free to take online.

2. Learn a Foreign Language

Did you know that bilingual people may have more job opportunities and can make a higher percentage of pay? Have you always wanted to learn a second language for fun, travel, or work? Consider a free online adult learning course and get started with the language of your choice.

3. Social Media Marketing

No matter where you work, your company probably has a social media presence. Businesses use this highly effective platform to market their goods and services. To broaden your understanding and get a certification, take a free online course. These would be especially helpful if you are in the marketing or e-commerce field.

4. Become a Master Gardener

Has gardening always been your niche? If you want to enhance your gardening knowledge or are considering running your greenhouse, you can quickly become a master gardener with online adult learning. Study for free certification in horticulture or landscaping. Classes may vary according to your state.

5. Study a Brilliant Gemology Course

Are diamonds and other gemstones your best friend? Jewelry stores employ experienced, certified gemologists to grade and appraise their gemstones. Whether you work in a jewelry store or want to learn more about your collection, this would be the course for you.

6. Enter the World of Beauty

Maybe you are fascinated with the world of beauty and cosmetics. In the past, you could only attend brick and mortar classrooms for cosmetology courses. Now, you can take virtual courses and do many of your projects online. Check with your state’s licensing board for specifics.

Even if you don’t want to pursue a beauty industry career, you can find video content to teach you new tips. Whether you want to see step-by-step instructions on mixing homemade masks or applying winged eyeliner, you can find it for free.

7. Cook Like a Chef

Even experienced home cooks love to discover new recipes and cooking techniques. Did you know you can take free adult education culinary courses from home? Watch as culinary experts share the skills and techniques you need to bring your cooking to a whole new level. Though the classes are free, you may need to pay a lab fee or for specific kitchen tools.

8. Be a Cake Decorator

Many people are avoiding the big box store bakeries and hire individual bakers to create unique cakes for them. Cake decorating is a rewarding business that can bring in hefty sums if you are talented. Hone your baking and decorating skills with free online classes right in your kitchen.

9. Get Your Travel Agent License

The world is your playground when you are a licensed travel agent. If you have always wanted to travel, why not get paid while doing it? Travel agents not only prepare itineraries for their clients, but they also lead tours to some of the most exotic places on the globe.

Although the prospects for travel agents may seem limited right now, that will change! The travel industry will need skilled agents to help the industry recover.

10. Channel Your Inner DaVinci

Maybe you will never become an iconic master painter, but you can learn more about the art and improve your talents. Set up your easel, mix your paints, and study the experienced artists in their virtual studios. You may also take free online classes in almost any art form you wish.

11.Medical Coding from Home

Do you know that most health providers and facilities don’t do their billing inhouse? Instead, they outsource them to medical coding specialists who work from home. Experienced coders are in great demand, and you can study from home to get certified for little or no cost. You must be a detailed-oriented person who enjoys data entry.

12. Bring on the Flower Power

People who garden often love to cut their flowers and arrange stunning bouquets. Whether you want to get new insights into your hobby or would like to work in a floral shop, consider taking online floral designing classes for free. You will be amazed at the new techniques trending each season.

13. Be an Interior Decorator

Perhaps you daydream and see yourself as you watch your favorite home design shows on television. With online classes and certifications, why can’t it be you? Discover techniques in modern and classic design as you develop your sense of style.

14. Master Mindfulness

You want to become more mindful. But up until now, you could not find the time to get your Zen on. Now, you can stream a class that helps you master mindful meditation right from your computer. It’s never been easier to find your calm!

Do you want to take it further and try yoga for the first time? You can get in the best shape of your life with a Yoga for Beginners class–without leaving the house.

15. Rule the Runway as a Fashion Designer

Maybe people have always complimented your taste in clothes. Do you feel inspired when you walk into a sewing store or fashion boutique? Put your love of fashion to work for you and consider studying fashion designer from home. Your unique designs may be showcased on a runway someday.

16. Get Your Religious Leader Certification

Most faiths and religious organizations have religious leaders who are certified by the state to officiate over weddings and other services. You can earn a free online degree in divinity, religious history, or anything pertaining to your persuasion.

