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Science Explains 10 Ways Grilling Food Can Harm Your Health

September 9, 2022 by Chris Butler

Firing up the grill for a cookout with friends and family is a favorite pastime. Unknowingly, you may make some grilling mistakes that could harm your health. Fortunately, you can do a few things to protect yourself and those you love. Here are ten ways grilling can harm your health and how to prevent it.

1 – Grilling increase your risk of some cancer.

Cooking some meats at high temperatures creates chemical carcinogens. These toxic carcinogens cause cancer. The type of meat you’re grilling, how long you grill it, and the grill temperature determines how much and what kind of carcinogens accumulate. Certain types of cooking produce high levels of mutagens. Mutagens cause changes in your DNA cells. This change leads to diseases like cancer.

But what cooking methods create mutagens?

Pan-frying: This type of cooking leads to the highest mutagen activity
Grilling
Barbecuing

Studies found that their urine contained increased mutagenic activity after participants ate meats cooked at high temperatures.

According to researchers, colorectal cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in the western world. Eating certain meats increases your risk of colorectal cancer–like these:

Beef
Pork
Lamb
Goat
Processed meats through smoking, curing, or chemical preservation

You can lower your risk of colorectal cancer and still eat meat by taking certain precautions when you prepare the meat. These methods include marinating your proteins in an Asian-style marinade. Here’s an Asian-style marinade to try:

½ Cup Soy Sauce
¼ Cup Balsamic Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Mongolian Fire Oil
Two tablespoons of Minced Garlic
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice

Marinade the meat anywhere from two hours to twenty-four hours.

Other ways to protect your health when you’re grilling include these habits:

Flip the meat often
Reduce the pan temperature
Or preheat your meats with the microwave

2 – Grilling at your cookouts can increase your chances of food poisoning.

Warm, humid weather and food are a dangerous combination leading to bacteria causing food poisoning. Bacteria proliferate on food in these conditions. As a result, more get food poisoning during the summer than in other seasons. Here are some tips when grilling out to protect you and your guests from getting sick:

Separate the raw meats from other foods to avoid cross-contamination
Cut up raw meats on a different surface than your other foods.
If raw meats touch cutting boards, utensils, and plates, wash them with soap and hot water.
Use new serving spoons or plates for your cooked foods.
Once you’ve grilled your meat, don’t let it sit on a cold grill. Keep it warm, at least 140°F, or hotter. You can also put the meat into your refrigerator within two hours or freeze it.

3 – Undercooking or serving raw meats can make you sick.

Cookouts are a great time to socialize with friends and family. But undercooked meat is an unwelcome guest. Be sure to cook your meat thoroughly. Looking at the meat’s color isn’t an accurate way to decide if it’s thoroughly cooked. It’s best to buy yourself a meat thermometer and use it to test your grilled meats. Put your meat thermometer into the thickest parts of the meat to check the temperature.

Here are the safe cooked internal temperatures of some cookout favorites:

Chicken breasts(boneless) 165°
Whole chicken 165°
Ground chicken patties at 165°
Ground beef patties at 160°
Steak medium rare-145°; medium 160°; well done 170°
Fish 145°
Hot dogs 165° (steaming hot)

4 – Charred food is dangerous.

You may love the taste of charred meat, but you should know that when you sear the exterior of your meat, it creates heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs). Regularly eating grilled meat increases your risk of cancer in different body organs. Plus, when you cook meat over an open flame, as the fat drips and produces smoke, it forms polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These compounds connect to cancer.

Can you grill and still avoid HAAs and PAHs? Of course, it takes monitoring your grill’s heat level and watching how well done the meat is. Here are some other things to avoid:

Use a medium flame, not a high flame, when cooking meat. This lowering prevents HAAs, but it still cooks the meat thoroughly.
Don’t press your burgers on the grill, so the juice drips into the flame.
Remove all marinades and shake off any excess before you grill the meat.
Avoid using sweeteners such as sugar, maple syrup, or honey in glazes. The sugars will burn and char the meat. If you want to add a glaze, do it in the last few minutes of grilling so it doesn’t scorch.

5 – Certain foods from your cookouts can cause high blood pressure

Store-bought marinades and pre-marinated meats are convenient. Sadly, many of these are full of sugar and salt. These put you at risk for high blood pressure without your knowledge. Be sure to read the ingredients in the pre-marinated meats or the store-bought marinades.

Opt for thinner marinades that contain naturally healthy ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar, and herbs. Interestingly enough, certain herbs are carcinogen-neutralizing. These include:

Turmeric
Rosemary
Garlic

6. Grilling red meats too often leads to high cholesterol

Regularly consuming lots of red meat–a grilling favorite–isn’t healthy for you. In particular, overeating red meat leads to high cholesterol. It also puts you at risk for heart problems. It doesn’t matter if you grill, bake, or fry-eating saturated fats–it isn’t heart healthy. If you want to reduce cholesterol risks, increasing your vegetable intake and eating more fish to add protein to your diet is best.

7 – Weight gain and more can come from enjoying cookouts too often.

Hot dogs may taste great, but they aren’t good for you. They’re full of sodium, fat, and preservatives. If you continue eating high-fat foods like this, it’ll lead to weight gain. Besides gaining weight, consuming hot dogs carries other risks.

Risk of cancer: Hot dogs are red meat, plus many other things. Consuming large quantities of red meat may cause cancer, heart problems, and high cholesterol.
Risk of type 2 diabetes: Hotdogs are processed using salt and sugar.
May cause childhood leukemia: Some thought is being given to childhood leukemia and the consumption of red meats like hot dogs.
May harm pregnant women: Cured meats like hot dogs can contain listeria that causes flu-like symptoms. This illness is dangerous for people with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, and small kids.

8 – Grilling raises the risk of AGEs exposure.

