Life Lessons 5 Simple Lifestyle Change To Defeat Depression 4:34 PM Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light. -Madeleine L'Engle Have you ever been depressed? If not, you're lucky. Depression could be nasty. Depressed people feel like all hopes have been sucked out of them. Like all lights have been put out; everything becomes pitch dark. It's suffocating. When you fight depression, it's as though you're fighting a losing battle. Carol shares with us what depression is, plus 5 easy lifestyle change to help defeat depression: Depression is a phase and not a disease. Treating depression is possible if you know that you have it; most people suffering from this condition deny its existence. Family and friends may notice some changes in the behavior of the person, but there are some symptoms that will prove you are suffering from the sinking feeling of depression. Symptoms of depression: Irritation without reason Uncontrolled anger Sleeping disorder Fatigue Appetite issues Losing hope Frequent episodes of crying Sudden weight gain or weight loss The above symptoms may point towards some underlying health issues... but could be due to depression too! Depression can be triggered by many emotional and physical reasons. Sometimes it’s the sudden loss of a loved one, prolonged illness, or hormonal changes. Whatever may trigger this problem, here are some simple changes that you can introduce in your life to fight it. Fighting depression through a simple lifestyle change. 5 Simple Lifestyle Change To Defeat Depression Stay active, stay fresh Exercise is one of the major solutions for depression. Choose the exercise that you would enjoy and include it into your daily regime. Go for a walk, dance, or swim to get a mood boost. Keeping yourself active would eliminate undesirable thoughts and hence, combat depression. Finding a workout companion would be even better as exercising with a friend would keep you motivated, and take away the feeling of loneliness. Exercise releases happy hormones in your blood stream thus, bringing down the symptoms of depression. Find an outlet Venting out your problems will not solve them but would make them bearable. Let it out to a friend, family, or a counselor as this will remove the feeling of heaviness from your heart. Speak up and admit if there is a problem. This will make your life easier and solve problems in your relationships. Healthy relationships and well-expressed emotions would automatically treat depression and its symptoms. Eat right When all other organ systems work right, you will have only one area to work on. Taking fiber rich food would keep your body lighter and make you feel energetic throughout the day. When your body is happy and active, your mind will also be happy. Avoid foods that are high in fats and calories as it will make you bloated and add to your restlessness. Love yourself Depression makes you hate yourself and everything around you. Start loving yourself. Shop, have a makeover, or make your surroundings bright and welcoming. Loving yourself and your surroundings will fill you up with the positive energy. Take the time to nurture your body and soul as this will give you an instant mood lift. Medication Medication should be the last resort. You may check with your doctor if you need some counselling or medication to treat this issue. Depression can be treated early. If it stays for a prolonged period, chances are it will become chronic. Listen to your body and soul---and help it! About the author: Carol is a freelance writer. She mostly writes on healthy and lifestyle subjects. Currently, she is associated with US Premium Garcinia Cambogia, an online store for garcinia cambogia extract, which helps in reducing weight. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Faith The Gift Of Emptiness 9:00 AM I thank God for my gift of emptiness. Emptiness is like a gift wrapped haphazardly by the Giver in a nondescript wrapper. You wouldn't know how beautiful it is until you've opened it. If it wasn't for that hungry pang for something better, I wouldn't have striven harder. If it wasn't for that emptiness, I wouldn't have been desperate to search for an answer. I would have been complacent. I might have been living contentedly with "just enough". Your emptiness can do stupendous things in your life. The Gift Of Emptiness My emptiness did these incredible things in my life: My emptiness gave me the drive to learn something new; to keep on growing, to keep on searching for ways that will make my life better. My emptiness made me rethink my decisions and enabled me to see things more clearly. It made me recognize the distractions, and made me focus on the more