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10 Warning Signs You Are Going Through A Midlife Crisis

March 18, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Some people seem to pass through midlife without a second thought but for others reaching middle age can lead to depression, anxiety, and questions about life that you may not have considered before. Perhaps you’re reaching middle age now and the midlife crisis signs are starting to show. But how can you tell if what you are dealing with is actually a midlife crisis or something else? Fortunately, there are symptoms which are indicative of a midlife crisis which can help you determine if that is what you are actually experiencing. Here are 10 midlife crisis signs to help you decide if a midlife crisis is in fact what you are going through. There are also helpful ways to combat these symptoms to help foster a healthy transition into middle age.

Warning Signs You Are Going Through A Midlife Crisis

1. Comparing Yourself with Others

In today’s culture, it is easy to focus on the things we don’t have. We may have a sibling we believe is more attractive or has a more successful life or a coworker who has a better house, car or cell phone. We are bombarded with advertisements about how to look more attractive, pursue a better career or afford a better car. We all have a tendency to compare our lives to the lives of others. But when you enter middle age you may begin to find yourself doing this more often. You’ll start to think of yourself as less successful or less attractive which can lead to depression. If you find yourself feeling this way, here are a few things you can do to proactively moderate these thoughts:

Remind yourself that other peoples’ outside life cannot be compared to your inside thoughts and feelings.
Be grateful for the good in your life. Think about the things you have that make you happy.
Recognize your triggers and do your best to avoid them.

2. Worrying About Where Your Life is Going

Middle age is generally a time for reflection whether it be positive or negative. We all tend to look back on the first half of our lives in one way or another. One of the obvious midlife crisis signs, however, is worrying about where your life is going. Many people in middle age tend to start looking back on their life to think about where they’ve been and perhaps change course as to where they are going. If you find yourself thinking that you are not happy with the direction that your life is going, try thinking about what makes you happy and work on choosing a path rather than heading in the same direction you’ve been going.

3. Questioning the Meaning of Life

While questioning the meaning of life can happen at many stages in your life, it can be most debilitating during middle age. You may begin to wonder what the point of life is and why you are here. This can lead to existential depression and worry about if you are getting it right. The good news is that there is no right way to live life and every new day is an opportunity for change. If you find yourself worrying about why you are here there are steps you can take to change how you feel. Instead of over-worrying about what your purpose is in life, make a purpose for yourself and take actions to start living in a way that makes you happier.

4. Hyper Focused on Your Appearance

Perhaps the quintessential symptom of a midlife crisis is paying an excessive amount of attention to your personal appearance. Middle age is when you start to notice your body changing; maybe you are gaining weight or your hair is graying. Perhaps you’ve noticed that you aren’t as energetic as you used to feel and there is a general lethargy that comes with your body aging. Many people entering the middle of their lives begin to worry more about their appearance. From getting hair plugs and plastic surgery to dyeing your hair and buying new clothes, putting more emphasis on your outward appearance can be normal. But it can also be a symptom of something deeper that you may want to explore. Try a new diet and exercise regimen to help your body feel better physically and you will start to feel more confident about how you look.

5. Increased Interest in Health Issues

It is not uncommon to worry about potential health issues, but a person entering middle age may begin to do so more often. They may want to visit a doctor at the slightest health concern like a cold and constantly worry about whether they will develop more serious health issues in the near future. Unfortunately, this excessive worry can actually cause health issues like digestive disorders, muscle tension, and even a heart attack. The best way to ease the stress about health concerns is to relay them to your doctor and come up with a schedule for routine check-ups (usually once a year). Your doctor will be able to calm any anxiety about potential health issues and warn you early if any signs of health issues do arise.

6. Experiencing Feelings of Regret

When you look back on your life it is easy to think about the things you could’ve done differently. Many of us wonder if we chose the right major in college or started in on the right career path. We start to wonder if the love is gone in our long marriages and if things would’ve happened differently if we took a different path in life. These introspective moments can lead to feelings of regret which can cause general unhappiness in our lives. While these feelings of regret are not entirely uncommon, it can lead to depression. Unfortunately, this can keep you ruminating on the past and the things you should’ve done. The good news is that you can learn from these experiences and this feeling of regret. Now is a good time to assess the things that you may regret from your past and make changes in the present to prevent any future regrets in life.

7. Feeling Tied Down

You made a lot of decisions in your past when you were younger and more carefree. Some of the decisions you made when you were younger could lead to you feeling tied down in middle age. You can feel tied down to a mortgage, a relationship, loans, or relationships. You can also feel tied down in a career path that you may feel is going nowhere. This feeling of being tied down can lead to extreme consequences and a feeling of wanting to leave. Remember, nothing is permanent and anything can be changed.

8. Thinking About a Career Change

Combined with many of these symptoms is feeling stuck in your career. It could be a regretful decision that you made in your past, or you could’ve been happy with your career for years and you are just now starting to feel unsatisfied with your path in your job. You can start by learning a new skill or going back to school. Either you can move to a different career path in your industry or work on trying something completely new. The change could help shift you out of a feeling of being stuck and open your eyes to new possibilities.

9. Having an Affair

Along the same vein of worrying about where your life is going and focusing more on your appearance is the possibility of having an affair. People in middle age may be bored with their marriage of many years and find themselves seeking validation from another romantic partner. If you feel stuck in a marriage or just want to know that there are other people out there who still find you attractive, you may turn to having an affair on your spouse or long term partner. This can cause stress in your current, long-term romantic relationship which can take a bad turn down the line. Although other relationships may be healthier if you have a failing marriage, having an affair is never the right answer for any party involved. Talk with your spouse about your feelings and if you feel it is very necessary to meet someone new, be sure that your partner understands your feelings and intentions ahead of time. This can help to avoid any future discomfort or arguments.

10. Feeling Frustrated and Blaming Others

There is a certain dissatisfaction that accompanies a midlife crisis which can lead to feelings of frustration. You may find yourself placing blame on others for how unhappy you feel in your life. It is not uncommon for this depression and frustration to manifest itself in anger and blame towards others, but this can lead to a strain in your relationships with friends, family, and your spouse. The strain will lead to greater dissatisfaction which will only exacerbate the cycle of frustration. Instead of taking your frustration out on your loved ones, ask yourself what you should be doing to change this dissatisfaction with your life. Pay attention to your moods and take a break if you find yourself feeling unnecessarily frustrated with a person or situation.

Final Thoughts

These midlife crisis signs can help you figure out if the emotions you are feeling and actions you are taking are, in fact, part of a midlife crisis. If you are reaching middle age and are starting to recognize these symptoms there are steps you can take to help shake you out of these feelings.

You may want to make some changes to your life but just don’t know where to start.

15 Things An Optimist Does Differently

March 16, 2019 by Deborah Tayloe

We all have our ups and downs, but some people seem always to be happier and more optimistic. They always see the glass as half full and quickly recover from setbacks. Optimists seem happier, healthier, and more productive. It’s inspiring and sounds like an ideal way to live life. But how do you become an optimist? However, there is not necessarily one specific way to start being more optimistic. You can look at a list of optimistic quotes, read self-help books or try to look on the sunny side of life.

Things An Optimist Does Differently

To help you out, here is a list of fifteen things that an optimist does differently that may inspire you to make different decisions in your life.

1. They See Failure as a Learning Experience

Every experience in life has its positives and negatives. When a situation turns more negative, it can significantly impact our lives. Maybe you presented a proposal at work, and it was rejected, or you are trying to lose weight and have gained a few pounds instead. These situations can seem like huge setbacks, and you may even feel like giving up completely.

Optimists choose to look at these scenarios as learning experiences. Ask your boss for constructive criticism on your proposal, analyze where you went wrong with your diet and exercise, and get back to the gym.

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.” – Helen Keller

2. They Express Gratitude

Optimists focus on gratitude daily, which can help keep things in perspective. It may seem like a simple concept but inviting more gratitude into your life can be a little complicated. When everything feels like it’s going wrong, it’s hard to concentrate on the positive. But searching for the things you are grateful for can improve your mood. There are several scientific benefits to increasing gratitude in your life.

