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10 Signs of Reincarnation That Reveal You’ve Been Here Before

April 16, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Do you ever feel like you’ve been here before? Do you have flashes of a previous life that make you believe in reincarnation? Have you ever experienced the sensation that the French call déjà vu?

Could all these feelings be in your head, or is there something more to it? If you have ever experienced deja vu, then you’re in good company. Almost everyone around the world confesses they have felt it at least once in their lives.

There’s something mystical about visiting a place you’ve never been, and suddenly, everything seems strangely familiar. While many people may brush one instance off as a coincidence, when it continues to happen, then it’s worth investigating.

Is it possible that your eerie feelings of déjà vu are flashbacks of former lives, or is it merely the power of suggestion? The belief in reincarnation or transmigration is not a new-age trend as it’s been around for centuries.

Reincarnation has been a religious principle of Hinduism and other cultures for thousands of years. Could it be based on reality, and did you walk this earth as another human being in a different time?

10 Signs of Reincarnation

Ten signs your soul was here in a past life.

Whether or not you believe that you have lived before, you must admit that déjà vu can convince even the most skeptical person. Are you experiencing sights and events from a former life? Here are ten signs of reincarnation for your consideration.

1. Constant Feelings That You’ve Been Here or Done This Before

People who believe that they have been reincarnated often visit unfamiliar places and a sense that they have been there before. Does this sound like you? Perhaps, it’s a sense in your life that resonates with your memory as a repeated experience?

For some, the sense of déjà vu is so overpowering. They can navigate a foreign place by intuition. Many of them have described characteristics within the area with stunning accuracy. If this is you, perhaps your past is opening a window to your previous lives, and you have a glimpse inside.

2. You Feel Strange in Your Body

According to Hinduism, as well as several other religions, we live a succession of lifetimes to cleanse and strengthen our souls. Some may only reincarnate a few times until they achieve enlightenment, while others may experience thousands or more lives.

It is no surprise to believers that being uncomfortable in your body is one of the signs of reincarnation. Have you ever wondered why you sometimes feel strange sensations or relate to another person intimately?

Believers say that when you reincarnate, you can come back as another race or gender. Your rebirth depends on what is best for your soul plan. These sensations may explain why some people feel an affinity for a specific period or culture.

While medical science is baffled with sexual identification and transgenderism, it makes perfect sense to those who believe in past lives. Since many of your past lives may have been the opposite gender, it stands to reason that your soul would retain the collective experiences and emotions.

3. You’re an Old Soul

One of the symptoms of reincarnation is an unexplainable knowledge and passion for the past. Maybe you’ve always felt that you belonged to a different era or was “born out of your time.” These feelings may translate into enthusiasm for a certain historical period or culture, not your own.

Are you instinctively drawn to a place in time so much that just a mention of it transports your mind there? Could your obsession reflect the incarnation you were during that time? How else could you explain such passion and familiarity?

4. You Dream About Past Lives Vividly

Sure, we all have crazy dreams because of natural explanations. However, do you often have reoccurring dreams that stay in your mind? Some of these dreams can be so lucid; you wonder if they were past experiences through reincarnation.

For believers of reincarnation, your dreams are like stored videos of your past lives. Hindu belief explains that during transmigration, your soul is gradually moving to higher spiritual plains. Your dreams record your history and often replay as a reminder while you sleep.

5. You’re Plagued with Unexplainable Coincidences

It has been said that time and chance happen to everyone. Who hasn’t had a baffling episode in their lives that wasn’t chalked up to coincidence? You may call it serendipity if it happens occasionally, but what if unexplainable coincidences are normal for you?

Have you ever been in a situation and knew the outcome before it happened? Sometimes these odd coincidences work in your favor, other times not. If you have lived before, maybe you’ve experienced similar episodes, and they are not happenstances at all.

The Hindus and other transmigration believers say that what may seem a coincidence in your life may be the result of karma. Thoughts and actions in each incarnation are paid back in the next life, be they good or evil. This karmic cycle continues, they believe, until you are transformed onto a higher spiritual level.

6. You Have Unexplainable Abilities

It’s only human to be imaginative and transport ourselves in a “Walter Mitty way.” You might daydream of being a patron in the Library of Alexandria. However, what if your longings are so vivid that you can “see” yourself in the library and can almost read the parchments?

