Happiness is a strange thing. It can come, it can go, and it is dependent on numerous different factors. Yet while we can be happy at any time, long-term happiness seems to depend on one crucial aspect of our lives: our confidence. If you feel secure and confident in yourself, then you’ll likely be able to weather any and all setbacks that life throws at you. But if you’re not a naturally confident person, how do you go about acquiring it? We take a look below.
Own Your Personality
At some stage or another, everyone thinks they’re odd, or that they don’t fit in with the rest of the crowd. But here’s the thing: you’re not supposed to fit in everywhere! How could you? Whatever your personality is, make sure you’re putting it out there with confidence – after all, there’s no other way to be. You’re not going to win over everyone, but take a look at the people who actually are “liked” by everyone; they’re usually devoid of a personality or blend into the background so much that there’s nothing to dislike. Be you, and be proud.
Correct the Imperfections
Of course, to have the confidence to showcase your color to the world, you need to feel good about what you’re showing. The personality is innate, but everything else? That’s up to you to dictate. If there’s something about your appearance that you don’t like, then work on it. If your figure is holding you back, hit the gym, and find a diet that works for you. If your teeth are stopping you from smiling as much as you’d like, see an orthodontist, and get those straight teeth you’ve been longing for. There’s nearly always a solution to whatever imperfection is knocking your confidence; it’s just about being proactive.
Go Deep
The ones who are most likely to lack confidence are the ones who spend their evenings scrolling through Facebook or watching TV. They think life is boring because theirs is! If you’re becoming a big negative, and it’s beginning to impact your confidence, then find yourself a new hobby. Once you get deep into something – actually, deep into anything – then life becomes a lot more colorful. You’ll be happier, more confident, and more interesting. Win, win, win!
Challenge Yourself
It’s easy to fall into a routine. But remember that comfort is vastly overrated; it’ll pay to challenge yourself to be and do more. Think of a goal, and go after it – not to impress anyone else, but just for yourself. There’s nothing that’ll inspire confidence than setting a goal and then achieving it!
Remember: No-one has all the Answers!
Finally, if you’re walking around thinking “why can’t I be as confident as everyone else?” remember that everyone is making it up as they go along! If you want to do something, then don’t think about what other people will think of it. Just do it – you never know who you might inspire if you just live your life to the fullest.
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Top Ways to get an Instant Energy Boost when You’re Tired and Cranky
If you are constantly tired then you know how hard it can be to avoid napping in the afternoon. You may feel like you have no choice. And want to curl up on the sofa and nap for the whole afternoon. This can really stop you from being productive throughout your day. If you want to avoid all of this, you’d be surprised at how easy it is for you to end to your tiredness.
Do a Workout
One thing that you can do when you get the urge to nap does a workout. Try and get on the exercise machine instead of crawling onto the sofa. When you do this, you can increase your productivity levels. You can also make the effort to get the beach body that you have always wanted. When you work out, you’ll find that the rush of endorphins is enough for you to wake yourself up. It can really train your body so that you stop getting tired in the afternoon as well.
Eat Chocolate
Chocolate contains caffeine, but that isn’t the only reason why it can help you to wake up. The best thing about chocolate is that it contains flavonoids and these have been proven to boost cognitive skills and it can also help you to boost your mood as well. You can easily take advantage of everything that it has to offer by just having a bite or two when you get tired and it can serve as the perfect, quick pick-me-up. Just make sure that you don’t eat the whole bar, as this can have the opposite effect. You should also try and eat more vegetables, as this will really benefit you in the long-term.
Coffee
If you have seven coffees, all back-to-back then you’ll soon see that this is the best way for you to go into crash-mode. A single, good cup of coffee is all your body needs to stay awake, anything more than that is your mind telling you that you need a nap regardless. For this reason, it helps to have a single, really strong cup of coffee when trying to stay awake rather than having five or six normal cups. If you’re struggling to find a cup of java strong enough, why not consider
Get Outside
The great outdoors has so much to offer. So, if you are concerned that you are not getting enough fresh air then this could be the main contributor to your energy levels. If you are tired and sluggish throughout the day then try and get outside more. When you do try and get out more, you can easily get an instant boost to your energy. So, you can even experience a rush of endorphins as well. You won’t have any problems in lifting your mood as well.
There are plenty of ways for you to get an instant energy boost. A lot of it is just trying to find out which one works for you!
Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more topics like this.
Shopping, Taking Wrong Turns and Imperfect Foods
It’s Sunday and today is all about running errands and getting housework done. We left Digger for a little while so he could get some rest. We took him to the vet a few days ago and they put some drops in his ear to help with an ear infection. So, we are doing everything we can now but his hearing is not good while the medicine is working. They did tell us he could possibly go deaf so of course, we’re watching him closely.
Greg and I went to Walmart for a few items and we saw the jalapeno m&m’s. We did not get them because we figured they would taste awful and the only bag we found was a large one. I’ve tried Tabasco chocolate candy before and it was good but I don’t have a good feeling about this one. I’m not sure why. Have you tried them? Let me know.
Once we finished our shopping we decided to take a road we’ve never been on before. We do this from time to time to learn our way around different areas. I guess that’s what some people call a Sunday drive. It was cool and we like finding new areas we may want to purchase property in.
Later in the day I was on Facebook and there was a sponsored ad for Imperfect Produce. I’ve never heard of this or seen it before today. The concept is cool. They take imperfect foods and sell them in a monthly box subscription. These would be goods that would not sell in stores because of the odd shapes.
I am intrigued just because some of our fruits and veggies come out looking strange so it’s nice to know it’s not just me.
NPC Baltimore Gladiator Championships 2019
NPC Baltimore Gladiator Championships 2019. This weekend was the first local NPC show of the year. I was up at 5 am in order to get ready and make it to the show on time. The original plan was to purchase tickets in advance online but I missed the deadline. When purchased the ticket when I got there and they only accept cash. It was a good thing I had money with me because I never carry cash.
It’s been almost 3 years since the last time I went to a show so this was a much-needed outing. In my opinion, there is nothing more inspiring than watching a bodybuilding show.
There were a lot of crossovers in this show. We saw a lot of the same competitors switching over to different divisions and entering in multiple age groups. It’s cool that they were able to get extra stage time and see how they stack up to multiple competitors. I think it’s a good way to see where you fit best in the bodybuilding world.
If I compete again I think I would fit best in the bikini category. I love the posing figure competitors do but I just don’t have the muscle needed for that type of competition. My plan is to work hard this whole year and see where I am before I decide on a path to follow.
Dawnn and I shared our thoughts after the show about how we feel about doing another competition. There is another show coming up in May that we will attend together. I will get as much footage as I can again. I think it’s a great way to get a better view and go back to check out the competition.
We can get caught up in the way some youtubers look on camera and it can mess with your head. It was good to see a local show and makes doing another one a real possibility.
It feels great to go to shows again and step back into that bodybuilding world. I plan to attend as many shows this year and I can and share my thoughts and feelings along the way. My only regret after going to this show is that I stopped pushing after my second show. I could be in better shape mentally and physically if I did not get in my head so much.
All that is over and it’s time to focus and move on and that’s what I plan on doing.
If you are determined to make this the year you finally reach your fitness goals (like me), you’re going to need some reliable and long-lasting processes. No matter your goal is to lose weight, put on muscle mass, or establish healthy behaviors you’re going to encounter some challenges. Challenges will help you become a stronger person and help you build character.
When you have a stressful day: You can keep moving forward, or you can quit. Honestly, the choice is yours to make. There are times when you will feel that it’s easier to stop. Within a few weeks, those healthy lifestyle changes tend to lose steam, and we start reverting to our old habits.
