11 Ways to Heal from Emotional Stress

February 27, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Iyou have lived on this planet for a while, you have probably dealt with a fair share of stress in your life. In modern society, we all must learn how to handle a variety of frustrations and complications, but sometimes it all can seem very overwhelming, and understandably so.

Unfortunately, around 26 percent of Americans surveyed for a poll performed by researchers for the Harvard Opinion Research Program said they currently live with high levels of stress. If you feel you fall into the 26 percent experiencing chronic stress, you might benefit from the following coping mechanisms.

11 Ways to Heal from Emotional Stress

1. Talk about your feelings.

Too many people today think that expressing feelings makes them weak and shows they can’t cope with challenging situations on their own. However, consider the other side of that argument. What if talking about your feelings actually makes you a strong person because you feel comfortable with vulnerability, and know when to swallow your pride to admit you need help?

Don’t ever feel bad for asking for assistance or bringing up “negative” emotions to others – most people actually can’t wait to give support in any way they can.

2. Accept your current emotions.

Have you ever heard the saying “What you resist persists?” Well, that powerful phrase definitely applies here. If you constantly fight your feelings, you will only see those same situations and emotions repeating themselves over and over again until you learn to embrace them. However, you must realize that on some conscious level, you created those highly stressful situations, so you must deal with what you manifested accordingly.

After you have accepted that you played a part in creating the stress, you can consciously work on establishing more desirable outcomes.

3. Meditate.

Meditation can heal so many aspects of a person’s life, and can also help you escape stressful situations and just spend time with yourself for a bit. If you have been dealing with a lot of emotional stress in your life, you probably don’t get to spend much time in recovery and relaxation.

Make time for meditation in your daily routine – above all other natural remedies, meditation might just take the cake because it can rewire your brain and put you in a state of deep tranquility.

4. Become best friends with nature.

The more time you spend outside, the more you can take advantage of all the natural beauty on Earth. Relish in the overwhelming wonders of Gaia, and thank Mother Earth for providing so generously for you. The sunlight offers warmth and sustains your life every day, the trees give off oxygen so you can breathe, and bees pollinate the plants so they can grow into foods for us to eat.

Spend an afternoon just sitting outside and watching life unfold before you; do this consistently, and you will no doubt feel the planet’s healing energy permeate your soul.

5. Treat yourself to something that makes you feel good.

How long has it been since you got a massage, baked your favorite cake, or taken a vacation? If you can’t remember the last time you did any of these things, book a vacation or massage, and go to the store to get all the fixings for your cake. You deserve it, especially after going through a traumatic experience.

Show yourself some love and become your own best friend; after all, no one in the world can offer you love the way you can.

6. Give yourself permission to start over.

If you feel you have endured so much pain that you can’t possibly get through it, then just wipe your slate clean and start all over again. That may mean moving to a new city, getting a new job, getting out of a toxic relationship, or just reinventing yourself. You can’t create your future if you stay stuck in the past, so leave it behind and remember that with each new sunrise, you can become whoever and whatever you desire.

7. Exercise regularly.

Emotional stress just indicates that you have been directing your energy in a way that isn’t the most helpful to you. Redirect that energy toward something more beneficial, such as exercise.

Scientists have consistently found that exercise may be one of the best natural stress relievers on the planet, so make sure to sweat at least thirty minutes a day for five days a week. Also, do activities you enjoy – make exercise seem like a fun, gratifying activity, not something that you absolutely dread.

8. Try to remove the source of stress from your life.

Spend some time alone evaluating your life and thinking about what you can change in order to move some of the biggest sources of stress. You might need to make some significant changes to your daily routine or let relationships go that no longer serve you. This might seem uncomfortable and painful, but you have to do whatever you need to in order to honor your spirit.

Letting go of major stress-inducers will allow you to focus on creating a happier life for yourself.

