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11 Signs You Are Dating A Woman, Not A Girl

When we say there is a difference between girls and women we are not talking about the age difference. For all we know, there are ‘women’ that are actually younger than ‘girls’. The real difference between women and girls is in the way they think, act, and the way they live their lives.

The fact is, women and girls understand and experience the world differently. You can find girls easily, but it is rather a challenge to find a mature woman nowadays because they are a rarity.  

So, guys, be careful when you choose your partner. If you want a woman by your side, pay attention to these 11 giveaways below.

1. Girls Dress Provocatively Because They Think That’s Sexy – Women Know That Real Sexiness Comes From Within

Girls dress revealing because they want attention and they think that the more skin they show, the sexier they will be. Women, on the other hand, never dress provocatively nor try to appear sexy. They are sexy because they know how to carry themselves confidently, and with elegance.

2. Girls Go Out And Get Hammered – Women Know Their Limits

Only girls can be seen hounding tables at clubs and chugging down free alcohol to get wasted. You will never see a respectful woman doing that. This is not to say that women don’t drink alcohol – they do, but they know when to stop. They don’t want to lose their control, as opposed to girls who drink to get drunk and end up making poor decisions.

3. Girls Watch Rubbish TV – Women Read Books

It is not that women don’t watch TV. They have also their favorite TV shows. The difference between women and girls is that women can distinguish between good and bad TV. Moreover, women also spend quality time in reading books with a substance which is not a case for girls.

4. Girls Expect Men To Pay The Bill – Women Are Financially Independent

Girls expect men to take care of them and spoil them. They don’t like to whip out their wallets and pay the tab. On the other hand, women are confident to let the man pay from time to time, but they also pay the bill themselves. Women want men to know that they don’t need their money, but their love and respect.

5. Girls Order Salads – Women Eat Whatever They Want

It is not that women don’t eat salads. But they won’t order a salad just so that men will think they take care of what they eat. Girls eat healthily because they want everyone to see that they eat healthily. Women eat healthily because they want to be healthy and because they respect their bodies. Plus, women are not ashamed to order whatever they want. A burger and fries anyone?

6. Girls Expect Men To Read Their Minds – Women Are Vocal

Girls expect men to read their minds. They believe that men should sense when something bothers them. Girls look for a man that will “understand” them so well that he would be able to know how they are feeling or what’s on their minds. Women, on the other hand, know that this is impossible. So, they speak their mind and talk openly.

7. Girls Can’t Wait To Post On Facebook About Their Relationship – Women Don’t Spend Time On Social Media

Girls can’t wait to post a picture on Facebook with their boyfriends and to change their relationship status. Women don’t bother with these things. They are so busy living their real lives that they even forget they have a Facebook.

8. Girls Stick To What They Know – Women Are Always Looking To Broaden Their Horizons

Women are driven and passionate. They are always looking for new life experiences because they understand how important it is to explore possibilities, meet new people, and see the best places in the world. Contrary to them, girls don’t look for ways how they can improve themselves, they want someone else to come along and give them purpose.

9. Girls Talk About Trivialities – Women Know How To Hold A Proper And Stimulating Conversation

Women are fascinating because they keep themselves updated on all global affairs. Girls, on the other hand, don’t bother with intellectual topics. They are prone to gossip and don’t have any interesting and intellectual hobbies. Moreover, they don’t really have opinions on their own. Contrary, women are intelligent and can hold a stimulating conversation for hours.

10. Girls Need Someone To ‘Save’ Them – Women Are Their Own Warriors

Women don’t need anyone to save them. They are perfectly capable of taking care of themselves. Girls are capable too, but they choose to take the victim roles and find someone who would do anything for them.

11. Girls Will Try To Hold You Back From Succeeding – Women Will Encourage You To Follow Your Dreams

Girls are insecure and jealous when it comes to your career, so they will try to discourage you to pursue things that will give you great success. A woman will try everything that’s in her power to support and encourage you to focus on your goals, even if this means you will spend less time together. She understands that sometimes work is more important.

11 Things You Should Be Aware Of When Dating A Strong Woman

It’s a common belief among people that independent women are some kind of a myth. However, strong independent women are very real, very prosperous and successful, and loads of fun to be with. 

