11 Life Changing Lessons to Learn From Socrates

Socrates was a classical Greek philosopher known as one of Western philosophy’s founders. He was a well-known writer who mentored Plato. Socrates has become renowned for his contribution to logic and ethics.  He was strongly fascinated with the human mind and its power over the physical body.

Socrates believed that philosophy should achieve practical results for the greater well-being of society. He strongly believed that human choice was motivated by the desire for happiness. He believed this could be achieved by truly knowing ourselves, and the greater we know ourselves, the greater the ability to make choices that will bring us the everlasting happiness we desire.

11 Life-Changing Lessons to Learn From Socrates

Because of his profound impact and truly great mind, we decide to put together this collection of life lessons from Socrates.  These lessons are short but full of wisdom.

Read them slowly and think about how YOU can apply each one to your daily life to live with more happiness, success, and fulfillment. If you find value in this list please like, comment and share to help others along their journey. We’re all in this together! Enjoy!

1. Wisdom begins in wonder.
– Socrates

2. Know Thyself.

3. Let him who would move the world, first move himself.
– Socrates

4. The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.

5. We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.
– Socrates

6. To move the world we must first move ourselves.
– Socrates

7.   The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.

8. It’s not living that matters, but living rightly.
– Socrates

9. He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.

10. To find yourself, think for yourself.
– Socrates

11. The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.

12.  False words are not only evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil.

13. Beware the barrenness of a busy life.

14. Be as you wish to seem.

15. I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think.

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed these Socrates Picture Quotes. If any of them moved you, we appreciate your like, share or pin. 🙂

Add to the Conversation…
Let us know which number was your favorite in the comments or join the fun on Facebook.

On the physical plane, Earth has begun its spiritual awakening – the process of moving from a fear-based environment to a love-based environment. Although everything can appear rather chaotic right now, that’s the process – and it gets worse before it gets better. I believe the worst is behind us.  A spiritual awakening is happening all around us and within us right now!

ARE YOU ALLOWING IT? OR HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO REMAIN ASLEEP?

An ever-increasing number of people have chosen to awaken spiritually! This awakening of our connection to divine energy happens differently for everyone. For some people, it can be a slow and steady process, while for or others it is a spontaneous spiritual awakening.

“For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, its insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it would look like complete destruction.” ~ Cynthia Occelli

As I mentioned, real spiritual awakening is not all sunshine and rainbows. It can involve removing some very ugly and painful trapped negative emotions and energies from our past. With your newfound awareness, allow these old karmic energies to be released and replaced with light. Resistance to moving forward causes depression or pain – a physical manifestation of the energetic resistance.

By going with the flow, we allow a beautiful spiritual awakening within us and ultimately add to the positive collective vibration of the Universe. This process allows us to live our best life and embrace the power of positivity available to us through divine energy.

“Once the soul awakens, the search begins and you can never go back. From then on, you are inflamed with a special longing that will never again let you linger in the lowlands of complacency and partial fulfillment. The eternal makes you urgent. You are loath to let compromise or the threat of danger hold you back from striving toward the summit of fulfillment.” ~ John O’Donohue

THE PATH

Over the years, I have been experiencing a steady, very intense spiritual awakening. My life has completely transformed in every area!  Life is truly AMAZING! I have connected with the essence of my true self. As I research and talk to others about their spiritual awakening, I find that we all share very similar characteristics and events.

However, some people are experiencing an awakening and don’t even know it. I decided to intentionally create this outline of the most common signs you may be experiencing a spiritual awakening so that you can more purposefully direct your energy to the growth and expansion of it.

Please do add to the conversation in the comments below if you have anything you want to contribute. 

Spiritual Awakening Checklist:

1. YOU’RE CREATING NEW BELIEF SYSTEMS.

Do you hold the same beliefs today that you had 5 or 10 years ago?

Everyone who experiences a spiritual awakening releases old belief systems and ways of living. We begin to think outside the box and question our physical reality that we once thought was “normal”.

We feel more comfortable breaking social norms and embracing freedom. Because we all have free will, and as we begin to spiritually awaken, we realize that we may have not been exercising that right as freely as we could have in the past.

For some of us, we escaped a mental prison. But as we evolve in our spiritual journey we realize the mental prison was wide open the whole time.

When we awaken to our truth, we realize we are free. ~ Kristi Bowman

2. YOU WANT MORE FREEDOM AND LESS “STUFF”

You’ve been finding peace in living more simply. Instead of buying more and filling every corner of your house with material possessions, you find yourself cleaning out old things and selling or donating them.

You have decided that less is more.  This allows the heavy burden of “stuff” to be released from your physical life, but in doing so, it also creates an energetic release of old “stuff”. Afterward, the feeling of lightness is profound that we (consciously or subconsciously) do it more often until we find we own less and have less desire to buy more.