Don’t become another statistic like others. So, If you have the right mindset and processes in place, you can prevent being knocked off track.
Take Progress Photos
Many of us are visually motivated. If you weekly progress pictures you’ll see the fantastic changes that sticking to fitness program can make!
Celebrate changes. By using photos, you will see how far you’ve come. It’s empowering to see how commitment and consistency can help you change in positive ways.
Get A Workout Companion
If you go to the gym alone, now might be the time to get yourself a training friend. You can always set a date to meet with a friend. There are many benefits to having a friend with you. They can help motivate and push you plus you will have a spotter so you can lift heavier.
When you know that your partner is depending on you to show up will make you think twice about skipping your workout. Having someone hold you accountable could be just the motivation you need.
Hire A Trainer
Fitness can be overwhelming. Don’t get discouraged. Remember that you can’t compare your chapter 1 to someone else’s chapter 20. You may feel nervous at first and that’s normal. Be open to trying new things.
Hire a personal trainer. A good trainer will walk you through goals and how to achieve them. They can show you how to do certain exercises, and customize a workout. Some trainers can even help you with a nutrition program.
One of the best ways to combat fitness fear is to hire a personal trainer. They can provide emotional support and you go through this process. Knowing that you have someone in your corner is a little extra push to get you going. The desire to not let them or yourself down.
Try A New Training Method
It can be as easy as a change in your routine to see new results. So, take a step back and consider a change. If you’ve been doing the same workouts with the same sets, reps, and exercise equipment for a long time, think about making a change. It may be time to mix things up. So, change the order of your exercises, the set-and-rep scheme, or even which days during the week you work out.
Your body is adaptive. If you challenge your body in different ways, your body will love you for it and progress will follow. Make changes to your workout plan every few weeks. It will have a positive impact on your workouts and the progress you wish to see.
Transformation Challenge
So, there is another great way to keep your motivation up is to take part in a transformation challenge. Check the internet as there are many to choose from.
Sign up for a challenge. Surround yourself with people looking to make the same changes in their body. Having a strong community is extremely important to aid in your success. It will help increase your own excitement in the process.
Download A New Playlist
There are so many songs that can motivate you through a difficult workout. Make a new playlist so the songs stay fresh and you don’t get bored with the songs you have.
Pick some music from your high school days or search for new music you’ve never heard before. Music can be a game changer.
Take Your Workouts Outdoors
Do you agree that the gym can feel like a dungeon? When it starts to feel constricting, take it outside! Go for a walk outside, do a workout at the track or hit the nearest playground for a fun activity.
A change of scenery can combat boredom and maybe inspire you to try something new like a marathon.
Visualize Success
When your motivation starts to slow down, it could mean that you’ve lost sight of your goal. Take a look at your before photos, and think about how you want to look. Visualize what you are going for.
Take a few minutes in the morning or evening when it’s quite to visualize. A mind is a powerful tool if you use it correctly. Try this once or twice a week and see how you feel in a month. I bet you will notice a difference.
Train In The Morning
So, we know that our obligations, schedules, and day to day items can happen. Don’t let that be your excuse for skipping workouts. Figure out a time that works best, schedule it in your day and stick to it!
When you make your workout a priority in the morining you will start your day off right. There is no better feeling than to know you took care of yourself before doing anything else.
Take A Class
Even the most hardcore, can find new motivation with an occasional class. There’s a class you will enjoy out there and still reap benefits from it. Workouts can be fun if you let them and go in with the right attitude.
Use these group classes to add to your usual workout program. It’s fun to add something a little different. These classes can also bring a social element and you will start to build a new community of supporters. This can be quite encouraging and fun.
Join A Fitness Group
Even if you don’t think you like classes just stick with me for a minute. It may still be helpful to find a community of like-minded people. Gathering with people who enjoy what you do and have similar goals is important. Having a good fitness social network can be a great mood booster. You can lift each other up and the support is a bonus.
Create Your Own Home Gym
You don’t have to spend a ton of money on a home gym. If you invest money into buying home gym equipment, it can be a great way to stick to your goals. So, even short on time, you can find 30 minutes to work out in a home gym.
You do not need to wait to get started. You can buy a pair of dumbbells, an exercise mat, and an exercise ball. Begin with these simple basics and build from there.
Set Daily Goals
You know the importance of setting goals both long and short term, but if you need extra motivation, try setting daily mini goals.
Each morning, set a goal to achieve. It can be anything you want, make sure you can reach it the same day. You can try to add more weight to your leg press, do an extra rep on your squats, or spend extra time doing cardio. Set a goal that motivates you!
Track Your Stats
It’s all worth tracking and measuring. With a tape, measure record the numbers for your shoulders, chest, arms, waist, hips, and legs. Track how those body parts are growing or shrinking to keep yourself accountable and interested in your own body’s changes.
When you start gaining strength and improving performance, it will be quite motivating. You will soon realize just how much all that hard work is paying off.
Track your progress based on your performance. Keep a record of how much weight you can lift for one rep in your phone or a notebook. Next, see how many reps you can do with a specific amount of weight. When you watch yourself gain strength and improve performance, it’s incredibly motivating. It also makes it easy to see how your work is paying off.
I hope this information is helpful to you. Now, get off the website and get your booty moving!
Reasons To Meditate And How To Get Started
Reasons To Meditate And How To Get Started. Over the years, meditation has gone from seldom heard of to part of the mainstream. It helps to deal with everything from depression to dieting. It’s very powerful.
Over the years, meditation has gone from seldom heard of to part of the mainstream. It helps to deal with everything from depression to dieting. So, it’s very powerful.
They all address the physical parts of your workout program Cardio, weights, and yoga. Now we need to address the mental side that affects your ability to stay calm and remain confident and optimistic? So, don’t overlook this activity that can help tremendously with your health.
Meditation is often written off as not for them. There is research that shows that mediation can help many people in different ways.
To see what you have to gain, check the following advantages of meditation. Then see how easy it is to start your meditation program.
Lowers Risk Of Depression
Depression can (and does) happen. Notwithstanding the fact that it can be very serious and can require medical care. It is often undiscussed and untreated. Exercise and a healthy diet can aid to prevent depression, as can meditation.
Research indicates that meditation can be as powerful as antidepressant medications. So, don’t toss your pills in the trash (Not a good idea!) But it does illustrate the power of meditation.
Reduced Stress And Anxiety
Whether you’re stressed out about work, family, money or any host of things, meditation can help you calm down.
Too much daily stress can increase the amount of cortisol in your system,. This can lead to increased body fat. Research suggests that meditation may be one of the best techniques to help alleviate stress and anxiety and lower cortisol levels.
Enhanced Sleep Quality
Getting enough sleep each night can improve your workouts. It may also help with recovery. Most people need at least 8-9 hours of sleep but most people don’t get that much.
Meditation can improve sleep quality. This will allow you to wake up rested and full of energy. By meditating right before bed, you can increase your chances of sleeping soundly.
Pain Management Dealing with chronic pain from an injury or illness? Meditation can help to improve your pain management and reduce the discomfort you feel.
Improved Self-Control One of the most difficult challenges facing people whose diet is managing cravings. Meditation can help with that.
So, People who are leaner tend to have stronger dorsolateral prefrontal cortexes than those who are overweight or obese.
Slower Cognitive Decline
Being physically active can make you look and feel younger. But just as the rest of your body ages, so does your brain. The good news is there are steps you can take to stay mentally sharp as you age.
