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10 Bedtime Drinks That Burn Stomach Fat

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The road to losing weight, specifically stomach fat, can be such a discouraging process, especially when you have to deal with stubborn belly fat. But it is possible to trim off a muffin top even while you sleep. We want to share several bedtime drinks that will help burn stomach fat faster:

Here Are 10 Bedtime Drinks That Help Burn Stomach Fat

“Both belly bulge and love handles are about excess body fat, not lack of muscle… The best way to reduce these problem areas is to reduce your overall body fat percentage, and we all know that that requires diet and exercise.” – Jillian Michaels

1. Cucumber juice

Juice fresh cucumbers for a flavorful and healthy bedtime drink. Add water as desired if the cucumber blend is too strong to drink “straight”. To make the drink tastier, squeeze some lemons and grate ginger on the juice before drinking. Drink this every night for a month and you will notice your stomach fat trimming.

Cucumbers are low in calories but loaded with antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and vitamins that work for weight loss. An intake of cucumbers in plenty amounts won’t have you packing the pounds.

Instead, it helps the body level off its blood sugars and promotes hydration.

2. Lemon and cucumber juice

Do you notice how some restaurants serve water with slices of lemon? Drinking lemon water provides heaps of benefits, including losing stomach fat.

A study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine showed that people who drank lemon juice four times a day while fasting reduced their body fat mass and improved their lipid profile.

To make your bedtime lemon drink taste better and be more effective, combine the fruit with two cucumbers, an orange, and a pitcher of water. Add honey to taste and garnish this drink with mint as well, if you like.

3. Cucumber and cilantro drink

Here’s another drink filled with antioxidants that will help flush the toxins and bad fat from your body. Combine cucumber, a cup of cilantro (or fresh parsley), lemon, and half a glass of water in a blender.

Sprinkle the drink with grated ginger and a tablespoon of Aloe Vera juice. Let this combination sit for a few minutes before drinking it all the way down.

4. Ginger tea

Ginger has widely-known medicinal properties but a study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences revealed it also works effectively against obesity. Drinking ginger tea before bedtime also helps the body absorb nutrients better. Additionally, it aids in food digestion and alleviates stomach discomfort (especially if you’ve had a bad meal a few hours before going to bed).

If you want to make ginger tea tastier, squeeze in some lemon and add a tablespoon of honey to your drink. You can also make it into iced ginger tea if you’re drinking this concoction during the summer.

5. Pineapple juice

Pineapple adds positive value to your weight loss goals because it’s an antioxidant, low in calories and rich in fiber. According to the Joslin Diabetic Center, fiber-rich foods and drinks make you feel full without adding to your stomach fat.

Like lemon, a glass of cold, delicious, and freshly squeezed pineapple juice is always refreshing. However, you can enjoy this as a warm and soothing drink instead. Blend or squeeze pineapple juice with lemon.

Add slices or chunks of pineapples to your drink, if you like. If the fruit is sweet enough, you won’t need to add honey.

6. Strawberry with lemon and herbs

Strawberries and other berry extracts have phytochemical properties that aid in diet and protect the body from cancer and heart disease, according to a study in the Journal of Medicinal Food.

This fruit has components which block the hormones that trigger inflammation, raise blood sugar levels, and hinder weight loss.

Juice a lemon or lime and add a few slices of the peels into the cup. Then cut up strawberries and include herbs such as mint and tarragon into the mixture. Pour hot water over it and let this mixture settle together. Remove the lemon or lime peels and transfer the mixture to a jar. Pour cold water and ice and then add honey, depending on your preference. Drink away!

7. Dandelion tea

Dandelion tea is effective in relieving stomach bloating, heartburn, and other forms of stomach upset. As a natural diuretic, dandelion tea also helps flush out water weight so you will feel lighter after having a cup at bedtime.

8. Green tea

Green tea’s chemical composition is so complex that even experts debate on its health benefits. But scientists from Japan stated, in a 2017 study published in the journal Nutrients, that drinking green tea before bedtime can promote better sleep quality among middle-aged people.

The caffeine content found in green tea is low, so it helps the body become more relaxed. And if you sleep better, you can boost your metabolism better to prevent weight gain. But there’s an added benefit to this drink. Because green tea is an antioxidant, it also aids in weight loss and cutting down that unwanted stomach fat.

9. Apple cider vinegar juice

Whether freshly made or bought in stores, apple cider vinegar juice offers many health benefits. As it has antibiotic and antibacterial properties, this drink can help with stomach upset, bacteria-causing diarrhea, and intestinal spasms. Mix one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. If you prefer, you can combine this with lemon juice and a few slices of fresh apple.

apple cider vinegar - stomach fat

10. Grapefruit and cinnamon juice

People who love a detoxifying diet mainly eat or drink grapefruit because it’s hydrating and filling. Aside from that, it’s packed with nutrients and helps with metabolism. Grapefruit juice may also be freshly blended or store bought. Extract at least half a glass from this fruit, which will be added to a syrup mixture.

