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12 Things Never to Tell Your Kids

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Children learn by example, period. How you act, what you say, and personal shortcomings – if done within the earshot or eye line of a child – is prone to replication by your kids.

Unfortunately, far too many parents disregard or downplay the susceptibility of the child’s brain. Out of ignorance, these parents ramble on, curse, and even verbally abuse one another in a child’s presence. Caught up in their own internal world, the adult fails to self-monitor for the sake of the child.

On the flip side, good behavior and speech are just as prone to replication. A child, after all, looks at their parents as role models. “Oh, this is how I’m supposed to talk?” “This is the way I’m supposed to act?.” “Okay, well, if Mommy and Daddy are doing it, it must be right.” Make no mistake, this is how every child perceives their parent’s actions until they know better.

In this article, we’re going to discuss twelve things never to tell your kids. As to gain an understanding of why restraining speech is paramount, we’ll provide a rudimentary discussion on child psychology.

The Child Brain

“Early experiences affect the development of brain architecture, which provides the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health.”

~ Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University (source)

To say that the human brain is remarkable is putting it lightly. The adaptability, growth, and sheer complexity of the human brain is impossible to fathom.

Get this: In the first five or so years in life, the child brain forms over 1 million new brain cell (neuron) connections every second. Every second. Astonishing.

This immense growth helps to explain why these first fear years are so vital to development.  The combination of genes (which “provide the blueprint”) and experience (which “constructs the building”) serves as the mechanism which forms the child’s brain architecture. We will primarily focus on the latter.

Serve and return

Psychologists use the phrase “serve and return” to describe the child-parent interactions that shape the brain architecture of children and infants. An infant or young child “serves” by babbling, crying, or gesturing; the parent “returns” by responding appropriately with eye contact, a hug, and/or words. Or they don’t. Or they “return” in a way that stunts the child’s communication, social skills, and other pertinent functions.

This serve and return relationship is absolutely vital to a child’s development. When adults and parents place importance on this relationship, the child (and parent) benefits. So when parents, for whatever reason, do not, the child is deprived of an environment conducive to emotional and psychological health.

“When adult responses to children are unreliable, inappropriate, or simply absent,” states the Harvard University Center on the Developing Child website, “developing brain circuits can be disrupted, affecting how children learn, solve problems, and relate to others.”

12 Things to Never Tell Your Kids

“The words with which a child’s heart is poisoned, whether through malice or through ignorance, remain brained in his memory, and sooner or later they burn his soul.”

~ Carlos Ruiz Zafón, The Shadow of the Wind

 

  1. “Hurry up!”

When a child is continuously told to “Hurry up!” they become super sensitive to fluctuations in their parent’s mood. While this may sound rather harmless, psychologists state that aggressively telling a child to hurry causes additional stress.

Instead, you may want to try turning your frustration into a game. “Who can get their shoes on first?!” “Bet I can get to the car faster than you!”. You get the idea.

  1. “Don’t talk to strangers.”

While telling a child to avoid people they don’t know sounds like good advice, it can backfire. For example, if someone’s nice to your child, they may think that they’re not “strangers” anymore.

Instead, imagine a situation and ask your child what they would do. “If a strange man pulls up in a car and tells you to get in, what do you do?” Another strategy is to issue a wide ultimatum and keep repeating it until the child remembers it. For example, “If anyone ever makes you feel afraid, confused, or scared, you need to ignore them.”

  1. “I’ll do it” or “Let me help you.”

It can be challenging to see our beloved child struggling with something, especially when they’re putting their hearts into a problem. “If you jump in too soon,” says Myrna Shure, Ph.D., and professor of psychology at Drexel University, “that can undermine your child’s independence because he’ll always be looking to others for answers.

Try to help the child by offering some advice or asking a guiding question relevant to the task at hand before jumping in.

  1. “I know you didn’t mean to do that.”

Do you really know this? Be careful here. If you unknowingly profess ignorance regarding some unfavorable action, your child may be inclined to try and get away with it again – or something else.

Of course, if a child feels incredibly guilty about something that you know they didn’t do, that’s a different story. By all means, offer comfort and support.

  1. “I’ll turn this car around.”

This one is all about empty threats. When your child misbehaves, do you actually turn the car around so that they think twice?

Perhaps a more important question to ask is: why are they misbehaving in the first place? Children misbehave for several reasons, some of which are overlooked by parents.

  1. “I’m so fat/ugly/stupid.”

In early childhood, the concept of self-image is foreign. Babies and young kids don’t think about how they look. How should they judge themselves and others? By how much fat they have? By physical appearance? Or by inherent intellect?

This is the message we’re sending when we complain about being fat, ugly, dumb or any other self-defeating language in front of a child.

  1. “Pay attention!”

Okay, so it is imperative that a child learns to pay attention. The crucial skill of attention is relevant to any life success. However, far too many parents tell their children to pay attention without ever teaching them how to pay attention.

A child’s brain develops from the bottom up, meaning that the most primitive brain circuitry (e.g., the amygdala, hippocampus, etc.) comes first. Areas of the brain that control attention develops far later on. In fact, scientists now think that the “rational” part of the brain isn’t fully developed until age 25!

As such, it is crucial to teach the child (a) what attention is, and (b) how to give it.

  1. “Shut up!”

Woah! A couple of things: (1) it’s a kid, and (2) the language is harsh. While kids can be loud and disruptive, setting the rules and correcting behavior early on can help to avoid this sort of outburst.

  1. “You tried your best…”

Eh, did they? Again, be careful here. Kids are as capable of appearing to “work” hard as adults. If a child thinks they can get away with “making appearances,” they may be tempted to put off challenges under the guise of “trying their best.”

Another thing: even if they did try their best only to come up short, do you really want to equate their “best” with mediocrity? At such a young age, kids are always capable of becoming better.

  1. “You’re so smart!”

If a child is precocious, it’s natural to want to praise them for their gifts. We’re proud, and we want to let them know. “Saying that thing to children actually can work against their striving to learn,” says Dr. Tovah Klein, Director of the Barnard Center for Toddler Development.

Instead, voice your approval regarding a child’s work ethic. As necessary, encourage them to keep going.

children

  1. “You’re too clumsy/lazy/shy.”

Okay, so the first and third are, arguably, personality traits. Personality traits can be difficult to overcome without [1] extensive, deliberate practice, and [2] a desire to change. The child should be the one to make these choices to change, not you.

Regarding the second, where did the child learn that it’s okay to be lazy? You may want to ask this question instead of making definitive statements. This may be enough to light a fire.

  1. “You’re way better than [so and so].”

Maybe they are. But have you ever stopped to really look at what the hyper-competitive society produces? Stressed-out people who are never satisfied with themselves. Why else do you think people work 70-hour work weeks and take a record number of prescription drugs? It’s called the hedonic treadmill.

The advice here is simple: just don’t.

kids

Final Thoughts: Things to Remember about Child Development

Before closing things down, here are a few things to remember about child development going forward.

  1. Even early childhood experiences can lead to lifelong problems

Per Harvard University, from infanthood to childhood, adverse experiences can cause chemical and physical disruptions in the brain. These changes can affect behavior, learning, and mental and physical health outcomes.

  1. Development isn’t limited to genes only.

As mentioned, a nurturing and interactive environment is as vital to a child’s mental development than genes.

  1. Positive care extends to outside of the family.

While parents play the primary role in a child’s development, caregiver interaction outside of the home is also essential. Children benefit when these relationships are both positive and responsive.

