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11 Signs You’re About to Experience A Breakthrough

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Are you on the verge of a breakthrough that could change your life?

“For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, its insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it would look like complete destruction.” ~ Cynthia Occelli

Expanding upon the quote above from a wise woman, cracks in our souls and hearts allow light in. Without being broken first, we would have no idea how to feel joy, because we would have never experienced anything else. In life, it takes experiencing duality to really appreciate the good things on this Earth and within our hearts.

You may have gotten to a point where you no longer feel content with yourself, your surroundings, or your own beliefs. You feel something burning deep within your soul. But you can’t quite put your finger on it. You have a deep longing to understand life on a bigger scale, and move beyond just trying to survive. In other words, you want meaning, feeling, and purpose instead of all the materialism, greed, violence, and other forms of dis-ease we currently experience.

If you feel yourself about to go through a big transformation in life, listen to your gut, because your world might just turn upside-down right before you (in a good way, of course). Read on to see if you can relate to any of these “symptoms.”

11 Signs You May Be on the Verge of a Breakthrough

Do you see these signs of a breakthrough in your life?

1. You feel out of touch with this current reality.

None of the things happening on this planet make much sense to you anymore. In fact, you might feel disassociated and apathetic about the whole thing, and don’t know where to turn or what to think anymore. You might feel strangely like a spectator just watching the world pass you by without having the urge to participate. Don’t worry; this is entirely normal if you’re about to experience a breakthrough.

All this means is that you have recognized the many flaws in our lives and don’t want to take part in it anymore. Of course, the next step down the line is figuring out how you can still be in this world without being “of” it. That will come in time, but don’t ignore your gut feelings for now.

2. You want to give your body healthier foods.

You no longer wish to participate in the vicious cycle of eating junk food, getting sick, going to the doctor, and just getting sicker in the end. You’ve realized that this is just a mass corporate scheme to control others and line people’s pockets rather than take care of the people. You want no part in what should be a criminal act, and wish instead to avoid all the madness of “sickcare” and instead use medicine from the Earth to facilitate real health. After all, Hippocrates said it best: “Let thy food be thy medicine.” 

You have decided to thoroughly embrace this idea and take your health back into your own hands. You realize that you only get one body in this life, so it only makes sense to treat it like a temple!

3. You feel a sense of sadness and despair.

Many people think of an awakening or shift as an immediate removal of all the mental and physical weight we carry around with us daily. However, quite the opposite occurs: we must go through a period of releasing that weight rather than just dropping it all at once, because we have to actually allow ourselves to feel in the first place. Many of us have been repressing and bottling up emotions, or masking them with various substances. When you begin to have a breakthrough, you have to get through all of those heavy emotions by releasing them. Then, you’ll start to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

If you’ve started feeling more heavy emotions lately, you might be experiencing a personal breakthrough.

4. You have a deep desire to be alone.

Though you might love people, you simply don’t want to spend too much time around them. You want to spend all your time and energy trying to heal yourself from deep karmic wounds and get to know the “real” you, the one that’s been buried under society’s conditioning for so long. Being alone doesn’t have to mean loneliness; it actually can allow you to make a friend – yourself. Spending a lot of time in crowds just drains your energy, and you really don’t miss being around people all that much. Getting to know your soul is a very gradual, time-consuming process that requires solitude and deep introspection, and you welcome this opportunity with open arms.

alone

5. The walls between you and everything else seem to break down.

You may also start to feel a sense of Oneness with others even though you aren’t around them as much. You’ve started to see beyond the veil and know that we’re all connected at our core, though society likes to divide us so that some people can continue to control us. However, you see through this evil endeavor and know that the only way we can unite, is to come together in love and compassion for one another, and truly learn to love ourselves as well. You know that we all came from the same source, so there is no “us” and “them,” no “you” and “I.” There is only we, and all beings are beautifully connected in this intricate web of energy.

6. You no longer want to identify with your Ego.

Our egos love to label us, put us in boxes, make us fear rejection, cause us to compete and take more than what we need, and keep us locked in a cage. Our ego serves only to keep us alive and give us an identity, but many of us have abused our egos. We identify too much with them, allowing them to overtake our lives and ultimately destroy our planet. 

You only want to embody love, and have realized how much your ego weighs on your soul. To gain true freedom, you wish to go beyond the ego and find your soul, and this is a huge sign of a breakthrough.

7. You’ve become painfully aware of the fleeting nature of life.

You may feel as though time is moving faster, and you’re going nowhere. You feel yourself slowing down despite the world spinning faster around you, and paying more attention to your surroundings. As a result, you start to find bliss in appreciating the small things, and staying locked into the present moment. You’ve realized true peace in remaining the in now, and not worrying your mind with the doubts of the past and future.

You know that your life won’t last forever, so you’ve vowed to make yours count rather than waste it on things that don’t really matter.

8. You have a new desire for discipline and simplicity.

You don’t want to live your life on autopilot. Instead, you want to become the master of yourself, and transform into the best version of yourself. To do this, you know you must maintain a semblance of order and structure in your life. You no longer desire bad foods, alcohol, or spending hours in front of the TV droning out. You’d rather use your time working on your health, becoming aware of yourself and learning to appreciate simply being alive.

You might even take on the art of minimalism so that you can shed all of the physical clutter in your life and make it easier to clear out the mental chatter, too.

9. You no longer accept the scripted life you’ve led.

You’ve no interest in most of the mundane chores and responsibilities of daily life. You know we came here for much more than paying taxes and bills. Of course, working ourselves to death doing things that don’t really benefit our planet at all. You know that we create our own realities. Indeed, you will anything into existence if we just believe and work hard at achieving our goals. You don’t want to spend the next 40+ years of your life working toward someone else’s dreams; you want to make your own come to life.

10. For a breakthrough, you must realize that you have to free yourself.

Unfortunately, no one will come in on a white horse and remove your chains for you. You must do it for yourself, and figure out how you can attain freedom in your own way. Everyone must fight for freedom, as ludicrous as that sounds, so you no longer will accept being bound by any of society’s rules and conditioning. You live your life as you see fit, and don’t care if it doesn’t fit the mold of modern living.