People who practice meditation and yoga experienced a slower decline in intelligence levels and brain function compared to those who dont’.
Improved Memory
Meditation can also help give your memory a boost. When people meditated, they showed improvements in their working memory.
Decrease Blood Pressure
High blood pressure affects many adults. It’s also contributes to heart disease and stroke. Diet is key to avoid high blood pressure
If high blood pressure is a concern, meditation can help. It can help to calm the mind, and lower systolic blood pressure—especially for those who suffer from moderate anxiety.
Stronger Immune System Intense physical activity affects the body in many ways. When you work out hard, you’re taxing your immune system and need to find ways to support it. One good way is to get plenty of sleep, plus mediation.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Insulin resistance is a serious condition. It can lead to obesity. Another problem to look out for is type 2 diabetes. Weightlifting can help with your insulin sensitivity. It can also prevent these conditions from starting in the first place. Meditation can also help protect against insulin resistance.
Relief From PMS
Women who meditated experienced less symptoms of PMS like bloating, cramping, fatigue, and irritability. It’s somehing to consider.
Reduce Binge Eating
If you indulge in binge eating (even if only occasionaly), you’ll be glad to know that meditation may help put the stop on this.
If sitting quite will help, why not try it?!
Start Today:
Some simple steps to begin meditating:
Find somewhere quiet and dimly lit. Sit on the floor. Have an object in front of you to concentrate on. So, you can place a candle, sculpture, or a piece of fruit in front of you.
Begin by focusing on your breathing. Breath in and out. Concentrate and feel your rib cage expanding with each inhalation. Push out the breath, to remove as much air from your lungs as you can.
Breath normally. With with your eyes partially closed, focus only on that object. Acknowledge other thoughts as they come to mind, then return to paying attention to your breath and the object in front of you.
It’s not complicated and you can do this. Sit quietly and acknowledge the thoughts that come into your mind. Then softly turn your attention from those thoughts and back to your breath and the object sitting in front of you.
It will take some practice but you will be able to reach a point where you can sit for 5-10 minutes effortlessly. You will be able to dismiss thoughts and sounds as they intrude upon your mind.
Begin by meditating for five minutes a few times per week. You can increase your time from there. The important thing is to get started. Just like building muscle, it takes time but you will get better the more you do it.
Cardio, weights, and yoga—they all address the physical parts of your workout program. Now we need to address the mental side that affects your ability to stay calm and remain confident and optimistic? Don’t overlook this activity that can help tremendously with your health.
Meditation is often written off as not for them. But an increasing amount of research shows that mediation can help many people in many ways.
To see what you have to gain, check out the following benefits of meditation. Then see how easy it is to start your own meditation program.
Lowers Risk Of Depression
Depression can (and does) happen to many people at some point in their life. Despite the fact that it can be very serious and can require medical care. It is often undiscussed and untreated. Exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent depression, as can meditation.
Research indicates that meditation can be as powerful as antidepressant medications. Don’t toss your pills in the trash (Not a good idea!) But it does illustrate the power of meditation.
Reduced Stress And Anxiety
Whether you’re stressed out about work, family, money or any host of things, meditation can help you calm down.
Too much daily stress can increase the amount of cortisol in your system, which can lead to increased body fat. So, research strongly suggests that meditation may be one of the best techniques to help alleviate stress and anxiety and reduce cortisol levels.
Enhanced Sleep Quality
Getting enough sleep each night can improve your workouts and help with recovery. Most people need 8-9 hours of sleep but most don’t get that much.
Meditation can improve sleep quality, allowing you to wake up rested and full of energy. By meditating right before bed, you can increase your chances of sleeping soundly.
Pain Management
So, are you dealing with chronic pain from an illness or injury? Meditation may help to improve your pain management and reduce the discomfort you feel.
Improved Self-Control
So, one of the biggest challenges facing people dieting is managing cravings. Meditation to the rescue.
Meditation can improve the functioning of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. So, this is the part of the brain associated with impulse control. The better this part of the brain functions, the more you’re able to withstand food cravings.
So, People who are leaner tend to have stronger dorsolateral prefrontal cortexes than those who are overweight or obese.
Slower Cognitive Decline
Being physically active can make you look and feel younger. But time marches on, and just as the rest of your body ages, so does your brain. But there are steps you can take to stay mentally sharp as you age.
According to research published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, people who practice meditation and yoga experienced a slower decline in intelligence levels and brain function compared to those who didn’t.[6]
Improved Memory
Meditation can also help give your memory a boost. When people meditated, they showed improvements in their working memory.
Decrease Blood Pressure
High blood pressure affects many adults. It’s also a major contributor to heart disease and stroke. Diet is key to avoid high blood pressure
If high blood pressure is a concern, meditation can help. It can help to calm the mind, and lower systolic blood pressure—especially for those who suffer from moderate anxiety.
Stronger Immune System
Intense physical activity affects the body in many ways also. When you work out hard, you’re taxing your immune system and need to find ways to support it. One good way is to get plenty of sleep, plus mediation.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Insulin resistance is a serious condition. It can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes. So, intense weightlifting can improve your insulin sensitivity and help prevent these conditions from taking hold. Meditation also might help protect against insulin resistance.
Relief From PMS
Women who meditated experienced less severe premenstrual symptoms like bloating, cramping, fatigue, and irritability.
Reduce Binge Eating
If you indulge in the occasional (or more frequent) binge eating, you’ll be glad to know that meditation may help put the stop on this, also.
If sitting quietly might be able to help you get a grip on it, why not try it?!
Start Today
Here are a few simple steps to begin meditating.
Find somewhere quiet and dimly lit. Sit on the floor. Place an object in front of you, like a candle, a piece of sculpture, or a piece of fruit.
Once in position, begin by focusing on your breathing. Take a few deep breaths in and out. Feel your rib cage expanding with each inhalation. Push out the breath, to remove as much air from your lungs as you can.
Now, breathing normally and with your eyes partially closed, gaze at the object in front of you. So, focus only on that object. Acknowledge other thoughts as they come to mind, then return to paying attention to your breath and the object in front of you.
That’s all there is to it. It’s just a matter of sitting quietly, acknowledging the thoughts that come into your mind, then gently turning your attention away from those thoughts and back to your breath and the object.
With practice, you may be able to reach a point where you can sit for 5-10 minutes effortlessly dismissing thoughts and sounds as they intrude upon your mind.
Start by meditating 5-10 minutes a few times per week. Just like building muscle, it takes time but you will get better the more you work at it.
Our pocket-sized computers connect us to people, information, and ideas all around the world. Yet we still can’t seem to get enough. You’re probably reading this on your phone, in fact. Psychologists have suggested our attachment to our phones serves the same function as the cuddly teddy bear. It’s always there for us when we need it.
But is being tethered to your smartphone sabotaging your workout? It very well might be—and in ways that might surprise you.
Screen Time Ruins Your Posture
As functional strength expert points out in an Instagram post. The habit of hunching forward while texting on your phone alters the natural balance of your spine by flattening the lumbar curve and allowing your head to hang forward.
Per Grinceri, “poor lifestyle habits lead to shoulder and neck pain,” both of which can interfere with your ability to lift properly.
In a similar post, Team Bodybuilding.com athlete Lee Constantinou, who created the HercuLEAN Trainer, emphasizes the effects of poor posture while demonstrating the right and wrong ways to perform a seated cable row. As he illustrates, a curved lower back, shrugged shoulders, and excessive forward head lean alter your body’s mechanics to the point where the exercise doesn’t even target the correct muscle groups anymore.