Have you ever had a strange word appear in your mind, and you are shocked to find it is a real word in a foreign language? There are documented cases around the world of people who started speaking languages they never knew or studied. You never know what culture you were in a past life, and you might be channeling some of that energy in this life.

7. Challenged by Irrational Fears

It’s not uncommon to have at least one phobia. No matter how small it may be, you may have things or situations in your life that you avoid at all costs. People spend millions of dollars each year working with therapists to overcome their fears.

While a traumatic event in early childhood can explain some phobias, others can’t be so easily identified. For example, you might have a paralyzing fear of water, which is known as hydrophobia. If you drowned in a past life, it might well explain why these residual fears crossed over in your present incarnation.

8. You Are Intuitive and Have A 6th Sense

Sensitivity to the spirit world means more than just being easily unnerved by strange occurrences. You may find that you rely on these intuitive feelings or sensitive nature to get through life. Some say that you are going by your gut feelings, but it’s way more than that.

Many people who go into helping careers are sensitive and highly empathetic. When they help others who are struggling, they readily identify with the emotions. Often, those who claim psychic abilities attribute them to their past life sensitivity.

9. You Have A Familiar Face or Feel as If You’ve Met Strangers Before

It’s easy for extroverts to meet new people and find common grounds for friendship. For some, the connection feels deeper, as if they had known the person previously. Is this your experience?

Maybe you knew or were related to the newly introduced person, and the meeting triggered memories of past lives. Many people experience an instant rapport with strangers and share stories that are eerily similar.

Those who believe in reincarnation say that this phenomenon occurs because you are often surrounded by the same people as your lives progress. Whether these people are in a different incarnation or not, your souls identify with your persistent link.

10. You Believe You Walked This Earth Before

Award-winning actress, Shirley McClain, has been an outspoken supporter of transmigration, regardless of how skeptics mock her. She has written several best-selling books about reincarnation, and she has been candid about discovering her past lives.

You don’t need to be a celebrity or belong to any specific religion to believe in transmigration. These matters of the heart transcend believing, and only you know whether or not it’s true.

For you, the knowledge of your past lives is inherent, and like McClain, you won’t be swayed from your belief in reincarnation. Such a deep-rooted conviction may not be coincidental. In the progression of your lives and karmic plights, you may have known the truth all along.

Final Thoughts: Making Peace with The Past in Your Present Reincarnation

Have you experienced a few or all these symptoms of reincarnation and always had a hunch it was real? Through past life regression with a trained practitioner, you may discover fascinating lives you lived in the past.

Your past lives may answer many of the questions and problems you are experiencing in the present. If you are experiencing signs of reincarnation, then you should speak with an expert to help them delve into the mystery and uncover your truths.

20 Friendly Quotes to Share with Someone You Like

April 16, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Friendly quotes can be shared with everyone in your life, especially your friends. These quotes should be shared with someone you like, a person who can appreciate them.

From motivation to humor, there are quotes for everyone and every situation. You know what your friends need to read, so be sure to pass along the relevant ones.

These friendly quotes are intended to inspire and bring a smile to someone’s face.

Friendly Quotes to Share with Someone You Like

Share these friendly quotes with co-workers or friends when they need some encouragement.

1. “The best kind of friendships are fierce lady friendships where you aggressively believe in each other, defend each other, and think the other deserves the world.” – Unknown

When you consider yourself a friend to someone else, you do what you can to support them. This may mean defending them, empowering them and fully believing that they deserve greatness.

2. “…successful creations grow most predictably when they tap into a small network of people who do not see themselves as mainstream, but rather bound by an idea or commonality that they consider special. People have all day to talk about what makes them ordinary. It turns out that they want to share what makes them weird.” – Derek Thompson, in Hit Makers: The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction

When people are alike, they tend to have some of the same unique characteristics. This is what brings them together. So, to find people that you vibe well with, find those who share the same ideas as you. As Thompson said, people want to talk about what makes them unique.

3. “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” –Dale Carnegie

By being friendly with others and showing interest in them, you can find yourself surrounded by great people. Otherwise, if you only try to get them to show interest in you, they’ll quickly lose interest.

