tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87583271336803590702024-03-18T22:55:45.298-10:00It's a Magical LifePersonal development blog with tips and tricks to improve your life and make it magical.sharleen wlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168293482113246349noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758327133680359070.post-60868789169190060052023-12-30T16:33:00.013-10:002023-12-30T17:04:32.144-10:0010 Tips to Spark Joy and Conquer the New Year Like a Boss (Seriously)<p>by Aiden W</p><p>The champagne flutes are gathering dust, the glitter has settled, and the new year stretches before us like an untrodden path. But instead of feeling overwhelmed by the blank slate, let's fill it with vibrant possibilities! Ditch the resolutions that fizzle out by February, and embrace these 10 tips for a positive, fulfilling, and frankly, awesome new year:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBZArx_uq1oz3ymfhchH45jyWtqf6Ha0hFdzG1yva_QAOqyLYW0QSfmmP_nBEIVDzbSaE1DKjsY-DxjMp6sx5X6HuLv97Jf3WUT8ZmH6bEMuMe9pIziD0p63m1GtoE4tPolHyIHdms7dY0bzCwKs7pVijCLu6gdRjEyQJ1ZQxTO4eYo2r7R1o2koK-qno/s1280/happy%20girl%202.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="happy girl" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBZArx_uq1oz3ymfhchH45jyWtqf6Ha0hFdzG1yva_QAOqyLYW0QSfmmP_nBEIVDzbSaE1DKjsY-DxjMp6sx5X6HuLv97Jf3WUT8ZmH6bEMuMe9pIziD0p63m1GtoE4tPolHyIHdms7dY0bzCwKs7pVijCLu6gdRjEyQJ1ZQxTO4eYo2r7R1o2koK-qno/w213-h320/happy%20girl%202.jpg" title="haooy girl" width="213" /></a></div><b>1. Gratitude Glow-Up</b>: Before charging headfirst into the future, take a moment to appreciate the present. Reflect on the good things in your life, big or small. Write down three things you're grateful for each day, or share them with loved ones. Gratitude isn't just a feel-good practice; it rewires your brain for optimism, setting you up for a happier year.<p><br /><b>2. Befriend Your Inner Beyonce</b>: We all have that inner critic, the voice that whispers doubts and insecurities. This year, silence that voice with positive affirmations. Tell yourself you're capable, worthy, and awesome (because you are!). Repeat mantras like "I am strong," "I am capable," and "I am worthy of great things." Trust me, your inner Beyonce will thank you.<br /><br /><b>3. Spark Up Your Passions</b>: Remember that hobby you used to love but haven't touched in ages? Dust it off! Reconnect with activities that bring you joy, whether it's painting, playing music, writing, or building elaborate Lego castles. Making time for your passions isn't just fun, it's also a powerful stress reliever and creativity booster.<br /><br /><b>4. Embrace the Power of "No"</b>: People-pleasing is tempting, but it can also lead to burnout. This year, learn to say "no" gracefully but firmly. Don't overload your schedule with commitments that drain your energy. Prioritize your well-being and say "yes" to the things that truly matter to you.<br /><br /><b>5. Move Your Body, Move Your Mood</b>: Exercise isn't just about looking good (although that's a perk!). Physical activity releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that combat stress and boost your mood. Find an activity you enjoy, whether it's dancing, hiking, swimming, or even just a brisk walk around the block. Your body and mind will thank you.<br /><br /><b>6. Connect with Your Tribe</b>: Humans are social creatures, and strong relationships are essential for our well-being. Spend time with loved ones, nurture friendships, and build new connections. Join clubs, take classes, or volunteer in your community. Having a supportive network makes the journey through life so much smoother (and more fun!).<br /><br /><b>7. Disconnect to Reconnect</b>: We're constantly bombarded with information and notifications, which can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from ourselves. Schedule regular digital detoxes, even if it's just for an hour a day. Put your phone away, silence notifications, and simply be present in the moment. You might be surprised by what you discover.<br /><br /><b>8. Sleep Your Way to Success</b>: Sleep is often the first thing sacrificed when we're busy, but it's crucial for our physical and mental health. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and create a relaxing bedtime routine to wind down. A well-rested you is a productive, happy, and unstoppable you!<br /><br /><b>9. Embrace the Journey</b>: Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. Instead of getting discouraged by setbacks, learn from them and see them as opportunities for growth. Remember, the most beautiful destinations are often reached after the most challenging roads.<br /><br /><b>10. Celebrate Every Win (Big or Small)</b>: Don't wait for monumental achievements to celebrate. Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Did you finally finish that project you've been putting off? Treat yourself to a celebratory cupcake (or ten)! Did you conquer that morning workout? High five yourself in the mirror (and maybe do a victory dance). Recognizing your wins, big or small, fuels your motivation and keeps you moving forward.<br /><br />So there you have it, folks! Ten powerful tips to spark joy, conquer your goals, and make this year your best one yet. Remember, it's not about perfection; it's about progress, about embracing the journey, and most importantly, having fun along the way. So pop the bubbly (or your beverage of choice), raise a toast to the new year, and get ready to slay!<br /><br /><b>Bonus Tip</b>: Share your positive vibes! Spread the joy by sharing these tips with your friends and family. Together, we can make this year the most awesome one yet!</p><p>Want even more positivity? Check out these valuable resources:</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3RySziY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This Is The Year - yes, this is your year!</a></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3vj1rSu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What Does Your Fortune Cookie Say?</a><br /></p>sharleen wlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168293482113246349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758327133680359070.post-3556712573493031322023-06-19T17:38:00.004-10:002023-07-08T19:38:31.717-10:0010 Effective Ways to Elevate Your Mood and Boost Your Happiness<p>by Aiden W <br /></p><p>Elevating your mood not only improves your overall quality of life but
also enhances productivity and fosters positive relationships. In today's fast-paced and demanding world, it's important to prioritize our mental well-being and happiness. Fortunately, there are various effective strategies you can implement to boost your happiness. In this blog post, we'll explore 10 proven ways to elevate your mood and bring more joy into your life.</p><p><b>1. Practice Gratitude</b></p><p>Expressing gratitude has a profound impact on happiness and well-being. So this is the most important step and key to elevating your mood and boosting your happiness. Take time each day to reflect on things you are grateful for and make it a habit to express your gratitude to others. Consider maintaining a gratitude journal to jot down positive experiences and moments of appreciation. This simple practice can shift your focus towards the positive aspects of your life, enhancing your overall mood.</p><p><b>2. Engage in Regular Physical Exercise</b></p><p>Physical exercise is not only beneficial for your physical health but also has a profound impact on your mental well-being. Engaging in regular exercise releases <i>endorphins</i>, also known as "feel-good" hormones, which uplift your mood and reduce stress and anxiety. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, yoga, or even dancing most days of the week. It's important to choose an activity you enjoy and incorporate it into your routine for a natural mood-enhancer. </p><p><b>3. Build and Nurture Positive Relationships</b> <br /></p><p>Positive relationships play a crucial role in our happiness and well-being. Surround yourself with supportive and uplifting individuals who inspire and motivate you. Cultivate meaningful connections by investing time and effort into your relationships. Engage in open and honest communication, actively listen, and offer support to create a strong support system that enhances your happiness.<br /></p><p><b>4. Engage in Activities That Bring You Joy</b> </p><p>Make time for activities that bring you joy and ignite your passion. Engaging in hobbies, whether it's playing a musical instrument, painting, gardening, or cooking, allows you to experience moments of pure bliss and fulfillment.<br /></p><p>Music has a remarkable ability to influence our emotions. Create a playlist of your favorite uplifting songs that resonate with positive emotions. Listen to them when you want to elevate your mood, and let the melodies and lyrics uplift your spirits and bring joy to your day. Prioritize activities that bring you happiness and incorporate them into your routine regularly.