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7 Habits That Make Your Brain Work Better

October 8, 2016 by Power of Positivity

In a hyper-competitive world overflowing with information, our brains need to be able to keep up and outpace our competitors. Who doesn’t want their brain to process faster, remember more information or be able to come up with elegant solutions to complex problems? Cogito ergo sum. I think therefore I am. Our brains more or less define our existence and who we are. So how can we get our brains to work better, faster and more efficiently?

Here are seven habits that will help improve your brain function:

1. Exercise Regularly

Exercising promotes blood flow, cardiac health and releases beneficial hormones and proteins into your body. These hormones and proteins protect your neurons, which are the cells that make up most of your brain, and encourage them to multiply and make new connections. Studies have shown that exercise helps you learn faster and remember more information. Further studies have shown that exercise helps your brain work faster and more efficiently.

2. A Good Night’s Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep can help you integrate experiences and learning you experienced throughout the day and increase the retention of information. Your brain replays events from the day and helps commit them to memory during sleep. Lack of sleep inhibits brain function and slows down your thinking and ability to retrieve memories. Sleeping helps you feel refreshed and focus on solving complex problems without the fog of mental exhaustion.

3. Focus On One Task At A Time

You can do one thing really well or three things poorly. Focus on one task at a time so you can apply your brain’s full potential to solving that problem before moving on to the next problem. Don’t divide your mental energy among several things, but instead focus like a laser on one to the exclusion of everything else until it is accomplished. In this way, you can maximize your brain’s efforts for the best outcome.

4. Maintain Motivation

Staying motivated helps to limit distractions and to maintain focus on your objective. Listen to some motivating music when you feel discouraged. Watch a motivational speech from your favorite movie to help you get your energy up. Do whatever it takes to keep your mental energy up and working towards finishing your task or moving toward your objective. If you need a break from your work, then get up and take a short walk to clear your mind. Go get something to eat and get your body recharged to try and maintain that motivation to finish your work. Sometimes, a fresh start is really what you need to finish.

5. Limit Distractions and Excess Information

We are surrounded by information these days and it is easy to get sidetracked by social media or news. It is easy to get sidetracked by watching videos or reading articles when you should be working or thinking about something else. When you are working on your project or task, try to limit outside distractions. Turn off your Wi-Fi, turn off your TV, turn off that podcast and concentrate on what you are doing. Limiting distractions helps to maintain focus and keep your mental energy up by not wasting that energy processing unnecessary information.

6. Play Challenging Puzzle Games

In your free time, try playing challenging puzzle games that require creative thought and intense concentration. These types of games can increase our mental abilities and encourage creative solutions to difficult problems. These types of games will also better your task-switching skills and increase your ability to adapt to new situations and problems. Challenging games push your brain to think more creatively, think faster and process information better. Games can be integral in maintaining brain health and even preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.

7. Manage Your Stress

Stress can severely inhibit your ability to think. By managing your stress well, you increase your brain’s endurance and ability to think when under pressure. Make sure to take time for yourself during the week to relax or relieve stress. Get a massage, go for a relaxing walk in the park, or relax with a light read on the couch. By managing your stress, you limit the release of cortisol which can wear away at the short term memory part of your brain. Immediate stress also reduces your ability to think clearly by releasing hormones and preparing you to fight or flee. Those hormones can also elicit emotional responses such as anger or fear, which further reduce your ability to think clearly. You think best and most efficiently when you are calm and your emotional state is balanced.

3 Reasons People Have Negative Thoughts (And How to Avoid Them)

October 8, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Everyone has negative thoughts throughout the day. How positive our lives are is determined by how we deal with those unwelcome negative thoughts. You can ignore them, you can accept them as truth or you can confront them head-on in a rational way. These negative thoughts can drag you down and suck the life out of you if you let them, affecting your self-confidence and self-worth. Negative thoughts can rob us of our full potential as human beings and can create a “black hole” of self-fulfilling prophecies.

Unlike a real black hole however, you can escape this one.