When you grill meat at a high temperature, there can be harmful side effects. One by-product of grilling meats is a compound called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs are dangerous compounds formed when proteins or fats combine with sugar in your bloodstream. Foods exposed to high temps such as frying, grilling, or roasting are high in AGEs. Your body can eliminate some harmful compounds, but if you eat too many, you can’t keep up with them, and they accumulate. High levels of AGEs link to the following:

Inflammation (causes some diseases)
Premature aging
Heart disease
Kidney failure

AGEs have a high oxidative potential. They occur naturally when sugars react with groups of proteins and fats. So, when grilling at your cookouts, ensure you lightly grill the meat. Follow the recommended serving temperatures listed in #3.

9 – You may consume residual animal medications.

Eating meat from factory-type farms is dangerous to your health. This is because these farm factories use many drugs to raise these animals. Safety inspection management of many of these farm factories have detected a variety of drugs in violation of USDA regulations regarding raising animals for food, including these:

Antibiotics: penicillin and ciprofloxacin
Ivermectin
Flunixin: an anti-inflammatory drug

When you grill, you heat any residual medications in the beef or poultry. Exposure to high temperatures won’t neutralize the drugs but can make them more toxic. When you’re grilling, purchase grass-fed, organic meats. You can always opt for grilling vegetables–then you’re not at risk.

10. Dementia odds may increase from aluminum (although research is ongoing).

When you’re grilling out, do you like to wrap meats or veggies in aluminum foil to keep them warm? Some evidence links aluminum and other metals and dementia. Studies show there are properties in aluminum that are neurotoxic. Exactly how this occurs is unknown, and it’s a controversial issue, but it’s a known fact aluminum is a neurotoxin. A neurotoxin is a substance that alters the function and structure of your nervous system.

Besides aluminum, neurotoxins can occur in many both natural and artificial compounds such as these:

Pesticides
Ethyl alcohol
Spot cleaning removers
Upholstery cleaners
Dry-cleaning solutions

A small but still considerable amount of aluminum crosses into your brain and accumulates there. This may cause significant health problems, especially for the elderly, small children, and people with kidney problems.

Conversely, other researchers remain unconvinced of this claim, so the research continues. Until we have a definitive answer, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Final thoughts on how grilling can harm your health

Cookouts are as American as apple pie. But, if you plan on grilling for friends and family soon, reconsider some of your methods. Avoid some of the most common grilling mistakes that could harm you and your loved ones. Keep your grill at moderate heat to avoid high temperatures while grilling, avoid pressing the meat down on the grilling rack causing the juices to drip into the flame, and never char your meat.

Try using Asian-style marinades because they appear to reduce some harmful compounds that sugar-based marinades may cause. Grill fish instead of red meat or grill veggies at your cookout. You can make small changes to stay healthy now and in the future.

Psychology Explains How to Forgive Yourself If You Cheated

September 9, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

Cheating is not a small mistake, and it’s not something we should condone. But if you cheated, you need to learn how to forgive yourself. If the act has already happened, there’s nothing you can do anymore but become a better person. The only way you can do that is through forgiveness and self-compassion.

Cheating is something that’s way too common. Temptation is high, and you might slip. That doesn’t mean you don’t love your partner. It can just mean that you had a lapse of judgment. Cheating differs from case to case, and every person reacts differently. One commonality is that guilt often crushes the cheater. But this guilt doesn’t help anyone.

It doesn’t help the cheater take accountability, and it doesn’t help their partner feel better. The best thing you can do is forgive yourself if you’re ever in that situation. Self-compassion is the only way you’ll be able to live with yourself and the best shot you have at fixing things.

Why Do People Cheat?

First, let’s go through some reasons why people cheat. Contrary to popular opinion, it’s not just because they are selfish and mean. Some do it for fun and even brag about it to their friends. But that doesn’t characterize most human beings. If you want to forgive yourself for cheating, you need to understand why it happened in the first place. Only then can you use self-compassion to heal.

Emotional Neglect

Studies show that a partner’s leading cause of cheating is emotional neglect. In those cases, adultery is not just about intimacy. People who feel neglected crave to have someone care about them. When they cheat, they also get emotionally involved with that person. Why don’t these people break up with their partner to be with someone new?

If you’ve cheated because you feel neglected, you know the reason. It’s because you fear your affair partner won’t love you or the relationship won’t last. It feels like you’re better off continuing what you already have because that’s more stable. Plus, just because you feel neglected doesn’t mean you don’t have feelings for your partner. Chances are you still love them and aren’t ready to let go. But the lack of love you feel from your partner could make you distant. Until you fix this, you cannot forgive yourself and move on.

You Fall Out of Love

Maybe you are slowly falling out of love and not ready to admit it. In that case, you are much more likely to stay with the one you had an affair with. It’s also much more likely to engage in severe intimacy and show your affection through words. This doesn’t happen often, but some people even confess their love to the one they had an affair with.

You Crave the Spice of a New Relationship

Another common cause for cheating is a lack of variety. The idea that relationships should be monogamous is outdated. But it’s still the norm enforced by society. Still, that doesn’t make cheating okay. There are people out there who live happy, polyamorous lives. But the people who are too afraid to try it often cheat on their partners. So even if you are romantically monogamous, you still might feel like you need more sexual variety.

In those cases, people will resort to cheating to satisfy their desires. Again, this is not an excuse to betray your current partner, but the reality is that it happens. Cheating also suggests anger and a need for revenge. This is potentially the evilest reason, but some cheat to get back at their partner. Studies have found that, in those cases, the cheater is most likely to confess. That’s probably due to the desire to make the partner feel horrible. People should never use cheating to get back at someone.

Poor Judgment

Lastly, some cheat because they have a lapse of judgment. Sometimes, this is a fake reason to get them off the hook. If someone was at the club, saw someone hot, and cheated, that’s still a choice. Sure, it’s not the most rational choice, as the drinks affected their judgment. But it’s a choice nonetheless.

