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How to Create the Life You Dream About

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Quote About the Secret to Change by Socrates

By a Guest Author

A life well lived is one that actually involves living. Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily rat race and forget about your hopes and dreams. In fact, with so much pressure to perform, you might not have the energy to even try and ultimately give up. Living a full life, one that you dreamed about, sometimes means changing everything you’re doing right now. Putting it off until tomorrow usually ends with it never happening. If this sounds all too familiar, now’s the time to take action. It’s never too late to create a life that you really want.

Identify What’s Missing

Before you can create your dream life, you need to identify what’s missing. Maybe you want to earn a college degree and find a better job. If so, don’t let a lack of money set you back. You could apply for a student loan to help you go back to school. You can customize the amount you borrow, which will help reduce the amount of interest you have to pay back. In addition, you can use the money to finance other college-related expenses like books, a new laptop or even a home office setup. The most important thing is that you do it for yourself, no matter how long it takes you to finish.

Focus on the Now

Another thing that can hold you back is worrying about the future. Far too often, we tend to worry about things we can’t control, or things we can’t change. It’s this negative emotion that can also hold you back from pursuing the life you want. While it’s not easy to change the behavior, try to focus on the present and what you can do today to feel happier. Over time, you may find yourself worrying less about the future and focusing more on the now.

Practice Self-Care

Living your dream life should also involve utilizing self-development tools and practicing self-care. It’s about treating yourself like the king or queen you are. Indulge in your favorite spa treatments, enjoy a lunch out, or just spend a lazy Sunday afternoon napping. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how much the little things bring about happiness.

Do Something Different

How many times have you felt like you’re in a rut? If it’s more often than not, you need to take action. Be spontaneous and do something you’ve never done before. Take a solo trip, learn a new language or tell your crush how you feel.

Invest in Your Health

Your health also plays a role on how you see the world and how you treat yourself. Eat a diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables and lean meat. If you’re a vegetarian, you should supplement protein with soy-based products. You also need to start exercising regularly if you’re not doing so already. Shoot for 30 minutes a day of cardio and at least 15 minutes of weight training three times a week. Not only will you get in shape but you’ll also boost your mood. Regular exercise is a known mood booster, which can ease feelings of depression and anxiety.

How to Feel Better About Growing Older: Your Story Isn’t Over, It’s Just Getting Good!

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How to feel happier about aging

Live. Love. Laugh… Then Laugh a Little More!

First of all, allow me to say that if you’re feeling unhappy, sad, or in any way negative about growing older or looking older, there’s nothing wrong with that! We feel how we feel and we are entitled to these feelings. So when I try to make you feel happier, I am not (in any way) suggesting you are wrong to feel sad or unhappy. I just want you to be happy – I like your smile.

The loss of youth, a youthful appearance, and of being able to do all we once did can be unsettling. In fact, isn’t it the last two things that get to us the most? I don’t know about you, but the number doesn’t bother me… even when I hit the fifties, I didn’t mind the number. I mean a number is just that… a number. I do mind not being able to walk as far or jog like I used to. I mind not being able to eat certain foods or eat late into the evening like I once did.

And boy oh boy, did I mind the peculiar things that began to happen on my arms (there used to be more tone and definition, if memory serves!), face, and (Lord have mercy) neck.

Seriously… why does the neck turn on a person so quickly?! The one body part it’s almost impossible to cover, camouflage, or paint?!?

We all have moments, don’t we? I almost never stress over appearance, I do my nails, spritz on my perfume, fluff my curls, apply makeup, ask my neck, “Why, though?” and get on with life. I have always (even as a teenager) cared 100 percent more about what was inside a person more than what was outside, including myself.

Whether it’s me or someone else, I am infinitely attracted to a great sense of humor, a love of life, a non-judgmental attitude, and a personality that draws you in its direction. We live in a world that focuses entirely too much on appearance (thanks a lot social media, selfies, and fad diets). How much better would it be if we praised personalities, compassion, being well-read, etc.

NOTHING in the world wrong with wanting to be healthy, look your best, and feel your best – but what’s going on INSIDE is so much more important and I’m willing to die on that hill.

If you’re reading this, odds are you’re feeling a little (or a lot) down about aging. Whether it was something you saw in the mirror (it was the neck, wasn’t it?) or something you weren’t able to do as well as you once were, you may simply have a case of the “sads.”