Here are three reasons people have negative thoughts (and how to avoid them):

1. Fear of The Future

People naturally fear the unknown and the unknowable. People have tried to predict the future for all of human existence, from looking at cracked turtle shells to observing the flights of birds to throwing sticks or bones on the ground. Perhaps most of all, people fear the future and what it might bring. Will it bring fortune? Or disaster? Science has gotten pretty good at predicting outcomes in the short-term within a closed system like elections or the weather. But the average person really worries about the future and spends a lot of time thinking about what is going to happen in the short and long term for them.

Many people try to maintain a positive outlook on the future and think that they will succeed or achieve some goal they have set for themselves if they just keep trying. Others are plagued by thoughts and fears of failure and disaster. We waste so much time and energy worrying about things that haven’t happened yet and may never happen. We are paying interest on a credit card we haven’t used yet.

The future doesn’t exist. Fear of the future stems from a perceived lack of control over your future. One of the best ways to retake control is to make a plan for the future. A step-by-step road map for where you want to be next month, next year or next decade. No plan survives contact with an enemy and our enemy is the fear of the future. But a plan of action gives us some measure of control over our life. We know where we want to be and more or less the steps we need to take in order to get there. Outline small, achievable and short term goals that will lead to a larger more complex long-term goal. A plan will help reduce the fear of the future, and by extension, reduce the number of negative thoughts that pop up from time to time.

2. Anxiety About The Present

We not only fear the future, but we worry about the present. We worry about whether the kids made it to school alright, about things that are happening at work when we aren’t there, about whether we left the lights on in the house or whether we locked the car door. Worry is an extension of fear, fear that we are forgetting something important. We are so overloaded with information, much of it needless or useless, that we have a hard time remembering the things that are actually important to us.

The fear of forgetting something important combined with daily reminders on the news of people making those rare but catastrophic mistakes due to forgetting eat at our minds. We are so pressed for time that forgetting to do something sets back our very tight schedule the next day, and if it happens too much, then we are hopelessly behind on the things we need to get done. So how do we combat that fear?

The easiest way is with organization and routine. Make a to-do list for the day before you get started. Make a master to-do list for the household so that partners and children know what needs to be done and who needs to do it. Eliminate the anxiety by taking back control of your daily life. Don’t feel that you have to do everything yourself and delegate some things to the rest of the family. If we are all pulling together, then the load is that much lighter for everyone.

3. Shame In Your Past

Sometimes we do things that we aren’t very proud of. We do things that we are embarrassed about. We do things that don’t turn out the way we thought they would. Shame of those past mistakes or failures can bubble up on occasion. When they do, we can wallow in them like a pig in the mud or we can acknowledge that they happened and refuse to let them drag us down. Everyone makes mistakes and no one is perfect. So why do you expect yourself to be perfect?

The best way to deal with mistakes is to learn from them. Look at what you did and then ask yourself what you could have done differently or better in that situation. Once you have your answer, then put your past behind you. It is gone. You can’t change the past, but you can learn from it. Don’t beat yourself up for making a mistake unless you have failed to learn from that mistake.

Do you keep making the same mistake over and over again? What can you do to break that cycle of behavior? Maybe avoid places or people that are involved in you making that mistake time and again. Avoid behaviors that lead to the mistake in the first place. Take back control of your present by learning from your past rather than chaining yourself to it. Once you have broken the chains to your past by learning from your mistakes, you are free to pursue your future and to enjoy your present.

18 Mistakes Men Make In Relationships

October 8, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Men are simple creatures, or at least in our minds. We want to Fix, Fight, and F—, and not necessarily in that order. We have a hard time processing our own emotions, much less the feelings of others. So we tend to chug along like a train moving down our selected path, steadily pulling a lot of weight behind us. And so, men make mistakes in their relationships.

Women, on the other hand, are pilots in their acrobatic aircraft. While they are not the most efficient mode of transportation, the ride is thrilling and exciting. They are all over the place and revel in twists and turns. We revel in our strength and work while women zip around, driven by their passions. The biggest mistakes men make are in not understanding our partners and what they need from us.

NOTE: We acknowledge that women also make miscalculations–check out their common errors in our separate article.

Eighteen Common Mistakes Men Make in Their Relationships

If issues creep into all your relations, it could be due to some harmful actions you’ve developed. Here are the ten biggest mistakes men make in relationships, and it’s time to evaluate and make some changes. Note: We are aware that women, too, have ways they can err in their romantic lives. However, female behaviors generally differ from the mistakes men make–and we cover those errors in a separate article.