You can make the syrup by mixing a glass of water, sugar to taste, and cinnamon sticks. Let this mixture simmer in a pan for seven minutes before adding the grapefruit and cold water in a pitcher. Garnish the drink with mint.

Final Thoughts on Trying These Drinks That May Help Melt Stomach Fat

These drink suggestions are so easy to prepare. You can modify or add more healthy ingredients to any of these bedtime drinks. If consumed regularly, you will soon see the effects of the drinks on your stomach fat. Remember, positive thinking and the will to lose weight is all you need to achieve your stomach fat weight loss goals!

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

Autistic Man Begins To Cry At Airport, Then Airline Worker Shows ‘Utmost Compassion’

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Strangers can change our lives in extraordinary ways. When someone reaches out to us in a moment of need or distress, it can turn our whole perspective upside down – or, right side up. Different people handle stress in different ways. Autistic people in particular have a hard time dealing with stress.

When stress piles on, it can be difficult to remember that there are people around us who would take a moment out of their day to help us out. Russell Lehmann discovered one such person while he was trapped in an airport during a stressful travel, and he was so moved that he spoke out about it.

Russell Lehmann is a motivational speaker. He talks about his experience with being autistic, which means he has a spectrum disorder involving symptoms such as difficulty with social situations as well as being overwhelmed by things that other people might not be. It’s a different way of experiencing the world, and Russell was on his way to give a speech about just this.

Unfortunately, he was having a terrible travel experience. He was trying to fly to Cincinnati to give a speech the next day, but was being met at every turn with missed connections and flight delays. It was starting to feel like he was never going to make it out of the airport at all. Russell was having a hard time handling the stress.

Autistic Man Begins To Cry At Airport, Then Airline Worker Shows ‘Utmost Compassion’

Finally, he just couldn’t hold it in. Russell started crying and had a total meltdown sitting there in the airport. Russell had managed to curl himself up behind an unoccupied ticket counter. He was hyperventilating and his muscles were shaking as he rocked himself back and forth, a common self-soothing method for autistic people.

autistic

Russell Lehmann: Speaker, Author, Advocate

He never expected anyone to approach him, but that’s just what one American Airlines employee did. The employee, named David, slowly approached Russell and asked him what was wrong. Russell was so distraught that he could hardly speak. Finally, he managed to get the words out: “I don’t know. I can’t think. I have autism.”

David could have simply walked away, but instead, he extended some much-needed compassion. He crouched down next to Russell, speaking to him calmly. He also explained to him that he would still be able to make it into Cincinnati that night. That flight would allow Russell to make it to his speech the next day.

David offered to help Russell reroute his flight. However, Russell was cautious and afraid of causing another meltdown after boarding another plane. After all, it would be a very tight space with a lot of stimuli and no way for Russell to shut it out or walk away if he needed to (which can greatly help someone who is autistic). David allowed him time to calm down and think about what he wanted to do. In fact, he even offered to buy Russell a slice of pizza!

autistic

Love What Matters/Facebook

David gave Russell space to calm himself down and think about his next move. Ten minutes later, he returned again. This time, David brought with him the pilot of the plane that Russell would be boarding if he wanted to reroute his flight. David had taken it upon himself to notify not only the pilot, but the rest of the flight crew about Russell’s situation.

He cleared a whole row of seats, so that Russell would have space to himself during the flight. Seeing such compassion and understanding from everyone involved, Russell decided to board the flight. David walked him down the runway, and even introduced him to each of the flight crew members.

Russell shared his story and the compassion that he was shown by these people online, and it got a massive response, with over 11,000 shares in just under 24 hours. It’s absolutely amazing what people can do for one another when they take the time to reach out and ask.

autistic

Russell Lehmann: Speaker, Author, Advocate

Something so simple and within his capabilities allowed David to take Russell’s horrible experience and turn it into something good. It’s a good reminder for all of us to do what we can to make other people’s lives easier. When more people find the compassion in their hearts to extend their energy to help others, it makes the world a better place, little by little.

Elderly Man Has An Unfortunate Accident In His Pants, But Woman’s Reaction Brought Him To Tears

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When we allow ourselves to connect with other people, it can be an amazing experience. Human beings are a social species that often get caught up in modern individualism. We avoid strangers if we can, and mind our own business unless absolutely necessary.

After all, everyone has their own struggles in life, and being able to see past our own problems can be incredibly difficult. Everyone is dealing with something. It can take great strength to be able to put aside our own troubles and reach out to someone else.

It can be difficult to believe, but there are people in the world who reach out to others, no matter the situation. Lisa Lemming Jackson is one of those people. It all happened on an otherwise ordinary shopping trip.

On a warm, early August day, Lisa Lemming Jackson, who lives in the state of Georgia, headed out for the supermarket to do some shopping. It was a routine trip, but as Lisa roamed through the aisles, weaving between pastries and pastas, she made eye contact with an elderly man.

Lisa Lemming Jackson/Facebook

Elderly Man Has An Unfortunate Accident In His Pants, But Woman’s Reaction Brought Him To Tears

The man was sitting in a motorized cart with all of his groceries, but he didn’t seem to be heading for the checkout. He had a pinched and pained look in his eyes. Lisa smiled at him, but she could tell that something wasn’t right.