17. Free Online Continuing Education Courses

If you are a teacher or another professional, you are required to take additional training each year. Most of these courses are paid for by the school or business. If you want to learn more, universities across the nation offer TED talks and other free sessions online for professional enrichment.

18. Free Writing Courses

How many times have you told yourself that you have a novel inside that needs to be written? Have you always dreamed of publishing your work? Learn the basics of professional writing skills through online courses. You can also take free courses to discover how to get your writing published.

19. Study to be an Herbalist

Modern Western medicine continues to find the medicinal benefits of traditional herbal therapy. While you may need to take additional training in person, you will find many basic online herbalist classes. These build your knowledge to become a master herbalist to work with your clients.

20. Antique Appraising

The market for antiques rises and falls, but it remains a steady interest for millions in our country. If you enjoy browsing in antique stores and flea markets, you might be interested in becoming a professional appraiser. These people work with auction houses and antique stores, both brick and mortar and online.

21. Computer Certification

If you have certification in specific computer programs, you are even more valuable to your employer. Instead of paying a hefty chunk for an online certification course, look at those that are available for free. It may mean a difference in your job title and paycheck.

22. Appliance Repair Technician

What could be more frustrating than to put clothes in the washer and find out that it isn’t working? You can expect to pay a reasonable sum to get it fixed. Why not learn how to work on your appliances with online courses? Once you are certified, you can work for other people.

23. Become a Dog Groomer

As pet lovers about how much time and money it takes to take their dogs to the groomer regularly. Do you love dogs and want to learn how to care for them? With online training and certification, you can work with a professional groomer or open a shop.

24. Open a Child Day Care

Each state makes laws concerning daycares, so your state may have different requirements. If you enjoy working with children and have a large play area, you can take online classes and become certified to run a home daycare.

25. Online Music Classes

Even if you are not a virtuoso, you can study music in virtual classrooms and improve your skills. No matter if you research voice or instruments, you can find exciting music courses that are free for the taking. Use it professionally or for enjoyment.

Final Thoughts: Use This Time to Explore These Incredible Online Classes

There are so many courses available online that can expand your horizons. While some will ask for a small payment, there are many that you can do for free. Why not expand your learning from the comforts of home?

Yogis Reveal 9 Yoga Poses To Improve Your Balance

March 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

If you were to ask any yogi or yoga practitioner what “yoga” is, there would be a variety of answers. For some, it’s merely a way to feel good in their bodies. They feel better knowing they’ve improved their flexibility, strength, and balance. For others, it is a purely spiritual practice, while for still more, it is a way of living and breathing.

Yoga: A Transformation from within

The practice of yoga helps to provide a foundation and tools for building better habits like self-discipline, reflection, and non-attachment. It is also a pathway for helping you to make conscious choices and live life intentionally, taking responsibility for all of your actions. Yoga can help you to reach more significant states of awareness, clarity, and peace.

The history of yoga

The practice of yoga goes back thousands of years; originally an oral tradition, it was passed down from teacher to student as yoga postures and techniques for calming the mind were developed. An original, 2000-year-old manuscript called the Yoga Sutra gives guidance on how to gain mastery over the physical body, mind, will, and emotions. Through this manuscript evolved several different branches of yoga, all with different intentions and one overall goal of enlightenment through the practice of breathing and yoga postures.

Benefits of yoga

Yogis everywhere boast the benefits of all types of yoga and how it can be used to improve overall health and well being. Some of those benefits most well known to us are:

1. A reduction in stress

Yoga is well known for its ability to ease stress and promote relaxation. In fact, many studies point to the fact that the practice of yoga decreases the production of cortisol, a known stress hormone. A reduction in stress leads to less incidence of depression and anxiety, improving the overall quality of life for those who commit to it.

2. A reduction in anxiety

Many people are drawn to yoga to quell feelings of anxiety and depression. With the ability of yogis to tune into the present moment and practice gratitude for life as is, they can access an inner calm that wasn’t readily available to them before starting a practice.

