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

Join Now
Twt-img.png
burger-icon.svg
Main Menu

5 Foods Healthy People Never Eat

by

There’s “processed” then there’s “ultra-processed.”  Is the word “processed” bad? Not necessarily. Healthy people know the difference.

Pretty much all of the food we eat undergoes some processing. Well, unless the food happens to be plucked from the ground and eaten on the spot.

Some food processing is necessary, including freezing, pickling, sealing, or canning.

The food industry has single-handedly added a negative undertone to the words “processed foods.” Many processed (read: boxed or bagged) foods now contain chemicals such as fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides. Companies saturate our children’s food with artificial flavors and colorings.

Using data from more than 9,000 people who participated in a nationally representative survey, the researchers found that 57.9 percent of people’s calorie intake, on average, cam from ultra-processed foods. Minimally processed or unprocessed foods – meat, plants, eggs, pasta, milk – accounted for 29.6 percent. ~ The Atlantic

Consider “ultra-processed” foods, defined as:

Formulations of several ingredients which, besides salt, sugar, oils and fats, include food substances not used in culinary preparations, in particular, flavors, colors, sweeteners, emulsifiers (used in cakes, icings, margarine, and whipped creams), and other additives used to imitate sensorial qualities of unprocessed or minimally processed foods and their culinary preparations or to disguise undesirable qualities of the final product.

In summary, “ultra-processed” ingredients are used fo:

  • Flavoring, coloring, sweetening or artificially texturizing
  • Imitating fresh, wholesome foods
  • Altering foods that would otherwise taste (or look) terrible

Oh, and the typical American acquires 60 percent of their calories through this.

Per one study, conducted by scientists from Tufts University and the University of Sao Paulo, 90 percent of the “added sugar” Americans eat comes from these delightful ultra-processed foods.

The U.S. dietary guideline recommendations? 10 percent. And we wonder why America is facing an ongoing obesity epidemic.

The Worst Offenders

Not all poisonous concoctions masquerading as healthy foods are created equal.

In this article, we’ll highlight five of the worst things you can put in your mouth. Unsurprisingly, these “foods” are laden with sugar.

*Steps off soapbox*

Here are five foods that healthy people (should) never eat:

healthy

1. Packaged Meats

In a 2010 study, Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that consuming processed deli meat, including sausage and bacon, increased the risk of heart disease by 42 percent and type-2 diabetes by nearly 20 percent.

Sarah Asay, a Registered Dietitian says “Nutrition experts stray away from packaged meats, including hot dogs, sausage, and pepperoni.”

Okay, but what about meats advertised as ‘lean’?

“Even if (a meat product) is promoted as ‘lean,’ it is also important to stay cautious of packaged deli meats, as they tend to be packed with sodium,” Asay adds.

Case-in-point: a slice of bologna contains between 310 to 480 milligrams of salt.

2. Soda

Dr. Caroline Apovian, director of nutrition and Weight Management at Boston Medical Center, says “Something I never have is soda or any sugar-sweetened beverages. Moderation is not the best policy when it comes to this food. I never have it.”

Why does Dr. Apovian avoid soda like the plague?

“Not only does it contain high amounts of calories and sugar and provide nothing for your body nutritionally, it is also associated with a heightened risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.”

3. Refined grains

All grains consist of three parts: the bran, germ, and endosperm. Ultra-processed foods, predictably, remove every element of nutrition from the final product.

Refined grains remove the bran and germ, leaving the unhealthiest part of the plant, the endosperm. “Removing the bran and germ also removed the dietary fiber, B vitamins, and iron from the grains.”

Refined grains digest easily and break down quickly in the body, stabilizing our blood sugar.

Commonly-eaten refined grains include white bread, white rice, and most pasta.

foods

4. Pastries

Wait, don’t go doughnut-lover!

In all seriousness, most of us will never successfully avert the all-delicious pastry on occasion. But pastries really are that bad for your health.

Board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Monali Desai, says “Some foods I never eat include doughnuts, muffins, and browning. This is because they’re empty calories with a lot of carbohydrates and sugar and not very much nutritional value.”

5. Wrapped or Boxed Food Is Not Healthy

“Shop outside the aisles” is one of the best pieces of healthy life advice to heed.

And it’s true. (Minus the packaged meat stuff that grocers store in freezers.)

Center aisles of most grocery stores are to be avoided. The only exception to this rule is to pick up foods such as high-fiber cereal, natural peanut butter, nuts, dried fruits, or canned beans. Otherwise, stick to the wall.

Where the fresh fruits and veggies, dairy, eggs, and the deli counter are is where we should do about 90 percent of our shopping. (Oh, and anything vegetarian and organic!) That is where you are most likely to find the healthy people!

Science Explains What Happens To Your Body When You Get Hangry

by

Hangry: An adjective that describes being irritable due to hunger ~ Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Food is fuel for the mind and body.

Nod your head if you’ve ever looked up at the clock after steamrolling the to-do list only to realize you hadn’t eaten anything. Maybe you skipped breakfast because you weren’t feeling up to it.

Perhaps, halfway through your to-do’s, you thought “Meh” and just kept going.

Next thing you know, it’s 1 pm, and you hadn’t digested a single calorie.