3. They Focus on the Bright Side

Every cloud has a silver lining and optimists are good at focusing in on that lining. Looking on the bright side is often one of the hardest personality traits to adapt. Perhaps you got a speeding ticket, a flat tire and were late to work in one day. How can you possibly have a good day after such a stressful situation? Mental Health America suggests phrasing questions like, “How have I grown from this situation?” and “Are my relationships stronger now?” If you see no silver lining in the situation, try to think about things going well for you or people you care about. Optimism takes practice!

“The optimist sees opportunity in every danger; the pessimist sees danger in every opportunity.” – Winston Churchill

4. They Surround Themselves with Positive and Upbeat People

Optimists attract optimistic people. If you are new in your journey towards optimism, a great start would be to surround yourself with happy, optimistic people. Whether or not you realize it, the people you surround yourself with impact your mood. If you are friends with someone who complains regularly, you are more likely to think about the bad side of life. This doesn’t mean that you have to give up all your cranky friends, but if you notice someone complaining, try to contradict their complaint by pointing out the positive side of their conversation.

5. They Let Things Go

Optimists are good at letting go of negative emotions. It may seem easy to them, but it can also be learned through practice. Stress and anger are difficult emotions to let go of. Most of us find ourselves clinging to negative feelings after a bad interaction. The stress and anger we hold onto will only magnify over time, leading to health problems, including headaches, weight gain, blood pressure problems, and more. Learn to recognize when you are having negative thoughts and work on letting them go. It will change your stress levels and make you feel happier in general.

6. They Respect Themselves

Assertive and confident people tend to have high respect for themselves. They are good at setting boundaries with others, leading to an easier and more convenient life. Respecting yourself and knowledge sets you up for healthier relationships and friendships. You will learn to handle criticisms better, lose any envy, and feel more complete. Studies show that living an optimistic lifestyle and respecting yourself will lead to better mental health and well-being.

7. They Live in the Moment

When you stop ruminating over the past or worrying about the future, your life will become less stressful. Why worry about a break-up that happened five years ago or whether you will develop health issues in the future when there is nothing you can do to change those worries in the present moment? Unnecessary worry leads to stress and anger. When you learn to live in the moment and work on problems you can solve now instead of later, big projects stop being scary, and you can tackle tasks more mindfully.

8. They Embrace Life’s Ups and Downs

Life is never going to be great 100% of the time. Conversely, life will never be terrible 100% of the time. Embracing that life comes with its ups and downs helps us ride through the low times more easily. When you stop and realize that your low points aren’t going to last forever, you are more likely to focus on the good times to come, which will make you more productive in the present moment.

“One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.” – Lucille Ball

9. They Are Open Minded

When you have a closed mind, it is easy to jump to conclusions. You may assume the worst in people based on little you know about them. An optimist practices focusing on the big picture with an open mind. When you free your mind from limiting thoughts is when the change truly happens. You have a greater ability to love and be loved and your relationships with friends, coworkers and loved ones will greatly improve.

10. They Make the Most Out of All Opportunities

Not every opportunity in your life will seem enticing. Perhaps your boss assigns you a long, boring project, or a friend asks to borrow your car. Optimists will take these opportunities to make the best out of a seemingly unpleasant situation. Performing your best on a big project can further your career, and lending your friend your car is a step toward a closer friendship. There are good opportunities too, of course. Making the most of these situations will lead to a happier life.

11. An Optimist Will Always Appreciate the Things They Have

Today it is easy to focus on the things we don’t have. We see a coworker with a new car or a friend with the latest cell phone and we tend to feel a sense of envy. We are bombarded with advertising that reminds us of things we want and can’t afford. But if we only take a minute to stop and think about the things we do have, we learn to appreciate life a little bit more. The next time you feel jealousy about something you want, stop and make a list–on paper or in your head–about the things that you have and are grateful for.

12. They Empower Others

Optimism is infectious. When you adopt a positive outlook on life you are more likely to try to bring others with you. An optimist will regularly empower others at work, school, or even their personal life. Whether helping a coworker learn a new skill for their job or giving a friend or child a pep-talk, you will feel better about yourself knowing that you are helping others.

“I don’t think you lead by pessimism and cynicism. I think you lead by optimism and enthusiasm and energy.” – Patricia Ireland

13. They Practice Self-Care

Self-care can be as simple as getting plenty of sleep or something deeper like intuitive eating or meditation. Optimists understand that to maintain a positive lifestyle, self-care is key. It is nearly impossible to stay positive so regularly when you are not taking care of yourself first. Take time to write in a journal or a hot bath. You will be surprised how uplifted you will feel, and you will have more of yourself to give to others.

14. They Take Action

When you have a difficult task ahead of you it is easy to make excuses as to why you should not start. Optimists are ready to take action and begin a task right away. They don’t complain about how complicated a task is if they know it’s something they have to get done. Optimists are also proactive about completing tasks ahead of time, which provides far less stress down the road. Having a system to get things done gives you the freedom to choose what to do and when, and taking immediate action helps you make future commitments.

15. They Practice Their Interests and Passions

Setting aside time to practice your personal interests and hobbies helps your mental health, improves your creativity, reduces stress, and helps to strengthen your relationships. Having a gratifying hobby improves personal happiness and happiness leads to optimism. When you are happier, your mood will improve, and you will be more motivated to tackle other tasks that may seem less appealing. The productivity will snowball, and you will feel accomplished.

Final Thoughts

Adopting an optimist lifestyle takes practice. You must focus on the present, take the highs and lows in stride and practice self-care. Practicing these tips will help you develop a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Science Explains What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Peanut Butter Every Day

March 16, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Do you love slathering rich, decadent peanut butter on almost anything edible?

For more than 131 years, people around the globe have enjoyed the delicious, nutty treat. Why not? There’s nothing better than a blob of this nutty goodness. Not only is it nutritious, but it’s creamy and delicious too.

While PB is good, it’s also the perfect addition to chocolate, apples, and even celery. Let’s not forget about jelly. What would this sugary spread be without its counterpart? There are pretty much no limits when it comes to this nutty butter.

Because PB is full of healthy monounsaturated fats, it can help with weight loss too. Low-carbohydrate dieters love the no-added-sugar variety, and most Americans crave it. So is this creamy wonder healthy or harmful? Studies have delved deep into the nutrient-rich structure of PB to figure out if it’s all it’s cracked up to be.

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Peanut Butter

peanut butter

Science Proves Peanut Butter Is a Healthy and Delicious Treat

Vanderbilt University conducted a 2015 study to see if using peanut butter for health was viable. Everyone knows that eating nuts have been proven to be advantageous. However, experts found that those who ingest PB are likely to have a lower risk of premature death. The protective nutrients within the spread make all the difference to health and vitality.

Peanuts are full of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. They are also full of potassium, antioxidants, and fiber. Those who eat peanut butter regularly have lower LDL cholesterol levels. They have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Some people can’t get past the high calories and fats in nuts enough to include them in their diets. However, don’t let those numbers fool you. You only need a little bit of PB to have a significant impact. They discovered some other things in this study that might make you stock up on this nut butter.

It’s A Dieters Delight

Overeating is a big problem for many people. Adding a scoop of PB to toast for breakfast or a sandwich for lunch, it can help to make you feel fuller for longer periods. The high-fat content in this spread is satiating. However, it should be consumed in moderation.

The average serving of peanut butter is about two tablespoons. It’s high in fat and calories, which means a little bit is all you need. Try being creative and working some of this nutty goodness into your meals. Trying a lower-fat or calorie version is also a good option for dieters.

PB Gives Energy Boosts

Who doesn’t need an energy boost during the day, especially after lunch? Thankfully, eating some PB can help fuel your fire. If you need a little pick-me-up midday, then the fiber-rich spread is just what your body requires.

Many people crash because their blood sugar becomes unstable in the afternoon, and part of this is because they fill up on an unhealthy lunch full of sugar and carbohydrates. Thankfully, eating the required serving of PB can help keep things stable.

It’s Great for Calorie-Restricted Diets

We’ve already established that using peanut butter for health benefits is amazing. One of the best benefits is that it helps to lose weight. Even those restricted in their caloric intake will find that PB fits the bill.