One of the most frequent mistakes people make is misinterpreting strong women and assuming that they don’t want love or companionship. 

Let me tell you, that’s far, far from the truth. You can say we don’t need a man to justify our life but it takes just the right type of person that can be comfortable with our lifestyle.

Dear Gentlemen, to all of you out there, if you met a tough, “nobody’s wife” kind of a woman, buckle up buddies, take a deep breath, you’re in for a quite a ride. Here are some useful tips in order to get to know them better.

Ready?

1. WE APPRECIATE OUR PRIVACY

If there’s something we value the most, it’s our God-given “alone time”. And believe it or not, we’re going to need our own personal space more often.

No, it doesn’t mean we are mad or don’t want to talk to you. Just imagine that our personal time is a sacred noninterruptible Zen zone. We need to be alone in order to recharge, so don’t expect us to be available at every moment of the day.

2. WE HAVE STANDARDS

We are very clear about future goals and visions and what we strive to accomplish in life. So of course, we expect similar ambitions in you.

Independent women are known to have a strong sense of morality and an impeccable set of values. She won’t feel satisfied pursuing a relationship if your values are in conflict with hers.

3. WE ARE NOT AFRAID OF BEING ALONE

Don’t take this too personally, but we had a life even before you. And as selfish as this sounds, sometimes you’re not invited. Strong, independent women like to be self-sufficient.

They are the type of women that you might see enjoying a cup of coffee at the local café, traveling alone or just taking that midnight stroll in the park. All of this is freedom.

4. WE LOOOVE AFFECTION

And I mean it. After all, we function like every other human being. At the end of the day, we still want a big hug and a few kisses. Independence will never outshine the desire to feel loved and adored.

5. WE ARE STUBBORN

I’m sure you’ve noticed by now, but we are very relentless when it comes down to ourselves. It’s just, we’ve taken a great control over our whole life and decisions.

6. WE ARE NOT NEEDY

Neediness is definitely not a part of their characteristics chart. At times you may wonder if you are needed in their worlds. You are. Just maybe not in the way you expected.

Strong women don’t need you in order to make their lives complete. Desperation is bad quality, especially when it comes to desperately needing another human being. It’s just not our thing.

7. WE DON’T PLAY IMMATURE GAMES

It’s either black or white.Your call. Strong women recognize when things are not working and will immediately take action in to correct the course.

But, if your dating a lady with a tough, i-can-do-it attitude don’t expect her to be in for the games. That’s just plain childish.

8. WE LOVE THE IDEA OF HAPPILY EVER AFTER, BUT ONLY WITH THE RIGHT PERSON

Strong women are faithful. They expect only commitment and honesty from you, and they are more than willing to return it with the same fiery passion.

That’s because she knows precisely what she wants from life and holds on to it tight whenever she gets it. If you are everything she wants, you, my friend, are lucky!

9. WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE OURSELVES MORE

Not in the narcissistic kind of way but more in the self- appreciation kind of a way.  Every one of us has only themselves to depend on. And we need to focus on that particular relationship and make sure it’s constantly nourished and well taken care of.

10. WE KNOW WHAT WE WANT AND KNOW HOW TO GET IT

We are highly motivated and extremely determined when it comes to our goals and objectives. Strong independent women know what they’re capable of and aren’t afraid to take on various career challenges that come their way. Everything is a challenge. Bring it on!

11. WE EARN OUR OWN FUTURE

We are responsible for all of our actions and outcomes, and we make our own future!

Source: James M Sama

12 Mindful Ways To Make The Introvert You Love Feel Really Loved

An introvert will tell you – they really need their quiet time – the lack of people and buzzing noises from all that talking and talking and jabbering about some irrelevant things. They just want to be invisible in most cases.

And if someone truly special to you happens to be an introvert, there are some things you need to know about their interpersonal habits and preferences that, if you follow their lead, can make them feel loved very much.

So, here are some things you can do to make that special introvert of yours feel loved.

1. Give them 3 seconds after they stop talking

Because sometimes it could be that they didn’t stop talking but are processing thoughts internally. Introverts like to submerge in their thoughts before saying things out loud.

2. If you’re talking about something important, paraphrase their ideas

This way they’ll know that you are indeed paying attention, which an introvert will appreciate very much. So, simply say some of the things they say in your own words.