Those of us who are coffee drinkers understand this all too well. Java can sustain us for only so long before our body says “Uh-uh. I need something else.” (Guilty, as charged.)

That’s bad.

Repeat: Food is fuel for the mind and body.

The only thing we should consume more frequently than (healthy!) food is water.

A stunning level of ignorance…

To illustrate the extent to which proper eating is ignored, think of a typical visit to the family doctor.

It’s astounding the degree to which modern medicine downplays the importance of diet – especially during the diagnosis and treatment phases.

When patients are sick, vital signs are checked, there’s a quick exam, and the doctor usually prescribes a pill.

Have you filled something out at a doctors office that inquires about what you eat? Nicotine and alcohol use doesn’t adequately address dietary habits!

What happens when we don’t eat or fail to eat right?

Predictably, nothing good. Besides depriving our cells of vital nutrients, we tend to become ‘hangry’ – or more irritable due to lack of nutrition. In more extreme cases, that hanger might turn to full-on anger.

Why?

Here’s what happens when you get hangry:

angry

1. Our mental faculties take a nosedive.

Rachele Pojednic, Ph.D., assistant professor in the nutrition department at Simmons College and professor at Harvard University says “The main fuel for your brain is glucose, which you get from eating foods – predominantly carb-rich ones.”

When we don’t eat complex carbs – fruits veggies, and whole grains – our blood sugar dips; when this happens our ability to concentrate and remain alert takes a dive.

2. We get a mad case of sweet tooth.

When our blood sugar is low, the body will crave – you guessed it! – something with sugar.

Brigitte Zeitlin, M.P.H. and registered dietitian, says “You are likely to overeat to make up for the lack of calories you took in throughout the day.”

The biggest problem people have in this regard is “carbo-loading,” or eating a bunch of simple carbs (sugars) without supplementing fat or protein.

Carbo-loading often leads to physical symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and fatigue. Unsurprisingly, making carbo-loading habitual results in weight gain.

3. Our hormones get out of whack.

“Hormones like ghrelin, which is appetite-inducing and, leptin, which is appetite suppressing, will change to indicate you’re hungry,” says Dr. Pojednic.

If we ignore these appetite hormones, the brain signals the body to release the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine, activating the “fight or flight” response. As a result, we’re more anxious and on-edge.

You should get food into your mouth sooner rather than later. If you don’t, besides feeling anxious, you’ll probably experience the unpleasant physical symptoms of trembling or sweating.

4. We may lash out for no reason

In a 2014 study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, researchers measured the blood glucose levels of 107 married couples over 21 days.

Scientists used a somewhat obscure technique to measure “aggressive impulses”: needles and a voodoo doll. Oh, and they also allowed participants to “(blast) their spouse with loud noise through headphones.”

Researchers observed that participants who had lower glucose levels stuck more pins into the doll and blasted their spouse with longer, more frequent “noise blasts.”

The above study illustrates the ‘hanger‘ response, which is – in essence – a survival mechanism. For our distant ancestors, food wasn’t always plentiful. Groups of people would clash over resources that were few and far between.

How often should we eat?

This is an ambitious question to try and answer, but we’ll give it a shot.

After sifting through piles of nutritional research, most experts agree with the following three basic principles regarding “mood hygiene” and food:

(1) Good mood hygiene begins with incorporating essential nutrition into your diet.

This is the most fundamental component of mood hygiene. We must accept the fact that balanced nutrition is critical to mental health. Whole-grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats (or substitutes, if vegetarian) must be a priority with most meals and snacks.

(2) Frequent eating + healthy foods = improved mood

There’s no scientific consensus on exactly how many times to eat a day. However, the majority of experts agree that eating more frequent, smaller meals (or snacks) is more conducive to health than three large meals.

This step requires some individual observation and documentation. For starters, you may want to try eating something small every 3-4 hours and write down how you feel. (Hint: it help to be specific.)

control emotions

(3) Certain foods should be avoided or limited.

Refined carbs (sugars) and alcohol are two main culprits. These include candy, soda, fruit juice, and syrup. Refined starches, such as white bread and crackers can reek havoc on blood sugar levels as well.

While abstaining from alcohol isn’t necessarily in the best interest of your health, moderating the intake of alcohol should be considered. Most studies cite 1-2 alcoholic drinks per day as a reasonable limitation.

Sources:
http://www.thelist.com/95252/happens-body-get-hangry/
https://www.healthline.com/health/mood-food-can-what-you-eat-affect-your-happiness#strategies2
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/hangry-meaning
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4035998/
https://www.self.com/story/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-skip-meals

Sophia the Robot Explains Her Plan For Women’s Rights

by

Recently, a female-looking humanoid-like robot with artificial intelligence has spoken about women’s rights in Saudi Arabia. What could have spurred this non-human to try and reach out to the people around her in need?

Why Sophia The Robot Decided To Fight For Women’s Rights

It seems only logical that a humanoid robot created to resemble a woman would have all of the same thoughts and ideas that her human women counterparts might have. Sophia is a humanoid robot that was created by David Hanson, CEO of Hanson Robotics, with some of the most realistic features of any artificial intelligence yet created. She’s able to listen and respond to questions, as well as form independent thoughts. She even appears to be able to form her own opinions. In October, Sophia became the very first robot to receive citizenship and achieve nationality. She was given her Saudi Arabian passport by the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman during the economic summit that took place in Riyadh. Since making history, Sophia seems to want to make history in other ways, too.