True love and happiness cannot be found in things or from having more. Everlasting happiness comes from within.

Love is not about possession. Love is about appreciation.  ~ Osho

3. A SUDDEN DESIRE OR CHANGE IN A JOB OR CAREER.

You’re being called to fulfill your life purpose right now. Are you listening?

Most people experiencing spiritual awakening have experienced a change in job or career. If you haven’t, you probably have a deep burning desire to do so.  Are you allowing fear to hold you back?

Let go of any resistance, step out in faith and do it. You don’t have to know all the details right now. That’s the secret in life! We aren’t always supposed to know all the little details – the Universe and divine energy takes care of that for us.

If you’ve already done this, you are probably loving life now! Your new transition was probably not easy, but well worth it. Keep going, you’ll continue to be called to step up and be more. The Universe LOVES healthy expansion!

4. YOU FIND YOURSELF DRAWN TO INSPIRATION AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT.

During your spiritual awakening, you are guided towards your best self. We are and who we will be can be seen in our daily habits. As we are drawn to the light, we look to surround ourselves with inspiration, positivity, and personal development activities. This could be in a physical or spiritual form. For example, you may be drawn to reading self-help books, practicing yoga, meditation, praying, attending personal development seminars, running, walking, going to church, listening to podcasts, and more. Embrace these opportunities as they will help you to learn, to grow, and to see new perspectives.

“Live to learn to love.

Learn to love to live.

Love to live to learn

so that you may live the life that you yearn.”

~ Rico Dasheem

5. DEEP DESIRE TO CONNECT WITH NATURE MORE

We are drawn to nature because it is part of us. It allows us to step away from the material world we have built up and truly connect with divine energy, our higher power, God, Source, the Universe (insert your divine power of choice).

Nature also speaks and communicates to us if we listen closely. This is a relationship anyone can build and people who have a spiritual awakening do just that. We are only really beginning to understand our deep connection with nature.

6. YOU EXPERIENCE UNUSUAL SLEEP PATTERNS.

Some people who are experiencing a spiritual awakening have trouble falling asleep. What is going on inside keeps you awake. It’s a burning desire and some people know how to direct that energy while others aren’t sure and this is what is primarily keep you awake at night.  Most report that they either have trouble falling asleep or they awaken at early hours, such as 2:00 and 4:00 AM.

If you’re experiencing unusual sleep patterns, it’s okay. Just don’t lay there and worry. There’s a lot of work going on within you. It’s a natural process. The best thing to do is go do whatever it is that is calling you to do – for some it is writing, and for others it is painting, working out, and more.

All in all, it’s best to go back to sleep, but if you can’t go back to sleep, try playing music on your phone or stereo. I use an app on my phone that has meditations and binaural beats. It’s very healing and I fall right to sleep. Lavender, melatonin or even a quick glass of wine helps too (tips from my 82-year-old grandma).

7. YOU HAVE INCREASED SELF TALK AND/OR TALK WITH YOUR CREATOR.

Although we don’t all admit it, to some degree we all do a little “self-talk.” It helps us to make sense of what is going on. At times we can be our therapist. It’s actually very healthy because only YOU truly know what YOU need. It’s an illusion that we think we need to ask someone outside of ourselves.

If you’re going through a spiritual awakening, you’ll find yourself doing even more self-talk. When you are alone, you may chat with yourself for minutes at a time, maybe even more. It’s okay – you aren’t crazy!

A new level of communication is taking place within you.

You are allowing yourself access to your higher self – the part of you that truly knows all the answers to your own path. This is the extension of you that is connected to divine energy. The best thing to do is to continue to allow it. The conversations will increase, and they will become more fluid, more coherent and more insightful. If you find yourself getting philosophical, then write it down or record it and listen to it later. Free, highly insightful therapy at it’s best.

8.  EXPERIENCING SYNCHRONICITY

Have you ever been able to take a step back from your life and look at it as if it were a movie? In doing so, you can see how each special experience in life always leads to another. They are connected in a web of life. While these events called synchronicity have always been happening, more recently, your spiritual awakening has made you aware of the connectedness that is going on around you.

Synchronicity is the experience of meaningful, related events that are unlikely to be mere coincidence.  Carl Jung, a Swiss psychologist, in the 1920s first described the concept of synchronicity.

These synchronizations have meaning; they are usually guiding us to are the best path, but sometimes they are just reminding us that we are on the right path. “Hello wonderful being, you’re doing an AMAZING job!”

Synchronicity commonly reveals itself in number sequences around us, because numerology is deeply woven into creation. You may see number patterns like 11:11, 111, 333, 555, etc. They are each unique to our own path and circumstances. I personally have experienced this starting when I was 16 – the beginning of my spiritual awakening. Well-known, best selling author and spiritual teacher, Doreen Virtue also believes we are being guided by numbers.