4. “There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed.” – Ray Goforth

Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t make a difference. Each person can make an impact. The only thing that can stand in the way is fear.

5. “When you can’t look on the bright side, I will sit with you in the dark.” – Unknown

Find a person who will be there for you no matter how bad things get. Then, in return, make sure that you do the same in return when the time comes. There is no better way to be friendly than to be there in the hard times.

6. “Practice sharing the fullness of your being, your best self, your enthusiasm, your vitality, your spirit, your trust, your openness, above all, your presence. Share it with yourself, with your family, with the world.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn, in Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life

All that you are is important and perfect. Everyone is different, and that’s what makes life so exciting.Don’t hide who you are. Instead, share those unique parts of yourself with everyone you meet.

7. “View your life from your funeral: Looking back at your life experiences, what have you accomplished? What would you have wanted to accomplish but didn’t? What were the happy moments? What were the sad? What would you do again, and what wouldn’t you do?” – Victor Frankl

If you choose to view your life this way, you’ll find yourself living with fewer regrets. By reflecting on your past, you may be able to figure out what makes you happy and who matters the most.

8. “We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over; so in a series of kindnesses there is at least one which makes the heart run over.” – James Boswell

Each time you are kind to a person, you’re stepping closer to friendship. By being continually friendly, you’re starting the process that leads to a deeper connection.

9. Surround yourself with people who make you happy. People who make you laugh, who help you when you’re in need. People who genuinely care. They are the ones worth keeping in your life. Everyone else is just passing through. – Karl Marx

Focus on those who matter and those who care. Anyone else shouldn’t affect your well-being.

10. “Life is kind of like a party. You invite a lot of people … a few who stay to help you clean up the mess … they are the only ones who matter.” – Unknown

Take a mental note of those who will have fun with you and then help with the aftermath. Those are the people who truly care about you. The ones who left after the fun was over should not affect your life or happiness.

11. Your work isn’t to change who you are; it’s to find people who are able to give you the connection you need. Because despite what you feel, you are not too much. You are not too sensitive or too needy. You are thoughtful and empathetic. You are compassionate and kind. And with or without anyone’s acknowledgment or affection, you are enough. – Daniell Koepke

Rather than change to fit with those around you, find people who understand you are enough as you are. You need a real connection, not a false connection from a person who only wishes you were different. Once you find friendly people who accept you as you are, you will know where you belong.

12. “Share your love, share your happiness, care for others; your wealth will be endless.” – Debasish Mridha

Don’t hold back. Love others, spread happiness, and look out for the well-being of others. With all of this, you’ll feel incredibly prosperous.

13. “Each and everyone of us is powerful because we all have the ability to contribute with our little grain of sand to help heal the world.” – Unknown

Everyone is important. You can make a difference, no matter how small.

14. We need people in our lives with whom we can be as open as possible. To have real conversations with people may seem like such a simple, obvious suggestion, but it involves courage and risk. – Thomas Moore

Having someone to tell your thoughts and concerns can make all the difference. You’ll always feel alone if you don’t find someone you can be open with.

15. “Some talk to you in their free time and some free their time to talk to you. Learn the difference.” – Unknown

It can be hard giving your all to every relationship in your life. Remember that just because you are friendly with someone doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice for that relationship.
Think of all of those you are friendly with and consider if they talk to you whenever they can. Otherwise, they likely only reach out when they have a moment.
Some relationships are best when both parties are equal. So, show the same level of friendliness, but don’t sacrifice for those who don’t free their time for you.

16. “Power isn’t control at all – power is strength, and giving that strength to others. A leader isn’t someone who forces others to make him stronger; a leader is someone willing to give his strength to others that they may have the strength to stand on their own.” – Beth Revis

Be strong for others, and show them that they can be strong on their own, too. As Revis said, the best way to be a friend who leads is to teach them to stand strong.

17. “One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.” – Shannon L. Alder

Never let those you care about feel like they are alone. Everyone needs a friend, so if you see a need, fill it. Being friendly to everyone can make the world a better place. This is one of the most necessary friendly quotes to keep hand when you need to cheer up a pal.

