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Polar Bear Living Behind Glass In A Chinese Shopping Mall Was Dubbed “The Saddest In The World” After A Heartrending Video Of Her Went Viral

A polar bear that was kept in a glass-walled enclosure at an aquarium in the Grandview Mall in Guangzhou, southern China, was dubbed “The Saddest Polar Bear In The World” after a heartrending video of him went viral in no time. 

The three-year-old polar bear, called Pizza, attracted the attention of many people around the globe after a video surfaced of him, lying alone in his bare, glass-walled enclosure at the mall. In the video, Pizza was slumped on his side and his mouth was quivering – a sight that broke the hearts of thousands of people around the world.

Another video footage showed the bear going back and forth, swinging his head, and biting and pawing at an air hole – behaviors which indicate distress and mental decline. To top it all off, the bear had to endure the constant camera flashes as visitors were trying to take pictures of him.

Animal lovers all over the world could not remain indifferent to the bear’s misery. The Animals Asia Foundation launched a petition to shut the aquarium permanently which has attracted more than 500,000 signatures. In addition, 50 nonprofit organizations sent a letter to the governor of Guangzhou Province, Zhu Xiaodan, urging him to remove the bear from the aquarium.

Soon after the petition was signed, Grandview Mall announced that Pizza would temporarily be relocated to the place where he was born, which was later revealed to be Tianjin Haichang Polar Ocean World, an aquarium in northern China. And after Grandview Mall would finish upgrading Pizza’s exhibit, the bear would return there.

Are you wondering where Pizza is now?

Well, here’s some good news: This cute polar bear has not returned to his ‘showcase.’ In fact, his old exhibit has been shut down indefinitely. And Pizza … He’s remained at the aquarium in Tianjin with his mom. Finally, this lovely polar bear has managed to see some sunlight and find happiness.

An Open Letter To The Man That Will Love Me Next

Dear man that will love me next,

Wherever you are and whoever you are, I don’t know when or how faith will cause our paths to cross, but I feel like I have to bare my soul to you and tell you something.

I am not the kind of person that is after mediocre love. I am not the kind of person that desires mediocre, one-sided relationships.

No. Unlike most people, I am the type of person who loves fully. I love deeply. Intensely. Selflessly. Unconditionally. Wholly.

So, know that loving me won’t be easy, but trust me, it’ll be worth it.

I have often been told that I am a difficult woman to love, but that’s only because my way of loving was too much for some people.  Some guys didn’t know how to deal with the intensity of my love. Some guys were too afraid to accept my heart and everything I was willing to offer to them. And some guys were intimidated by my courage to go the extra mile and risk everything so as to be with them.

Now, I know – those were my mistakes.  I shouldn’t have given my heart to others so freely. I shouldn’t have placed my faith in guys who didn’t deserve me.

Yes, I allowed selfish, manipulative guys to hurt me and break my heart.

And that’s the reason why I am guarded now. I don’t easily trust people. It takes me time to open up and be the person that I really am in front of other people. But, you see, the one thing which has never changed, and I can guarantee that it never will, is the fact that I love genuinely.

I love from the bottom of my heart. I love with every part of me.

My love has no boundaries.

That’s why I need you to be patient with me.

Because it’ll take some time for me to open up to you, to begin trusting you, to share my insecurities and fears with you, and to let you see my imperfections. But, we’ll gradually get there. I’ll gradually give myself to you at all levels. And if this is the same thing that you want, then I promise you that we will make that happen.

Why?

Because I want you. I want us to be together. I want faith to lead us and help us build our future together. I want us to experience the love poets write poems about. I want us to experience the pure happiness, excitement, and serenity only true love can offer.

I want us to feel loved and appreciated.  Because you and I deserve this. We deserve to love each other in ways we never knew possible. We deserve to love each other fully. Wholeheartedly. Unconditionally. Endlessly.

The Happiest People Alive Know That Life Is Wondrous Journey, Never A Competition

I see you. I see that sorrow in your soul. I see that disappointment in your eyes. You are someone who has failed in life. Someone who got their heart broken. Someone who spent many years trapped in a bad relationship. Someone who made mistakes. But somehow, you are also someone who managed to get up, clean the dirt from your feet and carry on.