1. They Think They’re The Sea And Not The Mountain

Like a mountain, solid, stable, and safe men attract more women. You can shelter under a mountain against a storm. The hill is seemingly forever. On the other hand, the sea is unpredictable, dangerous, and constantly changing. Women tend to be like the sea in that its depths are unknowable, and their emotions are as ever-changing and irresistible as the tides. That is probably why women often prefer the mountains and men love to sit by the sea. When men act like the sea and not themselves, it throws women off and scares them with our dangerous unpredictability.

2. Men Try To Control The Wind

The wind drives sea states, and women are driven by their emotions. When you are on a ship at sea, you cannot control the wind, and when you are in a relationship with a woman, you cannot control her emotions either. The best thing you can do is ride out the storm as best you can. If you try to sail against it, you will get pounded and broken. When a woman is in the throes of powerful emotions, it is best not to try and stop them or control them but ride them out with her. Provide a sheltered harbor where she can seek refuge from her storms.

3. Guys Don’t Admit Their Fears

Another one of the mistakes men make (though they don’t admit it!) is showing fear.

Some women like to have safety and security. When we are afraid or insecure, they can smell it. Whether we are scared of commitment, trying new things, or afraid of her, they will know and be turned off by it. Everyone fears something, but the key is not to let the fear show through. Courage is not the absence of fear but the act of overcoming fear. If we are courageous, they will see it and be comforted. Women want a hero who will fight at their side, not a coward who hides behind them.

4. They Succumb To Target Fixation

Men tend to focus like a laser on their objectives. We find a target, hunt it down, and take it. We do not multi-task very well. That’s because we tend to fixate on that target to the exclusion of everything else. Whether that target is work, sports, or something else, we can take our women for granted by not acknowledging them. Spread your attention around and ensure you find a balance between work and your partner. They need attention too, and if we don’t give it to them, they will find someone who does.

5. Guys Invest Too Heavily In One Place

Like target fixation, we men tend to invest in the places where we will see the biggest payoff. That may be work, hobbies, or something else. We need to have a diverse portfolio, if you will. We must invest time and energy in our partners, work, and recreational pursuits. Women who feel too interested in work or hobbies will feel neglected and unwanted. So, spread the love around.

6. They Are Indecisive

Be bold and decisive. Women love a man who can make a decision. To them, it is a sign of strength and responsibility. When we refuse to make a decision, we are avoiding responsibility for that decision. Please don’t put it off; make that decision and live by it. Being decisive is a sign of stability and commitment. Both of these things are desirable for women because it means a safe and stable family environment. An assertive man is a strong and stable one. Indecision is tantamount to weakness and instability.

7. They Are Oblivious To Her Emotions

We are sometimes oblivious to women’s emotional states because we are often oblivious to our emotional states. We don’t care that much about how we feel about things. It isn’t essential to us, so why is it so important to women? Because emotions drive them. It isn’t something that occasionally happens to them; it IS them. Try to be more alert to their feelings and be there to comfort and shelter them rather than try to fix them. They don’t need fixing; they need acceptance.

8. They Want To Fix Things That Aren’t Broken

Men are natural fixers. We like fixing things. If we see a broken item, it becomes an underachieved goal, and we must reach that goal if we can. Repairing something makes us feel like we accomplished something. We feel better about ourselves and the universe when things are fixed and put back into order. Women are not things to be fixed. We cannot fix the things they come to us with emotionally. They may seem distressed and bubbling over with emotions, and we naturally want to improve that situation and make it better and more ordered. They don’t come to us with this stuff to fix. They want to be comforted and validated. So don’t try to fix it; listen and try to understand.

9. Some Keep Secrets in the Relationship

Part of being in a committed relationship is sharing things. Did you know that keeping secrets is a form of lying? You’re being dishonest about something by not telling her.

It’s referred to as the “sin of omission” in James 4:17. The Bible states that someone who knows to do right and doesn’t do it sins. While you’re not going to be stoned like in Biblical days, it certainly can put distance between you and your partner.

You’re shutting them out when you hide things about yourself that they have every right to know. Being in a committed relationship means you can tell them everything, and you’re free to be vulnerable. The problem is that if the things you hide are significant and they find out, it could be the reason they walk away.

