Page 240

12 Reasons to Never Hate Your Body

September 7, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

It’s natural to get caught up in how you think your body should look rather than celebrate your individuality. Many people use body-shaming because they see themselves through Hollywood’s lenses. When you hate your body, you’re not celebrating your unique qualities.

Even if you tried to be the coveted size, genetics would play a big part in your appearance. Wouldn’t it be nice if every woman had plump lips, a round booty, tan skin, and the perfect little button nose? It’s unrealistic to think that this is how everyone should look, as it doesn’t celebrate diversity.

Just because you don’t have the characteristics that society finds desirable at the moment, doesn’t mean your body isn’t lovable. Being true to yourself and loving the skin you’re in is undoubtedly something to honor.

Twelve Reasons Why You Should Not Hate Your Body

Having healthy self-esteem starts with kicking body-shaming to the curb. You can’t love yourself when you hate your body. Here are some reasons you need to celebrate your individuality and fall in love with what you’ve been given.

1. Your Body is a Work of Art

Picasso couldn’t have painted a better picture than you. Look at the beauty all around you. What would life be without a rose, carnation, wisteria, or daisy?

Each of these flowers has unique smells, characteristics, and beauty that make them spectacular. Can you imagine a flower garden without a rose? Of course not.

Remember that your individuality brings something unique to this life, and without you, the work of art in your family tree wouldn’t be nearly as colorful.

2. It’s a Temple for Your Soul

Man is comprised of body, mind, and spirit. Your body was essentially created to house your soul. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, it states that your body was designed to accommodate the spirit of God, and you’re not your own. It further says that you were bought with a price. Whether you’re Christian, Buddhist, or some other religion doesn’t matter, as it’s the principle.

This passage reminds you that there’s so much more to you than your hair color or weight. You were created to be a temple. So when you hate your body and engage in body-shaming, you deny the supernatural forces that created you for spiritual aspects.

3. Your Value Doesn’t Decrease

If you know anything about assets and investments, you know they either appreciate or depreciate. The wonderful thing about you is that your value doesn’t go up and down. You were a treasure the moment you came from your mother’s womb, and you will remain a gem all your days.

You may lose and gain weight ten times throughout your life, as well as lose and gain monetary items, but your value remains the same. So why engage in body-shaming as you should know your worth?

4. No Two People Are the Same

You may be short/tall, skinny/thick, muscular/skeletal, and have wrinkles and scars. However, these are just physical characteristics that don’t matter much in the grand scheme. Consider the snowflake.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, snowflakes get their individuality because they all follow slightly different paths from the sky to the ground. Your course isn’t the same as someone else’s, which creates your diversity. Celebrate these things, and don’t engage in body-shaming. Your path was chosen for you, and it’s unique.

5. Your Body is the Stuff of Stars

It may sound bizarre, but did you know that your very existence can be traced back to the start of time? Humans were made when the stars were created and all matter on earth. If this sounds a little far-fetched, there’s scientific research to back it.

According to Science, astronomers evaluated human beings alongside the galaxy. The results were uncanny as they showed a 97 percent correlation between the two. Ironically, humans share the most similar elements with the stars.

Isn’t that something worthy of excitement? You’re made with the same material that makes the stars beam in the sky? So you have no reason but to shine.

6. Looks are Transitory

You’re constantly changing and evolving. You won’t look the same at forty as when you were twenty years old.

As you grow and mature, you realize that what’s on the inside matters much more than what’s on the outside. Hold on if you dislike your appearance and hate your body. It’s going to alter as you age. It’s better to embrace the changes and that you’re still alive and kicking.

7. You’re a Life-Giver

Men and women both participate in the beautiful part of creating a life. A woman’s body is used to carry that baby to term and deliver it into the world. Can you think of a more fabulous job than to be the bearer of life?

How can you hate your body that brought your children into the world or helped their creation? Anything that could go through all those changes and pain to bring forth new life must be spectacular.

8. You Only Get One Body

From the time you’re born until you take your last breath, you will spend your life in the body you’ve been given. Wouldn’t it be silly to hate your body and don’t engage in self-care? If you don’t love yourself, then how can you expect anyone else to either?

It’s time to celebrate your weaknesses and strengths. You may not like your hair, teeth, or legs, but don’t focus on the things you dislike. Instead, turn your focus toward the things you do.

Do you have a dazzling smile, a heart that loves deeply, and stunning eyes? Then focus on the positive things and not the negative ones.

9. Body-shaming Causes You to Hate Other Things Too

Humans are complex beings. If you feel too big or ugly, it makes your mood off. While having off days is normal, you can’t let these feelings become habitual.

You will miss out on so much in life if you live in a state where you hate your body. Loving yourself and keeping a good body image are essential for your self-esteem. How you feel about yourself sets the foundation for thinking about most other things in life, so kick body-shaming to the curb.

10. Your Body Loves You

The next time you have those negative thoughts and hate your body, why not consider that your body loves you? Stop and think that you’re a breathing being, and all your systems work harmoniously for your good. You’re blinking, your heart is pumping, and you’re moving and thriving.

