"The Perpetuation of Poverty"
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So you’ve heard that juicing is good for your health and you want to give it a try? Here are some reasons why you should give it a chance. 95% of the vitamins and enzymes our bodies need are found in the juice of raw fruits and vegetables. * We would need to eat 2 lbs. of carrots, 10-12 apples, or 8 lbs. of spinach to get the same amount of nutrients you receive in one 16 Oz juice. * Giving your digestive system a rest lets the body absorb the maximum amount of concentrated vitamins, minerals and enzymes from your fruits and veggies
There are two basic ways to juice, centrifugal and cold-pressed. Both ways have their pros and cons. Centrifugal juicers use a fast-spinning blade to extract juice from produce. The process does not produce much clean up waste, but because there is some heat created from friction, some of the natural enzymes are lost. Whereas cold-pressing juices provide a higher concentration of enzymes, cold-pressers use a slow pulverize and a hydraulic press and can create a time-staking cleanup process.
Do some research to find out what process works for your lifestyle and get juicing today to receive maximum nutrients from your fruits and veggies!
* http://www.livinggreensjuice.com/Benefits-of-Juicing-s/1824.htm
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So you want to be healthy and exercise, but like most people…you are busy! Well don’t fret over not having much time. A study conducted by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that running—even slowly—may greatly reduce the risk of a cardiovascular-related death. 1 Running 5 minutes per day can reduce an individual’s risk of premature death by about 3 years. 1 Researchers found that people who ran less than an hour per week also saw an increase in lifespan, not just a decrease in risk of premature death. 1
Running isn’t your thing? The U.S. government and the World Health Organization currently suggest 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate-intensity per week; this can include activities such as brisk walking, gardening or even physical chores around the house.
So get out there today and get your spring chores done, it may just add years to your life!
1. http://time.com/3048568/even-if-youre-bad-at-it-running-reduces-risk-of-death/
]]>Staying on the topic of being a conscious consumer from earlier this week, let's discuss the need to examine the labels on our food products. This can be an overwhelming topic when we realize how much injustice and suffering goes in to our everyday food. (1) There are many websites that can help us make more ethical food choices. The easiest way to identify the products we should avoid is to pay attention to the corporations that have exploited our planet and fellow humans.
Water is a fundamental substance that all humans require. It is becoming a limited commodity in some communities. This is especially true in countries like India where a prominent corporation unlawfully pumped 1.5 million liters (400,000 gallons) of water a day from local reserves, leaving famer without enough water to irrigate their crops, and draining the community’s drinking water supply. (1) This is not the only shameful act that has been performed; atrocities such as child labor, blackmail, abduction, intimidation, and rape are also linked to companies that produce everyday products.
We should only buy products that are labeled as “Is Not Tested On Animals” or “Cruelty Free.” If the product does not say either of these things, chances are they used animal testing. Multiple brands of pet food have engaged in animal testing. For instance, a study was conducted in 2011 by a prominent company where healthy puppies were infected with canine distemper virus, then fed a probiotic to compare results to a test group; a similar study was later performed with cats. [1) It particularly troubling that food for animals is tested on animals.
Palm oil is a globally traded agricultural commodity item that is in our foods, detergents, make-up, and other cosmetics. It is also used an alternative to fossil fuels in the form of biofuel. Palm oil itself is not a bad; but the way that palm oil is harvested is the problem. The large-scale destruction of the rainforest in Indonesia is rapidly displacing wildlife species. The rainforest is being demolished in order to create the massive palm oil plantations. The production of palm oil is also responsible for widespread human rights violations as the palm oil companies forcefully remove Indigenous Peoples and communities from their lands. (2) There are fewer than 100 Sumatran rhinos left in the wild due to the destruction of their habitat; all for a processed food ingredient. (2) It is time to call upon corporations to only use sustainably sourced palm oil.
Last we must discuss GMOs, or genetically modified organisms. Monsanto is one of the largest corporations that have pushed the Food and Drug Administration to approve GMOs for human consumption. Monsanto Given the vast reach of its products, and the scope of its ambitions, Monsanto differs from other companies. (1) Monsanto also owns a vast network of subsidiaries, many of which, unlike their parent company, market and sell organic and vegan products. (1) This is particularly troubling because they are misleading people into thinking they are buying a healthy and ethical product. Make sure all of your labels say Non-GMO.