Gratitude makes you feel better, mentally, and physically. Here’s why.

3. Reduced inflammation

Practicing yoga can reduce inflammation; chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. Findings in recent studies point to the fact that regular participation in yoga sessions helps people to reduce chronic pain, increase flexibility, and feel better in general.

4. Promotes healthy sleep

Daily practice of physical yoga postures in combination with breathing helps to promote healthy sleep. When the body is experiencing a state of improved calm, hormones are balanced and working more efficiently; as a result, the hormones that regulate the wake/sleep cycle are well balanced, resulting in improved sleep. Reducing stress and anxiety are just a few of the other numerous benefits that can help promote healthy, restful sleep for those practicing.

5. Improves balance and flexibility

Many people add yoga to their daily activities to improve flexibility and balance. A large amount of research proves that specific yoga poses help to bring the spine back into alignment and stretch out joints and limbs efficiently, resulting in a more fluid, flexible, balanced body.

9 Yoga Poses for Better Balance

Who wouldn’t like to feel lighter, more graceful, and aligned? With the addition of a few yoga poses into your weekly routine, you’ll be standing taller, moving with more grace, and feeling better than you have in years. Here are some yoga poses to try to improve your balance and flexibility:

1 – Tree pose

Tree pose is a natural “starter” pose for those wishing to work on their balance. If you struggle with standing on one foot, have something to support you nearby as you are starting out on your yoga journey. To perform tree pose:

1. Stand on your right foot, bend your left leg to form a ‘4’ as you bring the sole of your left foot to rest on the inner thigh of your right leg.

2. Standing as tall as you can, anchor yourself on your right leg while pressing the sole of your left foot into your right thigh. Extend your arms overhead toward the sky in a v shape, keeping your gaze fixed on a stationary object straight ahead of you.

3. Repeat on the other side, standing tall on the left leg and bending the right leg, bringing the right foot to rest on the left inner thigh. Hold for several seconds to a few minutes, focusing on your breath.

Tree pose

2 – High lunge

A high lunge is a precursor to poses like warrior 1, 2, and 3. It is an essential piece of several poses in yoga, so it should be mastered before other poses to ensure your safety as you practice. To perform a high lunge:

1. Start in a runner’s lunge. One leg bent at a ninety-degree angle and thigh parallel to the floor. The other leg should be reaching back behind you.

2. Reach arms out overhead toward the sky, palms facing in toward each other. Torso should be facing straight ahead, and hips should be square. Hold for several breaths, then repeat on the other side.

High lunge asana

3 – Extended big toe

This one is tough; don’t feel bad if you initially have to support your outstretched leg with your hands. To perform the big toe:

1. Stand with feet hip-width apart, hands on your hips, if you can.

2. Keeping one leg on the ground for your anchor, raise the other leg straight up and out in front of you, pointing your big toes to the sky. Your goal should be to get that lifted leg parallel to the ground, but it will be a process. Go easy on yourself, and don’t strain, as it could put stress on your lower back.

Extended big toe pose

4 – Chair

A foundational yoga pose, the chair is fundamental to vinyasa flow. It is a welcome relief for those who do not gravitate to single-leg postures, and an excellent way to start with improving your balance. To perform chair:

1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, hands at your sides.

2. Bend your knees and stick your hips back, bringing knees directly above your feet. Arms should be stretched overhead and slightly forward, palms facing in.

3. Hold a chair for several breaths to several minutes, depending on your level of strength and expertise.

Yoga chair pose for balance.

5 – Triangle

The triangle and all of its variations are great for improving flexibility and strength, as well as improving your posture. To perform a triangle:

1. Stand with feet apart, one foot turned outward and to the side. Raise your arms and extend your fingers outward, palms down.

2. Reach the hand of that turned foot farther and farther out toward the side, bending your upper body down toward the floor, your hand resting on your ankle.

3. Stretch your other hand up toward the sky; hold for several breaths. Switch and perform on the other side.

6 – Half moon

This takes the triangle to the next level of excellence. Sorry guys, you’ll be balancing on one foot again. To perform a half moon:

1. Get yourself into a triangle position.

2. Raise your back leg till it is parallel to the floor while placing the hand that was previously on your ankle now on the floor. Hold for several breaths, then switch sides.