You may not look how you want or have the attributes you desire, but your body loves you enough to work tirelessly to keep you going.

11. One Person’s Beauty Isn’t the Absence of Your Own

Humans are beautiful creatures by design. Pay attention the next time you’re in a crowd. It’s easy to see some folks are more attractive than others, but you’re guilty of judging a book by its cover.

You must focus on that just because someone else is more handsome or beautiful than you doesn’t make you less of a person. While Angelina Jolie might have large lips, and Jennifer Anniston has gorgeous hair, it doesn’t take away from the beautiful features that make you unique.

12. It’s Empowering to Love Yourself

Wouldn’t it be easier to love yourself rather than to hate your body? It’s empowering to learn that you don’t need validation from anyone to feel good about being you.

A certain level of sanity comes from knowing that you feel good without anyone else’s approval. Being comfortable in your skin is a beautiful and mentally healthy thing.

Final Thoughts on Why You Should Never Hate Your Body or Engage in Bodyshaming

You know that good self-esteem is required to have healthy relationships in your life. If you don’t have self-love, you cannot truly understand and love others. The feelings you have for yourself can interfere with your relationships.

For instance, if you have low self-esteem and don’t have a good sense of self-worth, it’s only natural that you would see your partner’s actions more negatively. Because you don’t love yourself, you’re unable to see and embrace the love of others.

Don’t hate your body because you believe you don’t measure up. This is not a good way to determine your self-worth. When you don’t love yourself and have self-loathing tendencies, you will expect rejection from others without giving them a chance.

On the flip side, people with low self-esteem often find that they stay in toxic relationships with individuals who don’t treat them well. Imagine being stuck in this situation because you think you can’t do better. It’s just so much easier to love yourself.

University of Zurich Proves Self-efficacy Boosts Resilience in Adversity

September 7, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

These days, keeping your self-efficacy in check is more important than ever. Life was already tough, but the pandemic made things almost impossible for some people. While some were affected more than others, almost everyone felt the effects of this global crisis in one way or another.

That’s why this new study that was published by researchers at the University of Zurich is particularly refreshing. According to them, people can boost resilience simply by reflecting on what they’re capable of. This is great news since it’s a simple solution to the mental chaos people have been going through.

Details of the Study

The researchers conducting the study are from the Departments of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Psychosomatics, all from the University of Zurich. Christina Paersch, MSc, was the lead researcher. The other researchers on the project were Ava Schulz, Frank H Wilhelm, Adam D Brown, and Birgit Kleim.

The study included, though very insightful, was relatively simple. It included 75 subjects. These subjects were instructed to recall an incredibly stressful and negatively emotional memory.

They were then divided into two groups. One group was instructed to vividly recall a positive event while the other group was instructed to recall a time they felt extremely self-efficacious. Then they were instructed to recall the negative emotional memory again.

Researchers found that the group that recalled their self-efficacious moment were better able to view the negative emotional memory in a different light than the other group. They had an easier time coping with the negative memory; some of them had an easier time after only one time recalling their self-efficacy.

The researchers stated, “our study shows that recalling self-efficacious autobiographical events can be used as a tool both in everyday life and in clinical settings to boost personal resilience.” In other words, just remember how tough you are. Remember what you’re made of and it can get you through tough times.

What is Self-Efficacy?

The term self-efficacy was coined by psychologist Albert Bandura. He defined it as a person’s belief in their ability to handle and succeed in each situation. In short, it’s believing in yourself.

Strong efficacy in yourself isn’t something that just happens or occurs. Just as unique life experiences change a person’s efficacy, it also changes how they view themselves. This point of view gets developed over time and can be influenced by outside factors such as family/friends, socioeconomic status, health, and more.

It can seem that some people believe in themselves a lot more than others. You may not be consciously aware of your self-efficacious nature but, according to Bandura’s theory, everyone develops some level of self-efficacy. Luckily, it can also be strengthened. As Bandura stated in his book Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control, “Ability is not a fixed property; there is a huge variability in how you perform.”

Many influences can shape a person’s efficacy in themselves. Bandura identified four primary influences that help to shape a person’s level of self efficacy. These influences are:

Past Performances
Vicarious experiences
Verbal Encouragement
Physical feedback

Past Performances

Past performances, also referred to as mastery experiences, are the most significant influence on self-efficacy, according to Bandura. Remember, that was the basis of the study from the University of Zurich – focusing on something they performed well to ease the burden of the negative memory.

This is almost like a catch-22, remembering something you did well to convince yourself that you can do something well. How can you do well if you need to have done well in the past to motivate yourself? Where do you start?

According to Bandura, a person must revisit the old saying, “practice makes perfect.” Just practice and keep getting better at what you’re doing. The better you get at it, the more you’ll boost self-efficacy. Once you master it, your self-efficacy can always be significantly increased by remembering how good you are.

Bandura suggested that it’s not so much the skill level that increases a self-efficacious nature. It’s more the idea that you are able to learn a new skill well. Having the ability to do something gives you a great ego boost.

Vicariously Living Through Others

Vicarious living is when a person watches another person’s performance and compares that to their own. Essentially, watchers are being persuaded that they can do something by watching and learning from someone else. The person they are watching becomes something akin to a role model.