I’m not suggesting we all enter a 12-step program for our phone addictions. I’m not sure I could use mine less, even if I wanted to. If you want to make your work at the gym count and not waste time with crappy form, start by correcting your posture.
Distraction Is Bad For Your Pump
It is downright rude to camp out on a machine while texting or take up space in front of the squat rack posing for a dozen selfies. But cellphone distractions go far beyond being a trivial annoyance. Rest time between sets and workout focus are vital components of your training program, and an addiction to your phone impairs both.
Back in the olden days, bodybuilders had nothing to stare at except the clock on the wall ticking away the seconds of rest between sets. These days, it’s not uncommon to see gym goers watching videos on their phones or posting on social media instead of paying attention to why they are actually there—to work out! Resting too long destroys your pump, while not paying attention—well, that’s plain stupid and dangerous.
Instead of getting distracted by your favorite device, use it as a tool to get motivated and stay focused. Find an app to help you track your exercises efficiently or download a fitness podcast to entertain you during cardio. Staying focused is the key to a better workout, and your phone should never get between you and your goals.
How I Keto Diet AKA Strict Keto
How I Keto Diet AKA Strict Keto. I lost around 50 on my own with it. In a nutshell, it gives you 5/6 small meals a day, way less restricted than my current diet. I started with this book. You can have fruit, pasta, carbs etc.. Then one day a week eat whatever you want literally. BUT the key is no cheating during the week. It does include a training/cardio plan too.
That really isn’t bad, doesn’t take up too much time and I learned a lot from it. He breaks it into 12-week timeframes or what he calls a challenge. People have lost 15- 50 in this timeframe. It’s a great diet, I would and do recommend to people. It will take time to prep though. You will have to plan and bring food to work. So, if you are ready to do that I say go for it. You will see results if you are true to it. I promise you.
I was 209 when I had the nerve to weigh. So, I believe I did two consecutive challenges and lost 24 the first and close to that the second. It was in 2008/2009 so a little bit a blur. But it was what got me interested in competing. So, I then started working with a local trainer. I am friendly with and he got me down the last few lbs to do a show. So, I wasn’t truly ready but I had lost 85 lbs and wanted to do it for me.
Here is the accompanying cookbook for super easy meals. Once I am finished this prep, I’ll be going back to a lot of these. So,I want to maintain 10 above show weight not have to lose 20 plus lbs over and over. I am done with that.
Now, when I’m in competition mode I workout twice a day/7 days a week. Weight training 4 days and fasted cardio every morning. Cardio every night (on weight training days and non-weight training days.)
My meals look like the following currently:
For Meal 1: Protein (chicken, ground turkey, egg whites), salsa (I like pico de gallo), avocado, olive oil (I don’t add until I’m ready to eat it because if you heat the olive oil it takes away the health benefits you get from it) and hot sauce.
Meal 2: rice cake and peanut butter
Meal 3: Protein (chicken, ground turkey, egg whites), greens (cabbage, asparagus, spinach etc.), and a condiment like hot sauce, mustard or soy sauce, olive oil (I don’t add until I’m ready to eat it because if you heat the olive oil it takes away the health benefits you get from it)
For Meal #4: Protein (chicken, ground turkey, egg whites) and almonds
Meal 5: Protein (chicken, ground turkey, egg whites), greens (cabbage, asparagus, spinach etc.), olive oil (I don’t add until I’m ready to eat it because if you heat the olive oil it takes away the health benefits you get from it)
If I’m still hungry I may repeat meal 5 again.
IIFYM Tips and Ideas
1. Have certain foods on hand at all times if you’re left with an excessive amount of one particular macro – egg whites and chicken for protein, cereal, and fruit for carbs, nuts/butter and coconut oil for fats.
2. I try to keep some macros before bed because I hate going to bed hungry. And I adjust my macros with that last meal with the three macros: so I do FF greek yogurt for protein and I add some source of carbs and/or fat depending on what and how much I have left, so it may be fruits, chocolate chips, nuts, cereals… (a flex bowl.) That is my tip for hitting all macros easily now and I don’t pre-plan anymore. (I have been doing iifym for a while though and definitely preplanned in the beginning.) I always make sure I have different types of food for all the macros every week of course.
3. You can eat egg whites raw from the carton if they are pasteurized. Great way to add extra protein to anything.. oats, cereal, protein shake.. or drink them straight.
4. If you need to hit protein and have trouble with fats, full-fat milk in your protein shakes or even with a meal will help you reach it. As long as if fits your macros.
5. Chia seeds have lots of fiber and some protein! I add them to my smoothie. They have no flavor.
6. IIFYM is about flexibility so I don’t see why you would need to eat or drink something that you don’t like in order to fit your macros. Learn the stuff you like to eat in each category of macros and work around that for your meals.
6. Tip: I always have a few options on hand that are all or almost all one macro and fast and easy to cook. PROTEIN: Egg whites, tuna in water, frozen cooked shrimp.
CARBS: Fruit, veggies, juice, sour patch kids, rice cakes or crunchy rice rollers from Costco, sorbet.
FAT: Coconut oil, butter, olive oil, olives.
As I realize that I need more of one macro or a combination, I can come up with ways to meet my numbers, even if it means cooking egg whites in butter and nothing else (or taking a spoonful of coconut oil straight). I also keep over ripe bananas frozen in pieces in my freezer to add to shakes or to just blend in food processor or high powered blender until soft serve ice cream consistency. Then use it as a base for a flex bowl (I am dairy free) to meet my numbers.
Add ins:protein powder, egg whites (pasteurized liquid), fruit, PB or PB2, cookies,Quest bars, granola, etc.
How To Increase Energy When You Don't Feel Like It
How To Increase Energy When You Don’t Feel Like It. If you are like me and feel like you have to drag yourself off the couch sometimes this information will be helpful to you. Afternoon naps can be a great way to recover from an energy drain. I try to get a nap a few times a year but it’s not a luxury I can take often. There are other ways to get the pickup that you need and I’m here to share what works for me. It’s a lot easier than you may think and these are simple steps anyone can take.
Workout
When you start to feel the energy drain get up and workout. I know that can be easier said than done. Once you get up and start moving you will feel so much better. You will be amazed by how much energy you can pull from once you get going. I will get up during commercials and lift weights, dance around the room and do a few ab exercises. The rush of endorphins is enough for you to wake yourself up and it can really train your body so that you stop getting tired in the afternoon as well.
Eat Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate has been shown to have great benefits for your health. It has been known to boost cognitive skills. Another boost it can give you is in your mood. Be careful to no go overboard with it. I think it’s nice to know I can have a special treat and it can help boost my energy levels at the same time.
Get Outside
Getting outside will do wonders for your mental and physical health. Connecting with nature and getting fresh air can really change your mood and energy levels. When you start to feel sluggish get up and go for a walk. I love to take a walk around the lake or just walk around the neighborhood. It’s also a great way to connect with others. I like to walk with friends so we can connect without all the normal distractions we usually have.
There are plenty of ways for you to get an instant energy boost, and a lot of it is just trying to find out which one works for you!
There are many things that are in our diets which we know we should probably do away with. Some are easier than others to get rid of. One which a lot of people struggle with in particular is sugar. Sugar is in so many foods and drinks and it is hard to get rid of completely. With the right kind of focus, and attitude, you should be able to cut out as much sugar as you like. Plus have a healthy and fulfilling diet day after day. In this article, we are will take a look at some top tips for cutting sugar out of your diet.