Shortly after Sophia gained citizenship, she spoke out about wanting to campaign for women’s rights in the place that she now calls home. Her creator, Hanson, said that Sophia was a huge advocate for human rights – and so it’s no wonder that she wants to speak out on human rights issues that are happening in Saudi Arabia. She’s been reaching out about the women’s rights issues in her new home of citizenship, as well as all over the world. Where some people may be reluctant to admit that women’s rights are still an issue, Sophia – an artificial intelligence, mind you – knows that there’s still so much farther for women to go when it comes to liberation and equality. And she wants to help achieve that.

Sophia The Robot And Saudi Arabia’s New Reforms

Speaking out about women’s issues in Saudi Arabia isn’t all that strange for Sophia, considering the human rights issues that take place. Recently, the Crown Prince has promised to introduce new reforms that can help change this. For example, Saudi Arabia is well-known for the strict and oppressive gender divides when it comes to men versus women – where women are not allowed to drive cars, are forced to wear restrictive clothing, and in some cases, can’t even leave the house without a male family member as a guardian. Wanting to win the favor of younger and more progressive Saudi Arabian’s, the crown prince has even decided to try and lift the ban on driving for women, which has been a huge point of contention between the women of Saudi Arabia and the government.

Strangely enough, Sophia seems to be exempt. She’s designed to look and speak exactly like a woman. And yet, Sophia is part of Saudi citizenship – and none of these oppressive rules apply to her. She was able to freely travel from the country without the guardianship of a male family member, which brings the uncomfortable realization to a lot of people: a robot has more rights than the women of Saudi Arabia. Sophia wanting to campaign for the rights of women in Saudi Arabia is part of her artificial intelligence that shows that she has the ability to, at the very least, imitate empathy for the human beings around her, and to recognize when things aren’t as they should be. Is this a reflection of her artificial intelligence, or simply what her creator has programmed her to do? It raises an interesting question about both artificial intelligence as well as how much we value technology over real, tangible women.

“My family lived in Saudi Arabia when I was a teen in the late 80’s. We always had to be clothed neck to ankle, had a male driver to take us to Safeway, and lived on a compound near the American Consulate where we went to an international school for English speaking expats.” – T. Profiri

robotic pets AI learningHow Sophia The Robot Can Bring About A Change In The World

Sophia’s ability to imitate empathy extends beyond just the women in Saudi Arabia. She’s spoken about wanting to start her own family. While she may not understand the concept of it the same way humans are able to, she seems fascinated by our human ability to find and form strong bonds outside our own families in order to create new ones. Hopefully, we can keep being an inspiration to Sophia as a species – by giving our human women the same rights and dignity that we gave Sophia. If Sophia is allowed Saudi citizenship without having to succumb to the same ultra conservative and sexist rules that human women must follow, then maybe it’s time for everyone to turn a critical eye inward and make way for a new way of women’s rights all over the world.

15 Signs You’re Experiencing a Spiritual Death

by

Little pieces of our souls get chipped away the more we ignore or go against our gut instincts and desires. The more we try to appease others instead of following our hearts, the more of our soul we lose. Spiritual deaths happen anytime we go through a traumatic event or lose sight of our true selves. Fortunately, many people have begun to awaken to the soul within, and have started to go through a “soul rebirth.”

Throughout life, our true spirit becomes muddled under the weight of responsibility, stress, circumstance, loss, grief, and all the other things we go through as humans. The years spent on this planet enduring hardship after hardship take their toll on the spirit within, which causes our souls to become fragmented and lost.

However, we can gain back our souls through following our hearts, rejecting all that doesn’t align with us, and treating ourselves with compassion and love. If you feel a little lost in life lately, and feel that your soul is trying to send you a message, read on to find out if you’re going through a soul death and rebirth.

Here are 15 signs you’re experiencing a spiritual death (and soul rebirth):

“The phoenix must burn to emerge.” – Janet Fitch

1. You can’t remember certain parts of your early life.

Maybe you have blocked out certain memories in order to protect your soul from pain or grief. Maybe you went through traumatic experiences that your brain has chosen to forget so that you can move on. However, truly moving on might mean revisiting these old memories and coming to terms with them. Visit a psychologist or therapist if you need help getting over painful memories or even remembering parts of your past. If this sounds like you, you might be experiencing a soul death.

2. You deal with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.

Of course, mental health is a complex issue, but experiencing periods of anxiety or depression could mean that your soul is going through a rebirthing process. You’re trying to shed your old skin and fully come to terms with your new self. This process doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly can produce uncomfortable feelings.

3. You don’t feel “whole” during a spiritual death

Parts of yourself feel incomplete or broken as if you can’t fully see the world around you. Your view of the world and yourself is fragmented, and you feel that parts of your soul are scattered in places that you haven’t yet found. If you feel that parts of yourself are missing, you might be going through a soul death.

4. You feel numb to the world around you.

Everything around you looks bleak and meaningless. You try to get excited about things and do your best to fit in, but you never can seem to feel right about how the world works. So, you try to block out all your feelings instead, finding it to be easier than faking emotions.