11. You want to spend more time in nature.

You can’t think of any place you’d rather be, honestly. We yearn for beautiful places and the natural world because we ARE part of it; we come from it, we breathe it, we bleed it, and we need it. Without nature, we would not survive. We will all return to the dirt in which we came eventually, so it makes no sense to separate ourselves from it for our entire existence on this Earth. You feel drawn to its solitude and wish to be wrapped in the arms of the sunlight. You want to come back in harmony with nature, because to breakthrough the walls we’ve built to divide us, we have to come out of them and return to our true home – our own backyards.

5 Warning Signs You’re Neglecting Your Body

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Neglecting your body right now…today…can lead to long-term consequences.

“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Your body is the only one you’re going to have – so it seems like the most sense to treat it right, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, many of us are often so busy with work, family, and other obligations that our long-term health can start to take a backseat. Thankfully, our bodies can talk to us – even if we’re not always listening.

“We all spend our lives hoping to be a better person than yesterday. To set a good example. To be kind and honest. But being kind and generous with your life and your energy serves no one when your body is silently suffering from lack of sleep and proper nourishment,” says holistic health coach Amber Chalus.

When our bodies start to show signs of distress, it’s important that we take the time out to listen to what they need and to make changes in our lifestyle. Neglecting your body is one way to make sure that both your physical and mental health will start to suffer. Making sure you know the signs of a neglected body means that you’ll be able to make the changes that it needs right away, rather than letting it get put off more and more.

Here Are 5 Warning Signs You’re Neglecting Your Body

self-neglect

1. Low body temperature

As most people know, a healthy body temperature is about 97.8 degrees, with about a one-degree margin on the higher side. Anything above 99.4 degrees is usually considered a fever, which is what most people know to look out for. However, a body temperature lover that 97.8 degrees is an indication that your body is seriously lacking some energy.

A low body temperature is a sign of both slow metabolic and thyroid function. Dr. David Jernigan says, “A low body temperature creates a happy home for viruses and chronic infections, and is a sign of degeneration and gradual cellular death.”

Therefore, if your temperature is consistently 1 to 2 degrees below the norm, it’s best to seek out a doctor and get your thyroid and metabolism checked out.

2. Suffering from chronic fatigue

If you’re feeling constantly tired, worn out, or like you just can’t get enough energy, your body is definitely trying to tell you something. Dieting can cause issues when it comes to being able to feel completely well-rested and ready to go. A diet that is low in carbohydrates means that your body isn’t getting enough energy that it needs for your day-to-day nutritional needs. It can also be a sign of poor blood sugar. Making sure your body is getting the right food and the right amount is more important than sticking to a crash or fad diet.

3. Experiencing insomnia or poor sleep quality

Do you ever have trouble falling asleep? Perhaps you find yourself staring at the ceiling well into the night, despite the fact that you’re so bone tired you could fall over if you tried to stand up. This is a sign of insomnia, and it means that your body is all out of fuel – and stress is the only thing keeping you going! Along with insomnia, having trouble staying asleep is another cry for help from your body. Talking to your doctor, or setting consistent bedtimes, is the best way to even out your sleeping patterns.

Like Dr. Neil B. Kavey mentions, “… consider the toll insomnia takes on your life, the effect it has on your family, your ability to work at a high level, and to socialize with others. The consequences are so enormous that it’s important to do something about it.”

4. Suffering from poor digestion

While nobody really wants to talk about what happens to our food after we’ve already eaten it, keeping an eye on how well your body is digesting that food can let you know when your body is having trouble. If you’re feeling constantly bloated, or your food is shooting right through you, this means that you’re having issues with your digestion. If your body can’t break down and use the nutrients you put in it, you may want to think about changing what you put in your body!

5. Inability to lose weight

If your weight fluctuates constantly, but you find it extremely difficult to lose the weight you’ve put on, your body is probably trying to tell you something! Dieting isn’t an exact science, but with all of the crazy fad and crash diets that have been pushed through the years, you may be trying to diet in a way that’s unhealthy and neglectful to your body’s real needs.

Dr. Peter LePort says, “If you haven’t been able to lose weight and you can’t understand why, you need to determine whether there’s a medical condition underlying your weight problem…”

Your body isn’t going to lose weight when you stop giving it the nutrients it needs. Rather, it’s going to hold onto the weight that you already have, because your body is trying to protect you. If you don’t give your body enough nutrients, it’s going to think that you’re not getting enough food! Make sure your body is getting exactly enough of what it needs, instead of not enough.

Your body knows what it needs, and it will always tell you exactly what that is! Sometimes, we just don’t know the language that our body is speaking! Thankfully, doctors and nutritionists are well versed in what it means when our bodies start acting haywire. Neglecting your body should not be an option. So iff something doesn’t seem right, or if any of these things seem to be happening to you, keep in contact with your doctor. You must immediately figure out the right way to fix them for a happy, healthier body.

https://youtu.be/7BNGVmwxoHI

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved
References:
http://www.amberchalus.com/blog/2016/04/26/body-neglect/
http://drsircus.com/light-heat/low-body-temperature-symptoms-causes-treat/
http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/features/why-arent-you-losing-weight#1

Do You “Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve”? Here’s 15 Things We All Struggle With

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Wearing your heart on your sleeve means that everyone can read your emotions, no matter how hard you try to hide them. You feel everything deeply, and can get hurt easily by others who disregard your emotions. You’re probably quite a complex person with a very giving, empathic nature, yet have been trampled and betrayed by those you love in the past.

You have been hurt many times, but you don’t let this stop you from opening your heart and letting others in again. It might take you some time recover each time someone hurts you, but you continue to wear your heart on your sleeve in the hopes that someone out there will hold it with care and not break it.

If this sounds like you, then you’ll likely relate to the struggles that people who feel everything too deeply must deal with in daily life.

Do you wear your heart on your sleeve? Then you know these struggles all too well:

1. You cry too easily and get your hopes up too quickly. 

It’s a double-edged sword, really, because you hate crying at the drop of a hat about the smallest things, but you also hate getting excited about something only to be let down. You would think being excited would be better than crying, but it isn’t if the excitement fades due to disappointment.

2. People are often taken aback by your strong opinions.

However, you can’t help but express how you feel, and you don’t always think twice before you say something. In fact, you rarely do, but this certainly livens up a conversation!

