Why They're Healthy:
-- Just one lemon has more than 100 percent of your daily intake of vitamin C, which may help increase "good" HDL cholesterol levels and strengthen bones.
-- Citrus flavonoids found in lemons may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and act as an anti-inflammatory.
Quick Tip:
Add a slice of lemon to your green tea. One study found that citrus increases your body's ability to absorb the antioxidants in the tea by about 80 percent.
Why It's Healthy:
-- One medium stalk of broccoli contains more than 100 percent of your daily vitamin K requirement and almost 200 percent of your recommended daily dose of vitamin C -- two essential bone-building nutrients.
-- The same serving also helps stave off numerous cancers.
Quick Tip:
Zap it! Preserve up to 90 percent of broccoli's vitamin C by microwaving. (Steaming or boiling holds on to just 66 percent of the nutrient.)
Why It's Healthy:
-- Just one-fourth of an ounce daily can reduce blood pressure in otherwise healthy individuals.
-- Cocoa powder is rich in flavonoids, antioxidants shown to reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol and increase "good" HDL levels.
Quick Tip:
A dark chocolate bar contains about 53.5 milligrams of flavonoids; a milk chocolate bar has fewer than 14.
Potatoes
Why They're Healthy:
-- One red potato contains 66 micrograms of cell-building folate -- about the same amount found in one cup of spinach or broccoli.
-- One sweet potato has almost eight times the amount of cancer-fighting and immune-boosting vitamin A you need daily.
Quick Tip:
Let your potato cool before eating. Research shows that doing so can help you burn close to 25 percent more fat after a meal, thanks to a fat-resistant starch.
Salmon
Why It's Healthy:
-- A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to a reduced risk of depression, heart disease, and cancer.
-- A 3-ounce serving contains almost 50 percent of your daily dose of niacin, which may protect against Alzheimer's disease and memory loss.
Quick Tip:
Opt for wild over farm-raised, which contains 16 times as much toxic polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) as wild salmon.
Walnuts
Why They're Healthy:
-- Contain the most omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce cholesterol, of all nuts.
-- Omega-3s have been shown to improve mood and fight cancer; they may protect against sun damage, too (but don't skip the SPF!).
Quick Tip:
Eat a few for dessert: The antioxidant melatonin, found in walnuts, helps to regulate sleep.
Avocados
Why They're Healthy:
-- Rich in healthy, satisfying fats proven in one study to lower cholesterol by about 22 percent.
-- One has more than half the fiber and 40 percent of the folate you need daily, which may reduce your risk of heart disease.
Quick Tip:
Adding it to your salad can increase the absorption of key nutrients like beta-carotene by three to five times compared with salads without this superfood.
Garlic
Why It's Healthy:
-- Garlic is a powerful disease fighter that can inhibit the growth of bacteria, including E. coli.
-- Allicin, a compound found in garlic, works as a potent anti-inflammatory and has been shown to help lower cholesterol and blood-pressure levels.
Quick Tip:
Crushed fresh garlic releases the most allicin. Just don't overcook; garlic exposed to high heat for more than 10 minutes loses important nutrients.
Spinach
Why It's Healthy:
-- Spinach contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two immune-boosting antioxidants important for eye health.
-- Recent research found that among cancer-fighting fruits and veggies, spinach is one of the most effective.
Quick Tip:
Spinach is a healthy -- and flavorless -- addition to any smoothie. You won't taste it, we promise! Try blending 1 cup spinach, 1 cup grated carrots, 1 banana, 1 cup apple juice, and ice.
Beans
Why They're Healthy:
-- Eating a serving of legumes (beans, peas, and lentils) four times a week can lower your risk of heart disease by 22 percent.
-- That same habit may also reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Quick Tip:
The darker the bean, the more antioxidants it contains. One study found that black bean hulls contain 40 times the amount of antioxidants found in white bean hulls.
KOLKATA, India (AP) — A nun in her 70s was gang-raped by a group of bandits Saturday when she tried to prevent them from robbing a Christian missionary school in eastern India, police said, the latest crime to focus attention on the scourge of sexual violence in the country.
The nun was hospitalized in serious condition after the attack, which was committed by seven or eight men at the Convent of Jesus and Mary School in Nadia district, 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state, a police officer said.
The men escaped and police are searching for them, said the officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters.