How can this delicious treat help with weight loss? Well, it’s all about those peanuts. When comparing them to nuts, it seems that they have more protein. With about eight grams of protein per two tablespoons, it’s no wonder they help to fill you up.

Some experts say that eating peanuts can help to kick your metabolic furnace into overdrive. While the recommended amount will be around two hundred calories, it will be much more filling than a bag of chips. Your metabolic rate jumps by eleven percent with consuming PB daily.

Your Muscle and Nerve Health Will Improve

Many people are deficient in magnesium, one of the essential minerals your body needs to function. It’s responsible for more than 300 biochemical reactions in your body, so insufficient is a definite problem.

Thankfully, just one serving of PB has 12 percent of your requirements. Magnesium helps to regulate your body temperature, detoxify, and produce energy. However, few people know that it’s essential for your nerve health and your bones and teeth.

PB Staves Off Inflammation with Omega-6 Fats

Your body needs omega-6 fats to help keep inflammation at bay. Thankfully, peanuts are rich in these fats. However, because they lack omega-3 fats, which your body needs, you should pair your diet with foods with an abundance of omega-3s.

Adding flax-seed, chia seeds, salmon, and fish, can be the perfect pairing to keep inflammation away. Keeping water weight down is essential when concerned about weight loss and maintaining a healthy figure.

Peanut Butter May Improve Brain Health and Function

Brain health and function are vital for every aspect of your life. Eating foods like peanut butter and cooking with olive oil can help to increase your monounsaturated fat levels. Stress is one of the biggest killers in brain function, and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce this damage.

Eating peanut butter for health seems easy if it reduces anxiety and helps improve brain function. With all these benefits, it should be a no-brainer to add it to your diet.

Peanut Butter Reduces Stress Levels

No wonder peanut butter is considered a super-food. It can help with weight loss, brain function, and even reduce stress levels. Since many Americans are looking for ways to combat stress and anxiety, PB may be just what they need. Peanuts are rich in beta-sitosterol.

This plant-based sterol is necessary for brain function, and it can have a significant impact on serotonin levels. When the body feels stressed, it goes into fight or flight mode. As levels of cortisol increase, the body works harder and is in duress. Peanuts use this sterol to lower cortisol levels and bring a peaceful calm.

Calming the body during stress and improving immunity is another added benefit of peanuts.

Consuming PB Can Reduce Your Child’s Allergy

It’s estimated that more than three million people have peanut allergies in this country. However, this study found that eating peanut butter during pregnancy can reduce the child’s risk of such an allergy.

Eating peanuts three to five times a week will reduce the baby’s chances of evolving an aversion. Don’t just stop at peanuts, though. All nuts can be beneficial. When babies get these nutrients in the womb, their delicate systems will be acclimated by birth. While it’s not foolproof, it certainly helps.

It Combats Toxins

Your body needs vitamins E and K to help you keep toxins at bay. Did you know that vitamin E can ease premenstrual syndrome and help protect you from the toxins in air pollution? This vitamin also helps to prevent cataracts and other eye disorders.

While the jury is still out on the matter, some experts believe that vitamin E can fight against Alzheimer’s disease too. When it comes to vitamin K, you need it to help your blood clot properly. It’s also essential to allow your calcium to facilitate throughout your system. Both vitamins are necessary for bone health.

The mono- and polyunsaturated fats found in peanut butter have so many health benefits that science has just begun to scratch the surface.

peanut butter

Final Thoughts: A Caution When Eating Peanut Butter for Health

While there are so many good things to say about peanuts and their creamy butter, there are other things to consider too. Due to the texture of this butter, many people want to spread it between bread, on crackers, or use it for other high-carbohydrate treats.

Experts warn that consuming high carbohydrates and PB can reduce the good impact. Try using celery, apples, or other low-calorie options for consumption. Though PB and jelly go together like a sock and shoe, it isn’t necessarily healthy.

There are sugar-free PB options out there to consider when monitoring your weight. Never dig into a jar without measuring your servings. Since one tablespoon has about 100 calories, it’s easy to see that you can consume more than your need. So too much of a good thing can be counterproductive.

Additionally, to get a good consistency, hydrogenated oils are often used. When you open a jar of your favorite PB, you will often see that you need to stir it a bit to make it consistent. This is often observed if it hasn’t been opened or used in a while.

These oils can cause inflation and make communicating difficult for your cells. Look for spreads that are made without these oils. You can have all the goodness necessary, but if it’s made with unhealthy fats, the bad can outweigh the good. So make sure you have your daily dose of peanuts, but just make sure you get a good, healthy brand.

41 Love Quotes That Will Warm Even The Coldest Heart

March 16, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Feeling romantic? Do you love quotes? Well then love quotes are just the thing you need!

Some of the best love quotes can be found in the oddest of places, but there are plenty to be found among the more usual suspects. Poetry and music oftentimes contain many amazing love quotes that’ll give you a real warm and fuzzy feeling.

If you’re looking to get your fix of love quotes for the next few weeks, continue reading on for some of the best love quotes we could find:

41 Of The Best Love Quotes Of All Time:

1. “I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.”
Marilyn Monroe

2. “You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching,
Love like you’ll never be hurt,
Sing like there’s nobody listening,
And live like it’s heaven on earth.”
William W. Purkey

3. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches

4. “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.”
Elie Wiesel

5. “I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.”
Pablo Neruda, 100 Love Sonnets

6. “Have you ever been in love? Horrible isn’t it? It makes you so vulnerable. It opens your chest and it opens up your heart and it means that someone can get inside you and mess you up.”
Neil Gaiman, The Kindly Ones

7. “This life is what you make it. No matter what, you’re going to mess up sometimes, it’s a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you’re going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends – they’ll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything – they’re your true best friends. Don’t let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they’ll come and go too. And baby, I hate to say it, most of them – actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can’t give up because if you give up, you’ll never find your soulmate. You’ll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn’t mean you’re gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don’t, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life’s a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.”
Marilyn Monroe

8. “You may not be her first, her last, or her only. She loved before she may love again. But if she loves you now, what else matters? She’s not perfect—you aren’t either, and the two of you may never be perfect together but if she can make you laugh, cause you to think twice, and admit to being human and making mistakes, hold onto her and give her the most you can. She may not be thinking about you every second of the day, but she will give you a part of her that she knows you can break—her heart. So don’t hurt her, don’t change her, don’t analyze and don’t expect more than she can give. Smile when she makes you happy, let her know when she makes you mad, and miss her when she’s not there.”
Bob Marley

9. “I am nothing special, of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts and I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough..”
Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

10. “Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind,
And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.”
William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

11. “Love is like the wind, you can’t see it but you can feel it.”
Nicholas Sparks, A Walk to Remember

12. “We’re all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness—and call it love—true love.”
Robert Fulghum, True Love

13. “Love never dies a natural death. It dies because we don’t know how to replenish its source. It dies of blindness and errors and betrayals. It dies of illness and wounds; it dies of weariness, of witherings, of tarnishings.”
Anais Nin

14. “The real lover is the man who can thrill you by kissing your forehead or smiling into your eyes or just staring into space.”
Marilyn Monroe

15. “Dumbledore watched her fly away, and as her silvery glow faded he turned back to Snape, and his eyes were full of tears.
“After all this time?”
“Always,” said Snape.”
J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

16. “When someone loves you, the way they talk about you is different. You feel safe and comfortable.”
Jess C. Scott, The Intern

17. “A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.”
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

18. “Just when you think it can’t get any worse, it can. And just when you think it can’t get any better, it can.”
Nicholas Sparks, At First Sight

19. “I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.”
Pablo Neruda, 100 Love Sonnets

20. “The one you love and the one who loves you are never, ever the same person.”
Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters

21. “When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”
Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

22. “Love is needing someone. Love is putting up with someone’s bad qualities because they somehow complete you.”
Sarah Dessen, This Lullaby

23. “In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
Jane Austen, Pride And Prejudice

24. “You are my best friend as well as my lover, and I do not know which side of you I enjoy the most. I treasure each side, just as I have treasured our life together.”
Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