3. You feel drained by having so many emotions at once.

Because you feel everything so deeply, you don’t have much of an emotional skin. When you’re angry, you’re livid. When you’re happy, you’re ecstatic. When you’re sad, you’re distraught, and so on and so forth. You don’t know what balanced emotions feel like most of the time.

4. When someone breaks your heart, it feels like a knife going through it.

You fall in love easily and give your heart away quickly, so when someone abuses the privilege of having your heart, you feel like dying. It hurts when someone rejects you, and it makes you want to give up on love.

5. You either love something or you hate it.

There’s really no gray area with you; everything is black and white. You are obsessed with something (or someone) or you don’t want to touch it (or them) with a ten-foot pole.

6. You have an impulsive nature.

You wear your heart on your sleeve, which means your emotions come deeply and quickly, leading to possible last-minute decisions based on your feelings. You allow your heart to guide you through life, which means you don’t think much about your choices – you just allow life to happen and respond to it.

7. You’re not good at pretending.

This is a good thing, but in the fake world we live in, a lot of the social standards we’re expected to follow just won’t come easily to you. If you don’t like a job, everyone will know it. If something annoys you about society, you won’t be able to just pretend to be okay with it.

8. You can become guarded after being hurt too many times.

Though you don’t want to give up on humanity, staying open to people just gets hard after they let you down so much.

9. Other people call you “too sensitive” and tell you to “get over it.”

They just don’t know what it’s like to be you. You feel so much all the time that it can be quite overwhelming, but other people just think you’re being overdramatic. Being overly sensitive might get you hurt, but you can’t change your innate qualities. You might find yourself retreating from people much of the time just so you don’t have to deal with their judgement.

10. Other people can take advantage of you easier. 

Because you have a generous nature and connect to others through emotions, other people can take advantage of your kindness.

11. You tend to attract energy vampires. 

Energy vampires get their energy from kind, loving, positive people who feel sorry for others easily. Therefore, they’ll try to cozy up to you because they know you will give them the time of day and really get to know them and their story.

12. People can see right through you.

Though you may try to hide your emotions, people know how you really feel because it’s written all over your face.

13. You get annoyed when others don’t share your emotions.

Because you feel everything so strongly, you have a hard time understanding when others don’t feel the same way. You like it when others can relate to how you feel so you have someone to share it with.

14. You tend to move quickly in relationships.

On the plus side, this means that people who don’t have good intentions with you will be found out more quickly. However, this can sabotage otherwise healthy relationships by not allowing it to unfold at its own pace.

15. You need a lot of alone time to recharge.

Those who feel deep emotions, or empaths, need ample alone time to deal with how they feel. The world overwhelms you, so you need plenty of solitude to work through your feelings on your own time.

https://youtu.be/JMmqt9iTnbg

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved
Sources:
http://www.puckermob.com/lifestyle/26-struggles-of-girls-who-show-their-emotions-too-easily
https://thoughtcatalog.com/ari-eastman/2016/04/x-everyday-struggles-of-being-a-girl-who-wears-her-heart-on-her-sleeve/

The Dark Side of The Sensitive Person: What Every Empath Must Know About Themselves

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What is an empath?

An empath is a very sensitive individual. One could say they’re almost psychic-like in their ability to innately feel and perceive the emotional and cognitive state of others.

While one cannot say for certain, it isn’t beyond reason that some of the most influential humanitarians in history are genuine empaths.

Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad, Beatrice Webb, St. Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela, Harriet Beecher-Stowe … the list goes on.

One defining characteristic of history’s empaths (who were also humanitarians, more often than not) is their need to feel the pain of others. For it is only through feeling this pain that they can resonate with it.

St. Francis of Assisi, born into a wealthy family, gave up all of his wealth and worldly possessions. So he then joined the city’s homeless population, or “beggars.”

“He could not help noticing the contrast between the opulence and lavishness within – the brilliant mosaics, the spiral columns – and the poverty of the beggars sitting outside. He persuaded one of them to exchange clothes with him and spend the rest of the day in rags begging … it was one of the (great) empathy experiments in human history.”

Indeed, empaths are the salt of the earth.

But is there a dark side of being extremely sensitive?

Yes, as we will explain shortly.

dark empath

The Dark Side of The Sensitive Person: What Every Empath Must Know About Themselves

em-path: (chiefly in science fiction) a person with the paranormal ability to apprehend the mental state of another individual. ~ Oxford Dictionaries

An unlikely pair: narcissists and empaths

Narcissism is defined as:

“a psychological condition characterized by self-preoccupation, high self-esteem, a distinct lack of empathy, excessive self-admiration, and a tendency towards selfish or resentful behaviors.”

Narcissists are self-absorbed, manipulative, controlling, and egotistical.

How in the heck can a narcissist be related in any way to an empath?

Ironically, it’s the highly sensitive nature of both types.

An empath’s compassionate nature supplies their emotional pain but also fuels their abundance of empathy, compassion, consideration, and loving-kindness.

A narcissist’s extremely reactive and overly- sensitive nature breeds the opposite behaviors and emotions: bitterness, resentment, and even a need for vengeance.

This next point is important: the sensitive nature of both types of people contributes to their inner pain and suffering. A narcissist’s pain is a result of a bruised ego.

An empath’s pain results from the emotional and cognitive processing of suffering outside of themselves.

What’s the “connection”?

As unlikely as it may seem, narcissists and empaths frequently cross paths in life.

Why is this?

First, the obvious: narcissists are good at “sniffing out” other peoples “weaknesses.” It’s a tragic fact of humanity: the self-absorbed often prey on the selfless.

empath

Is there anything more to this strange link?

Well, if you believe in “yin and yang,” “nature’s balance,” karma, in other words – then you’re probably nodding your head “yes.”

The Law of Attraction, and, in many ways, the laws of physics, thermodynamics; energy are also at play. How?

The Nobel Prize-winning theoretical physicist Max Planck once said of consciousness:

“I regard consciousness as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative of consciousness. We cannot get behind consciousness. Everything that we talk about, everything that we regard as existing, postulates consciousness.”

It’s difficult to overrule one of the greatest minds in the history of science. In fact, flocks of scientists are just now catching up to Planck’s hypothesis.

Here’s a simple example of Planck’s theory: DNA. Every atom and subatomic particle within our DNA, while not (it is thought) able to perceive or feel, actively seek out each other for the organism (us) to live.

How does this relate to narcissists and empaths?