Most people would quickly look away, and hurry on with the rest of their day, maybe hoping that someone else would have stopped to inquire if the man needed any assistance. Fortunately, Lisa wasn’t one of those people.

After passing him, Lisa realized that she was the only one who would say something. She circled back around, and reached out to the man. This simple act of kindness would end up changing them both. She asked if he was okay, and if he needed any help.

The elderly man’s eyes immediately began to fill with tears as he explained his situation. He currently had colon cancer, and while he was in the store he had a bad accident. His clothes were ruined, and he was afraid that if he stood up out of his cart, then the whole store would know. He didn’t know what to do, so he was stuck there, paralyzed by shame and the loss of his dignity.

Lisa Lemming Jackson/Facebook

Lisa called the grocery store staff. They immediately helped the man discreetly escape into the employee’s washroom, armed with wipes and fresh undergarments for him. They even gave him new clothes so that he would be able to leave the store.

The elderly man, despite battling through cancer, apologized and cried. He was anxious to leave, because his wife was back home and alone, and he wanted to get back to her. When they returned to gather his groceries, they had already been rung up and paid for.

The elderly man had fought in the Vietnam and Korean War, and like most veterans, felt very forgotten by the country that he has loved so much he risked his life fighting for. He was overwhelmed to discover that people still did care. After all, Lisa’s act of kindness had inspired the staff at the grocery store to ring up and pay for his groceries so he could get back to his wife.

kindness quote - man

Lisa sat with the elderly man, after all had been said and done, and they cried together. Lisa was so moved by his story, and felt so connected with him, that she began to share her own fears and her own life struggles. He imparted on her some sage wisdom that only comes with age and life experience, and the two of them began to feel as if humanity was a little more connected.

Lisa’s story is an inspiring one, reminding us all that other people are going through rough times, and that simply reaching out can make an enormous difference. Especially for veterans or people who are elderly, finding someone who will look at us and see a whole person can be difficult. It’s easy to avert our eyes and walk away when it seems like someone needs help, hoping the next person has more time than us. When we take the time out to connect with people, it makes the world a better place.

https://youtu.be/JQMK_4Nxdeg

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

Woman With A Heart Of Gold Helps Transform Life Of An Elderly Living A Nightmare

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“Up until 10 days ago this elderly lady was living in horrific filth and squalor. There was no food, filthy clothes, nobody to help her bathe, and just never-ending loneliness and despair.”

– Lucy Ashen

An angel among us

Lucy Ashen didn’t have to do anything. Upon seeing the atrocious conditions that “The Lady” (which Ms. Ashen calls her) was living in, she could have thought “meh” and went on her way.

Not only did Ashen do something, but she also changed the woman’s life. She possibly directed the public eye to a demographic often neglected: the elderly. Further, she demanded accountability. She wanted an answer to the question “Why was this mentally ill, isolated, and forgotten person allowed to live in such despicable conditions?”

The 39-year old and mother of three said, “I’ve known for a while that she was living in pretty bad conditions, but it’s taken me a long time to get her trust enough to let me into her house.”

One day, The Lady was locked out of her home. Ashen was called upon to help.

“It was absolutely horrific.”

On opening the lady’s bedroom window, Ashen discovered what can only be described as utter filth. Human droppings, rotted furniture, no food, no clothing – and no one around. Something was obviously wrong. “It was horrific. No one should ever be left to live like that. She has no family and no friends.”

For confidentiality and legal purposes, Ashen is not allowed to state the 76-year-old pensioner’s name. However, from all accounts, the woman suffers from severe mental health issues.

13 years

That is the length of time that this poor, disabled woman went without bathing. Not a word spoken to a health authority in London or anywhere else. 13 years, and not one person knew of her condition.

As mentioned, Ms. Ashen states that the woman suffers from mental health disorders – a common characteristic of the elderly. Per the World Health Organization (WHO):

“Over 20% of adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental or neurological disorder. The most common neuropsychiatric disorders in this age group are dementia and depression.”

No particular mental health condition was cited; but one can infer, given the woman’s living conditions, she suffers from some type of dementia. Dementia, which is an umbrella term for numerous psychological disorders, is defined by the Alzheimer’s Association as:

“a (term) that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with decline in memory of thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.” This description seems right on.

13 years. That’s how long it took for a stranger of all people, to make a real home for this woman.

Woman With A Heart Of Gold Helps Transform Life Of An Elderly Living A Nightmare

“I gutted the entire place.”

Lucy Ashen spent “ten days binning (trashing) the rotted furniture and cleaning the place.” She went no holds barred on the living space, tearing the place apart; even putting in a new bed and toilet. In the meantime, Ashen’s 14-year-old daughter, Ruby, cared for the woman.

A mother of three’s resources only goes so far – and Ms. Ashen turned to others for some help. She turned to Facebook (of course!) for “asking for donations of furniture, clothes, and food.”