<br /><br /><b>5. Practice Self-Care</b><br /><br />Self-care is essential for maintaining a positive mood and overall well-being. Take time to care for yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. This can involve activities such as taking a relaxing bath, practicing self-reflection, indulging in your favorite book, or getting a massage. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it's a necessary component of a happy and fulfilling life.<br /><br /><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKq6Slr-bE2uZQVlT0MZdvqZzMIfqp38cyrr8Jnjnu2rqnXnUl1usTixw5Ox0TJMgfpDjTWYvmfi0XF6wxUJLCjifqAnfnbkGfPMSOkMwz0EwPcGjgv-EjlV6UZHoLvzfrPjn7LJ2l3mQ2NjKWJ14AoNFmzVx1oU6pbzextpPwYOrYNmazqG8pDdlkwLLU/s640/meditation2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKq6Slr-bE2uZQVlT0MZdvqZzMIfqp38cyrr8Jnjnu2rqnXnUl1usTixw5Ox0TJMgfpDjTWYvmfi0XF6wxUJLCjifqAnfnbkGfPMSOkMwz0EwPcGjgv-EjlV6UZHoLvzfrPjn7LJ2l3mQ2NjKWJ14AoNFmzVx1oU6pbzextpPwYOrYNmazqG8pDdlkwLLU/s320/meditation2.jpg" width="213" /></a></b></div><p><b>6. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation</b><br /></p><p>Mindfulness and meditation are powerful techniques to cultivate a sense of inner peace and happiness. By focusing on the present moment and observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment, you can reduce stress and enhance self-awareness. Start with just a few minutes of daily meditation; sit quietly, focus on your breath, and observe your thoughts without judgment. Gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with it. Besides helping to elevate your mood this practice can reduce stress, enhance self-awareness, and improve
your overall well-being, leading to a more positive outlook on life.<br /><br /><b>7. Get Sufficient Sleep</b><br /><br />Adequate sleep is crucial for your physical and mental health. Lack of sleep can negatively impact your mood, cognitive function, and overall happiness. Establish a consistent sleep routine, aiming for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. Limit screen time before bed and practice relaxation techniques to promote better sleep.<br /><br /><b>8. Embrace a Healthy Diet</b></p><p>Your diet directly impacts your mood and overall well-being. Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive consumption of processed foods, refined sugars, and caffeine, as they can negatively affect your energy levels and mood. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to maintain optimal brain function.<b><br /></b></p><p><b>9. Engage in Random Acts of Kindness</b><br /><br />Performing acts of kindness not only brightens someone else's day but also boosts your own mood. Engage in small acts of kindness, such as giving compliments, helping others, or volunteering for a cause you care about. Acts of kindness release feel-good hormones, promote a sense of purpose, and foster positive connections with others.<br /><br /><b>10. Practice Positive Affirmations</b><br /><br />Our thoughts have a powerful impact on our mood. Practice positive affirmations by repeating uplifting statements to yourself daily. Affirmations like "I am worthy," "I am capable," or "I attract positivity" can rewire your mindset and boost your self-confidence, leading to an elevated mood.</p><p><b>Bonus strategy: Disconnect from Technology</b></p><p>While technology has its benefits, excessive screen time can negatively impact your mood and happiness. Take regular breaks from your devices and disconnect from social media to reduce comparison and information overload. Engage in activities that don't involve screens, such as spending time in nature, reading a book, or engaging in face-to-face interactions with loved ones.<br /></p><p>Elevating your mood and boosting your happiness is within your reach. By incorporating these effective strategies into your daily life, you can experience a significant improvement in your overall well-being. Remember, happiness is a journey, and it requires consistent effort and self-care. Embrace these practices, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the positive transformation they bring to your life. Start today, and make happiness a priority!</p><p> <br /> <br /></p>sharleen wlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168293482113246349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758327133680359070.post-25854542104372882332020-03-21T11:10:00.001-10:002021-03-01T22:23:57.387-10:00How to improve your emotional and mental health<div>
by Aiden W</div>
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Do you realize that your life is governed by your thoughts and emotions? It first starts with a thought which then creates emotion. Whether it's positive or negative, and how intense the emotion is, depends on the thought - how strong and how important it is. Your emotion will in turn drive you to take action. Again, the kind of action and whether or not you actually take it, depends on how strong the emotion is.</div>
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Another important thing to remember is that whatever you focus on expands, and it becomes true for YOU. It may not be true for everyone else or it may not even be factual, but to YOU it's absolutely true. </div>
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For instance, if you focus on someone's negative qualities/attributes, you will soon believe that he/she is a bad person and begin to hate them. They may or may not actually be a bad person, and to their family and close friends they may be a loving and caring individual. But to YOU, they're definitely not a likable person. Depending on how often you interact with this person, your hatred could grow over time. This will eat you up inside, and can even drive you to harm this person. Can you see how all this is driven by your emotion?</div>
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Another example is when you're faced with a challenging situation. You may think the situation is really bad, and even too much for you to handle. You begin to despair and loose hope. You don't believe it will ever change for the better. You feed these thoughts to yourself day in and day out. If you watch TV, read the news or social media, it may become even worse as many other people also focus on the negative. Before you know it, you become depressed and may need professional help. You can see how a negative thought has contaminated the way you perceive the reality around you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9A_xRtV0Op8iUUQgOAvNgRpCHws2hVjuk7j3UnYAuBf3xkJ8Q89tnw6N6p8vVgeU1Ua9qehs98cZdYLCduMlH_fbhizGezR8Svl1gdHJIuiNdttmiv6bbrIhTzkfMr8jiH2s6dPUNGZa/s1600/positive+focus.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="790" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9A_xRtV0Op8iUUQgOAvNgRpCHws2hVjuk7j3UnYAuBf3xkJ8Q89tnw6N6p8vVgeU1Ua9qehs98cZdYLCduMlH_fbhizGezR8Svl1gdHJIuiNdttmiv6bbrIhTzkfMr8jiH2s6dPUNGZa/s320/positive+focus.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
Now imagine the opposite. You think the situation is less than favorable but not unmanageable. You have it within you to find the solution or ask for outside help when necessary. You believe the resources are at your disposal. Every day you focus on positive things, you do the things you love, and you surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Eventually you find that the situation improves.</div>
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From these examples you can see how your thoughts and emotions determine the outcome of many things in your life. What good would it do to have plenty of money if you can't enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer? Therefore, positive emotions should be a lifelong goal.</div>
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Let's face it. Stresses in life can burden you emotionally/mentally and physically. To be in good health, you need to unburden yourself on a regular basis. Your physical body gets dirty throughout the day. That's why you take a shower or bath at the end of the day to clean yourself. You need to do something similar for your mind.</div>
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One way to accomplish this is to find a safe place to relax your mind. A place for you to unload your mental/emotional burden. This can be an actual location or an imaginary one. Let it be your <b>"secret garden"</b> where you can be a kid again and totally loose yourself in it, allowing your mind to drift away from the negative thoughts that has dominated you for hours or days. You will then find a new, more positive way to deal with things in your life.</div>
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Your safe haven can take many forms. It can be your favorite uplifting song or movie, a person you love and/or trust, or even a pet. It can also be a certain activity such as visualization, meditation, or prayer if you're religious. The important thing is to immerse yourself in whatever you do and take your mind away from negative thoughts.</div>