I want very much to see if I can help you get past the sads and dive head-first into the glads like a puppy in a pile of leaves.

Below are a few tips and tricks of the trade I’ve learned in the fabulous fifties (they really are fabulous in many ways):

  1. Keep a sense of humor – it will serve you well! I’ve listed this first for a reason – I think it may just be the most important one. Having a sense of humor and being able to see the humor in most situations is vital throughout life, but never more so than in the golden years (50-100+).  When you’re laughing, you aren’t ignoring things that bother or bug you (more about those in a minute), you’re simply letting them know you will NOT be brought down by them. You will NOT allow them to trample on your joy or let the air out of your happiness. Laughing doesn’t just feel good, it is healthy for your body and mind. I highly, highly, highly recommend watching The Golden Girls and (if colorful language doesn’t offend you) the Grumpy Old Men movies. They’re hilarious and will absolutely remind you to laugh. The Golden Girls could actually be prescribed therapy for us women who are growing older. They wear it so well and have so much fun with life, it reminds us that we can too!
  2. Eat right, sleep right, and keep your doctor’s appointments. I want to see you happy, but I also want to see you healthy. Some people get a certain age and they do all they can to avoid doctors. Horrible idea! Getting a great checkup could make a world of difference in how you feel. So very often, someone feels “off” or “not quite themselves” and bloodwork shows that all they need is a little more Vitamin D or Iron. Both of these make a whole world of difference in how you feel.  I’ve also found that Magnesium is something else that helps a great deal. Be sure to ask your doctor about each of these. Also, be sure you’re eating right and getting enough sleep. Both are vital to looking and feeling your best.
  3. Address those things that bug you! If you don’t like something about yourself (weight, hair, skin… whatever), research ways to improve it and get to work. Once you start working on something, you feel instantly better – long before you see even a hint of improvement, you feel a world better.
  4. Don’t focus on what LEFT… focus on what REMAINS. If you’ve suffered a loss in relationships, family member, health, a pet, home, business, or you feel like you’ve lost a piece of yourself, try very hard not to focus too much energy on what you have lost (or even perceive that you’ve lost). Focus, instead, on what or who remains. It’s a trick many use when dealing with an empty nest. They go from focusing on the child or children who had the audacity to leave the nest (how dare they grow up?!) and they focus on who and/or what remains. When you feel every bit of your age, try to switch your focus to the fact that you’re still bright, still funny, and (on some days) even downright sassy. Don’t spend too much time looking at those gray hairs… look, instead, at how your eyes still sparkle. It sounds simple, but it is absolutely therapeutic. Focus on what remains. Focus on what remains. Focus on what remains.
  5. Do not look to the future with fear or sadness, look instead at the life you’ve lived with awe and gladness! Think of the love, the laughs, the things you’ve seen, and the things you’ve done. Your life is a wonderful story and it is in NO WAY over yet! Heck, the best chapters may still lie ahead.

I don’t want to keep you much longer, I want you to get out there and enjoy your wonderful life, but I’ll just leave you with this. The next time you’re thinking anything like…

  • “I can’t do this, I’m too old…”
  • “I will never be okay with how I look..”
  • “What is with these creaking knees?”

… I want you to think back on your life. I want you to name times when you were your own hero.  Did you overcome cancer, a gallbladder operation, an especially bad car wreck, or a scary trip to the emergency room? Have you had to say goodbye (for now!) to your mom, dad, husband, wife, or other loved one at a funeral home? Did you have a dream home you had to drive away from… or close a business you worked half your life for? Think of the times you’ve had to step up, be tougher than you ever thought possible, and come walking out of the rubble… maybe even limping at first. Now tell yourself, “I’ve lived through the worst. This will be a cakewalk.”

Be your own hero. Hey, you’ve done it before… you’re good at this!

Make each moment count double and stay in the fight! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

How to feel happier about aging

Your Story Isn’t Over… It’s Just Getting Good!

Facing Your Fears of Returning to School

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Facing Your Fears of Returning to School

A rising number of colleges and training institutes now offer bachelors and graduate degree programs geared toward working people. People typically attend career colleges to learn new skills or expand their knowledge.