But sometimes, people get caught up in the moment and don’t think clearly. So, for example, someone drunk could end up kissing another person without fully understanding what they’re doing. Or maybe they were hanging out with someone, started flirting, and things got out of control. But, of course, the cheater could still force themselves to be rational in all these cases.

But emotions are sometimes so strong that they override all logical thoughts. Of course, this is not an excuse; you must still own up to your mistakes. You cannot forgive yourself of fix your relationship until you accept accountability and solve this toxic behavior.

How to Forgive Yourself If You Cheated on Your Partner

Whether you stay with the one you cheated with, with your initial partner, or even end up single, you must forgive yourself. Forgiveness is the only way to move forward, do right by the one you betrayed, and start a better life.

1. Come Clean Before You Can Forgive Yourself

The first thing you need to do is confess what you did to your partner. It doesn’t matter whether you break up. Not telling them will haunt you for the rest of your life. Instead of being scared that they’ll break up with you if they find out, accept that they need to know. Even if they decide to leave you, that’s healthier for both of you.

Coming clean will allow you to patch things up with the one you’ve hurt. While you might part ways, you at least have a chance to stay friends. Or at least you’ll part on decent terms. If you confess and own up to your mistake, you do a morally good thing. That way, you don’t risk the possibility that your partner will find out from another source. Instead, they should hear it from you so that they at least know you respect them enough to confess.

This also gives you the best chances to patch things up. But that shouldn’t even be the goal. Instead, it would help if you did it because it’s the right thing. It also makes you feel less guilty and allows you to forgive yourself. Even if your partner doesn’t excuse you, you know there’s nothing more you could have done. That thought alone will wrap you in self-compassion and allow you to move on.

2. Before You Forgive Yourself, You Must Take Accountability

One of the worst things you can do after cheating is to label what happened as an “accident .”Even if you had a lapse of judgment, nothing is entirely accidental. If you cheated because you were too drunk to control yourself, you shouldn’t have been drinking in the first place. You should have discussed things with your partner if you cheated because you felt neglected.

There is always something you could have done to avoid cheating and betraying the one you’re with. Taking accountability is a big step towards forgiving yourself and making things right with your partner. However, it would help if you didn’t let your partner walk over you because you cheated. Even though they were hurt, they don’t get to make you do ridiculous things.

For example, they have no right to forbid you from going out again. If your partner asks you to cut ties with the person you cheated with, that’s reasonable. If they ask you to drink a little less and stay home a little more, that’s also reasonable. You should do things to make up for the pain you’ve caused, especially if they decide to stay with you.

Trust is hard to rebuild, but if you have empathy and try to make things right, you can do it. If you decide to break up, you should still apologize and agree to what you did. Then, identify what went wrong and do your best to better yourself.

3. Practice Self-Compassion as You Begin to Forgive Yourself

Self-compassion refers to the mindset that people are imperfect and are allowed to make mistakes. This mentality doesn’t tie your worth as a human to your mistakes. Instead, your worth is something you have as long as you try to be accountable and better yourself. It’s not about the error itself; it’s about how you act after the incident.

If you want to forgive yourself, you must stop beating yourself up over something that happened in the past. No matter how much you’d like to, you can’t take back what you did. You can only fix your behavior from now on. It’s even okay to talk to a therapist about what happened. After all, people sometimes cheat because they feel that’s their only option to be romantically fulfilled.

Even the cheater can be traumatized after these events. You need to understand that your feelings are valid no matter what. If you feel guilty and sad after cheating, you need to ensure those feelings are addressed. Don’t just sweep them under the rug. Take a few days to reflect and practice self-care. Sometimes, things like meditation to increase self-compassion. It can also help a lot on the journey towards forgiving yourself.

Final Thoughts on How to Forgive Yourself If You Cheated on Your Partner

Cheating is a messy affair that has repercussions for you and your initial partner. There are many reasons why it happens, some more justifiable than others. Still, cheating is not something that people should condone. But we need to face reality and accept the fact that it happens. And the one who got cheated on isn’t the only one who will need to heal. As a cheater, you must forgive yourself and move on with grace and self-compassion. After all, life goes on, and the only thing you can do is become a better person.

The first step is to come clean. You’ll never forgive yourself if you don’t confess what happened. Plus, the constant anxiety of your partner finding out from someone else will eat you alive. It’s best to accept the consequences, whatever those might be, and tell your partner what you did. Then, it would help if you were accountable. Don’t try to pass the cheating off as an accident because it never is.

You undoubtedly did something to end up in that situation and need to fix that behavior. Also, remember that it’s your partner’s choice whether to give you another shot. All you can do is apologize and try to be better. Self-compassion will help you a lot. You’ll realize that all you can do is become a better person. If you take the steps necessary to better yourself, you’ll eventually be able to forgive yourself.

4 Differences Between Infatuation and True Love

September 9, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

Infatuation is something people often confuse with true love. But unfortunately, true love is not something people come across often. Everyone wants to find it, but it’s one of the hardest things to achieve. Still, that doesn’t mean you won’t ever have feelings towards someone else. It’s just that those feelings aren’t always what they seem.

It’s far more common to feel infatuation, but that feeling isn’t an issue. The issue is what people do with it. Instead of recognizing and accepting it as it is, they treat it like love. When that happens, you can start to create false expectations about the relationship you’re in. Realistically, you can never spend your life with someone you’re just infatuated with. But that doesn’t mean that people don’t try.

That’s how you end up getting hurt or even hurting someone else. It would help if you learned to differentiate between the two feelings. One will lead to a short-lived, albeit fun, relationship. And the other will lead to a lifetime of happiness next to your match.

What is Infatuation?

Infatuation is something people experience as early as childhood. At first, you get captivated by objects. You have that one toy you are obsessed with and never let it out of sight. You have that one book you repeatedly read that you can almost recite by heart. And then you grow older, and you start feeling attracted to people. You start liking a classmate and convince yourself they are your true love. Even though they aren’t, you still imagine your life with them. And your heart gets broken when those dreams don’t become a reality.