7 – Royal dancer

This pose looks graceful, but it takes some serious effort to complete it successfully. To perform the royal dancer:

1. Shift your weight to your left foot. Bend your right leg and reach back with your right hand, grabbing your foot and ankle.

2. Using your right hand, bring your right foot up and back, bending your upper body forward a bit and extending your left hand outward. Hold for several breaths, then switch sides.

8 – Downward dog

You have several points of contact in this pose, but you still need to maintain your stability. To perform a proper downward dog:

1. Start on the floor on your hands and knees.

2. Press your palms and feet into the floor, bringing your body up into an inverted v.

3. Stretch out your arms and legs, raising your buttocks into the air as you lengthen your hamstrings and press your palms into the floor. Hold for several breaths, then lower slowly back down to your hands and knees.

9 – Warrior two

Warrior two is a strong pose that is designed to work both body and mind. The longer you hold, the more warrior-like you’ll become! To perform warrior two:

1. Stand with feet hip-width apart, toes of both feet pointing straight ahead. Turn your right toes out to the side as you bend your right knee and lunge over your turned foot, extending your arms out, palms facing down.

2. Hold for several breaths, then bring your bent leg back to straight, put arms back down. Repeat on the other side.

Final Thoughts: Are you ready to start your yoga journey?

You don’t have to be an expert to experience benefits from yoga. Besides balance, you get mindful, intentional practice, a bit of compassion, and a commitment to self-care will ensure that you will improve your life—body, mind, and soul. Namaste!!!!!

China is Testing Intravenous Vitamin C For Coronavirus

March 28, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Is Vitamin C the answer that people have been waiting for to resolve the Covid-19 pandemic? There are thousands of individuals that have perished globally from this deadly strain of the coronavirus, and something must be done.

The Chinese medical community believes that the answer may lie– in a vitamin that so many people already take as a daily supplement. However, doctors must administer the dosage intravenously and in much higher than average amounts. Is it safe to take more than the recommended amount of a vitamin without any harsh effects?

What is it about this vitamin that has the power to help cure so much? It’s not the first-time vitamin C has been used to treat an illness, and although results aren’t out until September 2020, early results look promising.

Understanding the Complexity of Covid-19

Covid-19 is a respiratory virus that attacks the breathing system. It’s hard to compare such a massive disease with anything else, but it has similar trademarks of SARS-CoV and MERS-Cov, which has a mortality rate that is over 40 percent.

Covid-19 can infect a person for many days before they display any signs of the virus. In some cases, a person can carry the virus and be asymptomatic. The real risk of deadly complications is in those who are elderly, have significant health problems, or individuals with a weakened immune system.

Antiviral drugs have proved beneficial to influenza and other viruses. However, there is nothing on the market to stop the spread of Covid-19, though many theories abound. Social distancing is the best method to prevent the transmission of this illness.

Sadly, the outbreak in Italy is so bad that the medical community can no longer treat people over 60 years of age. The problem in this country is there aren’t enough hospital beds. There are no medications other than symptom treating. Doctors, nurses, and support staff face exhaustion.

Hospitals are full, and people are getting worse rather than getting better. Something must be done to stop this deadly virus from taking more victims.

What Doesn’t Work on Covid-19

Social distancing and complete isolation seem to be the methods that work best to stop the spread of the virus, but what helps to eradicate this pandemic? France’s governor, Olivier Véran, made a statement that using any anti-inflammatory medications could make the virus worse.

Based on his experience in fighting the virus, he believed that NSAIDs like ibuprofen gives the virus power. However, acetaminophen seemed to ease fever symptoms as well as provide some relief from the bodily pains without aggravating the illness.

There is currently no medical evidence to back up his theories, yet many people believe that the NSAIDs do make things worse. The real question is, what can make it better?

Is Malaria Treatment the Answer?