It is never too late to go back to school to make a career transfer, develop new skills and improve marketability in a competitive job market. Unfortunately, many would-be adult students who want to change careers or return to college do not because they are afraid.

The First Step is Admitting It

Many working professionals who are hesitant to return school share the following worries and fears:

Working adults and professionals are concerned about the cost of returning to college, the time commitment required, and the difficulties of taking classes with younger students.

Many are also anxious that their new degrees or certificates will not impress their employers. This is especially true for online degrees and certificates.

Because of the benefits of returning to college, many working people who have re-enrolled in college are glad they did not allow their worries to keep them from continuing their education.

(1) It Will Be Too Expensive

It might be costly to return to college. The cost of returning to school and earning a degree is enough to make many working people rethink their decision.

When education is considered an investment, however, the expenditures of attending college do not appear to be as significant. It’s better to consider the long term rather than the short term.

Increased salaries associated with more excellent education frequently cover the cost of returning to school.

Before you decide not to return to school because of the expense, consider how finishing your degree or gaining further training would help you reach your long-term job and educational goals.

(2) It Will Take Up Too Much Time

Working professionals are naturally stressed by their current commitments. As a result, returning to school might be much scarier. Working full-time, raising a family, and meeting other obligations are enough to keep even the busiest schedules occupied.

However, creating time to return to school is feasible—and many people do it effectively. It may necessitate sacrificing time spent on leisure activities, but it is feasible to create the time.

If you choose a goal and are committed to achieving it, you can acquire the skill to make sacrifices to achieve your educational ambitions.

Working professionals who want to return to school but are concerned about the time commitment might look into an online program. Many online programs allow students to finish lessons, assignments, and tests. Students are not needed to attend courses; all course requirements are completed from home or an office.

(3) Employers Won’t Take My Degree Seriously

People sometimes decide against returning to school because they cannot enter a renowned university. These individuals typically believe that their employers will be disappointed if they acquire a degree from a lesser-known college or school.

However, most employers consider degrees from vocational colleges and online universities acceptable and of comparable quality to degrees.

(4) We Won’t Learn Anything New Or Valuable

Working professionals often worry that returning to school would be ineffective. In other words, they believe they will not learn anything new.

Most adults who have returned to college and completed their degree on-campus or online would tell you the exact opposite. Similarly, many career institutions promote group learning and teamwork. Students in these programs collaborate extensively with professors and their peers.

Students can learn from other professionals with diverse job backgrounds through group work and conversation. Group interaction produces new information that may be implemented instantly in the workplace.

Why Make The Move?
Returning to school can boost your earning potential and allow you to pursue your interest. You may enhance your career by picking the right program and school with a little study and effort.

Becoming A Nutritionist: 4 Key Things To Consider

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Nutritionists are experts in diet and food science, who use evidence to provide guidance on health and wellbeing. Therefore, if you’re interested in the science of nutrition and how food can impact people’s health, a career in nutrition might be the right choice for you. However, firstly, it is crucial to understand the qualifications that you need to become a nutritionist, as well as the steps you need to take to enter the industry and achieve success. Whether you intend to start your own business as a nutritionist or you want to work for another company, the tips below will help you prepare effectively for this new venture. 

Develop Your Expertise

A career as a nutritionist will provide you with a wide range of career possibilities. For example, even if you begin your career in one area of nutrition and decide to switch, you will gain plenty of experience, which will help you in the future. You can start by thinking about which area of nutrition appeals the most to you, as this will influence the qualifications you need to obtain. If you want to work with athletes, you may want to pursue a career as a sports and exercise nutritionist. Alternatively, you may want to explore different research roles and focus on food analysis and research.

Gain Scientific Skills

Scientific knowledge and evidence are key for any nutritionist, which means it is crucial to develop a deep understanding of chemistry and food science. Also, if you want to offer your own supplements, you will need access to a quality lab service provider, such as Source BioScience, which provides integrated state-of-the-art laboratory services. With capabilities including Sanger sequencing and Next-Generation sequencing, their dedicated team of professionals will be on hand to support you in analysing and interpreting your data. Thanks to their multidisciplinary expertise, Source BioScience can help you gain the scientific skills you need as a nutritionist.

