5 Steps To Becoming A Better You Later In Life

5 steps to becoming a better person
Life can be stressful, but too much stress can control your life. Psychologists state that when under stress, people are more vulnerable to depression and the loss of love for former passions. Conditioning the five most important aspects of your life can help you avoid feelings of stress and negativity, and also help you create a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Confidence
Building your confidence and taking the time to realize who you are will help you feel secure in the other aspects of your life. However, your ideas can only go so far in social and business-oriented situations. Being confident in public is the key to persuading others to consider your point of view and needs. Knowing what you want and confidently expressing it will help you get further in life more quickly. Take some time every day to talk to yourself in the mirror. Be aware of your accomplishments and what you’re proud of. Wear clothes that you feel most comfortable and attractive in.
Hobbies
Hobbies make people who they are. Some hobbies, such as art, writing, and craftsmanship can develop into successful careers. The intensity and quality of your hobby all depend on how much effort and time you are willing to put in. The most important thing about having a hobby you’re dedicated to is the fact that it gives you something to do that you enjoy. If you’re having a stressful day and it’s beginning to wear too deeply into you, take a breather and work on something you love. It will turn your whole day around.
Career
Your career is very important to your happiness, and it can exist in many different ways. Careers are about being proud and happy because of the work you do, and the impact you make on the world. Your career will also bring other opportunities to you in the future. It can take a lot of time to realize what you want to do; many people go back to school when they’re middle aged because of that fact. However, if you’re passionate about a career early on in life, do everything you can in your power to make it happen as quickly as possible. If you are set up early, you will be more comfortable later.
Finances
Finances shouldn’t drive you to be the person you are, but you should save your money as much as possible. If you control your finances and bills early on in life, you will save yourself a lot of stress in the future. Try to schedule an appointment with an accountant, and ask them for financial advice. Look for tips that will help you save. Take advantage of shopping deals and coupons. Open up a savings account and start saving immediately, even if it’s not a lot.
Relationships
People hate being alone. We are naturally attracted to relationships. One way to fulfill your life is to create and sustain healthy relationships. Relationships with others can be very profound and therapeutic. However, they can also create very negative and traumatizing experiences. If you feel someone is using or abusing you, drop the relationship immediately. If you’re experiencing a positive relationship, continue being a kind and caring person. Spend time with your family. Don’t treat others as you wouldn’t want to be treated. Remember, how we treat other people is a mirror of how we feel about ourselves.
These are the most important aspects of your life that you should work on to become a better person. They define and determine the situations that occur in your life and the choices you will make. Be patient with your life, career, and the people around you. A happy life and good character need to be built with great effort and time.
[box type=”info”]This is a Guest Post by Jim Parrot
Jim Parrot is a motivational speaker and guest contributor at Super Scholar, a site with the current best online college rankings.[/box]
 
 
cc licensed flickr photo shared by Fountain_Head

Tomorrow's Happiness Begins Today – Best ways to being happy instantly

The future starts today, not tomorrow.
Pope John Paul II

You can be happy!
Right now.
In this moment.
You can make the choice.
But, if you are like most of us, it is not always that easy.

how to show compassion for happiness
image via thisisyourconscience.com

Compassion for others has the power to totally transform what you are feeling and immediately give you an inner sense of well being through the thoughtfulness you are giving to others.
When you are “feeling” for someone else you can’t help but to raise your own vibration.

How do you practice compassion?