3. Enjoy the silence now and then

Silence is golden – especially for an introvert. And there’s nothing awkward with some silence now and then, really. In fact, sitting in silence can be quite enjoyable with the right person.

4. Announce it before you start thinking out loud

Introverts like fully formed thoughts, and it’s a nightmare for an introvert when someone starts thinking out loud.

This is because when someone (usually an extrovert) starts verbalizing every single thought that comes to their mind it usually ends in a stream of jumbled words and disconnected ideas.

So, when you are planning to start thinking out loud, do tell them, so they can simply tune out if they can’t follow.

5. Figure out plans through texting

Introverts feel most comfortable when texting (opposed to talking on the phone). It’s because they can think about the things they are planning to say and express themselves in the best way – this is especially important for them when discussing plans.

6. Don’t interrupt them when they are speaking

When an introvert talks, it means that they have put a lot of thought into what they are saying and cutting them off in the middle of all that feels like a punch in the chest for them.

If you do need to add something to the conversation, acknowledge that you have cut them off and give them a moment to continue.

7. The best conversations are when you’re walking or driving

It’s because of the lack of eye contact which feels less confrontational for the introvert. This way they feel free to retreat inside and bring out their deepest thoughts without focusing on your piercing gaze.

8. Acknowledge their feelings

Especially if you’re about to do something they might not like. Simply state that you know how they might feel about it and explain why you have to, for example, interrupt them in the middle of saying something.

9. Help them leave the party early

Imagine you’re having some friends over and you notice that your dear introvert starts feeling anxious because they can’t stand another minute around people. Help them out and make an excuse for the guests to head out. The introvert will appreciate this – a lot.

10. Make balance between quiet time and loud activities

Going to clubs or loud restaurants may feel overwhelming for the introvert if they have already drained their energy on other socially-engaging activities.

So, when you have such plans, make sure you do some things that will not cost them a lot of energy, like going to the movies, hiking, or long drives.

11. Be specific when asking questions

It can be difficult for an introvert to dive into a conversation if they don’t receive some kind of push, like a more specific question.

You could, for example, ask them what made them feel happy today or whether they have an interesting observation or thought they’d like to share.

12. Let them know that you don’t feel awkward around them at all

The quietness of an introvert may feel awkward for many – and this thought drains them, especially with their efforts not to be the dull silent ones in a world full of loudmouths.

However, you know that you don’t feel awkward around them. Make sure they are aware of it and that you, in fact, enjoy their quiet nature.

 

Source: BuzzFeed

12 Ways To Create The Best Relationship Of Your Life, According To A Psychologist

Dr. Sue Johnson is a psychologist who has worked with couples for 30 years, researching how they repaired their broken relationships.

She has finally cracked the code for creating ever-lasting romantic love by connecting all her knowledge from stories, studies, and science.

Read her recipe for creating a fulfilling and safe emotional relationship, or restoring the spark and romance in existing relationships. Here are 12 ways how to do that:

1. Don’t assume that love will magically happen to you.

The concept of romantic love is no longer considered a mystery. Scientists have explained what happens in our brain when we are in love, so this is great news because it gives you full control over your love life.

So, start learning its laws. Gain more control over your love life by gaining more knowledge and different perspectives. Because you can’t shape something which you know very little about.

2. Reflect on the way you and your partner interact with each other.

It is common knowledge that responsiveness and emotional openness are essential factors to creating lasting, solid bonds.

Dr. Johnson advises to take initiative and talk with your partner openly about the significance of these two things. 

3. When you feel uncertain, stressed, or anxious – tell this to your partner.

Dr. Johnson’s study showed that holding hands with your partner can make the fear go away and can calm down your brain.

So, whenever you feel stressed or anxious take your partner’s hand and talk to them openly about your feelings. Because only the bonds of true love will help us regain our emotional balance and make us feel safe.  

4. Reconsider your fighting habits.

Oftentimes, behind the fighting lies a need for a deeper emotional connection. Understand that when your partner initiates a fight it may not be only about the issue they mention.

Usually, it is deeper than that. So, instead of hearing only words of criticism – try to find what they are craving really. Maybe they are just feeling lonely and a little scared?

5. Talk with your partner about what you have learned in your family about dealing with emotions.

Talking about you and your partner’s family relations can help you both to get more insight into each other’s way of coping with things.