Consider the proton and electron particles. Protons (positive particles) and neutrons (neutral) are in the center or nucleus of the atom.

Electrons, the negative particles, “are located in the electron cloud which surrounds the nucleus of an atom (of protons and neutrons) accounting for most of the space an atom occupies.”

Now, we needn’t delve into the mystic or unknown. However, the relationship between opposing particles within an atom is similar to that of positive and negative people. This association, of course, includes empaths, narcissists, and many other personalities.

If Planck and numerous other top scientists are indeed correct, the chemical structure of the simplest matter in the universe may just have everything to do with every known relationship.

Final Thoughts on the Dark Side of Being a Sensitive Person

The dark side of being an empath is that they’re surrounded by negative energy – and negative people – of the world. As a result, the laws of nature direct empaths to help maintain the “balance” of humanity.

Even if it means they must sometimes suffer as a consequence.

To all empaths out there, you are loved. You are strong. And the planet is so fortunate to have you.

Blessings.

5 Signs Someone Is A High-Functioning Addict

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The tragedy of drugs.

In an article written in the New York Times, journalist Josh Katz cites the following:

“Drug overdose deaths in 2016 most likely exceeded 59,000, the largest annual jump ever recorded in the United States…”

Katz goes on to explain after taking information from Los Angeles drug rehab center, the growing opioid addiction in the U.S.; the illegal manufacturing and use of potent painkillers such as fentanyl, and how drug overdose is now the leading cause of death among Americans under age 50. People prefer the sober living lifestyle for a better future.

This crisis stems mainly from the cheap production and price of counterfeit drugs. There’s even a bogus elephant tranquilizer being sold that’s reportedly up to 5,000 times stronger than heroin.

Drugs Are a Public Health Crisis

There’s clearly a public health crisis, and it’s destroying lives.

The question now is what to do about it.

“Drugs are essentially poisons. The amount taken determines the effect,” says Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

The brain and mind are where drugs can be devastating. Drugs distort perceptions, obstruct sensations, and neutralize mental ability and awareness. The drug and alcohol rehab have experts that know how to help people deal with addiction withdrawals. If you are facing first time drug possession charges in Texas, it is crucial that you hire a criminal attorney.

The severe psychological effects of drugs are why it’s challenging for an addict to seek out help. Friends and family members, whose lives are also severely impacted, are often at a loss for what to do.

But there is hope. There’s a ray of light penetrating the dark cloud that is drug abuse. We’ll cite expert recommendations for recovery, as well as some helpful resources toward the end of the article.

But first, we must observe and understand the possible signs of drug dependence. As there exist numerous drugs and drug types – and thus, many symptoms and signs – we’ll break the signs into five categories: mental, physical, emotional, lifestyle, and finances/career.

5 Signs of Drug Use

“When a person is addicted, he doesn’t control his drug use; his drug use controls him … When an addict loses the ability to make a rational choice about whether or not to use drugs or alcohol, he or she is addicted.” ~ Narcotics Anonymous

1. Mental changes

Anyone else remember the old television commercial “This is your brain on drugs”?

Remember how the whole, shelled egg symbolized your “brain,” and how the cracked and fried egg represented your “brain on drugs?”

While the mental effects of narcotics are much more complicated than an egg, it’s a pretty accurate depiction of what happens to the brain when hooked on drugs.

Drugs alter user perception since they drastically change brain chemistry. This is why, after a certain period of abuse, drugs (literally) cause the person to stop being themselves.

They turn into someone else.

Mentally, the person cannot effectively engage in many activities (work, social life). Their mind is so preoccupied with the next high that their brain’s executive processes – thinking, learning, memory, etc. – are rendered nearly mute.

2. Physical changes

Apart from the severe damage that drugs do to a user’s organs – including the heart and brain – they almost always cause a visible change in appearance.

The drug(s) of choice plays a role in the addict’s physical changes.

An alcoholic may slur their speech, have bloodshot eyes, or demonstrate lack of coordination.

A heroin addict may have bad teeth, gum inflammation, or skin blisters.

And so on. You can find a comprehensive list of physical symptoms by drug on NA’s website.

3. Emotional changes

As mentioned, drugs change a person’s neurochemistry; and, as the body and mind are interconnected, this change takes its toll on the individual’s emotional life.

At first, drugs produce intense feelings of pleasure or euphoria. Cocaine, for example, manifests feelings of energy, power, and self-confidence. Heroin, one of the most addictive and dangerous drugs in existence, gives the addict a euphoric sense of relaxation and pleasure.

The problem is that the addict, just like any other person, will build a tolerance. They need more of the substance to feel the original high. Rapid tolerance is often followed by a sizable increase in dosage, which may lead to an overdose.

Severe mood swings, irritability, bipolar-like symptoms, lack of motivation, and anxiety are a few emotional changes one sees in the addict.

4. Lifestyle changes

When the mind, body, and spirit is absent, so is the person. They are no longer themselves, and this fact becomes quickly apparent in how they live.

A drug addict who was once the smiling, bubbly type may become forlorn and depressed. The “go-getter” that was ready to take the world by the horns now struggles to keep their job. The responsible and loving parent whose sole purpose in life is their children becomes neglectful and absentminded to their needs.

In short, a drug addict will quickly burn bridges, including their own.

5. Financial/Career changes

Drug addicts may spend the last of their money or even steal it to get their next high. Their friends, with the exception of those with drugs, may be largely ignored except for when the addict needs to “borrow.” In fact, the individual hasn’t the intent (or the means, most likely) to repay anything.

financial changes - drugs

The truth is that a job gets in the way of what the addict wants to do: get high. At best, the addict will perform marginally. At worst, their state of mind prohibits them from performing necessary tasks. Sadly, both cases may lead to them losing their job and compounding their problems.

Help for addicts

The National Institute of Health (NIH) states “Like other chronic diseases, addiction can be managed successfully. Treatment enables people to counteract addiction’s powerful, disruptive effects on brain and behavior and regain control of their lives.”

The addict must want to receive help, including substance abuse treatment. Their loved ones may stage an intervention. But it’s the addict who must come to the realization that they need help.

It’s also important to understand that no one treatment is right for all. Further, to be effective, drug treatment must monitor and address the person’s drug abuse and any legal, medical, psychological, and social problems. If legal issues arise, such as cannabis possession, consulting a cannabis possession lawyer in Chicago may be necessary for navigating the legal aspects.