Research shows that infatuation does not possess the element of attachment and compassion required by true love. Instead, it’s a state that precedes love. But that doesn’t mean love always comes after infatuation. It just means that, often, infatuation becomes love. This evolution makes sense, as the definition of infatuation is an intense state of physical and psychological arousal. When you become infatuated, your thoughts become obsessive, filling you with anxiety. You’ll also make up scenarios that will most likely not happen. Finally, you’ll start worrying and overthinking, as you won’t get those thoughts out of your head.

The scientific literature hasn’t yet agreed upon a fixed definition, but those seem to be the most common characteristics. Still, they agree that everyone experiences infatuation, regardless of age or culture. If you weren’t familiar with the term, that doesn’t mean you’ve never heard of the concept. But you probably know it under a different name, like puppy love, passionate love, or obsessive love. But the term “love” is used in all these names is what throws people off.

Sure, infatuation is a type of love. But it’s not what people expect when they hear love. If this infatuation doesn’t turn into something relatively quickly, it will become toxic. You can’t be with someone you’re just fascinated with and expect things to go well after a couple of years. Either you won’t make it that far or end up abusing each other.

4 Differences Between Infatuation and True Love

Infatuation is a feeling everyone needs to experience. It teaches you the first things you need to know about attraction and love. But that’s only possible if you learn to differentiate between infatuation and true love. To make things more transparent, here are four differences between true love and infatuation.

1. Infatuation Is All About Appearances

Dating is based on meeting people and deciding whether to give them a shot based on their first impression. So, it’s not a surprise that relationships start superficially. But these kinds of relationships are all about appearances. They’re about how good someone looks or how they act in public. But true love requires you to get to know someone deeper.

To fall in love, you must know and accept everything about a person. You need to know what things they do annoy you and how to avoid stepping on each other’s toes. But that’s not something that happens when you are fascinated. In that state, you only care about appearances. If they are good-looking and they seem to have a decent personality, that’s enough for you. This behavior is toxic because you overlook your partner’s negative traits.

You might have to put up with someone mistreating or abusing you. It would help if you learned that, no matter how pretty the cover looks, that doesn’t mean the inside matches. When you finally fall in love, looks won’t matter as much. Sure, attraction stays essential, but true love is more than that. You care about someone so much that they always look beautiful in your eyes.

2. Infatuation Is Obsessive. True Love Is Compassionate

If we could describe infatuation in just one word, it would be “obsessive.” All your thoughts revolve around the person who you are infatuated with. You always think about what they are doing and who they are with. This idea that your partner should always be on your mind is society’s idea of romance. People yearn for that kind of passion. But they forget that these recurring thoughts are toxic.

Passion can quickly become an obsession, and it often does with infatuation. It’s not just that you want to know that your partner is safe and happy. It’s that you want to know everything they do at all times. And chances are, you also want them to spend every living moment with you.

But true love never feels this way. You are not concerned with what they are doing at all times because you trust them. You never force them to spend time with you because you know you have enough time. If they are busy, you respect that. This kind of relationship is compassionate.

You want to see your partner grow and are happy you can go through life together. You don’t spend every second thinking about them because they’ll tell you their day when they get home. This connection is more mature and patient.

3. True Love Is Respectful and Empathetic

Infatuation is often damaging because it’s about what you think and feel but never about the other person. You don’t even need to know someone; you become infatuated with them. Because of that, infatuation is very egotistical. It’s all about what you want and what you like, but never about the other person and what they prefer. So even if you get into a relationship with someone you’re infatuated with, it won’t be based on respect.

It’ll just be something you impulsively decide to do. You won’t cherish the person you’re with, and they won’t love you. Instead of being empathetic, you risk bringing each other down. You could end up with someone who is only satisfied if you act according to their image of you. And you’ll likely treat them the same.

But true love is only possible when two people meet and decide to build something together. In those cases, respect will be something that both of you value. So, you’ll work to have it in your relationship. Not only that, but you’ll be empathetic. You’ll find that you’ll be willing to sacrifice to see your partner happy. The beautiful thing is that they will reciprocate this behavior.

Your partner will also strive to see you happy, even at the cost of making some sacrifices. You’ll always feel safe and cherished. You won’t be anxious about where they are and what they’re doing. They respect you, and you trust them to give them freedom. This relationship will not be your whole life. Instead, the relationship will be an addition to an already satisfying lifestyle.

4. Infatuation Is Not Bound to Last

We all would like to find the one we truly love when we are young and stay with them forever. Some people are lucky enough to have that kind of love in their lives. But most people go through a few short relationships before finding the one. That’s because infatuation is not a solid foundation for any relationship.

Marriage based on infatuation is probably the biggest mistake you can make in your love life. The marriage will likely end in divorce. And even if it doesn’t, you’ll never be delighted. Because infatuation is obsessive and gives people anxiety, it will always make you doubt your partner. You’ll never feel that you can fully trust them. This anxiety will make you act impulsively.

You’ll often accuse them of infidelity or lying. But, even if that doesn’t happen, other issues will appear. And you’ll find it hard to solve fights, as there’s a lack of empathy. But, when you find true love, all those issues will fade away. Sure, you’ll still fight sometimes, and that’s normal. But you’ll trust them and know they truly value you.

You and your partner will always solve fights because you know that, no matter what, it’s you against the world. You’ll always be a team and value each other more than your pride. You’ll even feel the dynamic difference because you won’t be anxious about losing them. These relationships will last because of all of these reasons.

Final Thoughts on Some Differences Between Infatuation and True Love

Love is tricky to navigate and even trickier to find. There are many types of love, and you’ll likely experience all of them. If you haven’t already found your true love, don’t worry. You have all the time in the world. Even if you’ve seen them, that might not be the case. You might just be infatuated with someone, confusing that for love.