You might not consider having a role model as an adult. But many people don’t even realize they have a role model. They have someone close to them – a teacher, coworker, family member, friend, boss, etc. – that they look to for inspiration and guidance. Sometimes this can even be a celebrity. Whoever the person may be, and for whatever reason, they inspire motivation and confidence in the watcher.

Verbal Encouragement

When a person gets encouragement from someone, especially their role model, it helps to boost their confidence and their belief in themselves. That’s why so many companies reward their employees with performance-based recognition and/or gifts. These companies know that a little recognition can go a long way in boosting the morale and efficiency of their staff.

Getting a boost from verbal encouragement is hardwired into the brain. It’s human nature to behave like that. The dopamine system in the brain is activated when a person gets a reward. This system then encourages the person to repeat the activity to get the reward again.

In fact, the dopamine system also provides you with a memory boost so you’ll remember exactly what you did to get the reward. This is a part of the human survival instinct. These days, we aren’t in survival mode, but the boost in self-confidence helps other areas of life.

Physical Feedback

Bandura wrote, “people experience sensations from their body, and how they perceive this emotional arousal influences their beliefs of efficacy.”

Your emotional, physical, and mental health affects everything you do. This includes being able to believe in yourself. For example, if you’re depressed, it can be hard to have self-confidence. If you’re fatigued or sick, you don’t have the energy to accomplish much, which can negatively affect your self-efficacy.

This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to have good self-efficacy when you’re not feeling your best. It just means it’s harder. Some people will excel no matter what. However, taking care of your health makes sense when you’re trying to push yourself to be great.

How to Build Efficacy in Yourself

You’ve already read about the number one influence on efficacy – past performances. It makes sense to start here when trying to build efficacy in yourself. However, to have past performances to reference, you must have performances. In other words, start challenging yourself!

Start by setting goals. They don’t need to be significant, grandiose goals. They can be small goals that are SMART. This is a popular acronym that is often used to achieve goals.

SMART Stands for:

S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Attainable
R – Relevant
T – Time-bound

Goals need to be specific so you know exactly what you’re aiming for. You should be able to answer the five W’s when it comes to your goals: who is involved, where is it located, what do you want to achieve, why you want to achieve it, and which resources you need to achieve it.

A goal is measurable if you’re able to track your progress. It could be a quantity, period, or another measurable unit.

A goal isn’t a good goal if it’s out of the realm of possibility for you. For example, you can’t aim to be a millionaire in a month. That’s just not realistic. When setting an attainable goal, remember to make it make sense.

A goal needs to be relevant to you and your situation. There should be some reason for wanting or needing to achieve the goal. The goal should make your life better in some way.

And finally, you need to give yourself a time frame to achieve the goal. Not having a set amount of time to reach your goal is a great way to give yourself an excuse to not achieve it.

These criteria ensure you set reasonable goals. If you use this acronym when setting your goals, you’ll be much more likely to achieve them because the acronym keeps you organized. SMART is essentially a roadmap to creating past performances for you to pull from when building efficacy in yourself.

Final Thoughts on Self-Efficacy

The study provided proof of a theory that researchers and scientists have had for a long time. Building self-efficacy is internal – a person can increase it or decrease it all on their own. Sure, there are outside influences, but ultimately, it’s based on how the person feels about themself.

If you’re a person who struggles with self-efficacy, don’t wait another minute before you start building it up. Set goals – small ones. Get up on time. Iron your clothes today. Start a gym membership (even if you don’t work out today).

The achievement of any goal, even small ones, is enough to help you start believing in yourself. Eventually, you’ll feel that you can do anything, and your efficacy in yourself will be higher than ever.

Seattle Mariners Adopted a Team Mascot Dog to Save Its Life

September 7, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

The Seattle Mariners baseball team decided to adopt a mascot to boost team spirit. More importantly, they wanted to save a 4-year-old Labrador retriever mix from being euthanized. So, they didn’t hesitate to adopt the beautiful dog, whom they named Tucker.

Fans instantly adored the team mascot and the story behind his adoption. He became so popular that the team decided to make social media pages for him. They regularly update the pages with photos and videos of the loving dog. Fans enjoy following his journey and seeing how a typical day in Tucker’s life unfolds.

The Seattle Mariners also use Tucker’s social media pages to remind fans that many animals need homes forever. Like Tucker, they’re in danger of euthanasia if shelters can’t find someone to adopt them. Pets require great care and attention, but they have much love to give in return.

According to the baseball team, their new mascot will only represent the team and not fetch discarded bats or foul balls. Of course, like most retrievers, he immensely enjoys chasing after balls! However, he would most likely distract the team and fans by retrieving balls during the game. So, he will settle for cuddling with fans and his new teammates.

A Twitter post written by the mascot known as the Mariners pup said, “My name’s Tucker, I’m a 4-year-old lab/retriever mix and I was just adopted by the @Mariners clubhouse from OkanDogs! I am going to get to hang out at the ballpark all the time, travel with the squad and enjoy my very own unlimited supply of baseballs. It does not get better than this!”