That’s when strangers from around the globe started showing up. “It was shared and shared. It went far beyond my friends and family. (Even) people from Thailand and America got in contact.” Per The Sun, a UK news outlet, Lucy was “overwhelmed by the huge response.” She was sent fridges, sofas, clothes, and even some spending money.

She created a Facebook page, ‘My Lady and Me,’ which quickly grew to over 50,000 followers. Ashen, according to sources, took the lady on vacation. More importantly, perhaps, “She’s coming out of herself bit by bit. She’s been singing songs with my daughter Ruby.”

The greater good

We hear constant rhetoric about “personal responsibility” and “when government doesn’t step in, people will.” Well, Thailand is approximately 5,820 miles away. The United States of America is about 4,500 miles. The total area of Greater London? 683.

Not one visit from a registered nurse, a doctor, or – from what can be extrapolated from the story – a human being in over 13 years, probably more. What if this lady had passed away in such filth? None of it being her fault.

Mental health problems, particularly in an aging population, is a humanitarian issue. Both a personal and government responsibility. The woman worked long enough to earn a pension and entitlement to healthcare; only to have the system abandon her.

“When I first saw the flat (“apartment”) I was angry. This lady was defenseless and helpless. She had nobody and didn’t have the capability to ask for help,” Ms. Ashen explains, “The good thing about this is that it’s bigger than her or me or anything. It raises awareness of mental health and elderly isolation.”

elderly

Other stuff

– “Care for elderly ‘close to collapse,” according to the The Guardian online.

– Per the same source, “the leaders of the four main political groups” expressed their displeasure, “as the UK Prime Minister (Theresa May) dismisses talk of a crisis despite calls from politicians, NHS leaders, doctors, and others.”

– The Guardian explains the troubles facing seniors: “the quality and safety of care for our elderly is at risk, and the vulnerable will increasingly struggle to receive the help they need to meet basic needs such as washing, dressing or getting out of bed.”

This last point was published by the largest newspaper outlet in England just a couple of weeks after Ashen’s pleas went viral. A coincidence?

Should we even have to speculate?

https://youtu.be/JQMK_4Nxdeg

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved
References:
http://www.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3824791/Pensioner-hadn-t-washed-13-YEARS-life-transformed-kind-hearted-neighbour-spent-60-hours-cleaning-flat.html
https://www.gofundme.com/myladyandme
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs381/en/
https://www.facebook.com/myladyandme/
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/nov/26/nhs-elderly-care-close-to-collapse
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/1917808/woman-76-who-was-living-in-squalor-and-hadnt-washed-for-13-years-has-had-her-life-transformed-by-her-neighbour-who-spent-60-hours-cleaning-her-flat/

Woman Eats 30 Bananas A Day For Health And Longevity

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When Freelee the Banana Girl announced on her famed YouTube channel that she had achieved her nearly perfect physique by merely eating over 30 bananas a day, the internet went wild.

This woman had gone from weight yo-yo-ing for most of her adult life to consuming a diet of primarily bananas for weight loss. Impressively, she achieved her ideal body structure through a disciplined balance of diet and exercise.

It seemed practically impossible, and many were still skeptical even after she presented the daily diet routines that helped her lose weight. In the end, it all came down to her ever-present bananas and her continued dedication to living a completely vegan lifestyle.

Freelee has since played with her diet, has switched to a completely raw food regimen, as well as trying to retain a strict fruitarian diet. However, she still praises the banana for its crucial part in changing her life and way of living.

Raw Till Four

If you’ve followed her career closely through the years, you’re fully aware of Freelee’s famed Raw till Four diet plan. The basis of this diet stands on the ground of a typical vegan diet, with a raw food tweak. The day would have you starting with a banana smoothie, consisting of about 15 whole bananas, a few cups of water, fresh dates, and a dash of vanilla extract for an enhanced, sweetened taste.

The whole method behind the Raw Till Four lifestyle program is to eat only raw foods for the better part of your day’s meals until 4 pm. After that time, you may indulge in a cooked meal for dinner. Freelee warns us not to eat fruits after 5 pm because this could allow the fruit to ferment in your stomach overnight, resulting in stomach aches and extreme discomfort in the gut.

Using the banana for weight loss took off for Freelee, as did the 30 bananas a day diet movement. Veganism also started to gain a substantial momentum with the growth of her YouTube channel and her number of subscribers. In turn, some of Freelee’s followers began their veganism and fruitarian-based channels as she and her journey so inspired them. The channel quickly grew to an all-time high of over half a million subscribers.

Go Fruit Yourself

Fresh off the success of her Raw till Four movement and diet plan, Freelee created a new book entitled Go Fruit Yourself. This time, in addition to the exercise plan from the last critically acclaimed nutrition book, she also included a well thought out meal plan scheduled out for two weeks. This adds convenience and helps her followers prep foods in advance to stick with the plan.