Infatuation is a normal feeling. Unfortunately, it often makes people act irrationally or become toxic. Infatuation is much different from true love because it is egotistical and obsessive. True love is selfless, empathetic, respectful, and compassionate. That’s not the case for infatuation. That feeling is only based on appearances.

In that case, you could even ignore red flags because of how blinded it makes you. Maybe this connection feels like true passion, but it’s not sustainable. True love is steadier and more patient. When you finally find the one, you will understand there’s no rush. You have all the time to build a happy life alongside the one you love.

13 Traits a Creative Genius Displays (Without Realizing It)

September 8, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

You often hear the word creativity, but do you know what it means? Perhaps, you’re a creative genius but don’t realize it. People are fascinated by creative folks, as their minds tend to work in ways the average person doesn’t understand.

Look at some historical examples, such as Thomas Edison or Albert Einstein. These men were on a whole different level because their intellect was far above their peers. Where would the world be without the inventions of these two men?

Maybe it’s time for you to unleash your inner creativity and walk into the genius aspects of your gifts. The world could be waiting for your discovery to change things for the better.

Thirteen Traits of a Creative Genius

How does one know if they’re a creative genius like some of the masterminds? There are some easy-to-identify signs that you can’t ignore. Here are a few of them.

1. A Lack of Self-Consciousness Is a Sign of Creativity

Many people get caught up in caring what others think. However, the open-minded creative genius is not this type of person. Look at Einstein’s classic hairdo.

It was chaotic at best, but do you think he cared what others thought of him? No! He was comfortable in his skin, and the world’s opinions didn’t faze him.

2. A Creative Genius Stays Optimistic

Creative masterminds often fail many times before they strike gold. Consider Milton Hershey, the creator of the Hershey Company. According to the Hershey Community Archives, he filed for bankruptcy three times before he finally sold his chocolate idea to the world.

These masterminds will stop at nothing to accomplish whatever they set their mind to do. They remain optimistic even when the whole world is against them. In most cases, they have the intelligence to do what needs to be done. So the actual challenge is to sell everyone else on their idea.

3. A Creative Genius Is Open to New Experiences

Being open-minded is part of the creative genius process. If you’re not willing to look outside the realm of what society dictates as “normal,” you will never see what could be out there. Picasso would have never made it so big if he didn’t have a vision for his paintings.

A creative genius strives to change their life for the better. They desire to experience the unexpected and crave something outside the norm.

4. Cognitive Flexibility and Creativity Work Together

According to Science Direct, cognitive flexibility is a critical decision-making task. It is the capability to modify actions in reaction to changes around them. A cognitively flexible person can see the world through new eyes continuously.

They can transform and go with the flow when things go in a direction they didn’t expect. Since they can easily switch from one task to another, their flexibility helps them with their high level of intelligence. Their minds and eyes are always open because they know the most incredible things happen when you least expect them.

5. Doesn’t Fit in with The Crowd

The creative genius has a hard time fitting in with the crowd. They’re outsiders who are often the source of much ridicule. They don’t think like everyone else, so their intelligence separates them from others.

Sometimes this person is accepted and shunned simultaneously, which can be hard to comprehend. They usually have very few friends, and they prefer the company of themselves, as most of these open-minded folks are loners.

6. The Creative Genius Could Care Less About the Destinations and More About the Journey

Does the fear of losing control bother you? Do you need everything to be in order? A creative genius craves uncertainty.

They’re very free-spirited and go with the flow. They don’t require perfection to enjoy their lives. Do you think Rembrandt knew what his painting would look like before he started? Of course not!

He just started painting and went with whatever he felt in the moment. Even famous painter Bob Ross would turn accidents on the canvas into “happy little trees.” People born with the creative gene are more focused on the process rather than their journey to get there.

7. They Make Lots of Mistakes

Though these folks have above-average intelligence, they make lots of mistakes. However, their open-minded enough to know that you use these blunders to grow.

It’s one of the biggest myths of the creative process t a person gets it right the first time. They try time and again, but they don’t give up until they get it right. Mistakes are merely stepping stones towards achieving their goals.

8. Diffused Attention

There’s hardly a person with this level of intelligence that works on just one project. Instead, the creative genius is open-minded and has several projects going at once. It’s called diffused attention, and it means that they’re defocused.

This creative person will go through times when they’ve intense concentration, but these states don’t last for long. Their mind quickly shifts to something else. If you were to ask this person about their method, they would probably call it madness or organized anarchy.

9. Creativity Thrives in Chaos and Disorder

Did you know that creative breakthroughs often happen in the most inopportune times? Most people can’t just sit down and write a song. Instead, it hits them during a situation or struggle that causes the words to flow like honey.

Take, for instance, the touching story of Horatio G. Spafford. He wrote one of the greatest gospel songs of all time, “It Is Well with My Soul.” Yet, this song about how everything is well was birthed through the most challenging days of his life.

He lost his business in Chicago’s fires, then his wife and children took a ship to London, and he had plans to meet them later. However, the boat went down in the Atlantic, and only his wife survived. On his way to be with his wife in another country, the captain told him when he passed over the spot where his four beautiful daughters died.

At this location, the song’s words began to flow from his soul. He had no idea how this song would impact people for decades.

10. They’re Not Motivated by Personal Gain

Some folks are motivated by money in this life, and others seek fame. Neither of these things motivates the intelligent person with immense creativity.

They don’t care about fame or fortune as much as they do about doing something that will change the world. They also have an intense need to fulfill their vision.

11. Always Active

The most open-minded people, with some of the highest intelligence you’ve ever encountered, are usually folks who can’t sit still. You may think this person has ADHD because they stay on the go and fidget around. Downtime is uncomfortable for these individuals, as most don’t know how to relax.