My name’s Tucker, I’m a 4-year-old lab/retriever mix and I was just adopted by the @Mariners clubhouse from OkanDogs!

I’m gonna get to hang out at the ballpark all the time, travel with the squad and enjoy my very own unlimited supply of baseballs. Doesn’t get better than this! pic.twitter.com/F2KdirlDXO

— Tucker the Mariners Pup (@MarinersPup) August 6, 2022

Seattle Mariners Adopt a Team Mascot From OkanDogs

OkanDogs is an animal rescue service located in the Okanogan region of Washington. The organization’s vast geographic area offers very few animal resources. No humane societies, shelters, or county animal control officers exist to serve the area’s needs.

The OkanDogs website states, “It is out of this need OkanDogs came into being in 2014. We strive to locate the dogs, get them, fix them, and transport them to partner rescue organizations with the resources to relocate them to good homes.

“We ensure all of them are inoculated, spay/neutered, and microchipped. We provide free spaying for mama dogs when entrusted with a litter. We also have a donor-based Emergency Vet Fund to help injured and sick dogs that are indigent or stray.”

Jan and Tom Short opened the nonprofit in response to the woefully lacking animal services in greater North Central Washington. Since no public money gets allocated to animal shelters, they need they would have to rely on private donations. However, many residents stepped up to contribute to the cause and save stray animals.

So far, thousands of dogs have a better life thanks to OkanDogs, which provides funding, medical care, and adoption services. Puppies comprise two-thirds of the dog intakes at Okandogs, and most of them get adopted. Thanks to the Seattle Mariners adopting their mascot, Tucker became one of those success stories!

The organization’s adoption rate nears 100%, thanks to the careful selection of transfer partners who prioritize local dogs. In addition, the animal service boasts a near-zero euthanasia rate and overall fatality rate.

Due to their rapid response and exceptional care of dogs in need, OkanDogs has earned the community’s trust. As the organization expands, followers and supporters continue to grow as well.

The Seattle Mariners seem to approve of their work, as evidenced by the new mascot! If you live in the Okanogan region of Washington, consider stopping by the shelter to show your support. You can adopt an adorable rescue dog like Tucker, foster an animal, or volunteer at the facility.

Five Other Ways to Help Your Local Animal Shelter

How else can you help if you want to get involved with pet rescue?

1. Walk the Shelter Dogs.

Dogs require daily exercise, but shelter staff often struggle to walk all the dogs. Volunteers can help bridge that gap by taking dogs on walks, and almost anyone can do it. As long as you feel confident behind a leash and don’t have a fear of dogs, shelters could use your help. Plus, walking dogs will benefit your physical health as well.

2. Feed the Animals.

Shelters also have difficulty feeding animals and welcome any assistance they can get. Simply filling bowls with water and food can help immensely and allow staff to perform other duties. Also, providing animal care can feel rewarding and help you form a connection with shelter animals.

3. Groom the Animals.

Think of how fulfilled you would feel if a dog you cared for became a team mascot or family pet. Brushing and grooming the animals increases their chances of adoption, as most people want a well-maintained pet to take home. Not to mention, a well-maintained animal will feel more comfortable and happy during their time in the shelter.

4. Clean the Kennels.

While some people consider cleaning kennels a dirty job, someone must do it. Keeping kennels free of debris and waste ensures that diseases won’t spread throughout the shelter. Most importantly, maintaining the kennel provides animals with a clean area to enjoy.

5. Give the Cats Cuddles.

Being in a shelter for extended periods can cause stress for many animals. Even if shelters provide exceptional care, animals still feel anxious due to the unfamiliar, noisy environment. However, cuddling relieves stress and encourages cats to socialize, helping them become more adoptable.

Final Thoughts on a Mascot Dog Who Got a Second Chance

The Seattle Mariners decided to adopt a mascot dog named Tucker to save it from euthanasia. The team gave the beautiful Labrador retriever mix a second chance while spreading awareness about needy animals. Fans seem to adore the loving 4-year-old dog and enjoy cuddling with him at games!

The team mascot doesn’t fetch foul balls, but he represents the team by simply being himself. He brightens his teammates’ lives in addition to his supporters, and the team feels grateful to have him around.

What Are Your Turnoffs According to Your Zodiac Sign?

September 6, 2022 by Chris Butler

Have you ever wondered why some people irritate you more than others? Even when attracted, their personality or actions are turnoffs in relationships. You may be surprised to discover that these pet peeves may connect to your zodiac sign.

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if you could see your perfect match in a crystal ball? While that’s not probable, you can learn by matching your Zodiac signs. Here are the twelve astrological signs and the things that irritate them the most.

1. Aries: March 21 – April 19

Symbol: Ram
Position: 0-30 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Fire
Ruling Planet: Mars

Aries Turnoffs in Relationships:

•Underestimation: Aries are usually natural leaders, and they know how to accomplish their goals. If the Ram is your sign, a romantic attraction may fizzle if your person of interest underestimates your abilities. You are intelligent and hardworking and resent anyone who doubts you.