10. Guys Don’t Communicate as Well as Women

Communication is one of the biggest mistakes men make with their partners. Women are better communicators by nature, and they’re also better at reading verbal cues than men. However, that doesn’t mean that a man is off the hook because it’s not something they are comfortable doing.

Gary Smalley, the author of Making Love Last Forever, addresses this issue in his book. A woman speaks over 25,000 words daily, but a man only speaks around 12,000. It’s proven that men have less to say than their counterparts, but you must use your words wisely.

Learning to communicate is imperative, especially when women value this dialogue with their partners. You can’t expect to have a healthy connection with one another if communication is lacking.

11. Not Spending Enough Time with Their Partner

Men must understand that women need to be nurtured and attention. While it’s okay to go out, hang with your buddies, and spend time apart, you must make sure things like date night are top priorities. A lady won’t stay in a situation where she doesn’t feel valued, respected, and wanted, and plenty of other guys will give her the time she desires.

12. Men Get Too Comfortable Too Fast

While feeling comfortable with your partner is great, you want to take your time with things. Bad habits like passing gas, burping, or leaving the lid up on the toilet seat are things you do once you’re in a committed relationship.

There still needs to be some mystery between you in the beginning, and you need to be more secure in your connection before you spring all these habits on her.

13. Focus on Lust Rather Than True Intimacy

Being together feels amazing, and lust is a part of any connection. The beginning seems to be more special as everything is new and fresh. However, one of the biggest mistakes guys make is focusing on the act rather than the intimacy.

Intimacy is more than linking physically, as it’s about your souls connecting on a higher plane. Your lady desires those intimate moments where you hold her, look deep into her eyes, and kiss her like she’s the most treasured person on earth. Anyone can have a physical relationship but having a spiritual one brings things to another level.

14. Never Apologizing or Admitting They’re Wrong

You have a macho side that doesn’t want to admit when you’re wrong, but you must learn humility. If you’ve done something that’s hurt her or caused an issue, you must be brave enough to stand up and admit wrongdoing.

According to a study conducted by the Greater Good Science Center at Berkley University, the number one reason why men don’t admit fault is they lack self-awareness. Some guys have a blind spot and don’t think they’ve done anything wrong. It’s essential to accept responsibility and apologize. The most powerful words you can learn in your relationships are “I’m sorry.”

15. Let Past Hurts Dictate Current Circumstances

Everyone comes into a relationship with a certain amount of baggage from the past. If you had a partner previously that lied, cheated, stole, or did some other horrible things to you, it’s only natural that you would be a little leery of opening your heart once again. The problem with letting the baggage weigh you down like this is that you’re casting a shadow of doubt over your current partner.

The lady you’re with now may be the perfect person for you, and she might never do those things that a previous woman did. However, you will push her away if you judge her by what other people did to you. You need to learn to release emotional baggage, and counseling with a qualified therapist can help you let go of things and focus on healing.

16. Men Don’t Plan for the Future

Men look at the here and now with little forethought for the future. Consequently, when your girl met you, she already had her dream home, your kids’ names, and your future. While one party tends to push the envelope one way, the other person goes too far the other way.

There must be a way to meet in the middle. Some relationships aren’t meant to last long, and others are written in the stars. It would help if you let your partner know your intentions upfront so that she knows what to expect.

While you don’t have to start planning a wedding on the first date, you will know soon enough if this person is your future. Making plans for tomorrow is essential, as the days sneak up on you quickly.

17. Lies and Relationships Are a Toxic Mix

Never, ever lie to your partner. Even a little white lie can have huge repercussions. Always be honest, even when it’s hurtful. Statistics reveal that the average person lies 1.65 times each day.

Most lies are told because a person is anxious and afraid. The problem with lying is that it breaks trust; it’s hard to rebuild once you break trust with your partner.

18. Some Men Cheat

Cheating on your partner sends all sorts of messages to her that she’s not enough. The most common reason people cheat has nothing to do with their partner and it’s more about issues within themselves. However, she will see that infidelity as a red flag that she’s done something wrong. She will blame herself, even if it wasn’t her fault.