Here are a few things about historical greats that many people don’t know:

Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution was created while riding in a carriage on a trip to the Galapagos.
Mark Twain was unable to sit still; he often paced the floors. Still, he penned some of his great masterpiece novels while pacing back and forth.
Mozart never knew when inspiration might hit him, so he kept little pieces of paper in his pockets should he need to write.

For some, it’s their bodies that are always in motion, and for most, it’s most definitely their minds. It’s believed that when you move, you’re using kinetic energy, and it’s this energy that primes your creative thinking processes.

12. A Creative Genius is More Sensitive to Stimuli

There’s an old stereotype that artists tend to be more sensitive, which is frequently true. People who fall into the realms of genius are more susceptible to stimuli. They’re constantly measuring stimuli in their environments.

While the buzz from a TV might not bother some people, it can drive this person mad. It’s also not uncommon for this person to retreat from the world to recharge their batteries, as the sensitivities from the outside world can often be too much.

13. Creativity Requires Calculated Risks

Being creative and open-minded means taking risks. These people don’t care if they lose everything, as their focus is on accomplishing their goal. They’re used to ridicule and malice, and people think they’re off balance.

Their intelligence is higher than the average person’s, so they don’t think and function like the rest.

Final Thoughts on the Signs of a Creative Genius

Perhaps you’re a creative genius, and you don’t realize it. Is your mind always working and thinking of the following invention or idea that can change the world? Do you tend to be a loner who thrives in chaos?

Maybe you have a high tolerance for uncertainty, as you thrive on being a risk taker. Perhaps it’s time to unleash that creativity and share your gifts and talents with the world. Now that you know a few things about how your creative mind works, it’s time to walk in the fullness of your abilities.

12 Motivational Quotes About Life from Queen Elizabeth II

September 8, 2022 by Kristen Butler

Her Majesty the Queen, Elizabeth the Second, passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96. Her passing ending reign over the UK and its Commonwealths for over seventy years. The Queen ascended to the throne at the young age of 25 in 1952. She was the longest-serving monarch in British history. On the morning of September 8th, a spokesman for the royal family announced:

“Following further evaluation this morning, the queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.”

Just a few short hours later, an announcement was issued regarding the passing of the beloved monarch. The monarch’s children and a few of her grandchildren were with her in her final hours, spent at her beloved Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

After her passing, her son Charles (now His Majesty the King Charles the Third) issued an official statement on Twitter:

“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty the Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.

We mourn profoundly the passing of a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms, and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.

During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”

A statement from His Majesty The King: pic.twitter.com/AnBiyZCher

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022

Queen Elizabeth II was beloved by so many–across the UK and worldwide. Yes, she was a regal figure; elegant and stoic; quiet but determined. But she was also very committed to her family, beloved by her father and mother (the former beloved Queen Mum). The observations she made were keen, wise, and inspiring.

Twelve Motivational Quotes from Queen Elizabeth II

Here are some motivational quotes by Queen Elizabeth II–let’s reflect on her wisdom as we mourn her loss around the world.

1. “What were once only hopes for the future have now come to pass.”

Spoken in a speech in Dublin in 2011, Her Majesty acknowledged the long struggles between Ireland and Great Britain. Many dreamed of a time when they would work peacefully for the better of the entire United Kingdom. At this speech, she reflected that while the struggle long and bitter, they had moved past the strife and were ready to move forward to a harmonious and peaceful future for the next generations.

When you reach a goal, take time to pat yourself on the back–you earned it. Your road might have been long and the journey challenging, but you deserve to acknowledge your success.

2. “It has been women who have breathed gentleness and care into the hard progress of humankind.”

Indeed, humankind is an ever-evolving work in progress. Queen Elizabeth acknowledged the role of women, who often find a gentle, more diplomatic way to solve problems.

3. “Let us not take ourselves too seriously. None of us has a monopoly on wisdom.” ~ Queen Elizabeth II

So it seems that even a Queen knows that we must learn to laugh at ourselves once in a while! The Queen was still a daughter, mother, grandmother, and aunt when not working in her official duties. In interviews, Royals occasionally refer to Queen Elizabeth’s dry sense of humor, which she displayed to her closest confidantes.

Cut loose, live a little, have some fun–by order of the Queen!

4. “Good memories are our second chance at happiness.”

Life is full of tragic losses. However, when we lose someone we treasure, we have memories to cherish. Of course, grief is awful and painful. But as time passes, you can always smile back at the good times with your loved one.

5. “When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.”

Queen Elizabeth II spoke this line during her 2008 Christmas address. Her country had service members fighting with the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan. Besides that, an economic crisis was bubbling to the surface, and the United Kingdom faced uncertainty. However, the Queen did what she often did–rallied the people of her country to count their blessings, live their best lives, and continue to progress towards better times.

6. “I know of no single formula for success. But over the years, I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm, and their inspiration to work together.”

Her Majesty shared this wise observation in an address to the United Nations General Assembly in July of 2010. In it, the Queen admitted that she did not have all the answers, a rare moment of vulnerability for a Royal. However, she followed by noting the traits displayed by all the successful people she observed–effort, cooperation, and putting their talent to work.

7. “Work is the rent you pay for the room you occupy on earth.” ~ Queen Elizabeth II

Here’s a tidbit many people don’t know about the Queen. She was incredibly close to her father, King George VI, who passed away in February 1952.

As World War II raged across Europe and bombs dropped across London almost daily, her father tried to keep the troops and people of her country hopeful. Still a teenager at the time, Princess Elizabeth did an incredible act of selflessness that inspired millions. In 1948, 18-year-old Elizabeth knew that she must display leadership. After all, she would one day lead her nation.

So she drove an ambulance in the Auxiliary Territorial Service to add to the war effort. Not only did she learn to drive the ambulance, but she also trained as a mechanic and fixed the vehicles, too! To this day, the Queen is still the only female in her family to have Army service.

Although born into wealth and luxury, young Elizabeth knew the value of hard work.