Per the NIH, the most efficient form of treatment is behavioral therapy. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which are free to attend, focus on these necessary behavioral elements. Per NIH, participation in group therapy and peer support programs – like those of AA and NA – may help maintain abstinence.

Please visit www.recovery.org or call 1-888-498-7279 to speak with a treatment specialist.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved
Sources:
http://www.recovery.org/topics/addiction-recovery-helplines/
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-abuse-addiction
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/principles-effective-treatment
https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/treatment/what-to-do-if-you-have-problem-drugs-adults

8 Signs You’re Stuck In A Destructive Relationship

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“The toxic behaviors were there before you decided to enter into relationships with them. The signs were there. You may have chosen to look the other way, but the signs were there.” – P.A. Speers

Is your relationship not going the way you had planned for it to be? Perhaps you imagined something else – but what you’re experiencing doesn’t seem to be in line with those expectations. As psychoanalyst, Dr. Deborah Hecker points out “It is common sense to say that we enter relationships expecting them to be emotionally supportive, mutually enhancing and full of good communication. Unfortunately, sometimes we feel worse after spending time with our significant other.”

Perhaps the relationship makes you feel stressed out, or it feels like more work than it should be. These could be signs that you’re settling into a relationship that you shouldn’t be in. Taking note of all the reasons that you’re staying in the relationship can be a big eye-opener, and bring to light whether or not you’re actively engaging in the relationship, or just settling.

Here Are 8 Signs You’re Settling In A Destructive Relationship

1. Others have it worse

While your relationship isn’t something that you actively love, you know that your relationship isn’t actually the worst out there. You may find yourself comparing your relationship to more abusive or destructive relationships and thinking, ‘Well, at least it isn’t that’. On the contrary, this is one of the first signs of settling into a destructive relationship. You can recognize that you’re unhappy, but you’re convincing yourself that it isn’t that bad, or that it could be worse.

In order to let go, recognize that there doesn’t need to be a hierarchy of pain that you’re supposed to endure before you’re allowed to leave a bad situation. Give yourself the advice that you would give your best friend: if it hurts, it’s okay to leave.

2. You think you can work it out

All relationships are work, but when a relationship is more work than it is an enjoyable partnership, that’s when you know that the relationship isn’t at it’s best. You shouldn’t be constantly trying to make your relationship work, or thinking of ways to fix it. While all relationships require a bit of effort out of both parties, the workload shouldn’t fall on one person’s shoulders.

Have you tried working it out before? If so, you may find that “working it out” doesn’t always work, leaving you more frustrated than before. Take a long, hard look at your relationship and the issues that never seem to be resolved. Accepting that some things can’t be worked out is a step to letting go of a destructive relationship.

3. You’re waiting for your partner to change

People go through many stages in their lives. Some people change from selfish individuals, to entirely giving people. The problem arises when you’re sitting there and just waiting for your partner to make that change. If your partner doesn’t want to make actual, concrete steps into changing their behavior for the sake of themselves and your relationship, then there’s no point waiting around – if you’re waiting, you’re settling.

Ask yourself: would you tell someone you love to wait to see if their partner to change, if the situation was causing them distress? If the answer is no, then there’s no need to convince yourself to wait for a change that may never come. In order to let go, accept that trying to change another person can be as difficult as trying to change the direction of the tides – all you can do is go with the flow. And sometimes, that flow takes you and your partner in two different directions.

4. You’re “dealing” with the relationship

Relationships aren’t something that should be endured! Relationships should be happy, fulfilling and giving each partner what they need. If you find yourself thinking that you can “deal with this” when you’re thinking about your relationship, it’s a sign that you’re settling for something that isn’t right for you. You shouldn’t have to endure parts of your relationship for moments of happiness.

Again, think of yourself as your best friend. Letting go of a destructive relationship can be difficult, but giving yourself the advice you would give to someone you love and care about can make it easier.

toxic relationship - destructive

5. You feel guilty

Perhaps you’ve been with your partner for long enough that leaving would seem cruel – even if you’re unhappy. You feel sad for your partner, knowing that if you left they would have no one. Or, perhaps you feel guilty for thinking about leaving at all. If you’re unhappy, there’s no way that you can continue making your partner happy. A relationship where one person has settled isn’t good for either partner.

Would you want someone to stay with you out of guilt? The answer is most likely going to be a resounding “no”. Letting go of guilt can be one of the hardest things we have to endure. Getting support from friends, family and even a counselor can help work through the guilt, and make letting go of both it and the destructive relationship a lot easier.

6. You don’t have to be alone

Many of us endure bad, unsatisfactory or destructive relationships simply out of fear of being alone. If you find yourself thinking that you would leave, if only you didn’t have to be alone … then that’s a sign that your relationship isn’t what you need it to be.

Recent research conducted by Stephanie S. Spielman mentions, “… present research suggests that fear of being single is a meaningful predictor of settling for less in relationships.”

Fear of loneliness shouldn’t be the driving factor of keeping you in a relationship where you’re not being fulfilled. You may find that being alone and happy will make you feel better than being with someone, but in a constant state of stress and unhappiness.

Surrounding yourself with a support system of friends and family can give you a better perspective on whether or not your relationship is making you happy. They can also make letting go of the relationship easier, because you’ll know that you’re not going at it alone.

7. You’re staying because of the children

Getting married young, or too soon, or because someone got the other person pregnant, can often result in marriages that are unstable, destructive, and one or both partners are unhappy. If you find yourself staying out of commitment for the children, this is a sign that you’re settling into a relationship you don’t really want to be in.

Chances are that the children can already see what you’re still pretending isn’t there. Also remember what Steven Stosny, Ph.D., says, “Witnessing a parent victimized is often more psychologically damaging to children than injuries from direct child abuse.”

Trying to stay and make it work for the children is an honorable feat – but it isn’t always the right direction. Making sure that your children are raised in the safest, healthiest environment possible should be your main concern. Letting go may involve some deep reflection on whether or not the relationship is what’s best for the children involved.

8. You’re financially dependent on your partner

Relationships are all about compromise and balance. There are plenty of households that run smoothly with having one sole provider and another taking care of house and home. But this runs the risk of trapping someone into a relationship they no longer want to be in.