 

  • Put yourself in the other person’s position. It can be difficult to feel compassionate during an argument. Try to take the other person’s perspective. Look beyond any feelings of hostility. Seek common ground and opportunities for compromise.
  • Listen respectfully to others. Even if we hold different views, we can listen with an open mind to what others are saying. It’s easier to sustain compassion when people feel like they’ve been treated fairly.
  • Be considerate of others’ wishes. Being flexible goes hand in hand with being compassionate. If your top priority is to create a better situation for everybody, you’ll be willing to consider alternative approaches instead of sticking to your familiar habits.
  • Focus on other people’s good qualities. Often, we naturally feel compassion for people we love. By noticing others’ positive attributes, you can extend affectionate feelings toward more people than just your “inner circle.” You’ll also be able to respond constructively in less comfortable situations.    ….. see full list

 

The main goal is to shift your mind from “you” thinking to more of a “how can I help” position.  When you do, notice how it makes you feel.  When you try to make someone else feel better… YOU FEEL BETTER!
Start Today!
Right now!
Who is in need of some extra compassion right now?
What are some of the best ways you can show it?
 

How to Create Compassion
Similarly, you can conclude that all living beings are the same in wanting happiness and not wanting suffering by examining your own situation. By doing so, you will easily generate compassion, which is an aspiration thinking …
http://zeninspiration.blogspot.com/

 

10 Ways to Center Your Life Around Happiness
He presented research-backed evidence that our brains and nervous systems are wired for compassion and that it is fundamental to our happiness, health, and to developing strong communities around us. His talk inspired listeners to challenge themselves …
menlopark.patch.com

How Compassion and Civility Can Change Your Life
The Meaning of Nice reminds us that happiness is not a mood state or personality trait, but rather a capacity for flourishing and an engagement in life. Since the quality of our life depends on the quality of our relationships and the quality of our …
metapsychology.mentalhelp.net

How an indoor water fountain can revitalize you and your home.

 
In today’s culture, it can be hard to find ways to relax. Most of us have busy lifestyles, and encounter many stress factors throughout the day. When you come home, you want to come back to a soothing environment that will replenish you after a stressful day. An effective way to create this environment is by using indoor water fountains.
Soothing Sounds
indoor zen water fountainFew things are more relaxing than the sound of running water. In fact, humans are conditioned to like this noise – our ancient ancestors relied on bodies of water to live, and early settlements were developed alongside them. The sound of water flowing is the reassuring sound of natural life. Many of us today, however, do not live close enough to a body of water to get this calming benefit. For those who don’t, indoor water features are a great substitute.
Even if your work continues when you get home, the sound of your indoor fountain lets you imagine you are floating along a river, walking on a beach, or standing next to a waterfall. The sound of your fountain is not only soothing, it can help cover up sounds that may be distracting or annoying, such as outside traffic or noisy neighbors.
Humidified Air
Indoor fountains have additional stress-relieving benefits besides their sound. They also work as humidifiers, but without the mechanical noise and aesthetics that commercial humidifiers bring. Fountains add natural moisture to the room, which helps you breathe freer and easier. Having moisture in your indoor environment also prevents dry skin and eyes, fights fatigue, and strengthens your immune system against colds. Indoor plants and pets will be healthier in a moister environment, too. All of these factors help keep you calm and relaxed when you’re at home.
Ionic Balance
Another reason indoor fountains reduce stress is because they release negative ions. Negative ions are molecules that are found in the humid air you breathe when you’re out in nature, such as on a mountaintop, in a forest, or near bodies of water. Most indoor environments have very low concentrations of negative ions, not only because the air is drier than outdoors, but because electronic devices emit positive ions, changing the atmosphere’s molecular balance. The televisions, microwaves, stereos, and other equipment in our homes are creating an ionic balance that decreases energy, lowers immune system function, and promotes depression.
Negative ions, on the other hand, reduce stress and depression and decrease fatigue. They also improve breathing and respiratory system function, which strengthens the immune system. Introducing indoor water features will add these much-needed negative ions to your home, creating a healthier and happier environment for you and your family.
Aesthetic Appeal
Finally, indoor fountains can reduce stress by improving the aesthetic quality of your home. We’re all happier when our surroundings are visually appealing, and whatever your home’s style, there is a fountain to fit it. Indoor wall fountains, tabletop fountains, floor fountains, and water walls can be used in any room of your house, or even in combination with each other. Styles range from sleek and modern to rustic and pastoral, and they enhance the beauty of any room. You can even incorporate lights, stones, and other features to create a display that is not only soothing, but also visually stunning. Introducing a natural element to an indoor environment is a unique interior design feature. Indoor fountains can both captivate and soothe you and your guests.
We all want our homes to be sanctuaries of relaxation, free from the stress of the outside world. Try an indoor water feature today, and discover how it can benefit your health and happiness.