Also, talk about why you think it is hard for you to open up and how do you think your family affected your way of dealing with emotions. Then, try to find the harmony that you both need.

6. Keep in mind the fact that emotional injuries destroy relationships.

You can unintentionally hurt your partner simply because you matter to them so much that they take your words seriously. Your words may cut your partner like a knife if you are not careful.

Every now and then, talk with your partner and ask them if they have any unhealed wounds, maybe times when you failed to see their cues for connection and support. Show understanding of their emotions and offer them help to move on.

7. Try reaching to your partner openly for their attention and affection.

Let’s face it, we all need love. Love is an ancient thing necessary for survival. We feel stronger, happier, healthier, relaxed, and live better when we have bonded with someone.

So, it is okay to ask for love and affection from your partner. It really takes a strong person to take the risk and accept this internal need for connection and act on it.  

8. Understand that the best recipe for great sex is through open communication and safe emotional connection.

The best lovers are those who are not ashamed to talk openly with their partner about their needs when it comes to sex. Incredible and mind-blowing sex rarely happens from the mere beginning of the relationship.

Great sex is created through the course of the relationship, and it takes two partners equally willing to put an effort and state their sexual preferences.

9. Talk with your partner about how you influence each other.

The thing is, we are all likely to be vulnerable when we are alone. You need to ask yourself how you influence your partner.

What impact do your actions have on them? Be careful with your actions because the brain processes emotional hurt and rejection in the same way as actual physical pain.

10. Exercise getting more closeness with your partner through a simple game of empathy.

Each person has to think about an event that happened to them during the day. Then take turns and read each other’s face and try to guess which emotion out of the 6 basic ones they feel: surprise, happiness, anger, sadness, embarrassment/shame, or fear.

See if you are right. This game is excellent about learning about each other’s body language and facial expressions.  

11. Talk with your partner about your future goals and see how you can support each other in achieving them.

It helps a lot knowing that our partner supports us and has our back. We are then more likely to succeed in pursuing and achieving our goals because our excitement levels are higher and we are more confident when we have someone who believes in us.

12. Try to acknowledge the times when you find it hard to open up, or you become defensive and distant.

We all know that being emotionally open and responsive is the crucial thing when it comes to creating a solid and lasting bond with your partner.

So, take initiative and share your emotions, even when it is difficult for you. That will inspire your partner as well to be more open and honest with you.

Image Copyright: bowie15 / 123RF Stock Photo

Here’s What Your Zodiac Sign Reveals About Your Drinking Habits

Regardless of whether you believe in horoscope or not, you can agree that it’s a great way to kill some time.

And wouldn’t it be fun to know how every zodiac sign behaves when they are drunk? ????

Read on to find out the drinking habits of each Zodiac.

ARIES

Drunk Aries can be seen bouncing from person to person making sure that everyone is having fun. If they see someone that is not enjoying themselves, an Aries will buy them enough drinks until they are on their level of ‘drunkenness.’

Plus, their friendly and outgoing nature makes them great drinking buddies. You can always count on an Aries for a happy hour.

TAURUS

Taurus is known to be the most loyal Zodiac of all. So, you can always count on a Taurus to be by your side. Need a wingman? Call a Taurus.

However, keep in mind that when a Taurus blacks out, their stubbornness emerges and stepping down would be your wisest choice. If they don’t like the place or your plan for the night, be sure that they won’t back down, especially when they are intoxicated.

GEMINI

Geminis are known for their split personalities. So, you can imagine how hard it can be to go out and get drunk with someone whose behavior changes in a wink. If you see that someone disappears when they are drunk – it is most probably a Gemini.

They can’t be around indecisive people. So, you better prepare every single detail for the night if you want to hang out with a Gemini. It will help if various places are included because Geminis get bored when they are in the same place for a long time.

CANCER

Emotions run deep with this sigh. They are likely to start crying if someone doesn’t go their way. This is why it can be quite a challenge to drink with a Cancer.

One moment it appears that they are having the best time, and the next moment they are crying on the bathroom floor or screaming at the bartender.

LEO

Give Leo some liquor and you will soon regret it because they won’t shut up. When drunk, a Leo doesn’t hold back their views and opinions, even if someone might get offended by them.