important things. My emptiness taught me that the world can confuse us about what matters most. Because the world is made of people just as imperfect, flawed and empty as we are. In time, we will understand what is essential and what is superficial. My emptiness made me empathetic. It made me see the emptiness in others too. It made me kinder. My emptiness created a space that made me ready and open to receive more. Thankfully, my emptiness did not drive me to desperation and accept whatever it is that's available just so I can say I have something to call my own. On the contrary, it taught me to never settle for less than what I truly deserve. My emptiness and weakness made me believe more in the power and strength of God at work in my life. I did not understand it at first and it was difficult. It is hard to keep believing you'll be okay when you can't see the end. But I held on. And I'm glad I did. Indeed, God remains faithful even when we are not. My emptiness made me excited for the great plans that are yet to be revealed. My emptiness helped me appreciate the little things. A simple message asking how I’m doing, a listening ear, a portion of someone’s time, God's quiet presence, a random act of kindness, beautiful songs, glorious mornings---these are great blessings not everyone get to experience. All these things which I used to take for granted, I now treasure. My emptiness made me desire to seek the Source that will fill me up and will never leave me thirsty again. Embrace your emptiness and know that it is only a phase---a beautiful phase that can do surprisingly marvelous things the way only emptiness can. Receive and cherish the gift of emptiness. It is an essential part of growing. It is a place you need to go through to get to your destiny. Shared this article on The Praying Woman
Single Life This Happy Single Asks 12:00 AM Never compare your beginning to someone else's middle. Sometimes, this happy single asks: What's out there? Who's out there for me? Is this all there is for me? Sometimes, this happy single asks one too many times it seems: When's my time? Is it tomorrow? Is it next week? How much longer do I have to wait? Some nights are colder. Longer. More cruel. People could be ruthless; laughing at her life choices, making her feel she's not good enough. So sometimes, this happy single asks: when is it going to stop? But there are days---many, many days when her faith prevails and her hope is renewed. So this happy single asks with excitement: What's he like? Have I already met him? (God forbid!) What would that day be like? Is it going to be just another ordinary day and destiny will sneak up on me? Or will I be swept off my feet like in the books or movies? Yes, sometimes her imagination runs wild. But, that's the beauty of being single. You have a blank canvas. You can paint your future the way you want to. She's honestly, genuinely happy for her peers getting hitched or starting a family of their own. She celebrates their milestones with joy. Yet, sometimes this happy single still asks: How about me? Is this all what life has in store? Maybe it's normal to be curious, to be anxious of the unknown and the uncertain. And maybe it's okay to get tired of waiting sometimes. Maybe one day she'll find the answers to all her questions. Maybe just for some. Maybe still, she may never find out. That's alright, she thinks. For to each his own. You can't compare your beginning to someone else's middle. Tweet Now, that's what she knows for certain. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Dating Guide To Flowers And Their Meanings 12:00 AM Isn't it more fun when you receive flowers, and you know there's a meaning behind them? How intriguing that each flower represents different things. It's thoughtful and will undoubtedly help you score points with your partner and spice up your relationship. Here's a flower meanings list for your guide the next time you buy your partner some blooms. Flowers And Their Meanings 1. Carnations Light red carnations - admiration Dark red carnations - more profound sentiments of love and affection White carnations - purity and luck Pink carnations - gratitude 2. Daisies Daisies - innocence, purity, beauty 3. Iris Yellow iris - passion 4. Orchids Orchids - wealth, love, rare and delicate beauty 5. Lilies Peruvian lilies/Alstroemeria - friendship and devotion 6. Roses Red roses - love and romance Pink roses - elegance, expression of admiration and appreciation White roses - innocence, purity, honor, reverence Orange roses - desire, enthusiasm, fashion, excitement, fervent romance Lavender roses - enchantment, love at first sight 7. Stargazers Pink stargazers - prosperity and abundance White stargazer - purity and sympathy 8. Sunflowers Sunflowers - adoration, longevity, loyalty, cheerfulness 9. Tulips Tulips - generally mean perfect love Red tulips - true love Purple tulips - royalty Yellow tulips - hopeless love, cheerfulness, sunshine Variegated tulips - beautiful eyes 10. Calla lily Calla lily - magnificent beauty, chastity, virtue, purity It doesn't hurt to be extra sweet and thoughtful. It's good to go the extra mile to strengthen your relationship or make someone feel special. No need to wait for a special occasion. Say it with flowers. What flowers are you planning to give? Do you know the meaning behind them? Source: proflowers
