Here’s Why You Should Massage Your Feet Every Night Before Bed

January 15, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Our poor feet…day after day, many of us tread along without giving them much thought, let alone a good massage. We’re so wrapped up in our to-do list and meeting the demands placed on us that we forget how important our tootsies are to keep us productive and limber.

Those who visit the occasional nail salon or spa understand the importance of keeping our feet healthy and could probably share some valuable insight. But what about the rest of us?

Science has shed some insight on why foot massages are healthy, not only for our feet but also for our overall well-being. Contrary to popular belief, a foot massage has numerous health benefits. Let’s go over them individually and shed some light on these benefits.

A quick 10 to 15-minute massage each night:

Improves circulation

This is especially true for those who work in a traditional, passive office environment. If this is the case, foot muscles rarely get any exercise. However, a quick massage session before heading off to bed helps improve blood flow in our lower extremities. Aside from giving our feet a quick massage, we can also ensure that we’re wearing comfortable shoes to help improve circulation.

Helps prevent injuries

Perhaps this has happened: we’re walking along just as usual, one foot in front of the other when suddenly we twist an ankle or get a painful cramp. A short foot massage each night can help strengthen foot and ankle muscles and lower the risk of these sudden injuries. For added benefit, slowly rotate the foot around the ankle to relax and strengthen these muscles.

Lowers blood pressure

In addition to improving blood flow, a short foot massage each night will help counteract rising blood pressure. The number of individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure are rising, partly due to increased stress and other environmental factors. In a promising study conducted at the University of Miami, dementia patients that received a 10-minute foot massage up to three times a week reported improved mood and lowered anxiety. Tests were taken that also reported a decrease in these patients’ blood pressure.

Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression

Studies in reflexology show that frequent, short massages can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. One study revealed that varicose vein patients receiving reflexology treatment reported decreased anxiety while shortening pain duration. In another study of postmenopausal women, reflexology and foot massage also reduced feelings of anxiety and depression.

Alleviates headache pain

In one study of patients suffering from headaches and migraines, reflexology and foot massage helped reduce headache pain symptoms. In Denmark, the subjects ceased taking their medication to test this hypothesis. Just three months after completing the regimen, 65% of patients reported reduced symptoms, while a small percentage had their symptoms relieved completely.

Aids plantar fasciitis and flat feet

People with flat feet (raises hand) don’t have typical feet arching due to “ligament laxity.” While this often doesn’t have many (if any) noticeable physical effects, it can eventually result in foot pain. Further, people who suffer from plantar fasciitis – pain and inflammation of tissue in the heel – also benefit from short, frequent foot massages. In some cases, massaging the feet each night before bed can help alleviate – in some instances cure – chronic pain due to these conditions.

Alleviates symptoms of PMS and menopause

You can relieve most of the common symptoms of PMS – anxiety, fatigue, headaches, mood swings, irritability, unhappiness, and headaches – with short, nightly foot massages. Menopausal symptoms are generally similar and can also benefit from nightly foot massages.

Reduces effects of edema

Edema is a health condition that results in excess fluid that concentrates in the cavities and tissues of the body. A very common condition during the late stages of pregnancy, short and frequent foot massages can counteract the effects of edema. It should be noted that a healthy diet and adequate rest are also beneficial in minimizing the effects of edema.

Improves intimacy

This is more for male readers. However, women are welcome to consider this nugget of wisdom as well. A foot massage is a simple, selfless, no-cost act of love that can strengthen the bond between two people. Physically, the feet are an erogenous body part that can also help ignite passion.

Final Thoughts on Why to Massage Your Feet Every Night at Bedtime

Hopefully, this article has shed some light on how foot massages can help bolster our physical and mental health. Taking a bit of time to learn how to care for our feet is both worthwhile and valuable.

Which Personality Type Are You?

January 15, 2016 by Power of Positivity

“It is up to each person to recognize their own true preference and personality.”

Carl Jung, arguably the most important figure in all of modern psychology, believed that people could be classified into “personality types.” Specifically, Jung hypothesized that there exist four psychological functions in how people perceive the world – sensation, intuition, feeling, and thinking – with most people having a dominant psychological preference for most of their lives.

In around 1943, two psychologists – Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Cook Briggs (mother and daughter) – created the Myers-Briggs Typology Indicator (or MBTI). The MBTI was developed in conjunction with other prominent psychologists, with the final product released after 30 years of research. Numerous organizations – both public sector and private – utilize the MBTI for various purposes.

Learning Your Personality Type

It’s beyond the scope of this article to delve too deeply into the methodology and philosophy behind this instrument, so we think to best to give a succinct reason on why this test was created. According to the Myers-Briggs website, the MBTI was created to: “Help people realize their “best fit type,” the personality type that will help them succeed most in life.”