Also, be careful when you try to put them in their place because the ego of Leo is high, and their true nature is like that of a lion’s – a leader.

VIRGO

Virgo may not be your ideal drinking partner because they hate being amid a crowd of people. They prefer to be alone, drinking a glass of wine after a busy workday.

However, if you are up for an elegant night at a classy restaurant – your Virgo neat-freak friend would be your best company.

LIBRA

This sign is maybe the best one for going out and getting hammered with. Their joy for life and radiating happiness makes everyone around them feel good.

Moreover, they are grounded which makes them able to solve every problem that might occur during the night. Did you get in a fight? Ask your friend Libra to intervene in the situation.

SCORPIO

If you want to hear the truth, get a Scorpio drunk and see how they reveal all their secret thoughts. An intoxicated Scorpio doesn’t hold anything back.

Moreover, you can always count on Scorpio when you need a drinking buddy. They won’t refuse a drink under any circumstances. Luckily, they hide their feelings, so you can be sure that you won’t have to console a crying Scorpio. 

SAGITTARIUS

Sagittarius’s sharp tongue and anger predisposition don’t mix well with alcohol. So, be careful when you go out drinking with your Sagittarius friend.

However, they are excellent wingmen. Next time when you need a partner for a double date – look no more. Their adventurous and charismatic nature will make for a blast of a night.

CAPRICORN

Capricorns, or chameleons if you will, are among the greatest drinking buddies that you will ever have because they can accommodate themselves in any situation.

Their carefree and light nature makes them fun to be around. Moreover, they don’t gossip because other people’s businesses don’t interest them. They are interested only in themselves and their enjoyment.

AQUARIUS

Regardless of how fun it is to have a few shots in a bar with an Aquarius, it can become a dangerous situation, so you better be careful. Because if you piss them off things will soon hit the fan.

This sign changes their personality at the drop of a hat which makes every drinking experience with them a new tale to be told.

PISCES

It is always interesting to go out and drink with a Pisces. Their emotional side is so intense that you can watch them turn from drinking buddies to therapists in a matter of seconds.

However, be careful with their mood swings as one extra drink can really push them over the edge.

8 Things To Do When Your Girlfriend Or Wife Has Depression & Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are very difficult to deal with both for the person who is directly affected and for the people who love them. If you had a partner who had anxiety and/or depression, you would know this very well.

Sometimes I just wanted to find some magical switch that could at least temporarily make her feel better and take a break from the struggle.

However, if your girlfriend or wife is struggling with anxiety and/or depression, you should know that, very often, that magical switch is you.

Here are 11 things you need to know when your partner is suffering from these debilitating burdens.

1. You’re not her therapist – you are her partner

And this means a lot to her. Don’t get fooled to play her therapist or doctor, because you can’t do it. She wants to see a partner in you, not medical staff. Comfort her, hold her, be there for her – let her know that you are there when things get tough.

2. Be supportive of her healing strategies

She may be undergoing treatment, but that shouldn’t exclude your interest in it. Ask her regularly what she has discovered in her healing process and how the treatment is going; trust her choices and let her follow her instinct.

3. Introduce the optimism she is lacking

It will be normal for her to be pessimistic for just about anything, so don’t join her there. Listen attentively and introduce the bright side of the things she is being pessimistic about.

Make sure she also looks at the positive side of things and never underestimate the power of planting a seed of positivity in her mind.

4. She needs you to tell her how much you love her

When struggling with the burden of anxiety and/or depression, one starts losing touch with their self-esteem and self-awareness.

While you can’t do a lot to put these strengths in her, you can always play your part in them and let her know that she is with someone who is crazy about her. You can never love someone too much.

5. Be mindful of her triggers and don’t set them off

When you are with someone for a longer period, you stop noticing what little things make them quietly lose their mind.

However, when you have someone who is fighting on a front against depression and anxiety, these little bombs are the least they need. Follow her body language and notice if she seems tense or upset – and avoid doing those things when she does.

6. Share your feelings – gently and honestly

You need to be honest with her about how you’re feeling, what your fears and frustrations are, whether you have any revelations, ideas, solutions, and finally – your dreams.

Don’t think twice before drifting away in a fantasy that involves you two together and make sure you take her with you in that fantasy. Be open, honest, and most importantly, gentle.