Not only do you get some detailed insight into how Freelee lost nearly 40 pounds on her tried and true banana diet, but you also receive the tools to achieve the same amount of weight loss.
The new book also includes a nutritional information guide for all the raw foods mentioned between the pages, some insight on vegan ethics, and tips on leading a healthy vegan lifestyle. Bananas have become a totem for Freelee’s success.

bananas

The Banana Diet

Many are well aware of the high potassium and fiber provider the fruit is. But they might not know that it also contains plenty of other health benefits that are not so commonly known. The consumption of just one banana a day could lower the risk of cancer and asthma. It has also been known to reduce high blood pressure and help to prevent cardiovascular disease.

The shining star of the yellow fruit is, of course, the level of potassium it contains. Potassium is such an asset to the body as it provides consistent fluid levels to ensure the migration of waste and nutrients that move in and out of the cells.

Presently, Americans consume more bananas each year than the number of apples and oranges combined. The fruit is available year-round, affordable, and well–quite frankly very tasty! What is not to love?

Final Thoughts on the Banana Diet Movement

Some would argue that all good things should come with a reasonable limit. That common-sense rule applies even to eating healthy bananas! While it’s rare for people to consume “too much potassium,” it can occur in some rare instances. Therefore, consult with your health care provider before leaping headlong into any significant dietary changes.

Nevertheless, the raw food movement could have something to do with the increase in those numbers over the years. The fact that they are a fruit that is in season year-round also plays a massive part in their popularity. So no matter what the reason, we could all use a bit more potassium in our diets.

If the same fruit that tastes great is also packed with healthy vitamins and minerals, and it can also help you lose weight, incorporating a few extra into your diet seems like a no-brainer. Score one for the banana girl!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG-G9_LOkLA

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

10 Great Role Models For Kids

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“Long before he ever became a Beatle, John Lennon idolized many of the old rhythm and blues greats, people like Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters. He had their pictures on his wall and used them as inspiration when he first began playing guitar. (This way) he could influence his imagination by conceiving mentally that he was them. This process is not just idle daydreaming, but allows new creative ideas to be released from the subconscious.”

– John Kehoe  

The power of role models

“Wait, I’m a great parent/teacher/mentor. My kid doesn’t need a role model!”

If you’re a great parent/teacher/mentor, you’ll always be loved and revered by children. You may very well be one of their role models (it’s possible to have more than one!)

Let’s consider the definition of a role model: “a person whose behavior, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by young people.”

Behavior. Example. Success.

If little Timmy spends all day dreaming of becoming an astronaut, he’s more likely to have a picture (or wallpaper/background/screenshot, etc.) of Neil Armstrong than his parents.

When Timmy grows up, becomes an astronaut and has his first kid, he may very well replace his iPad (most likely) with a picture of his parents.

Role models are powerful because they’re inspirational. Did you know that the 42nd U.S. President, Bill Clinton, wanted to pursue a music career in high school? Then he met a guy by the name of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. An excellent example of how powerful one role model can be.

Here are 10 (potentially) great role models for kids!

Athletes: Danica Patrick and Clayton Kershaw

You may not have heard of Danica Patrick – she’s sort of used to that by now. In the male-dominated sports of Indy Car racing and NASCAR, the petite and strong-willed Patrick has held her own. If there’s one athlete who personifies grit and hard work despite the inevitable “glass ceiling,” it’s Danica Patrick.

Clayton Kershaw is a left-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers –  and arguably the best pitcher in baseball. But that’s not the only reason to consider him a role model. Kershaw uses a large chunk of his salary on “Kershaw’s Challenge,” and built an orphanage for African children. His foundation also sends supplies and other necessities to children in Africa.

 Spiritual leaders: Jesus of Nazareth and The Buddha

Jesus of Nazareth is a spiritual leader and the central figure of Christianity. To some, he is “The Christ,” or Savior of the world. In the context of this discussion, Jesus is a peacemaker; one who told us to love and care for our neighbor as ourselves. He loved “the sinners” and embraced the outcasts of society.

The Buddha, whose birth name was Siddhartha Gautama, was also a spiritual leader and the central figure of Buddhism. His teachings on meditation, mindfulness, and inner peace are among the most influential lessons in history. Brain scientists are just now recognizing the immeasurable benefits of meditation that Buddha spoke of nearly 4,000 years ago.

Humanitarians: Mother Theresa and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mother Teresa, known in the Catholic Church as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, was an Albanian-Indian Catholic nun. There is perhaps no person in history who advocated more for the poor, disenfranchised, and sick than Mother Teresa, making her a wonderful role model. Among many other things, Mother Teresa built a hospice; centers for the blind, aged, and disabled; and a leper (leprosy) colony. She was issued the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian work in 1979.

Martin Luther King, Jr. is perhaps the most influential African-American in history. He may very well be one of the top orators in history, as well. King was an advocate of non-violent demonstration to advance civil right in the United States and throughout the world. His “I Have A Dream Speech” is considered one of the most moving and powerful speeches in history.