Dating 17 Reasons Why I'm Still Single 12:00 AM Single is no longer a lack of options – but a choice. A choice to refuse to let your life be defined by your relationship status but to live every day Happily and let your Ever After work itself out. -Mandy Hale While everyone my age is getting married, having a baby, or seriously dating, here I am...still single.In a world full of gooey-eyed couples, why am I still single? Here are 17 reasons why: 17 Reasons Why I'm Still Single 1. I finally know my worth. After all that I went through, heartbreak after heartbreak, I've finally realized my worth.I used to accept anyone who offers me love and sweet promises. Even though they don't treat me right.In short, I used to shortchange myself. I now know my value. I've woken up to the truth; that I've been fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)And so I deserve to be treated with honor.I'm still single because I believe I deserve more. Giphy 2. I love my own company. I enjoy my own company so much I don't need a man to entertain me or make me happy. I can eat out and watch a movie alone (or with my friends). I revel in my Me Time. I'm still single because I love spending time with myself. Being alone doesn't bother me. Giphy 3. I rediscovered myself. I've rediscovered who I really am after losing myself to someone...And I love what I've found. I didn't know this stronger and better version of myself before. Maybe because I didn't get the opportunity to tap into this strength and potential because of people holding me back. Or because I thought I was already okay with who I was.I'm still single because I've discovered who I really am and I fell in love with that person. (Not in the self-absorbed, arrogant way. But in a selfless, kind-to-myself way). Giphy 4. I refuse to be dictated by society. People around me are concerned about my relationship status. They think it's not normal for people my age to not be married or at least dating.I know these people mean well but what they don't understand is that I am single by choice. Not because there are no other options or that I'm too scared. Even in this day and age, people put a stigma on single women over the age of 30. I can't blame them. But I also refuse to be influenced by them.I'm still single because society has no say in my romantic choices. Giphy 5. I finally feel at peace with myself. I've been trying to figure out where I'm supposed to be for the longest time.I've been trying to reach other people's expectations. I've been searching, chasing, hustling. For what? I don't even know.I was like a dog who keeps chasing his tail day in and day out. Finally, when he caught it, he doesn't know what to do. It's silly and a total waste of time. Now, I feel at peace with myself knowing that I'm on the right track. I am exactly where my heart wants me to be. And that's another reason why I'm still single. Tumblr 6. I'm piecing myself back together. I have been broken, battered, bruised. I'm now learning to put back the pieces together.I've learned to embrace the present. To appreciate the people I'm with, the experience, and the lessons I'm learning along the way. It wasn't easy. Sometimes I still fall short. But I'm a work in progress.I'm still single because I'm still putting back my broken pieces together and this is something I've got to do on my own. Giphy 7. I'm making the most of all the time in my hands. I know this phase won't last. I don't know how long I'll be single.I'm certain that I will sooner or later find my better half. Now more than ever is the best time to spend serving, growing, and being with the people who matter to me. It's the best time to travel and experience new things.I'm still single because I want to take advantage of my free time doing things I've always wanted to do. Giphy 8. I'm enjoying my freedom.I love the freedom that comes with being unattached. 