  1. The first three years are crucial…

The health of a child’s brain architecture is heavily influenced during the first three years of life. During the first three years, regions of the brain associated with higher-order functions – including cognitive, emotional, and social capacities – are powerfully shaped during this time.

  1. But so is later in life….

While the first three years of life are critical to brain development, adolescence and early adulthood experiences may also influence brain function for the better. Due to the inherent plasticity of the brain, it is never too late to learn (and un-learn) life’s essential lessons!

True Love: 4 Beliefs You MUST Have To Find It

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So, does true love really exist? And if does, what must happen to create this perfect relationship?

First things first your beliefs are everything if you’re serious about finding and keeping a mate. Most people think all they need to do is follow their heart to find true love and the rest will follow. While that can work for some, it can leave many eventually feeling lost and broken.

Today, the divorce rate is on the rise, with nearly one divorce for every marriage. People are getting married without a solid, inner foundation. Their only ideas about marriage are based on what we’ve witnessed growing up. For many of us, it wasn’t the fairy tale scene – so we wander around looking for the love of our life instead of diving in and being it.  There are key beliefs you must have to attract true love into your life and here they are…

4 BELIEFS BEFORE YOU’LL FIND TRUE LOVE

love connection

1. Believe you are worthy of unconditional LOVE.

The relationships you create are mirrors of who you are. It’s the law of attraction at work. Therefore, relationships are only as strong as the beliefs you have about yourself. When you believe you are worthy of unconditional love, you will receive it.

Loving yourself fully, even with your imperfections is very important. If you don’t love yourself fully, how can you expect someone else to? When you come to love yourself unconditionally, believe in your own worthiness, and remain open to receive it from others, you will!

2. Believe in yourself

Treat yourself the way you want someone else to treat you. Most of us are harsh on ourselves and our own abilities. Believing in ourselves and being our own best friend attracts a lover that will compliment us, not complete us. Looking for someone to fill the gaps may bring a temporary lover, but not a lasting one. You are whole, exactly as you are. When you believe in yourself and care about your own needs, your lover will as well. You will no longer stand for being treated harshly, and you will no longer attract it either.

Just remember, treat yourself the way you would want your lover to treat you. Think kind thoughts; say kind, loving words; do thoughtful things. If you would get offended if a friend or lover would say it, then don’t say it to yourself!

3. Believe in finding the right partner

Sometimes, people can be bad at knowing what they want (or need) in a relationship. Most of the time, society says to let romance be the guide. Instead of shining the flashlight outward, staggering around blankly looking for “the one”, shine it inward. Look for the qualities you want in another in yourself. If you’ve had past relationships problems, possibly even a cycle of them, find the common denominator. Then, look within you and find the darkness that needs the light.

The cycles we encounter in relationships are less about the other person and more about ourselves. They are guiding us towards a lesson we must go within and learn.  For example, if you are feeling ignored or neglected in a relationship, perhaps you are abandoning yourself at some level. Go within and find out (listening to your intuition) how you can show up more for yourself, too.

When you believe you can find the right partner, and exhibit the same characteristics you seek, you will be closer to true love.

4. Believe that relationships can last

It’s important to believe in the value of a relationship and the potential happiness and lifelong fulfillment it can bring into your life, regardless of the statistics.

Most of us have witnessed divorce, either within our own family or of relatives or friends. Although these relationships had nothing to do with us, they subconsciously created a validation that relationships don’t last. Perhaps even that divorce is inevitable.

It’s easy to be negative and doubtful about relationships – breakups and dysfunctional marriages are everywhere. But it takes strength and a fresh perspective to believe in happily ever afters again.

true loveFINAL THOUGHTS ON THE PURSUIT OF TRUE LOVE

Of course, every relationship has its difficult times. That’s life. The struggles help us learn and grow. But, to believe in the ability to have a caring, supportive, loving partner that can be there for us unconditionally is important. In fact, it’s vital for us to believe and align ourselves with the truth of that reality to be able to attract it and live it.

That’s the magic of life, to believe in the good and strive to create the best possible life. Inner work will always transform our outer world. Most of the work to have a life long love is done before you ever even meet that person.

By applying these four major belief systems into your life, you will absolutely shift your focus and attraction to the love you desire.

If you’re already in a relationship, these four beliefs can also absolutely help transform it. In fact, by implementing these beliefs you might even fall in love all over again. All in all, healthy, life long relationships are good for each individual’s mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.

Scientists Reveal How Ocean Acidification Could Lead to Mass Extinctions

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Our oceans are not just a wondrous powerhouse of beauty and mystery.  They are the most prominent instrument on our planet that absorbs the heat from the atmosphere.  Only about 30% of heat from the sun reflects off of the planet’s surface.

The oceans have absorbed about 90% of the combined heat that we create, and that is from the sun. Had the oceans not absorbed the excess heat generated by us from 1955 – 2010, air temperatures would have risen 97 degrees F.  That absorption comes with a price called ocean acidification. Now,  scientists reveal how it could lead to mass extinction.

The Oceans are sponges that absorb heat

Why is the ocean our most magnificent heat sponge?

  • They are 280 times bigger than our atmosphere.
  • Oceans do not reflect well
  • Air is less dense than seawater. Ocean water can hold up to 4 times the amount of heat.

Interestingly enough, our oceans before the Industrial Era absorbed about 30% of the heat in our atmosphere.  As the heat increases, so does the capacity for the sea to absorb it.

Scientists since 2000 have been sending robots down to the deep recesses of the ocean to learn more about this absorption and to try to figure out where this heat is stored.  They believe that if they can figure out where it gets stored, they can take some other action to prevent further damage. One thing they have discovered is that the heat is not dispersed universally across the waters.  It tends to collect more in the southern hemisphere.  They have also found that even if we were to freeze the trapped heat, the oceans would continue to heat for decades to a century later.  This is an alarming fact.

What is ocean acidification? And what are the global effects?

Ocean acidification is a chemical reaction of an increase in hydrogen ions created from the absorption of Co2.  This chemical reaction changes the pH of the water, causing it to become more acidic and decreases the carbonate ions and calcium carbonate saturation levels.  There is also a deoxygenation effect or a decrease in the amount of oxygen the ocean takes in.

Researchers and scientists recorded in 2012 that the 4 meters of water closest to the surface has already warmed by .13 degrees per decade for the last 100 years.  According to a report in 2012 by Geophysical Research Letters,  the heat is absorbed by even the deeper areas, 700 meters down.

The effects of this are:

  • Calcium carbonate is essential to many shell marine life, including coral, plankton, and oysters and crabs, to produce and maintain their shells and skeletons. Researchers already see a decrease in coral production, oysters, and pteropods.
  • The coral begins to bleach out and die. Coral is a safe habitat and breeding ground for many ocean life.  It is also what helps to maintain coastal landscapes, along with other vegetation.  As they continue to die off, the coastal lines will diminish. Thus, populations of fish and maritime mammals will be at considerable risk.
  • FDA issued a report in 2012 stating that marine and freshwater fisheries make up about 4.3 billion people with 15% of their dietary protein. The warming of the oceans affects the health and diseases of the fish, placing human health at risk as well.
  • Estimated job losses from decreased fisheries are expected to total in the 10s to 100s of million dollars.
  • Because the oceans don’t evenly distribute heat, but it accumulates in the Southern Hemisphere, it is contributing to the melting of the Antarctic ice shelves. These ice shelves melting mixed with the thermal effects of water heating, create rising water levels.
  • Flooding, hurricanes, and other storms will occur more frequently and with more devastating severity.
  • The IPCC report in 2019 shows a continuation of these previous years. The report states that there does not appear to have been any decline in the warming and that some of the effects will occur even if we do not exceed a 2C degree total warming as desired.