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Of course, you can't be in this secret garden forever. At some point you need to return to reality. However, you will have experienced some sort of a renewal. Perhaps equivalent to taking a cold shower at the end of a long hot day. You feel invigorated, calmer, and have more confidence in yourself. You feel better about life. Practice this often, and your emotional health and life in general will improve.</div>
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<b>Recommended resources:</b></div><div><b> </b></div><div><a href="https://bit.ly/3r9h6gl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Serenity Map | Anxiety Oasis</a><b><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/3dnOr0G" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Emotional Freedom: Liberate Yourself from Negative Emotions and Transform Your Life</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/3bdQ4Mk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Healing Visualizations: Creating Health Through Imagery</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2J7LdAd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Practical Meditation for Beginners: 10 Days to a Happier, Calmer You</a></div>
sharleen wlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168293482113246349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758327133680359070.post-3322550347039737512019-04-09T10:16:00.000-10:002019-04-09T10:16:42.383-10:00How to motivate yourself for successby Aiden W<br />
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Everyone wants to be successful in life. Many people rely solely on will power. While it's an important factor, often times it's not enough by itself. When faced with challenges you may get discouraged and experience lack of motivation to continue. This becomes a stumbling block in your path to success. Fortunately, there are techniques available that you can use to keep your motivation alive.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LYhYvm9X59XVa3vBYd4JqNhIJ7qwMpFh0bFLnqjNEcXBWbQenUjJQhsTryxJqUz6FCJNnzR0rmcFpwxan60TszAT2ZAXgBD0Rxqds-M7vQWG4RDLwNMkdpd1DiRRy3Rs8xzRucbZNiCw/s1600/success+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1280" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LYhYvm9X59XVa3vBYd4JqNhIJ7qwMpFh0bFLnqjNEcXBWbQenUjJQhsTryxJqUz6FCJNnzR0rmcFpwxan60TszAT2ZAXgBD0Rxqds-M7vQWG4RDLwNMkdpd1DiRRy3Rs8xzRucbZNiCw/s320/success+1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Visualizing your goals is a very powerful technique. It makes your goal or whatever you desire become clear and more realistic. It may be something material like a new car, a vacation in the tropics, or perhaps something less tangible such as experiencing more joy and inner peace. All you need to do is visualize/picture yourself already having/experiencing those things. What does it look like? How does it feel? Emotion is an important factor here. You need to feel the intensity of your emotion associated with already having what you want.<br />
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You may have heard of something called a <i>vision board</i> which is a powerful tool to enhance your motivation. It's when you take or cut out pictures of what you want (e.g. a car, a house, a tropical vacation) and post them on a board which you then place where you can see it often. You can do this at home, at work or both. You can be creative and also do it digitally using your computer or phone. Create a file containing images of the items associated with your goals. Then view the file often or use the images as wallpaper or a screensaver. Again, feel the intense emotion as you view them.<br />
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Another helpful technique to keep yourself motivated is to make a contract with yourself. Researches on motivation have shown that people who write down their to-do-lists are more successful in achieving their desired goals than those who just keep mental lists. This is because concrete things are more powerful than abstract ideas. Putting something in writing is in itself more powerful psychologically. It is more binding so to speak. That's why anything formal or legal is always put in writing.<br />
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Yet another powerful technique to motivate yourself for success is to reward yourself. Of course, achieving your goal itself is the biggest reward. But you should also reward yourself along the way. Let's face it, people like to be rewarded for doing a good job or completing an important task.<br />
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So, break down whatever activity you need to perform into small doable steps. That way it won't seem so overwhelming. Besides, seeing the <i>"in the meantime" results</i> and being rewarded for successfully completing each small step will keep you motivated and boost your confidence that you can reach the final goal. Rewarding yourself doesn't have to be with anything big or expensive. It can be as simple as doing something you really enjoy such as watching a movie or eating out in a nice restaurant, or buying that game you have been waiting for.<br />
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You can also read inspirational and motivational literature. There's an abundance of books and free articles online on how to be successful and become a better person in the process. Reading other people's success stories can encourage you and help you learn from their experiences.<br />
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Last but not least, stay away from negative people. People who always criticize you, don't appreciate you or have something negative to say about everything. Not only they don't inspire you, but they can also lower your self-esteem and bring you down. In other words, they will de-motivate you. Instead, surround yourself with positive people. Those who will support, encourage, and uplift you.<br />
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Here's to your success!<br />
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<a href="https://personaldevelopmentmagic.blogspot.com/">https://personaldevelopmentmagic.blogspot.com/</a> sharleen wlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168293482113246349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758327133680359070.post-21382702974135807122018-10-03T10:03:00.001-10:002019-04-09T10:17:21.719-10:00How I enjoy life and always have fun<br />
by Jonathan Barefoot<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLdLhjmY-vyFgOfzQJuvV1egvU-pASPkIXfownlQX33m34dwlHrHxgNhr_e99KwfvqnKWlA7D9QJglWs39Yqai1-YzuhyCuegXzCYnxTDZ9V9mphoXtuP9WRRsEptH4ZJ5pc7B8h1_zO4/s1600/happy2s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1036" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLdLhjmY-vyFgOfzQJuvV1egvU-pASPkIXfownlQX33m34dwlHrHxgNhr_e99KwfvqnKWlA7D9QJglWs39Yqai1-YzuhyCuegXzCYnxTDZ9V9mphoXtuP9WRRsEptH4ZJ5pc7B8h1_zO4/s320/happy2s.jpg" width="320" /></a>Life is to be enjoyed, and there are many different ways to do it. Here is how I do it.<br />
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I try to always remember the following:<br />
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I know that everything in life, be it pleasant or otherwise, happens for a purpose, and it serves me. If I cannot change the unpleasant, I surrender, see it as the way it is supposed to be, and try to deal with it joyfully.<br />
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I also believe those around me are trying to do the best they can, with what they have; therefore, I try to be kind, tolerant, and forgive others easily.<br />
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I am aware that at any given moment there are good/exciting things going on around me, and I can find them by being more perceptive. Life is filled with fun; I just have to look for and experience it.<br />
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When things are not going so well, I have all the more reason to cheer up and have fun so I will gain the energy to deal with the problem. Being mad or sad for a prolonged time will only make it worse.<br />
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I am always thankful for what I have, for I know there are always others who have less.<br />
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I believe I can achieve anything I can imagine; I let my dreams be the driving force, and never let them die.<br />
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<b>My personal code of conduct</b><br />
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<li>Be friendly, outgoing, loving, strong, and passionate</li>
<li>Be kind, patient, forgiving, and slow to anger</li>