•Ignoring You: While you’re not an attention-hogging narcissist, you will not allow others to ignore you. When your significant other puts you last on their priority list, the chances are that you’ll be irate. Not paying you enough attention is one of those turnoffs that could break the attraction.

•Not Listening: You are a good communicator, Aries, and you practice active listening. People who constantly interrupt you and don’t listen to what you’re saying only invite your frustration. Being cut off in the middle of a sentence brings the Aries fire out in you, as it’s one of your turnoffs.

2. Taurus: April 20 – May 20

Symbol: Bull
Position: 30-60 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Earth
Ruling Planet: Venus

Taurus Turnoffs:

•Messing with your schedule: Taurus, you’re a fixed sign, thriving with order and routine. Nothing makes you see red more than a chronically late person or someone who disrupts your schedule. You often have difficulties with change, and you don’t do well with surprises.

•Wastefulness: You may be more money-driven than some of the other signs, but you’re also frugal. People who throw money away on frivolous things won’t stay in your good graces, as it’s one of your turnoffs. You can’t stand when people waste your time, either.

3. Gemini: May 21 – June 20

Symbol: Twins
Position: 60-90 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Air
Ruling Planet: Mercury

Gemini Turnoffs in Relationships:

•Boredom: According to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, boredom stems from frustration and depression. For you, variety is the spice of life, and monotony won’t do. Anyone in a relationship with a Gemini like you must be spontaneous and adventurous for things to work.

•No communication: Your dual Gemini nature makes you even more talkative than some of the other signs. You thrive on meaningful communication and get miffed when someone gives you the silent treatment. Introverts and people of few words are one of your biggest turnoffs.

•Lecturing: Gemini is free to air spirits and doesn’t appreciate being lectured by anyone, especially a lover. You want the freedom to make your own mistakes and not have anyone hold you back. Those who hound you about something make you even more stubborn and independent.

4. Cancer: June 21-July 22

Symbol: Crab
Position: 90-120 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Water
Ruling Body: Luna, Earth’s Moon

Cancer Turnoffs:

•Criticism: Anyone who has an attraction to a Cancer must understand your emotional side. Like the phases of the moon, your moods are apt to be ever-changing. So, even the slightest criticism can hurt your self-esteem, as it’s one of your turnoffs.

•Being Stoic: As an emotional sign, it’s difficult for you to understand people who can’t or won’t show their feelings. It can come across to you as cold, uncaring, and apathetic. It’s not a characteristic you find appealing in a friend or lover.

5. Leo: July 23 – Aug. 22

Symbol: Lion
Position: 120-150 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Fire
Ruling Body: The Sun

Leo Turnoffs in Relationships:

•Public Confrontation: It makes as much sense to challenge a roaring lion as to try to confront a Leo publicly. While you can be understanding and patient, you’re outraged if a person hurts your pride. They’ll quickly get to see the fabled Leo temper.

•Being Controlled: Although some signs can naturally be submissive, Leo isn’t one of them. You’re used to doing things your way and resent others trying to boss and manipulate you. One of those turnoffs would make you lose attraction for a potential mate.

6. Virgo: Aug. 23 – Sept. 22

Symbol: The Maiden
Position: 150-180 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Earth
Ruling Planet: Mercury

Virgo Turnoffs:

•Laziness: Doing a job well is a passion for you, Virgo, and you tend to be a perfectionist. Likewise, you expect a love interest to have pride in what they do and an excellent work ethic. Those who fall short of the mark turn you off quickly.

•Bothering Your Things: You are a born organizer, and you believe in a place for everything and everything in its place. Perhaps a few things make you angrier than somebody messing with your stuff. While you’re not stingy, people taking liberties with your possessions is intolerable for you.

7. Libra: Sept. 23 – Oct. 22

Symbol: Set of Scales
Position: 180-210 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Air
Ruling Planet: Venus

Turnoffs for a Venus:

•Pushiness: Air signs like Libra are fond of their rights and independence. One of your biggest turnoffs is a bossy or pushy person. You have a superb eye for detail and planning and don’t appreciate someone trying to control your life.

•Judgmental People: Just because your symbol of scales is synonymous with justice doesn’t mean you’re judgmental. You strive for peace and harmony and resent those who constantly judge others. They aren’t likely to become part of your inner circle or be a love interest.

8. Scorpio: Oct. 23 – Nov. 21

Symbol: Scorpion
Position: 210-240 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Water
Ruling Planet: Pluto

Relationship Turnoffs for Scorpio:

•Insecurity: Scorpio is one of the Zodiac signs that values self-confidence and positivity. These are characteristics that draw you to other people. However, those who are insecure and pessimistic make you turn away quickly.

•Liars: According to an article published by the University of Pennsylvania, honesty is a virtue that most people want in a relationship. Scorpios are solidly loyal, and you expect the same from a friend or mate. You won’t tolerate lying, and dishonest people usually don’t get a second chance from you.

9. Sagittarius: Nov. 22 – Dec. 21

Symbol: The Archer
Position: 240-270 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Fire
Ruling Planet: Jupiter

Sagittarius Turnoffs:

•People with No Sense of Humor: When folks search for a Zodiac sign for humor, they’ll be pleased with you, Sagittarius. You’re always good for a laugh, and you often bring levity to a tense situation. However, you don’t belong with a pessimist or someone humorless who can’t take a kind joke.