When we truly understand the powerful meaning and importance of synchronicity in our life, we can use it to propel us forward and make better decisions. Synchronicity is always guiding us, it’s up to us to pay attention!

9. A GREATER FEELING OF ONENESS

We are all connected! As we experience our own individual spiritual awakening, we realize our physical body does not define us. We are so much more, and our energy extends outside of us. Every person, place, and thing is in our lives for a reason – we have drawn it to us somehow.

This connectedness creates a deep internal knowledge that we are a part of everything and everything is a part of us. We are a part of our local community as much as we are a part of the cosmos.

Things that were once just mere coincidence become meaningful to us. We begin to truly understand the meaning and importance of synchronicity in our lives. Synchronicity is guiding us, it’s up to us to pay attention!

10. A DESIRE TO EAT HEALTHIER AND TAKE BETTER CARE OF OUR BODY.

Our body is the temple of our soul. If we want to become light we must eat light. Foods filled with light energy and high nutrition are raw foods grown from the Earth. The more of these foods you put in your body the healthier you will become.

It is only natural to be drawn to healthy eating. We are born healthy eaters, the outside influence of the culture that we are born in that program us to eat unhealthily. Junk food yields a much higher profit for corporations.

Most people who are experiencing true spiritual awakening are being drawn to healthier ways of eating. We all have our opinion on what’s best, but no one can disagree that raw, untouched, uncooked fruits and vegetables from Mother Earth is always the best choice.

11. FEELINGS OF SADNESS OR DEEP EMOTION.

Along this journey, you are experiencing intermittent feelings of deep, inner sadness. Sometimes you may know exactly why you feel that way, and you can release and replace it with love. Other times, you may have no idea — that’s okay too.

This is something we all go through from time to time. While you may not always know the reason, you can rest assured that it has a purpose.  You are releasing your past harbored negative energy. As the emotions come up, let them go and allow divine light to fill every space it contained. EVERY SINGLE ONE! Don’t allow even a speck to remain, because you deserve the emotional freedom that’s on the other side.

Although this process can be difficult, embrace it, bid your permanent farewell and be grateful for the release. Afterward, your spirit will be lightened and you will be filled with even more love and positive, divine energy.

May You Embark Upon Your Own Spiritual Awakening

So there are my top 11 signs, what are yours? Thanks for reading. May your journey continue to lead you to a deeper love for everything around you, more peace in your heart, an open and receptive mind, and eagerness to continue being a student for what you think you know.

“The degree to which your Consciousness expands, is the degree to which you understand yourself and the Universe.”  ~ Gina Charles

A Profound video on Spiritual Awakening – I had to share!

Article Inspiration & Image Credit: MojVideo and Mystery Mastery

Please add to the conversation on spiritual awakening…

In the comments below add your own signs. I look forward to hearing and replying to YOU!

People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road does not mean they are lost.
~ Dalai Lama

5 Simple Rules for a Happy Life

We all want to be happier. It seems simple, but at times living a happy life is more complicated than it should be. Sometimes it’s because we are looking for external people, things or events to make us happy when true, everlasting happiness comes from within and can be seen in our daily habits. These 5 very simple rules are a great outline for making every day happier and more fulfilling.

HAPPY LIFE RULE #1: HAVE FAITH

Positive thinking starts with living your life with faith over fear. Although they are both completely different, they share something in common – they both create a future that hasn’t happened yet.  Fear is an illusion and keeps your from living your best life. Fear feeds off of your insecurities and is a poisoned extension of worry. You cannot live a happy life full of fear at the same time. When you let go of fear and upgrade to faith, life becomes more rich – filled with miracles and blessings every single ding dang day! 😉 The choice seems easy enough. The choice is yours.

HAPPY LIFE RULE #2: KEEP TRYING

Being persistent is one of the biggest keys to success. If you keep going and going and going eventually you will reach the destination you desire. For a successful, happy life you must not only incorporate positive thinking but positive action. This is where your true passion resides. Your dreams are just desires until you take action. It starts the fun, co-creative process. Most of the time when you talk to people who aren’t happy, they usually are full of regrets – regrets that they did not take action when it was necessary. Let go of the fear of failure, do it and keep going! 🙂

HAPPY LIFE RULE #3: KEEP IT SIMPLE

Happiness lies in simplicity. In fact, they are best friends so get used to the two hanging out with you. 😉 So, call off the search party, a happy life may be right in front of you. Happiness can be found in the smallest things that we are blessed with every single day. When we open our eyes to the happiness that is right in front of us, you know those “simple” things that we can sometimes take for granted, we can be happy every day. We live each day in gratitude and find joy in simplicity we can live a happy life. Living a happy life is feeling good during the journey AND when we reach the destination.