Cheating is one of the worst things you can do in a relationship, as it destroys the other person’s esteem and breaks trust. According to a study by Health Research Funding, men are 74% more likely to cheat than women, and 60 % of all infidelity starts at the place of employment. Though the odds aren’t in your favor, you can be part of the 26% of men who don’t fall into this trap.

Final Thoughts on the Mistakes Men Make in Relationships

Making mistakes is part of being a human, as there’s no such thing as a perfect person. Accidentally buying bread when there’s a new loaf in the pantry is a blunder you can handle. Consequently, some men make more serious mistakes, and when it comes to relationships, these wrongdoings aren’t so forgivable.

Being in a relationship means that you learn and grow each day. If you’ve been in a toxic situation before, you know what to avoid in your next partner. Some guys have a challenging time settling down and finding the right person.

If you’ve noticed that your relationships don’t last long, are troubling, or don’t have any substance, it could be that you’re the problem. Men make mistakes in their relationships. Admitting that you’re to blame for things in your love life is a bitter pill, but the good news is that you can fix it. You must work for love and happiness, but it’s worth your effort.

10 Ways to Get The Protein You Need (Without Eating Meat)

October 6, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Proteins are nitrogenous organic compounds, consisting of long chains of amino acids made up of large molecules. These compounds are essential to the functioning of every living organism, both large and small.

Here are just a few important benefits of protein:

– It comprises the majority of molecular elements that make up our hair and nails.
– Protein aids the body in repairing and building tissues.
– It is a foundational element of enzymes, hormones, and other chemicals within the body.
– Protein is the building block of blood, bones, cartilage, muscles and skin.

Similar to carbohydrates and fat, protein is classified as a “macronutrient;” simply meaning that our bodies require significant amounts of it to function normally. Unlike carbohydrates and fats, the body does not have a “backup supply” when body levels of the nutrient are depleted. Therefore, we must be proactive in ensuring our body gets enough of it.

Meats contain among the highest amounts of protein, and are heavily consumed by individuals on a frequent basis. However, many people – for a number of reasons – do not eat meat. Therefore, it is necessary for these folks to find alternative means of consuming this important macronutrient. Fortunately, there are a multitude of ways to consume protein without eating meat.

Here are 10 ways to get protein without eating meat:

1. Nuts

Nuts are a tasty and convenient ways to get good amounts of protein. Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts and pecans are all nuts that will do the trick. Peanut butter is another tasty treat that contains a good amount of protein – about 4 grams per tablespoon. Almond butter is also a good choice.

The only drawback to nuts is the sodium content; although such concerns are negligible when consumed in moderation.

2. Green Peas

On this site, we’re a big pea fan…they’re tasty, easy to prepare, and contain a bunch of good vitamins and nutrients (i.e. “micronutrients”). One cup of peas contains approximately the same amount of protein as the same serving of milk – about 8 grams! For those whose palette doesn’t tolerate peas, they can be tastefully added as an ingredient – in a salad or pesto, for example.

3. Tofu and tempeh

Soybean-based products, such as tofu and tempeh, are a couple of vegetarian favorites. A half-cup serving of tofu and tempeh contains between 15 and 20 grams of protein, which is near half the recommended daily amount.
The two products are also quite texturally-versatile; they can be soft or firm, fried or served natural.

4. Leafy greens

Most natural veggies do not pack as much protein as other foods on this list, but some leafy vegetables do contain significant amounts. One cup of chopped broccoli, for example, contains over 8 grams of protein. Additionally, leafed greens are high in antioxidants and other important nutrients.

5. Soymilk

The amount of protein per serving in soy milk is nearly equivalent to regular milk, at about 8 grams per cup. Soy milk (or almond milk) are delicious alternatives to the cow-produced stuff. It can be consumed in any way that regular milk can.

6. Seeds

Sesame, sunflower, squash and watermelon seeds are all terrific protein sources. However, really any type of seed is likely to contain significant protein amounts. Most seed varieties contain about 30 grams of protein for each 100 gram serving.

7. Spinach

It turns out that Popeye the Sailorman turned to that trusty can of spinach for good reason. Per 100 calorie serving, spinach contains about 12 grams of protein. Comparatively, this is more than ground beef which contains 10 grams per 100 calories.