😊I can drop whatever I'm doing, pack my things and go out of town. I can head to the movies, or have tea with someone at a moment's notice. One text or call from a friend and I'm on my way to where the fun is. No one to ask permission to, no one to stop me, no dates to cancel, no compromises, no hassles.I'm still single because this freedom will not last forever and I'm here to enjoy it while it lasts. Tumblr 9. I still have trust issues. Somewhere not so long ago, my trust has been broken. And you know what they say about a broken trust...Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair.I try so hard to shake the doubts off and give humanity another chance.I've never stopped believing in love but finding a genuine one has been challenging. Especially when you start to question everything.I'm still single because I haven't found the courage to trust again. Giphy 10. My Love Tank is still filling up. I am still filling up my love tank and I don't want to selfishly drain another person just to fill up mine.The way I've been drained before. I'm still single because I can't give something I don't have. If I want to give love to someone someday, I have to have healthy, selfless love in my heart first. Giphy 11. I have respect for myself and for others. I don't want to play with other people's feelings. I don't want to waste their time and lead them on. I have enough respect for them and for myself.Wasting my time and energy on something I'm not serious about and will not help me grow is not honoring myself. I'm still single because I have self-respect and I respect others. Giphy 12. No chasing. Most guys think being mysterious is sexy. Maybe at some point. But having to guess what men think about all the time isn't fun.They tell you they like you today and then stop talking to you for days. And expect you to still be there and believe them when they come around.There may be a thrill in the initial chase but it eventually gets boring and discouraging. Especially when it makes you ask...What role am I playing here? Where is this going?The doubts take away the fun. If I have to chase you, if I have to guess, then I think it's not worth my time.I'm still single because I don't want to chase after something inconsistent and unsure. I'm too old for that game. Giphy 13. Preparing for the real thing.There are many times I thought a relationship was real but it wasn't. I've learned to discern if someone's sincere or not. If a relationship is going somewhere or will just go around in a toxic circle.I've grown because of my mistakes and shortcomings.I'm still single because I'm still being prepared for my prince. So when he arrives, I'm ready. To give my all.Giphy14. I'm waiting.A friend once told me, "Stop waiting for Mr. Right. He doesn't exist."I agree.I'm not waiting for Mr. Right. I'm waiting for Mr. Right One For Me.I'm looking for the one I can spend my life with.He doesn't have to be perfect as long as we're perfectly imperfect for each other.I'm still single because I choose to wait for the right time for the right person with the right love. Tumblr 15. I have this boldness. Not everyone walks this path because it could be scary and intimidating. It's a lonely road when you're walking on your own.People tend to follow where the crowd goes. But I've learned that the more I follow the crowd the more lost I become.Because where they're going is not where I want to be.I'm still single because I am bold enough to take the road less traveled. Giphy 16. I complete me.Of course, I am not worried about intimidating men. The type of man who will be intimidated by me is exactly the type of man I have no interest in. -Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieDo I need a man to live the life I've always wanted? No.Do I need a man to pay for my bills, finance my travels, and buy me things that I need and want? No.Am I incomplete, miserable, helpless, and unattractive without a man to call my own? No.I complete me. And that's why I'm still single. Giphy 17. I'm too fabulous to settle.That's what my favorite single woman author Mandy Hale said. Not in an egotistical, self-righteous kind of way.I know I am no damsel in distress.I am already living a fabulous life that I'd rather have someone with whom I can share that or enjoy it on my own.I have my family and friends who cheer me on.I have my dogs to care for and love and who give me unparalleled loyalty.I've got a God who's always got my back.And I've got me to give me what I want.I'm still single because I know I already got it good. I'm too fabulous to settle. GiphyWhat about you? Are you still single? Why did you choose singlehood? This is my entry for The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge: Your response to everyone’s favorite question: “And why are YOU still single?”.