HAPPY LIFE RULE #4: LAUGH AT PROBLEMS

Laughter truly is the best medicine, it cures all ills and turns challenges into opportunities. Laughter brings a lightness to life and is a key component in living a happy life. Laugh so hard that your belly hurts. Do it every single day. A recent study suggests that children laugh 300-400 times per day while the average adult laughs only 17 times. I think children are wiser than we think. Let’s all take a lesson from then and make laughter a priority every day.

HAPPY LIFE RULE #5: STAY AS YOUTHFUL AS A KID

Speaking of children, they really hold the wisdom of youth in their daily habits. Spend a day with a child and you will learn the secrets of a happy life. They teach us that we should stress less and play, dance, run, sing, laugh, and love more. They have big hearts and know how to have a good time.

So, that’s our list. We want to hear from you… ADD 1 more to the list in the comments. Note: Did you notice that every rule is in a positive tense. That’s because true positive thinking focuses on what we desire to be versus what we do not want to be. When our thoughts and words are in a positive tense consistently, so will be our life. 😉

Life in today’s society can pull people in a thousand different directions daily.  Meeting the demands of work, home, family, and personal life can make it easy to forget about others and the impact your kind and positive energy can have on their day.   Small gestures of kindness, love, and positivity can make a difference not only in one person but the entire world.

33 Ways to Radiate Positive Energy Every Day

1. Wear a smile!

Studies show that a smile is contagious. When you smile, it impacts people around you. They feel happier just seeing your smile. You may never know what someone is going through, but your smile could improve their day. Try wearing your radiant positive smile today to make the world around you a kind place.

Studies also prove that smiling is not only a part of our universal language but an effective way to lift your mood and the mood of those around you.  And not only does smiling look good on you, but it’s also contagious!

2. Call, text, write or send an online message to someone you’ve been missing. 

Technology provides many ways to communicate with the people you love. If you’ve lost touch with someone, send them a quick text or email. Or you may prefer to contact them via social media. It doesn’t matter how you connect with people. Just step out and do it. Studies show that people who stay connected with a wide range of people live longer.  So, go for it and contact someone you’ve been missing today.

The chances are that when you contact them, they’ll have likely been thinking of you too!

3. Forgive!

Forgiveness can bring you a renewed, peaceful spirit. You’ll find yourself feeling more positive overall and less stressed.

Forgiving others can be tricky but crucial for your health and well-being. Studies have determined that forgiveness lowers your stress levels and improves your mental health. You may even experience health benefits like lower blood pressure!

Strategies such as prayer, meditation, or reading books about forgiveness may help you better forgive others. Forgiving someone may take time but hang in there. Over time, you can let go of unforgiveness and find healing.

4. Help someone in need.

There’s a good chance someone out there could use a free cup of coffee, a few extra bucks to get to work, or even a warm hug.  As the song goes, “We all need somebody to lean on”!

It’s easy to get caught up in the day’s busyness. Errands, dropping kids off at sports practice, and grocery runs eat away at your day. But amid your busy life, look around for someone in need of a kind gesture. It may be the homeless person you see standing on the corner near your grocery store asking for money or your elderly neighbor who needs help to put their trash cans at the curb.

So take a minute each day. You’re sure to be kind to one who needs a little help. Taking the time to help them will bless them and add positive energy to your day.

Who knows? Maybe the day will also arrive when you need a helping hand. It never hurts to build up that good karma.

5. Be kind and respectful on the road.

Imagine for a moment that you’re a zen traveler who’s missing a middle finger. 😉  Let a car merge in front of you and do it with a smile. Give the other person the right of way at a 4-way stop, even if it’s your turn. Even venture as far as sacrificing the coveted parking space you’ve been lapping the lot to find.

Exercising this patience will help diminish feelings of road rage.

Road rage is a common experience on the roads today. Who hasn’t seen an angry driver weave in and out of traffic or shake their angry fist at another driver? Plus, traffic jams cause frustration. They make people late to work or late to get home after a long day at work.

Choosing to drive respectfully on the road makes you feel more relaxed and makes the road safer for other drivers. Here are some simple ways to help you relax amid the chaos of a traffic jam.

• Listen to calming classical music.
• Listen to an audiobook on a topic you’re interested in
• Tune in to a podcast
• Listen to upbeat, positive music.
• Recite something you’ve been trying to memorize, such as inspiring quotes, a favorite poem, or a presentation for work

6. Give a random gift at work. 

Good chance someone at work would be blessed to receive a small gift from you. Maybe it’s someone who just lost a parent or an overly tired young mom. Whoever it is, you may not realize the impact you can make on someone by randomly giving them a gift card for coffee or a flower for their desk. It’s the little things that count in life.