8. Lentils

Lentils are a staple of many a vegan diet. Not only do lentils pack a hefty protein punch (?9 grams/half up) they are also tremendous sources of fiber, containing about 15 grams per half cup serving.

9. Seitan

“What-a-tan?” is probably a question many readers are asking themselves. Seitan (see-tan) is a meat substitute that is quite popular with vegetarians. Made from wheat gluten, seitan is often seasoned with salt and other spices. More importantly, seitan is a great source of protein: about 35 grams per half-cup serving.

10. Beans

“Beans, beans, the musical fruit…” sorry. Besides being the subject of a favorite childhood ditty, beans also pack some serious nutrition. They are very high in protein content, particularly black and garbanzo beans. Many vegans love bean burgers – an unconventional, but flavorful burger alternative.

5 Signs Your Partner Is Gaslighting You

October 6, 2016 by Power of Positivity

“Gaslighting? What on Earth is gaslighting?”

Definition: Psychological manipulation, intentional or otherwise, to make the victim doubt their own sanity.

Now that you know what gaslighting is? How can you tell if it happening to you? We have no less than five signs to determine whether or not it is. Without further ado, let us give these signs to you.

What Is Gaslighting?

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that is used to create doubt and confusion in the mind of the victim. It involves the abuser making the victim doubt their own perceptions, memories, and sanity, often leading to the victim becoming increasingly dependent on the abuser for validation and support. Gaslighting can happen in a variety of settings, including romantic relationships, workplaces, and families, and can cause significant emotional harm to the victim.

The term “gaslighting” comes from a 1938 play called “Gas Light,” in which a man manipulates his wife into believing that she is losing her mind by causing the gas lights in their home to flicker. The term has since been used to describe any form of psychological manipulation that causes a person to doubt their own perceptions and memories.

There are several reasons why someone might engage in gaslighting. In some cases, it may be a deliberate tactic used by abusers to gain power and control over their victims. By causing the victim to doubt their own perceptions and memories, the abuser can create a sense of dependency and reliance on them for validation and support.

Gaslighting can also be the result of unconscious patterns of behavior that have developed over time. For example, a person who has been raised in an environment where their feelings and perceptions were not taken seriously may struggle to validate the feelings and perceptions of others. This can lead to gaslighting behavior, even if it is not intentionally malicious.

The Consequences of This Mental Abuse Can Be Profound

Gaslighting can have serious negative impacts on the victim’s mental and emotional well-being. When a person is made to doubt their own perceptions and memories, it can lead to feelings of confusion, anxiety, and self-doubt. Over time, this can erode a person’s sense of self, making them more vulnerable to further manipulation and abuse.

If you suspect that you or someone you know may be experiencing gaslighting, it is important to seek help. But first, you must know the signs of this malicious and manipulative behavior.

5 Signs Your Partner Is “Gaslighting” You

Be on the lookout for these telltale behaviors of a gaslighter.

1. A gaslighting partner makes you apologize for everything

The victim will be dropping many an S-bomb for something they perceive as doing wrong, even if they did nothing wrong at all. What does this mean? The victim takes full responsibility for what goes on between themselves and the perpetrator.

The victims are the ones who “like to keep the peace” so that their perceived unacceptable behavior is kept in check by themselves. Annoying or upsetting the perpetrator (read perpe-TRAITOR) is completely out of the question. Another party bag goodie here is the perpetual walking on eggshells, which is the direct result of “keeping the peace”. As time draws on, the victim turns this behavior into a habit, which itself turns into a vicious circle. Sorry if perpetrators’ bubbles were burst (not sorry).

Do not be sorry for wanting what is best for you.

2. Decision-making is impossible

Such is the hold over the victim by the perpetrator, the poor victim cannot seem to be able to make a decision because of their need to keep the peace and walk on eggshells. One guess who is left to make all of the decisions? With decision-making abilities all in Perpetratorville, all the power and control inevitably follow.

Prince Ea has come out with a video explaining the meaning of the children’s nursery rhyme: “Row, row, row your boat…”. He says “your boat” is your body and by “row”, he says that the nursery rhyme means you are the captain of your own ship. Translation: you have to take control of your own life and not be swayed by someone else. Prince Ea adds that other people can guide you or tell you how to paddle, but this has to come from you.

Decide to take control of your own life.