25. “The only thing worse than a boy who hates you: a boy that loves you.”
Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

26. “This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.”
William Shakespeare, Hamlet

27. “For the two of us, home isn’t a place. It is a person. And we are finally home.”
Stephanie Perkins, Anna and the French Kiss

28. “Love is so short, forgetting is so long.”
Pablo Neruda, Love

29. “There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness.”
Friedrich Nietzsche

30. “Man may have discovered fire, but women discovered how to play with it.”
Candace Bushnell, Sex and the City

31. “My daddy said, that the first time you fall in love, it changes you forever and no matter how hard you try, that feeling just never goes away.”
Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

32. “And, in the end
The love you take
is equal to the love you make.”
Paul McCartney, The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics

33. “Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.”
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Airman’s Odyssey

34. “Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new.”
Ursula K. Le Guin, The Lathe of Heaven

35. “I don’t trust people who don’t love themselves and tell me, ‘I love you.’ … There is an African saying which is: Be careful when a naked person offers you a shirt.”
Maya Angelou

36. “Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your hearth or burn down your house, you can never tell.”
Joan Crawford

37. “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
Jimi Hendrix

38. “It is a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous that you realize just how much you love them. ”
Agatha Christie, An Autobiography

39. “I fell in love with her courage, her sincerity, and her flaming self respect. And it’s these things I’d believe in, even if the whole world indulged in wild suspicions that she wasn’t all she should be. I love her and it is the beginning of everything.”
F. Scott Fitzgerald

40. “Hate the sin, love the sinner.”
Mahatma Gandhi

41. “The greater the love, the greater the tragedy when it’s over.”
Nicholas Sparks, Nights in Rodanthe

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BEST LOVE QUOTES

Love quotes are a dime a dozen these days, but some truly stand out as being amongst the best. The 41 love quotes listed above have stood the test of time, and if you’re looking to get into the romantic mindset, they’re sure to do just the trick!

51 Inspirational Quotes for Women Everywhere

March 16, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Occasionally we have a bad day. Maybe work is not going the way we want, we backslid on a major personal project or we just need a pick-me-up. Inspirational quotes often tell us exactly what we need to hear when we need some motivation. But in a world that’s largely slanted in favor of men it can be hard for women to believe in their natural abilities and talents. Many lists of inspirational quotes are even dominated with male centered wisdom. Women have fought throughout history for rights that men have always had. And along the way, many powerful women have provided plenty of inspirational quotes. If you need a little extra motivation today, here are 51 inspirational quotes for women for strong women.

“Successful women are not liked. I think the biggest danger for women in science is colleagues who are not as good as you are.” – Christiane Nusslein-Volhard

“If I stop to kick every barking dog I am not going to get where I’m going.” – Jackie Joyner-Kersee

“Buckle up and know that it’s going to be a tremendous amount of work but embrace it.” – Tory Burch

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.” – Helen Keller

“I was smart enough to go through any door that opened.” – Joan Rivers

“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” – Malala Yousafzai

“Knowing what must be done does away with fear.” – Rosa Parks

“I didn’t get there by wishing for it or hoping for it, but by working for it.” – Estée Lauder

“Power’s not given to you. You have to take it.” – Beyoncé Knowles Carter

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” – Amelia Earhart

“I learned compassion from being discriminated against. Everything bad that’s ever happened to me has taught me compassion.” – Ellen DeGeneres

“The difference between successful people and others is how long they spend time feeling sorry for themselves.” – Barbara Corcoran

“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.” – Lucille Ball

“If you don’t risk anything, you risk even more.” – Erica Jong

“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” – Dolly Parton

“Be first and be lonely.” – Ginni Rometty

“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” – Madeleine Albright

“You can imprison a man, but not an idea. You can exile a man, but not an idea. You can kill a man, but not an idea.” – Benazir Bhutto

“Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create.” – Oprah Winfrey

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

“A good compromise is one where everybody makes a contribution.” – Angela Merkel

“A strong woman is a woman determined to do something others are determined not be done.” – Marge Piercy

“I choose to make the rest of my life the best of my life.” – Louise Hay

“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” – Coco Chanel

“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand

“One of the secrets to staying young is to always do things you don’t know how to do, to keep learning.” – Ruth Reichl

“When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak.” – Audre Lorde

“Women are like teabags. We don’t know our true strength until we are in hot water.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“Women will only have true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg

“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” – Nora Ephron

“Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay.” – Simone de Beauvoir

“A surplus of effort could overcome a deficit of confidence.” – Sonia Sotomayor

“You can’t please everyone, and you can’t make everyone like you.” – Katie Couric

“Hold your head and your standards high even as people or circumstances try to pull you down.” – Tory Johnson

“I am always busy, which is perhaps the chief reason why I am always well.” – Elizabeth Cady Stanton

“I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself.” – Arianna Huffington

“If you don’t get out of the box you’ve been raised in, you won’t understand how much bigger the world is.” – Angelina Jolie

“If you’re someone people count on, particularly in difficult moments, that’s a sign of a life lived honorably.” – Rachel Maddow

“All careers go up and down like friendships, like marriages, like anything else, and you can’t bat a thousand all the time.” – Julie Andrews

“You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute.” – Tina Fey

“If you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing.” – Margaret Thatcher

“The challenge is not to be perfect…it’s to be whole.” – Jane Fonda

“There are two kinds of people, those who do the work and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there.” – Indira Gandhi

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

“We need to start work with the idea that we’re going to learn every day. I learn, even at my position, every single day.” – Chanda Kochhar

“Cherish forever what makes you unique, ‘cause you’re really a yawn if it goes.” – Bette Midler

“It’s not the absence of fear, it’s overcoming it. Sometimes you’ve got to blast through and have faith.” – Emma Watson

“When I believe in something, I’m like a dog with a bone.” – Melissa McCarthy

“Women asking for raises should not only know their value, but they should ask with the confidence that they’re helping the company to be successful.” – Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

“I learned a long time ago that there is something worse than missing the goal, and that’s not pulling the trigger.” – Mia Hamm

“Whenever you are blue or lonely or stricken by some humiliating thing you did, the cure and the hope is in caring about other people.” – Diane Sawyer

These women from around the world have given us the gift of motivation with their inspirational quotes. Inspirational quotes for women helps us to feel empowered and motivated to take on whatever task we may feel has been holding us back. You may be working towards a promotion at work or writing your first book. While inspirational quotes from men can be helpful, there is something empowering about a motivating inspirational quotes from strong female figures. Whatever you need at this time, hopefully this list of inspirational quotes for women will give you the strength you need to carry on with whatever is holding you back.

If you are interested in looking for more inspirational quotes, check out PowerofPositivity.com

Science Explains 4 Ways to Eliminate Negative Thinking

March 16, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Our thoughts influence everything in our life. How we relate to ourselves, others, and events is entirely dependent upon thought.

Thoughts arise from deep in the subconscious, and what arises in the subconscious is a product of experience. Therefore, positive and negative thinking – and the frequency with which these thoughts surface – are the products of unfolding experiences, particularly early on in life.

In this article, we will examine the scientific basis of negative thinking patterns. Such knowledge will help you come to understand the foundation of your habits of thought. The focus of our discussion gives you four science-backed ways to eliminate negative thinking.

The Dominative Subconscious

“According to cognitive neuroscientists, we are conscious of only about 5 percent of our cognitive activity, so most of our decisions, actions, emotions, and behavior depends on the 95 percent of brain activity that goes beyond our conscious awareness.” – Marianne Szegedy-Maszak (source)

As you may already be aware, the mind is split into two categories: conscious and subconscious. The conscious mind is the awareness you have in the present moment; it includes, for example, your current emotions, feelings, physical sensations, and thoughts. The subconscious mind is the vast amount of information that lies below the threshold of the present moment. It includes beliefs, fears, memories, and subjective maps of reality.

Daniel Kahneman, the first psychologist to win the Nobel Prize in Economics, labels the subconscious and conscious mind “System 1” and “System 2,” respectively. In his book Thinking Fast and Slow, Kahneman defines the two systems as follows:

“When we think of ourselves, we identify with System 2, the conscious, reasoning self that has beliefs, makes choices, and decides what to think about and what to do. Although System 2 believes itself to be where the action is, the automatic System 1 is the hero of the book.”