9. Forgive yourself and others.

Let’s face it – most of us are way too hard on ourselves. We expect perfection and can’t understand why we need so much time to heal from our past. However, you need to allow yourself to go through the necessary emotions and phases of healing before completely moving on. Also, forgive others who have caused you pain. You have to realize that their pain became too great for them to handle, so they had to take it out on others. Love them anyway, and love yourself for giving up the need to control your journey toward emotional recovery.

10. Realize all pain is impermanent.

Without suffering, we wouldn’t know bliss. Without pain, we wouldn’t know pleasure. Chances are, you have felt all of these emotions in your life, and you probably noticed that they didn’t last forever. You can’t have mountains without valleys either, so remember this analogy next time you feel trapped by your pain. You can and will get through it, but just allow it to run its course, and the storm clouds will roll by much faster than you’d think.

11. Fill your life with fun activities.

Do you enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, yoga, or hiking? Then incorporate these activities into your daily routine. This way, you will keep your mind and body busy with activities that make your heart truly happy. Then, you won’t have as much time to focus on those stressors in your life.

7 Things Self-Loving People Do Differently

February 26, 2015 by Power of Positivity

When a person loves themselves, the way that they handle situations and live their daily life is much different from those who do not. Self-loathing begets suffering and additional loathing, forcing people to wonder how self-loving people are able to stay positive.

Love yourself first and everything else falls in line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world. – Lucille Ball

Any time spent on self-doubting could just as easily be spent self-loving. Here is a list of seven habits that are practiced by self-loving people:

7 Things Self-Loving People Do Differently:

1. They hold strong moral beliefs and standards.

A self-loving person does not compromise their belief system for anyone or anything. Their habits and daily routines do not change and they believe in their methods of problem-solving and handling issues that arise in life. They do not spend time around people who do not hold these same values and end the negative relationships in their life when necessary.

2. They know they are enough.

Self-loathing people never believe that they are good enough. They are always in search of another person who will help them unlock their true potential. Self-loving people know that they are good enough and do not need to rely on the help of others to maintain happiness, reach their dreams and accomplish their goals.

3. They have a daily self-care routine.

Whether it’s an exercise regimen, a certain style of cuisine or perhaps something more cosmetic, people who truly love themselves do everything in their power to take care of themselves each day. A self loather will let their personal appearance fall into shambles, whereas a self-loving person would never allow themselves to get to that point.

4. They willingly and lovingly help others.

Those who love themselves wish to spread their positive feelings towards others and they genuinely enjoy helping other people. They derive true joy and pleasure from providing aid to friends and family who are in need and they do so because they want to help, not for any sort of personal gain.

5. They follow their passions and desires.

Loving yourself means never being forced to settle. People who care about themselves do not allow themselves to end up working at a job they hate. They don’t let their passions and desires fall by the wayside. If they like someone, they tell them. If they have dreams, they follow them.

6. They are grateful for their journey.

It’s no secret, we all go through hard times in life. But these trials and tribulations are what make us who we are. A person who loves themselves knows this and does not waste valuable time on regret. They appreciate their journey because they know it made them the great person that they are today.

7. They release the need to blame.

Blaming others for problems that arise in life is a fast way to become a self loather. A self-lover knows that even if another person does something wrong, it does not mean that the entire situation is their fault. They are excellent at taking responsibility for their own actions and not pinning everything on another person.

How many of these habits can you begin to implement to create a self-loving life that isn’t selfish? Share in the discussion below or join PoP on Facebook and chime in.

3 Simple and Effective Ways to Stress Less

February 25, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Do you feel the impact of stress every day? You are in good company.

“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” – Buddha

Encountering stressful situations on a daily basis is a near certainty. We’re overworked, overscheduled and unrested. We’re connected, distracted, and unsettled. These stressors don’t just vanish without a trace – negatively affecting your physical, mental and emotional functions.

Quite simply, stress is the body’s reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. Stress is a normal – even positive – part of life. For example, when we procrastinate and our minds continually reiterate the importance of completing a task. This is an example of how stress is healthy for us.