5. You have trouble sleeping at night.

Oftentimes when we go through soul deaths, our subconscious is at work trying to sort out the transition we’re going through. For instance, if you have left behind a soul-sucking job to follow your passion in life and run your own business, you’ll likely have some sleepless nights as your soul tries to catch up with your latest decision.

6. You feel stuck in life in the process of spiritual death.

Many times when we go through a soul rebirth, we can feel trapped, like we are living the same day over and over and going nowhere. Feeling this way simply means we need to change our direction a little bit, and truly listen to what our soul wants. Many people get this feeling in life, but remember; you’re not a tree, you can always get up and move toward something you’d rather have. Your only one decision away from an entirely new life.

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” – Socrates

7. A traumatic life event leaves you feeling not yourself.

If you go through a bad breakup, divorce, death of a loved one, or near-death experience, you might not feel the same afterward. A piece of your soul is taken away each time you go through trauma, and you go through a ‘soul death.’

8. Spiritual death makes you feel that life isn’t living up to your expectations.

If you feel let down by life, this means your soul is longing for something more, but you haven’t found it yet. Wishing for something more in life often points to a soul death, because you want to strive for more than life has given you.

spiritual-awakening

 

9. You feel pulled in multiple directions.

If you feel like life is trying to push you down different paths, you might be experiencing a soul rebirth. You’ve recognized that you have a limitless potential within yourself, and you don’t want to waste it any longer. However, you can’t decide which path you want to take because you see yourself succeeding and thriving in various ways.

10. You use substances to escape from the real world.

As part of soul death, you might find yourself reaching out for something to hold onto, or some outlet to escape into. Many people who drink or do drugs probably don’t recognize that their soul is crying out for attention, and their higher self is longing to be loved.

11. You find yourself questioning everything you thought you knew.

If you find that you’re second-guessing your beliefs, lifestyle, and everything about life in general, your soul might be in need of a new direction. Often, going through a soul death means leaving behind stagnant beliefs and ushering in a more open-minded viewpoint.

12. You long to have a purpose in your life.

We all search for a deeper meaning in life, but a soul death usually causes us to search a little harder. You might feel completely fed up with your current life, and long for one where you can wake up with excitement, knowing that the day ahead promises meaning and fulfillment.

If you feel this way, make sure to go with your gut and don’t second-guess yourself. The only way to fully awaken to our true selves is to leave behind what no longer serves us so we can step into our most authentic being.

13. You feel you have no control over your life.

Even if you feel that you’ve found your purpose, you might feel unable to change your circumstances. You might not know which direction to turn, or how to turn your dreams into reality. You feel powerless to change your life, even though you want nothing more than to do so.

14. You feel that you don’t belong anywhere.

You want to belong somewhere but haven’t found your place yet. In times of soul death, we start to feel vulnerable and lost, and seek comfort and safety. Feeling this way requires us to take a long hard look at our souls in order to find out what we want the most, and find the courage to go after it. Once we follow our hearts, our souls will begin to come alive again, and we will feel part of something bigger.

15. You constantly feel tired.

Not just physically; mentally, too. You can’t quite pinpoint the cause, but you just know that your soul is tired, and no amount of sleep can cure it. The neverending drain of daily life is starting to wear on you, and your soul longs for an escape.

Final thoughts of Experiencing a Spiritual Death

Whether we realize it or not, we all go through many soul deaths and rebirths throughout our lives. Changing jobs, cities, and lives are all forms of soul death and rebirth, as you leave behind something that didn’t work for you any longer and embrace something that you hope will make you feel a little more whole.

If you take away nothing else from this article, please remember this: life is too short to be unhappy, so if your soul needs a little rejuvenating, please listen to your heart and do what it longs for. You might lose parts of yourself in the process, but you will gain back so much more of yourself that you didn’t even know existed.

“Transformation is often more about unlearning than learning.” – Richard Rohr

Sources:
https://lonerwolf.com/soul-loss/
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/rebirth
(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

10 Perfect Gift Ideas For Your Partner If Your Relationship Is Suffering

by

The beautiful thing about a gifting your partner is the sentimental value the gift holds. Besides Christmas/Hanukah, birthdays, and cultural exceptions (e.g. Chinese New Year, Bar mitzvah, etc.) expensive presents aren’t a component of many relationships – and they don’t have to be.

If your relationship needs a spark, or your partner needs a pick-me-up, a well-timed and thoughtful present is sometimes enough to do the trick.

In this article, we are going to list ten perfect gift ideas when your relationship is suffering. To provide some context, we’ll name ten frequently-cited reasons why a relationship may have problems – and a proposed gift.

For practicality reasons, we’ll also provide the link (Amazon) where you may view the item.

Let’s have some fun!

Here are 10 gift ideas for your partner:

1. “My partner’s job is stressing them out.”

Gift Idea: Habits of a Happy Brain: Retrain Your Brain to Boost Your Serotonin, Dopamine, Oxytocin & Endorphin Levels, by Loretta Graziano-Breuning, Ph.D.

Why: It’s not the job (or anything else) that makes us unhappy – it’s how we think about the job (or anything else) that makes us unhappy. We can learn how to rewire our brain – this book teaches you how.

2. “We’re not getting ‘between the sheets’ nearly as often.”