In other words, says Kahneman, our life is ruled by the subconscious. Of course, these neurological underpinnings assert tremendous influence on our thought patterns.

The Origin of Negative Thinking

“The mind can be a great resource. It allows you to read these words, to organize information, to set goals. It can be a bully, though, when we get into the thought patterns that are negative or outmoded for us.” – Marilyn Mitchell, M.D. (source)

Absorbing Experiences as Children

From the age of 2 to 7 years, the brain is essentially in a state of programming – complete absorption. Everything that we experience through our five senses is stored in the subconscious from this age range. This susceptible state is why early childhood experiences are so powerful – for better or for worse.

Consider someone close to you – a parent, teacher, sibling – reinforcing the idea that you were somehow lacking. This message of lack may be based on performance – such as grades in school or performance in sports. A message of lack may also originate due to what others might deem an inferior personality. In the case of substandard parenting, it may even have no basis at all (e.g. in child abuse cases.) In this regard, parents and teachers disproportionately affect a child’s self-image due to their perceived status.

Continuously negative feedback at such an early stage in life is interpreted by the young mind as truth. Depending on the message the child receives, this unconscious feedback can be helpful, neutral, or – in the case of excessive negative feedback – detrimental.

Brain Shaping as Adults

Childhood is not the only life phase that exerts influence on thought patterns, however. One’s experience throughout adolescence and adulthood shapes the brain – and therefore one’s interpretation of reality – as well. To illustrate this point, let’s consider adult bullying.

While the typical case of adult bullying transpires differently than those experiences during childhood, the adverse consequences to a person’s mental health can be just as significant. Susanna Newsonen, a psychologist who specializes in positive psychology, writes about her experience with bullying:

“Initially, I didn’t even notice it. There were some sarcastic comments and some snide observations about my personality … They launched another attack … They spoke ill of me (and) tried to exclude me from groups.”

Newsonen goes on to describe her bout with anxiety and fearing retaliation from the perpetrators – at one time fearing for her mental health and even physical safety.

The lesson: experiences continue to shape our mind, brain, and thought patterns throughout life.

Eliminating Negative Thinking

“[The] subconscious is like a storage room of all of your memories from the experiences you’ve had … it’s not until we delve deeper into our subconscious to find out what beliefs are store there that we can begin to weed out what is negative (destructive) and keep what is positive (constructive).” – Ora Nadrich (source)

It is vitally important to understand this fact about the subconscious: it doesn’t differentiate between what’s real and what’s fake or fabricated. An anorexic patient is an example of this phenomenon. When someone who is anorexic stands in front of the mirror, they believe that they are fat despite often being dangerously underweight. How does this happen? Through continuous reinforcement of subconscious negative thought patterns.

Similar mental processes occur in people with other mental health disorders. A belief, often false, is perceived as true. The subconscious mind interprets the thought as reality and stores it like any other thought, which then manifests as emotions, and then behaviors. Many individuals afflicted with mental health disorders seek psychotherapy to “reach” thought patterns out of the range of ordinary consciousness.

To begin eliminating negative thoughts and beliefs, we must work towards preventing additional negative thoughts from seeping into our subconscious. An excellent method of preventing the accumulation of falsities within the subconscious? The practice of mindfulness.

As for stored thoughts, here are four other scientific means of eliminating negative thinking:

The “Says Who?” Method

Human beings begin with a “clean slate” at birth. We don’t possess beliefs and opinions about ourselves until exposure to other’s interpretations of our identity. Therefore, it stands to reason that any negative opinions we hold of ourselves originate due to someone else’s input. It may also come from a combination of people – toxic parenting, for example. Depending on our temperament, which experts believe we are born with, we may also mislabel or misunderstand input. This too can lead to negative thinking and inferior thought patterns.

The “Says Who?” method of eliminating negative thoughts encompasses first witnessing the thought, followed by the question “Who says?” Examples: “Who says I’m unattractive?” or, “Who says I am a loser?” Challenging thought patterns in this way may help the person (a) identify the source of the input, and (b) eliminate the thought pattern through simple awareness.

“Name it to tame it.”

The “Name it to tame it” method of eliminating negative thinking was introduced by Dr. Daniel Siegel, an internationally recognized expert and child psychiatrist. The gist of Siegel’s method is that when a thought is properly labeled, the left hemisphere of the brain communicates with the right hemisphere, the brain area that registers and reinforces thoughts and emotions.

Naming your inner experience is a powerful means of dialing down the rambunctious, irritating thought patterns that we encounter so often. If you’re able to step back and label your emotions and thoughts mindfully (e.g. “There’s irritation” or, “That’s frustration”), you’ll find that these experiences become much less frequent. Furthermore, you are able to approach future life situations with more resilience, knowing that you can “name and tame” any negative thought.

Mindfulness Meditation for Negative Thinking

John Yates, Ph.D., is a respected neuroscientist and former University professor who is also a meditation master. Known by his Buddhist name Culadasa, Yates was ordained as an Upasaka (dedicated lay-practitioner) over 40 years ago. Culadasa’s life’s work has centered around the study of neuroscience in relation to mindfulness meditation.

In his book Mind Illuminated: A Complete Meditation Guide, Culadasa walks the reader through the 10 stages of meditation as taught in the Tibetan tradition. By stabilizing the mind through regular mindfulness meditation practice – typically by focusing on the breath – the meditator eventually (around stage 4) realizes “emotional purification … equivalent to years of therapy.” Culadasa explains that these therapeutic effects are the result of observing and accepting the emotions, thoughts, and images that are driven by the subconscious. Perhaps most importantly, purification occurs rather innocently in most cases.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a type of talk therapy wherein the patient works with a therapist to “identify negative or false thoughts and replace those thoughts with healthier, more realistic ones.”

The first significant event that happens in CBT is awareness of negative thought patterns. The psychologist, counselor, or social worker then works with the patient to introduce and implement positive affirmations and thoughts. Per WebMD, treatment usually lasts for 10 to 20 sessions. Finally, the therapist instructs the patient on how to practice CBT individually.

CBT is perhaps the most efficient method of psychotherapy available. A meta-analyses of over 100 analytic studies finds that CBT serves as an optimal treatment method for mental health problems such as anxiety disorders, bulimia, anger-management issues, and excess stress.

15 Behaviors That Reveal Someone Is Self-Destructive

March 16, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Self-destructive behaviors consist of any activities that can cause harm to an individual. Such behaviors often stem from some type of abuse during childhood.

While not everyone who experiences abuse early in life will go on to display self-destructive behaviors, of course, genetics plus childhood abuse increases the chances of developing these behaviors. Self-destructive behaviors have been associated with personality disorders as well as other mental disorders such as schizophrenia.

Some of these behaviors form as habits while others become impulse reactions. These self-destructive tendencies form as a coping mechanism for stress or other negative emotions. Someone who displays this behavior may not even realize the harm in engaging in these actions. Because some of these behaviors can be life-threatening, it’s important to look out for the people in our lives and make sure they haven’t slipped into a dark place.

“Sometimes you hit a point where you either change or self destruct.” – Sam Stevens

Here are 15 behaviors that reveal someone is self-destructive:

Alcohol or drug abuse

Someone who engages in destructive behaviors might suffer from a drug or alcohol addiction. Oftentimes, people who use substances as coping mechanisms had a troubled past and use drugs and alcohol to numb their feelings. They seek short-term relief for their pain, and drugs and alcohol provide the perfect outlet – in their minds – to achieve their goal. However, the uncomfortable emotions and negative feelings always come back, making this a detrimental habit in the long run.

Binge eating or anorexia

Another way that people with destructive patterns release pain is through either over- or undereating. With binge eating, they find relief in foods, so they eat until they can no longer feel negative emotions. Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the U.S., and females suffer from it more than males. It seems to run in families, and causes include interpersonal stressors, inability to cope with emotions, boredom, poor body image, and eating in a caloric deficit.