Malaria, a deadly mosquito-borne parasitic infection, is a rare condition that is fatal unless treated. However, hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are being tested as a potential cure. Additionally, doctors use these drugs to treat people with auto-immune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Tens of thousands of people died from Malaria before these treatment drugs became commonly used. Is it possible that they can help or cure Covid-19? Well, the medical community in the United States thinks it’s a strong possibility.

President Donald Trump stated that the medical experts are working with him on the Covid-19 crisis state that antimalarial drugs show promising results. While there have been no formal studies to show that taking these drugs will help, there are medical reports of people making a complete recovery while using them.

Using these drugs is purely trial and error at this point, though no one has died from taking these medications. However, President Trump remained optimistic that using these drugs shows a strong probability of eradicating this illness. However, taking such medications does come with dangerous side effects, and some people may not be able to tolerate the drugs.

What if the answer already exists, but people were too quick to discount the suggestion? The Chinese are well known for their use of holistic and all-natural treatments. Eastern medicine has infiltrated into a Western world, but is it trusted for such a pandemic as Covid-19?

Learn how echinacea can boost your immune system.

Vitamin C Increases A Body’s Immune Defense

Vitamin C is an essential supplement found in citrus fruits and some vegetables. When a body is deficient in this nutrient, it increases a person’s susceptibility to illness. When a person is fighting a virus, taking this vitamin can help to boost the immune system to get over whatever ailment plagues them.

How many times has a doctor said to drink plenty of orange juice when fighting things like a common cold? The power isn’t in the drink itself, but rather the vitamins in that drink helped to eliminate the virus.

Experts find that those who have deficient levels of this vitamin will also have an increase in the severity of the illness. There’s no doubt that this vitamin is an essential help in building the body’s immune defense, but what can it do when someone has Covid-19?

Zhongnan Hospital Conducts Promising Trial

In China’s mainland, Zhongnan Hospital is conducting a study to see how vitamin C can help with this Covid-19 pandemic. Intravenous administration of this nutrient has helped many other conditions. For instance, when a person has their immune system wiped out by chemotherapy, then they often give IVs of this vitamin to rebuild immunity.

To test their theories, experts at the hospital are administering the drug by IV to people who have developed severe respiratory complications from Covid-19. The recommended amount for an adult is 2,000 milligrams each day. However, during this trial, the patients are receiving 24,000 mg, which is more than 12 times more than the recommended amount.

While some vitamins may be dangerous to take at such high levels, vitamin C is entirely safe. You can’t overdose or become ill from taking too much. The kidneys expel any overage through the urinary system.

High levels of this vitamin are given for seven days. Why do they need to use an IV rather than just giving it to these patients in a pill form? Research shows that this vitamin absorbs more efficiently when given through an IV. Doctors want these patients to receive the antioxidant directly so that they get as much of the benefits from it as possible.

The absorption rate is much better in an IV, which is what a patient with Covid-19 needs to heal from this virus. Deficient levels of vitamin C are a global issue that should be handled by nutrition. However, even if a person takes the recommended 2,000 mg each day, experts say that the death rate will decrease in the Covid-19 pandemic.

Here are ten warning signs that you lack vitamins.

Tongji Hospital Joins the Study

With Zhongnan Hospital showing promising results, Tongji Medical Center decided to conduct a study too. They found that when doctors gave this vital nutrient to people early in the diagnosis that they fared better. A timely application has the power to stop cardiopulmonary failure, which is the most common cause of death.

Furthermore, their study shows that Covid-19 causes a person to go into oxidative stress. Free radicals destroy the cell walls and antioxidants. When the oxygen-containing molecules in the body become uneven, then the body enters into a state of distress.

The results of the study at this hospital showed that high levels of this vitamin reduced inflammatory responses as well as a robust antioxidant effect on the person. In past studies, people with acute lung injuries and those in respiratory distress showed a remarkable response to IV vitamin therapy.

These seventeen foods deliver a powerful dose of Vitamin C.