18. “Think of what you have rather than of what you lack. Of the things you have, select the best and then reflect how eagerly you would have sought them if you did not have them.” – Marcus Aurelius

Sometimes, it’s necessary to think about all of the things you have and what you would be without them. If you had to go without some of the things you have now, think about if you would work hard to get them back. It can help you understand how blessed you already are.

19. “Do not leave any fruits in your tree of life, extend your hand and take everything that belongs to you, if you end up with extra share with someone that is in need.” – Unknown

Don’t let things go to waste. If there is too much for you, give it to someone in need. There will always be someone who can use what you have plenty of.

20. “Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes.” – Henry David Thoreau

Having friends across the globe helps to realize how big the world is. They’re what makes the world what it is for you.

Final Thoughts On Friendly Quotes to Share with Someone You Like

As you read these quotes, you likely had some specific friends in mind. Instead of simply thinking of them, make sure to share these friendly quotes.

20 Positiveness Quotes Everyone Needs to Read Today

April 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Everyone can use some help with positive thinking once in a while. Luckily, there are plenty of positiveness quotes in existence to help with that.

No matter the state of the world, mental funks happen. You’ll find yourself thinking negatively and struggle to snap out of it.

That’s where these positiveness quotes come into play. They’ll help to lift you and encourage positive thinking in no time.

Positiveness Quotes Everyone Needs to Read

1. “The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude”. – Oprah Winfrey

If you don’t like the direction your life is going, reflect on your attitude. It can make all the difference when wanting to change your path.

By having a positive attitude, you’ll find more positivity coming your way. This will likely lead to more success, a happier life, and just more positive thoughts and feelings overall.

2. “Discipline your mind to think positively. Discipline your mind to see the good in every situation and look on the best side of every event.” – Roy T. Bennett

Even when things don’t go the way you’d hoped, look for the positive in the situation. By training yourself to think this way, you’ll never be let down. You can find good in everything if you just look.

3. “Positive thinking is more than just a tagline. It changes the way we behave. And I firmly believe that when I am positive, it not only makes me better, but it also makes those around me better.” – Harvey Mackay

With positive thinking, you’ll quickly find yourself exhibiting more happiness and optimism. Others will notice because it truly changed you. Not only will they notice, but they’ll likely be showing more positivity, too, the more they are around you.

4. “Love yourself. It is important to stay positive because beauty comes from the inside out.” – Jenn Proske

By being positive, you’re showing yourself love. With that, you’ll also be showing your inner beauty. Positivity has a way of doing that to a person. Of all the positiveness quotes, this might be the one most of us need to hear.

5. We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses. – Abraham Lincoln

It is all about the way you choose to look at the situation. Looking at it one way can lead to disappointment, but looking at it positively is different. Positivity can help you see the good rather than the bad.

6. “Having a positive mental attitude is asking how something can be done rather than saying it can’t be done.” – Bo Bennett

There is always a way, no matter how impossible it may seem. When you run into a problem, think positively to figure out how to accomplish it.

Don’t give up, because with a positive attitude, anything is possible.

7. “In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact.” – Les Brown

Remember that each minute is a new chance to change your attitude. If you find yourself being negative, turn it around, and be positive in the next minute. It’s easy to change your mindset, and your mindset can change everything.

8. “Natural ability is important, but you can go far without it if you have the focus, drive, desire, and positive attitude.” – Kirsten Sweetland

As Sweetland says, while natural talent is important, it is also important to have a positive attitude. With positivity, focus, drive, and some natural ability, success is yours.

Even the most talented people will be held back if they are missing any of those things. Success is dependent on more than just ability.

9. “If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” – Vincent Van Gogh

This can be applied to anything in life, not just painting. If you hear an inner voice saying you can’t do something, then do it anyway.

It’s the only way to stop that negative voice in your head. Use this chance to do what you’re telling yourself can’t be done. It’ll foster positive thinking next time.

10. “If you have a positive attitude and constantly strive to give your best effort; eventually you will overcome your immediate problems and find you are ready for greater challenges.” – Pat Riley

Tackling problems with a positive attitude can make all the difference in working them out. By being positive and trying your best, you’ll get through the struggle and be ready to face what’s next.