Become An Excellent Communicator

Although you might have an interest, a proper degree and exposure to nutritional companies, it’s also crucial to become an excellent communicator to succeed in this career. Remember that each client will be different and you will often need to work against their outside influences. At times, your clients might be listening to you talk about proper nutrition and controlled food intake, but when they go home, they might be influenced by their family and friends. Therefore, you will need to improve your communication skills so that you can create and maintain good relationships with your clients.

Gain Work Experience

Just like in any other career, you will need to gain relevant work experience in order to progress your career development. You may find that many degree courses include work placements as part of your studies, which can make it easier to experience work life as a nutritionist. Nevertheless, if you don’t have this opportunity, you may consider completing an internship or taking a trainee position. This will provide you with on-the-job training, allowing you to prepare for work as a qualified nutritionist. You may also want to get in involved in work shadowing if you’re unsure about which area of nutrition you want to focus on.

7 Things To Start Today That Your Future Self Will Thank You For

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A Year from Now You Will Wish You Started Today

“A year from now, you will wish you started today.” ~ Karen Lamb

There’s no better time to make a change than now! There’s no space for regrets, so you might as well start doing things that you always wanted.

It doesn’t have to be anything drastic. In fact, it can even be a small thing like waking up 10 minutes earlier to meditate or drink your morning coffee in peace. After just a small change, you will feel much more energized and ready to try and implement even more changes into your everyday life.

Small steps lead to big changes, so let’s see what kind of little steps you can make today for your future self.

Start Exercising
Deciding to go to the gym or to start including any kind of physical activity in your daily routine is always a good choice. Exercise has amazing benefits for your health and overall wellbeing. Engaging in moderate exercise for about 30 minutes every day is the key to good physical and mental health. It’s not much, is it? And the benefits are amazing.

Eat Healthily
Everybody likes to indulge in comfort foods like pizza and burgers, and who can deny that? But healthy food can be tasty too.

By learning to prepare your own food, you will acquire a new skill and truly figure out what you like and what you don’t like when it comes to food. Maybe you’ll even impress a friend or a partner along the way. You can check some recipes on Youtube or buy some cookbooks (online or in a physical bookstore). The sources are endless; you just need to give it a go. And your future body and mind will thank you for it.

Have a Good Night’s Sleep
Taking your time to have a good night’s sleep is the best investment you can make. Sleep deprivation has been associated with all kinds of health issues, from heart problems to depression.

Coffee might seem like a helpful boost, but if you’re not properly rested, it can just make you jittery. Nothing can replace a good eight hours of sleep, so don’t try to compensate for it. It’s important to get a great mattress and soft, comforting sheets to help you sleep blissfully without waking up in the middle of the night. Also, make sure to darken the room for better sleep and turn off all electronics to give yourself that much-needed rest.

Keep Learning
If there’s something you always wanted to do but for some reason never made that first step, go for it now! It doesn’t matter if it’s a new language, horseback riding, paddle boarding, or going back to college – you just need to say yes to your dream. Learning new things has a positive impact on your memory and cognitive function, so putting yourself out there into the unknown can just mean more benefits for your long-term health and happiness. And who doesn’t want that?

Start Saving
You never know what life can throw your way, so it’s a good idea to have some savings on the side. Having an emergency fund is a great idea so that everyday struggles don’t get overwhelming. And certainly, having enough money for a couple of months will make having that good night’s sleep a piece of cake.

Make Some Plans
We all have some plans for the future. Maybe we want to buy a new house, a new apartment, or even a new pool. It’s good to have a plan so you can work every day on reaching that goal of yours. You don’t want to wake up in five years and wonder where those years have gone because you haven’t done anything that you wanted. So, having a plan and sticking to it every single day is the recipe for success. (Or, in this case, a recipe for a new home.)

Choose You!
It’s important that in your plans for the future, there is a YOU that’s taken care of. You can’t venture into the unknown without consulting with yourself first. So check in with yourself from time to time and see if you are still on the same page with your past self. Circumstances change and priorities change with time, so it’s important to know where you are standing in connection to your previous plans. You’ll change along the way, but your relationship with yourself should always remain a priority.

In Closing
Your future self is waiting for you, watching you from a safe distance. And she knows there’s nothing to be afraid of. There are so many options and opportunities that await; you just need to grab them today, and the process of change has already begun.

We know it will make you happy, even though it’s scary at first. But none of us can move forward if we don’t conquer our fear. So what fear are you going to slay today?