The robbers tied the school's security guards with ropes early Saturday and entered the nuns' room, where the women were sleeping. They took one of the nuns to another room when she tried to block their way and then raped her, the officer said.
The woman who was attacked is either 71 or 72 and is the oldest nun at the school, he said.
The men escaped with some cash, a mobile phone, a laptop computer and a camera, all belonging to the school, the officer said. They also ransacked the school's chapel and holy items, the Press Trust of India news agency cited the archbishop of Kolkata, Thomas D'Souza, as saying.
Scores of angry students, their parents and teachers blocked a nearby highway and railroad tracks for several hours demanding swift police action leading to the arrest of the culprits.
Mamta Banerjee, the state's top elected official, strongly condemned the attack and ordered a high-level police investigation. D'Souza appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony in the area.
India has a long history of tolerance for sexual violence, but the December 2012 fatal gang rape of a 23-year-old woman aboard a moving bus in New Delhi caused outrage across the nation.
The outcry led the federal government to rush legislation doubling prison terms for rapists to 20 years and criminalizing voyeurism, stalking and the trafficking of women. The law also makes it a crime for officers to refuse to open cases when complaints are made.
The nun was hospitalized in serious condition after the attack, which was committed by seven or eight men at the Convent of Jesus and Mary School in Nadia district, 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state, a police officer said.
The men escaped and police are searching for them, said the officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters.
The robbers tied the school's security guards with ropes early Saturday and entered the nuns' room, where the women were sleeping. They took one of the nuns to another room when she tried to block their way and then raped her, the officer said.
The woman who was attacked is either 71 or 72 and is the oldest nun at the school, he said.
The men escaped with some cash, a mobile phone, a laptop computer and a camera, all belonging to the school, the officer said. They also ransacked the school's chapel and holy items, the Press Trust of India news agency cited the archbishop of Kolkata, Thomas D'Souza, as saying.
Scores of angry students, their parents and teachers blocked a nearby highway and railroad tracks for several hours demanding swift police action leading to the arrest of the culprits.
Mamta Banerjee, the state's top elected official, strongly condemned the attack and ordered a high-level police investigation. D'Souza appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony in the area.
India has a long history of tolerance for sexual violence, but the December 2012 fatal gang rape of a 23-year-old woman aboard a moving bus in New Delhi caused outrage across the nation.
The outcry led the federal government to rush legislation doubling prison terms for rapists to 20 years and criminalizing voyeurism, stalking and the trafficking of women. The law also makes it a crime for officers to refuse to open cases when complaints are made.
Erica Lynn Mesa, 28, has been in jail since her arrest Sept. 29, according to WTVR. Mesa admitted to having sex with several students at Colonial Forge High School in Stafford County last year, police said.
In a confession obtained by Stafford Sheriff's deputies, Mesa said she had sex with the boys, one of whom was underage at the time, because it made her feel "attractive and wanted." She told how she had sex with one victim in a car in a commuter lot on his eighteenth birthday.
She also described how she had multiple students over at her house while her husband was away. She said she made one of the boys wait his turn in the basement while she had sex with another upstairs.
"She is not a pedophile," her attorney, Mark Gardner, said in court Friday. "She was not preying on people who had no interest in participating."
Sheriff's deputies began investigating Mesa in 2014 after they received a tip from administration at Colonial Forge. Investigators found a electronic trail linking Mesa to her victims, which included nude photos of herself that she'd sent to a 16-year-old student, according to WTOP.
Mesa was charged with the sex abuse of two boys, but told police that she had sex with a total of four victims, according to the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star. In exchange for her pleas, prosecutors reduced two charges against her, and dropped two others. She faces a maximum of 22 years in prison when she is sentenced May 21. In court Friday, her lawyer said that his client's poor choices cost her her marriage and her career. As part of her plea deal, Mesa will register as a sex offender.
TinyRay Grier is a fighter. In 1972, at the tender age of 17 TinyRay was playing high school football when an accident resulted in a severe spinal injury. This one moment was to forever end this young man's dreams and to leave him permanently with an uncertain future.
Operation after operation was to follow this incident with TinyRay suffering endless pain and his spinal injury being further complicated by an automobile accident and several concussions.
The body was never designed to stay still. It was never designed to remain in one position in a wheelchair and, despite regular 'workouts', TinyRay also has to suffer pain from being in this permanently disabling position.