Regular Eating Is Key
If you are thinking of trying to give up sugar, then you will find it is necessary to carry on eating as regularly as you can for as long as you can, especially in the beginning. The reason for this is simple and clear. If you do not eat regularly, your blood sugar will drop, and you might well find yourself reaching for the sugar sooner than you think – especially if you have a habit or addiction around the sweet stuff. Instead, focus on eating a number of smaller meals throughout the day, thereby keeping your blood sugar levels up and making it far less likely that you will relapse. If you are worried about putting on weight during this time, just focus on small snacks – ideally fruit and veg mostly, if not entirely. Either way, be sure to eat regularly.
Drink Water
Drinking water is vital for a number of reasons. One of the main ones is that if you are drinking water regularly, you will be less likely to feel hungry, as often lacking water makes you feel hunger when really it is not. So if you drink water regularly, you won’t have to worry about overeating, or eating too much sugar. Some people find it actually difficult to drink enough water, partly because they might not enjoy the taste enough to drink it that regularly. If that is you, consider drinking water flavored with some kind of fruit (so long as it contains no sugar, of course). If you drink lime flavored water you will be able to get a taste hit and quench your thirst without having any excess sugar in your diet.
Use Sugar-Free Substitutes
It seems obvious, but it is worth recounting. Keep the sugar out of your diet, it might be worth trying to use sugar-free substitutes instead. With these substitutes in your diet, you will be able to enjoy sweetness without consuming sugar. This is useful if you are keeping the addiction at bay. Bear in mind that the other side effects of sweeteners may not be quite as desirable as you might think. Sweeteners are not healthy. So, try to avoid these as far as you can if you are serious about maintaining your overall health.
Eat Whole Foods
Whole food is something which is not processed. So, a fruit or vegetable, or meat as it is cut. The reason whole foods are so beneficial is that if something is processed, it is more likely to have added sugar. If you can avoid processed foods, you will find that you are taking in much less sugar. So, you will also be generally healthier. Notice a great many changes within yourself which will encourage you to keep going with your new diet for good. For that reason alone it is a good idea to eat all the whole foods you can.
Make Use Of Spices
If you do not use spices in your meal, you may want to start to naturally sweeten your meals. It’s a great way to get the sweetness you crave without resorting to sugar. So, it will also help to naturally boost the flavor of your meals too. You will be encouraged to eat more homemade food, and that will help you to keep on track as well with what you are attempting to do. Consider this if you are starting to find your meals bland.
9 Tips to Look After Your Eyesight If You Work on the Computer
An increasing number of people spend most of their day in front of the computer. If you are a web designer, writer, or blogger, you might want to make sure that you are not straining your eyes too much, and compromise your health and vision by overdoing computer work. From using protective glasses, adjusting your screen resolution, and making sure that your position and lighting are right, there are several ways you can protect your eyesight. Below you will find nine simple tips on how to look after your eyes better in the future while working on the computer.
Screen Quality, Brightness, and Resolution
The first thing you need to adjust is the contrast of your screen, to make sure you can see the text or graphics the best way. Most of the computers released in recent years allow you to customize your display for the best visibility. You can simply adjust the text size, the contrast, the colors, and even the brightness of the screen. You will need to complete this task as soon as you get a new laptop or computer if you spend more than one hour in front of the screen every day.
Reading Position
The next thing to adjust is your reading and writing position. Make sure you don’t have to look up or down to read the entire screen, and you can cover all areas equally. You might have to adjust your chair or elevate your screen, but make sure that you are facing it from a 180 degree angle. Your reading position can help you get the most out of visibility, and get rid of glare and shine that can damage your eyes.
Typing Tips
If you type a lot, you might want to learn how to touch-type, as this will allow you to take your eyes off the screen. The simple way of learning to type is taking an online free course and trying to adjust your seating position in a way that your index fingers are always touching or near the letters J and F. If you can take your eyes off the screen every now and then, you will not strain them that much, and can exercise them at the same time. Try to look around the room a couple of times each hour, and use a proofreading software to check that you got everything right.
Regular Breaks
You will also need regular breaks away from the screen. Don’t simply just sit there and check out your smartphone or tablet; stand up and walk around. Get a snack or a cup of coffee, and stretch from time to time. Take a five-minute walk if possible, and look around. If you work from home, you can even schedule regular eye exercises to calm the nerves around and inside your eyes that worked so hard for an entire hour.
Wear Glasses Or Pinhole Glasses
When you work on the computer, it is recommended that you visit your optician once a year to get your eyesight checked. You might be told that you need to wear glasses when working on the computer, which is the best way of reducing the risk of further sight loss and taking care of your health. Another way of improving your eyesight and reducing the risk of eye strain is wearing pinhole glasses, which help your eyes focus better on small items, and put the picture together.
Alignment
If you work with graphics and scanned documents, make sure you change the alignment and straighten up all text on your screen. PDF files that have been scanned are often not level, and this can damage your eyesight. If you tilt your head while sitting, try to make sure that you are facing the screen straight. In case you are not sure about your seating and screen position, you should talk to a health and safety expert.
Lighting
It is important that you get the lighting right in your office. Avoid lights that are too bright and hurt your eyes, and always choose natural source of light over artificial. You might want to get a small LED light that works through your computer’s USB with an adjustable head, so you can add extra lighting when needed, instead of having over-the-head lights. If you have light coming from behind you, and this causes a glare on the screen, your eyes will be strained easier. Likewise, if your light is positioned behind the screen, your visibility will be reduced.
Screen Size
You shouldn’t compromise on the screen size when working on the computer. You can get a new screen installed on the wall for doing precision work, and a regular one for writing or browsing the internet. Visit your local computer shop and find the right size screen and the most suitable resolution. The more you work on small screens the less your eyes will exercise, and the higher risk you will have for reduced vision.
Eye Training
If you would like to improve or maintain your vision, you will find plenty of eye exercises that can help you relax the nerves. In case you have already developed a condition, such as retinal tears, and you have to carry on working on the computer, you might want to look for a permanent solution offered look for different methods of maintaining your vision for years to come.
Whether you are a web designer, a graphic developer, or a gamer, you will need to start taking care of your eyesight now. Working for yourself means that there are no health and safety regulations in the office, and you are responsible for making adjustments to your workday and computer that will help you stay healthy and preserve your eyesight. Talk to professionals, wear protective glasses, and make sure you are comfortable with the amount you spend in front of the screen. Take regular breaks to prevent eye strains.
Defying Your Age Inside & Out
No one wants to be 21 again. Let’s face it, by the time you get to your mid-thirties, you’ve matured, your life has moved on and you have stopped caring about what people think about you. Being 21 again means being a hormone casserole in a bowl of uncertainty about the future. The insecurities, the nights out, the hunting for a husband; we all prefer that part of life to be right behind us.
However, we wouldn’t mind LOOKING 21 again. Being 21 again means a better metabolism, faster recovery from a night out with the girls and the energy that means you leaped out of bed looking fresh instead of dragging yourself out of it with pillow marks on your face. Wanting to recapture your youth is a totally different feeling from wanting to be 21 again. You want to look younger, not be younger, and with these tips, you can get there much quicker.
Get More Sleep
Okay, so at this juncture of your life it’s very likely you have a family and a job that takes up most of your time. Sleep is a commodity you just don’t have and it’s as precious as diamonds. Getting the right level of sleep is often the best way to feel young right now. Promise yourself six weeks of eight hours of sleep a night and then see how you feel. The glowing skin should give you an idea of how sleep has helped.
Vanity…Well, Not Really!