Final Thoughts: Vitamin C Offers a Promising Outlook On A Pandemic

The pandemic of Covid-19 will go down in the record books. While many people have lost their lives, many will be saved by radical treatment options. Whether it’s antimalarial drugs or high doses of Intravenous Vitamin C, there is hope.

China has closed the last of their treatment centers for the coronavirus because their patients have dwindled to the point where the local hospital staff can handle it. Americans are in the midst of the battle, but the medical community is scrambling to find answers.

If anything, this outbreak will teach us it’s the importance of health. Taking supplements each day can help to thwart viruses and build the immune system. There are hundreds of deadly toxins in the air you breathe each day, and the only hope you have against these bacteria is your immunity.

Eat healthy foods, and make sure that you take supplements essential to build your free radicals and oxidative health. All the things that you need to keep yourself healthy and fight off foreign invaders can be found in nature.

Eat fruits and vegetables along with whole grains. These are what you must have each day to support overall wellness and maintain a healthy immune system.

15 Life Lessons from Kenny Rogers

March 28, 2020 by Deborah Tayloe

Country music legend Kenny Rogers passed away on March 20, 2020. He left a hole in the heart of Nashville as one of the frontrunners of country music. However, what he left behind are life lessons that every person can learn something from, regardless of their age.

15 Life Lessons From “The Gambler” Kenny Rogers

On a hot August day in Houston, TX, Kenneth Donald Rogers made his debut. That summer day in 1939 would change the world. At the age of 20, he released his first song entitled “The Poor Little Doggie.” He was voted one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He sold more than 100 million albums across the globe.

What was so special about Rogers, and what did he teach the masses that can help those who have a dream and want to be successful in life? Here are some of the most important lessons he leaves with fans.

1. “Friendships come and go, but families are forever.”

Rogers was married five times. He had a child in 1982, but at that time he was in the thick of his career and didn’t get to be there for him. He had three other children from his other marriages. However, when he met Wanda and married her in 1997, his life was indeed fulfilled.

He had twin boys that were 15 years old at the time of his death. It bothered him that he may not be there to see then graduate. He made them a top priority. His goal was to show them the world and spend as much time with them as he could until he passed.

His children and grandchildren took center stage in his golden years. He lived a full and happy life, but as he aged, he wanted more than anything to be known as a father.

2. “I feel like I learn something from everything I do.”

While most might think that Rogers was an “A” student with tons of accolades, they might be surprised to find he was just average in the schoolhouse. He never expected his children to be on the honor roll. All he asked was that they do their best. He proved that it’s okay to be average in a world that expects perfection.

3. “You gotta know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, know when to run.”

While Rogers was known for a lucrative career, he also had his fair share of failures in life. When he was asked to advise others about his life, he was incredibly blessed, and he wouldn’t change one thing. He was grateful for both the ups and downs. And the key is in having the wisdom to know when enough is enough. Sometimes, you’ve got to regroup.

4. “You can’t make old friends. You either have them, or you don’t.”

Most would think that being a huge superstar like Rogers came with bragging rights. While he was proud of his accomplishments, he also looked up to other stars. He adored greats like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash. He thought their music was unique because they used good stories, something so many songs today lack. These were his mentors and lifelong friends.

5. “If you want people to know what your message is, just sing it.”

Kenny Rogers didn’t feel the need to step on a few people on the way to the top. He said he never wanted to be like anyone else. He wanted to bring something unique to the industry and wanted people to like him for his distinctive music, and he certainly accomplished this goal through his unique voice and powerful lyrics.

6. “You know, I’ve always said, I’ve never felt I was a particularly good singer, but I’ve always thought I had a great knack for picking hit songs.”

When Kenny Rogers wrote or performed a song, he would only do the ones that others could sing along with him. He believed that you had to get people excited and what to join in. When he was asked about his hit “The Gambler,” he said the key is to have a song that everyone can sing. It was an easy song to memorize, and the story the song told was relatable.

7. “Islands in the stream; that is what we are. No one in between. How can we be wrong. Sail away with me to another world. And we rely on each other, ah-ha. From one lover to another, ah-ha.”