Scientists: Bill Nye and Neil DeGrasse Tyson

It’s impossible to hear the name Bill Nye and not think “The Science Guy.” His show Bill Nye the Science Guy, ran from 1993 to 1998, and was one of the most watched educational TV shows in history. Nye’s funny and easygoing demeanor, signature bow-tie, and passion for teaching science earned him 19 Emmy Awards – and influenced millions of today’s scientists.

Neil DeGrasse Tyson is a genius astrophysicist, but that’s not why he’s on this list of role models. Tyson, who hosts the show Nova ScienceNow on the Public Broadcasting Station (PBS) in the U.S., educates and inspires millions about the wonders throughout our planet and beyond. Like Bill Nye before him, Tyson is undoubtedly influencing the next great batch of scientists.

stubborn kids - role models

 

Statesmen: Abraham Lincoln and Mahatma Gandhi

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is considered by many to be the greatest leader in history. He led the nation through the disastrous, tragic Civil War and signed the “Emancipation Proclamation,” which ended slavery. Perhaps history’s greatest orator, Lincoln delivered the “Gettysburg Address” and helped unify a war-torn nation.

Mahatma Gandhi, as leader of the Indian independence movement, inspired an entire nation under British rule to “fight” for the freedom. Of course, Gandhi abhorred violence and encouraged his millions of followers to exercise restraint while working towards civil rights and freedom. His writers and memoirs are some of the most beautiful words ever put on paper.

In closing

Narrowing this list of role models to ten names was incredibly difficult. In the end, the writer wanted various leaders, and athletes – as these two demographics are the most discussed and visible.

So, hand your kid a book on Martin Luther King Jr., or watch a YouTube movie on the Great Buddha. Tell your little girl who struggles about Mother Teresa or, if she’s an athlete, about Danica Patrick. These types of moments can help shape their lives.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved
References:
http://www.behaviouralinsights.co.uk/uncategorized/inspirational-students-encourage-university-applications/
http://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/buddha.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Role_model
https://www.learnmindpower.com/article/importance-role-models/

6 Ways To Help Overcome Things That Leave You Feeling Defeated

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There a few things that we all have in common, and one of them is we all feel defeat at some point. Maybe you feel defeated by your job, relationship, or finances. Hey, most of us (all of us?) have tasted these varieties of defeat too.

When one feels like throwing in the proverbial towel, remember a scene in the movie Batman Begins. The scene plays out when a young boy (Bruce Wayne, a.k.a. ‘Batman’) falls into a large, dug-out underground pit. His father rappels his way down and rescues the boy.

When his father rhetorically asks, “Why do we fall, Bruce?”, “So that we can learn to pick ourselves back up.” (This scene would also be played out with Wayne and his butler, Alfred – and others.)

When we feel defeat, two options are available to us: (1) sulk and quit, or (2) feel the pain for a bit and pick ourselves back up.

“My past has not defined me, destroyed me, deterred me, or defeated me; it has only strengthened me.” ­– Steve Maraboli

Here are six ways we can learn to pick ourselves back up when feeling defeated

defeated

1. Move it when you feel defeated

What do you gain from remaining idle when feeling defeated? Chances are nothing – aside from rehashing negative thoughts again and again. What happens when you move your body? These thoughts dissipate because you’re doing something else.

With one exception (discussed later), remaining still is a poor choice when overcome with defeat.

There are times to move and times to stay idle. Feeling defeated is a time to move.

2. Breathe

Breathing is the first thing we do when we are born and the last thing we do before we die. Breath is essential to life, yet many don’t do it right. We tend to “chest-breathe” when we really need to “stomach-breathe.”

In other words, we need to fill our bellies with fresh oxygen – something called diaphragmic breathing.

When we are stressed or upset, we naturally tend to take shallow, quick breaths. On the other hand, Slow, deep breaths instantly calm us mentally and physically.

3. Get outside when you feel defeated

Many of us work in stuffy, crowded, noisy offices. We’re in this environment for eight hours, even more.

Why does stepping outside instantly improve our mood? There are a couple of reasons. First, sunlight triggers the release of the brain chemical serotonin. Serotonin is our brain’s “happy chemical.” Second, getting outside requires us to (you guessed it!) move.

In a study published in Environmental Science and Technology, short exercises (5 minutes minimum) in outdoor conditions “improved both self-esteem and mood.”

4. Get creative

Maybe you feel that life’s purpose is hidden; you’re just “tired of it all.” Discontentment and boredom are two emotions quickly relinquished from a bit of creativity.

Nick Offerman, the actor known for his role in the sitcom Parks and Recreation, is also a gifted woodworker. Here’s his advice: “(Put) your phone down and (do) something with your hands so that, at the end … you have a tangible result from your time. (You’re) still distracting yourself, by knitting or cooking or playing music, but you’ve created something.”

5. Look at something awe-inspiring

We all get into these ruts when things feel “old.” We drive the same route to the same job, live in the same house, and do the same tired things.

One of the beautiful things about the internet that’s “hidden” from many is the universe (literally) being at our fingertips. How many of you know that NASA’s website contains a “Galleries” section? You can look at (and download) high-resolution images of everything imaginable. A couple you might look up: the northern lights from space and photos of the first moonwalk.