Ian Williams, Spokesman for Debt Advisory Centre says, ” It’s shocking to hear that so many people feel forced to stay in a relationship for longer than they want to because of their finances, but it’s perhaps not that surprising. It’s tough to end the bonds we create in a relationship, and financial ties can often be the hardest to break.”

Therefore, if you’re staying simply out of lack of financial security, it’s important to seek outside help from a support network or financial advisor.

Learning how to manage your money will make letting go of the destructive relationship much easier. Once you know how to manage your money and how to save, you’ll be able to make sure that you will no longer trapped in a relationship due to financial dependency. Getting help from your support system of friends and family can also make leaving a destructive relationship in which you’re financially dependent much easier.

When we settle in unhappy or destructive relationships, we often don’t notice until it’s far too late. People settle in relationships that they shouldn’t be in for all kinds of reasons: for financial security, for children, or because they’re lonely. Understanding the signs of when you’re settling into a destructive relationship will help you navigate how to handle and deal with the relationship from then on out. But remember these wise words from Dr. Hecker, “No matter how much you think you can change your partner for the better, you simply cannot.

6 Early Warning Signs of Bad Health

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Advice regarding what is or isn’t good for our health has changed so much. What people once thought was good for you – like smoking! – has now been known to have been unhealthy all along. But unhealthiness can manifest in more than just definable diseases, like heart disease or cancer.

The signs of being unhealthy in life can start quite early. Many of us, busy with our day-to-day lives, often brush them off as inconsequential. Then, it’s too late to turn back before we know it! It’s essential to know the warning signs of bad health down the road and how to prevent it.

“If we are creating ourselves all the time, then it is never too late to begin creating the bodies we want instead of the ones we mistakenly assume we are stuck with.” – Deepak Chopra

Here Are 6 Early Warning Signs of Bad Health

bad health

1. Being overweight in childhood

Being overweight these days is not always a sign of bad health – after all, there are plenty of people who could be considered overweight who work out daily, eat healthily, and can compete in the Olympics! Sometimes, our bodies are just predisposed to carry more fat than others. But being overweight in childhood can still be a sign of bad health, especially if that weight distribution hasn’t been otherwise genetic.

According to American Heart Association, “… obesity is causing a broad range of health problems that previously weren’t seen until adulthood. These include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and elevated blood cholesterol levels.”

Therefore, being overweight can sometimes increase one’s risk of heart disease and other serious illnesses. Knowing if your child’s weight is suitable for their body is critical to make sure they stay healthy.

2. Easily getting sunburned

If you have ashen skin, getting sunburned may be another risk to going to the beach or the pool in the summer. However, if you get frequent, easy sunburns just standing outside, it may be a sign of bad health. Toxins released through the skin could speed up the burning process. A way to avoid this is to drink plenty of clean, filtered water and keep an eye on the food you eat. Processed food and additives can release chemicals through the skin, and not all of them are healthy for you!

3. Always getting sick

If you find that you or your children seem to catch every cold or flu that goes around, it may be a sign of poor health further down the line.

“If you’re that person who catches every cold your friends have or gets sick every time your kids do, your immune system may not be functioning optimally, which can put you at risk not only of infectious diseases but of life-threatening body yells like cancer,” says physician and author Dr. Lissa Rankin.

The best way to combat this is to keep up with a doctor and take immunity-boosting vitamins.

4. Suffering from illness complications

Something as simple as a cold can turn into pneumonia when this happens or when illnesses don’t resolve in a short or timely matter. Instead, they get worse or become complicated. This development is a sign of bad health. The body isn’t working correctly to fight off the illnesses because of a compromised immune system or other health issues. A doctor’s help is the right way to go for this because a compromised immune system may need more help than a daily vitamin can provide.

5. Suffering from allergies

Now, this isn’t a sign of bad health by itself. Many people have hay fever or are allergic to pollen or cats and dog dander. But a sign of bad health is having more allergies than usual. Multiple allergies mean that the body’s immune system is working overtime where it shouldn’t be, leaving it vulnerable or compromised. If your list of allergies is longer than your arm, you may require a specialist to keep them under control.

6. Experiencing never-ending symptoms

Everyone knows what it feels like to have a cold or the flu – tired, heavy eyes, dry throat, runny nose. But those symptoms usually diminish after a few days and go away altogether. But a sign of bad health is when those symptoms never seem to go away. That is to say, you’re constantly fatigued, or you have a constant or frequent runny nose. Getting your body the proper nutrition and consulting with a doctor will ensure that nothing serious is going on.

Health is different for everyone – but keeping an eye out for the common signs of bad health can help catch disorders and chronic illnesses before they become a massive problem in your day-to-day life. Once you know what to look for, you’ll learn how to keep yourself and your family as healthy as possible for a good, long life.

13  Behaviors to Help Prevent Bad Health

health

1. Don’t smoke

Smoking is one of the significant causes of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also contribute to health problems like heart attacks and strokes. If you smoke, find a good program to help you stop. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. This tip includes marijuana, too. Smoking marijuana also has health risks, including the following side effects:

  • Altered senses
  • Impaired body movements
  • Impaired memory
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions

If you have long-term use, marijuana can impair your thinking, memory, and your ability to function, plus it can cause

  • Breathing problems
  • Racing heart
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Congenital disabilities to the brain

2. Eat healthy foods

Choose to consume healthy foods to stay at a healthy weight, reduce your risk of certain diseases and lower your cholesterol. Eat high-fiber foods, low-fat meats and dairy, fresh veggies, and fruits. Limit sugary and salty foods. Eating good healthy foods is a simple way to avoid bad health problems.

3. Stay at a healthy weight

When you can stay at a healthy weight for your height and age, you can avoid certain harmful health diseases and conditions. Find out what you should weigh, not according to the latest fashion trends, but according to your health care provider. Staying at a good weight helps you avoid health problems, such as

  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Some cancers
  • Heart attacks
  • Strokes

4. Get the right amount of sleep

Not sleeping well isn’t just a bother. It can cause serious health problems. It would help if you got anywhere from seven to eight hours of sleep every night. If you’re not sleeping, you can try to create a bedtime relaxation routine, avoid drinking caffeinated drinks in the afternoon or stop using your blue screen devices about an hour before your bedtime. If nothing seems to work, talk to your doctor. You could be struggling with sleep apnea, a severe condition that can disrupt your ability to sleep.