•Emotionally Needy People: It’s easy to be attracted to a Sagittarius like you. That’s because you’re one of the friendliest Zodiac signs. However, that doesn’t mean you want to hear them whine all the time. You’re a generous friend and close lover, but you won’t be anyone’s emotional dumping ground.

10. Capricorn: Dec. 22 – Jan. 19

Symbol: Mythical Creature Half Goat/Half Fish
Position: 270-300 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Earth
Ruling Planet: Saturn

Turnoffs for a Capricorn:

•Those Who Take Advantage: You work hard for what you have, Capricorn, and expect others to do the same. While you are a generous friend and mate, you won’t let people take you for granted. Nobody is going to be a mooch on your time or your dime.

•Pettiness: You have a Capricorn work ethic and are highly motivated and focused. Therefore, you can’t tolerate having your life interrupted by somebody’s pettiness. You see such drama as immature, and you want nothing to do with it.

11. Aquarius: Jan. 20 – Feb. 18

Symbol: Water Bearer
Position: 300-330 celestial longitude
Element: Air
Ruling Planet: Uranus

Turnoffs for Aquarius:

•Narcissists: As an Aquarian, you’re a born advocate, and you can’t understand self-absorbed people. You are a tireless worker for human rights and making your world a better place. While you’re one of the most open Zodiac signs, you have no tolerance for narcissistic personalities in relationships.

•Clingy People: You are a loyal friend and significant other. However, you’re an air sign, and you need the freedom to breathe. Emotional clingy people zap your energy and get on your nerves in no time.

12. Pisces: Feb. 19 – March 20

Symbol: Fish
Position: 330-360 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Water
Ruling Planet Neptune

Turnoffs for Pisces:

•Inflexibility: Your symbol of Pisces is a double fish, which means you can go either way the water takes you. You’re resilient and adaptive to change and need the same in a friend or partner. Those who can’t be flexible will only frustrate you.

•Ungratefulness: You’re a compassionate sign, Pisces, and you are often the first to count your blessings. However, you are quickly turned off by people who aren’t grateful. If they can’t appreciate you and the things you do, they probably won’t have a chance with you.

Final Thoughts on Turnoffs According to Your Astrological Sign

Like a magnet, some characteristics and actions attract and repel people. While your astrological sign generalizes your personality, it can help you interpret what turns you off about others. The more you know about yourself, the more you can find those who complement you.

Stop Chasing Happiness, and Let It Find You

September 6, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

Happiness is the thing that everyone wants to achieve. But our mistake as humans is chasing happiness instead of living life and letting happiness find us. This has been the trap people have fallen into for thousands of years. Undoubtedly, we will continue that path. But you always have the opportunity to turn things around and become one of the happy people.

But people have a hard time living in the present because it goes against everything we’ve ever been taught. Since we were small, our parents told us we needed to plan our future. Otherwise, our lives won’t have meaning. Of course, this socially imposed trade-off scares most people. Thus, it forced them to start living just for the future. We believe that we will never find happiness unless we can get that dream job or build a perfect family.

But that’s false. Happiness is and has always been subjective. Even though society tells us that having a stable, traditional life will make us happy, that doesn’t apply to everyone. Some people find pure happiness in traveling or giving back to their communities. But we can’t find that true happiness because we are always chasing happiness. We are chasing an ideal that will never happen in reality. If you want a better, more fulfilled life, allow happiness to find you.

What Is True Happiness?

If you take some time to reflect, you’ll see that the moments that made you truly happy were the unplanned ones. You were probably happier when someone gave you a thoughtful gift than when you got that promotion you were working towards. That’s because you cannot force joy. Sure, you’ll feel good when you’ll get promoted. But chasing happiness taints the experiences you go through.

True happiness comes from within. It’s when you are entirely at peace with who you are and what your life looks like. It can’t be dependent on external factors. That’s why dreams and aspirations can even stop you from achieving true happiness. Because it sets a standard, you won’t be happy if you fail to meet it. People are taught that happiness is a final destination. That once you tick certain boxes, you reach true happiness.

But the journey you are on gives this feeling. You might find that you are happier when working on a project than when you finish it. It’s also impossible to feel satisfied all the time. And it would be best if you didn’t strive towards that either. If all you ever think is happiness, it will lose its essence. Over time, joy will turn into numbness. We only feel happy because we can compare it to the sadness and pain we once felt.

If not for those negative emotions, happiness wouldn’t mean anything. If you’ve never been sick, you’ll never be grateful that you’re healthy. Most people also fall into the trap of believing that the traditional view of a good life will bring them joy. All their worries will disappear if they get a high-paying job and a lovely house. But chasing happiness of that kind is more likely to bring you disappointment.

More likely than not, you won’t be able to materialize what you visualize. And that’s not because you aren’t good enough. It’s because there aren’t enough upper management jobs and white-picket fence houses for everyone. Plus, many people would hate to live that kind of life, even if they don’t realize it at first. Even if you think that’s your dream, you could get trapped. Happiness is subjective, and no one has a say in telling you what yours should look like. If you want to learn how to stop chasing happiness, here’s how to do it.

