Sometimes life is tough and it's hard to see the pot of gold waiting for you at the end of the rainbow. Fortunately, it's easier than you think to find a source of inspiration that will motivate you and keep you on the right path toward your goals.
Here are five quick and easy ways to find inspiration:
1. Use motivational quotes and affirmations. It seems that no matter how many times you read or hear your favorite quote, it resonates with you almost as much as the very first time you heard it. Adding to your collection will bring you an ever-flowing well of new inspiration.
- As your goals change, look for quotes and affirmations that reflect your new path so you can gain the inspiration to persevere in your new direction.
2. Find inspirational imagery. Sometimes you come across inspiration by spotting something in nature, like a beautiful sunset or freshly fallen snow. Other times you may be inspired by a photograph, an image in a book, or a painting at an art gallery.
- Perhaps the beauty of an image will inspire you to create something beautiful of your own. In the process, you'll find new excitement and motivation to carry over into the other areas of your life.
- An image can also remind you of your destination, which will motivate you to work ever more swiftly with laser-like focus to reach your goal.
- Once you find an image that inspires you, rely upon it during stressful or difficult times as a visual reminder to keep moving forward.
3. Confide in strangers. A method you may find surprising as a source of inspiration is to talk to strangers when out and about. There's an understood confidentiality clause with strangers. Because of the anonymity factor, people may actually become comfortable with someone they may never see again.
- Someone you meet by chance can bring you a new perspective on old challenges. The next time you're out, try striking up a friendly conversation and share your thoughts.
4. Let your neighbors inspire you with their stories. When you hear someone's story of personal triumph or hardship while standing in line at the neighborhood post office or sitting in the waiting room at your local doctor's office, you just may be able to relate to this person.
- Because you're neighbors or friends, it's as if you have an instant connection. Their story could very well be yours, with a few different details. Seek out their stories and let them inspire you!
5. Watch motivational videos. Websites like YouTube offer a plethora of motivational and inspirational videos. Some videos, such as the late Randy Pausch's poignant "Last Lecture," has inadvertently inspired millions, even though it was originally intended for a much more personal audience.
- People often use YouTube to tell their stories, share successes, and offer advice or encouragement. When facing a challenge, or if you need some words of wisdom from someone who's "been there, done that," you'll surely find inspiration here.
The next time you feel like you need some extra inspiration, try these sources. You may be surprised at how well they work to get you happily working toward fulfilling your goals and living the life you desire.
Labels: Personality Development, Self-Improvement
Who do you consider as your worst enemy? The criminals roaming the dark streets? Your boss who's killing you mentally and emotionally with stress and harsh words? The people in public office who are engaging in greed and corruption, instead of helping those in need? Or those who don't believe in the same almighty being as you do?
We have many implications of who our enemies are; but we have one common foe who is the main cause of our failures and misfortunes, and we're not even aware of this opponent.
You may not want to admit it, but our worst enemy is ourselves.
Who do you blame when something goes wrong? You blame the people around you, the weather, maybe even God. But we are the ones who are in control of ourselves. We can change the outcome of our lives because we have the capacity to do it.
It is fear, jealousy, greed, etc. that are ruining our lives. Some people who never manage to get out of poverty blame the government or their jobs. But they're too afraid to try out new ventures that may improve their lives. They half-heartedly go to work from 9 to 5. Then when the day is done, they watch TV and go out aimlessly having fun without seriously thinking of what great opportunities the future has in store for them, if only they would try to do something different with their lives.
Fear has caused many to remain frigid and to never go out exploring the wonderful things this world has to offer. A lot of people would rather stay where they are in an unsatisfied state than to risk difficulties and obstacles for the sake of attaining their dreams.
If their lives are not getting any better, they have no else to blame but themselves.
Jealousy and envy also cause relationship problems. Some people immediately jump to conclusions without first analyzing the situation. They let their sudden emotions control their behaviors without even thinking of the consequences that may result.
If they're having problems with their relationships, they have no else to blame but themselves.
This goes to show that we decide what will happen to us. Of course, there are circumstances that are beyond our control, like natural calamities. But we can still utilize to our best advantage the things that we have control of.
For instance, you got rejected by your dream girl. Some people would just get drunk and feel miserable, thinking that it's the end of the world. Some will move onwards with their lives and find the best in what remains with them. See? It's really up to you. You decide if you want to have a good life or not.
You failed your exam. So what? There's another opportunity. You can just sulk in sorrow or you can study harder to get a high score in the future. It's up to you.
There's no use crying over spilled milk. The past is in the past. Learn from it and move on. You don't have to get frustrated over your misfortunes. Concentrate on how you can improve in the future.
When we encounter problems, we can either succumb to it, or we can treat it as an opportunity to become stronger and to become better individuals. Winners always treat
their dilemmas as opportunities.
Oh yes. We can be our worst enemy, but we can also be our best friend. It's all up to you.
Labels: Personality Development, Self-Improvement
All back pain sufferers learn over time the methods that work best to help with pain and healing. At one time we all thought that bed rest and some anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen were our only choices, but over time we’ve learned there are a great number if choices when treating the discomfort of back pain.