Starving oneself, on the opposite end of the spectrum, often occurs due to low self-esteem. In its most severe form, anorexia can lead to hospitalization and even death. People who suffer from this eating disorder have an obsession with body image and fear gaining weight. They might exercise excessively or restrict calories significantly in order to keep their body weight low. They may also complain about being fat when they’re actually of normal weight.

In either case, eating disorders are a sign of underlying emotional problems and can totally disrupt one’s life. People suffering from eating disorders should seek professional help as soon as possible to prevent a relapse in the future.

Video game addiction

Now called “gaming disorder,” playing video games can become an obsession for a small part of the population. This disorder is characterized by an inability to control oneself during gaming, continuing playing games even when it causes negative consequences, and giving priority to gaming over other important tasks such as a job or school. If someone plays games excessively and doesn’t know how to stop, they might suffer from this disorder.

Self-harm

Cutting or burning oneself is an extremely unhealthy way of coping with emotional pain. Most of the time, self-harm is not a suicide attempt, but it can lead to suicide either accidentally or deliberately. If you or someone you know is hurting themselves, please seek help immediately. Self-injury is a sign of much deeper issues that need to be addressed.

Negative thoughts

Of course, everyone deals with negative thinking, but when it becomes intrusive and all-encompassing, it’s a cause for concern. People who have frequent negative thoughts usually suffer from a lack of control over emotions, which can lead to other problems in life. This destructive behavior can be overcome, however, through mindfulness meditation, yoga, or other relaxing activities that require one’s full attention.

Feeling sorry for oneself

Pitying oneself might feel good in the moment, but it usually leads to stagnation and making excuses in the long run. This self-destructive behavior enables the person to wallow in their sorrows rather than take action to overcome a problem. While everyone deals with self-pity from time to time, people who frequently use this as an excuse to remain complacent may have deeper issues.

Isolation

Separating oneself from others may be a sign of mental disorders such as social anxiety, depression, or PTSD, to name a few. Everyone needs alone time, but when someone isolates themselves almost completely, it might signal a bigger problem.

Burying emotions

Hiding your emotions might feel like a healthy way of dealing with them, but the exact opposite is true. Society encourages us to put on a mask and pretend, but many people are hurting deeply inside because of this. Refusing to acknowledge emotions to appear strong or to appease others will only backfire and lead to a breakdown later.

People-pleasing

People might think there’s no harm in trying to please others, but some people take this to the extreme. Allowing others to walk all over you just to keep them happy only results in your own misery. Plus, they won’t respect you and will take advantage of your self-sacrificing behavior. This self-destructive behavior is often overlooked because it seems relatively harmless; in the end, however, it causes pain for both parties involved.

Too much pride

Being proud of oneself isn’t a problem; it only becomes harmful when taken to the extreme. For example, if someone refuses help just because they have too much pride in themselves, it’s considered a self-destructive trait. Everyone needs help at some point; no one can do everything singlehandedly.

Impulsive behaviors

Reckless spending, drug abuse, hypersexuality, stealing, and other impulse behaviors are classic signs of self-destruction. A person who suffers from this might have a personality disorder or bipolar disorder, which makes it difficult for the sufferer to control their emotions. This, coupled with an inability to assess consequences, makes a person prone to impulsive behaviors.

Self-neglect

This might include avoiding exercising, eating junk foods, not prioritizing sleep, drinking too much alcohol, or other destructive behaviors. If a person doesn’t seem interested in taking care of themselves, they might be sabotaging themselves without even knowing it.

Avoiding responsibility

Not prioritizing work, school, or other responsibilities is a sign of destruction. Basically, this means the individual can’t or won’t take care of their needs and would rather ignore life’s demands. While appealing at times, this decision will only lead to detrimental outcomes, such as losing a job or getting kicked out of school.

Working too much

Becoming a workaholic often means you’re using work as a means of burying something else going on in your life. People have many types of escapes available to them, and some of them choose work as a way to forget their problems. However, drowning yourself in work may lead to burnout and other health problems.

Being too sensitive

While being overly sensitive is often a genetic trait and can’t be helped, some people who feel things more deeply use this as a way to manipulate people. For example, if someone feels as though they have to walk on eggshells around a person, this is a self-destructive behavior. The overly sensitive person might not mean to make them feel this way, but they still use their emotions to control the situation or person.

Oversensitivity is associated with disorders such as anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder. Remember that sensitivity is not always a bad thing; it only becomes destructive when it severely affects relationships or impairs a person’s functioning in daily life.

Final thoughts

Self-destructive behaviors can wreak havoc on a person’s life. They can also make interpersonal relationships, jobs, and other aspects of life very difficult to maintain. If you or someone you know displays any of the above behaviors, make sure you get help or talk to a loved one you trust. Destructive behaviors often result from stress and negative emotions in life, but there are healthy coping mechanisms for emotional pain.

Try the following the next time you feel stressed:

Getting your blood pumping and body moving releases feel-good chemicals that will help you overcome anything negative going on in your life.
Eat well. Indulging in comfort foods provides temporary relief, but long-term wellness comes from feeding your body nutrients from whole, fresh foods.
Get enough sleep. Inadequate sleep can really affect mental health, so make sure you go to bed at a decent hour each night and create a relaxing sleeping environment.
Practice self-care. If you want to maintain your well-being, you need to put in the work. Meditate, do yoga, take hot baths, drink green tea, laugh, destress, and try not to take life so seriously. Don’t forget to breathe!

15 Most Powerful Natural Antibiotics Known To Man

March 16, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Nature holds many amazing secrets, and among these secrets are little-known natural cures and treatment methods. Many of these have been used in ancient times but fell out of interest as modern medicine took over.

Plus, natural antibiotics are less invasive than standard antibiotics, which – when taken in excess – can damage the body, lower the immunity, and ruin positive thinking. Meanwhile, these all-natural methods have been scientifically proven to provide benefits to the body.

Here Are The 15 Most Powerful Natural Antibiotics Known To Man

1. Honey

Honey is a great option and has been used for its medical properties since ancient times. Thanks to its high levels of hydrogen peroxide, honey has antibacterial properties that allow it to fight bacteria, infection, and illness. It’s so positive and effective that it works on a whopping 60 bacteria types!

Today, even medical professionals use honey. It can help to treat wounds and heal them faster, so it’s great for chronic wounds, skin grafts, ulcers, burns, and bedsores. It can even help cure wounds that have MRSA infections – something fairly difficult to do. The fact that honey is moist and provides a layer of protection over a wound also helps wounds to heal.

2. Horseradish

Horseradish is packed full of compounds that have active medicinal properties. It is especially good of clearing congestion and helping with mucous movement. This creates a long list of things that horseradish can help, including:

Bacteria
Cancer
Colds
Coughs
Flu
Inflammation
Kidney stones
Lung congestion
Mucous
Muscle tension
Oxidation
Urinary tract infections
Viruses

Because of how well it works, horseradish is a great spice that is almost a cure-all for common conditions. It fights off infection and prevents premature aging, while boosting your immunity and stimulating the immune system.

3. Ginger

Ginger is well-respected in scientific and medical circles for its many natural antibiotic properties. Studies have shown how ginger can fight against multiple types of bacteria strains.

In addition to all of that, current research aims to find a possible link between ginger and reduced nausea and seasickness. Some also believe that this impressive root can control the body’s blood sugar levels.

Ginger is simply amazing at treating all sorts of infections. It can fight a lot of different forms of illness, including ones that have become resistant to drug-based treatment. No wonder ancient medicinal practitioners called it a miracle root!

4. Pau d’Arco

Pau d’arco is a natural medicine that has so many antibiotics, it’s been used for centuries. Studies have found that it works best against yeast and fungus, so it’s wonderful for fighting off infections of this variety and helping the gut and digestive system stay healthy.

Essentially, this plant, known also as the pink trumpet tree, helps to inhibit fungal growth, especially for Candida, and this also helps bring down potential sugar cravings. As such, pau d’arco doesn’t just help cure fungal infections, but it also helps weight maintenance.

5. Oregano

Oregano contains tons of antioxidants that help the immune system stay strong. Some believe that oregano boosts the immune system and acts as an antioxidant. It may also have anti-inflammatory properties, which are great for curing infections.