Still, I cannot help but notice the fact that there is a part of you that keeps convincing you that you are not worthy. You’ve managed to get yourself out of the gutter, but there is a voice inside of you that keeps making you feel insecure. A voice that is forcing you to compete with everyone. Something is telling you that your happiness can only be found if you really prove yourself to be better than everyone.

You are wrong, my dear…

Can’t you see that you are only making it hard for yourself? Can’t you see that you are hurting yourself?

Stop doing that to yourself! Stop comparing yourself to everyone. Stop being upset because that person’s life looks much better than yours. Stop hating people because of their successes. Stop being jealous of people’s lives. That is their own, personal journey and believe it or not, it has nothing to do with yours. Their success doesn’t dampen yours. And their happiness doesn’t destroy yours!

The worst thing is, you don’t even know what they’ve been through to get where they are now, to look the way they do and to have the life that they have. For what is worth, they might have it even worse than you. Remember, just because someone looks happy on the outside, doesn’t mean that they are happy on the inside.

I know how you feel, and I know that it is difficult for you. But you’ve not been given this life in order to keep up with everyone else. You’ve not been given this opportunity here on earth just to compete with people and prove that you are the best! No! I believe your existence has a greater purpose. And that is finding true happiness.

The happiest people alive are not happy because they have everything they want in life. No, no. They are aware that life is nothing but a chain of fortunate and unfortunate events. And they are fine with that.

They don’t treat life like a competition. They don’t compare with other people. They don’t worry if they fall behind because they know that they are on the right path. What’s even more important, they don’t look for their happiness someplace else.

They simply know that life is nothing but a wondrous journey. They’ve accepted the fact that this journey will always have ups and downs, obstacles and advantages. And they’ve said yes to challenges. Because ultimately, those help them grow.

9 Incredible Things You Will Experience Once You Start Cherishing Being Alone

Being alone is frowned upon. It is considered as this miserable, lonely phase in life from which one must always stay away. It has always been like that.

You find a partner, you spend a few, amazing years, but after a while, you change, and you no longer find pleasure in walking the same road. You split and suddenly you are alone. It feels sad and lonely, but deep down you know that you’ve made the right decision. Deep down you know that it will take you some time to overcome the pain, but eventually, you will be fine.

Still, whatever you do, you cannot avoid noticing the way everyone looks at you. They look at you with pity in their eyes. They feel sorry for you. What’s even worse, they try to find ways to help you out and hook you up with someone better for you.

The truth is, no matter how much you try to tell people how you feel, they will always label you. Society is built on stereotypes like these. However, there is always something you can do about all of this.

The key is in not giving a damn what others think of you. Yes, it is as simple as that.

Here are 9 incredible things that you will experience once you start cherishing being alone:

1. You will recharge your batteries. Let’s face it, being around people all the time can be mentally draining at times. No matter how much we love someone, there is no better therapy than sitting quietly by yourself and having a chat with your thoughts.

2. You will find your true self. Embracing singlehood will help you focus on yourself and think about who you are and what you want from life. This period will be the stepping stone to your dream life.

3. You will reflect more often. Being single gives you the opportunity and time for self-refection. Just think about it. This phase of your life will help you shut your loud insecurities and listen to what your heart has to say. This will be your best “me-time” since you are not spending a lot of time worrying about someone else’s feelings.

4. You will focus on doing what makes you happy. Ending a relationship that you no longer find uplifting will be your stepping stone to a better life. Being single will give you an opportunity to start doing the things that make your heart sing. For the first time in your life, you will see what it is like to make a decision on your own.

5. You will become more productive and more creative. Being free to finally decide without having to think whether your decision will affect someone else will finally give you the freedom to follow the path to your wildest dreams. Singlehood will give you the courage to be the person you’ve always wanted to be. Freedom will stimulate your productivity and imagination.

6. You will finally get a taste of independence. For the first time in your life, you will finally get to see what it feels like to completely rely on yourself. It sounds scary, but there is nothing more beautiful than that, I assure you. Learning how to live independently will give you the strength to accomplish your wildest dreams.

7. You will stop worrying about making everyone happy. Because your primary focus will be yourself. You will finally realize that you cannot spend your life on making everyone happy. Singlehood will open your eyes and make you realize that you should always be first on your priority list. Because if you don’t take care of yourself, no one will.  