This is a guest post by Polly Godwin
Polly Godwin is the owner of IndoorFountains.com, a company specializing in indoor wall fountains as well as home and business décor.

What you did wrong is none of YOUR business

 

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

Let go of the past!Pulling out hair in anger
It happened!
SO WHAT!
Let it go!
We have all done things that we probably wish we didn’t.
There are times when I want to smack myself the very second after I have blurted something out before my mind actually caught up to what I was saying.
But there is nothing you can do about it!
Every single time you find yourself using the word “should” you will find that your inner dialogue is basically making you feel worse through blame.
When you say you SHOULD HAVE done something, that translates to saying that what you actually did was wrong… so you start to feel bad.
Then, you realize it is in the past so you cannot correct what you have done so you feel even worse!
STOP THAT!
The only power you truly have is in the present moment.
This moment is the only moment you can control.  Why not use that power by keeping all of your focus on being present
 

The Power Of Being Fully Present In The Moment

Power of the Present: We all suffer personal losses and struggle at times to heal. Most of the humanity is in constant pain and grief. You can heal yourself by living in the present.
In the present moment, there is no hurt or pain, as ego digs into the past memories to bring suffering into the present. We are pure joy. In the present moment, there is no anxiety or stress as there is no anticipation or expectation of future. In the present moment, our actions and thoughts come from our highest self, which is divine. Miracles happen in present as the divine works through us. Being in the present moment is a practice and it requires discipline.
Make this practice your daily mantra to heal and discover your divinity for a blissful life.
…..continue reading

 
When you stop focusing on the present and continue to dwell on the past you might even begin to feel lonely.  Like you are facing all your troubles by yourself.
Think about it….
No one can travel back to the past in your head with you.  So you end up not even noticing who may be sitting right in front of you to give you a hand.
When there is something “back there” that you just cant help but to think about try these few tricks to help get you back centered.

Steps for bringing your focus back to the present

  • Get Wet:  Water has Getting wet to focus on the presentmysterious powers. Something about it always has a way of instantly bringing you into a place of peace.  Take a shower. Run a bath.  Jump in a pool… If all else fails, drink a giant glass of ice cold water.
  • Make Some Noise: This may go against the more appropriate opposite of meditation, but I find when I really have something heavy on my mind it seems like the quieter it gets on the outside, the louder that negative voice gets on the inside. BANG A DRUM. Break a dish (not your own, preferable) Crank up your favorite song and belt along with it.
  • Get Primitive:  Write!  You would be surprised at how much focus it takes to actually put pencil to paper and journal out some of those profound thoughts you writing with pen on paperhave.  Not texting. No typing.  Actual paper and pencil!

One of these methods may work great.  Maybe you have some of your own ways of keeping your mind in the present moment.
Just know that you are at your most powerful right now.  Only right now.
This moment is fresh and brand new.  Will you spend it creating a beautiful lasting memory, or let it be dashed away by yesterday’s debris?
 
 
 

Images provided by:
mydualities.wordpress.com
www.flickr.com
videoproducer.wordpress.com

How To Find Happiness Within Yourself…In All The Wrong Places

How To Find Happiness Within Yourself

It can sometimes seem like a lifelong journey to learn how to find happiness within yourself. . . But that is not actually the case. . . . if you know where to look….KEEP READING

 Did you know that your problems actually hold the key to what will truly make you happy?

 How To Find Happiness Within Yourself

So all those desires originated from something that didn’t feel so fab.  And desire is what fuels our expansion.