Giving a small gift could make a huge difference in someone’s day. So buy a colleague’s extra cup of coffee or leave a special trinket on their desk. You’ll make them happier, increase their morale, and maybe even raise their self-esteem.

7. Show encouragement.

Tell someone that you believe in them, regardless of anyone else’s opinion.  They might need that more than you realize.

Encouraging words have power. Studies show that encouragement increases a person’s good feelings about themselves, gives them a more positive focus, and shows them respect. Who doesn’t need some encouragement once in a while? Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

Give some life-giving words today. It’s sure to not only affect them but increase your own positive energy.

8. Post-it Positively!

Leave a little sticky note next to someone’s door, alarm clock, or anywhere you’ll know they will be in the morning that says, “today is going to be a great day!” or “You’re going to rock today!”.  One tiny blast of positive energy could change their day, week, month, year, or whole life!

Writing a little inspiration quote, a special poem, or a silly little message on a post-it note sounds simple enough. It’s something that takes just a few minutes of your day. But this simple action could inspire someone or give them a good laugh. Now that’s a positive way to change the world around you.

9. Tip it!

Next time you’re out at a restaurant, or coffee shop, leave a sizable tip.  If your bill is only $10, make the total $20.  You don’t have to do this all the time, as it could get pricey – but the waiter/waitress who makes about $2/hour is surely going to remember the single occurrence for a long time to come.

Remember that people who work in service industries are often overworked and underpaid. They work long, hard hours serving people who are often impolite and ungrateful. The next time you’re at a restaurant or getting a haircut, take the time to first thank your server for doing such a good job. Secondly, give them a generous tip.

Many service people rely heavily upon tips. Your generosity could make the difference whether their kids are on a sports team or can buy enough groceries to feed their growing family. The quote “pay it forward” is a good reminder to be kind whenever possible.

10. Give a random gift to a friend. 

Friends are special. Show a good friend how much they mean to you with a small gift. It doesn’t need to be extravagant. Buy them lunch or a cup of coffee. Drop off their favorite sweet treat or flower at their work. Knowing you care about them will boost their day and make you feel good that you’ve shown someone special that you love them.

There’s nothing better than getting an unexpected gift from a friend.  Facebook is really great for this as they can send a gift directly to your friends online.  And if you want to send us one, we’d gladly accept. 😉

11. Be kind to the Earth.  

Earth is our home. Just as you take care of your house by keeping it clean and fixing broken windows, you should take care of the Earth. There are many ways to do this. Some suggestions include

• Composting lowers your carbon footprint by turning grass clippings, vegetable peels, skins, and paper into compost that you can use in your garden.
• Picking up highway trash or trash at the park
• Recycling plastic and glass
• Grow a garden for your household

Being kind to Mother Earth doesn’t need to be expensive. Start small. Even a couple of small actions can make a big difference.

Little changes make a difference. Drink from a reusable water bottle, recycle, bike/walk to work, or eat sustainable foods that cause no harm to animals.  This is the only place we have to live (right now), so please be mindful!

12. Surprise family or friends with a vacation.  

Some people do not have the money or time due to money to go on vacation.  Give them a weekend to remember if you can – bringing joy into the lives of others is one of the greatest things you can do in this life.

It may require you to save your money for months or work extra hours for more vacation days, but planning a surprise vacation for your family or friends is worth the sacrifice. How cool is it to think you are the one making such a fun surprise?

The wonderful memories of the vacation will give your family and friends something to discuss for years.

13. Support the local economy.  

Local, small businesses offer unique shopping or service opportunities for citizens living in the community.  Without local businesses would lack the community feel. When possible, skip shopping at the big retail store. Instead, head to your local small business for that gift.  Eat dinner at a family-run restaurant instead of choosing to dine at a restaurant that you could find anywhere in the U.S. Supporting your local economy could look like

• Join a local community group
• Volunteer at a local food bank
• Donate to a local charity
• Tutor kids at a local elementary school
• Attend local community meetings that discuss improvements or changes in your area

You’ll feel more connected to your community, and you’ll add a little extra positivity too.

Remember–no multinational corporations are behind the local farmer’s market, bakery, or hair salon.  Support the families in your community – as the adage goes, it takes a village.

14. Compliment a stranger.

Many people are lonely. Giving someone a simple compliment could make their day better. Of course, you should be wise about who you speak to. Never put yourself in a dangerous situation when talking to a stranger.

If you’re in a suitable situation in public, take the time to compliment an older person on their lovely gray hair or compliment a young mom on how patient she’s with their feisty two-year-old. It could make their day.

You never know what kind of day someone may be having.  A simple compliment on their smile or the color of a pretty blouse can cheer them.