From ocean warming to mass extinction

One of the questions which scientists don’t have empirical evidence for is if the rising temperatures of the ocean and increase in Co2 can cause mass destruction of marine life.  One group of scientists led by Michael Henehan at the GFZ German Research Center for GeoSciences in Potsdam believes they have discovered potential evidence that rising Co2 levels can create mass extinction.  Their report was published in PNAS in October of 2019.

They looked back at the massive extinction of the dinosaurs and the majority of the marine life, which occurred 66 million years ago when the Chicxulube bolide impact occurred during the boundary of the Cretaceous-Paleogene period.  Scientists have been studying this period to determine what was the actual single cause of the mass extinction.  While there are many factors to consider, the one specific cause has not been identified.

This event was triggered by a massive meteor hitting the Earth.   This resulted in enormous volcanic activity, tsunamis, earthquakes, sky blackening from large amounts of debris thrown up into the air, acid rain, sudden winter climate, and a massive increase of Co2 into the atmosphere.   This Co2 was absorbed by the ocean, resulting in sudden ocean acidification.

The cause of this phenomenon

Discerning the actual cause has been complicated additionally due to an ongoing volcano activity called the Deccan basalts traps in India. There, massive flows of lava and release of gases covering nearly 600,000 square miles were continuous.  There is some debate as to the length of time in which this occurred.  Some scientists state this was a sudden explosion, but recent evidence points to it occurring over several years.

It was the discovery of small fossilized shells of foraminifera found in nearby clay that was the focus of this study.  The fossils demonstrated a sudden drop in the pH of the ocean, during and up to a thousand years after the meteor struck. The shells were thinner and lacked calcification.

They discovered that when that meteor hit, it impacted on volcanic rock that contained sulfates and carbonates, crushing it to dust and spreading it throughout the atmosphere.  This poisonous dust fell back down in the form of acid rain, killing a tremendous amount of vegetation, further increasing Co2 levels.

During the 100 to 1000 years, which passed after the impact, scientists were able to learn that the pH levels dropped to by .25 units, possibly more in the immediate decades following.  The scientists are still studying all of the data.

It is essential to recognize that during this time, the levels of Co2 in the air were already higher than current levels. On the other hand, the pH was lower.  The Earth’s atmosphere was different then.  Simultaneously, marine life may have been less susceptible to the Co2 levels before the impact.  Yet, the evidence does point to the fact that such a sudden decrease by .25 units initiated the extinction of marine life.

ocean

Final Thoughts on Saving the Oceans

The oceans and life contained within are still much of a mystery.  There remains so much we don’t know about it due to the difficulty in going to its depths.  Yet, we do know that it produces half of our oxygen here on Earth. Furthermore, it is capable of progressively absorbing massive amounts of Co2. It also absorbs enough heat to prevent Earth from frying from rising temperatures. Plus, it also contains a plethora of life that we have yet to learn more about.

Scientists have revealed how ocean acidification could lead to mass extinction.  Our pH levels of the ocean are already at .13.  At .25, there is evidence to show that 75% of the marine life could go extinct.  Massive action to save the resource that is working so hard to protect us needs to be taken.  Lowering Co2 levels in our atmosphere to decrease global warming and attempting to find methods to filter it out of the ocean needs to be a top priority.

Not only do the lives of marine life and mammals depend upon it, but so do ours.

Researchers Reveal Material That Could Transform Methane Into Energy

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Greenhouse gasses play a significant role in affecting our atmosphere and are contributing to climate change.  Scientists call gases that trap heat greenhouse gases. Methane is one of the most detrimental of them all.  There are a lot of memes floating around about methane due to the fact that it is produced through a cow’s digestive system.  However, it also stems from food rot, plants rotting, and from us pumping methane from within the planet’s crust.

The fact that it’s naturally occurring gas makes it’s true danger appear exaggerated for non-scientists.  Yet, it is, in fact, still a hazard to our climate.  Researchers have been looking into methods to decrease its release into our atmosphere from all sources.  This is a rather difficult proposition since it is a gas and not a solid or liquid.  Now, researchers reveal a material that could transform methane into a usable and safe energy source.

What is methane?

Years ago, the natural gas industry touted to the American public that it was the most efficient and cost-effective method for cooking, powering our dryers, and heating our homes. Of course, that was true in comparison to electricity and coal.  There’s one big problem.  Methane is the main active ingredient of natural gas, and our planet has it and produces it naturally.

Methane is a colorless and odorless gas which, when it hits the air, turns into carbon dioxide and water vapor.  For the most part, it is a relatively safe gas, but when it reaches a certain level between 5-14% per volume mixed with air, it can become flammable.

How is methane formed?

Methane is a naturally occurring gas.  It can be formed from the bacterial breakdown of organic material, specifically plants, from underwater or in shallow areas.  This makes wetlands, swamps, rice fields, bogs, and landfills contributors.  Oddly enough, a cow’s digestive tract also produces methane, as they eat a lot of grass. Therefore, them “passing gas” is literal, and methane also releases from their dung.

This same process, with the addition of thousands of years and high pressure, creates methane under our Earth’s crust.  When we mine for coal, we often find pockets of methane.  This is the process in which we pipe it out for natural gas and oil.  Methane also releases from the planet’s crust during forest fires, volcanic eruptions, in ocean-floor vents, in deposits between continents and under the Antarctic ice and the Arctic permafrost.

Humans also find methane during our mining for oil and gas.  It can leak out in the piping and during the transportation process.

Why is methane such a hazard to our environment?

If Mother Nature produces methane, then why is it dangerous?  While the planet has many fail-safes in place to keep everything working in balance, humankind tips that balance.  We no pipe out the methane that typically would have stayed beneath the Earth’s surface.  Additionally, we created landfills and an increased need for cows or other animals who naturally produce methane. We have also changed the ecology of our landscapes, which in turn affects our wetlands.  Essentially, we tipped the scales of balance that Earth naturally kept in check.

Methane releases Co2 into the atmosphere.  Granted, our plants are designed to absorb Co2, but not in this quantity with the additional other sources of Co2 that are being released.  Methane is 84 times more potent than merely Co2 in the first 20 years of its release.  For example, if 23 pounds of methane was released and 23 pounds of Co2 was released, the methane would warm the Earth 23 times more over a period of 100 years than the Co2 alone. 

The greenhouse gases act as invisible insulators and magnifiers for the heat of the sun.  The sun’s heat is magnified on its way in and cannot push its way back out after bouncing off the surface of the planet as it should.  Compound this on a daily basis, year after year, and that’s a lot of heat.  That heat then produces chain reactions as the Earth attempts to correct the imbalance of this heat by melting glaciers.

As mentioned above, research finds methane buried within the ice of the Antarctic and permafrost in the Arctic.  So, not only is more methane being released but now we have changing weather patterns, which alters the climate in different regions.  Some regions are warmer longer, with large proportions of rain in between.  This creates an excess of plant material requiring breakdown.  Once again, this produces more methane.

What strategies promise to rein in this excess methane?

Multiple tactics are being utilized to attempt to get a handle on the excessive amount of methane released.

 

  1. Scientists are working on discovering a way to turn methane gas into a liquid form. This would theoretically make it easier to transport and recognize any leaks.