Which means it’s actually a good thing when we run across something we don’t like.  It means life is about to get even better!

That is, as long as we don’t stay stuck (i.e. focused) on the crappy problems.  Since we get what we focus on, if I’m all panties-in-a-twist about what’s gone wrong, then guaranteed I’m creating more things going wrong.
But when I can appreciate the role this “contrast” has played, knowing that it’s leading to even better things (as long as I don’t overly dwell on the ‘problem’), then life can’t helpbut get better.
So that’s actually two reasons to make friends with what doesn’t seem very nice in life(losing a job, getting dumped, going broke, getting sick, etc.):

  1. The first reason is that it’s what leads to things getting even better than they were before,

and the second reason is that if we don’t make some sort of peace with it, then we get stuck in it!
read more
 

We NEED to know what we DON’T want in order for what we DO want to become more clear.
Being content is worse than having problems when it comes to your personal growth.
Take the time to asses and welcome your next problem and you might discover you knew how to find happiness within yourself all along.
What are some “problems” that you can look back on and be grateful that you had them?
Remember to Click LIKE below to share this post with your friends of Facebook.

You CAN find happiness at the bottom of a bottle! ACTUAL PROOF!

best mood enhancing beverages
best mood enhancing beverages

I was told that you cannot “drink” you sorrows away.
I heard it was a bad idea to look for comfort at the bottom of a bottle.
Turns out I was, in fact, looking for love in all the RIGHT places . . . . so to speak.
Where can I find such elixers you ask?
Good question!
Whether you are looking for something to pick you up first thing in the morning or recharge your midday work batteries, Men’s Health UK has got you covered
 

Best Daily Mood Boosting Drinks

 

[quote style=”boxed”]

8am: Early mood riser

Cranberry smoothie

“Low glucose slows brain function,” says nutritionist Angela Walker. Cranberries are packed with glucose and contain manganese to stabilise blood sugar. Blend a cranberry juice with yoghurt and pumpkin seeds.
Cost Ingredients approx £2.50

10am: Mid-morning energiser

Beetroot juice

Commuting might take the edge off your cheer. Move to the beet to revive it. “Nitrate in beetroot widens blood vessels, boosting oxygen uptake and giving you more energy,” says Walker.
Cost Beet It, £1.65 for 250ml

1pm: Lunchtime booster

Supergreens

“Poor food digestion allows toxins to reach your brain, affecting mood,” says Walker. The probiotics in supergreens counter these toxins. Mix them with tomato juice – which is rich in folic acid and aids mental wellbeing for a double boost.
Cost ProGreens, £22 for 15 sachets

3pm: Afternoon kickstart

Energy powder

The mid-afternoon energy slump can dampen your outlook. So quaff a sachet of Nature’s Plus Potent-C mixed with water. It contains B vitamins and the chemical CoQ10 – both of which bolster energy levels. Add an iron-rich snack like dried apricots to aid absorption.
Cost Potent-C, 65p per sachet

7pm: Mental massage

Coconut water

Post-gym dehydration can wreak havoc on your mental state, undoing the effects of your Potent-C pick up. “Coconut water hydrates you fast because its electrolyte balance is similar to body fluid, so is highly absorbable,” says Walker. Down a cup now for an evening of high spirits.
Cost Vita Coco, £4.18 fro 1 ltr

11pm: Happy night cap

Blackcurrant cordial

“Blackcurrants are rich in zinc, which boosts dopamine levels and regulate your mood,” says Hill. They also contain sleep-inducing magnesium. Drink it hot: research has found warm drinks improve outlook by 11%.
Cost Cordial, £4.30 for 50cl

[/quote]

 

Have I missed any???

What are some of you favorite mood boosting drinks that ACTUALLY WORK?

Leave your favorites in the comments.