8. You will stop apologizing for everything. When you finally accept being alone as this precious phase in your life, you will quickly understand that you don’t owe anyone explanation for the things that you’ve. Being alone will give you the courage to stand up for yourself and defend your opinions, no matter how different they may be.

9. You will stop asking for validation. You will no longer be interested in getting an OK from people. Being alone will help you understand that only you know what’s best for you.

If He Shows These 7 Communication Behaviors, Know You’re Dating The Wrong Guy

If your man’s communication didn’t stink and if his communication skills weren’t that poor, you wouldn’t be reading this article now.

Communication is an important factor in every relationship. It has the power to make the connection between you and your partner stronger and make you feel acknowledged by them. Unfortunately, it can also make your relationship fall apart.

In fact, the way your boyfriend communicates with you can reveal a lot about the way he feels about you and the relationship as well.

Well, if your bae displays most or all of the following 7 communication behaviors, I’m sorry to break it to you, but you’re dating the wrong guy.

Here they are:

1. He’s not vocal about his feelings.

If you often feel like you have to read your boyfriend’s mind in order to better gauge his feelings, thoughts, and intentions, then there’s undoubtedly a lack of communication in your relationship.

Trying to figure out your boyfriend’s feelings for you and whether the relationship means to him as much as it means to you is tiring and frustrating.

The thing is that when you’re in a relationship with someone who is genuinely in love with you, you know how they feel about you because they’re not afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve. So, if your boyfriend doesn’t bother to express his feelings for you, this can be a red flag he’s lost interest in you or that he’s never even been into you.

2. He doesn’t listen to you.

If you often notice that your man’s mind wanders off when you talk to him, this may indicate that your words have no meaning for him.

So, what you should ask yourself is: If what you have to say means nothing to your bae, then what makes you think that you and your relationship do?

3. He doesn’t show affection.

Emotional and physical intimacy is also a sign of communication. If you two are having issues when it comes to your sex life, for instance, you’re dissatisfied with it or you can’t tell when you two were last physically intimate, this is a red flag that your relationship lacks a healthy, open communication.

4. He is passive-aggressive.

A person displays a passive-aggressive behavior when they want to dodge questions or avoid conflict and taking personal responsibility for their mistakes and wrongdoings.

So, if your man often makes cynical or derogatory remarks,  ignores you when you complain to him about something bad he said or did to you, or avoids solving your relationship problems, chances are he neither cares about you nor about your relationship.

5. You feel alone in his presence.

If you’re in a relationship in which you feel alone, then what’s the point of staying in it?

If your man doesn’t make you feel free and comfortable expressing your feelings and opinions, if he doesn’t make you feel emotionally fulfilled, and if you can’t feel that love is floating in the air when he’s around you, well, I’m sorry to break it to you, but you two are not on the same page.

6. He has frequent outbursts of anger.

When two people are genuinely in love with each other, they tend to discuss and resolve their relationship problems in a mature, civilized, polite manner. Because their primary goal is saving their relationship.

But, if your man flies off the handle, shouts at you, or insults you every time you try to talk out your relationship problems or every time you make a mistake, maybe it’s time for you to reevaluate your relationship and think about if he really is the person you want to be with.

7. He rarely asks you what you need.

When you honestly and deeply love someone, you want them to be happy. You want them to feel content and fulfilled around you. And in order to make that happen, you try to find out what makes them happy. You show interest in their needs, desires, and wishes.

So, if your boyfriend hardly ever cares about what you need in the relationship and how you want him to treat you, then chances are he doesn’t care about you, nor about your relationship.

How to Choose an Addiction Treatment Center for Women

As a woman, there are several things you may want to consider before choosing a rehab facility. Remember drug addiction affects males and females in different ways, that’s you’ll find numerous women-only addiction treatment centers.

If you want the support of other women, consider a treatment program that’s exclusively designed for women rather than a rehab program which is open to both genders. These programs are usually on both inpatients as well as on an outpatient basis. Typically, inpatient treatment services are available 24/7 in residential rehab facilities. And they’re best suited for those who’ve severe addictions and require intensive treatment in a serene, safe, and supportive environment.

On the other hand, outpatient treatment is offered on a part-time basis and might work better for women who need to execute their daily activities while undergoing treatment. Each drug rehab treatment program is unique and provides different treatment approaches, services, as well as amenities. 