Over the years he has coped with the following ailments:
Asthma - COPD
Degenerative Joint Disease
Strokes - April 98, July 98
Hypertension
Diabetes
Acid Reflux
Diastolic Dysfunction
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Spinal Stenosis
Spina Bifida - Occulta
Right Shoulder Impingement
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
Calcified Granuloma - Bottom Lobe Right Lung
Sleep Apnea
Chronic Sinusitis - Allergies
Many of these are as a result of that fateful day when a young man went to enjoy a game of football never realizing it would be his last chance to do so.
At this stage in time TinyRay waits hopefully and patiently for either a series of spinal injections, which *might* block the excruciating pain for a time, or for surgery, an option which would leave him even more disabled and dependent on others than he is at present.
But TinyRay Grier has never given up. He used his tremendous talent for drawing and painting to express his feelings, to fight back against the beasts of pain who he faces each and every day. His talent and dedication to his art has made him respected among his peers and his style can be readily recognized.
Each day he can be found painting, relaxing with his family or enjoying the freedom given to him by the Internet. He fills his days with things he enjoys, to take away the discomfort and distract him from what lies ahead.
In the years of constant pain TinyRay could have developed resentment against the world, he could expect that since the world removed his ability to walk and dance it now owed him a living. That's not been the result. TinyRay feels that if the world won't help him, with his faith in God, family and friends, he'll fight every step of the way, and that he does, every day and in every way.
For this last trouble, I have only few tricks to share:
- get some ear plugs if you can bear them overnight
- get a separate bedroom
- get to sleep before he does
- get another bed partner
As for the rest of your sleeping troubles, yes, I tried several tricks that worked fine for me, either one at a time or in combinations. Indeed, I don’t suffer from major sleep disorders to make me seek for medical help, but some of you may be in this situation. Doctors can help, so I’d say you should go and finally be able to get some night rest.
The best one, which I used for several years with great results, is to practice a relaxation technique when going to bed. Most of the times I did not even have enough time to finish the procedure before falling asleep. For the ones interested in this, you might want to know that there are may techniques of relaxation. I have chosen the autogenic training: JH Schultz’ relaxation method. This is a state of self-induced slight trance brought on by the use of auto suggestive techniques, which eventually lead to physical and mental relaxation. How to do it? I’ll describe it very briefly, as I’m sure that many books on this subject are available.
The best one, which I used for several years with great results, is to practice a relaxation technique when going to bed. Most of the times I did not even have enough time to finish the procedure before falling asleep. For the ones interested in this, you might want to know that there are may techniques of relaxation. I have chosen the autogenic training: JH Schultz’ relaxation method. This is a state of self-induced slight trance brought on by the use of auto suggestive techniques, which eventually lead to physical and mental relaxation. How to do it? I’ll describe it very briefly, as I’m sure that many books on this subject are available.
- First, you have to make yourself comfortable
- Breathe slow and deep while saying to yourself things like “I’m calm”, “I’m like a big, calm lake”.
- Try to induce yourself the feeling that your body is very heavy, piece by piece, starting for instance with your right arm: “my right arm is heavy”, “my right arm is as heavy as stone”, then move to your left arm, then to your feet and so on.
- Next you induce yourself the sensation of heat, organ by organ, starting again with your right arm: “my right arm is hot” and so on.
- Next you focus on to the face area, with statements such as “I feel my face relaxed”, “My facial muscles are very relaxed”, “My forehead is neat”.
- Breathe slow and deep while saying to yourself things like “I’m calm”, “I’m like a big, calm lake”.
- Try to induce yourself the feeling that your body is very heavy, piece by piece, starting for instance with your right arm: “my right arm is heavy”, “my right arm is as heavy as stone”, then move to your left arm, then to your feet and so on.
- Next you induce yourself the sensation of heat, organ by organ, starting again with your right arm: “my right arm is hot” and so on.
- Next you focus on to the face area, with statements such as “I feel my face relaxed”, “My facial muscles are very relaxed”, “My forehead is neat”.
Now you should be feeling like paralyzed, like the slightest movement you would want to make was very difficult. You now enjoy this state of relaxation thinking at something that makes you pleasure (laying on the beach at sunset, relaxing on a nice green meadow, …).
If you are not already sleeping by now, try it again over a few more nights, then come back to my page to see the other tips and tricks to get asleep, or to diminish the symptoms of sleep disorders which can prevent you from living a normal life.