Now that we have this information, what do we do with it? The easiest way to make a difference is to buy locally grown organic products. Going to a farmers market is not only fun, but when buying locally you are supporting your community and getting a better, healthy product. Can’t afford to buy organic products? Look into volunteering at a local share farm.
Take the time to find out what you are supporting with your purchases, and start making a difference today!
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Let us make a more sustainable future for the youth of the world by becoming conscious consumers. Not only is it good for the planet, but it also is good for your health and overall well-being. We can all do our part in limiting new purchases, sharing existing resources, and buying sustainable products.
So what does being a conscious consumer actually mean? There are many factors that go into this process. Do not get overwhelmed and just start with what you can, every little bit helps! Each day this week we will focus on one topic. We will break down conscious consumerism into achievable sections that will help you get started.
Today let us focus on… Limiting New Purchases.
This does not mean you have to be a minimalist; you do not have to stop buying period. But, when getting a new table for example, instead of buying that cheap mass-produced particleboard table, go to an antique show, estate sale, and/or look on a site like eBay, or Craigslist. Buying used furniture is not only economical, but most of the time you are getting a more quality product for a fraction of the price. The search for the right piece is a fun process, and you get a good feeling knowing that you are giving the furniture new life. If it is not the right finish, you can paint it! Not only will you love the new custom look that you have achieved, but you will also feel a sense of accomplishment and sentiment from the hard work you have dedicated to the process.
Electronics today are one of the biggest hazards to our planet. Not only do they contain hazardous and toxic chemicals, but also they are designed for the dump. Each year society tells us we need to have the newest computer, cell-phone, TV, etc. Newer versions of these products have different chargers, software, and are only slightly improved, but changed enough that we think we have to have them. The Story of Stuff Project released a short video called The Story of Electronics (2010) The video claims that by this time we were at 25 million tons of e-waste and counting, poisoning workers, and leaving the general public with the cleanup bill. Mass producers of electronics not only need to be held accountable for there e-waste, but they should also be more responsible about promoting ideas that contribute to useless upgrading each year.
Watch The Story of Electronics (2010) here: https://youtu.be/sW_7i6T_H78
If we can be a conscious consumer in all of our purchases, not only will we help Mother Earth, but we will also feel better about our purchases. Wednesday’s topic, paying attention to what is in our food.
]]>Understanding someone’s suffering is the best gift you can give another person. Understanding is love’s other name. If you don’t understand, you can’t love.
-Thich Nhat Hanh
I love the quote above. I believe that Thich Nhat Hanh is equating understanding and love to empathy. When a person is in a state of empathy, they actually feel the emotions, problems and perspectives of another being. One study I read broke down the division of thought into a chart stating that most humans spend 60% of the time in self-directed thoughts, 30% in relational thinking, and only 10% of the time in empathetic thinking. Self-directed thoughts are those that only concern the individual. Relational thoughts involve others, but the individual having the thought is only concerned with how it is affecting one’s self.
If most humans are only capable of 10% of empathetic thinking, and that empathy has to be split between everyone we know, we are probably wasting a lot of time taking things personally. In most cases people are not trying to be intentionally hurtful to one another…they are just too busy thinking about themselves to be concerned with how their actions are affecting someone else. If this is true then we should feel free to have fun and be ourselves…no need to be embarrassed…nobody is probably paying attention anyway!
If we can expand our empathy directed thinking beyond 10% just think what an affect this could have on our relationships. There would be less misunderstanding, personalizing, and arguments. This is a process and not one that happens on its own. To be more empathetic takes self-reflection, and self-realization. So at the end of each day if we take at least 10 minutes to reflect on all interactions, we would be able to recognize when we could have treated someone more empathetically. Eventually, our capacity for love and understanding will increase.
It truly is also taking the time to think before we act. When we do this, we can think about others feelings before our own. Being empathetic can be improved by being intentional in our thinking and in our actions.
Today, be intentional and practice empathy with others around you.
]]>“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”
― Albert Einstein
While I agree with good ole Al, it takes intelligence to identify when we need to change something in our lives; I think that there is another element that he is forgetting in this statement. I would gather that self-esteem might play into our ability to change even more so than intelligence.