More research is needed to discover exactly how accurate these claims are, but there are already quite a few studies that suggest oregano is an extremely potent and positive remedy. It might even be one of the most effective of the natural antibiotics available. These properties become even more apparent in oregano oil.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is simply packed with helpful nutrients, ranging from amino acids to mineral salts to vitamins. Its components include:

Acetic acid
Lycopene
Malic acid
Niacin
Pantothenic acid
Pectin
Thiamin
Vitamins A, B6, C, & E

All these contents make apple cider vinegar a potent and powerful natural antibiotic, with loads of positive effects. It can work for antibacterial, antiviral, and even antifungal purposes, especially against yeast and fungi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and even Staphylococcus aureus.

Of course, it can be difficult to consume this food product raw. You can mix it with some water to reduce its harsh taste.

7. Goldenseal

You may not have heard of goldenseal before. It is a strong remedy typically found in capsules or used in teas and other drinks. The plant, also called yellow puccoon or orangeroot, may aid digestive and respiratory function and help treat diseases in these areas.

Goldenseal may also have the ability to cure urinary tract infections and diarrhea stemming from bacterial infection. Plus, recent research shows it could have positive effects on skin infections, and it can prevent tissue damage from MRSA.

Do note that the berberine in goldenseal makes it unsafe for young babies, so breastfeeding or pregnant women should not take it. It may also interfere with prescription medications.

8. Turmeric

Turmeric, a holistic remedy, has found uses in medicinal purposes for centuries. According to medical doctor Dr. Kelly Brogan, this spice, often used in traditional cooking and medicine, serves as a great cure for inflammation thanks to its natural phenols, which give turmeric its rich color.

Studies have found that curcumin, also a component in turmeric, can fight some of the causes of gastroduodenal ulcers, as well as reducing gastric-based damage from infections. Some have even found that it can relieve allergies and allergic symptoms for many, even those with hay fever or rhinitis.

9. Clove

In olden times, clove was used in medicine, but mainly for dentistry. Even among alternative medicine fans, clove isn’t often used, but research has proven that it can have some positive effects on the body!

Studies have shown that clove can fight a lot of types of bacteria, including the infamous E. coli. Of course, more research is required before a clear conclusion can be drawn about its effectiveness.

10. Grapefruit

Grapefruit, specifically its extract known as grapefruit seed extract, is a very strong natural antibiotic. So effective, it actually works better than a lot of common medical topical antibacterial products.

Full grapefruit seed extract can fight warts very well, and it can also fight pathogens within the body and around your living space when diluted. However, you should avoid commercial products containing this extract due to a harmful chemical typically included in them.

11. Echinacea

For hundreds and hundreds of years, traditional medicine practitioners have used the echinacea plant in their many remedies. As it turns out, even modern medicine agrees that this plant can produce great results for users.

Echinacea purpurea, one of the types of this plant, has a powerful natural extract that allows it to successfully kill off a lot of bacteria. This includes particularly dangerous ones, such as Streptococcus pyogenes, which is the causes behind strep throat, necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease), and even toxic shock syndrome.

This plant-based remedy can also increase the T-cell strength, essentially stimulating and boosting the immune system to create more antibodies that fight virus, infections, and other issues. This keeps you resilient against all sorts of illnesses!

12. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is rich in eugenol and cinnamaldehyde, which are components that fight a variety of infections. This includes MRSA and E. coli. This spice can also do the following:

Prevent fungal growth
Stimulate the immune system
Treat diarrhea
Prevent vomiting
Reduce flatulence

13. Garlic

There is no end to the amazing things that garlic can do for your body. With the ability to even treat E. coli and Salmonella, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most powerful natural antibiotics known to man. Here are other reasons it’s so great!

Has properties that make it antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidizing, and antifungal.
Protects the body from DNA damage.
Contains sulfur compounds that heal and cause infection excretion, even with toxic heavy metals.
Promotes gut health by providing prebiotics to the intestines and digestive system.
Can treat tuberculosis, even multi-drug-resistant kinds.
Can fight parasites and worms.
Boosts digestion.
Has lots of healthy vitamins and minerals.
Can protect you against sun damage.

14. Olive Leaf

We all know olive oil is good. But did you know that olive leaf has great benefits, too? To begin with, it has positive antibiotic properties that make it amazing for treating many conditions.

Olive leaf extract, specifically, can help treat malaria thanks to its fever-reducing abilities, says medical doctor and Hoffman Center founder Dr. Ronald Hoffman. Even in the most extreme illnesses, this extract can bring down fever reliably.

How does it do this? Olive leaves contain oleuropein, which prevents bad bacteria, fungus, and virus growth in the body. It’s also great for treating a lot of different infections while helping to bring down cholesterol and blood glucose. It even has antioxidant properties, so it’s really a super-plant!

15. Colloidal Silver

When you hear of silver, you don’t typically think of antibiotics. But folks have used colloidal silver for more than a millennium to prevent food spoilage and to fight bad bacteria. Its healing properties aren’t just a thing of the past.

We have Alfred Searle, who founded an early pharmaceutical company, to thank for this discovery. When used correctly, this colloidal silver can kill even the most dangerous and potentially fatal of pathogens. It kills off negative microbes quickly and doesn’t have negative effects on the people who take the medication.

It’s believed that colloidal silver is so good at healing that it can destroy microbes that have become resistant to standard antibiotics, including epidemic-inducing ones like SARS, MRSA, and even bird flu.

Final Thoughts On Most Powerful Natural Antibiotics Known To Man

Natural antibiotics can be surprisingly effective against a variety of conditions and diseases. People often turn up a nose to them, but it’s time to incorporate more positive thinking and realize that some of the most powerful treatments come straight from Mother Earth.

Do note that you should always speak to a doctor before trying a new supplement or attempting to treat a problem with a natural cure. Some remedies simply may not suit your unique body.

How to Grow Lemons At Home And Never Buy Them Again

March 16, 2019 by Power of Positivity

There’s nothing wrong with buying your produce at the store. It’s convenient, and everyone does it. But some fruits are somewhat annoying to continue buying, as you rarely ever need a lot of them. You often spend extra on pre-packed bundles of six – four of which will go overripe before you can use them!

This may be a “first-world” problem, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an issue worth addressing. Take lemons, for example. They’re delicious to use as garnish, drinks, and flavoring agents. But you’ll rarely need a whole bunch of them at once – and if you do, the amount you spend on them can pile up.

What if I told you there was a way you may have never thought of that will eliminate the need for any more purchases of this fruit? What if there was a hassle-free, cost-efficient, and satisfying way to get them? The answer is simple: just plant a lemon tree yourself!

Understandably, not many people understand how gardening and planting work. It can be an intimidating concept, but if you don’t know where to start, we’re here to help. Yes, it sounds complicated – but we promise that it really isn’t!

Here’s How To Grow Lemons At Home And Never Buy Them Again

1. The Benefits of Home-Grown Plants

You may think growing plants at home is troublesome and too much of a hassle, especially when you can go to the store and buy produce yourself. The truth is, however, you can find a lot of positive sides to home-grown plants. Here are some of them!

a) You have control.

With store-bought produce, there’s a limit to what you can control. You cannot decide on the amount of fertilizer used and the kinds of pesticides implemented. When you do it all yourself, you’re guaranteed to know what you’re eating, and how fresh it is.

b) They have more vitamins and nutrients.

Freshly picked fruits and veggies have a lot more nutrients in them. This is because they aren’t subjected to long periods of transportation to get to grocery stores.

c) You decide when to pick them.

Like a particular ripeness? Know for certain that you have the right kind when you grow them yourself!

d) It can be as fresh as you want.

You can directly pick fruit and eat or use them right away to get the most out of them. In supermarkets, you’re not able to guarantee that the fruit is as fresh as you’d like.

e) It’s cheaper.

Overall, growing a lemon tree, though it takes time, is a great investment. In the long run, it’s much cheaper than going back to the store repeatedly for lemons.

f) It encourages healthy eating.