Original author : VIOLETA
Hyuna is the most popular member of Korea’s 4Minute girl group. This girl did somehow catch every Korean fan’s eye and made a great success over her career. This woman is not iconic of how she made her solo singing career successful, but also on how she wears her dress and make everyone see and make news out of it.
Hyuna currently is creating her own fashion brand called, ‘Hyuna x SPICYCOLOR‘. It will be a ‘retro, chic, and sexy’ concept, pulling inspiration from the vintage looks of the 50′s and 60′s. Soon you’ll all be able to pull off a retro, chic and sexy look, just like Hyuna!
Hyuna currently is creating her own fashion brand called, ‘Hyuna x SPICYCOLOR‘. It will be a ‘retro, chic, and sexy’ concept, pulling inspiration from the vintage looks of the 50′s and 60′s. Soon you’ll all be able to pull off a retro, chic and sexy look, just like Hyuna!
1. You find that your lips crack.
It may sound like something that just happens due to the weather, but cracked lips, especially at the corners, can actually show that you have a vitamin B12 deficiency. A lack of this vitamin in your system can lead to health issues such as anaemia and it will affect your blood, so look at either buying a supplement to boost the levels, eat foods that are high in it, or consult your doctor to get a special injection that really will make a difference to your health.
2. You are not as tall as you used to be.
This may sound strange, but as we get older there is a tendency for us to shrink, but the rate at which this happens can indicate that there is some kind of issue with our bones and in particular with us developing osteoporosis. The problem with this bone disease is that it then means we are more likely to fracture a bone when we fall or develop curvature of the spine, so early diagnosis will allow you to make changes to your diet that can stop it from progressively getting worse.
3. You pick up more than your fair share of colds.
If you seem to be more prone to picking up colds it may indicate that you need to boost your immune system or there may be some kind of issue with it. You may be lacking in Vitamin C or there could even be a virus attacking it that you are unaware of, so get a blood test carried out that can check if there is anything to be concerned about and try to improve your general health to give it that natural boost.
4. Your urine is too yellow.
2. You are not as tall as you used to be.
This may sound strange, but as we get older there is a tendency for us to shrink, but the rate at which this happens can indicate that there is some kind of issue with our bones and in particular with us developing osteoporosis. The problem with this bone disease is that it then means we are more likely to fracture a bone when we fall or develop curvature of the spine, so early diagnosis will allow you to make changes to your diet that can stop it from progressively getting worse.
3. You pick up more than your fair share of colds.
If you seem to be more prone to picking up colds it may indicate that you need to boost your immune system or there may be some kind of issue with it. You may be lacking in Vitamin C or there could even be a virus attacking it that you are unaware of, so get a blood test carried out that can check if there is anything to be concerned about and try to improve your general health to give it that natural boost.
4. Your urine is too yellow.
It is important that you pay attention to the color of your urine as this can actually be a fantastic indicator about your general health. If you are hydrated your urine should be almost clear, but if you are drinking enough and it is still a dark yellow it may indicate that there is an issue with your kidneys and the waste is not being processed correctly. Look at upping your fluid intake and see if it helps, but only drink water, and if it stays the same get your kidney function checked.
5. Your skin acts up continuously.
5. Your skin acts up continuously.
If you find that you develop acne, eczema, or any other skin disorder on a regular basis then it can mean more than you are simply not taking care of the skin or using the correct products. Instead, it could be the result of an allergic reaction or it may be your body telling you that it is stressed and needs you to slow down. Your skin is the biggest single organ in your body, so listen to what it is telling you as your body often uses it to put out a cry for help and it offers up signs that all is not well and you are not as healthy as you thought you were.
6. You are not sleeping like normal.
If you find that your sleep pattern is disturbed and you are suffering from some form of insomnia it does tend to point towards your body and mind being too stressed. When we sleep, our body is supposed to lower the amount of cortisol coursing through it, but when we are stressed this does not happen and we are thrown out of sync. When this happens our body struggles to repair itself and recharge its batteries leading to us gradually being run down and when this happens we can pick up all kinds of illnesses due to our immune system not operating at full capacity.
7. You are tired, but sleep enough.
6. You are not sleeping like normal.
If you find that your sleep pattern is disturbed and you are suffering from some form of insomnia it does tend to point towards your body and mind being too stressed. When we sleep, our body is supposed to lower the amount of cortisol coursing through it, but when we are stressed this does not happen and we are thrown out of sync. When this happens our body struggles to repair itself and recharge its batteries leading to us gradually being run down and when this happens we can pick up all kinds of illnesses due to our immune system not operating at full capacity.