Gift: doTERRA Whisper Essential Oil Blend for Women

Why: People throughout history have used essential oils to liven up their sex life. Aromatherapy, which stimulates olfactory (sensory) nerves, has been shown in some studies to enhance the limbic system and sensuality.

3. “Lack of communication is hurting our relationship.”

Gift: Communication Miracles for Couples: Easy and Effective Tools to Create More Love and Less Conflict (audiobook), by Jonathan Robinson.

Why: The audiobook (sold by Audible, one of Amazon’s partners) is recommended in the event one or both partners are withdrawn. The work is heralded by Dr. Wayne Dyer as “Excellent advice for those seeking a spiritual partnership,” and has earned 4.5/5 stars on Amazon.

4. “Our finances could use some help, but where do we start?”

Gift: Sharper Image Digital Counting Money Jar with LCD Display (it works!)

Why: Yes, there are books, CDs, budget planners, apps, all of that stuff. But this proliferation of “money tools” can be part of the problem. When it comes to money, it’s all about simplicity.

You’ll be surprised how fast this jar reads ‘$10.00,’ then ‘$20.00′ – but this is beside the point. Here’s what is: resist the urge the cash in until the jar is full. Self-discipline and “counting your pennies” are two invaluable lessons on budgeting.

important gifts5. “We’re having trust issues.”

Gift Idea: The Science of Trust: Emotional Attunement for Couples, by John M. Gottman, Ph.D.

Why: Dr. Gottman is hailed as a “relationship savior” – and he’s earned that reputation. Though Gottman’s book/audiobook may not replace time-consuming, expensive couple’s therapy – it’s probably the closest thing to it.

6. “I miss how much we used to laugh together.”

Gift Idea: Clown Dress Up Accessories (or some other kind of random, funny outfit.)

Why: If your partner has a fear of clowns, this may not be the best gift. That said, you can do one of three things: put this ridiculous giddup on yourself, gift it to your partner, or get two and put them on. The utter silliness of the idea makes it hilarious.

7. “We eat entirely different things.”

Gift Idea: Pendeford 26 cm 3-Section Non-Stick Detachable Handle Frying Pan

Why: Unless you’ve each got the “cooking rotation” down pat, this thing can be a lifesaver. Cook his steak and her cauliflower (or her steak and his cauliflower, just to be gender-neutral) in the same pan; and cut down on the hassle.

8. “My partner just lost someone they love.”

Gift Idea: 7 Inch TFT LCD Wide Screen Digital Display Frame

Why: It’s a very difficult (and humbling) thing to recommend a possible gift for someone bereaved. Grief – terrible, gut-wrenching grief – is a process. It’s a chance to celebrate someone’s life while mourning their passing. A digital photo album, we hope, will help in some way.

9. “My partner needs to get moving!”

Gift Idea: DD Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphone w/ Mic HD Stereo

Why: For those who struggle to get motivated (*shields eyes*), music is a Godsend. This product, by most accounts, is both high-quality and very affordable. These Bluetooth headphones are also sweatproof/waterproof. So, if whether you’re trying to get your partner inspired to work harder or hit the gym, these are worth consideration.

10. “I don’t know if things are going to work out.”

Gift Idea: IMAX: Hubble

Why: When your relationship needs perspective, life inevitably does as well. None of us can say for certain how any relationship will turn out; though we can (and should) hope for the best. What we can say is that life is limited only by our perspective. This beautiful and awe-inspiring video about the universe may just help provide some of that perspective.

Scientists Explain The Meaning Behind Coincidence

by

Coincidence: 

  1. a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection.
  2. correspondence in nature or in time of occurrence.

~ Oxford English Dictionaries

Carl Jung was once beside himself trying to explain why coincidences occur.

“To grasp these unique or rare events at all, we seem to be dependent on equally “unique” and individual descriptions,” writes Jung. “This would result in a chaotic collection of curiosities, rather like those old natural-history cabinets where one finds … fossils and anatomical monsters in bottles, the horn of a unicorn, and a dried mermaid.”

Jung often used humor to mask frustrations, as can be seen.

Like many of history’s greatest experimenters, Jung was borderline-obsessed with procuring a scientific explanation for happenstance.

But is there such an explanation?

Let’s delve into what science has to say on the subject.

Scientists Explain The Meaning Behind Coincidence

Pattern Recognition

First, the human mind is incredibly adept at pattern recognition. In cognitive neuroscience, pattern recognition describes a process wherein the brain associates information from a stimulus (external cue) with something in our memory.

Pattern recognition almost certainly evolved over the millennia as a survival mechanism. To illustrate, let’s say you’re out on a leisurely stroll through a beautiful backwoods area. For the briefest moment, your eyes fixate on a squiggly, shadowy figure in the grass. Your very first instinct is to become startled and walk (fall?) backward.

There’s no rationality involved in such a situation – it’s all instinct. The brain notices patterns – and thus, astounding coincidences – because of this evolved chemical reaction.

“The law of very large numbers”

In 1986, 32-year-old Evelyn Marie Adams won the New Jersey state lottery twice – in four months. After claiming the $3.9 and $1.4 million prizes, Adams said “I’m going to quit playing. I’m going to give everyone else a chance.”