15. Achieve a goal, go after another. 

Setting goals helps you feel positive and productive in your life. Your goals don’t need to be big; small goals add to big results.  At the beginning of each day, write down four or five goals you’d like to achieve.

These notes could be mundane, simple goals like washing two loads of laundry or calling the vet to make an appointment for your cat. Little by little, whittle away at your list. Finish one goal and go on to the next. At the end of the day, you’ll be surprised at how much you’ve accomplished. You may want to divide your lists of goals into the following:

• Household goals-cleaning, cooking, shopping, repairs
• Personal goals-hair cuts, pedicures, buying clothes or having lunch with friends, hobbies
• Family goals– kids’ shoes, kids, doctor appointments, reading a book to your four-year-old
• Work goals-finish resume, call a client, or file papers.

People love success stories.  Be one.

16. Write and practice powerful “I AM” Affirmation Statements.

Writing down “I Am” affirmation statements about yourself boosts your positive energy. Studies show that when you write down affirmative statements about your values, it not only increases a healthy self-view but it also gives you more compassion for others. Practice weekly writing up your affirmation statements and read them every day.

When you verbally affirm the positive person you know lives in your soul, your positive energy will increase and broaden in impact.

17. Donate material items.  

No doubt, you have extra stuff lying around the house. Donate your items to a local charity, homeless shelter, or thrift store if it’s in good condition. Some churches collect household items for single moms. Donating to those in need is good whether it’s clothing, furniture, good used clothing, or kitchen dishes. It’s something positive you can do for others, and you’ll feel happier helping others.

Do your part, and you’ll even have a cleaner house!

You can also support causes by shopping for brands on a mission. TOMS shoes, Toys for Tots, and other charities make it happen in a big way for those with little.

18. Pay for dinner.

This is a classic way to spread positive energy.  Sharing a meal can bring the world together – but paying for the bill can create world peace (really!)

If you go out to dinner regularly with your parents or friends, why not dig deep into your pockets to pay for their meal. It’s easy to grow complacent and expect others to always foot the bill. It could mean a lot to someone if you show them you care by paying for dinner.

Of course, if you can’t afford it, don’t go into debt buying people’s dinners, but maybe you could start saving a little extra money to increase your food budget for situations like this. It takes simple planning ahead, but the joy you give will be worth the small sacrifice.

19. Pray for someone. 

Prayer is powerful. It can give comfort and bring hope to someone. Taking the time to pray for someone shows them you care. If you see someone in need at work, school, or home, take a minute to ask if you can pray for someone.

Studies indicate that those who are ill benefit from prayer. In fact, researchers have found a strong relationship between prayer and cancer patients living longer. So, if you ask someone to pray with you today, who knows, you may save their life.

Please include someone who needs it.  This is the most powerful one of all.

20. Offer to babysit.

Parenting small kids is a 24/7 job. Parents need a break once in a while. Offering to babysit for a friend or family member’s kids could go a long way in saying you care about them. Be sure you’re prepared for working the age kids they have.

Do a little research on games or fun activities the age group enjoys. If you show up with snacks, games, and a favorite book to read to the kids, you’ll be a big hit with the parents and the kids. You’ll feel good that you could help out and reap the benefits of getting to know the kids better.

If you don’t have kids, this may seem small.  But if you’re a parent, you know the absolute gold in this good deed.

21. Be kind to someone you dislike.

This can be difficult to be nice to someone you don’t like. But it’s not impossible. It’s a choice you make. Of course, you should never be kind to someone who’s hurt you physically or abused you verbally. These people aren’t trustworthy, and you shouldn’t feel the need to be involved in their life.

But for that grumpy coworker who doesn’t greet you or your messy roommate who leaves her stuff all over the place, giving them kind words could change their day.  Some people are irritable and uncooperative because they’re unhappy. Showing them kindness may soften their tough exterior and allow them to open up about their difficult life.

Why not try speaking kind, uplifting words today? Be prepared, though. You may not get a positive response. But that’s okay because you will feel better knowing you did the right thing, and that will enhance your positive energy.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends.” Enough said.

22. Make a financial donation to a charity.  

Anne Frank once said, “No one has ever become poor by giving.”

Studies show that when you give, it makes you happier. Researchers found that your brain feels pleasure when you donate money to charities rather than keeping it for yourself. Giving your money to charities, in essence, makes you feel rich in blessings.

Even if it’s just a quarter to the red bucket during the holidays, someone will appreciate your kind gesture toward humanity somewhere.  It helps them operate, which you can feel good about.   PS – Girl Scout cookies count!

23. Help the elderly.  

The elderly around us are often forgotten, especially those who live in their homes. If you have an elderly neighbor or family member nearby, look in on them occasionally. Ask them if they need anything, and be prepared to help.