7. You are tired, but sleep enough.
If you are getting more than enough sleep, but still find that you are tired in the afternoon, then it may indicate that there is a problem with your thyroid. The problem here is that your adrenal glands are being exhausted leading to your body using up all of its energy early on without it being replaced in the proper manner. This problem can then lead to your body being run down as it is working so hard trying to protect you from the different kinds of toxins that you can pick up during the day from the environment as well as things you are doing. When this happens it leaves you open to other potential health problems, so get your thyroid checked.
Colors of the Albanian Flag, the Archangel Theory
This theory suggests that the Albanian flag is related to an ancient religion which the Illyrians were associated with. To better understand this theory, you should read a little bit about the ancient Illirian religions, especially the cults associated with the two most sacred birds, the Eagle and the Archangel.
The colors of the Albanian flag are red and black, and a two headed eagle located in the center of the flag. We all know what the two headed eagle stands for but no one knows for sure why it is red and black.
Ancient Illyrians believed in some interesting ancient cults. A religion made out of multiple gods. Two of their most sacred ones were: Angjelusha Ilire Engjuli God of Peace and the Eagle Shqiponja God of War.
Angjellusha Ilire Archangel also known as the Holy Bird is a sacred bird believed to have been worshiped by Illyrians years before the Christ. This bird is found only in the Illyrian occupied territories, modern Albania and Kosovo. The scientific name of the bird comes from the Greek language around 100 AD, they called it Columba Ilyrica [].
How is this related to the flag? This bird is unique because it has been preserved genetically by the ancient Illyrians and worshiped as one their god for thousands of years and it is Red and Black.
Those who created the Albanian flag, whether it is Skanderbeg or others before him clearly understood our ancient religion and they have documented all.
“Our Religion is SHQIPTARIA”, in Albanian “ Feja Jon eshte SHQIPARIA” Pashko Vasa , a documented phrase that suggest that we clearly had a religion long before the Christ. This phrase is also documented in other ancient text.
The Flag according to my findings represents the two most sacred gods that Illyrians believed on, Red and Black Engjellusha Ilire Archangel God of Peace, and The Eagle God of War.
This theory suggests that the Albanian flag is related to an ancient religion which the Illyrians were associated with. To better understand this theory, you should read a little bit about the ancient Illirian religions, especially the cults associated with the two most sacred birds, the Eagle and the Archangel.
The colors of the Albanian flag are red and black, and a two headed eagle located in the center of the flag. We all know what the two headed eagle stands for but no one knows for sure why it is red and black.
The Eagle = Shqiponja hence the name of modern Albania, Shqiperija, it is believed to be worshiped by the Illyrians as the god of war. It is also believed that Alexander the Great was the first one to use the double-headed eagle, but there is nothing that proves that Alexander himself carried the double-headed eagle on his armor. What is suggested is that a group of warriors from the northern tribes who had joined Alexander’s army, the Illyrians were the one that carried the double headed eagle, which could explain how the symbol ended up in Sirkap, today Pakistan, and other places that Alexander had originally concurred.
Ancient Illyrians believed in some interesting ancient cults. A religion made out of multiple gods. Two of their most sacred ones were: Angjelusha Ilire Engjuli God of Peace and the Eagle Shqiponja God of War.
Angjellusha Ilire Archangel also known as the Holy Bird is a sacred bird believed to have been worshiped by Illyrians years before the Christ. This bird is found only in the Illyrian occupied territories, modern Albania and Kosovo. The scientific name of the bird comes from the Greek language around 100 AD, they called it Columba Ilyrica [].
This bird has some distinct characteristics which are the reasons why it was worshiped by the ancient Illyrians. The bird flies at high altitudes which cannot be seen with the naked eye and it stays up in the sky for hours. The ancient Illyrians believed that the bird was up there communicating with the gods, in particular the god of SUN, Ellil = Dielli []in ancient Illyrian, which they also worshiped.
How is this related to the flag? This bird is unique because it has been preserved genetically by the ancient Illyrians and worshiped as one their god for thousands of years and it is Red and Black.
Those who created the Albanian flag, whether it is Skanderbeg or others before him clearly understood our ancient religion and they have documented all.