Having a strong self-esteem will enable you to be the best version of yourself. People that have a strong sense of self are not afraid to make changes when they are not feeling happy or fulfilled. They are not concerned when others tell them are incapable of something because they know without a doubt they will accomplish anything they set their mind to. This does not mean that they will not have failures, in fact the most successful people in this world usually also have the most failures. The trick is when they fail they don’t get down on themselves and they don’t give up, they just alter their course. Failures make room for successes…and they help give direction.
What do high and low self-esteems have in common? They are impermanent, meaning if you place a fairly confident person in a situation where they are being insulted or degraded on a constant basis, eventually they are going to start believing what they hear. This also means the same for the opposite; consistently building up someone with a low self-esteem over time creates a space where the subject will also start believing what they hear.
Where does our self-esteem come from? It begins developing in our formative years, how we are raised plays a big part into how we view ourselves. If your situation wasn’t idyllic, don’t despair; you can still develop a strong and positive identity for yourself.
Start by discovering what you like to do, identify your strengths and talents; then start cultivating those traits. Turn of the TV, and grab a book that feeds your soul. Get outside; nature helps connect us to what really matters. But, the key to remaining successful is to surround yourself by people you look up to…people that enhance your mood and radiate positivity!
Start today; there is no time like now to become someone you truly love!
]]>Today is the 45th anniversary of Earth Day. In honor of this global event, the organization is attempting to plant One Billion trees! One Billion trees…….can you imagine what this would mean for our planet? The positive impact on Earth would be incredible.
This day is set aside to take time out of our day to give something back to Mother Earth instead of the continual habit of taking from her. It begins at home in every neighborhood, city, state and nation.
According to the Earth Day website, “Earth Day broadens the base of support for environmental programs, rekindles public commitment and builds community activism around the world through a broad range of events and activities. Earth Day is the largest civic event in the world, celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. More than a billion people participate in our campaigns every year”.
So what should you do for Earth Day? Get involved! Push up your sleeves and prepare to get your hands dirty by planting seeds or trees in your own backyard or community! Or better yet, start recognizing Earth Day every day and protect our planet through your actions. Get started by taking part in The Master Shift’s global live meditation in honor of Earth Day tonight at 9:30pm EDT. This event seeks to unite the world through global meditation to create a collective positive energy in the universe. You can find out more about this event on their Facebook page.
Will you do something positive for your planet Earth today? Just don’t think about it, DO IT!!!
It is so difficult today to watch the news, and the constant incoming of reporting regarding disasters, shootings, violence, ethnic and racial hatred, etc.....it goes on and on. In addition to television and radio, it bombards us over the internet. It is hard to escape. At times, it is so overwhelming and makes one feel as though everything is out of control. It actually steals our strength and robs us of our power. Then, as the words of George Santayana below state, some small quiet story surfaces and renews our faith in the human race. It is hard to remember, but amid all of the turmoil, there is beauty and love in the world. There is wonder and kindness happening all around us. We may have to look for it, and it may not get much coverage........but it is there. So, today, keep your eyes open to find the goodness in the world. Or better yet, spread some of it around the universe yourself.
"The world is not respectable;
it is mortal, tormented,
confused, deluded forever;
but it is shot through with
beauty, with love, with glints
of courage and laughter; and
in these, the spirit blooms
timidly, and struggles to the
light amid the thorns."
- George Santayana
“The very things that held you down are going to carry you up.”-Dumbo
“No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true.” – Cinderella
“All it takes is faith and trust” -Peter Pan
“Open different doors, you may find a you there that you never knew was yours. Anything can happen.” - Mary Poppins
“When life gets you down do you wanna know what you’ve gotta do? Just keep swimming! “–Dory, Finding Nemo
“You must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul.” – Gusteau, Ratatouille
“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” – The Emporer, Mulan
“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.” – Eeyore, Winnie the Pooh
"You think the only people who are people, are the people who look and think like you. But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you’ll learn things you never knew you never knew.” –Pocahontas
“Love is putting someone else’s needs before yours.” – Frozen
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What is the secret to getting motivated when you are tired? Sorry there is no secret, you just have to get up and get moving! I like to start my morning with a gratitude list. Gratitude is necessary to be happy; and when you are happy motivation comes with more ease. Taking a shower will help shake off the morning drowsiness.