The instrument’s premise is that individuals have a preference in four main areas:

(1) Extraversion or Introversion: how someone directs their attention and gathers energy – either from the outside or inside world.

(2) Sensing or Intuition: how a person processes information – through focusing on facts or through added interpretation.

(3) Thinking or Feeling: how someone makes decisions – with logic and facts, or with an element of subjectivity.

(4) Judging or Perceiving: how an individual interacts with the outside world – with a structured and decided outlook or with an adaptable lifestyle.

For each personality type, we’re going to include its nickname, MBTI initials (for example: “E” stands for extraversion and “I” stands for introversion – this is done for all four preference areas), and the type’s predominant characteristics.

A Better Understanding of Each Personality Type

Let’s take a look at each of the 16 different personality types – do you identify with one? In no particular order, here they are:

Type #1: The “Architect” (INTJ)

Making up just around 2% of the population, Architects are the 3^rd rarest personality type. They are generally classified as intellectuals by many of their peers, and often find solace in the pages of books. Characteristics: innovative, independent, strategic, logical, insightful.

Type #2: The “Logician” (INTP)

Making up just around 3% of the population, Logicians are another rare personality type. Of all types, Logicians might just be the most rational (hence the name) and will articulate insightful theories while practicing fierce logic. Characteristics: intellectual, logical, precise, reserved, imaginative.

Type #3: The “Commander” (ENTJ)

Commanders are the people that others look to for direction. Considered natural-born leaders, Commanders make up about 2% of the population. They demonstrate fierce rationality while projecting immense confidence. Commanders are very driven, smart and have insatiable ambition. Characteristics: strategic, logical, efficient, outgoing, independent.

Type #4: The “Debater” (ENTP)

Using their intense logic, Debaters are well known for picking apart arguments and seeking the truth. Around 3% of the population, Debaters are incredibly honest and straightforward. They are comfortable with conflict, as Debaters see it as a natural producer of truth. Characteristics: inventive, inquisitive, strategic, enthusiastic, enterprising.

Type #5: The “Advocate” (INFJ)

Advocates are the rarest personality type in the world. However, for such a sparse group of individuals, Advocates are known for making a tremendous impact on the world. In addition to being the rarest type, they may just have the strongest sense of idealism and morality (think Martin Luther King Jr., a possible Advocate). Characteristics: warm, considerate, responsible, gentle, pragmatic.

Type #6: The “Mediator” (INFP)

Although they make up just around 4% of us, Mediators are intensely passionate and capable people. They love beauty, always seek the good in people and are amazing creators. Many writers, actors, and poets are Mediators. More than any other trait, they are led by their principles and ideals. Characteristics: creative, sensitive, idealistic, perceptive, caring.

Type #7: The “Protagonist” (ENFJ)

This group makes its presence felt in the political arena and among our coaches and teachers. This is because Protagonists are leaders with an immense talent to captivate people and rally them around a common cause. Very caring and genuine, this type creates personal connections that most others cannot. Characteristics: enthusiastic, idealistic, organized, caring, diplomatic.

Type #8: The “Campaigner” (ENFP)

Making up around 7% of us, campaigners truly enjoy being with other people. These individuals live for devising creative solutions to common problems. Some of the best actors and performers in the world are considered to be Campaigners. Characteristics: enthusiastic, creative, optimistic, spontaneous, playful.

Type #9: The “Logistician” (ISTJ)

Dedication to duty is the hallmark of the Logistician (not to be confused with logician). Comprising around 12% of the populace, Logisticians are perhaps the most responsible and meticulous group. These folks respect facts, evidence and straightforward truth; which is why we’ll often see them in courtrooms as lawyers and judges. Characteristics: sincere, analytical, reserved, realistic, responsible.

Type #10: The “Defender” (ISFJ)

Defenders have earned their nickname by relentlessly protecting their fellow human beings. While very analytical and commonsensical, they possess immense empathy and compassion. Combine a meticulous and responsible nature with a desire to give back, and we get many of our fellow doctors, teachers and counselors from this group. Characteristics: considerate, warm, responsible, thorough, gentle.

Type #11: The “Executive” (ESTJ)

Upholding traditional values with a rigorous and intense nature, Executives will gladly safeguard our communities. While many others are tentative to speak their mind, this group embraces the opportunity to speak up for what’s right and fair. Executives earn this name for good reason. In fact, some say that many of our Presidents are from this category. Characteristics: outgoing, analytical, dependable, realistic, efficient.

Type #12: The “Consul” (ESFJ)

Consuls are perhaps the most sociable and outgoing of any of the 16 types. A group that truly enjoys serving others, Consuls are among some of our best nurses and teachers. With a tremendous ability to communicate, Consuls are also talented at solving conflict and providing mediation. Characteristics: outgoing, reliable, friendly, organized, conscientious.