A little nip here, a little tuck there: cosmetic surgery is absolutely an option for you if you want an instant youthful look. There’s a big difference between trying to look your age and trying to hop in a time machine. Be smart before you choose to go under the knife.
Choose Good Food
Age-proofing your meals is a real thing. You may have been able to sink the burgers without side effects when you were in your early 20’s, but the truth is that your metabolism ages with you – and that shows. Choose good foods that give you a youthful look and make you feel refreshed on the inside. Once you feel good on the inside, the outside will shine.
Get Your Sweat On
It doesn’t look very ladylike to sweat at the gym – we prefer the term ‘lightly perspire’. However, you should be grateful for the beads of sweat. These are sweating out the toxins from your body while you work out and the toxins are the ones that make you look pale, haggard and wrinkly. Working out has never looked better!
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to recapture your youth, but when you choose to go about it be smart. Choose a youthful look that works for you rather than one that makes you look like you’re trying to look young. Beauty comes from within, so the more positive you are, the happier and more relaxed you will look.
Five Ways Money Problems Can Ruin Your Relationship
When dealing with financial troubles, it is not only our bank account balance and credit file that are affected. On a personal level, we might suffer health consequences of stress, and we will be less focused on work. If you’re in a relationship, make sure that your financial insecurities are not changing your attitude towards your partner. Find out below what to look out for.
Keeping Secrets
When you are dealing with debt, in an early stage of your relationship, keep your partner out of it. This leads to secrets and holding back, which will cause friction. If you are not comfortable confiding in your partner, or feel ashamed about your financial situation, tell them that you are dealing with personal issues. This has nothing to do with your relationship, or they will start thinking that you have cold feet.
Being Stressed
When we are trying to live on a tight budget and pay off our debt, worrying about the next bill that arrives, we cannot fully focus on another person . When you are stressed, you will become more irritable, and your partner might leave you, if this carries on. Always try to deal with your issues and try stress reduction techniques.
Anxiety Attacks
If you constantly worry about money, you may develop anxiety, and this will have a huge impact on your love life. You will become more withdrawn and less interested in other people. If you develop social anxiety, you will not feel like going out or meeting your friends, let alone your partner.
Fewer Dates
When you constantly think about your money problems, you will not be focused on your partner’s needs. You cannot afford to take them out to a restaurant, and feel ashamed for not calling, therefore, you start avoiding them. Fewer dates can result in growing apart, and the relationship ending. You need to make sure that you are honest and seek professional help when you feel lost.
Blaming Your Partner
It is recommended that you keep your finances separate before you seriously commit to each other. However, if your partner doesn’t know about your problems, they cannot help. In some cases, the best way of getting out of credit card debt is taking out loans with guarantor to consolidate existing debt. If you don’t ask for help and need it, you might blame your partner for not offering support, even if they are unaware of your situation.
Whether you have just started dating, or have been together for a long time, you will need to make sure that your financial problems don’t affect your relationship. Be honest and don’t reflect your anxiety and negative emotions on your partners. If you trust them enough, confide in them and ask for help and advice. This way you show respect and trust and tell them that your negativity has nothing to do with your relationship.
Paying Off Credit Cards And Maintaining a Sweet Social Life – It Can Be Done!
You tend to get yourself into sticky situations sometimes when it comes to money. Let’s face it you love to shop, travel and spend time with your friends, so there isn’t much time to be assessing your finances. You can sometimes push your finances to the back of your mind and forget that you need to limit your spending now and again.
After all, it’s really important for you to live a fulfilled life; bursting with the things that make you truly happy. You may have got to a point where your spending is out of control, so you need to look at getting yourself out of it. Whether you’ve overspent on clothes or traveling abroad, you can regain control and get out of the debts you have built up. The key is to get out of the debt and then to prevent it using different saving techniques. If you’re secretly worried about money, now is your chance to get on top of it and feel powerful again.
, now is your chance to get on top of it and feel powerful again.
Savvy Socialising
If you’re struggling to pay off big credit card bills you don’t want to lose out on living your life to the fullest. Being in debt can often put a strain on your social activities but it doesn’t need to be that way. Firstly, you need to let your friends know the difficulties that you’re facing so that they understand your situation. Instead of heading out for dinners and drinks stay at home and save your hard earned cash. There are so many things you can do that are completely free and you wouldn’t even realize it. I bet you have never grasped how many times you’ve been out for a coffee with your best friend and spent money you didn’t need to spend. Opt for a walk in the park and a girly catchy up instead of forking out for fancy lattes every time.
Ditching The Debt
If you’re struggling to get out of the debt that you’ve built up, you may need to seek help from an expert. There are professionals out there who can advise you on many different debt management programs. These programs aim to help you to regain control of your finances and get you back on track with your credit card payments. Many will help you to consolidate all of your debts into one lump sum, so you can organize manageable monthly payments to the companies.
Getting on top of your current debts will allow you to address your problems face on. Although it may take a while to dig yourself out of that hole, you can feel proud that you’re taking action. Owning your problems can often seem like the most terrifying thing to face, but this is the best way to combat anything. Get support from your friends and family at difficult times like this. The people who love you will want to be there for you and they may even help you out financially if you’re really stuck. Just don’t get caught in a rut of borrowing money and then attempting to pay it back and make sure you’re aware of what you’re signing up for. Don’t sit at home feeling depressed about debt, get out there and take action. You can have your lift back!
Remember being a kid and thinking that adults had it all sorted? They made their own decisions, they made the rules and you couldn’t wait to be one. Except, when you got there, you found out the cold, hard truth. Growing up has more to do with facing responsibilities and making tough choices than eating chocolate for breakfast every day. It often feels like everyone else has their stuff together, while you’re left feeling overwhelmed. But once you have a few of the basics covered, you realize that you’re doing better than you thought…
Develop a Sleep Ritual
Sleep is the backbone of almost anything else in your life. Creative energy, a balanced diet, and exercise all depend on you being well rested. So prioritize building a sleep ritual that relaxes you and winds you down at night. Aromatherapy baths can be intensely relaxing. It could also be slipping on some deluxe pajamas, playing some calm music and sipping on some chamomile tea. You find what works for you. Banning electronics from the bedroom is a good place to start, or explore an app to discover your relaxation triggers.
Get On Top Of Your Finances
There’s nothing grown up about taking the ostrich approach to money. So, take a cold hard look at what you’re spending and what you want your money to do for you. Then make a plan to get there. From how to increase your credit score to getting started with a savings plan. You need to set a direction and follow it. Know the interest rates and monthly repayments of everything you borrow. Set aside regular time to review your financial situation.
Choose Quality Over Quantity
When it comes to many things in adult life, from close relationships to the contents of our closets, it’s true that less is more. So learn to prize quality over a quick fix and the power that refusal gives you. Whether it’s saying no to those sale ‘bargains’ that get worn once in favor of that investment piece with the crazy good cost-per-wear or trimming unfulfilling duty friendships in favor of spending time on our true soulmates, learn that it’s okay to say no. Having a few good things is a sustainable way of life that leads to richer pleasure, so discover its power.
Nourish Yourself
Your closet may be Marie Kondo-ed to high heaven. You may be excelling in your chosen career and all the bills may be paid. However, you aren’t adulting until you’ve developed a small but trusted repertoire of great home cooking. Eating homemade meals is better for your health and saves you money. Plus, being able to invite friends and loved ones round and feed them something tasty with a few glasses of wine is one of the best ways to celebrate life. It doesn’t have to be complicated – fresh ingredients and a few weekday dishes plus a couple of showstoppers is a great way to get started. It just takes a little practice to uncover a passion for creating great meals, and it will pay you back time and again!