<li>Be confident and calm in any situation</li>
<li>Live impeccably</li>
<li>Contribute to others</li>
<li>Always be happy and have fun</li>
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I also love nature and love to be close to and one with it. I don't care much for city life; I'd rather be in the country, where there are lots of trees and I can hear the birds sing during the day and insects at night, or the ocean. Oh yes, I love hanging out on the beach! I could practically live there. I also love the tropics where it's warm year round and I never have to bundle up.<br />
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I love going barefoot and I do it most of the time most everywhere (yes, even in public places) I feel more in touch with nature when I'm barefoot.<br />
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Whenever I'm barefoot I feel like an innocent, uninhibited kid, being carefree and natural, ready to experience all the fun life has to offer. Above all, it builds my confidence as I become kinder, gentler, and more tolerant with my fellow human beings.<br />
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Here's a nice little piece that encourages going barefoot to enjoy life...<br />
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<b>Waiting for the Station</b><br />
"When we reach the station that will be it!" we cry. "When I'm 18." "When I buy a new 450 SL Mercedes Benz." "When I put through college." "When I have paid off the mortgage." "When I get a promotion." "When I reach the age of retirement, I shall live happily ever after."<br />
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Sooner or later we must realize there is no station. No one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is the trip. The station is only a dream. It constantly outdistances us.<br />
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"Relish the moment" is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118.24: "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." It isn't the burdens of today that drive men mad. It is the regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who rob us of today.<br />
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So, stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, <b>go barefoot more often</b>, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more, cry less. Life must be lived as we go along. The station will come soon enough.<br />
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~Author Unknown~<br />
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Smile... it soothes your soul<br />
Bare your soles and walk a mile<br />
Sooth your soles and free your soul<br />
You shall smile for a long while (:<br />
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~barefoot kid~ (Me)<br />
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If you want to know more about going barefoot please check out <a href="https://enjoy-going-barefoot.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">our blog</a>.<br />
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Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed it, and please come back for more exciting new stuff!<br />
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<a href="https://personaldevelopmentmagic.blogspot.com/">https://personaldevelopmentmagic.blogspot.com/</a> sharleen wlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168293482113246349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758327133680359070.post-61269289691721437412018-01-14T11:03:00.000-10:002019-04-09T10:18:15.400-10:00Go barefoot, live healthier and happierby Lynn WL<br />
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Going barefoot is a magical experience. Is it any wonder that most kids don't like wearing anything on their feet? They will try to take off whatever footwear they have on at every chance they've got.<br />
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Being barefoot is just so natural and liberating. Unfortunately, while its sometimes necessary to wear shoes (like in extreme temperatures or when there is hazardous stuff on the ground), most adults have to conform to societal rules and wear shoes most of the time.<br />
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But even many adults don't like the feeling of having their feet enclosed in shoes all day. They usually take off their shoes when they come home from work and go barefoot or at least wear slippers which are somewhat less confining and more comfortable than shoes. Some don't seem to mind wearing shoes all the time. They probably only take them off when they go to bed or take a shower/bath. If you're one of them, you may want to try taking off your shoes more often and see how much better it feels.<br />
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Besides being natural, going barefoot is also healthy. It allows your feet to breathe and move more freely. It also reduces the chance of having foot deformity which is caused by wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. In addition, if your feet sweat (and most feet do) the inside of your shoes becomes good breeding grounds for bacteria, fungus, and other types of germs. Besides being unhealthy, they also stink! You can reduce this by taking them off and letting them dry out before wearing them again. In the mean time you can enjoy the freedom of being barefoot.<br />
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By going barefoot you can also feel the different textures and temperatures of the surface your walking on like the soft and plush carpet, the hardwood floor or tile in your house. Stepping on a cool tile floor on a hot summer day is an awesome feeling.<br />
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Some people take it a step further. They go barefoot outside the house. Then they are able to feel even more variety of surfaces like grass, concrete, soil, and sand. Btw, walking on grass covered with morning dew is just heavenly. If you have never done this, your missing out on one of lifes's most simple pleasures.<br />
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You may also have heard of <i>earthing</i> or <i>grounding</i>. This is when the unwanted electricity or energy (like free radicals) from your body gets discharged into the earth, making you healthier and more relaxed. But this can only happen when you go barefoot on natural surfaces. You can learn more about this by doing an online search.<br />
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I understand that going barefoot in public places like stores, etc. while legal (yes, it is! Don't believe anyone that tells you otherwise), may not be for everyone for whatever reason. But you can always do it at home and in the yard, if you have it, and still reap the benefits of walking in bare feet. Then see if after a while you don't become healthier and happier. <br />
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One last thing: don't be afraid of getting your feet dirty. It won't hurt you as long as your skin is intact. Its part of the fun, and you can always wash them.<br />
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So yeah, going barefoot is magical, and once you experience it you may be addicted :) If you want to learn more and read interesting experiences about it, check out our blog: <a href="https://enjoy-going-barefoot.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Enjoy Going Barefoot</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Disclaimer:</b> this article is my personal opinion, and is based on my own knowledge and experiences. I'm not giving any professional advice.</span><br />
<br />sharleen wlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168293482113246349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758327133680359070.post-15423890586483855472017-12-21T16:33:00.000-10:002017-12-21T16:33:53.638-10:00Letters to my younger and older selvesby Lynn WL <br />
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Writing a letter to your younger or older self is a good and fun exercise that helps remind yourself of the principles of life that you follow and keep you on track on where you want to be in life. So here's mine.<br />
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<b>Letter to my younger self</b><br />
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Hi Lynn, how's it going? This is me... oh wait... should I say this is you? Lol. Either way, I'm your older self. In other words, I'm the 20 year old you. 20 sounds like a long ways away when you're 9 but believe me, time flies. You'll get there before you now it.<br />
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So are you being a good girl? I know, I know, that doesn't sound like fun, lol. You once said it's more fun to be naughty which may be true although you often get in trouble which is the price you pay. You are very playful and love to have fun, but you are also kind hearted. You like to help others. <br />