11. “A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, and it sparks extraordinary results.” – Wade Boggs

The only way to know for sure is to give it a try. Train yourself to think positively and see how quickly the results change.

12. “Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you.” – Mary Lou Retton

Positivity is noticed by others, and other people want that in their lives, too. This is what makes them drawn to it. You’ll be blessed with good things, and people who also want to be positive will want to be in your life.

13. “Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” – Willie Nelson

Your mindset can control everything in your life. If you’re always having negative thoughts, life and everything in it will seem bad. With positive thoughts, however, you’ll begin to see the good.

14. “Life is about accepting the challenges along the way, choosing to keep moving forward, and savoring the journey.” – Roy T. Bennett

You can accept any challenge if you have a positive mindset. Those who think this way know that there is always a way through. Continuing to move forward is the only thing that can be done, so enjoy every bit of it.

15. “Being positive is like going up a mountain. Being negative is like sliding down a hill. A lot of times, people want to take the easy way out, because it’s basically what they’ve understood throughout their lives.” – Chuck D

It’s not always easy being positive in tough situations. Negativity may seem like the easier option. Unfortunately, you’ll never get to see what could have happened if you take the easy way out.

16. “Positive energy knows no boundaries. If everyone were to spread positive energy on the Internet, the world would be a much better place.” – Lu Wei

The positivity of one can spread to another. If this happened on a large scale, like on the internet, the entire world could be reached.

17. “You can’t make positive choices for the rest of your life without an environment that makes those choices easy, natural, and enjoyable.” – Deepak Chopra

Positivity is hard to achieve when surrounded by negativity. If your environment doesn’t allow you to enjoy being positive, it’s time to change your environment. Once you do that, positive thinking should come easily and naturally, as Chopra stated.

18. “Live your days on the positive side of life, in tune with your most treasured values. And in each moment, you’ll have much to live for.” – Ralph Marston

If you continually think of the positive things you truly love and care about, you’ll be happier all the time. This will help you see how blessed you are.

19. “Commitment, belief, and positive attitude are all important if you’re going to be a success, whether you’re in sports, in business, or, as in my case, anthropology.” – Donald Johanson

It doesn’t matter the field that you’re looking for success in. The things that do matter are having a positive attitude and staying committed. Once you focus on that, you’ll find yourself reaching your goals, at least getting closer to them.

20. “Positiveness means; More smiling, less worrying, more compassion, less judgment, more blessed, less stressed, more love, less hate. More faith, less fear.” – Roy Bennett

When you think of it this way, positivity sounds like the best mindset to be in. You’ll experience less worry, judgment, stress, hate, and fear. In return, you’ll also smile more, be more compassionate and blessed, and experience more love.

With these extreme differences, it makes the change from negativity to positivity so much easier. Stop living in a negative mindset and bask in the benefits of positivity.

Final Thoughts on Positiveness Quotes Everyone Needs to Read Today

Positivity can be achieved by anyone, as long as they are willing to change their mindset. Switching from a negative mindset to a positive one can be as simple as changing your environment. If changing your environment doesn’t help, then training yourself to think differently will.

These positiveness quotes can help with that. They can help you see the benefits of the mindset change, and they can get you some encouragement.

By focusing on positive thinking, you’ll likely notice that all areas of your life change for the better.

10 Dangers of Elderly People and Loneliness (and how you can help)

April 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

As people begin to age, they become lonely due to social isolation and losing loved ones and friends. Being alone for long periods and isolated from the outside world can cause depression, anxiety, and other severe medical concerns. Yet, it’s estimated that one-fourth of elderly people over the age of 65 feel socially isolated and lonely.

You don’t have to be in a specific age group to feel lonely. People in their 40’s or 50’s can experience loneliness along with teenagers. It just seems that the older crowd experiences it more so due to retirement, loss of a spouse, and the inability to do the things they once loved.

The Dangers of Loneliness

There are both mental and physical health dangers to those who are lonely. Thankfully, there are ways that family and friends can help. Here are ten threats that can occur when elderly people become lonely.

1. Increased Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

You’ve heard a million times that stress can affect your body. When a person feels lonely or isolated from the world, it’s stressful. They can feel like an animal trapped in a cage longing for some social interaction and company.