Being healthy also helps to stay motivated. Instead of that morning doughnut, grab some fruit or eat some egg whites. You don’t have to have a gym membership to exercise. When it is possible walk instead of driving. Yesterday I witnessed someone get in their car and drive from one parking spot to another at the other end of the parking lot! Wouldn’t it have been easier to just walk to the other store? I spent a summer in Europe, and I was in the best shape of my life. I believe this is because I had to rely on public transportation, and therefore I was forced to walk a lot. Here in the US the public transportation is not as accessible, but there are situations when it is not only more Earth-conscious, but also a better option than driving.
If you are having trouble getting started on a project, start by turning off all distractions. This includes social media, TV, ringer on your phone. Next create a list containing the positive outcomes you might receive by accomplishing the task. For example, if given a writing assignment: 1. I will learn something useful 2. If I get a good grade, and be one step closer to getting the grade I need to get into the college of my choice 3. I will be proud of what I have accomplished. Next list steps needed to finish the project and check each one of as you finish them. Seeing something tangible such as a list and checking it off shows that you are making progress and helps keep you motivated.
So now that you have read this, stop procrastinating and looking for outside motivation to get you started on whatever it is you need to get done. If you have to lock yourself in a room until you get whatever it is you need to get done, do it! Getting started is the hardest part, once you put the wheels in motion, they will continue to roll!
]]>I am moving from LA back to MI after spending two wonderful years here. As I am preparing for my movers to come next week, I have to decide what I want to take with me, and what I am leaving behind. The movers charge by the pound so I want to only take the items that I really need or have some type of sentimental meaning. I started to think, what is the difference between being sentimental and attachment?
As a species, we tend to let our possessions define us. This idea can entrap us if we are surrounded by clutter, and in my case paying to move clutter across the country! Emotional attachment is one of the biggest reasons why people cannot let go of their possessions.
So, why is it so hard to let go?
We might have memories attached to our things, but if we are stuck in the past we might be missing out on what is going on right now. Allow yourself room to enjoy the present. This is true also for worry about the future. Unless you are a clairvoyant, you never know what the future might hold. Again, allow yourself room to enjoy the present.
So as I begin packing my things, I am focusing on quality over quantity, and trying not to overly concern myself with the past or the future. Of course I am not leaving everything behind but I am finding that it is actually very freeing to get rid of things I have carried around for so many years. After-all, at the end it's just stuff!
Remember, when getting rid of things try to be Earth-conscious and recycle or donate to local organizations and charities!
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Today one of my friends posted the question, “Everything happens for a reason, right?” This question stirred up some controversy. I responded that yes, I do believe everything happens for a reason. I used the example of how when I was twenty-six and living in Las Vegas. I thought I had the life; I waitressed four days a week making enough money in those four days to enable me to snowboard the other three days. Sounds great right? Well I went home to Michigan to visit for Christmas and on Christmas Eve while snowboarding on a hill, in Michigan mind you there is such thing as mountains, I broke my shoulder. I was so mad. How could I be victimized like this? I loved my gig, and now I was trapped back in my parents house with no way to support myself. But, during this time I was able to create a strong bond with my 15-year-old sister who was 11 years my junior. Nine months later she was killed in a car accident. I am so grateful for that broken shoulder and the time it allowed me to spend with my sister.
Ok, so that was a very clear example. Breaking shoulder = bad…Time with Sister = good. But, what about situations when it is not so clear; Child Abuse, Pet Abuse, School Shootings, Decimation of our beautiful Earth and its resources, Terrorism…I could go on but I think you get the point.
What about when there is no obvious purpose for these atrocities?
Well, what if we label its purpose as awareness? It totally sucks that these terrible things have to happen, but now that we are aware we can do our part to support change. A good friend to me once said, "If we are ignoring a problem, it is no different than supporting it." Let’s become aware and do our part to make the world a better place! This request overwhelms most people. They think, “How am I going to help against climate change? I am just one person!” Just doing something as simple as recycling, or becoming an Earth-conscious consumer promotes change. If you are passionate about animals volunteer for a day at a shelter.
Find what you are passionate about and let’s make the world a better place one act at a time!