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You believe life is magical. Keep it up. Life is full of wonderful things, and is meant to be enjoyed. Do the things that you love and never feel guilty about it as long as you don't hurt others or yourself. Have no fear or regrets, but don't believe everything people tell you. Question everything and learn the truth for yourself.<br />
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Always focus on the good in everything and everyone. When something not so good happens, just continue to focus on the good things, the stuff that you love, and pretty soon everything will turn around. Feeling bad for a long time is just wasting your life (seriously!). You are a wonderful person, a miracle. Don't ever believe anyone that tells you otherwise. Always remember what dad told you: "Don't ever let anyone or anything take away your sweetness."<br />
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Always expect wonderful things to come your way, and they will. May your life always be magical!<br />
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<b>Letter to my older self</b><br />
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Hi there, Lynn. This is your 20 year old self. So how's life in your 30s? Is it still exciting? Knowing you, I'm pretty sure it is. I know it's been a while, and sometimes you probably wish you were 20 again. But we can't turn back time can we? So that's why it's important to live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment of it.<br />
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I can't see the future, so I don't exactly know what your life is like, but I have a feeling it's wonderful cuz you always expect wonderful things to happen. So did you end up marrying Sandra or did you meet Prince Charming and have kids of your own? Haha! <i>(side note: I'm bi and in love with Sandra my best friend from childhood who is lesbian).</i> Either way, hope your happy, and I'm quite confident that you are because I know you always have a positive attitude, and that always helps you go through the ups and downs of life.<br />
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You have always believed life is magical ever since you were a little girl. Don't ever loose that. If you have kids, instill that belief in them too, and tell them what dad once told you a long time ago: "Don't ever let anyone or anything take away your sweetness." Inspire them to live life to the fullest as you always have, and never have fear or regrets.<br />
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I guess I'll be where you are before I know it, huh? Well, then I'll write letters to my 20 and 60 year old selves, lol.<br />
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Best wishes as you continue on your magical journey. Have a fantastic life!<br />
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***<br />
<br />
So, have you ever written a letter to your younger or older self regardless of how old you are right now? Hey, if you're 9, you can write one to your 4 or 5 year old self. That would be fun :) Give it a try, and maybe you can share it with us in the comment section below.<br />
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From paradise Hawaii this is Sharleen (a.k.a. Lynn) reminding you that life is magical. So... be magical!sharleen wlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168293482113246349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758327133680359070.post-19685424359660247372017-11-25T12:30:00.000-10:002017-11-27T09:24:27.663-10:00Anger management techniquesby Lynn WL<br />
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Do you have an anger management issue? Well, maybe a better question to ask first would be, do you ever get angry? You would likely be lying if you answered no. Anger is a completely normal, healthy human emotion, and a certain amount of it is necessary for our survival. Its a defense mechanism we use when we're attacked so that we can fight and protect ourselves.<br />
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But like most other things, some people tend to overdo it, and it becomes problematic. When anger gets out of control it becomes destructive and can lead to problems at work or school, in your personal relationships, and above all, it affects the overall quality of your life and of the people around you - those that you actually care about the most. This is when you know you have an anger management issue.<br />
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How do you feel when your mad or upset? Certainly not positive. Can you imagine being angry everyday, or perhaps even multiple times a day? Before you know it, your anger will turn into hatred.<br />
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So you would hate the people around you or worse, people in general; you would hate the weather, the economy, the government, etc. and maybe even yourself! In other words, you are angry at the world, and you have a negative attitude towards life.<br />
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That's definitely not the kind of life you want to live. Besides emotional issues, anger can also cause physical and health issues like increased heart rate, blood pressure, and certain hormones like adrenaline which in turn can lead to other health problems. If this is you, then you definitely can benefit from anger management techniques. So here's some of the techniques you can learn and do yourself.<br />
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<b>1. Walk away</b><br />
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Walk away from the situation, the people, and the place. So leave the room and go somewhere else just to distract yourself. Its best if you can go outside and be in nature. That will help calm your mind. Walk in the park, look at the trees, listen to the bird chirp. This will really benefit you.<br />
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<b>2. Learn relaxation techniques</b><br />
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Take deep breaths on a regular basis, and meditate everyday. This will train your mind to be calm, and you will react calmly when a stressful situation arises that would normally cause you to be angry. When you do get angry, you can quickly calm yourself by taking deep breaths right at that moment.<br />
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<b>3. Learn to be happier and have a positive outlook on life</b><br />
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Happy and optimistic people don't get angry easily. It doesn't mean they never do, though. But when they do, they are able to diffuse it quickly before the anger gets out of control. There are articles on this blog you can read to learn how to become happier.<br />
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<b>4. Focus on the positive</b><br />
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First, have a positive image of yourself. Tell yourself you are a wonderful person who is confident, patient, kind, and slow to anger. Also look for the positive in other people and situations. Believe that everyone around you is trying to do their best with what they have. No one is perfect, so when they fail you can quickly forgive them. Look for the good things in every situation. So instead of getting angry, maybe you can ask yourself, "what can I learn from this situation?"<br />
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<b>5. Remind yourself that when you get angry you lose</b><br />
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When you get into an argument (which you should avoid in the first place, but that's another topic for another day) and you get angry, you lose whether you like it or not. When someone cuts you off while driving and you get angry, you lose (the other person doesn't give a fck or even know that your mad at them). Some people even smash or throw things around when their angry. Who loses? I think you get the picture.<br />
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<b>6. Be awesome</b><br />
Yes, that's right. You are indeed awesome! So When you wake up every morning ask yourself, "how can I be awesome today?" and "what can I do to make other people feel better, and this world a better place?" This ties in nicely with the previous technique of having a positive attitude.<br />
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My dad once told me something when I was little, and it has always stuck with me: <b><i>"Don't ever let anyone or anything take away your sweetness."</i></b> <br />
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When you master these anger management techniques, you will be surprised at how hard it is for you to get angry.<br />
