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General

Finding More Time for Reading in a Ridiculously Busy Day!

January 28, 2023 by Joi Leave a Comment

Quote About Reading by Dr. Seuss

Quote About Reading by Dr. Seuss

Okay, maybe instead of titling this one something like “Finding time to read,” I should have said “Making time to read..” because that’s exactly what has to happen, isn’t it? We always have to MAKE time because we certainly aren’t going to FIND extra time lying around somewhere.

If only!

The world has become such a fast-paced machine these days and people aren’t just busy, they’re crazy busy, so I’m going to begin taking that more into consideration on the self help blog. I will try to confine my articles and posts to a reasonable, “read at one sitting” style and break content up with lists and graphics.

If you’re like me, you made your resolutions and goals for 2023 and are, by now, finding things that work and didn’t work in making these goals and resolutions a reality. One of my resolutions that I kind of had to grapple with was “Read more.”

You have to set aside time when it comes to reading – I mean, you don’t want noise or distractions when you’re trying to spend a little time with a great book. Problem is, when your day is pretty full to begin with, there’s very little time to simply set aside.

Below are a few suggestions that have worked for me and I hope at least one of them is helpful to you as well:

  1. It’s pretty obvious, but getting up a little earlier than usual can be the secret.  When it came to having enough time for Bible reading and Bible study (something that absolutely calls for as few distractions as possible.. especially the Old Testament and Revelation!), I decided to set my iPhone alarm app for 30 minutes earlier. Worked like an absolute charm. I now have 30 whole minutes that I’ve “found” to devote entirely to Bible reading and study. The quite, still house is the perfect setting and I look forward to it each and every day.
  2. If you have several books you’re reading at once, keep them in different locations. I am always, always, always reading more than one book at any given time. I read a LOT of old Hollywood biographies (for enjoyment and for information for my old Hollywood blog and old Hollywood Twitter page) and am always in the beginning, middle, or end of at least 3. On top of these, I am always reading at least one Inspirational book from one of my favorite authors. I don’t keep the books I’m currently reading in one spot but, rather, keep one or two throughout the house – this way, if I find myself sitting in the den for 15 minutes, for example – the book beside my favorite chair is always waiting for me. I always keep one in the kitchen, as well, to “knock out” a chapter while keeping an eye on what’s cooking.
  3. Don’t squander time! Another one that’s painfully simple but, quite frankly, can prove useful. I had a simple little game on my phone that I was all but addicted to. It was sort of a little puzzle game and was apparently designed with the goal of getting its visitors completely hooked! It occurred to me one day that I had spent over 30 minutes on that app that day alone… and it was only 2:00 in the afternoon. I replaced the time that I would normally, mindlessly, devote to this game with reading and finished two books in one week. WITH SOMETHING TO SHOW FOR IT.. unlike playing a mindless little game.
  4. This could probably fall under the category above, but think about the time you spend on social media, reading about this person’s opinion on that, that person’s opinion on this… what this person had for lunch.. where that person went on vacation… and goodness knows we have to read every detail about Gary’s keto journey. How could we not?!  Like a silly little game, this time absolutely adds up and could easily be, at the very least, cut in half and replaced with reading. One easy way to cut back on time is this, how many social media accounts do you have? Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Pinterest… if you have one of each, maybe ask yourself is that’s absolutely necessary?! I mean, I only have Twitter and Instagram and yet I know they take more of my time than I should be willing to let them have. Cutting back at least a little can open up a lot more time for reading or anything else that will actually benefit your health – mental, Spiritual, and physical.

Finding more time for reading is actually a work in progress for me, so when I find other tricks or tips that work for me, I’ll scamper back here and add them!

Make each moment count double! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Filed Under: General Tagged With: how to find more time for reading, resolutions, time management

The – Almost – Lost Art of Greeting Cards: A History of Sentimentality 

December 24, 2022 by Joi Leave a Comment

Stay in Contact with Loved Ones with Greeting Cards

 

At one time, greeting cards were commonplace; they were a great way to communicate with acquaintances, friends and family and let them know that you are thinking of them for whatever reason. Nowadays, the use of greeting cards seems to be on the decline, which is a shame. In order to understand this custom and the importance that it holds, you need to go back to the start. Read on to learn more about the history of greeting cards. 

The Origins

In truth, the origin of greeting cards as they appear today is difficult to pinpoint. This is because passing written sentiments to one another can be traced back to the invention of writing. Archaeologists have discovered clay tablets dating back to the Sumerian culture sometime between 3000 and 2000 BC, with what is thought to be words of greeting inscribed upon them. 

There is also similar evidence of well-wishing in ancient Egypt and bronze-age China. The personalized messages were sent with the intention of imparting good luck upon the recipient for the new year and warding off evil spirits. This tradition is still an important part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. 

In Egypt, on the other hand, there further evidence of personalization’s in these greetings. There are named individuals sending their well wishes to other named individuals. However, in contrast to the Chinese tradition, these well wishes do not appear to be designed to ward off evil but simply celebrate the new year. 