The chance of a stroke increases by up to 32 percent, while the chances of developing a heart condition increase by 29 percent when a person is faced with chronic loneliness. It’s proof that you can die of a broken heart.

• How to Help

The easiest way to help in these situations is to make sure that your friends or loved ones frequently receive calls and visits. They should also have routine examinations at the doctor to make sure their health is in good shape.

2. Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses among elderly people. During periods of social isolation, it’s not uncommon for these folks to avoid getting out of bed, as they see no need to start another day. When they’ve lost a spouse and the children are all grown, they may feel like they’re not needed anymore.

• How to Help

Make sure that your friends or family members feel needed. Pets often help give them a reason to get out of bed and something to nurture when the kids are all raised. Additionally, any signs of mental illness need to be addressed by a medical professional.

3. Suicide

If you thought that suicide only happened to teenagers and young adults, you would be sad to learn that it’s commonplace in elderly people too. The problem is that it’s not always caught.

Fewer autopsies are done on the elderly because they feel that the cause of death is related to old age or medical problems. Many older people can easily overdose, and no one is the wiser.

• How to Help

Be vigilant and notice the signs of depression, and don’t let it go untreated. Suicide is common among all age groups and the tenth major cause of death in the United States.

4. Premature Death

Born into each person is the will to live. You must want to live, or you can give up on living. Have you seen a cancer patient that fights with everything they have in them because they have a family that loves them? Then there are the people that just give up, and their life slips away.

Elderly people can quickly lose their will to live if they don’t feel they have a purpose anymore.

• How to Help

Everyone needs to have friends and a purpose no matter their age. Get your friends and family members involved in community events and other groups to keep them active. The more engaged they are, the longer and happier their life.

5. Decreased Memory

Elderly people are at a greater risk of developing dementia. However, those who are lonely and socially isolated have even more substantial risks. When an individual is isolated and alone, it’s common for them to forget things and take a drastic downturn mentally.

• How to Help

Make sure that you help your friends or relatives keep their minds sharp. Word games and puzzles are an excellent option to help them stay focused. You’re never too old to learn new and exciting things. If you quit learning, then you no longer thrive.

6. Antisocial Behaviors

Agoraphobia is an anxiety-based disorder that affects more than nine percent of the population. When anxiety levels rise to severe heights, then a person may feel comfortable in staying at home. Going to the grocery store or social functions becomes unbearable due to the high anxiety associated with agoraphobia.

• How To Help

Don’t let a loved one sit in the house for days or weeks at a time. It’s essential for them to get outside in the sunshine and to breathe in the fresh air. Mother Nature can be very healing, and they need the Vitamin D from the sun. If this doesn’t help, then they need to see a mental health professional.

7. Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

Many people are surprised to learn that alcohol and drug abuse are just as common among the older crowd as teenagers. People who have inner struggles and feel lonely often try to medicate by using whatever they can get their hands on. When you’re drunk or high, then you won’t feel the pangs of isolation.

• How to Help

If you notice that your loved one is drunk or high, question them about the matter. Professional assistance may be needed. Yes, even the elderly can go to rehab too.

8. Poor Decision-Making

Have you ever heard the saying that “An idle mind is the devil’s playground?” Anyone who experiences feelings of loneliness and sadness can do things in the spur of the moment they regret later. They will do anything to make the inner pain feel better, and sometimes, these feelings cause them to do crazy and even illegal things.

• How to Help

Someone of advanced age must have someone help them with their financial matters as well as medical ones. They need someone overseeing their daily activities to make sure they don’t make careless decisions, especially financial ones geared towards self-medicating.

9. Increased Risks of Cancer

It’s challenging to think that being lonely can bring on such major health issues as cancer. However, a recent study conducted by the University of Surrey and Brunel University London found that people who experience isolation and loneliness are at an increase for inflammation. Inflammation in the body is one of the leading causes of cancer.

Your mental health has a profound effect on your physical wellbeing. Both aspects must be observed. Many elderly folks don’t see the issue until it’s too late.