Here are important things to look for in rehabilitation centers for women.

A Treatment Plan That Addresses the “Whole” Individual

A comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the whole person works effectively for any woman who is battling addiction. This type of treatment program tackles the physical, psychological, spiritual, as well as social components of addiction.

Women-focused treatment facilities usually offer therapies focused on addressing emotional and sexual traumas which may have contributed to the addiction. Besides, they deal with any eating disorders, self-esteem issues, family problems, and body image issues.

Supportive Therapy

Since most women tend to define themselves in terms of their relationships plus connections with others, having a supportive, nurturing, as well as an empathetic therapist is a must.

Sharing ideas with other women who’re struggling with similar addictions is also another important aspect of the recovery process. According to clinical research, women battling with addictions benefit heavily from supportive therapies.

Drug Treatment during Pregnancy

Pregnant women who’re struggling with a drug addiction should choose a treatment program that addresses the unique challenges they’re facing. Pregnancy can make the treatment quite complex and can lead to premature pregnancy termination.

Drug rehab treatment centers must support expectant women by taking their nutritional concerns into consideration and addressing their fetal health whilst openly discussing their condition. They should also offer medically-assisted detox as well as stabilization when needed.

On-Site Childcare Services

On-site childcare services are extremely important for those who’ve children. Research has shown that women whose children accompanied them to the rehab were more likely to complete their drug rehab treatment program. For those receiving minimal family support, on-site childcare might be a great option during their rehabilitation.

Certain women-focused drug rehab treatment centers provide specialized counseling services for mothers to address common parenting problems involved with addiction. These services can really prove invaluable to you and your child.

The Bottom Line

As a woman who’s struggling with drug addiction, it’s advisable to find an effective way to treat your condition. There are numerous rehab centers out there that can help treat your addiction. However, it’s always important to pick a drug rehab treatment program that offers supportive therapy, addresses all your needs, and provides on-site childcare services. 

Keep an Eye on your Health in Your “Golden Age” – Everything You Should Know About Medicare

Is your golden age just around the corner? If you’re approaching your retirement years, it’s time to get serious about your medical care. With people living longer and longer, you need to preserve your youth and health as you reach this milestone.

Medicare is a federally-ran program that provides medical insurance to those 65 and older. Medicare steps in at this age to take care of almost all of your healthcare needs, and this can be a real lifesaver. From knowing what Medicare covers to understanding how to maximize it, this guide will help you keep an eye on your health in your golden age with Medicare. Let’s get started.

Start Thinking Early About Medicare

There’s a lot going on that can get in the way, especially when it comes to healthcare. However, you don’t want to wait until the last minute to think about Medicare. The best time to start thinking about this program and your coverage is in your early 60s. There are a lot of choices and decisions you’ll need to make, so getting a head start will make sure you don’t miss anything along the way. 

You’ll need to start thinking about the following:

  • What doctors will you need to see, and are they covered under your Medicare plan?
  • What prescription drugs do you need coverage for?
  • Do you have a health savings fund for your retirement?
  • Do you need travel insurance as you enter your golden years?
  • What type of coverage do you expect to need?

Familiarize Yourself with the Parts of Medicare

One of the biggest aspects that confuses people about Medicare are the different parts. Right now, let’s take a minute to explain the different parts and how they all work together to create Medicare as we know it. 

Part A and B are also known as original Medicare. Part A covers your hospital insurance, including things like inpatient care and nursing homes. Part B covers outpatient care, including doctors’ services and home healthcare. 

Part C is a bit different. This is also known as Medicare Advantage, and it’s an alternative option to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies, and they offers Parts A, B, and D through a single plan. Medicare beneficiaries should compare Medicare Advantage plans to find the one that is best for them.

Finally, Part D is your prescription drug coverage. There are different plans offered, and each one offers different coverage for different medications which is why it’s important to know what type of medications you’ll need when signing up.

Know Your Enrollment Window

Another important thing to know about Medicare as you enter your golden age is that Medicare coverage isn’t automatic. Unless you’re already on Social Security, you won’t be automatically enrolled in the program. 

You’ll need to be aware of your specific Medicare enrollment window. This window begins 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after. You’ll need to make sure you don’t miss this window or you could face a penalty fee. 