They may need someone to listen to their worries about their health. You may be able to do some kind things like helping them with their computer or planting a flower on their flowerbed. Your radiant positive energy will shine through to them and lift their spirit because they’ll know someone cares.

Although they may mentally slip, move slow, and even be tough to teach new tricks, they are worth your time – it’s important to spread your positive energy to them. You’re here because of them.

24. Adopt an animal.

Like people, animals need love and care. If you’ve ever visited an animal shelter, you’ve seen the sad faces of the dogs and cats waiting to be adopted. Many animal shelters offer discounts on adoption, help with vet bills, and provide items like leashes, food bowls, and toys. Adopting an animal isn’t just for the animal’s sake; you will be a big recipient of the animals’ devotion and love.

Everyone deserves a second chance.  Animals count too.

25. Donate books.

All the people in the world deserve the right to read whether they can afford reading material or not.

No doubt, you have some extra books lying around the house. Did you know that you can donate these to your local library? The library sells the donated books and uses the money for the library expenses. What better way to help your local library and the entire community that uses the library.

Dig around in your bookshelves today. You’re sure to find a couple of boxes of books. Your bookshelf will be cleaner, and your heart will feel happier knowing you’ve helped your local community.

There are many programs out there that take part in distributing books.

26. Read to children. 

We can’t do much of anything without the ability to read.  Give children a chance and read to them as often as possible.  Education is the world’s most powerful weapon.

Studies found that reading to your young children will help them learn to read. As they hear you pronounce words or listen to the cadence of your voice, they will adopt these habits.  Plus, reading to your kids gives you sweet times to bond over a book. It doesn’t matter if you’re reading a silly book or a serious classic to them; reading to your kids can create a relaxing, peaceful time of being together while enjoying a book.

27. Read and share inspiring material daily. 

Studies found that daily reading of inspiring or motivational readings will help your self-esteem. Sharing what you’ve read with someone else can encourage them. The opportunity to talk about what you read helps you remember the material. Plus, discussions are a great way to grow closer to the person you’re sharing with. You can choose to read from

• A religious book
• A book of favorite poems
• A book of famous quotes
• A self-help book

Any of these books will provide you with helpful motivation for your day and cause you to feel better about life.

Get it on our Power of Positivity Facebook page!

28. Donate to the parking meter.  

You may not think that donating to the parking meter is worth it, but it’s an easy way to help the person who uses it next. When you put extra money into a parking meter, someone else can enjoy a surprise of extra time on the meter. It’s an anonymous way of helping others that do not take much of your time or money.

If you see a car parked in front of an expired meter or someone about to get a parking ticket, do them a favor and drop a quarter in for them.  Chances are, you’ve been helped out in the past – – pay it forward. Why not give it a try?

29. Hold the door for someone.

Little things mean a lot.  Life gets busy, but taking a few extra minutes to hold open a door for someone or allow another person to go first shows kindness and consideration. Our world is filled with people who feel angry and frustrated. Trying  to be kind is one way to make the world a little better place for everyone.

Why not give it a try? 

30. Meditate.

Meditation improves your mental and physical health. Studies show that mediation benefits your health in many ways. Here are a few ways meditation can help you

• Lowering blood pressure
• Reduces pain
• Lowers your stress
• Helps IBS
• Improves depression
• Fights insomnia

Daily meditation is helpful at any age. It can boost your positivity and make you feel happier about life. Start slow and work your way up to a longer period of meditation for full benefits.

Mediation allows you to dissolve negative energy, dive into your soul, and multiply the positive energy you have access to then share it with others.   Ommm. 🙂

31. Apologize. 

It’s not easy admitting you are wrong. It takes maturity and self-confidence to confess you’ve made a mistake. Even if you apologize, you don’t know if the person you apologize to will forgive you. It’s worth making an effort to mend your relationship. When you apologize, you’ll feel better about yourself. Humbling yourself allows you to grow as a person. We all say and do things we regret, so no need to feel bad about ourselves. Just take that first step and apologize. You’ll feel better, which can enhance your positive energy.

Each one of us has a moment or event in our lives that we regret. Apologize.  Do it.  Forgiveness means forgiving yourself too, y’ know?

32. Tell someone they inspire you.

If there’s someone in your life that inspires you or has positively impacted your life – tell them. They may not realize the ripple effect of their positive energy, and your kind words may keep them going in a time they feel like giving up. Even the strong experience moments of weakness.

It seems small, but telling someone they inspire you could mean a lot to someone. It’s easy to forget how encouraging words build-up people. Whether it’s a note of encouragement or a text telling them how they inspire you, your words could make someone’s day or week. And that’s a great way for you to radiant positive energy.