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Some people can also benefit from professional anger management help, and you shouldn't hesitate to seek help if you need it. Just do an online search for counseling or classes where you can learn more anger management techniques that will help you live a happier and healthier life.<br />
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From paradise Hawaii this is Sharleen (a.k.a. Lynn) reminding you that life is magical. So...<br />
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Aloha, and let's make it a magical day!sharleen wlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168293482113246349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758327133680359070.post-10599909917322854512017-02-26T11:04:00.000-10:002017-02-26T11:45:45.664-10:00How Your Positive Attitude Changes The Worldby Tania WL<br />
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OK, let's do a little fun exercise. First, examine your thoughts. What kinds of thoughts fill your head? Would you say they're positive or negative?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life is exciting!</td></tr>
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Now pretend that you are walking down the street having these thoughts. Do you think people that see you (even strangers) can tell you what kind of mood you are in? The answer is yes! Although people can't tell exactly what you're thinking, they can tell how you're feeling.<br />
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Next question. When you enter a party full of people, do their moods change? How? Do they like perk up as if expecting something wonderful to happen or do they like become quiet all of a sudden? You know what? The answer to all these depends on how you are feeling at the time. Not necessarily physically, but emotionally. Are you feeling happy and wonderful or sad, angry, worried, etc?<br />
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You see, thoughts are very powerful. They affect your general attitude, which in turn is reflected on your appearance. Unless, of course, you are a great actor who are good at hiding your emotions. In addition, your attitude can affect the people around you.<br />
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Positive thoughts are invigorating. People around you get energized by your attitude. In contrast, negative thoughts have a sapping effect on other people.<br />
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Have you ever been around people who are grouchy or complaining about everything? How did you feel? You probably wanted to get away from them as soon as possible, right? So, don't be that person to others.<br />
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If you have a positive attitude, you will attract others to you. You may even change their mood if they happen to be feeling a little down.<br />
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Our attitude actually depends a lot on how we look at life and the world in general. Do you look at life as a wonderful thing, and your problems as challenges that give you the opportunity to grow? Do you wake up every morning feeling energized expecting great things to happen? Or do you feel like life is treating you unfairly, and everyone is out to get you or take advantage of you, etc? Do you wake up every morning dreading the day? Only you can answer these questions honestly, and you have the power to make changes.<br />
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Don't get me wrong. We're all humans, and life can throw us a curve, so it's OK to feel sad, angry, or gloomy every now and then. The key is not to dwell in it for too long. Don't hesitate to cry if you feel like it. Seek help from others, do the things you enjoy. Focus on the good things in life and bring yourself back to the state of joy ASAP.<br />
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As I mentioned earlier, your attitude is contagious. This is even more so within a family as they live together and spend a lot of time together. A study shows that for every 14 things a parent says to their child, only one is positive. That's really sad, don't you think? I don't have kids, so I can't say too much about how to raise them. But I can tell you that children absorb a lot more than adults do. So it's crucial that we teach them to have a positive attitude, and be a good example when we're around them.<br />
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You have a lot to gain from having a positive attitude. Besides making others happy to be around you and hence, making you more friends, it also helps you handle stress and life problems better. In addition, it also promotes better health since the majority of illnesses are caused by stress (i.e. negative emotions).<br />
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As you can see, you have everything to gain and nothing to lose by having a positive attitude. So, why not adopt it today and make the world a better place!sharleen wlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168293482113246349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758327133680359070.post-15643935460579152842016-03-23T12:34:00.000-10:002017-03-21T08:23:24.565-10:005 Habits of Habitually Happy Peopleby Lynn WL <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjYNgUa0q0eq45RtXQaa3TiJfvJCSvBuwtih2bpxMmHQ5mKB3BXiL8iv0ApMEDlLRDVc-q_HQ7o7UOWgmCGSwdoppXYEsa-LU246cVTAvFnwlYLpGSrdCQgrLEMpbYWldvbYqJ5rATdFh/s1600/girl-jumping-into-water-348072_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjYNgUa0q0eq45RtXQaa3TiJfvJCSvBuwtih2bpxMmHQ5mKB3BXiL8iv0ApMEDlLRDVc-q_HQ7o7UOWgmCGSwdoppXYEsa-LU246cVTAvFnwlYLpGSrdCQgrLEMpbYWldvbYqJ5rATdFh/s320/girl-jumping-into-water-348072_640.jpg" width="212" /></a>Ok, so my sister Tania has shared with you 3 simple steps to living a happy life, and she gave me an assignment (yeah, that's what older siblings do to the younger ones, lol) to kinda pick up where she left off. So here I am :) But instead of continuing with number 4, I'm gonna share with you a few important habits or traits of people who live a happy life.<br />
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<b>1. Make other people happy.</b><br />
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I'm sure you have helped others in many different ways big or small. Did you notice how you felt afterwards? I bet you were happy! So you should make this a habit.<br />
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It doesn't have to be anything big like helping someone with a major project. It can be something as simple as carrying someone's bag or opening the door for them. Practice random acts of kindness. Yes, even to strangers!<br />
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How else can you make another person happy? By sharing your own happiness with them. In fact, all you need to do is show you're joy by laughing or smiling. Did you know that smiling at others is one of the simplest ways to show kindness? Happiness is contagious. When you see someone happy you will become happier yourself.<br />
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You can also tell good jokes or act silly and make others laugh.<br />
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<b>2. Express your feelings.</b><br />
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If you like something or someone, let others know about it like, "Wow, look at that beautiful flower!" or "You certainly look gorgeous!"<br />
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We all know things don't always go well all the time. Even happy people get upset or sad from time to time, and that's perfectly normal. The key is to turn around as quickly as possible so we get back to our natural state of joy. But here we have to be careful when expressing or feelings to others that we don't actually escalate any negative situation.<br />
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When your sad don't be afraid to cry. Yes, this goes for guys too! You don't necessarily have to cry in front of others if that embarasses you. Go to your room or find a private place and cry you're heart out :)<br />
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Its kinda funny how people sometimes ask me, "Do you ever cry?" because I'm always happy when I'm with them. I often answer them with another question, "I'm a girl, what do you think?" and they usually laugh. Crying is a great way to release negative emotions and bring you back to joy.<br />
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<b>3. Practice self discipline</b><br />
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When you were little you're parents and teachers often disciplined you and make you do things that you didn't like but they said were important or good for you. As you grow older this happens less often but you may still experience it at work or school like when you have to meet certain deadlines. Your forced to do certain things or suffer the consequences.<br />