]]>Positive Affirmations can be used to change the way you see the world. Your thoughts create your own perception of the world. Every thought that you think, and every word you say is an affirmation. When you repeat an affirmation you are creating new pathways in your brain that are either negative or positive. Take a minute and observe your self-talk. Is it mostly negative? You might find that some thoughts are automatic and they might not even be true. You cannot control every thought you have, but with positive affirmations you can train your brain to start thinking more positive. I have listed some example of positive affirmations below; you might like some and equally might dislike some. Choose the affirmations you are drawn to even if you don’t believe them. Say them with conviction, and you just might start to believe what you are saying!
For more information on positive affirmations go to http://www.essentiallifeskills.net/positiveaffirmations.html
]]>Today marks the 3rd annual International Day of Happiness. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution, which decreed that the International Day of Happiness would be observed every year on March 20th. This movement was coordinated by Action for Happiness, a non-profit that is comprised like-minded organizations from 160 countries. The International Day of Happiness 2015 invites everyone to focus on his or her connections with others. Their website explains what true happiness is and how to achieve it with the acronym GREAT DREAM: G-giving R-relating E-exercising A-appreciating T-trying out D-direction R-resilience E-emotion A-acceptance M-Meaning. Human connection is necessary to achieve happiness, so let's start connecting with others today!
To find out more about how you can achieve happiness and get involved go to www.dayofhappiness.net.
]]>Many people get wrapped up in the notion that their life would be better if they just had a different job, made more money, were in a better relationship.......the list goes on and on. While it is good to have future goals, it can be a mistake to always think of happiness as something that is in the future. Life does not have be perfect to be wonderful. Staying in the present and being thankful for today is empowering. After all, we do not have control over what is going to happen in the future. The more one tries to control everything, there is a realization that we do not have control over anything. The author, Eckhart Tolle teaches us this in his book The Power of Now. He tells us that "the Now is all there ever really is". Life is never perfect and is messy at times, but at the same time there is wonder in every moment and everyday. Staying in the present and looking at life though through a lens of gratitude helps us to see the WONDERFUL.
Abraham Lincoln said, "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be". Make up your mind to stay in the present today, look for the wonderful and be happy even though your life may not be perfect.
Each spring the Keep America Beautiful non-profit kicks off their Great American Cleanup campaign. It is the country’s largest community improvement program that boasts 20,000 communities involvement. Service projects are based on the needs of each community. Some of the previous projects include:
Have you ever wanted to in help your community, but didn’t know how? The Great American Cleanup provides communities with structured service projects that make it easy to get involved. So come on...get involved and help improve your community! YOU can make a real difference! For more information go to www.kab.org, or use the following link to find an affiliate near you! www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=community_find_an_affiliate_widget
]]>What is distracted driving? According to distraction.gov, distraction occurs any time you take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off your primary task: driving safely. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.
10% of drivers of all ages under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted.1
We have all heard about the dangers of texting while driving. Because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction. But there are many forms of distracted driving. Let’s take a look at some of the many forms of distractions so that we might think to avoid them the next time we are at the wheel.
Texting. Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55mph, that's enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded.2
Using a cell phone or smartphone. At any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010.3
Eating and drinking. Did you know that eating while driving is considered even more dangerous than talking on a cell phone? The NHTSA indicates that eating is a significant negative factor in a driver’s reaction time.
Talking to passengers. That’s right passengers, you can also be the cause of distraction, so let’s save those intense conversations until after a safe arrival of the destination and let the driver focus all his/her attention on driving.
Grooming. Ladies and Gents let’s get to our destination before checking our hair or makeup because it won’t matter what you look like if you don’t make it to your destination.
Reading, including a map. Try using a voice activated GPS. But GPS can be distracting too, make sure to enter your destination before taking off, or take a few extra moments to pull over and enter a new route.
Watching a video. Try listening to an audiobook instead. I know at red lights its tempting to look at the latest videos on your favorite social media outlet, but what happens when you miss the green light or it’s not quite over when the light changes, do you continue watching? It is best to just leave the watching until you are finished driving.
Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player. If you have a passenger in the car, it’s best to let them navigate the audio…even if they don’t have the greatest taste in music…is it really worth risking an accident?
Distracted driving kills thousands of people each year. It is a very serious safety problem. Now that you have the information, do your best to avoid forms of distraction while driving!