7. Set clear and direct boundaries between other women and yourself

It’s not that you are intending to do anything, and you may find her jealousy confusing and unfounded – but that’s because her assumptions are based on fear, not facts.

And don’t try to convince her otherwise. You have no idea what’s running through her head and you would never like that same burden to fall on you.

The least you can do is make her understand that you don’t need any other woman than her in your life for whatever reason. Only stay in touch with those who truly respect and honor your relationship and love her as much as you do.

8. Surround yourselves with loving and supportive people

Sometimes, having the wrong kind of friends is the worst influence on your mind. In cases of depression and anxiety? It’s even worse than the worst.

What you need is some positive influence that comes from positive and loving people. She needs to see that the world is filled with beautiful people, with beautiful thoughts, and beautiful deeds. In fact, we all do.

If her therapist can help her mind, you can help her soul. Never forget that.

Source: Elephant Journal

This Is The Best Way To Get Rid Of The Negative People From Your Life

In this surprising journey called life, you’ll eventually cross your path with all sorts of people. Some of them good, some of them bad, most of them egoistic.  However, at the end of the day, it’s your final choice to decide who gets to stay in your world and who doesn’t. The most important thing you need to keep reminding yourself is that the ONLY person you can depend on is YOU.

Friendships are an essential part of a healthy and harmonious life. For some people, they mean the world to them. They see it as this unbreakable, everlasting pure bond. But let’s face today’s awful truth. They really aren’t.  

In this hectic, fast-paced,  twisted world of ours, nowadays personal interests and concerns matter more than kindness and empathy. Friendships like any other kind of relationships can end. But hey,  let’s look at the bright sight. If some fragment of your life just doesn’t do you any good, it’s okay to let go of it.

Just take a deep breath and let these words guide you.

TRUST YOUR GUT

Don’t be afraid to rely on your own instincts and put yourself FIRST. Trust me on this. Energy exists in every living form and never lies. If you feel like someone in your surrounding affects your well-being in any harmful way, that’s enough.

There is no justification for allowing those greedy energy-vampires control your life.  And remember! You don’t owe anyone anything. You may tell them how you truly feel, but at the end, it’s your choice how you deal with it.

LEARN TO CREATE DISTANCE

I know. Breakups and separations are hard. But nothing hurts more than experiencing that agonizing heartbreak whether it’s a romantic relationship or friendship. It’s perfectly normal to feel afraid of letting go, after all our relationships and ability to socialize define us as humans.

But you need to grow and rise above it. Start subtly and create the much-needed distance by occupying your time with other friends and activities that reflect positivity onto you. Feel free to leave them behind so they no longer influence your life.

CONFRONT THEM

Ending a relationship, even if it’s a bad one, it’s a painful process and takes a lot of courage. In my opinion, the best way it’s to always be sincere and upfront about your feelings. Be confident with your final decisions and make that crucial step.

TALK IT OUT

Now that you’ve taken some time apart, use your alone time to go through with every thought that bothers you. We all seem to have a distinctive coping mechanism based on our personality.

Some seek and find shelter in solitude, others need their friends. Confide in people you trust and love.  Like the great Dalai Lama once said “Love and compassion are necessities. Without them, humanity can’t survive.”

AVOID BAD-MOUTHING

This is a definite NO-GO. The best way to put an end to something dysfunctional is throughout an open and heartfelt intellectual conversation. Insulting and bad-mouthing them is only a reflection of immaturity and won’t get you anywhere except back into that dark negative state of mind.

And the whole point of surviving and going through that hard letdown is based on discovering your true self and taking care of yourself first and foremost.

One thing is definite. Life is short. So why not try and do our best to enjoy it?

Following These Simple Tricks Will Change Your Daily Routine

Have you ever had a whole lot of tasks that need attending to on one side and a busy-working, creative mind on the other, but you just couldn’t get your mind on to it because you had to finish the new “Stranger things” season?

That is a question that in some way applies to all of us. And of course, there is a name for it. Procrastination. The art of consciously avoiding a task that needs to be accomplished otherwise known as the greatest enemy of the 21st century.