 

  1. In 2016, the EPA passed a law to limit the number of methane emissions from oil and gas extractions.

 

  1. Better monitoring of flooded areas in rice fields and bogs so that paddies can be removed sooner.

 

  1. New methods of identifying the varying sources of methane have been discovered, which allows scientists to better monitor and track where and what the source is. This has permitted them to learn that 20% of natural gas wells are putting out the bulk of leaking methane.

 

  1. Scientists are looking into genetically altering cow’s stomachs in such a way that they are not producing as much methane.

Introducing Graphene

Another material has come up as a possibility of reducing methane – a substance just discovered in 2004, “Graphene.”  In an attempt to make this as simple as possible, graphene is a carbon substance, similar to graphite, which we know as being used in pencils.  The formations of its atoms make it somewhat unique in that it is 2D. So, it lays one atom high and forms a honeycomb pattern.

Scientists describe this material as stronger than steel, both elastic and stiff, and very light and thin.  Additionally, it conducts both electricity and heat.  It is a wonder material that has many scientists very excited at its potential for use in many areas.

One such scientist, Rakesh Joshi, of UNWS University in Sydney, Australia, began doing research using graphene to filter water for drinking.  They discovered that they could filter out 99% of organic material, which remains after typical filtration.

During this process, Joshi’s research team discovered that they could also pull out the methane of biogas, which comes from the plant breakdown in that water.  Following that discovery, they found they could purify that methane from the biogas in a wastewater treatment plant.  That purification removed carbon dioxide from the methane.

Currently, the Sydney Water plant is using biogas as an energy source for its treatment facility.  Rakesh Joshi is hoping that by being able to purify the methane, it can then be used to run transportation systems, like buses.

methaneFinal thoughts about a material that could transform methane into energy

With significant challenges come great solutions.  Climate change is happening.  Whether you choose to believe that humans are exasperating it, causing it, or it is a naturally occurring phenomenon, it doesn’t change the reality that it is bringing about change.  With that change, perhaps we will have better respect and amazement for the miracle of our planet. Maybe we will have a higher sense of responsibility toward our treatment of it and come up with innovations that can reduce or undo damages made.

Our planet Earth has a wonderful balance system in place for the natural patterns of change that occur in our Universe.  It is up to us to find the balance for the effect we have on it.  Researchers discovering a material to transform methane into energy is one such step.  They are taking a gas that becomes hazardous to our atmosphere in extreme amounts and turning it into lean, clean energy.  May we continue to search out methods to correct our mistakes and provide a better manner of living for all on this planet for generations to come.

10 Things Your Body Language Reveals About Your Personality

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Before we get started on the fascinating topic of body language, it is important to do one thing. Please keep this one thing in mind and revert back to this part of the article, if need be. Ok, are you ready for this one thing? Read carefully.

Drop all self-consciousness. Drop it right where you stand (or sit.)

Okay, so perhaps none of us can just “drop” any feelings of inadequacy. So how about this:

Don’t fight against any surfacing feelings of self-consciousness.

Allow these feelings to surface; witness them leaving.

“I don’t feel right. Everyone can see it.”

“I’m so anxious. My body language is giving it away.”

“I need to force myself to put myself together.”

No. No. No!

Perhaps your body language is “giving” certain things “away,” but ruminating about any “shortcomings” in your body language does nothing for you. If anything, this heightened self-consciousness is making you appear more “inadequate.”

Relax into your body. And, again, drop any surfacing and misleading feelings of inadequacy.

Okay. So, this article is about body language and what it reveals about your personality. The topic of body language is fascinating – and understanding how to “manage” your body language can improve two important aspects of your life.

#1 – Understanding body language can reduce your suffering. This, by far, is the most life-changing.

#2 – Understanding body language can boost your self-confidence. This second benefit is nothing to sneeze at either.

Before we get into the ten things that your body language reveals, it is helpful to have an understanding of what body language is and why it’s important. It is also necessary to bust any and all body language myths you may have heard.

Let’s get to it!

Body Language Myths

“The first myth claims that because we know so much about body language, it is easy to spot a liar. The second myth, and it is exactly that, a myth, is that eye aversion is indicative of deception.” ~Joe Navarro, M.A., former FBI agent and a leading expert on body language

Why begin with body language myths?

Because before we can reap the full benefits of a rudimentary body language education, we must first discuss what it is not. Mainly because these myths are so incredibly prevalent in today’s society; not knowing these myths can cause harm to both yourself and others.

Myth #1:  Signs of stress-relief (e.g., a high-pitched voice, closing the eyes, covering the mouth, and touching the nose) are signs of deception.

Myth #2: Averting the eyes is indicative of deception.

Put simply, accusing someone of lying based on how they act is both poor judgment and bad science. Concerning the former, Paul Eckman – a pioneer in the study of emotions and body language – cites five “signs” of deception that are “no better than chance [50/50]”

– Blinking: “In experiments in which some people were instructed to lie and others weren’t, the liars blinked less.” (Emphasis added).

– Dilated pupils: “…people can be highly anxious and overthinking the details … when they’re innocent.”

– Eye contact: “[You] could still be lying, but [not be] anxious about it…”

– Fidgeting: “…liars generally don’t appear to be more fidgety.”

– Differences in the behavior of loved ones: “When we become friends, lovers, or parents, we become blind…”

So, what is the key to detecting deception? Eckman calls these signs ‘micro-expressions,’ or “…expressions that come and go” so quickly as to go unnoticed unless close attention is paid.

10 Things Body Language Reveals About Your Personality

“By a man’s fingernails, by his coat-sleeve, by his boots, by his trouser-knees, by the calluses of his forefinger and thumb, by his expression, by his shirt-cuffs, by his movements – by each of these things a man’s calling is plainly revealed. That all unified should fail to enlighten the competent enquirer, in any case, is almost inconceivable.  ~ Sherlock Holmes

As it turns out, body language can reveal an awful lot about us. According to research from the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA), verbal communication accounts for just 7 percent of communication. Non-verbal communications (i.e., body language) account for the other 93 percent!

Without further ado, here are ten things that your body language reveals about your personality.

  1. Crossed Arms

No, crossed arms do not (necessarily) mean that someone is standoffish, rude, or distant. Crossed arms may just mean that someone is thinking hard about a problem or is trying to comfort themselves.

The aforementioned Joe Navarro says that people often cross their arms as a “self-soothing” gesture, not to “block” others.

  1. Eye Contact

Steady eye contact can be a signal that you are trustworthy, open, and welcoming. Too much eye contact can make someone feel uncomfortable, however.

According to Janine Driver, a former federal law enforcement officer of 16 years and best-selling author of You Can’t Lie to Me, using about 60 percent eye contact during any face-to-face conversation is just about right.

  1. Legs Spread While Sitting

Spreading your legs while sitting is a common sign of both confidence and dominance. Open postures like this one stimulate a biochemical response in the body, increasing testosterone and lowering the stress hormone cortisol.

This sitting posture may also be a sign of defiance. Police interrogators note the commonality of showing the ‘naughty bits’ by the usual suspects.

  1. Sitting Legs Crossed, Ankle Over Knee

Similar to sitting with the legs parts, sitting with them crossed ankle over the knee, displays confidence and dominance. Per Ms. Driver, this is known as the “figure four” position in body language circles. “We have three areas on our body where we open up when we are stress-free and relaxed: the neck dimple, belly button, and ‘naughty bits,’ says Driver.

  1. Smiling A lot

There’s a bunch of evidence that smiling often is conducive to reciprocating feelings of goodwill and trust from others. Per a study out of the University of Kansas, showing your chicklets proudly also suppresses the body’s stress response and lowers the heart rate in fear-inducing situations.