Medicare Is Growing Rapidly

Finally, keep in mind that Medicare is rapidly growing. There are currently over 44 million beneficiaries, and this number will only continue to rise as the aging population increases. Why does this matter? This new number is a good indication that Medicare will continue to develop and change. 

There’s a lot of discussion and debate about the future of Medicare. Many people believe it won’t be along for much longer, while others thing the benefits will change. While much of this will have to do with our legislation, it’s important to educate yourself about the trends related to Medicare so you can stay protected. 

Are You Ready For Medicare?

As you can see from this list above, there’s a lot to know about Medicare. Luckily, you’re now in a position to make smarter choices about your own healthcare as you age, whether you’re retiring now or in a few years. 

Making the most of Medicare isn’t always simple, but it is possible with the right preparation. Your heatlh is the most important thing you have. Don’t lose it in your golden years. 

8 Things Pansexuals Want You To Know

Pansexuality is a term which has attracted a lot of interest during recent years. Many people tend to think that pansexuality is the same as bisexuality, but it’s not.

Pansexual is someone that is emotionally and/or sexually attracted to people regardless of gender or sex.

Here are 8 things pansexuals want you to know, and trust me, it is less confusing than you may think.

1. Pansexuality is different from bisexuality.

The term ‘pan’ means ‘all’ in the Greek language. So, a pansexual individual is not bisexual but allsexual. This means that they can get romantically or sexually attracted to a woman, man, or a transgender person.

2. Pansexualty is a real thing.

There are many misconceptions and stereotypes about this sexual identity. The most common one is that it’s not ‘real.’ But, this is not true. Pansexuality does exist. And if a person’s pansexuality isn’t acknowledged by others, it can make it difficult for them to live their authentic life.

3. Pansexuals are not promiscuous.

Pansexual individuals may be emotionally and/or sexually attracted to all types of people, but this doesn’t mean they’ll have intercourse with everyone. In fact, they can be quite picky about choosing their partner.

4. Oftentimes, individuals that once identified themselves as bisexuals later become pansexuals. As is the case with Janelle Monáe and Miley Cyrus.

5. Pansexuls want to be in a relationship too.

Rena McDaniel, a Gender and Certified Sex Therapist, says: “One of the ways society shames those who are attracted to more than one gender is to say that they are ‘greedy’ or a ‘commitment-phobe.’ However, no one says this about heterosexual folks who also have about half the population of the world to choose from.”

6. Youth population is more likely to identify as pansexual than older people. The latter are more likely to use the term bisexual.

7. Gender has nothing to do with pansexuality.

We often confuse sexual identity with gender identity. But, these two aren’t the same. Pansexuality is a term that indicates a person’s sexual orientation, i.e. who they’re attracted to, and not their gender.

8. The term pansexuality is relatively new.

Although pansexual individuals have been around for years, most of us are just beginning to acknowledge the term pansexuality and learn what it means.

10 Basic Habits That Will Help You Raise Happy, Healthy And Wise Children

We cannot make this world a better place if we don’t focus on raising fine, healthy, happy and responsible individuals first. It is our job as grownups and people who’ve been through a lot of things in life to pass down those lessons to the next generations.

It can be pretty overwhelming when you realize that you and only you have the biggest responsibility to teach your young individual everything there is to life and help them choose the right path in life. But there is nothing more wonderful and rewarding than doing that.

All you have to know is that the change starts with you. One parent, one child. Remember, you have the opportunity to build a solid foundation for them to develop on their own. You are the one that has to teach them the real values of life. You are the one that has to prepare them for their journey.

Here are 10 basic habits that will help you raise happy, healthy and wise children:

1. EMPATHY. The first thing on your priority list should always be teaching your kids how important taking care of others is. Only empathy will save this world. This trait will help them understand what it feels like to walk in another person’s shoes. Kids that are hardwired to care about other people as well will grow up into a kind, loving and considerate human beings. These are the people that we need on this planet.

2. EARLY BEDTIMES. Good night’s sleep is essential for healthy brain development. One of the most important things that you must do for your children’s wellbeing is to always get them the amount of sleep that they need.