However, stress can become negative – really negative. The medical and scientific communities actually have a term for this type of stress: distress. Distress can manifest itself in various ways – headaches, nausea, stomachache, irritability, trouble sleeping, high blood pressure, etc. Over the long term, this can lead to various types of diseases.

Distress is a common complaint in our society. Consider these statistics:

– 75-90% of all doctor visits are stress-related illnesses or complaints.

– 43% of all adults suffer stress-related health effects.

– 50% of all lifelong emotional disorders are related to stress.

These are exorbitantly high numbers. Up to 90% of all doctor visits are stress-related? Don’t fret, my friend…we’re going to give you some great pointers here.

In fact, here are 3 key things you can do right now to handle stress:

1. Take time away from tech

“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.” – Buddha

Do you ever notice how insatiable our appetites are for technology? Phones, tablets, tablets that look like phones, phones that look like tablets, a robot that reminds you where your cell phone or is…okay, I made that last one up. I think.

Technology can be a true force for good – educational, medical and scientific communities all benefit from the tech revolution. People connect with both positive and negative outcomes. We’re more connected with our families, friends, and distant relatives. On the other hand, we’re also more distracted and less mindful.

According to a study at the University of Gothenburg, heavy use of mobile phones and other electronic devices can potentially affect mental health. The study, consisting of 4,100 people aged 20-24 revealed the following:

– Increased sleeping problems in men.

– Increased depressive symptoms in both men and women.

– Other precursors to mental health problems.

Many negative outcomes from technology overuse can be attributed to instant gratification. Facebook, email, video chat, games, and texting are all available at the tap of a finger. Make no mistake – technology can and should be enjoyed. In moderation, that is.

Do yourself a favor and disconnect the devices from time to time. Turn off the tablet, phone, or computer and get some fresh air. Take in and remember how good it feels to immerse yourself into something else – meditate, read, nap, or anything else.

2. Connect with nature

“It is better to travel well than to arrive.” – Buddha

Not so long ago – about 150,000 to 200,000 years – human beings lived outside… in nature. We were born among our animal relatives and stayed among them until we died. We built shelter, hunted animals, cooked food and raised children in the elements.

Our distant ancestors were probably tree-dwellers in some form. Now it doesn’t seem anyone is interested in trees unless we are deforesting some part of the country. Think of that: Nature gave human beings everything needed to build and sustain life, and we pay it back by uprooting a forest to build a mall.

Anyways, enough with the lecture on man’s irresponsible use of Nature’s resources. The real point I was trying to make: reconnect with nature. Take in its vastness; its beauty. Nature is truly a wonderful and diverse ecosystem.

Consider the benefits of just the sun:

– Sun rays kill bacteria on the skin.

– Sunlight lowers cholesterol.

– Sun rays lower blood pressure.

– Sunlight penetrates the skin to purify both blood and blood vessels.

– Sunlight improves oxygen circulation in the body.

– Sun exposure strengthens the immune system.

– Sunlight can increase the physical development of children; namely growth and height.

– Sun exposure can reduce or cure depression (staying inside too much initiates or prolongs it!)

3. Breathe/Meditate to Relieve Stress

“Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present I know that this is the only moment.” – Buddha

Breathe or meditate – in fact, do both. There’s a practice devoted to just that – breathing and meditating –mindfulness meditation.

When getting right down to it, mindfulness meditation is very simple. You sit or lie in a comfortable position, pay attention to the breath, and when the mind wanders you gently bring it back to the breath. Simple in theory, quite another in practice – but you’ll learn quickly and see tremendous benefits as a result.

So why practice mindfulness meditation? Consider a Buddhist health study done at Northern Arizona University. Dr. Heidi Wayment and her colleagues surveyed 866 Buddhist practitioners from around the world and discovered five key benefits of the practice.