Type #13: The “Virtuoso” (ISTP)

Virtuosos have an insatiable curiosity toward the world around them. As perhaps the most mechanically inclined of the types, this group loves to understand the intricate nature of how things work. Because they are an enigmatic group, virtuosos appear calm and collected only to have a sudden influx of energy and spontaneity. Characteristics: logical, action-oriented, analytics, spontaneous, independent.

Type #14: The “Adventurer” (ISFP)

Bold, creative and free-spirited may be the best way to describe the Adventurer. A fiercely independent spirit, Adventurers happily disrupt social norms through their creative endeavors. Adventurers truly enjoy life and the embrace people and ideas with tremendous vigor. Characteristics: nurturing, gentle, sensitive, flexible, helpful.

Type #15: The “Entrepreneur” (ESTP)

Being a social butterfly is one of the Entrepreneurs favorite pastimes. This group loves to be the center of attention while engaging in friendly, lively discourse. A very intelligent group, Entrepreneurs are more comfortable with risk than any other type, leading to the (highly accurate) conclusion that they’re tremendous businesspeople – especially when they’re their own boss. Characteristics: realistic, versatile, outgoing, spontaneous, action-oriented.

Type #16: The “Entertainer” (ESFP)

Boredom is not an environment that the Entertainer accepts willingly. Incredibly stylish and charming, Entertainers are the life of the party. This group truly embraces style – literally and figuratively – as they have the strongest sense of aesthetics and design of any group. Characteristics: friendly, spontaneous, flexible, tactful, enthusiastic.

You can take the personality test here.

How To Survive Mercury Retrograde In 2016

January 15, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Mercury retrograde can have a major impact on all forms of communication. So let’s look at how we can all prepare for mercury retrograde in 2016 and not only survive it, but be better in spite of it.

Mercury was the name for the Roman messenger to the Gods. As such, he is responsible for communication. He is depicted with wings on his sandals which helps him speed his messages to the heavens.

In astrology, Mercury is the planet that rules both Virgo and Gemini. Gemini is well known for its communication skills. Virgos are known for being masters of information. Being a Virgo or a Gemini during a time of retrograde is a definite plus.

The closest planet to the sun passes Earth as it orbits. Mercury has an oval orbit rather than a circular one. When it passes Earth, it is reaching the narrow end of the orbit, so it appears to slow down as astronomers watch it across the night sky.

At the slow point of its orbit, Mercury almost appears to stop moving and move backward. This is when it is said to be retrograde. Mercury does not actually move backward, it just looks that way from our perspective.

How To Survive Mercury Retrograde In 2016

1. Know when to expect retrograde

According to the Farmer’s almanac, there will be 4 periods of Mercury’s retrograde in 2016. These dates are:

In 2016, Mercury will be retrograde:

January 5 to 25
April 28 to May 22
August 30 to September 22
December 19 to 31

Put these dates on your calendar or in your planner. Also, add a reminder a week before the timeframe that Mercury is in retrograde. This will give you time to prepare for what might happen.

2. Wrap up projects

Finish any unfinished work before a Mercury retrograde

3. Be diligent about backing up your work

Save your work and back it up in a different place. If it is very important, save it in multiple different places. Maybe print a hard copy, email it to someone you trust, put it on a flash drive, save it to your hard drive and then save it to an external hard drive.

4. Communicate clearly

We all make mistakes at times in what we say and write, but a time of Mercury retrograde is a time to be particularly diligent about what you are communicating.

Check your writing twice before sending an email, especially if it’s an important message. Make sure that you have included the most important points in as clear language as possible.

Simply your communication with a numbered list or bullet points if there are specific actions that need to be taken by the person who reads your email.

When you are speaking, it can be difficult to correct a mistake. If you say something that you didn’t mean to say, apologize and immediately repeat what you intended to communicate.

When you are done speaking, ask the person if they understood. You can ask them to repeat back to you what you said if you are unsure that the got the message.

5. Be prepared to ask multiple times

When Mercury is in retrograde, emails can suddenly go missing, post-it notes lose their sticky and fall under the desk, voicemails get deleted, and paper gets lost amidst the piles.

Expect that your message will get lost and that you will need to send it multiple times. If it’s very important, print a copy and leave it for someone, email it to them, and leave a voicemail to ask them to come to see you. When you communicate in multiple ways, your message is more likely to be received.

6. Practice patience

Prepare for the worst that can happen, but expect the best. When you mentally are prepared for delays, miscommunication, unclear thoughts, restlessness and fast-moving possibilities, Mercury’s retrograde can’t take you by surprise.