The National Geographic and Discovery pages are two other fantastic sites. See NG’s “Animal” or “Science” photos (found within the Topics menu.) Incredible!

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6. Remember the lesson from when you felt defeated

Please forgive the duplication, but this quote from Steve Marboli is just that good:

“My past has not defined me, destroyed me, deterred me, or defeated me; it has only strengthened me.”

Whether you realize it or not, every difficult situation has a significant learning opportunity. Here are just a few examples:

  • Doing tedious work: building your willpower.
  • Feeling lonesome: becoming comfortable with solitude.
  • Disliking someone for a good reason: separating real friends from the fake.
  • Feeling stuck: forcing us to find new opportunities.
  • Having “uncomfortable” feelings: sharpening your gut instincts.

Finding opportunities in difficult times can test our patience (another teaching moment!) But, if we hone this precious skill, we can view every problem as an obstacle – as a chance to strengthen our character.

Let’s get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

10 Ways To Learn How To Respect Yourself

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Self-respect is often something that is learned and shaped through our individual experiences. This can mean that before we’ve figured it out, we often go against our own beliefs, feelings and convictions for the sake of others. It can leave us feeling worn out and disrespected.

It can also mean putting forth more emotional labor than we receive, which can mean imbalanced relationships. Learning self-respect, and more importantly, learning how to say no, can change your entire worldview, and make you a more positive and assertive person.

Here Are 10 Ways You Can Start to Respect Yourself – You Deserve It

“Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it. ” – M. Scott Peck

1. Focus on yourself and start loving yourself

Learning to love yourself can be just as tricky as learning self-respect, but it’s the first step in the process. Focus on loving yourself rather than tearing yourself down, or putting other people’s needs before your own, even when it hurts you. That self-love is going to be the building block for your self-respect.

2. Trust your intuition and follow your gut

If you get a bad feeling about a person or situation, follow your gut. Intuition is a survival technique that all humans have. When we ignore our gut instincts, it can lead to bad decisions.

According to author Michael Pratt, “It turns out intuition isn’t always bad and there are conditions where it is a good way to make the right decision. What we found demystifies a lot of the information out there that says intuition isn’t as effective as if you sat down and walked through an analytical approach.”

Learning to respect your intuition can help you on the way to learning how to respect yourself and learning when to say “No.” 9 times out of 10, your gut is speaking to you, and your instinct is right.

3. Change the way you talk about yourself

Imagine that you’re talking about yourself the way you would talk about a friend. Would you make constant, disparaging and negative remarks about someone that you care deeply about? No! Learning to talk about yourself in a positive manner, even when things are going wrong or when you make mistakes, means that you’ll learn to love and respect yourself. The best way to do this is to always talk about yourself as if you were talking about a cherished loved one.

4. Learn to say “No” when necessary

According to author Susan Newman, “You won’t be able to say no to everything asked of you, nor will you want to, but you don’t have to be an ever-accommodating yes person to be loved, respected and admired.”

If you don’t want to do something, can’t do something, or know that doing it will cause you significant distress, it’s okay to say “No”! Practice saying it out loud and get used to the sound of the word, so that it no longer causes anxiety. Having boundaries is another important step to self-respect. If someone doesn’t respect your “No”, then they’re not worth your help in the first place.

5. Remove toxic people from your life no matter how difficult it can be

It can be difficult to cut people out, especially if they’ve been important to you in the past. However, learning to have self-respect means that toxic people have got to go. Toxicity is only going to hinder your journey to self-respect. There’s a good chance that those people didn’t respect you in the first place, and you deserve to be surrounded by people who bring positive things to your life.

6. Stick to your own moral code no matter what people think

You don’t have to drink, smoke or party if you don’t want to. Set your own moral code, and stick to it! As long as you’re not hurting anyone or yourself, you’re not obligated to break your morals for anyone else. The people who don’t respect your choices aren’t the kind of people you want to be around, anyway. Sticking to your convictions is the best way to practice self-respect.

7. Learn how to handle your emotions without falling apart

Yes, even the negative emotions. All emotions are good, both positive and negative ones. The key is to allowing yourself to feel and process these emotions in a healthy and constructive manner. Learn to cry and release those negative feelings without wallowing in them. Handling your emotions doesn’t mean hiding them. It’s okay to open up and feel the full spectrum of emotions that life has to offer.

8. Never settle for less. You don’t deserve it!

You deserve the best life that you can possibly live, so learn to respect yourself by never settling for less than you deserve. If your partner doesn’t treat you right, then you don’t have to stay with them. If your job undermines your intelligence and skills, find someplace better. Life doesn’t have to be just good enough. You deserve to be living the best life possible.

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9. Learn to forgive yourself and others

Allowing yourself to harbor negative feelings will only leave to more toxicity. Forgiving yourself for past mistakes is important to self-respect, because you don’t deserve to constantly berate yourself. You’re so much more than your past mistakes. Forgiving others means that you’ll be able to release those emotions you’ve been holding onto and move on. Professor of Psychology Dr. Everett Worthington rightly mentions, “I’d like people to know that there are documented physical benefits, mental health benefits, relationship benefits, and sometimes spiritual benefits to forgiving.”