• How to Help

Regular checkups at the doctor are essential when you’re at an advanced age. Routine bloodwork should be done at least two times per year. Many tumor markers can be identified in the blood and help catch cancer or other medical problems sooner. These tests save lives.

10. Poor Sleep Quality

We all need beauty sleep and plenty of it. It’s recommended that a person get between 6-7 hours of rest each night. It’s a common fact that people sleep less as they get older. However, when they’re dealing with stress, anxiety, medical issues, and loneliness, then their sleep cycle can be even further disrupted.

When a person doesn’t get sufficient rest, it can take a toll on their health. One problem with insufficient sleep levels is it lowers your body’s immunity, which makes you more susceptible to disease and illness.

• How to Help

Ask your elderly person often about their sleep health. If they’re not getting sufficient rest, then you need to get to the bottom of it. Taking a natural sleep aid like melatonin may be the answer, or they may need to have a sleep study to ensure there’s nothing like sleep apnea or another sleep disturbance occurring.

The Takeaway on Loneliness and the Elderly

While you don’t have to be elderly to be lonely, it’s apparent that people over the age of 65 years are more at risk. Retirement, children’s growth, and enjoying free time all seem like amazing things until there’s nothing to do. If a retired person sits around the house day in and day out, then they will pass quicker than someone who maintains an active lifestyle long beyond their working years.

It’s important to socialize, have friends, stay active in the community, and have something to look forward to each day. A pet is an excellent option for someone who feels isolated and alone. If someone is physically able to care for a pet, animals are a great companion and can help to fill the void felt by the elderly population.

Many people are so busy in their life that they forget about the elderly people in their family. It’s essential to take time out of your day and week to make sure they have what they need and know they’re loved. Sending cards in the mail, phone calls, surprise visits, and dinner dates are all necessary to keep their mental and physical health in check.

Dr. Fauci Urges World Governments to Shut Down Wet Markets

April 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Last week, the leading infectious disease expert in the U.S., Dr. Anthony Fauci, called for all wet markets around the globe to shut down. Experts believe the virus outbreak started in the wet animal markets in Wuhan. Thus, they urge countries around the globe to close these unsanitary shopping places.

Dr. Fauci’s Opinion on the Animal Wet Markets

Dr. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, urged the international health community to close down wet markets globally. He added that the pandemic “directly results” from these markets, which can quickly become breeding grounds for viruses.

Fauci told Fox & Friends the following:

“I think we should shut down those things right away…It boggles my mind how when we have so many diseases that emanate out of that unusual human-animal interface, that we don’t just shut it down…I don’t know what else has to happen to get us to appreciate that.”

Dr. Fauci, and lawmakers and health officials around the world, encouraged cities like Beijing to shut down their wet markets. Here, vendors sell seafood, bats, livestock, and other animals in cramped, open-air environments. And this is where zoonotic viral diseases can quickly spread. Experts believe that the virus originated in one of these markets in Wuhan, in the central Chinese province of Hubei.

Fauci says he encourages countries that don’t have wet markets to pressure others to shut down their marketplaces to avoid deadly viruses.

“I think there are certain countries where this practice is very commonplace,” he said. “As we look at emerging platforms, especially some of the best online casinos that have grown significantly in regions with relaxed regulations, it’s clear that global standards could help mitigate some of the issues we’re facing. I would like to see the rest of the world place significant pressure on these countries to address these practices, as what we’re experiencing now is a direct result of their regulatory gaps.”

The Health Risk

Others share Fauci’s views, including the Republican senator Lindsey Graham. He sent a letter to Beijing’s ambassador to the U.S., calling for the immediate closure of wet markets. He stated the closings will help to keep the world healthy and safe. China has since reopened these markets. Fauci “emphatically stated this was a crazy decision by China which puts the world’s health at risk.”

Fox News’ Tucker Carlson also spoke out about the reopening of the wet markets in Beijing and other places in China. Though no officials have been allowed into China to investigate the origins of the virus, Carlson said, “we have known for more than a decade that wet markets are a disease time bomb.”

However, shutting down the wet markets worldwide might not be enough. That measure may not guarantee that zoonotic diseases will cease to exist. As long as we have unethical and unsanitary practices at slaughterhouses, the risk of infection remains.