Decorating, Renovating And Organizing
There is no home sweet home without a little bit of decorative improvement. After all, whether you’ve bought a newly built home or whether your home has seen many generations of households before yours, nobody can live in a place that doesn’t reflect their personality and tastes. Admittedly, technically it’s not entirely true: You can perfectly live in a place that you don’t decorate or renovation. But ultimately you won’t feel at home, and that’s the key. To make a behavioral parallel, where animals have to use their scent to mark their territory, people rely on creating their personal style instead. Some might argue that it’s a lot more hygienic! Do you know what else it is? It costs a lot more time and money if you don’t plan it properly.
What’s your allowance?
When you’re planning a change of decor, you need to consider what it is going to cost you both in terms of money and time. More often than not, you need to make a conscious decision between saving money or saving time, and this is what defines your renovation approach. Additionally, you also need to determine how many decors you can afford, and more importantly if the renovation is necessary, and if so where to get a loan from. This would be essential to change your windows, for example, which is a stylish and energy-saving modification for instance. While changing a wall color doesn’t require that kind of financing.
Slow but money-saving
If you’re happy to do it yourself, you need to accept that your efforts will take a lot of time before creating a stylish interior design. If you’re renovating your kitchen, for example, you might find that while you’re spending a lot of money on appliances, you’re saving on the cost of a professional builder. Besides, you can enjoy the exciting process of fitting your new appliances and painting your walls. However, you need to be ready to roll up your sleeves and make it work! D
Quick but expensive
If you don’t have the luxury of time, you might want to trust a local contractor to take care of your interior design. You will naturally be spending more, but if your time is precious – and if you can’t afford to waste it – it’s a great investment. Qualified contractors will not only be home insurance friendly, which is important as DIY renovation isn’t always covered by insurers, but they will give you the satisfaction of a decor that looks exactly like what you wanted. This isn’t always the case with DIY!
I want quick and cheap renovations
For all those who are looking for a quick and cheap solution, there isn’t any for extensive improvement projects. If you’re trying to change the atmosphere in a room, creating a colorful accent with one painted wall can do the trick, and it meets your requirements. Cheap, quick and effective. If you’re remodeling your bathroom, you might want to reconsider your priorities. Quality matters in renovation work, and it doesn’t come for free!
The bottom line in renovation and decoration is to know how to organize best your efforts to get the best result that matches your needs. From low cost to low time investment, you need to know how to juggle your priorities for the best value.
How To Spend A Free Weekend
Not all of us have the luxury of free time. Our careers could really eat into the weekend if we are not careful, but we also may have social lives in which we always seem to have somewhere to be. A birthday party, drinks with friends, a date with the other half. If you think about it, when was the last time you had an entire weekend to yourself? Probably not for some time. But while this isn’t about telling you to get some free time booked into your busy schedule, I wanted to share with you four of the ways you could spend it if you did find yourself with a free weekend. Perhaps it might inspire you to consider having one yourself.
Go away for the weekend
One thing you could do is head away somewhere new for the weekend. So, maybe you have relaxation on your mind and fancy booking into a nice hotel to recuperate from a busy few weeks or month in the day job. Perhaps booking a spa maybe for some relaxation treatment, or maybe just going off abroad for a city break or a beach escape close by. Sometimes even just being as daring as turning up to the airport and just getting on the next flight you can afford, etc. So, how exciting would that be?
Use it as a chance to kick start a new hobby
Many of us have a whole array of things we would like to do. A bucket list filled with destinations to see and things to experience, even hobbies to start. But yet, many of us use the same excuse of time and simply say we don’t have enough of it to do it. A free weekend could be used to kick start those things you have wanted to do. Start a blog, join a gym, go out for your first run, whatever it may be, you could use this important time to create a brand new passion in your life.
Completely declutter and minimize your home
Maybe you had a new year resolution to declutter your home and live a little more minimally. Christmas can do that for you, as you tend to get a little more stuff, and you wonder where it will all go. So a free weekend could see you doing just that. Perhaps recycling unwanted thing, selling them on platforms like eBay, or even donating to worthy causes. So, you will feel good for the productive use of the time you have.
Binge watch a box set
Finally, when was the last time you just sat and watched something, because you could? Not many of us get a solid amount of time to sit on the sofa with a duvet, some chocolate and nice warm drink and binge watch a gripping box set. So, who says you have to use the time productively? Doing nothing could be just as beneficial as you recharge and feel better to take on the next week ahead.
I hope this has inspired you to use a free weekend the next time you have one.
Erin Condren Planner Haul Plus Show and Tell 2019
I’m working with three planners this year and I’m excited to show you what I have going on here. It’s important that I stay up-to-date on all the important matters. I started with a life planner from Erin Condren. I bought it in hourly and that will work for my day to day items.
A second vertical planner to hold my fitness stats and workouts so I will have something to look back on. I feel that it’s important to track my workouts, carbs and blood pressure. This year my main goal is to lose weight. This is in the hopes that it will bring my blood pressure down significantly.
I have also started a third planner where I can keep track of all my social media content. This should keep me more organized and in tune with what I have going on with my multiple websites and channels.
This year is when I want to stay focused on one mail planner all year long. I’m not sure where this new planner journey will take me but I’m excited to see how it works out. I would not consider myself obsessed over planning like some people are but I could see it happen.
Check out the video below and hopefully it will give you a better idea of what I’m doing this year to try to stay organized. Let me know how many planners you’re using this year.
Fair Weather Friends and Friends for a Season. We all have those friends who we know don’t have our best interests at heart. These type of friends are called fair weather friends. If you know someone who comes around when times are challenging to celebrate your downfalls or enjoy watching your misery, then you know what I’m talking about.
It can take a lot of strength to cut ties with people you thought were friends. For your own mental health, it’s good to recognize when relationships are no longer healthy. Once you can identify that these relationships no longer serve a definite purpose, it’s ok to let them go.
You do not need people in your life that make you feel bad about yourself. There are enough enemies and haters out there that we do not need to invite that negativity in. We have no room for false friends with negative agendas. It’s important to keep people around you that life you up and bring you happiness.
Here are some signs that your friendship may be toxic. If these things sound familiar to you, it may be time to put some distance in your association with that person.
Getting together takes an emotional toll on you. If the thought of meeting starts to give you hives and you start making excuses to cancel that is a huge red flag.
Nothing to celebrate here. If you tell your friend about exciting news and they brush it off or change the subject that’s not a good sign. You need friends who support you can celebrate and be happy when good things happen in your life.
Conversations are always negative. Friends should share good and bad with you but if the messages are bringing you down all the time you should reevaluate what is going on.
Mean girls should stay in the theater. It’s ok to have a friend call you out on your shit but if it’s done often and in a malicious manner that is not what you should call a friend.
Another type of friend you may have is called a friend for a season. These are typically a good influence or support system in your life. Once a season is over we may no longer have much in common with the friend like we once did. It does not mean that you can no longer be friends, but it could be that you are not as strongly connected as before.
These relationships are a little harder to tell when they are over because they do not usually end in a bad way.
Friends come and go in life and if you’re lucky you may have some friendships that will last decades. I only have one close friend from high school. The rest of my school friends I would consider as friends for a season.
We have multiple stages in our life that will bring friends that you have something in common with. This is usually during a specific part of your journey through life. Work friends change when you change office positions. I had fitness friends when I was working towards bodybuilding competitions. We all had something in common at that time, so our friendships worked. I still consider these people friends, but we are not as close as we once were.
Moving on from those friendships can be scary and sad but necessary for growth.