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But what happens when your by yourself, when there's nobody to tell you what to do? Its easy to just let things go and do whatever you like, but often times it ends up with regret when you have to deal with the consequences.<br />
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I can say this from personal experience. I used to procrastinate alot and not do my homework or study for a test until the very last minute, and as a result I would fail the test and get a bad grade. That itself made me feel terrible, and the endless scolding from my parents made me miserable. I wasn't a happy camper then! :)<br />
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So over time I have developed self discipline. Well ok, I'm not perfect yet as I still procrastinate every now and then, but I'm much better now, lol. I can tell you self discipline is not the easiest thing but the reward is great, and with practice you can do it!<br />
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<b>4. Avoid exposure to negative energy.</b><br />
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There are different sources of negative energy, and each of us is affected differently, so you need to know what things turns you off or puts you in a bad mood, and make an effort to avoid them. But there's one source of negative energy that's quite common and affects alot of people, and that's TV! Many people are addicted to it and they don't even know that its negatively affecting them in many ways. <br />
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The news is especially bad (surprised?) because like 90% of it is negative, from your local crimes and accidents to natural disasters to wars and terrorism. Then there are shows that promote violence or invoke anger, fear or sadness. All of that is not conducive to living a happy life.<br />
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Tania and I could have had a TV in our rooms as our parents actually offered it to us when we were older, but we chose not to have it. We told them the reason and they were like surprised but agreed with us, and said they could also learn something from us kids :) They actually considered getting rid of the TV in they're room. Well, they decided to keep it but they watch it less often. At least that's what they told us, lol.<br />
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Tania and I do watch TV on occasion but we go to the media room, and only watch shows that are educational or entertaining in a positive way.<br />
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The same can be said about the internet although there are plenty of wonderful things on there as well. So be discreet and choose wisely what websites you visit, what videos you watch, and what games you play. Also, avoid being addicted to the internet.<br />
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I know its easier said than done, especially with smartphones and everything, and Tania and I are guilty of it ourselves as were often glued to our phones even when were with others. Mom always scolds us when we do it like in a restaurant or when other people are talking. She says its disrespectful and takes away from the joy of sharing the moment with people we care about. We agree but its a hard habit to break :) <br />
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<b>5. Be spiritual</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIPxtmyuG5ZkaMdzcK9lKIlVZORh4QDYUTkEhAD1oVir_jClS97Ze6kxR9mtmotzUAMwoUVtSVI9jZ47themxYdIoJ5P4_nGXSu6IRbJj3fMMd-2T88M_D68HYFJagpF8XYWe9HUZL44t/s1600/meditation2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="girl meditating" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIPxtmyuG5ZkaMdzcK9lKIlVZORh4QDYUTkEhAD1oVir_jClS97Ze6kxR9mtmotzUAMwoUVtSVI9jZ47themxYdIoJ5P4_nGXSu6IRbJj3fMMd-2T88M_D68HYFJagpF8XYWe9HUZL44t/s320/meditation2.jpg" title="girl meditating" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meditating</td></tr>
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Ok, don't freak out on me now! :) I'm not telling you to be religious as being spiritual is different than being religious. It simply means getting in touch with your inner self or finding things outside of the physical/material world that bring you peace, love, and joy. This is also known as <i>mindfulness</i>.<br />
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If you belong to a particular religion, that's fine. Practicing your faith is one way to be spiritual. But you don't even have to believe in a god to be spiritual. If your non-religious (like my family and myself), you can do it in different ways. <br />
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Meditating is a great way to achieve that. We don't go to church or anything, but our family meditates together every morning for about 20 minutes before breakfast, and I do it on my own for like 10 minutes every night before bed. Many studies have shown that meditation has numerous benefits both physical and spiritual. I won't go into the techniques as there are many resources online. Just look it up and give it a try.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Start-Here-Now-Open-Hearted-Meditation-ebook/dp/B015JUKCAI/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1458777844&sr=1-12&keywords=meditation&linkCode=li3&tag=persdevblog-20&linkId=469cc4626e08096e06832c71297845a1" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B015JUKCAI&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=persdevblog-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=persdevblog-20&l=li3&o=1&a=B015JUKCAI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
If meditation is not your thing, you can still develop mindfulness by like walking in nature and feeling the serenity, and just appreciating all that's available to you in life. This will increase the level of your happiness. <br />
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Learning personal growth/personal development (which is what this blog is all about) and finding your life purpose are also forms of spirituality. So yeah, you can still be spiritual and derive happiness from it even if your an atheist.<br />
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From paradise Hawaii this is Sharleen (a.k.a. Lynn) reminding you that life is magical. So...<br />
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Aloha, and let's make it a magical day!sharleen wlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168293482113246349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758327133680359070.post-38597413293964865212016-03-03T14:26:00.000-10:002017-02-26T10:51:56.020-10:003 Simple Steps to a Happy Lifeby Tania WL <br />
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Are you a happy person? Are you happy everyday, most of the time? That certainly does not mean you never feel sad, angry, worried or any other negative emotions. Those are all part of life. In fact, the ups and downs make life more interesting and exciting, just like riding a roller coaster. :) But the important thing is you should be up more often than down. A lot more! When you're down you should do everything in your power to get back up. Believe it or not, being happy is the natural state of being. Life is meant to be enjoyed.<br />
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Studies have shown that being stressed or feeling negative in any way contributes to poor health. In fact, stress is the number one cause of most illnesses from minor aches and pains to the most serious ones such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. So, happiness is essential to living a healthy and fulfilled life.<br />
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How can you be happy most of the time? There are several ways to achieve this. Here are 3 simple steps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjswO3PcGiOvfQL74dXhc1sf5apA31CjH8axTjzefT9exjhEUEhO0VbpZ0xN3a-p0VkrS0vP4Xj74fgoLy_2NLJVNU-5NdvCGKlxMKTvqKj__oTjIQ3LURZZ6X8vEaGxdyESh4i42xPuT/s1600/happy+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjswO3PcGiOvfQL74dXhc1sf5apA31CjH8axTjzefT9exjhEUEhO0VbpZ0xN3a-p0VkrS0vP4Xj74fgoLy_2NLJVNU-5NdvCGKlxMKTvqKj__oTjIQ3LURZZ6X8vEaGxdyESh4i42xPuT/s320/happy+girl.jpg" width="213" /></a>
<b>1. Have an attitude of gratitude.</b><br />
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Gratefulness is the number one key to happiness. This has been taught by virtually every personal development teacher. When your heart is grateful, it's impossible to feel negative. In fact, when you're feeling negative, the most powerful antidote is to try to find something to be grateful for at that moment, and there are plenty!<br />