 
 

Images provided by:
barenakedislam.wordpress.com

You're NOT Just Having A Bad Day: Warning signs that you may be depressed

You keep telling yourself that you are just in a slump…
Signs for women that they are depressedBut those slumps seem to be lasting longer and coming on more frequently.
Do you just continue and  tell yourself all is well?
Do you think you will eventually just bounce back on your own?
Or is something greater going on that should warrant a more in depth look inside of you?
Many people can go through mild depression without ever even knowing about it.  But this is something I hope you will not take to lightly.
I hope you do not have any of these symptoms as described by HELP GUIDE.  In a perfect world this would just be another short “down period” and you will be back to normal in no time.
But only you can make this very distinction!
Please take the time to really think about these symptoms and causes and consider seeking out another (possibly professional) opinion.

Warning Signs Of Depression

[quote style=”boxed”]Are you depressed?[/quote]

[quote style=”boxed”]If you identify with several of the following signs and symptoms, and they just won’t go away, you may be suffering from clinical depression.

  • you can’t sleep or you sleep too much
  • you can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult
  • you feel hopeless and helpless
  • you can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try
  • you have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating
  • you are much more irritable, short-tempered, or aggressive than usual
  • you’re consuming more alcohol than normal or engaging in other reckless behavior
  • you have thoughts that life is not worth living (Seek help immediately if this is the case)

Signs and symptoms of depression

Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they’ve lasted—the more likely it is that you’re dealing with depression. When these symptoms are overwhelming and disabling, that’s when it’s time to seek help.

Common signs and symptoms of depression

  • Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
  • Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.
  • Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
  • Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).
  • Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
  • Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.
  • Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
  • Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.
  • Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
  • Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.[/quote]

 
If you feel like you fall into ANY of these categories or you have maybe even the slightest doubt – You NEED to watch this video to start your process of recovering from what could be depression.
 

The 3 Simple Truths About Depression

[jwplayer file=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJsXEFY17Mc&feature=youtube_gdata_player’]

Whatever it is you may be going through, please understand that you do not have to go through it alone.

If you think you have no one… YOU HAVE ME!

If at anytime you just want to talk you can contact me at anytime through the form below.

I answer all of my emails and all comments personally.  Just specify you would like to chat privately and I will PERSONALLY CONTACT YOU!

[box type=”tick” size=”large” style=”rounded”]MY PROMISE:You will never have to go through anything alone again.[/box]

Recommended reading

Walk in the Park Helps Cure Depression
A research conducted in USA and Canada concludes that people suffering from depression should take regular walks in the park. It makes them feel better and works wonders in curing depression. “Our study showed that participants with clinical depression …
www.counselheal.com

The healing power of music
Clinical studies now show that music can be used as a therapy in treating depression, schizophrenia, autism, dementia, and as well, substance abuse. Creating or listening to music can alleviate some negative symptoms of mental illness and ease pain.
blog.chron.com

Depression Symptoms Checklist For Those Who Suspect They Have …
While taking anti depressants like Zoloft may suppress the symptoms of depression (while creating all kinds of side effects like weight gain, anxiety, loss of sleep, etc.), it does not heal the cause of depression. After all, you’re …
http://www.nbtowin.com/

Fast Solutions Of Depression Recovery | what is crm
If you can recognize the symptoms of depression and admit to yourself that you.
http://www.whatiscrm.us/

Quote of the Day – Strength

motivational quotes by Oprah Winfrey on strength
 
 
[quote]Where there is no struggle,  there is no strength” ~ Oprah Winfrey[/quote]
 
Much like going to the gym.
You understand that a certain amount of struggle is necessary if you want to see growth.
This can be applied to anything in your life.
If you want a better job you may have to struggle through more schooling.
If you want a baby you will DEFINITELY have to struggle through childbirth!
If you want to start your own business you will have many many struggles along to way that just go with doing something BOLD
If you want to climb MT. Everest….. well your just freakin nuts!
Anything you can get easily … may not be worth getting!