3. HEALTHY BOUNDARIES. I know it’s difficult to do this to a human being that you love more than anything. Especially when they are screaming, pushing back and refusing to listen to you. In these moments, it is important to remind yourself that you are doing this for their own good. Setting healthy boundaries for your kid will help them learn discipline. Something that they will desperately need in life.

4. NECESSARY ROUTINES. Spontaneity is great, but a child who has yet a lot to learn about life need routines. And you are the first one that has to introduce it to these routines. Self-control, empathy, interaction, friendships, responsibilities are just some of the things that a kid must learn in order to grow up into a well-adjusted grownup.

5. A LOT OF HUGS. This should go without saying. A growing child needs all the love it can get. It should be raised in a healthy and loving environment with people who know how to take care of it. Experts say that we need four hugs a day to survive, 8 hugs a day for maintenance and 12 hugs a day for growth. The more you hug; the more oxytocin is released hence the happier your child is.

6. PLAYFUL AND LOVING PARENTS. Kids don’t say “I had a bad day… Can we talk?” They say, “Mommy, play with me.” Don’t ever ignore their requests; you are the only person that they believe in. Yes, life is stressful and chaotic. But it doesn’t have to be. It’s your call. Stop disconnecting yourself from reality and start paying more attention to what your kid is trying to tell you. Cancel everything that you have, put your phone down and devote your whole day to them.

7. MORE EXPERIENCES INSTEAD OF THINGS. Remember, when they grow up, it is not the stuff that they will remember, but the places that you’ve been to and the moments that you shared. The best experiences in life don’t cost much. Quality time is the best possible gift that you can give to your children.

8. BOOKS AND MUSIC. The first best thing that parents can do for their children is to keep them safe. The second-best thing is to read with them. The same goes for teaching them about music and art.

9. MORE TIME SPENT OUTDOORS. Constant physical activity, especially out in nature is a must. Allowing children to explore the world around them and learn more about the laws of nature on their own will help them develop into responsible, independent and smart individuals. Kids who don’t get to be free and explore on their own, but instead stay trapped into the parent’s fear are likely to grow up with many issues.

10. MORE SCREEN-TIME LIMITS. It’s very simple. A child needs specific stimuli from the outside environment in order to develop normally. In other words, these essential stimuli cannot be found in front of screens or phones. A young child that spend a lot of time in front of a screen instead of the outside is bound to have troubles with its development.

If Two Lovers Are Meant To Spend Their Lives Together, Fate Will Find A Way To Connect Them

People often wonder about the course of their lives. They question their actions, they worry about their decisions, but the thing that they are most afraid of is destiny.

They know that they don’t have total control over everything, so they fear for their lives. Some of them are convinced that everything that has already happened to them and everything that it’s about to happen is predestined. That it’s all a part of some divine intervention.

And then there are some who refuse to believe that our lives are governed by destiny. According to these people, life is what you make it. Nothing more, nothing less. There is no fate, no destiny, no predestined path for each and every one of us. We are the only people that control our journey.

Well, I am with the first group. I believe that we are here for a reason. Yup, I said it. I believe in destiny and I believe that everything that has ever happened to us or is about to happen to us is for a certain reason. Excuse me, but I refuse to follow that notion that life is that random. It’s not.

Do you how I know this?

Because after so many struggles, after so many sleepless nights, after so many heartaches and so many tears cried on my pillow, we somehow found our way back into each other’s arms. Yes, both of us worked hard to get where we are today. But so did the universe. So did the stars in the sky. And so did destiny.

Everything we went through, every pain that we felt fighting for our love, every change, every struggle in our lives was for a reason. Every mistake we made, every road we took, every person we chose along the way brought us here. All of that helped us learn our lessons and become the people that we were always meant to be. And ultimately, it showed us our way back to one another.

Because our souls have always known each other. Our hearts have always been connected with one another. We’ve always been close to each other, no matter how far our bodies were. I feel that every time I look at you in the eyes and touch your skin. You’ve always been a part of me, and I’ve always been a part of you.

That is why I firmly believe that people who have always been destined to spend their lives together, will eventually end up together. If they are meant to spend their lives loving one another, nothing and no one could ever stand in their way. Neither pain could tear them apart, nor someone could do something to prevent them from finding each other.

The universe does conspire to bring you closer to the things that you love. Getting there requires your hard work and your desire as well, but fate is always here to help you out. Don’t ever forget that.