3. Confusion reigns supreme in gaslighting

The realm of the victim’s mind has a foreign king/queen, and one of the ways to remain as ruler is to keep the oppressed confused. The options are given to the victim leave them confused because in their mind there is only one choice – the option which is suitable to King/Queen Perpetrator.

Instincts tell the victim that something is wrong but the ruler comes down hard on its subject, declaring that said instinct is wrong. Of course, the victim obeys but feels uneasy about it and has a hard time comprehending it all. This confusion spreads into everything the victim does, says, even questioning their own feelings. Desires are banished from the land and hope is thrown in the dungeon.

It is time to revolt against tyranny and oppression. Bring back your desires from exile and set your hope free.

4. Changing as a person

Before the “relationship”, the victim was probably an outgoing person with a bubblier personality than champagne. As the process continues within the constraints of the union, the victim loses their fizz in life. That personality starts to gradually become flat, with the perpetrator merrily chipping away at the champagne bottle making cracks.

As this is only happening little by little, the victim initially does not notice any difference. After months, years, or even decades of the same, they wonder what is happening to them and see that they are no longer the same person they once were. They have lost their sparkle.

That champagne campaign is waiting for you again, with an invitation to hangover-free happiness.

5. Withdrawal symptoms of a different kind

Forgive the bluntness of the next statement, but it is a case of being cruel to be kind. The victim turns into a hermit and withdraws completely from the social scene, as they are so overwhelmed and bogged down by what is happening to them.

People start asking questions regarding the victim’s absence. Naturally, as the victim, with an immense lack of self-esteem to boot, does not understand what is going on themselves, thus rendering themselves unable to answer.

Get out there into the not so big, bad world; you never know what will happen when you start smiling.

We leave you with some helpful acronyms. Make of them and do with them what you will:

Life = Leave Injury For Enjoyment.

Peace = Please Enjoy A Chosen Energy.

Joy = Just Overtly You.

Light = Let It Grow High There.

Sadness = Sending Aggravation Down Nearly Experiencing Such Serenity.

Winner = When Intensely Negating Noxiousness Ends Right.

Final Thoughts on Identifying the First Signs of Gaslighting

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that is can create doubt and confusion in the mind of the victim. It can happen in any type of relationship and can cause significant emotional harm to the victim. Whether intentional or unconscious, gaslighting is a serious form of abuse that can erode a person’s sense of self and make them more vulnerable to further manipulation and abuse. By being aware of the signs of gaslighting and seeking help when necessary, it is possible to break free from this cycle of abuse and regain control over one’s own thoughts and feelings.

11 Signs You’re With A Good Man

October 6, 2016 by Power of Positivity

As men, one of our duties is to be gentlemanly to those we encounter. There is perhaps no person that this pertains to more – and to a higher degree – than your partner. Women expect to be courted by, and potentially married to, a good man of high character.

Most people agree that good guys encompass certain behavioral traits throughout a relationship. This leads to the next question: what character traits make up a “good man”? Well, there are indeed many of them. We’ve narrowed the signs of a good man down to eleven.

In no particular order, here are 11 signs that you’re with a good man:

Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one. – Marcus Aurelius

1. He makes you feel beautiful ( inside AND out).

As his partner, the best guy won’t forget about making your feel beautiful. A good man is not content with just saying the words but successfully manifests feelings of beauty within his heart. This includes the way he interacts with you physically and mentally.

2. He evokes a sense of inspiration.

A good man will always possess a solid and unshakable character. As such, by default, he is inspirational in his words and deeds. He never ceases to evoke feelings of inspiration. He will inspire a woman to be the best version of herself.

3. He is supportive more often than not.

A good man understands the importance of remaining supportive and accommodating to a woman’s needs. This doesn’t entail being a “Yes Man,” but someone who can offer support and accommodation when the situation calls for such.

4. He always seeks self-improvement.

A good man never really gives himself too much credit. Though he may be intelligent, a good guy always seeks to self-improve; whether through learning something new, taking on added responsibilities, or getting into better shape, he prides himself on becoming better.

5. He makes you feel safe and secure.

Feeling safe and secure is vital for any woman in her relationship. The man must ensure that such feelings are present. In the event of something unfortunate, he will always stand up for and defend his woman.