Benefits of meditation:

Mindfulness meditation “strengthened the immune and physiological responses to stress and negative emotion.” (Read and re-read! This is perhaps the biggest health benefit)
It “improved the social relationships with family and strangers.”
It “reduced stress, depression, and anxiety and increased well-being and happiness.”
Participants felt “increased openness to experience, conscientiousness, and agreeableness and reduced negative associations with neuroticism.”
It “led to greater psychological mindfulness, which included an awareness that is clear, nonconceptual, and flexible; a practical stance toward reality; and present attention to the individual’s consciousness and awareness.”

Dr. Wayment had this to say on the findings of the study:

“One of the surprising findings of this study and what some others are coming up with is how much of a difference it makes to focus your mind and calm down. It actually makes a large difference in your well-being.”

What is striking about this statement is that these benefits shouldn’t be “surprising” in the least. The Buddha discussed this in detail roughly 2,500 years ago! His practices have been meticulously documented, passed down and taught throughout the generations. The scientific and medical community, in study after study, continues to learn the tremendous benefits of Buddha’s ancient wisdom – from enlarging areas of the brain to preventing diseases and stress.

8 Studies that Show How Consciousness Affects Reality

February 23, 2015 by Power of Positivity

“I regard consciousness as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative from consciousness. We cannot get behind consciousness. Everything that we talk about, everything that we regard as existing, postulates consciousness.” – Max Planck

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here was a time, not so long ago when scientists thought that the material universe was indeed the only reality – it was constructed of random pieces of matter with no order. iIn other words, “what you see is what you get.”

Physicists upended this “common knowledge” when they proved that everything in the universe exists because of energy.

Atoms are the smallest unit of matter. Every kind of matter – gas, liquid, and solid – builds from atoms. These atoms are the building block of the universe. When in balance, the atom’s nucleus presents an equal number of particles. There are two particle-types: protons and neutrons. Electrons circle the atom’s nucleus and orbit it in an oval-like pattern. They maintain their balance because of energy. Albert Einstein and Max Planck devoted much of their work towards this discovery.

A countless number of atoms make up our bodies. As a result, we are energy-creating beings by default. It is our belief, along with many others, that energy stems from consciousness. And that this consciousness connects with the material world.

Here are 8 scientific studies demonstrating the interconnectedness with consciousness and the material universe.

The Placebo Effect

In a study at the Baylor School of Medicine, surgical options were sought for patients with debilitating knee pain. The team divided patients into three groups.

First, a group had the damaged cartilage shaved from their knee. And, the second group had the damaged tissue flushed from the knee joint. Finally, researchers sedated the last group and told participants told that they performed invasive surgery. Although, in fact, they hadn’t. Amazingly, the group that received no surgery improved as much as those that had.

This is just one example of many on how we can consciously affect the biology of our bodies. The placebo effect is having a significant impact on the medical community while disrupting the industries that rely on product revenue, specifically the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry.

The heart and electromagnetic experiments

The most prolific electromagnetic forces in the human body occur in and around the heart. Using spectral analysis, researchers discovered encoded emotional information embedded in the electromagnetic field surrounding the heart.

When emotions shift, this encoded information changes. As a result, scientists continue to study the ramifications of such a profound discovery. The research includes we feel and interpret this powerful force. Specifically, they hope to learn how to use emotions such as compassion, empathy, love, and understanding to make positive changes in us and others.

Princeton’s intention and desire experiment

In a series of experiments done at Princeton University, researchers assembled about 300 people. The 300 participants then observed a computer screen that alternately showed one of two images – an astronaut or a leopard.

The beginning of the experiment involved the transition of the images on the screen at random and at various time intervals. Then, the researchers asked the audience what image they preferred. Most liked an image of an astronaut. After this, the subjects concentrated only on seeing the astronaut.

The images continued cycling at random for a short time after they issued these instructions. Then the image of the astronaut was the only one that appeared until the experiment was concluded. To many, this leads to the belief that random events can be altered with conscious influence.