There were always tons of rumors about Rogers and Dolly Parton. However, one life lesson he taught his fans was that it was okay to have fun and flirt, but you didn’t have to be intimate to be good friends. Though they often teased about their relationship and romance, they were never anything other than the best of friends.

Read 23 inspirational quotes from Kenny’s good friend, Dolly Parton.

8. “I think when you’re in the public eye, you feel a pressure to stay younger looking.”

After some plastic surgery in the 2000s, Kenny Rogers became almost unrecognizable to his fans. He felt the need to be younger looking since his wife was younger and he had young twin boys. However, when asked about plastic surgery later, he told people that he would never do it again. He wished he left his face as it was before he had surgery.

9. “You know, I think the greatest gift in the world is a good employee, you know, or people who can do your work for you and do it well the way you’d like to have it done. And I’ve always been able to surround myself with really good people.”

Throughout the years, Rogers sold so many albums that his estimated net worth was $250 million at the time of his death. He believed that you never spent everything you had. When it came time for payday, his philosophy was that you pay the taxman, and put 20 percent back for a rainy day. He was one of the few stars that were never reported to have financial trouble over his career. Rogers often extolled the skills of his staff for always looking out for him, contributing to his success and wealth.

10. “My mom loved to sing. And I’ll go on record to say she was the worst singer ever. I’d get up and move away from her!”

Rogers was fond of his mother, Lucille. He listened to her when she gave him advice on life and his career. He stated that the best advice she ever gave him was to learn to be happy wherever you are in life. It’s easy to be happy when you are at the mountain top, but learning to be happy down in the valleys takes some real work. Regardless of being perhaps a bit tone-deaf, it sounds like Lucille was a wise woman!

11. “There is a trade-off. As you grow older, you gain wisdom, but you lose spontaneity.”

Rogers was friendly and likable. However, his long career made him wary of letting too many people become overly close to him. Though Rogers had many friends and people who wanted to be in his inner circle, he let very few get close to him. He lived by the motto that his father, Edward, taught him. You must always be friendly to everyone. However, you only develop friendships with a few.

12. “I just hope I can spread some of the happiness that’s been coming my way.”

Kenny Rogers’s last performance in Nashville was in 2017 with his dear friend Dolly Parton. After that performance, he hung up his hat. He focused all his energy on spending time with his family. After his farewell concert, he went into seclusion to live out his final years in peace, enjoying time with his youngest children and relaxing.

13. “Youth is a frame of mind. If you get out there and enjoy it, you can have it at any time of your life.”

Kenny Rogers had many loves over his long-spanning career, but he proved that age was just a number when it came to his last wife. They were married for 22 years, but she was a shocking 28 years younger than he. When he met Wanda Miller, his entire life changed for the better. He proved that age didn’t matter, but it’s what’s inside that counts.

14. “It won’t mean you’re weak if you turn the other cheek.”

Few people knew that Rogers had something to fall back on should his singing career fizzle. And when he set out to Nashville, he knew that he had a talent in case he failed. Kenny Rogers, surprisingly to many, was a pro-level tennis player. He was great on the courts, and he dabbled in many things other than singing. Best yet, he taught people that if your first career choice didn’t work out, then you should always have a backup plan. And it does not make you weak!

15. “With all my heart and all my soul, I will love you till the winds don’t blow. Until the oceans turn to stone, my love is yours and yours alone. My love is forever until forever’s gone.”

One of the most important life lessons Rogers taught his fans was that in the end, a family is all that matters. Roger had many health problems that left him in frail health. As he entered this world, he was surrounded by his loving family, and when he left this world, he was with his family too. His wife and children were with him as he peacefully slipped from this world to the next.

Final Thoughts: Kenny Rogers Lived A Legendary Life

There’s been a lot of country greats that have graced the stage at the Grand Ole Opry over the years. Perhaps, Kenny Rogers was one of the best. He had his ups and downs in life and his career, but he remained centered and focused on what mattered most.

As in life as in death, he taught his fans and those around him about what was necessary. He left life lessons behind to help those who idolized him put things about this world and your very existence into perspective.

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

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!