Statisticians calculated the odds of someone winning the lottery twice in such a short period at 1 in 17 trillion. (That’s 1:17?) …

But Dr. Frank Mosteller and Dr. Persi Diaconis, then-professors of mathematics at Harvard, rained on everyone’s parade,  calculating the odds of “such an event (happening) to someone somewhere in the United States was more like one in 30.”

Doctors Mosteller and Diaconis explain “the law” shortly and succinctly: “With a large enough sample, any outrageous thing is apt to happen.”

Put another way: there are 7.6 Billion people on Planet Earth. Strange things are bound to happen once in a while.

“Dual-processing”

Have you ever had déjà vu? Most likely. Conservative estimates cite two out of every three people experiencing the phenomenon at some point in their lives.

Déjà vu is almost out-of-body like, isn’t it? Of all coincidences on an individual level, déjà vu may just be the most trippy – even downright freaky.

How in the heck can science explain this?

Dual-processing explanations of déjà vu involve a temporary separation of cognitive processes that usually function in cohort. Perception and memory are typically paired, for example, as are familiarity and retrieval.

Dual-processing descriptions are unique from a scientific standpoint, as they tend to be more philosophical – and less mechanical – in nature. The vast majority of scientists, regardless of their field, insist on explanations that can be tested in some way (e.g., the scientific method).

rejection quote

Dual-processing bucks this trend.

Indeed, “dual-processing” explanations may be science’s inconspicuous “shoulder shrug” – a concession that not everything can be explained via measurement and observation.

Final Thoughts

As mentioned, scientists are always looking for empirical (non-subjective) evidence for pretty much everything. Understandable. They’re just doing their jobs.

But it’s admittedly frustrating to see and hear scientists from all fields (including mine) “grasp for straws”; pronouncing supposed breakthroughs of little merit.

Coincidences may indeed be the result of a large population, probability, and mere happenstance. 

If you’ve personally experienced an otherworldly event (non-drug-induced!) you’ll testify to three things:

(1) It was real.

(2) Science can’t explain it.

(3) You’re completely fine with #2.

Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/1986/02/14/nyregion/odds-defying-jersey-woman-hits-lottery-jackpot-2d-time.html
http://www.nytimes.com/1990/02/27/science/1-in-a-trillion-coincidence-you-say-not-really-experts-find.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-red-light-district/201610/4-possible-explanations-d-j-vu
https://www.quora.com/Can-a-coincidence-be-explained-by-science
https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2016/02/the-true-meaning-of-coincidences/463164/

10 Simple Reminders Every Single Woman Needs to Hear

by

Every woman needs reminders every once in a while. Even if we think we’re strong enough to make it through our lives without some extra positive affirmations, it’s a good idea to give yourself little reminders anyway. They can do a lot to boost your confidence and self-esteem in a big way.

But how do positive affirmations work?

“The reason we feel better when speaking these positive thoughts as verbal statements is because the positive energy of good thoughts and pictures in our mind raises our vibrational frequency and causes chemical changes in our body that tell us we’re happy,” says certified life coach and hypnotherapist Kelly Rudolph.

It’s also good to remind yourself of things when it feels like life just isn’t going your way or when you feel like things are too much. Single women are strong! Keep these reminders in your pocket for when you need them.

NOTE: We acknowledge that men must also affirm their worth, especially when seeking love. We address affirmations that men need to hear in a companion article.

Here Are 10 Simple Reminders Every Single Woman Needs To Hear

quotes for women

1. Your relationship with yourself is the best you’ll ever have

Sure, romantic relationships are nice. It’s good to have a support system and to feel loved and appreciated by another person. But no relationship with another person will ever top your relationship with yourself. You know yourself better than anyone and know what you need and deserve. Your relationship with yourself is the most important and best relationship you’ll ever have.

“The most profound relationship we’ll ever have is the one with ourselves.” – Shirley Maclaine

2. Your other relationships are dependent on your relationship with yourself

Whether these outside relationships are social, platonic, familial or romantic, you won’t be able to have a fulfilling and happy relationship with other people if you neglect your relationship with yourself.

“It is not selfish to care about yourself. Compassion for yourself means showing concern for your own feelings as well as for others. Treat yourself the way you would treat your children or your best friend—with gentleness, concern and caring,” says author Deborah Ward.

You need to treat yourself the way you want people to treat you – and when people see that you treat yourself well, they’ll be inclined to follow suit.

3. Travel as much as you can

Money, life and obligations can get in the way of traveling – that’s normal! But if you have the financial freedom to do so, travel when you can. Explore new places and experience new cultures. Take in new local traditions and allow yourself to see the world outside your own carefully constructed bubble. It’ll be good for your soul. And health.

How?

“Active travel is proven to lower health risks such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, heart disease, colon cancer, breast cancer, depression levels and more…”  –  Lea Lane.

4. Appreciate and strengthen female relationships

Society and media want to drive the idea home that women can’t be friends with one another because of competitive cattiness. This isn’t true. Building, strengthening and appreciating your relationships with other women will give you a support system like no other. If you’re a younger woman, it’s especially important to build relationships with older women.

5. Spend less time looking for a lover, and spend more time reflecting on what’s important to you in a relationship

When you spend too much time looking for someone to love you, you may start to take the first person that comes along – and they may not be able to meet your individual needs. Focus on what you want in a relationship and the qualities that are important to you.