1. http://www.distraction.gov/get-the-facts/faq.html
2. http://mcsac.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/DriverDistractionStudy.pdf
3.http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811719.pdf
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Americans spend trillions of dollars trying to boost their health. But what if I told you that there was a way to improve your health that was completely free and you barely had to move a muscle? Would you believe me? Well there are muscles involved but only those that surround your mouth. Just by smiling more you can boost your health, mood, and longevity!
Smiling releases endorphins, the chemicals that help you manage stress and overall make you happy. These are the same chemicals that are released when working out or running. Want the runner’s high without the running…then just start smiling! You will also receive the following benefits.
Yes that is right, smiling is contagious! Studies have found that when someone sees a person smile that certain areas of their brain that control facial movement are activated. Just smile, and let’s make the world a happier and healthier place!
]]>The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon boasts all kinds of activities including hiking and whitewater rafting. Make sure to make it to the Skywalk, a semi-circular bridge with transparent glass floors that allows tourist to walk out over the Canyon.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole offers activities for the adventurist year round. In winter and early spring hit the slops with some of the nation’s best powder. In the warmer months activities such as kayaking or hiking in Grand Teton National Park are a must.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona boasts over 100 different hiking trails of all skill levels. Hike to The Vortexes to see one of the natural wonders of the world. Vortexes are cyclones of energy that come directly from the earth and can be felt by those in their presence. They are represented by uniquely shaped rock formations that emit energy.
Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai is the smallest of the Hawaiian Islands, but don’t let that fool you. It’s filled with misty rainforests, waterfalls and oceanside cliffs. Snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, and helicopter rides over the island are just a few of the activities available.
Juneau, Alaska
Alaska is known as America’s Last Frontier. Visit Mendenhall Glacier followed by a trip to Alaska’s often forgotten rainforest.
]]>The Grand Canyon is located in northwestern Arizona and is the product of millions of years of excavation by the Colorado River. It drops more than a mile into the earth and is 15 miles across at its widest point! The canyon is home to more than 1,500 plant species and over 500 animal species, many of them endangered or unique to the area, and it’s steep, multi-colored walls tell the story of 2 billion years of Earth’s history.*
Grand Teton National Park is home to some of the most stunning alpine scenery in the United States. It is located in northwestern Wyoming and encompasses approximately 310,00 acres. The northern section of the valley is known as Jackson Hole and is a popular tourist area. Gran Teton National Park is only 10 mile south of Yellowstone. Along with the surrounding National Forests the protected areas constitute the almost 18,000,000-acre Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the largest intact mid-latitude temperate ecosystems in the world.**
Learn the beauty and history of the United States and visit our National Parks! To support your favorite national park go to:
http://www.nps.gov/getinvolved/donate.htm
This is the National Park Service website. You may choose to which park you would like to make your donation. Help preserve America the Beautiful!
*http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/two-national-parks-preserved-10-years-apart
** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Teton_National_Park
]]>This Friday, February 27th, 2015 is the annual International Stand Up to Bullying Day. Schools, workplaces and organizations in 25 countries across the globe will be wearing pink to take a visible public stance against bullying.
Bullying is being mean to another kid repeatedly and often includes teasing, talking about hurting someone, spreading rumors, leaving kids out on purpose, and attacking someone physically or verbally. Bullying does not always happen in person. With the increasing presence of social media, cyber-bullying has become a commonplace within today’s society. Cyber-bullying includes, spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing photos or videos and sending harassing messages through text messaging, or online sites such as Facebook or Twitter.
According to dosomething.org:
Help take a stance against bullying and make sure to wear pink this Friday! For more information on bullying, go to www.dosomething.org or www.stopbullying.gov.
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Today is the 25th anniversary of Nelson Mandela becoming a free man. In 1962 Mandela was arrested and convicted of conspiracy to overthrow the state. He served 27 years until his release on February 11, 1990. Mandela became the most visible symbol against apartheid, a system of racial segregation in South Africa. After his release, Mandela went through four years of difficult negotiations to reform the voting system. In 1994 an overwhelming majority elected him President. Even 27 years in prison could not break Mandela’s spirit. He never gave up and ultimately achieved great strides for Black South Africans.