  1. Disappearing Lips

According to Driver, “The mouth is the window to the soul.” She says: “When in doubt, look for the lips. When we don’t like what we see or hear, our lips disappear.”

People who pucker their lips in or cover their mouths with their hands may be apprehensive about something.

  1. Standing With Hands On Hips

Although some people may see this stance as aggressive, people usually subconsciously stand this way to display feelings of confidence.

However, the problem is that the vast majority of people think the former. “We become very territorial,” says Navarro. The elbows must be pointed out, which takes up space and “prevents” other people from getting by you.

  1. Interlocking Fingers

Interlocking your fingers may be a sign of discomfort or stress to others. According to Navarro, this is another body language sign that is simply a means of self-soothing.

“When something’s troubling us, we tend to stiffen our fingers [and] interlace them,” explains Navarro.

  1. Mirroring Activity and Voice Patterns

Mirroring the activity level and voice patterns of someone else convey that you are trustworthy. Another benefit: people may be more willing to help you out if you practice mirroring.

A study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, employees of one company, demonstrated the power of mirroring. Employees who mirrored their bosses while being conversationally engaging earned 30 percent better terms in employee negotiations.

  1. Reaching for a Handshake

Handshakes are most often used in formal situations (e.g., job interviews) or when meeting someone the first time (e.g., a date.) In either situation, you want to come across as open, honest, and trustworthy. However, reaching across to shake hands too soon may complicate things if the relationship is too new, or if someone is unsure of you.

Do yourself a favor and wait for the other person to extend their hand. Or, if you hit things off, reach for that handshake afterward!

body language

Final Thoughts: Honest People’s Body Language

Being the good, pure, honest folk that you all are, you may be wondering, “How do I look the part?” Well, by golly, we’ve got the answer for you!

According to Driver, honest people use “open, honest, natural body language cues,” such as:

– A casual, at ease appearance

– Directing their body and toes toward you; as well as their belly button, neck dimple, and throat

– Leaning forward with a casual interest

– Shifting their bodies fluidly and fluently

– Using a powerful, solid, wide stance (like a “short fat candle”)

– Uncrossed arms, with their hands down at their sides

Now you can look as honest as you really are. Right? Right?…

Scientists Reveal That Billions Could Face Food & Water Shortages in 30 Years (And How to Prevent It)

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While the world is still adapting to Greta Thunberg and wrapping their heads around the differences and links between global warming and climate change, scientists have also been studying the impact of the world population on our supply of food and water. Food shortages will follow, almost certainly.

That’s because experts predict that by 2050, our population will have grown from the current 7.7 billion people to roughly 9.7 million people. Furthermore, they expect a plateau by 2100 at about 11 million people, according to the latest U.N. report. 

Scientists reveal that billions could face food and water shortages in 30 years. In fact, they are working on ways to prevent it.

Statistics on population growth

According to Environmental Reports, scientists have calculated that we have enough food currently to feed an estimated 7 billion people adequately.  Of those 7 billion, 1 billion are starving or malnourished due to intense poverty and a wide range of distribution.  Statistics predict that to make up for those 1 billion, plus account for population growth of 2 billion, our food production needs to increase by 60-100%. Or, think of it as almost double what we produce now.

The population growth, as projected by the U.N report, shows that 9 countries will account for over 50% of the increase.  Those countries making the list are the following:

Statisticians predict India to overtake China’s population by 2027. Plus, they expect the sub-Saharan parts of Africa to double its population by 2050.

Birth Rates as related to population

This population growth continues despite fertility rates decreasing from 3.2 children per woman to an expected 2.2 by 2050.  Although some countries do have a number almost double that,  most see decreases. These drops stem from mortality rates, birth control, or choice.  However, the poorer countries will likely demonstrate the greatest increase. This fact increases the concern due to the difficulty in food production, current poverty levels, poor health and education systems, increased malnutrition, and hunger.

Changes in working population vs. elder population and the life expectancy

Where childbirth is decreasing in the majority of areas, there is an increase in the working ages of 25-65 in much of sub-Saharan Africa, areas of Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.  This has the potential of creating increased economic growth for those countries.

Life expectancy for the more advanced countries is expected to increase to an average of 77.1 from the 2019 average of 72.6 years.  The poorer countries average to be about 7 years less.

In specific areas of the world, the older generation of 65 years and older, is becoming a larger group.

  • By 2050 it is predicted that an average of 1 in 6 people will be over the age of 65.
  • In North America and Europe, it will be 1 in 4.
  • The numbers for those 80 years and higher are forecasted to go from being 143 million in 2019 to 425 million in 2050.
  • This will place a substantial burden on the working generation. In Japan, there is currently 1 working individual to 8 of the older generation.
  • By 2050, most of Europe, Asia, and North America is believed to only have 2 working adults per the number of retired individuals.

The variables affecting supply and demand for food and water

In looking at the numbers, it seems ridiculous that to feed 3 billion more people, we need to almost double the food production.   What are the variables affecting this demand?  Environmental reports give us a breakdown:

 

  1. Wealth and expectation: North America and Europe, more wealthy countries,  currently drive the demand for increased food.  China and India are expected to add to that demand in the coming years as a higher percentage of the populace increases in wealth.  It is predicted that wealth alone will account for 2/3 or about 60% of increased demand.

 

  1. Increase in Biofuels. Not all of our crops are used for food.  About 6-9% are used for biofuels.  With an increase in population, there will be an increased need for biofuels.

 

  1. 28% of the demand is related to population growth alone.

What we need

With these factors in mind, the immediate solution becomes to grow more food.  Sounds easy right?  Growing more food requires a few elements;

  • increase amount of usable land
  • a higher yield of crops
  • harvesting of crops more frequently
  • an increase in chemicals to maintain the fertility of the soil, primarily nitrogen.

There are multiple complications that crop up in giving an answer.  Currently, only about 4 crops make up about 2/3 of our crops; maize, rice, wheat, and soybean.  At present, the countries with the land and resources to grow them are already using what land is available.  Other countries aren’t naturally predisposed to growing these crops and require additional water, disease control, fertilization, or stable socioeconomic environments.

An additional factor prompting food shortages is that in many countries responsible for the yields occurring now, many of the crops are stagnating. Or, they only increase at a very slow rate.

A dangerous side effect of attempting to increase crop production is the extreme amount of nitrogen required to do so.  We would need an increase of 150 megatons of nitrogen.  That is 6 times the amount China uses and about 12 times the amount used in the United States.  Controlling runoff from fields into waterways would be extremely difficult, if not impossible.

Additionally, nitrogen adds to our CO2.  That much nitrogen would increase CO2 by 2 gigatons each year.  That amount is more than the emissions from every car, plane, and train in the United States.  The consequences would be deadly for us, for the animals, and the planet’s ecosystem.

Water shortage and its causes

Most of us know that the planet is composed of 70% water.  What you may not be aware of is that only 3% of that water is available for use for irrigation, hygiene, cooking, and drinking.  Of that 3%, 2/3 is unable to be accessed due to being frozen in glaciers or just not able to be used.

According to the World Wildlife Organization, 1 billion people fail to have access to water, and 2.7 billion have a severe lack of water for a minimum of 30 days of the year. 2.4 billion people can’t even access water for proper hygiene and therefore die from cholera and typhoid fever.  Children in upwards of 2 million die from diarrhea-related illnesses yearly.

It is expected that 2/3 of the population will face a water shortage by 2025.