The Quantum Double Slit experiment

It’s impossible to explain this experiment without writing a book. Let’s just keep it simple and say this: when two slits were created and small bits of matter were very quickly ejected from a machine through the slits, the pattern that resulted was expected – two outlines of matter roughly in the shape of the slits.

However, when photons or other particles of matter ejected through the slits, they created multiple outlines. Scientists call this an interference pattern. In the popular, peer-reviewed journal Physics Essays, the experiment has been demonstrated multiple times to explore the role of how consciousness shapes physical reality.

NSA/CIA remote viewing experiments

In conjunction with Stanford University, scientists at both the NSA and CIA demonstrated the ability of individuals to describe the appearance of remote geographical locations several hundred thousand miles away.

One participant visualized the specific rings around Jupiter before pictures of it were taken by NASA and made public. In another experiment, participants were able to see people and objects that were located in different rooms with no point of reference.

Teleportation

In an experiment done by the Peoples Republic of China, researchers documented the ability of gifted children to teleport small objects from one place to another. They did the study under blind and double-blind conditions which yielded the same results. They then published their findings in an academic journal.

Various academic institutions and the Department of Defense oversaw the study. Given the sensitive nature of the study, the government classified the results. However, various other studies and experiments have concluded that the transportation of physical objects without a bodily carrier has been known to take place.

Psychokinetic experiments

In an unclassified 2004 U.S. Air Force research project titled the Teleportation Physics Study, participants were instructed and subsequently applied psychokinetic practices. In the study, several individuals were able to bend or contort metal specimens with no physical force.

These experiments occurred in various locations, including the Pentagon and the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command. Attendees and participants included military leaders – Commanders, Generals, and Colonels. Furthermore, they documented that they felt a “great deal of excitement.”

The evolution of human consciousness

The discovery that human beings can innately influence reality goes back a long, long time and continues to this present moment.

Siddhartha Gautama aka the Buddha, continually taught that our thinking and our consciousness creates reality. Scientists confirm many of his teachings, especially on mindfulness and meditation, over and again. For example, Buddha’s teaching that our thinking alters our physical being has been confirmed. Scientists have repeatedly demonstrated that mindfulness significantly alters the physiology of the brain.

Now consider that Buddha lived over 2,500 years ago – approximately 500 years before Christ. Yet, he had this innate knowledge that put him years ahead of his time. Some argue that his teachings are ahead of our time.

The brilliant Max Planck quote that preceded this article is very to how Buddha describes consciousness and the manifestation of thoughts:

“What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow. Our life is the creation of our mind.”

Have you seen your reality change because of your thoughts? Share your story below!

6 Simple Ways to Love Yourself Again

February 22, 2015 by Power of Positivity

It is time to love yourself again. You deserve the kind of love you would give to someone else.

We fall in and out of love with ourselves…a lot throughout life. We temporarily lose sight of our true loving nature whenever we think negatively about ourselves. Even the ascended “spiritual masters” have had moments where they don’t like themselves; the duality of love and hate, light and dark, you and I. It’s a persistent illusion that we all struggle to see past at times. In reality, we all come from Love, whatever and wherever that place may exist.

Because you originated from a place abounding with love, it also resides within you. So, how can we uncover our true nature if we have been out of touch with it for so long?

Start with these six simple daily exercises to experience greater self-love.

Here are six simple ways to love yourself again, starting now:

1. Celebrate and love yourself as you are right now.

When you wake up each morning, thank yourself for everything that represents you. Thank your eyes for allowing you to see, your smile for making others smile, your hair for protecting your head from the sun, your body for giving you the ability to move, your mind for allowing you to think, and your heart for letting you feel, etc.

You are a walking miracle, so don’t ever forget that.

You incarnated on this Earth at an extraordinary time, when many of us got called upon to bring the planet back into alignment. Relish in every part of yourself as it is because no other being on this planet came here to do what you came here to do. No one else has the same genetic makeup or capabilities, so rejoice in all your unique splendor.