The Invention of Paper

Paper was invented around 100 AD in China, and it became the medium of choice for personalized messages as its use travelled along the Silk Road to other cultures. Its use around the New Year continued. This is because, in western cultures, it was used to offer well wishes and good luck for the upcoming harvest year. 

Presents sometimes accompanied the paper in the form of wood carvings or other small handmade trinkets. It was only really around the 14th century in Germany when the first iterations of what society today would recognize as greeting cards were found; they were still solely for the new year. However, at this time, they were reserved almost exclusively for upper classes thanks to their price. 

Greeting Cards & National Holidays

It was then during the 15th century that greeting cards began to diversify. Instead of being limited to well wishes for the new year, they began to be exchanged for other reasons and during other periods. One of the first being the celebration of the feast of St. Valentine. In fact, one of the cards given during this period is considered the oldest Valentine’s love letter written; it was from a woman named Margery Brews to her fiancé in the year 1477.

Despite the fact that greeting cards were diversifying in their purpose and occasion, they were still rather inaccessible to the layperson because of their expense. They were created in low numbers to accommodate this, not like the mass production of greeting cards seen today. They only began to see a rise in their numbers during the mid-19th century. This is simply because the process was mechanized, which made it easier to produce large numbers of greeting cards. 

The mass production of greeting cards came at just the right time. During the same period, postal routes were improved, and postal rates became more affordable, which helped to make the whole sending greeting cards thing more accessible to all members of society. They also continued to vary their use, with cards being produced for a number of occasions. 

The cards themselves also seemed to become more and more elaborately decorated too. Designers were hired to create artwork specifically for the greeting cards. The cards mostly focused on Christmas and the New Year, although Valentine’s cards were still popular too. A lot of greeting card companies began to invest more in the design of their cards. By the 1870s, however, greeting cards encompassed all of the classic holidays that they do today. 

Greetings Cards Today

Between then and now, there has been very little evolution in the industry. There are now more cards than ever that can be sent for any number of reasons, but the buying and sending process remains largely unchanged. One of the biggest greeting card companies in the world was formed in 1910 in Kansas City, America. 

Hallmark today is synonymous with holidays like Christmas. The business prides itself on being wholesome and family-orientated, and thanks to its success, they have diversified beyond greetings cards, having their own television channel and creating movies and generating other content and products. 

However, in recent years, the purchase of greetings cards from traditional retailers has seen a steady decline. The younger generations today seem to be far less interested in sending greeting cards in the traditional manner; the question is, why? Do the younger generations not have the same soft spot for sentimentality?

Truthfully, the rise of the digital era has a lot to answer for in terms of the traditional approach to greeting cards declining. Firstly, social media and mobile phones have meant that you can get in contact with a person directly to deliver your well wishes as opposed to the past when letter writing was the primary form of communication. Today you can reach out directly, which somewhat negates the need for greetings cards. 

There are obviously still young people today who enjoy the sentimentality of sending cards and respect the tradition. However, they don’t tend to approach it in the same way. There are a number of companies today that allow you to choose a card design and fully customize it to your specifications. The company then also sends out the card on your behalf. 

This is perhaps the biggest difference; people today are sending cards without ever having had them in their physical possession first. Cards today are often sent via these companies that act like a proxy. Some people could be under the impression that this adds extra unnecessary steps. But this isn’t the case. 

Ordering, writing out and sending a card online can be done in just a few steps. The convenience is unparalleled. These sites also offer help and advice too. For example, Greenvelope can be used to send the cards themselves, but they also have a number of resources, including tips on what you should write whether you are sending a speedy recovery card, a condolence card or whatever the occasion may be.

Lastly, in addition to being able to send physical cards via the internet, there has also been a rise in the use of e-cards. These cards exist solely in the digital landscape. They can be sent via email or other digital platforms. They were preferred for a while, but they can feel a little more impersonal, and they don’t allow for keepsakes, either.

In Conclusion

Expressing well wishes and giving greetings to friends and family has always been done in one form or another; originally, it was passed along verbally. Then with the invention of writing, it was done this way, regardless of whether you believe that expressing well wishes can help to ward off evil spirits or you simply want to express a sentiment. A greeting card can be an excellent way to do it. The tradition continues to endure; it is simply done in a different way.

Filed Under: Articles by Various Authors, General, Positive Thought, Relationships Tagged With: Relationships

Facing Your Fears of Returning to School

September 28, 2022 by Joi Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Articles by Various Authors, General Tagged With: adult education, education, going back to school

Quick Thought About Interests… Basically, the More You Have, the Better!

June 6, 2022 by Joi Leave a Comment

Be Interested...

Be interested… fascinated, even… in the world around you and stay interested… fascinated, even… every day of your life. That’s the advice I heap on just about everyone I know. I may not (or may, depending on who I’m talking to!) say the exact words, but I convey the exact thought.

When we are interested in as many things as possible, we not only make life more interesting, we make ourselves more interesting. We open up a whole world of reasons to look forward to the next moment.

Have you ever embarked on a new hobby and found yourself so excited to learn more about it or taken up a new sport and get practically giddy at the thought of perfecting your skills?!

The world if FULL of interesting, fascinating subjects and hobbies – pull up a seat and find a handful!