Contributing to the water shortage

Multiple factors are contributing to an increasing decline in water availability:

  • Increase in population
  • Inefficient irrigation systems
  • Pollution from chemicals and human waste
  • Less than half of the wetlands remain
  • Climate change resulting in longer droughts or floods
  • Deteriorating landscapes

How can humankind manage the food and water shortage?

With all of the scary predictions, what is the good news?  There are things we can do!  We have already started to take a few actions.

1 –  Protect wetlands

Wetlands have been on a protected land list for 40 years. These wetlands have required a commitment from the respective countries to protect them from pollution, development, and drainage.

2 – Water stewardship

Many companies have agreed to make changes in how they use their water supply.  Outside organizations come in, analyze their usage, and recommend changes for improvement.  This results in a “water footprint,” which is a score level of how responsible a company or industry is with their water usage.  Some experts even suggest that grocers should post the water footprint score should on produce so consumers can choose to buy better-performing products.

3 – Improve agricultural use of land

Making better use of the agricultural land we have and not expanding to destroy wetlands or forests which are necessary for our environment. Focus our attention on more precise and efficient farming methods on lands in which the yield is lower due to the natural environment.

4 – Robotics

Harness the technology of robots for high tech, precise farming. Rather than broad spraying of chemicals, water, and use of heavy equipment, which causes soil damage, robots now precisely spray crops with the insecticide, fertilizer, and water needed per type of crop.

5 – Go organic

Organic farming to decrease chemical runoff and to make use of waste

6 – Improved irrigation

Farmers are electing to use drip systems rather than the inefficient irrigation systems.

7 –  Changing our diets

People consume only about 55% of the grains our farms produce.  In fact, about 36% goes to feed livestock.  Thus, the choice to eat less meat in general, and more meat of grass-fed animals could greatly decrease our need for grain production.

8 – Less consumption

Unfortunately, we throw away a tremendous amount of food.  In fact, we could use that as mulch for our own gardens or donated it to farms. We could also alter our buying habits and shop more frequently and purchase less at a time, so food does not spoil prior to eating.   We could also eat smaller amounts.

9 – Preserve foods more efficiently

Extend the life of certain foods. Some food, especially fruit, tends to spoil quickly.  Scientists are working on ways to extend their life so that perhaps they can be picked, delivered, and eaten before they spoil.

food shortages

Final Thoughts on Preventing Food and Water Shortages

Scientists warn us that billions could face a water and food shortage.  While our population is going to grow, we still have choices both as consumers and as companies to make responsible, environmentally friendly and restrained choices to ensure that food and water remain viable for the mass population.  Our choices may be tougher, but we still have a chance.

5 Mindset Shifts To Remember When You Don’t Feel Good Enough

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Many of us go through periods, or even years, of not feeling “good enough.”  It’s a dangerous mindset.

It can stem from early childhood trauma, specific life events, or looking at your life and finding it lacking.  There is also a massive push in society, telling you how you should be and how your life should be.  It can create a mental state within you of not being good enough because you aren’t “that way.”

Guess what. You aren’t alone, and if you aren’t alone, then the image society is creating is a lie.  This is becoming more and more recognized, which why the expression “You be you” is becoming more popular.  It’s not just so everyone can feel right about being themselves, but also a recognition that no one has life figured out and that we are all flawed and beautiful at the same time.

Here are five mindset shifts to remember when you don’t feel good enough.

good enough

  1. Life is every day, not just where you are going

It’s funny.  Our parents, schools, society, and potentially our religious affiliation all teach us to set markers for our lives: graduate high school, possibly go to college, get a job or career, get married, have kids, and so on.  They can even tell us the picture-perfect steps to get us there.  Yet, most of us don’t follow that set-in-stone path.  We rebel, diverge paths and want to find our way.  Also, we learn and grow.

We might get to where we want to be or think we ought to be, or we might find ourselves in situations or locations that were unfathomable when we started.  I look back at my life, and it is nowhere as I had planned.  It feels like my life has taken so many twists and turns, and while I am the same at my core, the lessons I have learned are now ingrained and have changed me.  That’s life.

We fail to tell our children that life happens every day.  It’s an experience, a journey, a discovery, not a destination.  Every day, you are alive from the moment of your birth.

Live it.  Cherish it.  Learn from it and grow from it.  That is what life is truly about.  We will always have plans, goals to achieve, aspirations, and dreams.  That is what propels us forward.  We must have a “why” in our life.  Why do we get up every day and do whatever we do?  It can appear grandiose as ” I want to become President of the United States,” or it can be humbling as ” to put food on the table for my children.”  It doesn’t matter.

The power of goals

Our goals propel us forward through life, but it is not what life is.  Our purposes don’t keep us breathing.  They don’t make our heartbeat or our blood flow.  Life does that.  Every second and every day.   If you still have a pulse and are breathing, you are still living life.  Cherish what this day did bring, and what you learned today, and recognize that life is every moment, not just when you reach that particular goal.

  1. A Mindset of Gratitude

Every day we tell ourselves what we need or want.  When was the last time you said, “I am so grateful for having the capability to buy what I need and for having the people in my life”?  I read this great quote:

 “Remember the days you prayed for the things you have now.” – Unknown

I can’t count how many times I’ve been in scenarios where I didn’t know how I would have money for essentials.  When that emergency is over and enough time has passed, it’s easy to forget how it felt not having enough and how grateful and relieved you felt when somehow you managed.   Sometimes stopping and looking back on those times can help you look where you are now and be like, “Wow!  I am so blessed, fortunate, and grateful for what I have”.

This shouldn’t just apply to money or things.  It should also apply to ourselves.

We must recognize where we have grown as individuals, not just for the accomplishments that can be placed on a resume.

Learn to recognize how you have become stronger, more resilient, and more self-aware.  Be grateful for your improvements and your growth.  Appreciate the fact that you survived and thrived after tough situations.  When you find the balance between who you were and how you are now, take pride in yourself for persevering.

By stating what you are grateful for daily, you are programming your brain to recognize what you want.  Through its very programming, your mind will automatically seek out what is needed to continue to provide that for you.  This applies to people you want in your life, personal development of habits and mindsets, experiences, and financial security.

  1. Self-development vs. self-improvement

There is an interesting way in which our mind works.  When we tell ourselves that we need to improve on procrastinating less, we tend to continue to procrastinate.  If we tell ourselves that “I will be focused and organized,” we augment our habits to reflect that intention.  Why is that?  We are putting a negative slant on that behavior by telling ourselves that we need to improve on a poor habit.  Our brain then focuses on what we do wrong.  We will criticize ourselves and feel less than because of it.  We are working against ourselves by focusing on our flaws rather than our strengths.  That is the nature of self-improvement.

When we take traits we possess and say, ” I will do this,” we are taking positive features and are choosing to build upon them.  Our brain then starts seeking ways to enhance or further develop what we already can do.  That is self-development.  Sometimes that means establishing smaller goals in the beginning.  Such as “I will focus on intention and be organized for 2 hours first thing in the morning”.  As we accomplish that goal, we expand upon it until we have reached the ultimate goal of staying focused and organized for entire days.

The power of affirmations in self-development

Another aspect of self-development includes using affirmations to accomplish what we want.  Affirmations are statements that start with “I am..”.  For example, “I am committed to focusing on writing 500 words every morning”.   By wording it in the present tense and a positive manner, we are programming our minds to do that action.  As a result, it will not randomly search for what you will do.  It will already know what you want to do.

This distinct yet subtle difference between self-improvement vs. self-development can significantly affect how we feel about changing something and how our brain will operate to support it.