If things don’t go right the first time, take a deep breath and handle it calmly with the grace of someone who has a Plan B.

7. Use the momentum to your benefit

Things can happen quickly with Mercury in retrograde. According to astrology.com:

“A mercurial nature brings to mind restlessness and motion. Rat-a-tat-tat — things happen fast here. Mercury is about a quick wit, quick thinking, possibilities, opinions, reasoning and the ability to rationalize things. Mercurial energy can be good or bad, but it will certainly be energizing! This planet also prompts us to move from one thing to the next and to get answers on both a physical and psychological level. Further, Mercury’s energy is both dexterous and perceptive.”

With momentum in your favor, it could be time to push along a project that was previously delayed. If someone is dragging their feet, try getting them to make a move now. You might be pleasantly surprised how quickly things can move from annoying to rapid completion with the help of Mercury’s magic.

20 Signs Love Is Leaving Your Relationship

January 15, 2016 by Sarah Barkley

Your relationship didn’t seem loveless just a few months ago. But lately, you have started to wonder what changed. Falling out of love is much more complicated than falling in love.

The emotions you’re feeling are painful, and the thoughts you’re thinking are depressing. You can hardly believe that your partner might not love you anymore. If you’re afraid to ask your partner that question, here are the possible signs that you’re already in a loveless relationship.

20 Signs Love Is Leaving Your Relationship

Do you see these red flags?

1. Love Is Leaving When You Stop Making an Effort

Yes, a healthy relationship takes work, and you both should be making an effort to keep things emotionally happy. Usually, it is the work of the woman in the relationship to do the “emotional work” of keeping everyone’s needs met.

Your relationship may already have the lifelong commitment stamp, or maybe you haven’t discussed where you see yourself in the future. But if you’ve even considered the possibility of marriage with your partner, you owe it to each other to make an effort to make your relationship thrive.

Invest time in each other like you invest time in your work. You don’t have to go out to eat nightly or make a big deal over your anniversary.

But each day, you can give your partner the gift of your full attention. Ask questions about their day and act, or be, interested. If your relationship is missing the effort, it’s a troubling sign that you’re in a loveless relationship.

2. You Cannot Remember Intimacy

Intimacy can be so much more than just intercourse. When you’re in a loveless relationship, you aren’t getting much intimate contact, not to mention physical contact.

Your partner has started giving you side hugs instead of the full-body kind. When you go to kiss your partner, you get “Sorry hon, no time,” as they head out the door. Cuddling used to be your thing. But now, your cuddle up to the arm of the couch while your partner sits away from you.

Missing out on kissing, hugging, and other forms of physical love signifies that your relationship is in danger of losing the love it so desperately needs to flourish.

3. You Feel Neglected, Rejected, and Hurt by Your Partner

If you feel like your relationship is loveless, you probably don’t feel very loved. The lack of attention that your partner gives you makes you feel sad. Is there someone else that they are spending time with instead of you? It makes you wonder.

You might feel resentful, hurt, angry, or frustrated, but your feelings are that of pain. The source of your emotional pain is your partner. You blame them for making you feel this way. If they cared, they would know how you feel and make it up to you? Not if your partner is secretly unhappy.

4. You Complain About Your Partner to Others When Love Is on the Rocks

Having problems within your relationship is one thing, but being public about how things are not going well is another. Complaining about your partner’s shortcomings to someone else could be seen as a betrayal of trust by your partner.

Venting can sometimes help us work through problems with the help of another. Just be sure that the person you confess your troubles to isn’t a potential romantic partner. If they are, it means you are emotionally cheating on your partner.

Emotionally cheating these days usually involves a coworker or a “work wife/husband” that your partner tells everything to and knows everything about. You might have reason to be jealous.

According to a study of cyber cheating, people who had a partner engage in platonic chat with an online potential romantic partner felt just as betrayed as if their mate had cheated on them sexually.

5. When Love Is Leaving the Relationship, You Often Argue Repeatedly

A pattern of repeating the same fights repeatedly is a sign you’re in a loveless relationship. One of the essential parts of any partnership is the ability to compromise.

You can’t both have it your way, so you have to give a little. When you’re arguing over the same things, it’s a sign that neither wants to be generous to your partner.

6. You Plan to Find New Love

You’ve already emotionally left the building if you’re fantasizing about how finding a new partner might feel. You might not want to say that your relationship will be over. But it might be. If you’ve checked out, your partner may have too.

It’s not over yet, but you know that the end is near if you see these signs in your relationship. After you’ve come to terms with the end of your relationship, you can discover when you’re ready to find happiness again.