2. Give your inner child permission to come to life again.

Our inner child knows nothing of the pain we have wrapped ourselves in so tightly for much of our lives – it only knows love and compassion. He or she wants us to express ourselves fully, as we did as children. The inner child waits longingly for you to grow tired of living in the confines of a conditioned world and wants you to enjoy life again. He or she can’t wait to see you let go and dance to the music inside your soul.

Ignite the spark within you and give up the desire to fit into any societal standard; live up to your standards instead. One of the best ways to love ourselves is to be ourselves.

3. Fully forgive yourself.

Any wrongdoings or mistakes are part of your journey – you don’t have to feel ashamed or guilty about anything you said or did in the past. Fully embrace the ups and downs of this existence, and accept that your imperfections make you perfect. You didn’t know in the past what you know now, so you had to experience a few tests and trials to grow as a person. The entirety of creation dwells within you, so remember this next time you go down the path of self-destructive thoughts.

You directly reflect the cosmos, and the totality of your experiences is necessary for the universe to know itself better. Everything that you go through only gets you closer to your highest self.

4. Practice loving-kindness meditation.

Before you can show love and kindness to anyone else, you need to give it a place to live within you. You must let it permeate every cell of your being and become the qualities you seek outside yourself. One of the best ways to cultivate love and kindness within is to meditate on these states of being. Imagine yourself as a being of light, who radiates compassion and love for yourself and everyone on this Earth.

Take in this energy from the universe, and allow it to exist in your spiritual being. Do this for at least thirty minutes daily, and try not to think about anything else but love and kindness. By introducing new thought loops into your brain, you can retrain it to think more lovingly instead of fearfully.

5. You are already whole.

You don’t need anything outside yourself to become whole. Instead, you represent the entire universe and already have everything you need. You have love, compassion, strength, happiness, and all the things you seek outside yourself that you may have forgotten you already possess. You embody the consciousness that everything on this planet came from and make this universe come to life. Without you, the entire chemistry of the collective consciousness would change because you make up an intrinsic part of it. You are whole and a part of the whole simultaneously.

Never doubt your completeness; feel it in every bone in your body. Say “I am complete” to yourself daily, and you will slowly begin to remember this fundamental aspect of yourself.

6. Do what your heart wants.

Never deny what your soul longs for. After all, that call is why you’re here. Whatever you feel drawn to, go after it. If you want to travel the world, do it. If you want to start an organic garden, start it. Don’t wait until tomorrow or next month, or next year; do what you want while you can. You must nourish your soul and listen to your innermost desires to love yourself. You can’t love yourself if you reject what you came here to do. We all have different likes and dislikes, but these characteristics help us connect with our highest selves.

Follow your bliss; it will take you to a place you could have only imagined in your wildest dreams.

Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Love Yourself Again?

If you’re ready to love yourself again, make the declaration in the comments below – “I am LOVED”!

10 Things You Should Never Sacrifice for a Relationship

February 22, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Relationships can either bring mutual growth and happiness or feel suffocating and debilitating after a while. All relationships serve their purpose, whether you stay with someone for a few weeks or an entire lifetime. Any relationship should support, encourage, uplift, and challenge you to become a better person, not drain you of energy and make you feel bad about yourself.

If you have to sacrifice any of the following things for your relationship, you might need to reevaluate what value the person adds to your life.

10 Things You Should Never Give Up for a Relationship

Stay true to yourself.

1. Freedom.

If you always have to check in with your partner or feel guilty about going somewhere with friends or family, this shows that your significant other lacks confidence within him or herself. Possessive behavior almost always points to extreme internal insecurity, often from unhealed childhood wounds, such as abandonment or neglectful parents. Even though this person deserves love and kindness, you need to cut ties with the person to allow them to heal on their own. Controlling behavior suggests that the person does not feel comfortable with him or herself, and this needs to be worked out before he or she commits to any long-term relationships.