  1. Commitment

Commitment is the difference between “I will try and do this,” and “I am doing this.”

“I will try” essentially gives room to make excuses not to follow through.  You have subliminally told your brain that you expect to fail.  You will do this as long as it is easy, but if it gets too hard, you will quit.

“I am doing this,” when stated with a reinforcing action, tells your brain that you are serious and committed to doing the work necessary to achieve the goal.  The more often you reinforce the statement with action, the easier it is to be committed.  You have shown your brain your commitment so that it won’t look for other options.  It’s like when you need to go to work.  You will get up every morning, and under 97% of the circumstances, you will go to work regardless of how you feel.  Your brain doesn’t even question it.  That is commitment.

mindset to accomplish dreams

  1. Be flexible in your thinking

A growth mindset is one in which you understand that you are not limited in your capabilities except by your willingness to do them.  A growth mindset will foster the ability to take on challenges, do more, learn more, and apply more to new things. People with this mindset believe that if they work at it, stay open to different options and persevere; they can do or learn almost anything. It keeps the brain open and flexible to growth and development.

A fixed mindset has told themselves they can’t do certain things or believes that if they weren’t born with established talents, they can’t learn it.  A fixed mindset believes if things aren’t a certain way, don’t go according to plan, or as they think it should go, then there is nothing more they can do.  Their brain is closed to adapting to new situations or seeing alternative ways of accomplishing tasks.  The brain’s pathways to learning and growth have been closed.

It is the difference between seeing opportunities vs. obstacles.

The good news is that you can move from a fixed to a growth mindset by making the decision and being willing to accept new information.  It does require pushing yourself to question old beliefs, but it can happen.

mindset

Final Thoughts on Making Mindset Shifts to Boost Your Confidence

Mindset is probably 90% of how well you make it through life and everything it throws at you.  It is normal to have days when you don’t feel good enough or question yourself.  We all have times like that.  Taking a step back and accepting that is how you feel now but that it doesn’t need to be your life is crucial.  Remembering these five mindsets when you aren’t feeling good enough and adopting even one can create positive change for you and your life.

Life is not an endless tunnel.  It is rolling hills, mountains, and plains stretched out before you, waiting for you to forge your path one step at a time.

Doctors Reveal 15 Whole Foods for a Healthy Pregnancy

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Some may wonder why whole foods are so important for women to consume during pregnancy. There are a few reasons, all of which are related to the health of both the expectant mother and the unborn baby. Consuming whole foods means consuming foods in the most natural form possible.

When this is the case, unhealthy ingredients including preservatives, dyes, artificial sugars, and many others are not being consumed. This leads to overall improved health for the mother and the unborn baby. It also ensures that essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are being consumed.

Without a healthy diet, a pregnant mom runs the risk of many issues including:

  • Excessive weight gain that is difficult to lose after birth
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Complications for the unborn baby
  • Birth complications

The Important Nutrients a Pregnant Mom Needs to Consume

While there are many nutrients and minerals that are necessary for a pregnant mom to be healthy and grow a healthy baby, there are some that are more important than others. The ones that are most important and should be consumed regularly each day include:

  • Folic acid
  • Omega 3 fatty acids
  • Vitamin A
  • Zinc
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin C
  • Protein
  • Iron
  • Vitamin D

Each nutrient, mineral, or vitamin listed above can easily be found in whole foods.

Whole Foods For a Healthy Pregnancy

1. Eggs

Being a great source of protein, eggs are important in the diet of a pregnant woman. Protein contains amino acids that are essential to the building of cells in both your body and your baby’s body. Protein isn’t the only reason that eggs are important in the diet of a pregnant woman.

Eggs contain many other vitamins and minerals that help with the proper development of the baby’s spinal cord and brain. Other minerals in eggs prevent neural tube defects.

As a versatile food, eggs can be used in many different recipes or simply scrambled and mixed with vegetables. From egg bakes to over-medium fried eggs, there are limitless possibilities with eggs.

2. Beans

Another source of protein, beans also contain high amounts of iron, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, and fatty acids. All of the named nutrients are essential to a pregnant woman’s diet.

Another benefit of beans is that they contain fiber which can prevent or relieve constipation and hemorrhoids.

Easy Ways to Use Beans

  • Add them to soup
  • Make chili
  • Beans with sausage
  • Put them on a tostada
  • Make refried beans

3. Whole Grains

Whole grains are high in many nutrients including fiber, antioxidant vitamin E, phytonutrients, and the mineral selenium. Together, these nutrients and vitamins protect cells, help with the baby’s development, and help keep the pregnant mother healthy.

4. Avocado

Avocados are full of fiber, vitamin B, vitamin K, potassium, copper, vitamin E, and vitamin C. They contain high amounts of monosaturated fats (which are healthy fats) and folate, which are important for a pregnant woman.

The healthy fats of avocado are so important because they help with the development of the baby’s skin, brain, and tissues. They also help prevent neural tube defects.

Another huge benefit is that the potassium contained in an avocado can help relieve leg cramps, which are highly common for pregnant women.

5. Berries

Berries are a quick and easy way for a pregnant woman to increase both her nutrient and water intake. Packed full of water, healthy carbohydrates, vitamin C (which aids with iron absorption), fiber, and antioxidants, a pregnant woman is sure to get a nutrient punch that is essential for skin and immune health.

Other benefits of berries in a pregnant woman’s diet are that they have lots of flavor and nutrients, but are low in calories and have a low glycemic index value. This means that they won’t overload the expecting mom with excessive calories and they also won’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels.

6. Cauliflower

This vegetable is surprisingly popular amongst pregnant women, but once you know why it is so popular it all makes sense. Cauliflower contains essential minerals such as zinc, phosphorus, and selenium. It also contains fiber and antioxidants, which help keep a pregnant woman feeling her best.

Cauliflower helps a mom stay healthy by improving her immune system, aids in constipation issues, and promotes heart health. It is even more beneficial to the baby as it promotes cell growth in the baby’s body.

7. Skinless chicken breast

Removing the skin from the chicken breast is important because the skin contains high amounts of unhealthy fats. In the chicken breast, a pregnant mom will consume omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, vitamin A, iron, zinc, and Selenium. Plus, one cup of chicken breast gives more than 85% of the daily recommended value of protein.

These benefits all allow for healthy bone, organ, and cell development of the baby. It also protects the baby from diabetes, heart problems, and high cholesterol.

8. Greens

Dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, swiss chard, and other greens are considered superfoods for pregnant mothers. They are packed full of vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folic acid.

Surprisingly, it is easy to increase the number of greens you consume each day. Some of the easiest ways to eat greens include:

  • adding them to smoothies
  • chopping them up to add to soup
  • mixing into an omelet
  • combining them with a stir-fry
  • Using them in a salad

9. Sweet potatoes

This vegetable is a great source of vitamin C, folic acid, fiber, and carotenoids, which are plant pigments that are turned into vitamin A. Sweet potatoes are easy to incorporate into a diet by using them as a side dish, an add-in to the main course, or even as a dessert or snack.

10. Water

This may seem obvious, but a pregnant woman should consume way more water than normal. A pregnant mom can easily become dehydrated, causing headaches, anxiety, tiredness, irritability, reduced memory, constipation, urinary tract infections, and many other issues.

11. Salmon

An unborn baby’s brain and eye development depend on omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in high amounts in salmon. Protein and vitamin B are also found in salmon, making it that much healthier for a pregnant woman.