6. He always seems to do the “little things.”

Holding the door open, pulling out the chair, feeding the kids, etc., are all trademark actions of a good man doing the little things. He is never too busy to stop what he’s doing and offer a small gesture of assistance.

7. He is honest and forthcoming.

A great guy will not lie, cheat, or steal, especially to the person he loves the most. He should not hesitate to tell it like it is, whether what he has to say is good or bad.

8. He is never abusive towards you or anyone else.

A good man will never physically, mentally, or emotionally abuse his partner. Ever. Also, he will not instigate an abusive episode with anyone else. Instead, a good guy will use the strength of his character and intellect to resolve conflicts.

9. He stands by you wholeheartedly.

When a good man expresses his love, this love remains through thick and thin. Under no circumstance will a good man neglect you, even in the more challenging situations. A good man will not abandon his duty to stand by you.

10. He works to earn and keep your trust.

A good man understands that trust, like love, cannot be forced; it must be earned. After earning sacred trust, a good man will take such a blessing for granted. Furthermore, a good man never leaves his trust in doubt.

11. He puts you first in every circumstance.

This doesn’t mean that he keels over and appeases to a woman’s every whim. It does mean, in most cases, that a good man will be selfless in his words and deeds. It is a man’s responsibility to put his woman first – a good man often does this.

Final Thoughts on Finding a Good Man

That perfect gentleman can be a rare find today. With toxic masculinity on the rise, it’s no wonder that many people today prefer to stay single. You should not settle–you deserve better. So when you find that true gem, hold on. Compromise, work on building love, and create a beautiful life together.

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Here are seven habits that will help improve your brain function:

1. Exercise Regularly

2. A Good Night’s Sleep

3. Focus On One Task At A Time

4. Maintain Motivation

5. Limit Distractions and Excess Information

6. Play Challenging Puzzle Games

7. Manage Your Stress

Here are three reasons people have negative thoughts (and how to avoid them):

1. Fear of The Future

2. Anxiety About The Present

3. Shame In Your Past

Eighteen Common Mistakes Men Make in Their Relationships

1. They Think They’re The Sea And Not The Mountain

2. Men Try To Control The Wind

3. Guys Don’t Admit Their Fears

4. They Succumb To Target Fixation

5. Guys Invest Too Heavily In One Place

6. They Are Indecisive

7. They Are Oblivious To Her Emotions

8. They Want To Fix Things That Aren’t Broken

9. Some Keep Secrets in the Relationship

10. Guys Don’t Communicate as Well as Women

11. Not Spending Enough Time with Their Partner

12. Men Get Too Comfortable Too Fast

13. Focus on Lust Rather Than True Intimacy

14. Never Apologizing or Admitting They’re Wrong

15. Let Past Hurts Dictate Current Circumstances

16. Men Don’t Plan for the Future

17. Lies and Relationships Are a Toxic Mix

18. Some Men Cheat

Final Thoughts on the Mistakes Men Make in Relationships

Here are 10 ways to get protein without eating meat:

1. Nuts

2. Green Peas

3. Tofu and tempeh

4. Leafy greens

5. Soymilk

6. Seeds

7. Spinach

8. Lentils

9. Seitan

10. Beans

What Is Gaslighting?

The Consequences of This Mental Abuse Can Be Profound

5 Signs Your Partner Is “Gaslighting” You

1. A gaslighting partner makes you apologize for everything

2. Decision-making is impossible

3. Confusion reigns supreme in gaslighting

4. Changing as a person

5. Withdrawal symptoms of a different kind

Final Thoughts on Identifying the First Signs of Gaslighting

In no particular order, here are 11 signs that you’re with a good man:

1. He makes you feel beautiful ( inside AND out).

2. He evokes a sense of inspiration.

3. He is supportive more often than not.

4. He always seeks self-improvement.

5. He makes you feel safe and secure.

6. He always seems to do the “little things.”

7. He is honest and forthcoming.

8. He is never abusive towards you or anyone else.

9. He stands by you wholeheartedly.

10. He works to earn and keep your trust.

11. He puts you first in every circumstance.

Final Thoughts on Finding a Good Man

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Rise and Shine On! Master Your Day with the Ultimate Positive Morning Guide + Checklist

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