7. You Choose a Silent Treatment Over Discussions When You Fall Out of Love

If you’re at a point in your relationship where you choose silence and ignoring one another, it’s never a good sign. When you’ve given up on discussions in favor of silent treatments, it shows that the love is leaving your relationship.

Expressing your thoughts and talking through problems is essential to a healthy romance. It allows you to strengthen your bond and maintain a partnership.

If you or your partner choose the silent treatment over discussions, it turns into contempt and other negativity. It also shows that one or both of you don’t even want to try anymore.

8. The Excitement of Your Love Is No Longer There

Think back to the beginning of your relationship, specifically, the excitement you felt about seeing your significant other. If that feeling isn’t there anymore, it’s troubling for your relationship.

While some time apart to do other things is healthy, you’ll know when the romance has become the last priority. You or your partner will do whatever you can to make plans with others rather than each other. Plus, you’ll dread pre-planned dates or events with your significant other.

If this is a problem for you, use it as a chance to reflect on your relationship. Determine if you want to make a positive change to fix things or if it’s time to walk away.

9. You Have a Crush on Someone Else

It’s normal to develop a crush on someone else when you’re in a relationship, but it’s not normal to act on it. Additionally, it’s not normal to wish you were with that other person instead of your partner. If you find that you spend your time wishing you were with someone else, it’s time to reevaluate your current relationship.

It’s a bad sign anytime someone or something else minimizes your desire for your current partner. There might not even be a specific person you’re thinking of either. It could be that you like the idea of meeting someone new or doing other things.

If you spend time thinking about all the people you could meet and places you could go without your partner, it’s time to reflect. It shows that you may have fallen out of love and want to pursue other things without your significant other.

10. You’re Overly Critical

No one enjoys criticism, especially when it seems never-ending in your relationship. If you constantly criticize your partner or they do it to you, it’s a sign that the love is gone.

Constant criticism shows a lack of consideration for their feelings and attacks their character. Everyone makes mistakes and lets people they care about down, but they don’t need a constant reminder of it.

11. Their Presence Seems to Drain You

Your partner’s presence should uplift you and help you find joy in your day. If you feel emotionally or physically depleted when they’re around, you must reconsider what you want or need.

Sometimes you’ll feel drained when you think about your significant other. When this is the case, the relationship might be over. Likewise, if you don’t miss your partner a little after an extended time apart, it’s time to reconsider or fix the issues.

12. You’re Not Being Open

If you aren’t being open with each other, it shows that there’s emotional disconnection. Opening up is the best way a couple can connect, and it’s essential for honesty and trust. If you are no longer interested in discussing things openly, it shows that love is leaving your relationship.

You might notice that you no longer want to share things with your partner. Or, you might not care if they share their thoughts and feelings with you anymore.

If you don’t make a change, the problem worsens and could eventually turn into stonewalling. Stonewalling occurs when one of you stops communicating altogether. You might notice a lack of eye contact, refusing to discuss feelings, or walking away during conversations.

13. Your Future Feels Uncertain

When you think about the future, it can tell you quite a bit about the state of your current relationship. If the thought of them being in your future makes you feel trapped or disappointed, it could indicate trouble. Try to process your thoughts through journaling, meditation, or therapy so that you can identify why you feel that way.

Not looking forward to or feeling uncertain about your future together indicates that something is amiss. It doesn’t always mean that there’s no hope, but it could indicate a lack of awareness on the topic. Additionally, it could show that your desires for the future don’t align, meaning you want different things.

14. You Get Overly Defensive

Defensiveness is a harmful communication method that indicates negativity within the relationship. It shifts blame to your partner while making the defensive person appear innocent.

Most of the time, defensiveness occurs when someone feels accused or overly criticized. It makes the other person feel like they can’t voice their thoughts and feelings without making you angry. If you get defensive in every conversation with your partner, it’s a sign you don’t feel the same anymore.

15. You Look for Ways to Avoid Each Other

If you or your partner actively seek ways to avoid one another, it’s terrible for your relationship. Avoidance is a big issue that needs resolving immediately, or your relationship will end. You might work late or go out alone as a way to stay away from your partner for a little longer.

Sometimes you might even take a long way home to spare yourself a few more minutes. Looking for ways to avoid your partner is a sure sign that your feelings have changed or your needs are unmet.

Think about why you’re avoiding them and consider if it’s possible to fix it. As you think it through, be honest with yourself and allow your feelings to come forward.

Remember that it’s healthy to spend time alone and with other people, and it’s not considered avoidance. Avoidance is when you have nothing else going on, and your reason for finding something to do is precisely to avoid your partner.

16. Your Partner Does Things That Harm Your Life

When your partner’s actions damage your life, it’s a sign that they no longer care. They might not maliciously make things hard on you, but they cannot consider what will happen.