10. Remember: honesty is the best policy

This means you have to be honest with both yourself and the people around you. When you’re capable of being honest, it shows that you love yourself enough not to hide the truth of how you feel or what you want. The more honest you are, the more self-respect you’ll have. Of course, this isn’t to say that you should be blunt or mean. Honesty in a positive way that honors your feelings is the key.

Practicing these tricks every day can help you build up your self-respect. Everyone deserves to have their feelings and thoughts honored and respected. It’s hard for other people to do so, if we don’t honor and respect ourselves first. Though it may feel difficult, it isn’t nearly as impossible and it seems. After all: you deserve it!

There Are Hormones In The Plant Food You Eat – Should You Worry?

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What are gut microbes? And how can the plant foods you eat impact them?

Gut microbes, or gut flora, are microorganisms that live in our digestive tract. Gut flora also resides in the gut of many other animals, including insects.

When you hear or see the term “healthy bacteria” – the odds are that gut flora are being discussed. These bacteria, collectively termed the microbiome, are critical to our health. Scientists from the University of Navarra (Spain), summarize the crucial role of these bacteria:

“Gut microbiota (have) a key role in health and opens unique opportunities for the identification of new (diseases and treatments) for each individual,” on the flip-side, “(Changes) in gut (flora) composition have been associated with plenty disorders.”

Disrupting the delicate balance of the microbiome has been linked to many serious health condition such as cancer. Obesity, which is now considered an epidemic in many countries (including by certain health agencies in the U.S.), is also among the conditions related to an altered microbiome.

There Are Hormones In The Plant Food You Eat – Should You Worry?

“A bowl of salad contains more than vitamins and minerals. Plant matter also includes remnants of the hormones plants produce to control how they grow, age, and manage water intake. Recently, scientists have reported that our gut microbes and cells may respond to these hormones and even produce similar molecules of their own.” ~ Clanclud et. al “How humans and their gut microbes may respond to plant hormones.”

What do plants have to do with it?

Until quite recently, plants didn’t have anything to do with it; or so most microbiologists and other experts thought.

As it turns out, plants do influence our gut bacteria. Although the precise mechanisms of this effect are a bit unclear – and can appear contradictory.

Here’s an example of the complexity of plant-human-microbe interactions: one hormone found in plants, called abscisic acid (or ABA) “alerts the plant to drought conditions, (but) can worsen inflammation.”

Obviously, we want plants – which serve as the primary food source for millions of people – to thrive; for this to happen, plants must be able to survive harsh conditions. ABA hormones sustain vegetation in dry areas, which is a great thing. However, ABA causes an inflammatory response in humans.

Then there are gibberellic acids (GAs); another different type of plant hormone that reduces inflammation.

This opposing effect on our body has some scientists concerned that “synthesis of (GAs and ABA) hormones could be responsible for their complicated and contradictory impact on inflammatory diseases.”

People eat GA-rich foods, such as whole grains and spinach, for their anti-inflammatory properties. Even ABA-rich foods, such as apples, apricots, carrots, and sweet potatoes have shown to help alleviate diabetes in some cases.

Getting back to obesity

The hypothesis that certain plant hormones can complicate inflammation is a cause for concern. Obese people usually test for high inflammation “markers.”

Above all else, uncovering the link between plant hormones and higher inflammation is a predominant concern of scientists.

 “The economic and health costs of obesity and its comorbidities such as fatty liver, insulin resistance/diabetes, or cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke) are considerable.”

More research will soon occur

It must be restated that scientists aren’t quite sure about the exact means by which plant hormones interact with our microbiome. Measuring microbial activity in the human body is a tough thing.

One possible explanation for this relationship is the similarities in molecular shapes between plant hormones and metabolites. Dr. Benoit Lacombe, a biochemist at one of France’s leading research institutions, says:

“The most likely explanation is that plant hormones are structurally related to some metabolites in animals, including humans,” Lacombe says, “Maybe you take aspirin, for example, to stop pain and inflammation — the aspirin molecule looks a lot like the salicylic acid molecule, which as a hormone does many things for plants.”

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Plant foods are still very healthy (probably!)

So here’s what the majority of scientists say: plant foods are healthy. In fact, a plant-based diet might even be the healthiest of all.

There are excellent reasons to have plenty of faith in our leafy edibles. One only needs to read through the list of health benefits. In fact, dietitians, nutritionists, and doctors extol the many reasons to eat this way.

So, while the words “plant hormones” and “inflammation” may provoke a bit of a scare, it’s important to remember we’ve eaten vegan for a very long time.

The most plausible explanation may be, that while certain hormones in certain plants may increase inflammation, we’ve probably adapted to any adverse effects.

“We have evolved in an environment including plants and microbes while consuming plant hormones,” says Dr. Emilie Chanclud. “We have IAA and ABA in our body, and even if we don’t know where they come from, we may have evolved ways to respond to them over time.”

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