You’re much more likely to eat and use fruits and veggies if you grow them yourself. After all, you’ve put the effort into growing them and want to reap the rewards. This is a great way to get pickier eaters in your household enjoying better food choices. This healthier decision can help many things, from higher energy levels to lowered disease risk and increased positive thinking.

2. How To Grow Lemons At Home

Now, you know how great lemons are and how many positive benefits you can get from home-grown plants. All that’s left is to learn how to grow these lemons on your own so you never have to buy them again.

First, start by gathering your materials. You will need the following:

A lemon
A pot or similar container
Potting soil
Plastic film (must be breathable!)
A sunny spot (or grow lights)
A bucket
Watering device (watering can, squirt bottle, etc.)

Once you have all your materials, it’s time to start planting. Here’s how to go about it.

Start by preparing your soil. Place the potting soil inside a bucket and pour in a little water to dampen it slightly.
Fill up your pot with the damp soil, leaving about one inch of space around the top just beneath the lip of the pot.
Cut a lemon and remove one seed from the fruit.
To get all the flesh off the seed, you can suck on it. However, note that your seed must be moist when potting it.
Plant the lemon seed in your pot. It should be buried around half an inch under the soil.
Fill a squirt bottle or a standard watering can with water and slowly water your lemon seed. It is vital to ensure that the soil does not become overly damp, so water in moderation.
Cover your pot up with your breathable plastic film.
Place your pot somewhere warm and sunny, or turn on your grow light and place it beneath.
The lemon seed should begin to sprout after one or two weeks. When this happens, take the plastic cover off.
You should then move the pot to a warm place without direct sunlight.

Now, how can you ensure that your lemon tree continues to thrive? After all, it’s a long journey from sapling to the fruit-bearing tree. To start, while the tree is still young, ensure the soil around it stays moist. Do note that the pot must have sufficient holes for fluid drainage.

Lemon trees must be exposed to direct sunlight approximately eight hours a day, so putting the pot out before you go to work and bringing it back in when you get home is a good way to work this out.

As your tree grows, you’ll need to regularly transplant it into bigger containers so it has space to get bigger and stronger. You can also use fertilizer as needed. Eventually, it may get too big to keep indoors or become difficult to bring out repeatedly. You can move it out to your yard, a porch, or a balcony.

Keep caring for your tree well, and soon, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious and healthy lemons right from your home.

3. The Benefits of Lemons

Of all the fruits in the world, why are lemons an excellent pick for your home? After all, they’re not the kind of fruit you can peel and eat. Well, as it turns out, a regular supply of lemons can have tremendous benefits for your health and body. Here are some of them!

a) Weight Management

Lemons contain much pectin fiber, a soluble component that expands when consumed. This causes more feelings of fullness that prevent unnecessary eating. In addition, studies have shown that lemons have polyphenols that can restrict fat buildup.

Additional plant compounds indicate lemons can prevent weight gain or reduce progress. However, do note that these studies have been performed on animals, and human results remain unknown.

b) Better Digestion

Carbs get a bad rep, but fiber is a form of carbohydrate that is very important to the digestive system. Lemons contain lots of soluble fibers and simple sugars, with 10% of the fruit’s composition being carbohydrate-based.

Pectin, one of these fibers, is known to have excellent effects on the body’s health. It can slow digestion, reducing unstable blood sugar for better balance and providing positive effects for digestion. Do note that you must eat the pulp to find a lot of that fiber.

c) Anemia Protection

A lack of iron can often lead to anemia. Lemons have some iron content, but that’s not why they’re so good for guarding against anemia. They aid the body in absorbing iron more efficiently, especially from more complex sources, like plant-based food.

This is partly due to lemon’s high vitamin C content and citric acid. These components are both reasonably well-known for their ability to help with iron absorption.

d) Heart Health

You’ll find 31 mg of vitamin C in one single lemon, comprising more than half of the recommended daily nutrient consumption. Eating foods rich in this vitamin can lower the chances of developing various heart diseases and strokes.

On top of that, many plant compounds within the sour yellow fruit promote better heart health and all the fiber within. They can also help to bring down cholesterol.

Citrus fibers are so effective in lowering bad cholesterol that studies have shown that just 24 g of them daily can have this result – one of the many reasons to grow lemons at home!

e) Kidney Stone Prevention

Kidney stones form from a build-up of waste within the body, leading to small lumps forming through crystallization. Those who get kidney stones tend to be prone to them, repeatedly causing repeated stones.

The citric acid within lemons can help to bring up the pH levels of urine, and they can cause more urine volume as well. This can help make it more difficult for kidney stones to form in the body.

Studies have found that drinking lemonade can remarkably prevent these stones from forming, though overall results remain inconclusive. However, most research suggests that drinking just a half cup of fresh lemon juice daily will prevent kidney stones from forming in those prone to them.

f) Lowering the Risk of Cancer

Those who eat citrus fruits have been suggested to have a lower chance of developing cancer, and lemon has specific compounds that are capable of killing cancer cells, according to research.

A variety of plant compounds within this yellow fruit may be able to lower cancer risk, preventing malignant tumor development. Animal studies have proved this to some degree. Unfortunately, no human testing has been done yet, and a very high dosage would be required to achieve this effect.

Final Thoughts On How To Grow Lemons At Home And Never Buy Them Again

Growing your lemons – and your veggies and fruit generally – is a great practice. It saves money, adds a beautiful, natural air to your home, and provides the freshest and healthiest lemons you could hope for.

Does it take some learning? Yes. Does it take effort and research? Yes. But is it fulfilling and rewarding? A hundred times yes! Take the time to learn to grow your lemonsfruits and veggies, and you’ll be surprised at how much of a difference it makes!

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

Warning Signs You Are Going Through A Midlife Crisis

1. Comparing Yourself with Others

2. Worrying About Where Your Life is Going

3. Questioning the Meaning of Life

4. Hyper Focused on Your Appearance

5. Increased Interest in Health Issues

6. Experiencing Feelings of Regret

7. Feeling Tied Down

8. Thinking About a Career Change

9. Having an Affair

10. Feeling Frustrated and Blaming Others

Final Thoughts

Things An Optimist Does Differently

1. They See Failure as a Learning Experience

2. They Express Gratitude

3. They Focus on the Bright Side

4. They Surround Themselves with Positive and Upbeat People

5. They Let Things Go

6. They Respect Themselves

7. They Live in the Moment

8. They Embrace Life’s Ups and Downs

9. They Are Open Minded

10. They Make the Most Out of All Opportunities

11. An Optimist Will Always Appreciate the Things They Have

12. They Empower Others

13. They Practice Self-Care

14. They Take Action

15. They Practice Their Interests and Passions

Final Thoughts

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Peanut Butter

Science Proves Peanut Butter Is a Healthy and Delicious Treat

It’s A Dieters Delight

PB Gives Energy Boosts

It’s Great for Calorie-Restricted Diets

Your Muscle and Nerve Health Will Improve

PB Staves Off Inflammation with Omega-6 Fats

Peanut Butter May Improve Brain Health and Function

Peanut Butter Reduces Stress Levels

Consuming PB Can Reduce Your Child’s Allergy

It Combats Toxins

Final Thoughts: A Caution When Eating Peanut Butter for Health

41 Of The Best Love Quotes Of All Time:

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BEST LOVE QUOTES

The Dominative Subconscious

The Origin of Negative Thinking

Absorbing Experiences as Children

Brain Shaping as Adults

Eliminating Negative Thinking

The “Says Who?” Method

“Name it to tame it.”

Mindfulness Meditation for Negative Thinking

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Here are 15 behaviors that reveal someone is self-destructive:

Alcohol or drug abuse

Binge eating or anorexia

Video game addiction

Self-harm

Negative thoughts

Feeling sorry for oneself

Isolation

Burying emotions

People-pleasing

Too much pride

Impulsive behaviors

Self-neglect

Avoiding responsibility

Working too much

Being too sensitive

Final thoughts

Try the following the next time you feel stressed:

Here Are The 15 Most Powerful Natural Antibiotics Known To Man

1. Honey

2. Horseradish

3. Ginger

4. Pau d’Arco

5. Oregano

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

7. Goldenseal

8. Turmeric