One example is when they overspend and put you in a financial bind. The overspender didn’t think about the problems their purchases could cause, and now you’re struggling to make ends meet.

Another example is if they become addicted to something and refuse to get help. In this instance, your partner knows that their situation causes problems for you and your relationship.

17. You Dream About the Freedom of Being Single

If you ever daydream about living a single life, it could be that your feelings for your partner have changed. When you’re in the right relationship for you, you won’t constantly fanaticize about being alone. It shows that your current relationship is unfulfilling, and that’s not fair to either partner.

18. You Don’t Have a Good Reason for Being with Your Partner

Think about why you’re with your partner, and come up with the best reason possible. It could be troubling if you don’t have a good reason. Many people stay in a relationship because they’re afraid of being alone, but that won’t bring happiness and passion.

Without a good reason, you’re just going through the motions. You don’t love someone out of passion, and you’re settling when there could be someone more compatible.

19. You Always Quarrel About Insignificant Things

If you can’t get through one conversation without arguing, it’s not good for your relationship. Little things about your partner might become irritating, triggering an argument every time. Sometimes, the things that trigger your negative emotions are the things you loved at the beginning of your relationship.

Disagreements are normal, but they shouldn’t be a constant occurrence. It shows a lack of respect within your relationship, and the love might be dissipating. Deep feelings make you more likely to let the little things slide.

Frequent fights show that a couple can’t find common ground anymore. It also shows that they’ve lost their sense of connection.

20. You Don’t Help Each Other

Healthy relationships involve partners who support each other and help whenever possible. They compromise with one another to ensure they’re meeting their partner’s needs and wants. When you no longer desire to help or take care of your partner, it’s a sign of the end.

Final Thoughts on the Signs Your Love is in Danger

There are many ways to tell if love is leaving your relationship. Sometimes you can overcome these obstacles. But other times, it’s time to walk away. The final decision is up to you, but you must make a change one way or another.

If you both want to work on the relationship, you can work to overcome the problems. Don’t ignore the signs your love is in danger because you must handle it immediately. You both deserve to be happy, so don’t put it off.

5 Ways to Recall Your Past Lives

January 15, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Our lives before this incarnation can teach us so much about our ultimate soul journey and what we came here to accomplish on the path to remembering our highest selves. The more you know about your own soul, the clearer your road becomes. So much comfort and wisdom exists in recalling memories of ourselves before we even became humans. This knowledge can provide you with valuable information about the steps you should take on your spiritual journey.

Although many people desire to know more about their past incarnations, it can be difficult to start this journey alone. Luckily, many healers out there can help you out, such as specialists called past life regressionists, who have undertaken the incredible feat of discovering who they once were so they can guide others to do the same.

However, even if you don’t have a past life regressionist near you, the following tips can get you started on the path to knowing yourself in greater detail:

Think of what places or people seem oddly familiar to you.

You know that weird feeling of déjà vu we all experience at some point or another? Well, these feelings that you have met someone long before this lifetime or gone through that exact situation before might be memories of your past lives. In this life, we are automatically drawn to people and places that we have known before, because that makes discovering ourselves much more effortless. The universe conspires to make events and people come into your life that will assist you on your soul journey, so it often brings you to familiar people and places so that you will remember who you are.

Don’t dismiss these seemingly random moments of déjà vu; they actually serve a purpose and can help you identify yourself from past lives.

Sit in a quiet, dimly lit room, and meditate.

Meditation serves as a wonderful tool to uncover hidden truths about yourself because once you quiet the chatter of your mind, you can more easily tap into the endless energy and wisdom of the soul. Your soul existed way before your physical body did, so it has been through many incarnations. As you go deeper within, pay attention to what comes into your stream of consciousness.

Do you remember certain faces, places, or experiences? What seems familiar to you? Maybe you have vivid memories of living in a different part of the world or meeting a spiritual master in a foreign land. Whatever comes to mind, if it resonates with your soul, you probably have experienced it before.

Don’t try too hard.

If you make learning about your past lives into more of a chore rather than a fun undertaking or hobby, you won’t really get anywhere with it. The more you look for the knowledge, the less you will find it. Just accept whatever comes into your stream of consciousness naturally, and allow it to flow through you. If you put too much effort into it, you might become misguided and recall memories of experiences that you didn’t actually have.

Relax, breathe deeply, and don’t focus too much on remembering. Focus more on Being, and the wisdom will naturally come to you.

Start off by thinking of your current existence. What might have happened in your past lives to get you to this point?

Think of everything you have been through. The pain, the struggles, the heartaches, your upbringing, your family life…anything that has shaped you into the person you are today. Maybe you haven’t had the best relationships with people in your past and wonder why things just don’t seem to go your way. Maybe you have parents that work a lot, and didn’t get to spend much time with them as a child.