5. Stay physically active

Physical activity is so essential if you want to avoid bad health. Exercise helps you maintain your weight, strengthens your heart, and improves your brain function. You don’t need to belong to a gym to get lots of exercises. Simple things like

  • Riding your bike
  • Walking briskly with your dog
  • Gardening
  • Cleaning your home
  • Mowing the grass in your yard

Start small and build up until you are moving around a lot. Buy a wearable step counter that also monitors your heart rate. These are great ways to see if you’re getting the type of exercise you need for your age.

6. Reduce stress

Ongoing stress can lead to significant health problems. Stress may cause depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. It can lead to heart disease, higher blood pressure, strokes, and heart attacks. Reduce your stress in your daily life. Cut your stress by getting outside, staying active, and eating well. Take time to relax, and schedule vacations and times of relaxation. Learning how to reduce your stress is vital for your health and happiness.

7. Learn about your family’s health history

You may eat very healthy and exercise several times a week, but you could still have high cholesterol. Why? Because certain conditions run in families. Learn about your family’s health history to know what you’re up against and how to prevent these conditions. Chronic diseases run in families such as:

  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Cancer

Once you learn your family’s health history, talk to your doctor about it. They can give you suggestions for how to avoid these health problems.

8. Control your blood pressure

Controlling your blood pressure helps prevent damage to your arteries and heart. High blood pressure causes conditions such as

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • Aneurysm

A regular blood pressure reading is 120/80mmHG.  High blood pressure is considered anything 130/80mmHg or higher. Unhealthy life choices, diabetes, lack of physical activity, and certain life choices cause high blood pressure. Sometimes pregnancy causes high blood pressure.

9. Limit how much alcohol you drink

Overindulging in alcohol puts you at risk for many health and life problems. Too much alcohol can cause diseases such as:

  • Stroke
  • Liver disease
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Gut problems
  • Cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus

Too much alcohol can cause life problems such as:

  • Learning problems
  • Memory problems
  • Dementia
  • Poor academics

Choose to drink moderately to save your health.

10. Get tested and screened

Proactive health care is one of the easiest ways to prevent bad health. Schedule yearly appointments for blood pressure,  cholesterol, and blood sugar checks. Schedule exams like your mammograms and colonoscopy. Early detection is critical because many conditions are treatable when detected early on.

11. Stay positive

No, you can’t think your health problems away, but having a positive attitude in life will affect your health. Studies show that having a more upbeat attitude improves your health. Staying positive can lower your blood pressure and even reduce your risks of heart disease plus help you weigh less. Positive people live longer, too. When you savor your positive emotions, it has a long-lasting effect on your brain. Your stress levels decrease, and you feel happier about life.

12. Limit your time in the sun

Researchers link sun exposure to skin cancers. Skin cancer is prevalent in the United States. To protect your health, limit how much time you spend in the sunshine. Wear a hat, and wear good sunscreen with at least an SPF of thirty. This type of sunscreen blocks both UVA rays and UVB rays.

13. Practice sex safety

Sexually transmitted infections  (STIs) are on the rise, making it more important than ever to prioritize safe practices in your sexual health. Doctors suggest that the safest sex occurs between two people who are exclusively together. Using protection, such as condoms, is crucial for preventing STIs and ensuring both partners’ well-being. Condoms not only reduce the risk of transmission but also promote healthier relationships. Among the most treatable STIs are syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis, while viral STIs like human papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and HIV remain incurable. With condom sales on the rise, it’s clear that more people are recognizing the importance of protection in maintaining their sexual health.

health

Final Thoughts on Recognizing the Early Warning Signs of Bad Health

Staying healthy means you know how to listen to your body’s warning signs. You incorporate healthy behaviors in your daily life to avoid bad health. You follow healthy practices of eating well, staying active, maintaining a positive attitude, learning about your family health history, and limiting your exposure to the sun. Your health is worth the extra effort because you know your health makes a big difference in how you live your life.

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

Researchers Explain How to Strengthen Your Marriage In Bed (Without Having Sex)

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Can couples have a strong marriage without sex?

Have you ever seen the show Orange Is the New Black? If not, your productivity thanks you. But you may just be missing out on one of the better shows of the last decade.

Basically, the show revolves around one Piper Chapman (played brilliantly by Taylor Schilling). Laura Prepon, famously known as “the redhead from the 70’s show,” is equally fantastic.

In short, Piper’s past comes back to haunt her. A successful public relations executive, Piper was caught up in a drug smuggling operation with her ex-partner (Prepon). As a consequence, she is sentenced to a few years behind bars.

Anyways, Chapman shares the following dialogue with her fiancé while incarcerated:

“Promise me you’re not watching Mad Men without me … that when I get out of here, we’re going to binge watch it, together, in bed, with takeout.”

Why is this relevant?

marriage

Well, researchers state that “sharing media like TV shows, books, and movies” may be essential for maintaining social niceties in the event romantic partners do not partake in the other’s social network.

Apparently (and sadly), Ms. Schilling’s character falls into that category.

Let’s delve into this study a bit.

“When people lack a shared circle of friends with their partners, sharing media like TV shows, books, and movies with partners may compensate for this deficit and restore closeness.” ~ Gomillion, S. et al., “Let’s Stay Home and Watch TV: The benefits of shared media use for close relationships.”

How to Strengthen Your Marriage (In Bed), According to Science

Social identity is critical

Social identity is a shared social circle between two or more people. Here’s what the researchers had to say about its importance in a relationship:

“Sharing a social identity is a key component of interdependence in romantic relationships. In particular, sharing a social network of friends and family members with a romantic partner enhances relationship quality.”

Of course, it isn’t always possible for one partner to partake in the other’s social activities. There are many reasons for this – perhaps one doesn’t particularly care for their partner’s friends, is too busy with work, or something else. So, it will be challenging to fulfill this ‘key component of interdependence’ through social mingling.

As some semblance of social identity is necessary for a relationship to thrive, another route must be discovered.

What is that route? Read on.

Media and marriage relationships

Researchers of the study cite something quite profound:

“… we propose that sharing media like TV shows and movies with romantic partners can provide a shared social world and that this sense of sharing a social world is highly important to relationship maintenance. Moreover, we argue that the fictional social worlds provided by TV shows and movies can allow partners to compensate for lacking a shared social reality in the real world.”