“Our Religion is SHQIPTARIA”, in Albanian “ Feja Jon eshte SHQIPARIA” Pashko Vasa , a documented phrase that suggest that we clearly had a religion long before the Christ. This phrase is also documented in other ancient text.
The Flag according to my findings represents the two most sacred gods that Illyrians believed on, Red and Black Engjellusha Ilire Archangel God of Peace, and The Eagle God of War.
Credits to Burim Istogu
Black cats have long been seen in Western cultures as an omen of bad luck — they have long been associated with witches, and many cultures believe that a black cat crossing your path means you will suffer disaster or even death. Gamblers are especially fearful of the black cat curse — many of them believe that if they see a black cat while going to a casino, they should abandon their plans to gamble there. However, it's not all bad news for the black cats; in some cultures, including in Japan, Great Britain and Ireland, the opposite is true, and black cats are seen as bringers of good luck.
The number 13
The belief that the number 13 is unlucky is so widespread that its origins are unclear — different theories link it to Christian tradition (once again related to the Last Supper, where Judas is said to have sat at the thirteenth place at the table); Viking lore (the trickster god Loki being the thirteenth god); and the Persian zodiac (in which there are twelve signs, leaving the number thirteen to represent chaos.) The specific fear of Friday the 13th dates back to the 19th century, combining two old superstitions: the fear of the number 13 with the belief that Fridays are unlucky days.The morbid fear of the number 13 is technically known as "triskaidekaphobia", and is so common that many buildings have no floor 13 — going straight from 12 to 14.
666
Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia — that's the technical name for the fear of the number 666, otherwise known as the Number of the Beast. This superstition undeniably comes from Christianity — the number is mentioned as being representative of Satan in the Biblical Book of Revelations. It's gained in popularity through being heavily featured in films like The Omen (in picture), and was taken so seriously by former US President Ronald Reagan that when he moved into a private house at the end of his presidency, he had the street number changed from 666 to 668. However, it might be that everyone's got it wrong all this time — in 2005, a group of scholars announced that they discovered evidence that the number was originally supposed to be 616, not 666.
Crossing fingers
Crossing your fingers to wish for good luck (or, secretly, to get you out of keeping a promise) is common around the world — but its origins are unclear. It seems to be most common in Christian countries, suggesting that it's related to the Christian sign of the cross. However, other suggestions include it being an old Pagan or Norse gesture, or possibly a good luck superstition created by archers during the "Hundred Year War" between England and France (archers used their two main fingers to draw back their bow).
Via
1) IDENTIFY YOUR FEAR
The first step in overcoming a fear knows what it is you’re scared of. While a fear of spiders might be easy to pin down, something like agoraphobia (a fear of public places or open spaces) can have a root cause that’s a bit more abstract. It might be down to a dislike of crowds, or it could be social situations. It seems obvious, but identifying exactly what it is you’re really scared of gives you a point of reference and something concrete to address. Also, recognizing early incidents in your past that may have led you to acquire the phobia in the first place can help you understand why there’s nothing you need to be afraid of anymore.
2) UNDERSTAND IT
Clinical psychologists commonly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to deal with phobias. It’s a two-pronged approach that tackles your anxieties by first, addressing your thoughts and attitudes about the fear and secondly combating your physical response to the thing you’re afraid of. One process used within this is known as cognitive restructuring. According to its pioneers, Albert Ellis and Robert Harper, you can begin to repair “faulty thinking by either discussing your fears with someone else, or using ‘self-talk’. The idea is to reveal that if you confront your biggest fear, there’s no chance that you’ll come to any harm at all.
3) TAKE ACTION
The second branch of CBT requires you to actually take action against your phobias. Both parts of the process are vital to success, but this is where you actually come face to face with what scares you. One common technique is known as modeling. The idea is to observe or spend time with someone that regularly deals with whatever it is you’re scared of. So if you’re scared of spiders, you could watch someone handling a creepy crawly. When that no longer seems difficult, the next step would be to get closer to the spider in slight increments – never taking on more than you can manage. Regular practice is essential in building up a resistance to your fear over time.
4) WORK GRADUALLY
While exposure to your biggest fear may well help you to overcome it over time, throwing yourself in the deep end could actually make matters worse. Andy Field who researches the acquisition of fear at Sussex University warns that facing your fears directly can result in you exacerbating them. If you’re afraid of spiders and you try and watch the film Arachnophobia, but end up switching it off halfway through, you only make matters worse. By avoiding the situation you’re reinforcing the idea that you should be afraid of it. The best way to approach this “exposure therapy’ is to never take on more than you think you can handle.