Though his life Mandela taught us to never let your spirit be broken and you will be able to achieve great things!
]]>International Random Act of Kindness Week kicks off today! The event encourages people to practice acts of kindness toward others to spread happiness and well-being. The event challenges us to do things we ought to be doing for others anyway. So many times we take for granted the simple ways that we can make a difference. Something as simple as a smile, opening a door, or calling a sick friend can make a huge impact in a person’s well being. Acts of kindness raise the positive energy in the world. Once you begin practicing this you begin to see that doing kind things for others actually benefits the doer as well! It feels good to help others and spread positive energy! In this way it has a win-win effect…….both the doer and the receiver benefit! Step out of your comfort zone this week and begin each day with the intention to practice random acts of kindness. Doing this daily will change the way you see the world and may just bring joy to those around you!
For more information and ways you can practice kindness check out the following link: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/rak-week
]]>Have you ever noticed how much clutter and disorganization robs one of their energy and power? Whether it is our home or office, it is overwhelming and can be debilitating to live and work in an environment that is cluttered. Today dealing with incoming mail each day is a major chore and very difficult to keep up with. Advertisements, catalogs, magazines, credit card offers…you get the idea…all of it continues to pile up and adds to our stress level when piles of unopened mail continue to grow. In addition to mail, our homes are filled with too much material stuff that has accumulated over the years! Stepping up and learning to let go of our excess baggage and possessions can have a freeing effect on our psyche. When you take on the process of getting organized you begin to restore your balance not only in your environment but in your personal life, as well.
Author Marie Kondo explores the impact of “tidying up” in her book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing.” She describes the KonMari Method, which she developed to help people approach this life altering process. She states, “in essence, tidying ought to be the act of restoring balance among people, their possessions, and the house they live in.” The impact of being organized and living with less can renew and refresh the spirit. Ms. Kondo goes on to emphasize, “When we detox our house, it has a detox effect on our bodies as well”. The benefits are numerous and spill over into all areas of our lives.
Don’t wait until tomorrow to get started on this empowering strategy. Start purging and organizing your spaces today. You will be amazed at the restorative power and energy that will come your way. Get started by making a plan and if you get overwhelmed, there are many books on this subject to guide you. The important thing is to get started!
]]>When it comes to carbs they are not created equal. We live in a fast paced world and let’s face it; most of us are eating on the go. Next time you reach for that processed carb try having a beet instead. Although they are not high on the popularity list, beets can satisfy the sugar craving without the guilt. Studies have revealed they protect against heart disease and help fight cancer.
Mushrooms promote a healthy heart. According to the American Cancer Society, shiitake mushrooms may help fight cancer by boosting the immune system through the compound lentinan, which is believed to slow tumor growth.
Kelp is a power green that raises energy levels and brain functioning. Other power greens include kale, bok choy, spinach, parsley, green beans, and alfalfa.
Ginger aids in digestion and treating nausea and arthritis. There are many sources of ginger including fresh ginger root, teas, extracts capsules, oils, and ground spices.
Cutting too much fat from your diet can lead to depression and contribute to acne. Remember certain types of fats are better than others! Fatty fish, avocado, olive oil, Walnuts, almonds, and pecans are all examples of good fats to have in your diet.
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Martin Luther King Jr. was not born as a Martin; he was a Michael. This is true of his father as well. Both men were born Michael and changed their names after becoming ministers.
King entered college at the young age of 15. He ultimately earned a doctorate in systematic theology.
In 1964 King received the Nobel Peace Prize for his use of nonviolence to combat racial equality. He became a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War, which would later become an issue with one-time supporters in Washington.
King’s final speech in Memphis foretold his death, “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now…I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. Nut I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. And I’m happy tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord. “
King was only 39 years old when he died. Upon his death, an autopsy was performed which found that King’s heart was comparable to that of sixty year old. This was caused by stress.
As Americans we observe only two peoples birthdays as national holidays
]]>Becoming a good listener with an open mind can help you to be a better friend, family member or partner. It is easy to get lost in yourself by inward thinking. Here are some ways to improve your listening skills. Below I have listed 3 dos and don’ts of being a good listener.
Dos
Don’ts
For more information on becoming a better listener check out the book, Seven Thousand Ways to Listen by Mark Nepo.
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