The swine flu, originating in pigs and H5N1, which comes from poultry, originated in slaughterhouses.

Final Thoughts: Animal Agriculture Needs Stricter Regulations

National investment firm Karner Blue Capital (KBC) weighed in on the issue in March, asking governments around the world to create stricter laws regarding animal agriculture. According to KBC President Vicki Benjamin,

“Shutting down or regulating China’s wet markets will wipe out a dangerous set of human-animal interactions, but it’s just one step toward sound public health policies and interactions. We need to completely rethink our relationship with animals and begin taking steps to transition toward regenerative agriculture, biodiversity protection, and a plant-based economy.”

Do you agree with the views of disease experts and lawmakers about shutting down wet markets? Let us know what you think on our Facebook page.

Teddy Bear Scavenger Hunts Unite Neighborhoods During Social Distancing

April 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Teddy bear scavenger hunts are popping up all around the world. The family-friendly activity enables children to get fresh air and comforts them during lockdown.

During the near-worldwide shutdown, most schools have closed in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus. The CDC recommends following social distancing protocols as well as frequent “hand hygiene.” This measure means washing hands for at least 20 seconds after touching objects or other people who might have been in contact with the virus. With these rules in place, kids have gotten a little stir crazy from having their regular routines interrupted and being cooped up in the house all day.

Why Communities Are Starting Teddy Bear Hunts

To give them something to do, neighborhoods all over the world have started “bear hunts.” This idea came from a children’s book called We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen. Families place stuffed teddy bears in their homes’ windows, and kids count up how many they see while out on a family walk or driving down the street. This scavenger hunt gives kids a fun activity to do while also bringing neighborhoods together in an unusual way.

People all over the world, from Tennessee to London to Japan, are joining in on this fun game that makes quarantining a little more bearable. Many neighborhoods have started Facebook groups to get the word out. Some kids have truly taken on the role of adventurers by putting on safari outfits and bringing binoculars along to hunt for bears out in the “wild.”

This scavenger hunt makes for a perfect activity during the shutdown because kids can still follow social distancing rules while also getting some exercise outdoors. Many kids who attend public schools don’t know what to do with all their free time. Hunting for the bears can easily fill a couple of hours of their day.

One woman living in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Shanna Bonner Groom, says that almost half the homes in her neighborhood have participated in the bear hunt, including somewhere no children live. Groom said that some homes had included other animals in the bear hunt, turning it into a whole safari. Some families have even drawn bear prints on their sidewalks with chalk.

Using Teddy Bear Hunts to Help Children Through Difficult Times

The teddy bear scavenger hunts show that creativity and imagination can turn a scary situation into a fun opportunity to support each other. Groom says that in her neighborhood, the bear hunting activity went so well that they have branched off into other fun games. Some families have started an activity called chalk-a-walk, where people draw positive pictures and write uplifting messages on their driveways.

Others have decided to do a senior walk for the high school seniors to cheer for them, so they stay encouraged while being away from school. The neighborhood even arranged for a local food truck to come out so they can help keep small businesses up and running. Groom says that these activities help the community come together while still following social distancing rules.

In London, one neighborhood used a WhatsApp group to get the message out about the bear hunts. Daniele Hamamdijan decided to put a teddy bear up in her window, and she said soon after the whole neighborhood joined in. She said it was “heartwarming” to see everyone participating. Furthermore, the feels that the small act of putting bears in windows can help people stay positive in this challenging time.

Learn 15 fun indoor activities for kids.

Final Thoughts: Are You Bear Hunting, Too?

Families all over the world use the bears to communicate to people that their families remain safe during the isolation. It also sends out the message that we’re all in this together, even if it feels like we’re separated. We all have been experiencing similar events and emotions during this time. And the bears serve as a reminder of our solidarity.

Today’s children struggle to understand why their playdates are canceled or why they can’t attend school. So the teddy bear scavenger hunts serve as a much-needed distraction. Teddy bears also promote feelings of comfort and safety for young children. This sense of security helps them to quell fears about the virus. The bears show that we’re all a part of something bigger. They reinforce the idea that none of us have to go through it alone.

Have you seen any teddy bears in the windows of homes in your neighborhood? Share your pictures with our Facebook page.

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