8. “Family does not necessarily mean blood relatives but often a description of a community, organisation or nation.”

Family can be a very sticky, messy business–blood relatives have spats, jealousy, and in-fighting. Sometimes you must find your soul tribe and make your own family.

9. “The world is not the most pleasant place. Eventually, your parents leave you and nobody is going to go out of their way to protect you unconditionally. You need to learn to stand up for yourself and what you believe and sometimes, pardon my language, kick some ass.” ~ Queen Elizabeth II

Indeed, the world can be cruel. At some point each of us must learn to reject toxic people and take charge of our own destiny.

10. “We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection. With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock.”

Some people overthink. As a result, they freeze and fail to act when the should. Conversely, others act on impulse and make rash decisions they later regret. The advice from Queen Elizabeth? Take that deep breath, pause, and decide wisely.

11. “Cowards falter, but danger is often overcome by those who nobly dare.” ~ Queen Elizabeth II

Almost everyone admires those who are bold, courageous, and daring–they are the people who take calculated risks and change the world. So be bold and do a random act of kindness today; you’ll feel so good that you’ll want to do another. And another. And another…

12. “True patriotism doesn’t exclude an understanding of the patriotism of others.”
The Queen seemed to understand that we all need empathy and acceptance of others. We should include everyone and make diverse points of view part of the fabric of our society.

Final Thoughts on the Passing of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II was a head of state, a family member, the head of her church, and an inspiration to a worldwide audience. So many loved her mysterious smile and her kind eyes. Besides that, we listened to every word when she spoke. That’s because she always had a way of getting down to the bottom line in a common-sense, straightforward manner that did not belittle or shame anyone. She handled herself with grace for over seventy years and throughout multiple global and family tragedies. But she always did so with kindness and courage.

12 Traits of a Rational Thinker

September 8, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

Do you consider yourself a rational thinker, or are your decisions often based on emotions? The balance of the two can make a difference in your success. How can you tell which mode of thinking you use? Since your brain has a right and a left hemisphere, it makes sense that people can be rational and emotional. Medical experts say that your right brain focuses on emotions and creativity. Conversely, your left brain controls reasoning and other logical skills.

Twelve Habits of a Rational Thinker

Although humans use both sides, most people have a more dominant brain sphere. Are you the calm voice of reason, or does your heart rule your head? These are 12 habits to notice if you’re a rational thinker or a left-brain dominant.

1. A Rational Thinker Will Pay Attention to Detail

You don’t rush through tasks and decisions if you’re a rational thinker. You have a distinct eye for each detail and how everything works together. Seeing the individual pieces may take a while before you can envision the whole picture.

For this reason, people often turn to you for the most complex projects, especially at work. They know that you’ll take the task seriously and won’t do anything but your best. This habit becomes a liability if it turns into perfectionism, and you’re left to spin out of control.

2. Logical People Clarify Your Ideas

Ideas are like seeds you plant, water, and care for until they grow into thriving plants. Even the best ideas need revision for optimal success. Logical thinkers can blend reasoning and emotions to clarify their ideas for themselves and others.

Let’s say that you have a unique idea for a business. You do research, and you talk to successful entrepreneurs. You create a business plan that will explain your idea to potential investors.

3. Logical People Get the Facts Straight

Remember the classic detective show where the agent always said, “just the facts?” Rational thinkers like you aren’t satisfied with hearsay, surmising, or half-truths. You’ll work overtime researching facts and verifying them with reliable sources before you take a side.

Nothing makes you uncomfortable than being on the fence about a decision or action. Once you have the facts straight, you can better use your sense of logic, reasoning, and deduction. Such logical brain behavior would serve you well in mathematics, science, or education.

4. A Rational Thinker Has Excellent Communication Skills

It does no good if you’re the most intelligent person in the world and don’t communicate well with others. Effective conversations involve two or more people sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings. You can convey your thoughts skillfully and are also an active listener.

An active listener goes beyond just hearing what someone says. You purposely think about what they’re saying without interrupting. You use receptive body language and mirror their feelings.

Additionally, you pause for a few seconds before you respond. If there’s something you missed, you ask them to clarify it. There are fewer chances for misunderstandings and miscommunication. Logical thinking can’t be shared without solid communication skills.

5. Rational Thinkers Need to Know Why

Do you recall your parents telling you to do something, and you asked why? It was one of your first childhood steps toward independent thinking. Maybe your parents took the time to explain their reasoning to you.

Maybe they were like many parents who retorted, “Because I said so.” Of course, your parents had your safety and best interests at heart. They also had the life experience and authority to direct you on the right paths.

Still, the foundation of learning is the urge to know why and how. Logical thinkers have an insatiable curiosity about the world around them. They know how to blend logic and emotion to be inventors, influencers, and life changers.

6. Emotions Don’t Cloud Reason and Logic

Just because you are logical doesn’t mean you’re robotic and without emotion. Time and experience have helped you balance your emotional and logical thinking. You try your best to be open-minded and objective when you make choices in your life.

For example, your teen is discussing college choices with you. Of course, your heart wants them to attend your alma mater. However, you realize that the other prospective university has a better program for their major.

It would be easy to talk to your school and encourage them to choose it. This is a case when you may have to put your feelings aside for the most logical choice. You realize that you can’t always use your rationale to persuade people to agree with you.

If you feel too emotionally close to the situation, you often step back and wait. Sometimes, even the most rational thinker must listen to their heart. It’s normal and all part of the human condition.

7. A Rational Thinker Prefers to Follow a Daily Routine

According to an article published by the Mayo Clinic, following a daily routine can ease undue stress. If it helps, you can write a daily schedule and post it where you can see it each morning. When you write down your plan and goals for the day, you’re more likely to accomplish them.

While you understand the logic of following a routine, you also understand that things happen. Sometimes, you need to be flexible and make changes as required. Knowing how to adapt to unforeseen situations can benefit your mind and your emotions.