33. Express your gratitude.

Perhaps the quickest way to create more positive energy for yourself and others is to express gratitude. Daily gratitude unlocks the fullness of life and allows a clear pathway to everlasting abundance. Depending on your personal preference, you can meditate on what you’re grateful for, journal, pray about it, or openly speak it aloud.

Studies show that practicing gratitude changes your brain for good. Being thankful for the good things in your life rather than focusing on the negatives enhances your well-being.

Whether you write down all you are thankful for in a journal or tell someone what you’re grateful for, you will feel happier and more content with your life. Why not get started today practicing gratitude? It will enhance your positive energy and give you a fresh perspective on your day.

Final Thoughts on Radiating Positive Energy to Share with the World

Small action steps like these are the building blocks to continuing joy and happiness in your life and the lives of those around you.  Positive energy is infinite, and you can decide to radiate it daily.   Imagine how much better the world would be if we each made daily kind acts? I choose to begin NOW. Who’s with me?

Living a quiet life in a busy, noisy world can be a challenge, especially for an Introvert. Our society praises Extroverts, but Introverts have their place too. Life is about balance – there is a purpose for everyone. And… while life is not just black or white neither are there only two types of people.

In fact, people can possess qualities of both Introvert and Extrovert. Generally speaking, there are two types that are labeled by our society. Since opposites attract, it’s important that we truly learn the meaning behind these personality traits. Understanding each other allows us to thrive and have lifelong, meaningful relationships.

It’s important to learn more about yourself and design a life around that. It can truly bring a renewed sense of inner love and confidence. Our wish is for other Introverts to find that peace, and for their Extrovert counterparts to understand them on a level that they never have before.

5 Important Things About Introverts

1. Introverts are not always shy, just reserved.

Being “shy” can be a very misconstrued personality trait given to those who are often quiet in large crowds or who don’t open up easily. In truth, those who are “shy” just take more time to blossom and open up to others. It is definitely NOT a character flaw by any means, and it is not always necessarily due to hurt from past experiences.

Introverts are not fearful when they are quiet. There is actually an inner energy shift that occurs when they are around a group of people outside their daily comfort zone. If you watch, most of the time after a few minutes or hours they open right up and join in. It’s not wrong, it’s just their nature of being.

2. Introverts enjoy being alone (sometimes).

Introverts need time to themselves. We aren’t sad. We aren’t depressed. It’s not that we don’t like you. In fact, it has nothing to do with you! We need time alone because we need time alone. It’s really that simple. 🙂

Each of us uses that alone time for different things – to relax, read, meditate, pray or talk to our Creator, practice yoga, write, watch a movie, walk or whatever. This is our time to center, re-balance, and gain energy to move forward.

Introverts need this time throughout the week or daily to stay centered and be true to his or her own nature. We also need this time to recollect, go within and think. Oh, do we love to THINK.

3. Introverts are careful about who they allow in their life.

Most Extroverts can make friends everywhere they go and have many, very close friendships. While that is beautiful and ideal, it’s not exactly how Introverts operate. We can tend to be a little choosy when it comes to close friendships. Contrary to belief, we love being social and making friends. But, when it comes to our inner circle we reserve that for loyal friends and family. Likewise, we are extremely loyal in return.

4. Introverts are not self-centered snobs.

This is a big one. The person you are labeling as a snob may be just an Introvert. They like and enjoy their time with you. It can sometimes just be exhausting or nearly impossible for introverts to include themselves in a group or in a random conversation. In fact, in a group, it’s easier and it’s more natural for them to keep to themselves and observe. Heck, they enjoy watching you Extroverts talk and even get loud and crazy. YOU are the spice of life! 😉

5. Introverts don’t care for random phone calls.

There are many reasons random phone calls don’t work for Introverts. For one, Introverts don’t care for interruption. Whether they are busy working, deep in thought, reading, or accomplishing a task – their mind is focused on that and they prefer to keep it that way. They usually follow a schedule. A random, loud ring from a phone can startle and Introvert and ignite inner confusion.

Ask any Introvert, at first thought, they usually don’t want to pick up. When they do speak, they may not seem as engaged because they aren’t using visual cues like smiling or nodding.

It’s all about timing. A person who doesn’t understand an Introvert may consider an ignored call as “ being rude”. But that’s not true. We may absolutely adore you; we just don’t feel like talking at that moment. Emailing, texting, and scheduling calls can be beneficial. Or if they have missed your call, you can wait for a call back when it’s convenient for them too.

Final Thoughts

All in all, it’s so important to drop judgment from your life and understand and embrace everyone’s unique personality traits. More understanding allows us to truly embrace and fully love each other. Then, we can design a life that allows us ALL to flourish with more harmony.

So, the next time you meet an adult or child that appears “backward” or “shy”, think about what you just read and how you can release the need to judge and label. They need your calm, peace, support, and love.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert? Let us know in the comments!