2. Yourself.

Never change yourself for someone else; the right person will love you for nothing less than your full, authentic self. Also, the right person would never want you to change, because they genuinely enjoy your genuine essence, without you having to change a thing. Granted, relationships all require small compromises, like maybe eating at a restaurant your partner wants to try instead of the one you wanted to go to. Still, you shouldn’t have to alter your personality or beliefs for someone else. Be yourself unapologetically, and if your partner can’t accept you, you need to go for someone who will.

3. Happiness.

If someone doesn’t enhance your life and add to your joy, then what purpose do they serve in your life? Bottom line: if your partner drags you down and makes you feel crappy about yourself and experience, then it’s time to call quits on the relationship. You need someone who will match your vibration and bring vibrant energy into your life, not someone who leeches the energy from your life. Of course, he or she won’t always feel completely blissful, but if they can’t seem to find happiness on their own or offer it to you at all, then let them go…they need to focus on inner healing, not a relationship.

4. Fun.

Do you enjoy the company of your partner; do you laugh, play, act like kids, and try new things together? A relationship always comes with disagreements from time to time, but even after a long time of being together, you still should be able to do activities that bring out the inner child in both of you. You should never give up fun in a relationship – without pleasure, life can become pretty mundane, and it will only cause tension if you remain with someone who can’t relax and let loose every once in a while.

5. Your dreams.

An ideal partnership consists of two people on the same mission, supporting each other every step of the way. Or, just two people who have different dreams, but still encourage and cheer each other on. If you don’t have someone on the same path as you or even someone who has your back, don’t hesitate to leave the relationship. What you want out of life makes up a large portion of who you are, and you don’t need someone who dismisses or bashes your goals.

6. Inner peace.

Your guy or girl should make you feel a deep sense of calm that makes you forget about the chaos around you. If they make you anxious, nervous, or angry a majority of the time, they will only weaken your vibration and cause you to become vulnerable to negative energy. Your partner should have peace within him or herself and reflect it onto you as well.

7. Your desire to explore.

Life is about having new experiences often, so if your partner is unwilling to try new things and holds you back from going on your adventures, you probably won’t find long-term happiness with this person. Your partner should encourage you to take risks so you can grow as a person, so it should be a red flag if he or she tries to inhibit your free spirit.

8. Your other relationships.

Your relationships with friends and family shouldn’t have to suffer just because you have a boyfriend, girlfriend, fiancé, or spouse. This point ties in with possessive behavior a bit because this can significantly compromise the other relationships in your life. Your partner should allow you to have friends and family time without getting possessive and trying to control who you hang out with and when. Make sure you have an understanding, confident partner who doesn’t need you around all the time to be happy.

9. Your spiritual/religious beliefs.

Some people do change their religion for their partners. Still, it’s different if you truly desire to practice that religion rather than your partner trying to force you to adopt certain beliefs. No relationship is worth compromising deeply-held beliefs or practices. Your partner should enhance your spiritual life and, hopefully, grow with you as you evolve.

10. Communication.

Every relationship requires a deep commitment to truly listening to the other person and understanding his or her thoughts and feelings. A loving, open relationship comprises two people who value one another’s opinion and don’t judge each other.

If you continually feel that your partner doesn’t make an honest effort to communicate openly with you, let them know your needs aren’t met. It’s so important to have an emotionally available partner if you want a successful, happy relationship.

Final Thoughts on Remaining True to Yourself in Your Relationship

Everyone wants a relationship, a special person to laugh with and with whom they can enjoy life’s precious moments. However, if you feel like you’re losing yourself a little bit at a time, perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate. You deserve authentic, wholehearted love in your life.

Here’s food for thought from relationship expert, Dr. Phil McGraw:

“The only thing worse than being in a bad relationship for one year is being in it for a year and a day.”

If you feel like something is “off” in your relationship, trust that intuitive feeling from deep inside yourself.

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11 Ways to Heal from Emotional Stress