It’s a popular thought that all fish are unsafe for a pregnant woman to consume, but salmon is actually completely safe because it is low in mercury, unlike many other fish. Doctors say that a pregnant woman can safely eat up to 12 ounces of salmon a week.

12. Oranges

An expecting mother is supposed to have between 80 and 85 milligrams of vitamin C each day. Oranges are the perfect way to help get to that point by being a juicy, delicious, quick, and easy snack to eat on the go.

13. Peanuts

In just a quarter cup of peanuts, a pregnant mom consumes 8 grams of protein. They also contain high amounts of iron, magnesium, and vitamin B, all of which will help an expectant mom and her unborn baby stay healthy. They could make a great snack alone or when paired with a fruit.

14. Bananas

This healthy fruit is full of healthy carbs, fiber, vitamin B, vitamin C, and potassium. They are an easy snack for on the go, or they can be paid with other food to make a healthy breakfast. Another option for consuming fruits is to use them as a natural sweetener in baked goods.

15. Squash

While being full of essential nutrients and vitamins, squash can keep a pregnant woman feeling full, in a good way, for a long time to hold her over until the next meal. This could be useful for a working pregnant mom, as she may have to go longer between meals during the workday. It contains vitamin B, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and potassium, many of the important nutrients a pregnant woman needs.

Some of the ways you could prepare squash include:

  • grilling it
  • roasting it
  • adding it to stove-top dishes
  • adding it to a soup

whole foods Final Thoughts On Whole Foods for a Healthy Pregnancy

Eating healthy whole foods during pregnancy is important for the mom’s health and for the baby’s development. When choosing to eat whole foods, a pregnant mom will know for sure that she isn’t consuming any harmful ingredients. Instead, she’ll know for sure that she is consuming nutrients and minerals that a pregnant woman and unborn baby need.

There are many recipes on the internet containing only whole foods, and there are many websites that offer tips and ideas for increasing the amount you consume each day. Choosing a whole foods diet doesn’t have to restrict what you and can’t eat, you just have to learn new ways to prepare and cook it!

18 Inspirational Quotes About Relationships from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was one of the most famous civil rights activists in history. But did you know that he also spoke eloquently on love, passion, forgiveness, and communication?

Here are just a few inspirational quotes that can teach you how to navigate relationships of all kinds.

18 QUOTES ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS FROM DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

1. “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

This is one of Dr. King’s most famous quotes, and it endures because it strikes a chord in everyone who reads it. If you’ve ever hated or even disliked someone, you know how much that it can bring you down. Studies have shown that it can even affect your brain chemistry. If you want to be happy, you’ll need to free yourself from the emotional burden of unhappy emotions.

2. “People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.”

When you read the speeches and essays of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, you’ll realize that communication was one of his most exceptional skills. He fought for peace, but he knew that peace wouldn’t come without understanding, and understanding wouldn’t happen without people sitting down and talking to one another. If you’re having relationship problems with someone in your life, communication is critical.

3. “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”

Dr. King was a significant advocate for helping the poor and oppressed. He wasn’t just a civil rights leader. s In fact, this man also fought for everyone, from sanitation workers to military veterans. He believed quite strongly that people must help each other.

4. “Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a constant attitude.”

Forgiveness is hard. You might even need a little help in letting go. Once you’ve taught yourself how to move on from injuries and offenses, however, you’ll find that a forgiving attitude can help you improve all of the relationships in your life.

5. “The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?’ But the good Samaritan reversed the question: ‘If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?'”

If anyone can teach you a lesson in selflessness, it’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Many of his sermons were centered around helping people, building communities, treating others fairly, and thinking about the needs of your fellow man before your own. Fight the urge to be self-centered. It won’t nourish your soul as altruism does.

6. “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”

There are many inspirational quotes about love out there, but romantic love isn’t the only kind of love worth pursuing. You can love everyone in your life, including your enemies. Not only will it help you be a better person, but it might just transform the other individual as well.

7. “You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.”

Silence isn’t always golden. If you aren’t communicating with your partner, you might be hurting the relationship just as much as hurling insults or making accusations. Talk to the people that you love. Open up. Make an effort.

8.”Those who are not looking for happiness are the most likely to find it because those who are searching forget that the surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others.”

How do you define happiness? How can you achieve it? These are big-picture questions that can prompt you to re-think everything from your attitudes to your habits, but if you ask Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, the quickest path to happiness is to make someone else happy. The world would probably be a much better place if we all believed as he did.

9. “We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.”

There are very few mustache-twirling villains in real life. Most people offer up both good and bad traits, and if we want to understand them, we’ll need to recognize the duality of their personality. This understanding applies to everyone, from bad bosses to nosy neighbors. Forgive the people around you for not being perfect. No one is.

10. “There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love.”

You can’t be disappointed in someone if you didn’t have faith in them in the first place. If someone has failed to live up to your expectations, try not to scold them or judge them. Remember why you believed in them, and give them another chance. Your support might make all of the difference in their eventual success, but your intolerance or indifference will only bring suffering.

11. “One day we will learn that the heart can never be totally right if the head is totally wrong. Only through the bringing together of head and heart – intelligence and goodness – shall man rise to a fulfillment of his true nature.”

This quote is a wise observation about balancing the needs of the heart and the head. You should never fully listen to either! Don’t ignore what your instincts are telling you, but don’t forget to be rational and reasonable as well. You have a mind and a soul in your body. Make use of them both.

12. “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.”

Relationships are a two-way street. If you aren’t thriving, your partner can’t succeed either. The reverse is also true: If your partner is struggling, their struggles are going to have ripple effects on you. If you want to build a happy, healthy relationship, both parties need to commit to that goal wholeheartedly.

13. “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”

This statement is another big-picture quote. However, it’s relevant to anyone who is wondering about the meaning of their life or the purpose of their relationships. What kind of person do you want to be? What kind of relationships do you want to have? If an alien was observing you from outer space, what conclusions would they draw about humanity?

14. “Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.”

Some people don’t know what they’re talking about. The bad news is that even Dr. King had to deal with individuals like this, so there’s no magical cure for making them understand what they’re doing wrong. However, you can learn some coping strategies for dealing with difficult people.

15. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Character builds through struggle. This fact applies to life, work, family, careers, finances and everything in between. Try not to let the bad times of a relationship overwhelm you; in their way, they’re just as important as the good ones. They’ll show you what you’re made of, and they’ll give you strength and experience to tuck into your belt and use for future hardships.

16. “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.”

Dr. King was speaking of racial tolerance when he delivered this line, but it can apply to smaller, day-to-day wrongs as well. For example, if you allow bad behavior to persist in a romantic relationship, you’re enabling it in a way that’s just as bad as perpetrating it. As you’ve learned from other quotes on this list, it’s always better to communicate than to silently seethe or stew.

happiness quoteshappiness quotes17. “We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope.”

This is one of our favorite inspirational quotes about hope because it acknowledges the reality of unhopeful days. You can’t stop them. Disappointments will happen; failures will occur. The critical thing to remember is that adverse outcomes are always temporary, but positive outlooks can be permanent.

18. “Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

This saying is one of the all-time famous quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, and it can teach us a valuable lesson about love, peace, and tolerance. No matter how much you might be justified in hating someone, it isn’t right for you, and it isn’t good for the world. Only love can conquer all.

dr. king quotesFINAL THOUGHTS ON THE TEACHINGS OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of humanity’s greatest thinkers, speakers, and dreamers. Don’t brush his words aside. Even if you have to chew on them for a bit to truly understand them, they’re worth the contemplation.

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