How to Stop Chasing Happiness and Let It Find You

Try these new habits to increase your joy in life.

1. Happy People Learn to Live with Gratitude

Gratitude is a fundamental brick if you want your life to have a solid foundation. But when you chase happiness, you forget to take a step and be grateful for what you have. Not only that, but most people don’t understand the value of gratitude. They see it as something with no psychological benefits. Essentially, most people believe gratitude is a hoax.

But gratitude is not a hoax. It’s a positive psychology practice that can help you change your mindset. Unhappy people struggle because they believe only big, shiny things can make them happy. But gratitude will teach you that you can find beauty and joy in even the most minor things. Gratitude is simply the practice of appreciating and being thankful for what you have in your life.

Some people are naturally inclined to be grateful. However, others need to practice to be able to internalize the practice. You can express gratitude in many ways. But the easiest thing you can do is to start considering what you have in your life. Take a moment to reflect on everything that’s happened to you until now, good or bad. This way, you’ll remember how many good things have happened to you.

You will also see how many things you ignored, even if they were good moments. You can also learn to be grateful for the present. When you stop chasing happiness, you’ll forget that the opportunities you get shouldn’t be taken for granted. You tend to do things on autopilot, and you don’t stop to cherish what you have until you reach your end goal. But when you practice gratitude, you give yourself time to celebrate every achievement, no matter how small it seems.

This mindset also helps you have a brighter future. When you practice gratitude, you learn that good things can come in all forms. This allows you to stay optimistic instead of overthinking your every move. This is how you let happiness come to you. Instead of forcing good things to happen, you take whatever good you can get, however it might come.

Practicing gratitude comes in many forms. But one of the easiest things you can do is keep a gratitude journal. Every day, write down a few things you are thankful for or that made you happy. In time, gratitude will become something you do unconsciously. This will reduce your depression, help you face adversity, and even improve your physical strength.

2. Live Your Life the Way You Want to Instead of Chasing Happiness in an Unachievable Ideal

When you chase happiness, you unconsciously live your life by others’ standards. You do things because you think they will fulfill you, not because you want to. So, to stop chasing other people’s dreams, you need to figure out what yours are. One way to discover what you want to do in life is to explore and try new things. Maybe you’re not ready to quit your job and travel, and that’s fair.

But you can try that thing you’ve always wanted to try. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try rock climbing, but you’ve always thought it was an insane thought. But if you want to live your life to the fullest, go rock climbing if that’s what you want. It doesn’t matter if other people tell you that it won’t do you any good. Your life is not theirs, and you should live it however you want.

You also need to understand what your needs and values are. Maybe you were taught that marrying is the only way to have a happy relationship. But that doesn’t mean it’s what will make you happy. You might need to be with someone who gives you more freedom than marriage. Maybe you were taught that traveling the world wastes time and money.

But it might be precisely what you need to find true happiness. Understanding yourself will allow you to stop chasing happiness. When you live your life the way you want to, you won‘t be longing for anything else. Sure, you’ll still want to achieve things. But those things will be extras, not the core of your fulfillment.

3. Surround Yourself with the People You Love

Most people live their life believing that having many friends automatically means being happy. Because of that, they always try to make new friends and can even become people-pleasers. Chasing happiness through trying to surround yourself with loads of people is bound to take a toll on you.

To be truly satisfied, you should always take quality over quantity when it comes to people. Sure, it can be nice to have many friends. But those aren’t friends you can rely on. Your friendship is probably circumstantial, and you put too much effort into maintaining the connection. Plus, you probably still have people in your life who do nothing else but hurt you.

Even if you think that many people will make you happy, they will only drain you of energy. Some of them might even hurt and betray you. Please keep your circle small and tight. Stop chasing happiness through people. Instead, surround yourself with people who will support and love you, not just go out with you. These are the happy people who will make your life more stable. They won’t hurt you and will always help you reach your true potential.

Final Thoughts on How to Stop Chasing Happiness and Let It Find You

Happiness is something that everyone wants. But most people think that chasing happiness is how you get it. Indeed, that will only put hurdles in your way. If you view happiness as an end goal, you’ll never be satisfied until everything is how you pictured. You need to allow happiness to find you.

This way, you can be present and find happiness in even the most minor things. One of the best things you can do is to practice gratitude. This will help you learn to be thankful and live in the present. You also need to stop living your life how others want you to. Just because society tells you that your life should look a certain way, it doesn’t mean that lifestyle will fit you, happiness is subjective and you need to start living as authentically as possible.

Lastly, you keep the company with those who genuinely bring you joy. You’ll find that when you stop chasing happiness, you’ll join the ranks of those happy people.

New Technology Can Reduce Pain Without Addictive Opioids

September 6, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Northwestern University researchers have developed a revolutionary device that can reduce pain without addictive opioids. The small, flexible implant offers an alternative to harmful opioids and pain-relieving medicines.