Take everything in your life into consideration because this life happened directly from experience in a past life. We come here to learn from the past, and some people think of this planet as a deliverer of karma.

So, maybe in the past you got what you wanted from people by manipulating and conniving, and in this existence, you have to work through that karma by experiencing unsatisfying, hurtful relationships. Maybe you neglected others in the past and valued your work over your relationships. In a way, having a lonely childhood could be the universe’s way of dishing out karma.

These are just examples, but whatever you have experienced in this lifetime, try to put all the pieces together. The culmination of events and people you’ve encountered have played an important role in your journey, and it’s your job to find out what could’ve led your soul to these experiences.

Pay attention to how you feel when you conjure up old memories.

Sometimes, the “memories” will really just be realities we have created in our heads. However, you will feel differently when you simply imagine something rather than actually remember it. If something clicks within your soul and you get a sensation of bliss, awe, or some other powerful emotion moving through your body, you likely have remembered an important part of your soul as it existed in a past life!

11 Signs There’s A Toxic Person In Your Life

January 14, 2016 by Power of Positivity

As you may have noticed by now, not everyone is a delight to be around. This doesn’t make them a bad person necessarily; it just means that they don’t necessarily serve as a healthy influence. Let’s call it, perhaps, toxic.

Even stating that someone is toxic can be a bit harsh. However, if a person displays behavior that has a negative impact on us in any way, it is unhealthy (toxic) for us. Quite frankly, we shouldn’t have to subject ourselves to someone else’s toxicity. Despite our tendency to want to give someone the benefit of the doubt, we don’t need to do so. Especially if we are using all of our energy to maintain the relationship. So, what are the signs of a toxic person? We’ve come up with 11…

Sign #1: They’re bad listeners

Something to address quickly: it’s normal to want to think of something to say while someone else is talking. After all, nobody likes sounding “unsure” or “dumb”.

Two things: (1) trying to think of something to say when another person is speaking is not effective (2) this is not what makes somebody a bad listener.

A lack of acknowledgment, lack of response, and just plain disinterest are what make someone a bad listener. Many times, they’ll just continue talking about themselves anyway.

Sign #2: They’re always the victim

To them, any adverse situation is the result of someone else’s actions. Have a breakup? It’s always their evil partner. Came in late to work? Well, it’s the traffic (always (despite nobody else seeing it). Flop on the exam? Well, the questions didn’t match the study guide!

It doesn’t matter if they are at fault – they’ll never admit it. These people have usually gotten so good at making up excuses that they’re uttered semiconsciously.

Sign #3: Toxic people judge others unfairly

Ever been somewhere and heard a toxic person make a rude comment about someone in the room that they’ve never even met? It’s weird and shocking at the same time – weird because it’s so out of nowhere and shocking because 99% of people don’t do that.

But some toxic people will say they have the magical ability to innately “feel” when something is wrong with someone else. Worse yet is when they make a crack on someone else’s physical appearance.

Sign #4: They’re attention seekers

Then we have this group – the ones always needing attention. The easiest way to detect this is in a conversation: they’re always interrupting, dominating, and controlling.

The only time they’re happy in a conversation is when they are turning it back onto themselves. They’re also the ones who always seem to always find themselves in the middle of the group picture while simultaneously being the loudest one anywhere.

Sign #5: Toxic people are disrespectful of everyone

It’s still shocking to people watch and witness how some folks act. People still litter, graffiti property, cut people off in traffic, don’t say thank you, etc. These misguided, socially wretched behaviors are very disturbing.

(Does anybody else ever wonder who raised these people?)

Sign #6: They’re constantly interrupting

Interrupting conversations, interrupting traffic, interrupting with their phone; these folks are constantly in “me mode” and to heck with anyone else that tries to get in their way. They’ve got better things to do than display some empathy or patience.

In seriousness, this is really annoying. It’s human nature to interject someone and apologize. It’s downright rude to be so self-centered and clueless.

Sign #7: Toxic people inflate their own ego

Quick question: how do most people come to the conclusion that someone is exceptional (as a person or at something)? Well, we simply observe and come to a conclusion.

Michael Jordan never had to tell us he was a great basketball player. Mother Theresa never had to tell us she was a loving, kind person.

So, when we hear someone talk about how they’re great without being asked and without merit, it’s (again) weird and shocking. Most people are modest about their qualities, but toxic people are not “most people.”

Sign #8: They’re physically or emotionally abusive

This goes without saying, but physically and/or emotionally abusing another person or animal is an unconscionable and toxic act. Nothing else really needs to be said on the subject, except that if we’re being abused or know of another person or animal being abused that it should be reported to authorities immediately.