Some of my own interests.. just to expand your own thought bubble a bit:

  • Cooking and recipes
  • Bible Study
  • American History
  • Old Movies
  • Baseball
  • Ancient Egypt (especially Cleopatra)
  • Harriet Tubman
  • Presidents and First Ladies
  • Cats
  • Amelia Earhart
  • Bird Watching
  • Flower gardening
  • Biographies and auto-biographies
  • Reading Agatha Christie mysteries (over and over again)
  • Bigfoot… yes, of course I’m serious, why do you ask?!?!
  • Tea
  • Poetry
  • Word Find Puzzles (obsessed, y’all)

The world is a buffet of interests and they’re just waiting for you to fill your plate! ~ Joi

Filed Under: General

4 Ways You Can Try To Quit Smoking

June 3, 2022 by Joi Leave a Comment

Healthy New Habits

In 2020, there were nearly 31 million adult smokers in America –– and the majority of them have tried to stop. Unfortunately though, an article posted by the Partnership to End Addiction early last decade indicated that only about 6% of those who try to kick the habit succeed in doing so.

The same article noted that the designation of certain public places as smoke-free (which we’ve seen even more of since) actually encouraged smokers to quit. At the same time though, individuals who want to cut out their smoking habits need more than this kind of public incentive. People also need to try their own ways of quitting –– and ultimately, it’s about each individual finding what works for them.

Here, we’ll look at four methods that have helped people quit.

1. Cold Turkey

The cold turkey method is a challenging approach because it means determining decisively that a given puff of smoke will be the last. There is no gradual reduction in nicotine and the person goes from smoking numerous cigarettes a day, to quitting flat-out.

To most smokers, this undoubtedly sounds difficult –– and it is. But it’s also doable! An article we posted previously referenced a piece by Jean Dare Roberts, entitled “A Divorce From Tobacco”, which recounted how a man who once smoked up to eight cigars a day and “ate” chewing tobacco was able to conquer the habit via the cold-turkey method. But if you are not ready for this approach, there are still other options.

2. Nicotine Pouches

Nicotine replacement products have been used for many years to help people quit smoking, and with considerable success. When people try to quit, it is natural to feel symptoms of withdrawal, and these can in turn hinder the effort. Thus, a method that revolves around the gradual reduction in nicotine can be highly effective; it cuts cigarette use without leading to withdrawal symptoms.

Nicotine replacement has traditionally revolved around patches and gum (and a few other products). Of late however, pouches have become the trendy force in the sector. Nicotine pouches are (roughly) 1.5-inch, tobacco-free packets that give a nicotine dose to the user when they are placed in the mouth between the gums and upper lip. They are discreet to use and come in a variety of flavors (mint, berry, and coffee, to name just a few). And while they’ve only been sold in the U.S. for about six years, Prilla reports that there are around 1 million nicotine pouch users in the U.S., with many of them being former cigarette smokers and chewing tobacco users. This –– coupled with the fact that pouches already accounted for 91% of sales in the “modern oral nicotine” category in 2021 –– indicates that they’re proving useful to people attempting to quit smoking.

3. Healthy Snacks

As mentioned, it is natural to experience withdrawal symptoms (like mood changes, fatigue, hunger, and cravings) while trying to smoke fewer cigarettes. But heading off cravings can actually make all of this easier to manage, essentially by distracting the mind (and mouth, for some). And in some cases, something as simple as a healthy snack can help.

An article at SFGate specifically pointed to fruit and raw vegetables as foods that can help in this way. Foods high in soluble fiber, such as oats, beans, and nuts, can also be useful in that the fiber slows down digestion –– making the eater feel full, and thus less inclined to want something in their mouth.

Ultimately, the goal with this method is to replace the smoking habit with something healthier that occupies the mouth, stomach, and/or mind, reducing the focus on smoking.

4. Hypnosis

While some may shrug off the notion of hypnotists being able to help, there are instances in which this method has appeared to be successful. A few years ago, The Atlantic wrote about hypnosis to help quit smoking, and acknowledged that the numbers are “fuzzy,” and experts can’t agree on the effectiveness. The same piece, however, quoted a hypnotist suggesting that 50% of his patients were able to quit with help from hypnosis. There are also anecdotal reports from patients who swear by the method.

To be clear, no scientific evidence backs the notion that hypnosis aids smoking cessation. But it can still be a useful option to explore. In most cases it will help a person to relax and focus on positive change; in some, it may lead to quitting.

Quitting smoking is never easy, but there are various ways to go about it. Try these options, and you may just find out what works, and start on your way toward a healthier lifestyle.

Filed Under: Articles by Various Authors, General, Self Help Tagged With: how to stop smoking

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Cat on Pine Mountain , Kentucky

Welcome to Self Help Daily, a blog devoted to helping you get the most from life by getting the most from yourself!

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Contact Joi

My name is Joi (“Joy”)! I am the animal lover behind Self Help Daily.

To contact me, please do so through e-mail (joitsigers @ gmail.com). Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you! ~ Joi

Self Help Blog Updates

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  • The – Almost – Lost Art of Greeting Cards: A History of Sentimentality 
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