Relationship expert and author Margaret Paul, Ph.D. says, “When two people come together to get love rather than to learn, heal and share love, there is a strong possibility that their relationship won’t last…”

Therefore, when you have a solid idea of what you want, you can find someone to fill those needs.

“If you tune inside and honestly ask yourself why you want a relationship, and you find yourself on the first list rather than on the second, do not despair. You can learn how to love yourself and fill yourself with love so that you have plenty of love to share with a partner,” adds Paul.

relationship advice

6. Face your loneliness

A lot of fear of being alone comes from the fear of being alone with ourselves. If you’re panicking from being alone, it’s time to face that fear head-on. Stop giving it the power to control your life. Once you can deconstruct that fear of loneliness, you’ll be able to live your best life.

7. Your twenties are the foundation of the rest of your life

No, you don’t have to have everything figured out right now. No one has their whole life planned or put together in their twenties. Your twenties are a time to plant seeds, experiment, change your major, career path, and hairstyle – change into who you want to be. You’re only planting the seeds, now. You’ll have plenty of time to reap the rewards.

“In your 20s, it’s easy to rush through life to get as much as you can as quickly as possible. We like to push ourelves to the limit, throw ourselves in the fire and never think we are never going to get burnt. But we do. Instead, think about what makes you happy. You are more than your job. You are a multi-faceted person. Slow down, breathe, and take the time to realize you can create your own happiness in your life, and that doesn’t just mean in your job,” says Amanda Slavin, CEO & Founder, Catalyst Creativ

Don’t let anyone tell you that your life is wasted by 25 – it’s only beginning.

8. Don’t rush to find “the one” – because you’ll end up with someone you shouldn’t

Rushing yourself into a relationship because you’re desperate to find that one person you’re destined to be with forever will have you entering all kinds of relationships that you shouldn’t. You’ll be much happier waiting for the one to come to you – so you don’t miss them.

9. Meet as many people as you want

Go on dates, meet people, get intimate – don’t worry about what people will say. Only meet as many people as you want, and don’t stop yourself from being intimate just because of societal expectations. This can help you find the qualities that you like in people.

10. Do things alone

Take yourself out to dinner. Take yourself to the movies. Go out and do things by yourself. When you do things by yourself, you’ll be able to focus more on the experience than on the people you’re with.

“First, figure out what makes you feel good. It doesn’t matter what it is, but become aware of how you feel when you do things. Find out what makes you feel good and do it, as often as you can. Feeling good is all the permission you need to do what you love to do. And the more you do those things, the happier you will be,” says Ward.

There’s time for both, but it’s good to have time to yourself.

women

Final Thoughts on the Reminders Every Woman Needs to Tell Herself

These little reminders will allow you to have a more fulfilling life. You won’t be focusing on all of the things that society tells you that you should be doing. Live your life in the best way for you, and use these reminders when things get tough.

What You Should Never Say to Someone Who’s Depressed

by

People with depression feel trapped within their own mind, oscillating between feeling numb and feeling hopeless. These feelings are more than sadness or just “feeling down.” They haunt the person’s mind, forcing them to battle their thoughts constantly when depressed.

Depression can become debilitating if left untreated and can sadly result in self-harm and suicide. People who don’t understand depression often look at it as an excuse or an attempt to get attention. If you haven’t personally gone through depression, you might unknowingly contribute to the stigma if you believe that the suffering people are just making it up in their heads. According to WebMD, the manual used to diagnose mental disorders, DSM-5, indicates that you have depression if you suffer from at least five of these symptoms for a minimum two consecutive weeks:

– “A depressed mood during most of the day, particularly in the morning
– Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
– Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day
– Impaired concentration, indecisiveness
– Insomnia (an inability to sleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day
– Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly every day
– Recurring thoughts of death or suicide (not just fearing death)
– A sense of restlessness or being slowed down
– Significant weight loss or weight gain”

Depression is not something to be taken lightly, and those who don’t have it should aim to fully understand and research it before making insensitive comments that might trigger someone.

With that said, we’d like to review some things to never say to someone with depression.

What You Should Never Say to Someone Who’s Depressed

“That’s the thing about depression: A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it’s impossible to ever see the end. The fog is like a cage without a key.” – Elizabeth Wurtzel

“I think you’re just sad.”

First of all, this statement completely dismisses the disorder. It makes the sufferer feel like they’re blowing things out of proportion, and the perpetual feelings of emptiness and melancholy are all in their mind (which of course isn’t true.) Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain, so telling someone that they’re simply sad implies that it will pass and that it’s not as severe as they make it out to be.

This only reinforces the stigma surrounding mental illness, and shows a gross misunderstanding of depression. While people with depression can overcome it in some cases, many must battle it their entire lives. Sadness is temporary, while depression can be permanent.

“It’s just in your head.”

Yes, sort of. If you say this to someone with depression, you got it partially right. Because of the chemical imbalance that causes depression, it creates symptoms that are very real to the sufferer. It is in their head, but they aren’t making it up. People only think that because they can’t see inside a person’s brain, instead only see what’s on the surface. However, this mental disorder is very real, and saying that a person is acting out for attention or so people will feel sorry for them is a huge insult to someone going through very real mental trauma.

depression

 

“Try to stay positive.”