Sometimes it’s a simple mundane thing, like organizing your closet or that mess in your room. But more often are those big things, that require our utmost attention and commitment, like applying for that job position that you want, but you’re afraid of being rejected, confronting a situation that seriously affects you, or pursuing your long-awaited dream.

As humans, we’ve come up with an awful lot of excuses about why not today. ‘Maybe tomorrow. Or better yet, the day afterward.’ And these excuses are responsible for many broken dreams and unachieved (unpursued) goals that eventually lead to a regretful life.

Not to worry. You can easily change the course of things. It all depends on you. In order to reorganize and get a hold of your life, we suggest you start today and follow these 7 simple rules.

1. Write down your daily tasks

The easiest way to awaken your productive self is to organize. If you find yourself in the middle of procrastinating at this very moment, finish reading this article and stop for a second.

Think about the tasks that are pending, whether they are goals, errands to run, simple daily chores or bigger responsibilities. Write them down. Start your own planner or a diary to help you memorize everything that needs to be done.

Categorize your tasks for each day of the week, and when you are done for the day, just mark them with some stickers. Create a routine that works for you and stick to your daily planned activities.

2. Start off with the simple chores

Simple tasks like doing the dishes and cleaning the desk drawers are still tasks. And they are very important. Taking care of these menial chores will get the job done but will also teach you responsibility.  Use the energy you’ve been directing toward excuses and focus it on the activity you’ve been avoiding. Action eliminates anxiety and laziness.

3. Break large projects into smaller ones

Aside from those everyday tedious duties, there are our life goals and work responsibilities. Part of the reason why we procrastinate is because subconsciously, we find that work is too overwhelming for us.

So why not try and make it more tolerable. After all, we owe it to ourselves. Break your goals into little manageable parts and focus on one part at the time. Remember, you don’t need to know every step of the way. Just GO FORTH and the path will become obvious.

4. Change your environment

Your surroundings and environment often leave a big impact on your productivity level. That is the main reason why everyone should find that safe place, that perfect little nook where they can be themselves and create at peace.

Environments that made us feel inspired before, can easily lose that effect after a period of time. If that is the case, take immediate actions. Rearrange and throw away all of the old, unnecessary things you’ve been keeping over the years. Make place for new ideas and let your creativity flow!

5. Avoid distractions

People nowadays are madly addicted to social media. No wonder procrastination is a big problem. In this world of Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, it’s all too easy to get distracted.

In before you know it, your whole day gone by scrolling meaningless stories. Help yourself and before you sit down to do some serious work, turn off your phone or just leave it in another room. It will do you good, I promise!

6. Reward yourself

One of the most important rules, in my opinion. As every other living being, humans respond perfectly to the reward system. Oh, and they take it very seriously too. This method is very much needed in order to achieve your goals. The main force behind it is Motivation.

One way to do it is to promise yourself that if you work until a certain time of day, you can relax afterward or do something fun. But be careful, in order get the most of this method, you really have to be honest with yourself, otherwise, you’ll end up with all rewards and no progress.

7. Just do it!

At the end of the day, it all comes down to taking the matter into your own hands. You can do all the organizing, strategizing and planning, but if you don’t take action, nothing will ever happen. Just imagine the feeling once you do whatever it is you’ve been postponing. That’s the taste of freedom.

So, stop wasting your time, step out of your comfort zone and start today!

Source: Forbes

According To Scientists, People Who Sleep Late Are Actually Smarter And More Creative

For those of you who can’t help waking up late, you can feel relieved knowing that this negatively perceived habit is one that the most creative and intelligent minds have in common.

It may feel nightmarish knowing that you’ll be late for work again, just as you were late for school every time – but what can you do? Your mind is most active during the late-night hours and you can’t imagine going to bed before 2 am.

And when you get where you were supposed to be half an hour ago, after all the speedy preparations and rushing, you are met by those well-awake morning flowers who are wondering what planet you fell from.

However, it seems that the price you are paying is one that all creatives and intellectuals are paying. And what are you paying for, exactly? We know what’s bad about being a night owl, but let’s look at what makes it so good.

Here are 5 things that night owls do differently from early birds.

EVOLUTIONARY PROGRESSIVE

A study called Why Night Owls Are More Intelligent, has found that the deviation from the ancestral habits that can be seen in night owls is closely connected to a more evolved genetics and higher IQ.