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It doesn't have to be anything big. Just look around you for something you can appreciate. The warm sunshine, beautiful flowers, birds singing, even the air that you breathe. Those are simple things that most of us often take for granted.<br />
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My little sister Sharleen has always believed that life is magical ever since she was a kid. She has this amazing ability to see magic in the simplest and littlest things. I have learned a lot from her in that regard. She still amazes sometimes even today. It's no wonder that she is happy most of the time.<br />
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A good practice would be to write down a number of things you're grateful for in your life each and every day, and go over your list often. They can be anything either big or small. They can be people, animals, objects, or circumstances. Your family, your friends, your pets, the people you work with or those who help or provide service to you. The car that you drive or the bus that you ride on, your house or apartment, your computer and cell phone. Your job or school if you're a student like me, the promotion you just got or the test that you aced. Those are just a few examples. You can surely come up with a lot more!<br />
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<b>2. Decide to be happy every time you wake up in the morning.</b><br />
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That's right! <i>You</i> decide what your day is going to be like, not other people or circumstances. This sets a positive tone for your entire day. Waking up feeling grouchy or worried about certain things or events sets a negative tone. Visualize in your mind how you would like the day to unfold. For instance, if you have an important meeting or an exam later in the day, just visualize the best possible outcome and believe it!<br />
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Sure, you will encounter challenges throughout the day like negative people, difficult situations or things just don't seem to go the way you want them. But again, don't let them have power over you. Your attitude will determine how you react to challenges. So, make it positive and you will live a happier life!<br />
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<b>3. Move your body.</b><br />
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The human body is made to be active. In ancient times people had to hunt and perform other rigorous activities to gather food and defend themselves against wild animals and stuff, so their bodies were forced to move constantly. Today technology and modern conveniences make our lives so much easier, but consequentially our bodies move a lot less. Just like stress, living a sedentary lifestyle is bad for your health. <br />
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So you need to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Pick something that you enjoy doing so it adds to the joy of your day instead of becoming a chore. Sharleen and I both love karate. I also love yoga and swimming while she really likes gymnastics and basketball.<br />
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It doesn't matter what exercise you choose as long as you have fun doing it and it makes you feel alive. Some have even suggested that s e x is a good form of exercise, and that's something fun that almost everyone loves, right? Uh oh, what did I just say? Hope I won't get in trouble, haha!<br />
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There's a lot more we can add to the list of things you can do to maintain a high level of happiness throughout the day, but we don't want the post to be too long or you might get bored and not read the whole thing. So I'll stop here and let Sharleen continue with the next post. That will also give her something to do. :)<br />
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Update: check out her article on <a href="http://personaldevelopmentmagic.blogspot.com/2016/03/5-habits-of-habitually-happy-people.html" target="_blank">5 Habits of Happy People</a>. <br />
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Recommended book:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Happy-No-Reason-Steps-Inside-ebook/dp/B000UZQJDC/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1458606929&sr=1-1&keywords=happy+for+no+reason&linkCode=li3&tag=persdevblog-20&linkId=bf41414bce91b853f6fb6e4c35ec3fa1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000UZQJDC&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=persdevblog-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=persdevblog-20&l=li3&o=1&a=B000UZQJDC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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Watch this video of one of my favorite songs:<br />
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Have a wonderful day filled with joy!sharleen wlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168293482113246349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758327133680359070.post-65177854185212671312016-02-20T10:48:00.000-10:002017-02-26T10:51:12.980-10:00Personal Development 101<u>Introduction</u><br />
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by Tania WL <br />
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Personal development is a tool you can use to make your life magical. My little sister Sharleen and I enjoy our lives to the fullest. But it wasn't always that way for me. I was a "problem child" growing up. I was rebellious (still am today, but in a different way, lol) and was frequently in a nasty mood. I hated a lot of things and often gave my parents and siblings grief.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqezJaYlr3IXo14WqPfK7hL9w3bHt2znVbBxxiGmTHuWwhuUyISobpOYaFlK6FrDwpXhY4C5_lK9YZ0Qc5ViKPtG1Pfs4PTPgFyylo03uONgXK0S50OjoL-oix1r_sxZHIBlA6fuY3i3pe/s1600/girl-leaping2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqezJaYlr3IXo14WqPfK7hL9w3bHt2znVbBxxiGmTHuWwhuUyISobpOYaFlK6FrDwpXhY4C5_lK9YZ0Qc5ViKPtG1Pfs4PTPgFyylo03uONgXK0S50OjoL-oix1r_sxZHIBlA6fuY3i3pe/s320/girl-leaping2.jpg" width="247" /></a>Long story short, I went through counseling. The counselor was a very kind and patient lady who had gone through a lot herself. She taught me personal development principles which helped me a lot. I was able to see plenty of wonderful things that life has to offer, and my attitude towards life gradually changed. Now I always look for and focus on the positive, and have an attitude of gratitude. I also went on school retreats which helped reinforce what I learned from the counseling.<br />
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Sharleen is completely different. She never needed any counseling. She has a cheerful disposition, and already had a positive outlook on life even when she was little. She believes life is magical and sees magic in every little thing. I always got along well with her even during my difficult years. She was always sweet and kind, and often told me everything was going to be OK. I actually admired her, and we became best friends.<br />
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Sharleen and I have taken a number of personal development courses and read books. One of our favorite authors is <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1VvbpDh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rhonda Byrne</a></i> who created the popular film <i>The Secret</i> and wrote a book of the same title. Our favorite book is <a href="http://amzn.to/1VvbAyc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>The Power</i></a> which really teaches you how to make your life magical. We have read it more than once as we learn new things every time we read it. We highly recommend it.<br />
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We both have also developed the ability to create magic in our lives on purpose by using the power of visualization and affirmation among others. Our family have nicknamed us the magic girls. The difference is, my little sister is a natural born while I'm a late bloomer :) There is nothing supernatural about this, though. You can learn how to do it too by training your thoughts and expectations, and focusing on what you want.<br />
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So in this blog we will share with you articles on personal development and other related stuff which can help enrich your life and make it magical. Some of you may have known us from <a href="http://enjoy-going-barefoot.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">the barefoot blog</a> where we share our interesting experiences going barefoot occasionally sprinkled with magic :) Just like over there, Sharleen and I will both write the articles here.<br />
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So, stay tuned for an exciting and magical journey!sharleen wlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168293482113246349noreply@blogger.com