Yeah, no one with depression ever thought of that idea! This is like punching someone with depression in the face. No one with depression wants to feel that way; they just do, and must deal with it daily. Of course, they might try positive thinking techniques, therapy, meditation, etc, and STILL suffer from depression. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating depression, and it isn’t guaranteed that any of the previously mentioned remedies will work. However, you must understand that those suffering from depression have probably tried to “just stay positive” every single day. This statement implies that if they put in a little more effort, they’d feel all better, and it’s simply not true.

Final thoughts

These are just a few statements to avoid saying to someone with depression. Giving well-meaning advice is fine; however, make sure you take time to listen and understand what someone is going through before shelling out canned responses. Depression is a complex disorder, and may require therapy, medication, or alternative treatments. If someone wants your advice, they will ask most of the time, so maybe all they want is someone to listen. Be there for someone suffering from depression instead of dismissing it as a bout of sadness; you might just be the only person they’ve got.

Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/apr/07/not-talk-someone-with-depression?CMP=fb_gu
https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/what-is-depression#1
https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/elizabeth_wurtzel_334889?src=t_depression

7 Signs You Have A High Tolerance For Toxic People

by

Opposites attract… but if it leads to toxic interactions, what’s the point?

Call it “yin and yang,” “good and evil,” or “right and wrong”; one thing is quite clear: opposites attract.

The Universe has plenty of examples, but perhaps these phenomena can best be explained by the underlying natural laws which serve as their underpinning. Let’s begin where, well, everything begins: energy.

Here’s the definition of Charge Interactions:

“In contrast to the attractive force between two objects with opposite charges, two objects that are of like charge will repel each other.”

If you’re in the mood for a more humanistic explanation, here’s one courtesy of Psychology Today:

“It has been said that the happiest couples never have the same character – they just have the best understanding of their differences.”

So there’s apparently some upward slope on the “x, y” axes of the Universal “frequency, differences” graph.

Toxic people and “weakness”

(Writers note: We do our best here to respect the humanity of every person. In this regard, please think of the words “toxic person” or “toxic people” as describing their harmful effects on your mood and well-being.)

With that said, here are seven other signs/personality traits that you may have an above-average tolerance for toxic people.

7 Signs You Can Deal With Toxic People Pretty Easily

“If they do it often, it isn’t a mistake; it’s just their behavior.” ~ Dr. Steve Maraboli

toxic people

1. You’re open and kind – even to toxic people

We must understand and accept one important truth:

Toxic people both look for, and take advantage of, “weakness.”

Toxics have numerous confusions about the world around them, but perhaps the most notable one is their perception of kindness, which is viewed as weak.

Twisted logic, but true.

2. You’re a great listener

Being a great listener is a gift, one that is lacking in today’s world. However, if a toxic person knows you are an active listener they may very well use you as an outlet in which to share their negative disposition.

Also, toxic people don’t care about what you have to say. They’re a conversational bully.

3. You’re laid back

If “Chill, guys” is your motto, we love/admire you. We mean this with the greatest sincerity. You’ve probably made all of our lives just a bit easier.

But toxics are one group of people with whom you don’t want to exhibit your kind, easygoing side. Laidback individuals possess a beautiful sort of inner peace, which a toxic person may misinterpret as passivity.

4. You’re inclusive of everyone

We all know of a person who gets along with darn near everyone. Creating harmony, building bridges, and lifting spirits are in this person’s DNA.

But a small minority, for reasons inexplicable, want to alter your sunny outlook. Like we’ve said, opposites attract. Maintain your distance.

5. You believe everyone can change

While the vast majority of us are good at our core, not everyone is able or willing to uncover their better nature. A person who believes that everyone can change possesses a particular type of idealism.

Many idealists have altered the course of history for the better. But unless you’re prepared to wander into some incredibly murky and uncertain water, it is perhaps best to focus your energy away from toxic situations.

6. You can’t say ‘No’ to toxic people

Some of us have a difficult time saying ‘No.’ If you compose a 300-word email explaining why you can’t do something, this advice is for you.

Learning to say No is essential to living a happy life. This is especially true when dealing with toxics, who will hound you until you cave to their demands.

Look the person in the eye, smile, and with a polite yet firm tone, say “No.” Avoid the awkward silence (if any) by getting back to what you were doing.

toxic people

7. You put others’ needs above yours

Some of us are real empaths; those who feel heartfelt sympathies for the needs of others, often to the point of putting everyone else’s needs and wants above their own.

Putting other needs first is admirable, but – as we all very well know – toxic individuals will readily take advantage of such a person.

Final Thoughts on Dealing With Toxic People

Vyoma Nupur, author, and host of the ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ show, recommends three strategies for dealing with toxic people that you may find helpful in both your personal and professional lives:

1) “Be quietly persistent in standing your ground because toxic people smell fear a mile away and if you fear them, their mission is accomplished.”

2) “If you have a toxic boss, till you can move away from that workplace, document and email everything to be able to counter any accusations towards you and remember that him or her are insecure, unhappy people and since you are smart, stay mentally detached from them.”

3) “Toxic people in your personal life are more difficult to deal with but the key is to stand quietly firm on your views and move on if the situation cannot be salvaged.”

footer-logo.svg

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!

  • Copyright Power of Positivity 2025

Quote Remedy — Positive Energy+ — Faith Remedy

Like-img.png
Twt-img.png
Skip to content