As the study authors explain, nocturnal activities were not a common thing among our ancestors, and the change in the circadian rhythm among night owls is an evolutionary one.

The study has looked at the sleeping habits of people with a higher IQ and has found a strong link between IQ and nocturnal activities – the more intelligent the person, the more of a night owl they are.

So, perhaps one day we will all evolve into night owls!

CREATIVE BEASTS

In a study that analyzed the creative potentials of night owls and morning flowers, it was found that while morning flowers struggled to score above 50, the night owls aced every test that was given to them.

As the study author Marina Giampietro explains, the increase in the creative potential among night owls could be triggered by the non-conventional way of functioning which boosts their ability to find original and alternative solutions.

And it’s true – while early birds seize the day and use it in the most productive way, night owls tend to seize the night and let their creativity blossom in the quiet night hours.

MENTALLY STRONG ALL DAY LONG

Researchers at the University of Liege in Belgium wanted to see how active the brains of night owls were during the day compared to early risers.

For this, they examined 15 “extreme night owls” and 16 “extreme early risers” by measuring their brain activity twice a day. First, they would measure their activity when they woke up, followed by another measurement 10.5 hours later.

They found that while both early birds and night owls had roughly the same productivity levels after waking up, the second measurements showed a significant difference.

The brain activity in the regions linked to the circadian master clock and attention was significantly lower in early birds when compared to night owls. As Dr. Philippe Peigneux explained, “evening types were less sleepy and tended to perform faster than morning types.”

SKIPPING STRESS

You may think that waking up late would make night owls stressed from the very start of the day. Well, rushing like a maniac to dress up and magically fly to work and make up a good excuse may seem stressful, but research has shown that night owls are actually less stressed throughout the day.

As the BBC reports, researchers from Westminster have found that morning flowers were more stressed during the day, showing increased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), when compared to night owls.

Early risers reported a generally worse mood, headaches, cold symptoms, and muscle aches. While they do seize the day, night owls will tell you that the day is not the best place for a peace of mind with all the hustle and bustle – especially in the early hours.

On the other hand, night owls, being programmed to avoid the stress of the morning and recover during the quiet night hours, are “more leisurely and less busy.”

 

So yes, although waking up late may cause a witch-hunt every other morning, and a lot of frowns and negative remarks, being a night owl is a privilege and something which you should never feel bad about.

The world needs more creative people who live to break the norm. So, be proud, not sorry.

 

Source: Elite Daily

Get Ready For A HUGE Energy Shift On December 3rd – Mercury Retrograde Combines With A Full Moon

It seems that December the 3rd would be a significant date for the spiritual growth and energy of all of us. What’s more, not only we would have a Full Moon in the sky, but Mercury would be in retrograde as well.

Plus, the Full Moon that will happen on December 3rd is also going to be a Super Moon. Meaning, the Moon will appear to be about 14% larger and much brighter. This doesn’t happen very often.

So, what does this mean, and how will affect us?

This Full Moon will be in Gemini, so there would be a tremendous shift in all of us. This energy is so intense that it’s better to be prepared. Try to do whatever feels good to you. You can also try cleansing your energy by meditating.

Moreover, Mercury will be in retrograde.

Retrograde is a term used to explain when a planet is moving backward instead of moving forward from our point of view on Earth. Mercury is retrograde 3 or 4 times each year and it lasts for a few weeks, meaning this major energy will not fade away with the Full Moon.

When a planet happens to be in retrograde it throws our things upside down as well. As Mercury rules the sign Gemini, we will go through a “shadow” period. Many people, however, will not experience the effects of Mercury in retrograde until it reaches the second stage known as “the storm.”

Mercury is in retrograde since November 14th, and it will stay in retrograde until December 22nd at 9 pm.

It can, and it will be problematic and frustrating to all of us. So, try your best to remain calm and grounded. Most importantly, pay attention to your relationships – take care of them and don’t let negative thoughts into your brain.

Finally, let things go with the flow. Don’t let the troubles which may happen with the retrograde bring you down.

Try your best to keep yourself together because while this retrograde can bring back your mental balance – it can take away the balance of everything else in your life.

However, don’t be scared of this impeding energetic shift. While it may seem to you like you are beaten up by two extreme forces, you should embrace the change and let things to sort themselves out.