Heat versus Cold. Some people swear by the use of ice packs and cold massage. These packs can be store bought or you can use a package of corn or peas from your freezer. Wrap the cold pack in a cloth and then gently massage the painful area for five to seven minutes. Once the area begins to feel numb that is the time to stop. Others prefer heat. A hot water bottle or heating pad applied to the lower back for fifteen to twenty minutes can chase away the back pain in a matter of days.
There are exercise options. The best choices come down to Tai Chi or yoga. Viniyoga is an excellent gentler approach to yoga that is for back pain sufferers. It builds core strength and stability while allowing the spine to stretch. This helps take pressure off the vertebrate and can be very useful for those suffering from back injuries. The stretching aspect of yoga lessens the tension on the muscles, increases blood flow and promotes healing. Tai Chi is similar in that it too promotes healing and prevention of back pain by the use of gentle movement and non-impact exercises. It teaches you how to improve your posture and balance. Tai Chi also helps to build muscle strength and balance.
Perhaps the best answer is a combination of one of the above exercises programs and nutritional supplements. Supplements are used to rebuild bone and cartilage, reduce pain and inflammation as well as relax muscles. They are divided into two groups. The first ones build strength and the second relieves pain. When deciding to use nutritional supplements it is best to first discuss it with your doctor. Make certain that your back problem is not caused by something more serious that requires medical intervention. Then your doctor can help you determine the correct dosages of the supplements.
Some useful strength builders are Glucosamine sulfate, calcium, magnesium and vitamins C and D. All of these will help to build bone and cartilage. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B, assists with the healing of cartilage and like white willow bark, boswellia, bromelain and turmeric are also anti-inflammatories. Devils claw diminishes muscle pain, is an anti-inflammatory and will enhance the affects of regular pain medications. S-Adenosylmethionine strengthens the muscles.
Another useful method of back pain relief is water therapy. This allows someone with a back injury or severe back pain to exercise in a way that makes the physical effort much less. Although you will do very similar exercises to what you’d do out of the water, the buoyancy sports your weight, making it easier to do the workout. As well, warm water therapies are a good method of reducing pain and relaxing the muscles.
With so many options open to the average person when dealing with back pain choosing the right one can be somewhat daunting. An exercise program is definitely recommended and a gentle program offers benefits without being too demanding. Stay away from aerobics or isometrics as they are both too high impact for back pain relief and can do more harm than good. Cold or heat therapies are also a matter of personal preference. Nutritional supplements can be very beneficial as they strengthen and rebuild those damaged areas. They lessen pain and inflammation while improving the pain in your aching back.
Using a combination of all of these is likely the best answer. But maybe a little preventative medicine wouldn’t hurt either. Work on good posture. Hold yourself straight; keep your shoulders back and your head up. Don’t lead too sedentary a lifestyle or you’ll regret it. If sitting at your desk all day make sure that after twenty minutes of sitting you take twenty seconds to flex those muscles. This will help prevent muscle pain. Walk. A good preventative program may make these other choices unnecessary.
Labels: Self Remedy
If your wallet is a little light these days, you’ll want to take steps to reduce your financial hardship and relieve your stress. There’s nothing more stressful than feeling like you can’t make ends meet. Here are some tips to help alleviate your stress.
1. Get real about your problem. Many people use avoidance to manage their money. The problem with this is that you continue to have the same problems over and over. Every time you have to pay a bill, you end up feeling the same stress over and over. While you may have moments of freedom from care, deep down you’ll always be worried about money.
2. Track your spending. Part of getting real about your situation is to track how much money you spend. When you really see how much you have going out, you’re bound to find some places where you can make different choices that are more financially sound.
3. Trim expenses. Look for as many ways to trim expenses as possible. For some people that means letting go of their early morning coffee shop trip. For others it may mean to eliminate cable service. There are many luxuries we tend to think of as necessities. You need to get rid of any expenditures that are luxuries when you really can’t afford them.
4. Focus on free activities. If you look around, you’re bound to find things you can do in your community that are free or very inexpensive. This is a great way to save money on entertainment while still being able to relax and enjoy down time.
5. Look for ways to increase income. Sometimes just making a little more money can relieve your budget a lot. Try working seasonal, part-time, or temporary jobs to bring in a little extra money. Internet marketing also provides a way to work from home with flexible hours.
6. Focus on the family. Life can be even more stressful when parents feel like they’re the only ones with the responsibility to deal with family finances. While you don’t need to burden your children with financial fears, you do need to teach them how to manage money. Let them be part of household financial decisions.
7. Improve job skills. When you need more income in your household, it may be time to improve your job skills. Workshops and certifications can help you to land a better, higher-paying job.
8. Live within your means. Many people live in homes that are too expensive with car payments they really can’t afford. It may be time for you to downsize to a less expensive lifestyle in order to save yourself financially.
9. Focus on your health. When finances are stressful, other areas of your life tend to go along. In times of financial stress continue to eat healthy foods and get regular exercise. This will help to reduce stress and keep you healthy.
10. Improve relaxation. If your mind is busy with the stress of financial problems, it helps to take a few moments each day to get centered. Meditation for just a few minutes each day can help you to feel better. You can also try stretching your body to release tension.
Labels: Personality Development, Self-Improvement
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