8. Logical People Rarely Make Rash Decisions

In this instant gratification society, it’s no wonder that people make split-second decisions. Nobody likes to wait in line, and everyone wants an answer right now. If you’re a rational thinker, you don’t allow impatience and other negative emotions to affect your choices.

Sure, many daily decisions don’t require a lot of thought, like what you’ll have for dinner. However, you’ve learned to weigh the pros and cons and how to count the cost of significant life decisions. Your emotions play a part in your choices, but your logic plays the main character.

9. Logic Demands List-making

Look around your home and office, and you’ll probably notice an everyday habit. Do you see an endless collection of reminder notes and lists? They may be scribbled on notepads, sticky notes, or whiteboards where you’ll see them.

Creating grocery lists or other simple reminders are mundane tasks no one wants to handle. Others may be a list of your goals or a complete vision board. You use all these for visual cues of things you want to do today or a year from now.

Making lists is a standard brain behavior of a rational thinker. Although you have an excellent memory, lists give you a sense of logic and order. You feel more confident and gratified as you check off each accomplishment.

10. A Rational Thinker Does Not Stay Stuck in the Past

You can learn invaluable lessons and cherish sweet memories from the past. However, constantly dwelling on the past can prevent you from living in the present. It can create cognitive distortions that can cause negative thinking.

Are your thoughts stuck in a toxic experience or relationship from the past? They may hinder you from enjoying positive ones today and in the future. Logical thinking can take you beyond the past and help you focus more on the present.

Logical thinkers can reminisce and visit the past without pitching a tent there. You realize the significance of being present. Some tools that can help you are meditation, yoga, or other mindful practices, like journaling.

11. A Love for Games of Logic

All work and no play can even make a rational thinker bored. Sometimes, it’s good to close shop and spend quality time with family and friends. Your body and mind could use a little relaxation.

Do you spend your leisure time playing sports or enjoying other hobbies? Maybe you’re into games of chance, like cards or blackjack. Perhaps you might like to play board or other competitive games with your family or friends.

Some board games are more complicated and require skill, strategy, logic, and appeal to rational thinkers. These can include chess or trying to solve brain teasers. You may be relaxing and having fun, but you’re giving your mind some beneficial exercise.

12. The Rational Thinker Never Stops Learning

Many teenagers can’t wait to graduate and be done with school. The ones who go to college might also anticipate leaving their studies behind them. However, life is perpetual learning for rational thinkers like you.

You’ve never lost your curiosity, no matter how many degrees, certificates, and experiences you’ve had. You’re probably an avid reader and can discuss various subjects intelligently. You take time to listen to people from other walks of life and discover new perspectives.

Final Thoughts on Habits of a Rational Thinker

Thinking logically and making sound decisions is commendable, showing good brain behavior. However, your thoughts are also wrapped in feelings and intuition. Having the wisdom to keep both aspects balanced makes the difference.

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1 – Grilling increase your risk of some cancer.

Other ways to protect your health when you’re grilling include these habits:

2 – Grilling at your cookouts can increase your chances of food poisoning.

3 – Undercooking or serving raw meats can make you sick.

Here are the safe cooked internal temperatures of some cookout favorites:

4 – Charred food is dangerous.

5 – Certain foods from your cookouts can cause high blood pressure

6. Grilling red meats too often leads to high cholesterol

7 – Weight gain and more can come from enjoying cookouts too often.

8 – Grilling raises the risk of AGEs exposure.

9 – You may consume residual animal medications.

10. Dementia odds may increase from aluminum (although research is ongoing).

Final thoughts on how grilling can harm your health

Why Do People Cheat?

Emotional Neglect

You Fall Out of Love

You Crave the Spice of a New Relationship

Poor Judgment

How to Forgive Yourself If You Cheated on Your Partner

1. Come Clean Before You Can Forgive Yourself

2. Before You Forgive Yourself, You Must Take Accountability

3. Practice Self-Compassion as You Begin to Forgive Yourself

Final Thoughts on How to Forgive Yourself If You Cheated on Your Partner

What is Infatuation?

4 Differences Between Infatuation and True Love

1. Infatuation Is All About Appearances

2. Infatuation Is Obsessive. True Love Is Compassionate

3. True Love Is Respectful and Empathetic

4. Infatuation Is Not Bound to Last

Final Thoughts on Some Differences Between Infatuation and True Love

Thirteen Traits of a Creative Genius

1. A Lack of Self-Consciousness Is a Sign of Creativity

2. A Creative Genius Stays Optimistic

3. A Creative Genius Is Open to New Experiences

4. Cognitive Flexibility and Creativity Work Together

5. Doesn’t Fit in with The Crowd

6. The Creative Genius Could Care Less About the Destinations and More About the Journey

7. They Make Lots of Mistakes

8. Diffused Attention

9. Creativity Thrives in Chaos and Disorder

10. They’re Not Motivated by Personal Gain

11. Always Active

12. A Creative Genius is More Sensitive to Stimuli

13. Creativity Requires Calculated Risks

Final Thoughts on the Signs of a Creative Genius

Twelve Motivational Quotes from Queen Elizabeth II

Final Thoughts on the Passing of Queen Elizabeth II

Twelve Habits of a Rational Thinker

1. A Rational Thinker Will Pay Attention to Detail

2. Logical People Clarify Your Ideas

3. Logical People Get the Facts Straight

4. A Rational Thinker Has Excellent Communication Skills

5. Rational Thinkers Need to Know Why

6. Emotions Don’t Cloud Reason and Logic

7. A Rational Thinker Prefers to Follow a Daily Routine

8. Logical People Rarely Make Rash Decisions

9. Logic Demands List-making

10. A Rational Thinker Does Not Stay Stuck in the Past

11. A Love for Games of Logic

12. The Rational Thinker Never Stops Learning

Final Thoughts on Habits of a Rational Thinker

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