Sign #9: They can’t admit that they’re wrong

In other words, they always have to be right. No amount of evidence to the contrary can sway a toxic person’s illogical conclusion that they are right.

Some people will go to the extreme of a loud, vocal argument to “prove” they’re right. Mind you, there is nothing of substance that is being said – they’re trying to “win” the debate on noise level alone.

Bottom line: not being able to admit that they’re wrong and not being able to admit when someone is right are undesirable characteristics in a person.

Sign #10: They don’t take any responsibility

A close cousin of #2 and #10, some people don’t take responsibility for anything. Unfortunately, these people can’t see that their own actions yielded an undesirable result.

As for examples, we see this when someone is arguing with an authority figure – a cop, teacher, judge, etc. – and illogically pleading a case without actually having a case. For rational folks, we see this as a childish attempt to deflect responsibility from where it belongs.

Sign #11: They’re still “cliquish”

Ever seen the movie Clueless with Alicia Silverstone? If so, it’s quickly apparent that Cher (Silverstone’s character) and their group look down on pretty much everyone. Everyone else is dirty, badly dressed, or otherwise unworthy of their recognition.

There are still people who act “as if” (get it?) it’s still high school. If someone else isn’t driving the newest car, flashing the latest threads or populating the same neighborhood, they’re simply not worth the time. Toxic people consider themselves in another class that only a few, if anyone at all, deserve admittance.

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Here’s Why You Should Massage Your Feet Every Night Before Bed

A quick 10 to 15-minute massage each night:

Improves circulation

Helps prevent injuries

Lowers blood pressure

Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression

Alleviates headache pain

Aids plantar fasciitis and flat feet

Alleviates symptoms of PMS and menopause

Reduces effects of edema

Improves intimacy

Final Thoughts on Why to Massage Your Feet Every Night at Bedtime

Learning Your Personality Type

A Better Understanding of Each Personality Type

Type #1: The “Architect” (INTJ)

Type #2: The “Logician” (INTP)

Type #3: The “Commander” (ENTJ)

Type #4: The “Debater” (ENTP)

Type #5: The “Advocate” (INFJ)

Type #6: The “Mediator” (INFP)

Type #7: The “Protagonist” (ENFJ)

Type #8: The “Campaigner” (ENFP)

Type #9: The “Logistician” (ISTJ)

Type #10: The “Defender” (ISFJ)

Type #11: The “Executive” (ESTJ)

Type #12: The “Consul” (ESFJ)

Type #13: The “Virtuoso” (ISTP)

Type #14: The “Adventurer” (ISFP)

Type #15: The “Entrepreneur” (ESTP)

Type #16: The “Entertainer” (ESFP)

How To Survive Mercury Retrograde In 2016

1. Know when to expect retrograde

2. Wrap up projects

3. Be diligent about backing up your work

4. Communicate clearly

5. Be prepared to ask multiple times

6. Practice patience

7. Use the momentum to your benefit

20 Signs Love Is Leaving Your Relationship

1. Love Is Leaving When You Stop Making an Effort

2. You Cannot Remember Intimacy

3. You Feel Neglected, Rejected, and Hurt by Your Partner

4. You Complain About Your Partner to Others When Love Is on the Rocks

5. When Love Is Leaving the Relationship, You Often Argue Repeatedly

6. You Plan to Find New Love

7. You Choose a Silent Treatment Over Discussions When You Fall Out of Love

8. The Excitement of Your Love Is No Longer There

9. You Have a Crush on Someone Else

10. You’re Overly Critical

11. Their Presence Seems to Drain You

12. You’re Not Being Open

13. Your Future Feels Uncertain

14. You Get Overly Defensive

15. You Look for Ways to Avoid Each Other

16. Your Partner Does Things That Harm Your Life

17. You Dream About the Freedom of Being Single

18. You Don’t Have a Good Reason for Being with Your Partner

19. You Always Quarrel About Insignificant Things

20. You Don’t Help Each Other

Final Thoughts on the Signs Your Love is in Danger

Think of what places or people seem oddly familiar to you.

Sit in a quiet, dimly lit room, and meditate.

Don’t try too hard.

Start off by thinking of your current existence. What might have happened in your past lives to get you to this point?

Pay attention to how you feel when you conjure up old memories.

Sign #1: They’re bad listeners

Sign #2: They’re always the victim

Sign #3: Toxic people judge others unfairly

Sign #4: They’re attention seekers

Sign #5: Toxic people are disrespectful of everyone

Sign #6: They’re constantly interrupting

Sign #7: Toxic people inflate their own ego

Sign #8: They’re physically or emotionally abusive

Sign #9: They can’t admit that they’re wrong

Sign #10: They don’t take any responsibility

Sign #11: They’re still “cliquish”

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

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