It’s interesting that the authors cite fiction (non-reality) as the catalyst for emotional togetherness. When one considers this idea, however, it makes perfect sense. Here are a couple of reasons:

(1) The “real world” can sometimes be dull, depressing, and downright intolerable.

(2) The world of creation, non-fiction, is often fascinating. As an example, many people love the Batman movie series – from Tim Burton to Christopher Nolan. (My apologies to fans of the talented Adam West.)

Books, too.

It’s important to recognize that “media” is not limited to television and movies. This is great news for non-T.V. viewers. Books are included in this study.

Some of us aren’t big moviegoers or television watchers. If you’re among this group, you aren’t on an island! Books and even the occasional magazine or journal article are good too! The effects are equally powerful if you’ve found a partner who adores the written word.

love

The bottom line on a strong marriage

Anything that can produce some happiness in a marriage is a beautiful thing. Per the study:

“Like other forms of self-expansion with a partner, sharing an integrated social network … fosters interdependence by providing a shared identity.”

The importance of shared identity” adequately summarizes the study in just two words. In simple terms, there must be a shared identity for a relationship to thrive – if not survive – whether you achieve this mutual identification via each other’s social network, an ever-so-sweet streaming binge, or a captivating bestseller.

Enjoy and appreciate one another. Even if it means spending a bit too much time in front of the tube!

9 Signs It’s Time to Let Your Old Life Go

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Humans don’t like change; it’s hardwired into our DNA to have an aversion to doing things a new way or changing things up in our lives. However, only one thing is constant in life: change. Accepting that means being one step closer to moving on from the old and embracing the present and future.

Most of us want to improve our lives, and we look to do so by getting new jobs, moving to a new place, making new friends, starting up a new diet, etc. Ironically, most of us want change, yet when we’re faced with it, we resist it all the same. Humans are pretty a peculiar species, that’s for sure.

However, if you’re seeking a change in your life, you first must let go of the past in order to usher in the future. In this article, we’ll give you some surefire signs that you’re ready for a change in your life.

9 Signs You Should Let Go of Your Old Life

“The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward.”  – Steve Maraboli

old life

1. You feel dead inside all the time.

Of course, life can’t always feel like a day at Disneyland, but it shouldn’t feel the opposite all the time, either. If you don’t like your life, you can always start anew and take a different path. No one is forcing you to live your current life, but understandably, it can be hard to break out of the routine of doing things one way for so long. Remember that only you can make yourself happy, so don’t give up on pursuing joy. Your life is worth living to the fullest, whatever that might mean to you.

Don’t let society’s oppressive nature control how YOU live your life; freedom is in the mind.

2. You isolate yourself from others.

Even the most introverted among us need social interaction in life; we are social creatures, even if we don’t always feel like socializing. If you constantly isolate yourself from people, you’re probably avoiding something within yourself. If you felt happy and at peace with your life, you would likely feel more like connecting with others and sharing similar experiences with them. Isolating yourself might feel easier, but it will definitely hinder your opportunities in life and make you depressed due to lack of interaction and stimulation from others.

3. You feel exhausted.

We can feel exhaustion in a few ways: mentally, emotionally, or physically. Usually, it’s a combination of the three and is a major sign that something is up in your life, both literally and figuratively. When you feel exhausted, it’s time to give something up that is causing you fatigue. You have to analyze your life and figure out how you’re using your energy and where you could cut out things so you feel more vital. No one deserves to feel like they want to lay in bed all the time, so if this describes you, don’t just allow yourself to remain complacent.

Try lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier, exercising, and meditating, and creating a life that works for your energy levels.

4. You’re not having fun.

Contrary to popular belief, life shouldn’t stop being fun when you graduate high school or college. Sure, we all have to make money, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression, but you should have a little bit of fun doing it at least! If you don’t like your job, don’t waste your or your boss’ time any longer. If your job feels draining and unfulfilling, you are allowed to walk out and look for something better. You’re allowed to live a life of fulfillment and enjoy your time here on Earth. Don’t allow any person, negative voice in your head, or long-standing belief to convince you otherwise.

let go

5. You feel like you’re faking it.

Of course, it’s very hard to feel real in our fake world now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still aim for authenticity in everything you do. If you in any way feel like the life you live or the person you are is not in alignment with your beliefs and values, then you have an obligation to yourself to figure out how to fix it. This isn’t to say it’s an easy process, but once you recognize that you feel disconnected from yourself, you can begin to take steps to create a life you love and a person you love being.

6. Your relationships don’t make you happy when you are stuck in an old love.

Whether that’s a romantic or platonic relationship, no type of bond should drain you of joy. If you feel more sadness than happiness in your relationships, it’s probably time to cut ties and move on rather than let others continue to suck you dry.

7. You’re bored with life.

Everyone gets bored in their daily routines sometimes. But if you often find yourself uninterested in life, you must ask yourself why and figure out what you can do differently. Life shouldn’t feel mundane and miserable all of the time. We should enjoy what we’re doing and feel fulfilled by following a passion. This might mean taking a new class after you get off work or meeting new friends. You don’t have to completely change your life to create happiness within your existing one.

8. You find yourself resorting to drugs or alcohol to “escape.”

It can be difficult to break an addiction, but putting harmful substances in our bodies daily will do much more harm than good. After you come down from the high or the buzz, you’ll still have to deal with all the problems you were trying to escape from in the first place. There’s nothing wrong with an occasional drink to relax a little, but if you can’t seem to put the bottle down, you should seek help from an addiction counselor or a rehabilitation center.

You deserve to live the best life possible, and you can’t do that with the disease of addiction clouding your brain.

life

9. You’re neglecting health concerns when you cling to an old life

Whether you’re too busy or have become too complacent to care, not prioritizing your health will lead to problems. Our health is essential in life because we cannot survive in a sick and disease-ridden body and mind. If you find that your health has fallen by the wayside, it’s time to make changes in your life so that you can feel alive and well again.

Any time we feel depressed and like we’re just “getting by” in life, it’s time to do some self-reflection and figure out how to change things to make ourselves happy again. For change to happen, we must leave our past behind, as hard as that may seem. However, we can’t open a new page in our story if we keep rereading the old ones.

Here’s to a happy, fulfilling life for us all!

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