Be thankful for the friends you have and have had in the past. We learn so much from one another, and our friendships help shape us into the people we are today.
Snapchat is a fun way to communicate with friends and followers. There is a very easy way to share links. Share your social media outlets and other outbound link you may want to use.
I know there are many features in Snapchat you may be wondering how to use. This is one I get asked about most. I will take you step by step. If you have any additional questions please leave them below. I will do my best to answer them.
Add a link to your snapchat story
Open your snapchat to start your story (picture or video). I decided to take a photo of my bookshelf.
Once you finish taking your picture or video you can add filters or text (if desired).
Click on the paperclip to process the link you want to share with your followers.
Once you click on the paperclip you will see the below screen. This is where you can place the link you want to share. (I’m using my blog address as an example).
Once you enter the web address and click Go (in blue on the keypad). It will show you what the link will look like for the viewers.
If the link looks good you can click on the blue button. At the bottom that says ‘Attach to Snap,’ and it will add the link to the selected story (picture or video).
So, you will see the paperclip is inside a white circle to confirm your link is attached.
Your follower will see a small white arrowhead at the bottom of the snap. If they swipe up on it the attached link will pop up for them. (see the example of the arrowhead below)
So, I will include a video with step by step instructions that should help in case that might help you better. I hope this was easy to understand and if you have any other questions please leave a comment.
August 31st Day In The Life. We killed the pineapple plant. We tried our best but maybe we should have picked it before now. It’s just so heavy and won’t stay up. There is a really cool Dollar General store near us that we just found. They have lots of decorating items out for the Fall.
Greg bought some new yard tools to take care of the bushes. He’s also been working on painting the doors around the house. We could buy some new doors but I really love all the doors on the house now.
Gains and Losses – 2014
August 31st Day In The Life. Greg has been hard at work trying to make Digger steps for the bedroom. All the pet steps we’ve purchased in the past are junk. We decided to take on the challenge and make them for Digger.
Today was weigh-in day and Greg is down almost 10lbs from the start of the weight loss challenge. I’m planning on making some of my favorite broccoli.
The steps are done and Digger is using them to go up and down. I think this will work out well for him.
August 30th Day In The Life
8 Weeks Until WHAT?!?!!! – 2017
August 30th Day In The Life. Greg has been hard at work trying to make Digger steps for the bedroom. All the pet steps we’ve purchased in the past are junk. We decided to take on the challenge and make them for Digger.
Today was weigh-in day and Greg is down almost 10lbs from the start of the weight loss challenge.
The steps are done and Digger is using them to go up and down. I think this will work out well for him.
Forcing Myself to do Fasted Cardio – 2015
I will have a Bath and Body Works haul up soon. My drive home from work is depressing because it’s getting dark earlier and it’s just sad to come home when the sun is coming down.
I’m doing fasted cardio and I share one for the frozen breakfasts that I love to have. I like to add salsa and avocado to it sometimes to add a little extra umph to it.
We are still doing work to clean up the yard so we made a trip to the dump to get rid of a bunch of weeks and ivy we collected through the yard.
Breakfast Is Important – 2013
Greg is a firm believer in eating breakfast so he picked up some frozen ones for me to try. Make sure y’all eat breakfast for your health 🙂
August 29th Day In The Life
Working on Digger’s Steps – 2014
August 29th Day In The Life. There was a drunk walking in the middle of the street. It was a good thing I saw him because he came real close to being hit by accident. All that happened and the gym was not even open because the girl never showed up this morning.
Greg is working on building a set of stairs for Digger. I think they will work out well once we are finished with them. As you may know from watching our videos, Digger is having a difficult time.
August 28th Day In The Life. Do you know what happens on Saturday? Yup, it’s time to clean and one of the main goals was to pick out clothes to give to charity. Hang with me today while I clean and get the house looking all pretty.
Driving Through Towne with Greg and a Haul – 2015
Greg is doing a great job of getting a video to add daily. he took your around towne with him this afternoon. He even did a grocery shopping haul from Hanover foods.
Greg The Builder – 2014
The man has been working hard in the shed working on Digger’s steps. He tried to explain the process as he was working through it all. The sound is not the best but we tried.
Welcome Me To Youtube – 2012
August 28th Day In The Life. This is my first video on YouTube so let’s see where this channel will take me.
August 27th Day In The Life. Walmart shopping this morning for a new pillow that will hopefully not kill my neck. We had a pasta dinner that he made and it was better than he expected it to be.
While we were out earlier in the day Greg showed me some property he was interested in. It’s a lot of acres and it a perfect location. The house caught on fire but we went inside to look at the damage. I’m interested in the property but not the house. If we get it we will rebuild something else.
I could have a million goats (well, not that many) in my own yard. I hope we can get some good news about this one.
Running Errands – 2015
I went to the PO Box and got a few goodies that were fun to open. There will be a book giveaway on my channel soon so keep your eyes open for that.
Oh no, Greg let me out of the house by myself and I spent money at the mall. When I got home we took Digger to the vet and he was so excited to go for a ride and to get out of the house.
A Raw Talk Let Me Explain – 2014
My focus needs to come back to me and that is where my priority will be for a little while. I just wanted to come on here and do a video to explain what is going on in my head at the moment.
August 26th Day In The Life. Let’s drive to work together and chat about whatever is on our minds. The pineapple plant is looking sad so I think we will have to let it go soon.
August 26th Day In The Life
Pearls Make You Feel Pretty – 2014
My office likes to push us to dress nice at least once a week to build confidence and all that jazz. The guys have a day when they wear ties to the office. The new thing is to have the woman wear pearls and I have to admit that they do make you feel beautiful.
Giving My Body Time To Recover – 2013
I decided to not compete in November. It was a plan that I thought I would want to follow through with this year but I think one show was enough. This is the time I can build muscle and we will see what happens and go from there.
August 25th Day In The Life. Sometimes when you wake up with the dreaded feeling (more than normal) that you can’t deal with the office you should just call out. Life is short and it’s ok to call out and tell your boss to stuff it (well, don’t really say that).
Pagers and Cellphones Oh My – 2014
August 25th Day In The Life. Are we the only people who still have their old pagers and cellphones? I guess we are odd because we even know what pagers are. lol
I’m afraid to admit that we are hoarders but the proof is in the pagers and cell phones.
August 24th Day In The Life. We went apple picking because that what you’re supposed to do during this time of the year. It was also a beautiful day to get out a play with the farm animals. I was afraid they were all coming after me today. Greg gets a kick out of watching me run for my life.
Chicken 3 Different Ways – 2014
My man made chicken for the week and we try not to make everything boring. Greg will cut it up and flavor it differently so it feels like I’m eating different things. It’s just one little trick we do to make chicken less boring to eat during the week.
Movie Date With A Friend – 2013
August 24th Day In The Life. I picked up my girlfriend so we could watch We Are The Millers. It was a nice afternoon and I’m glad I was able to catch up with her. It was a oretty good movie too. I think Greg will like that one.
We checked the PO Box, delivered a lawn mower to our son and went shopping while we were out.
I got home and we cleaned the house and worked in the yard a bit. Greg made me steal apples. We have some that are awful and other apples are really good. We are not sure if the good apples are ours or from the church.
Planning Our DIY Project – 2014
Zumba in the morning is my favorite way to start the weekend. Greg and I went to taco bell to try some new items. After we ate and we walked back outside the sky was looking crazy.
There was a time when I went to Walmart in the middle of the day and was almost carjacked. In 2000 is was not common for people to have cell phones but I had one and it saved my life. Please listen to this story.