Is it about the things that we aspire? That life is simply about our quest for personal success, fame and prosperity.
Or is it about the people around us? That is - we live to be the keeper of our family, our country and our fellow human beings.
Is life about what would make us feel good? That life is about the pursuit for pleasure, peace of mind, happiness, freedom, recognition or love.
Or
is it about keeping our Divine faith? That life on earth is temporal and all the things that we do here are meant to serve God to gain eternal life.
But maybe life is all about all of these.
If it is, then to live a full life becomes a very tall order given our everyday encounter with failure, enmity, frustration, temptation, our individual frailties, and even inevitable events.
The way life is lived depends not only upon ourselves but also on the people and the conditions, foreseen and unforeseen, around us.
If life then is a journey, very few would obviously reach their destination. Maybe that’s why there is an "IF" at the center of life as a constant reminder that life is something we must endure and survive.
For me, life is not really about reaching my ultimate pre-determined destination because at the end of the day, I may not reach it, after all.
Life, for me, consists of the bits and pieces of things and events, big or small-good or bad, that come along my way in the course of my journey.
Over the years, I learned that life is not much about reaching the destination. It is about how I carry on the journey that matters.
In the course of my voyage, I realized that I only need to know, carry and keep in mind a few things that really matter because there is always sense in traveling light. And from this perspective, I realized the beauty of my journey in this world called LIFE................
Picture credits : floortjesart.deviantart.com
Some cities are less safe for women to walk the streets alone.
Michigan is home to three of them.
According to FBI crime and rape statistics, of Saginaw is the most dangerous city for women in America.
The magazine reported the city, 90 miles north of Detroit, recorded 76 rapes per 100,000 people.
The city took issue with Forbes, saying its population was closer to 200,000, not 400,000, and actually reported half as many rapes.
Still, the mayor of Saginaw, Greg Branch, acknowledged to Mlive.com that violence toward women is a serious problem in the area.
The Michigan cities of Flint and Battle Creek also made the magazine’s top 10 list of places where women should consider carrying a can of Mace.
Alaska didn’t fare well either.
Anchorage has the highest violent crime rate in the state, and the second-highest reporting of rape in the country. The small city of Fairbanks came in at number three with 193 rapes per 100,000 residents.
Alaska’s Native American population — approximately 15% — may explain why the numbers are so high.
One in three Native or American Indian women will be raped or sexually assaulted in her lifetime — a rate 3.5 times higher than any other racial group, Scott Berkowitz, the president of the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, told Forbes.
Most Dangerous Cities for Women
1) Saginaw, Mich.
2) Anchorage, Alaska
3) Fairbanks, Alaska
4) Springfield, Ill.
5) Redding, Calif.
6) Flint, Mich.
7) Pine Bluff, Ark.
8) Lawton, Okla.
9) Battle Creek, Mich.
10) Memphis, Tenn.
Michigan is home to three of them.
According to FBI crime and rape statistics, of Saginaw is the most dangerous city for women in America.
The magazine reported the city, 90 miles north of Detroit, recorded 76 rapes per 100,000 people.
The city took issue with Forbes, saying its population was closer to 200,000, not 400,000, and actually reported half as many rapes.
Still, the mayor of Saginaw, Greg Branch, acknowledged to Mlive.com that violence toward women is a serious problem in the area.
The Michigan cities of Flint and Battle Creek also made the magazine’s top 10 list of places where women should consider carrying a can of Mace.
Alaska didn’t fare well either.
Anchorage has the highest violent crime rate in the state, and the second-highest reporting of rape in the country. The small city of Fairbanks came in at number three with 193 rapes per 100,000 residents.
Alaska’s Native American population — approximately 15% — may explain why the numbers are so high.
One in three Native or American Indian women will be raped or sexually assaulted in her lifetime — a rate 3.5 times higher than any other racial group, Scott Berkowitz, the president of the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, told Forbes.
Most Dangerous Cities for Women
1) Saginaw, Mich.
2) Anchorage, Alaska
3) Fairbanks, Alaska
4) Springfield, Ill.
5) Redding, Calif.
6) Flint, Mich.
7) Pine Bluff, Ark.
8) Lawton, Okla.
9) Battle Creek, Mich.
10) Memphis, Tenn.