The unique water-soluble device works by softly enveloping nerves to transmit targeted cooling. This effectively numbs the nerves and inhibits pain signals to the brain. An external pump allows patients to activate the device remotely and choose their desired intensity. After the user no longer needs the device, the body absorbs it, eliminating the need for surgery.

Researchers say the device could provide the most value for patients requiring regular surgeries. Also, it could benefit those who need amputations since patients require opioids. Surgeons could implant a biocompatible device during the surgery to reduce pain in patients.

The study was published in the July 1 issue of the journal Science. The paper explains the design and efficacy of the technology in an animal model.

“Although opioids are extremely effective, they also are extremely addictive,” said Northwestern’s John A. Rogers, the device’s lead developer. “As engineers, we are motivated by the idea of treating pain without drugs — in ways that can be turned on and off instantly, with user control over the intensity of relief.”

“The technology reported here exploits mechanisms that have some similarities to those that cause your fingers to feel numb when cold. Our implant allows that effect to be produced in a programmable way, directly and locally to targeted nerves, even those deep within surrounding soft tissues,” he added.

How the New Technology Can Reduce Pain Without Medications

While the device sounds like something out of a sci-fi novel, it uses a simple methodology. Like sweat evaporates and lowers body temperature, the device utilizes a liquid coolant to evaporate near a sensory nerve. By targeting the nerves that signal pain, the device disrupts communication between the nerve and the brain.

“As you cool down a nerve, the signals that travel through the nerve become slower and slower — eventually stopping completely,” said study co-author Dr. Matthew MacEwan of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “We are specifically targeting peripheral nerves, which connect your brain and your spinal cord to the rest of your body. These are the nerves that communicate sensory stimuli, including pain. By delivering a cooling effect to just one or two targeted nerves, we can effectively modulate pain signals in one specific region of the body.”

To create a cooling effect, the device contains small microfluidic channels. One channel utilizes a liquid coolant, perfluoropentane, an already approved ingredient for ultrasounds and pressurized inhalers.

Another channel contains dry nitrogen, an inactive gas. When the liquid and gas combine, it causes a reaction where the liquid immediately evaporates. At the same time, a small sensor measures the nerve’s temperature to ensure it’s not getting too cold.

“Excessive cooling can damage the nerve and the fragile tissues around it,” Rogers said. “The duration and temperature of the cooling must therefore be controlled precisely. By monitoring the temperature at the nerve, the flow rates can be adjusted automatically to set a point that blocks pain in a reversible, safe manner. On-going work seeks to define the full set of time and temperature thresholds below which the process remains fully reversible.”

The Device Can Reduce Pain More Effectively Than Past Technologies

Scientists in the past have developed several other cooling methods and nerve inhibitors. However, they all had certain deficiencies that the latest device seemed to conquer. For instance, cryotherapies require injecting nitrogen or argon gas into the skin to remove unwanted tissues.

While it’s minimally invasive, it doesn’t target specific nerves as the new technology does. Instead, it cools a general tissue area, leading to tissue damage or inflammation.

Scientists wanted to avoid these unwanted side effects by creating a smaller device. Northwestern University researchers explained that their device measures just 5 mm wide.

One end curls to softly wrap around a nerve, eliminating the need for sutures. Since the device targets only the afflicted nerve, the implant avoids cooling nearby areas.

“You don’t want to inadvertently cool other nerves or the tissues that are unrelated to the nerve transmitting the painful stimuli,” MacEwan said. “We want to block the pain signals, not the nerves that control motor function and enable you to use your hand, for example.”

In the past, science also investigated nerve inhibitors that utilize electrical stimulation to reduce pain. However, these also have downsides. MacEwan said:

“You can’t shut down a nerve with electrical stimulation without activating it first. That can cause additional pain or muscle contractions and is not ideal, from a patient’s perspective.”

In addition to cooling only specific body areas, the device naturally absorbs into the body’s fluids within days or weeks. The bioresorbable device works similarly to absorbable stitches, causing no adverse side effects.

Best of all, it’s a minimally invasive technology that can reduce pain by eliminating surgical extraction. Finally, the device measures the thickness of a sheet of paper and flexes to wrap around highly reactive nerves. In summary, it’s ideal for pain relief in the simplest, most effective way possible.

“If you think about soft tissues, fragile nerves, and a body that’s in constant motion, any interfacing device must have the ability to flex, bend, twist and stretch easily and naturally,” Rogers said. “Furthermore, you would like the device to simply disappear after it is no longer needed, to avoid delicate and risky procedures for surgical removal.”

Final Thoughts on New Device That Can Reduce Pain Without Opioids

Researchers from Northwestern University recently created a small device that reduces pain without opioids. In the past, scientists have sought ways to cool nerves using methods such as cryotherapy. However, these treatments have disadvantages and harmful side effects, such as inflammation and tissue damage.

The latest device is a small, soft, elastic implant that wraps around nerves to deliver selective cooling. It doesn’t require surgical extraction and dissolves into the body’s fluids within days or weeks. Hopefully, we will see this technology take off soon and help reduce pain for many.

The Community

Our Free Community of Positively Powerful SuperFans

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!