Guest Blogger Ultimate 30 While In Your 30’s Checklist 8:00 AM Just because you’re grown up and then some doesn’t mean settling into the doldrums of predictability. Surprise people. Surprise yourself. -Victoria Moran If you’re freaking out because it’s as though you’re just aging but you’ve accomplished nothing, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Guest blogger Ifeoma of Purposeful and Meaningful will show you how to age or more appropriately, how to handle your big 3-0 gracefully: Turning 30 or in your 30’s and have read a lot of ‘before 30 bucket list’? How does that feel? Mixed emotions? Interesting that it means a lot to us approaching 30 or in our 30’s. If you’re like me, you may have written a list you wish to accomplish before you reach this milestone. Pressure builds when friends and family remind you of the things in your life that aren’t working or unaccomplished. I don’t like that pressure. Do you? Don’t let others insist their dreams on you. Relax. Write your own checklist. Give yourself grace if they don’t go as planned. Here’s mine: Ultimate 30 While In Your 30’s Checklist Learn something new often. Make it count. Be serious about building your financial life. Move to somewhere new especially when you’ve been there too long. New places come with fresh ideas and new friends. Live simpler. Less whining, more grace. Get a better job or change careers if you’re not happy anymore. Get over fear, and venture into a new career. Redesign your home. Find new home design inspirations. Up your game. Dress better, speak better. Carriage is important to boost self-confidence. Books are worthy investments. Invest in them. Visit new places; try their dishes. You never can tell what goodies abound. Ask your friends to describe you in “One Word”. True friends would tell you who you are even if you don’t like to hear the truth. Never give up on your dreams and passion. Miracles still happen. Write your life history to see how God has been faithful. It’s a game-changer. Married? Go on vacation alone. Re-examine your life. Are you lost caring for everyone else but yourself? If there’s anything worth committing to, it’s your spiritual life. It’s the foundation for every area of your life. Be intentional. Invest time growing your relationships. Take time each week to appreciate nature. Write an appreciation list, a gratitude journal, or your thankful list with people who’ve been there for you. Write a forgiveness list; all the people your heart needs to release including yourself and your past. Write a help list. Extend kindness to someone on your list. Make a friendship list. Old friends are great, new friends are fun but you need a blend of both. Write positive notes each week to glean your thoughts to focus. Attitude matters. Laugh more, smile more, pray more, and believe more. Be joyful. Social media may be stifling your real-life connections. Do a recheck. Health is important. Take it very seriously. Join a gym, dance club, and take regular walks. Join positive online communities. Sign up with my sweet friend Lux on About life And Love and come chat with me on Purposeful and Meaningful. Volunteer. Get involved in community projects. Make goals. Plan better. Find a mentor. Mentor someone. Write a living list and avoid a bucket list that works you up. I’m giving you this as a compliment. See and use mine as a template, and fill in yours! Download Living List. Excellent, right? Now your turn...what’s on your ultimate 30 while in your 30's list? What advice can you share? About the author: Ifeoma Samuel is happily married to her sweetheart Obiora Samuel. She is an author, a blogger, and a Speaker at various women conferences in South Africa. She uses her writings to share everyday life stories about God's immense love. She is the author of My 30 Days Journey To a Fulfilled Life. Visit her blog Purposeful And Meaningful and follow her on Pinterest | Google+ | Facebook
Listicle 5 Ways To Survive Post Holiday Blues 4:00 PM Every day, there's a reason to celebrate. Time flies when you're having fun. From the scale of 1-10, how excited are you to return to your normal schedules after the holidays? -5? You're not alone. Almost everyone dread the first day back from the season that's merry and bright. Here's how to survive them post holiday blues. 5 Ways To Survive Post Holiday Blues Hydrate If you partied hard, you might still be feeling hungover. Drink plenty of water or better yet, have some sports drink. Alcohol leaves you dehydrated so you need to regain all the fluids you lost. Sports drink will make you feel less lethargic too. Be physically active Exercise, dance, run, go to the gym. Do whatever floats your boat as long as you get those adrenaline pumping up again. It will also release happy hormones that of course will take the blues away. Now is also a good time to shed off those pounds you gained from the parties you went to, don't you think? Keep the holiday spirit Just because the most wonderful time of the year is over doesn't mean you have to stop being kind and gracious to others. Doing good will make you feel good. Share You're not the only one who enjoyed the holidays. Have fun swapping stories with your friends. It will make you focus on the essence of the holidays and the memories rather than feel dreary being back in the "ordinary". Change your mindset It's a matter of perspective. If you think happiness and enjoyment can only be found in the holidays, then you'll be blue for the rest of the year. Change how you see things. You can be happy in any day. You can make legendary happen in the mundane. Exceptional things can come out from the ordinary. Every day, there's a reason to celebrate. So how did you prepare for this most loathed, most dreaded Monday of the year? Gifs from Google images. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
