Finding Strength: How Fitness Became My Mind and Body Reset
This is dedicated to Mr. Imperfect Fitness, the trainer who helped me redefine fitness for myself, especially as a woman of color. He pushed me beyond the physical, challenging my mind and aligning with my mission of MindFitness. Because let’s be real: whatever you tell your mind, your body will follow. Growing up, my relationship with fitness was complicated. Society tells women—especially women of color—what we should look like, how we should move, and what beauty is. For me, it wasn’t just about feeling “enough.” Constant comparisons chipped away at my confidence. I admired women who owned their appearance, but that wasn’t how I saw myself. My mom always said, “What makes you truly beautiful is what’s on the inside—it will shine outward.” It was sweet advice, but it was hard to believe when I was that awkward, chubby middle-schooler with my unibrow and hours under the hairdryer to “fit in,” while I watched the “pretty girls” who seemed to have it all together. Psychologist Erik Erikson talks about the “Industry vs. Inferiority” stage in childhood, where we start comparing ourselves to others. For me, it was always about appearance, and I often felt like I didn’t measure up. I wasn’t the fastest, the smallest, or the loudest—I was just in-between, and that feeling stayed with me. Then in high school, I hit Erikson’s “Identity vs. Role Confusion” stage. I found something that made me feel proud: sports. I played softball and joined the marching band, discovering that my body wasn’t just for looks; it could do things. I felt strong for the first time. In college, this grew further. I started going to the gym, walking everywhere, and using fashion to express myself. It wasn’t just about how I looked—it was about how I felt. How I styled my hair and my clothes became part of my personal brand. I wasn’t confused about who I was anymore; I was presenting a clear, confident version of me. After college, I realized something major: accountability is everything. I do best when someone’s guiding me, pushing me, and calling me out when I slack. My mind responds to structure, and it’s the same with MindFitness. Self-accountability sounds great, but having a community or a guide keeps me consistent. I was lucky to work with three amazing trainers. Each one pushed me beyond my limits in ways I didn’t know were possible. They taught me about goal-setting, the mental side of training, and the power of consistency. One of the biggest lessons? Muscle failure isn’t failure—it’s proof you’re pushing hard. It’s a sign of growth. This principle shapes MindFitness too: failure is just a step on the road to progress. Which brings me to Imperfect Fitness. This isn’t just a brand—it’s a mindset. It’s about showing up, even when it’s messy, even when you don’t feel like it. After I moved to PG, my brother introduced me to this space. From the first consultation, I knew I’d found my fitness home. My trainer there was knowledgeable about the body but knew the mind needed engagement first. We started slow—one day a week, focusing on nutrition, because that’s the foundation, right? Then we added days, always building consistency. Consistency is a quiet but powerful thing. It’s like water shaping a rock—not in a day or a month, but over time. You can’t fake consistency; it shows up in the smallest moments, like overcoming that fall/winter slump. When holidays slow things down, you keep moving because, come spring, everyone’s rushing to the gym. That’s where consistency shines: it’s built in the seasons when no one’s watching. My journey with Imperfect Fitness became more than just getting in shape. It became a lifestyle. I invested in myself, learning the value of showing up and putting in the work. My body? It’s shaped by this process. But so is my mind. Today, fitness is a non-negotiable part of my life. I attend classes 3-4 times a week and have added softer practices—massage, journaling, prayer, meditation. Fitness isn’t just something I “do”; it’s part of who I “am.” And community? That’s been a huge part of my success. The people I’ve met through Imperfect Fitness and beyond are part of my journey. So here’s my gratitude to Mr. Imperfect Fitness and the other trainers who paved the way: You were the stepping stones to a version of myself I didn’t know existed. I’m no longer comparing myself to others—I’m connecting with my own strength, inside and out. You didn’t just help me train my body; you helped me train my mind, and for that, I’m forever grateful. Here’s to embracing Imperfect Fitness—because the most important thing is showing up, just as you are. Feel like it’s time to prioritize you? Book a consultation to discover how we can help you feel stronger, inside and out.
Master your Mind: the Power of Mind Fitness + Inner Transformation
At M.O.T.M. Vaultage®, we embrace a powerful truth: the mind is never at rest. Every thought we entertain plants a seed in our brain, setting off a chain reaction through our body, shaping how we feel and act. This intricate dance between mind, body, and spirit lies at the heart of how we move through life. If you’re ready to master your mind for lasting emotional wellness and personal transformation, consider how the verse “as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” reminds us of the undeniable connection between our inner thoughts and our outer reality. This scripture, brought to light in Proverbs 23:7 (MSG), urges us to be mindful not only of the external forces we encounter but also of the internal conversations we have with ourselves. We can find a deep parallel between this ancient wisdom and the Cognitive Behavioral Model, a foundational approach in psychology that shows us how our thoughts shape our emotions, which in turn dictate our behaviors. When we begin to understand the profound impact of our thoughts, we can see the true path to transformation and healing—whether it’s managing stress, overcoming anxiety, or dealing with emotional wounds. Master Your Mind with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A Mindful Approach to Healing At the core of CBT, developed by Aaron T. Beck in the 1960s, is the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected. It teaches us that by recognizing and changing negative thought patterns, we can directly influence how we feel and, ultimately, how we act. Let’s break this down: How Thoughts Influence Our Lives Just like the verse speaks to the mind as the source of influence, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) reveals how deeply intertwined our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are. A single negative thought can spark feelings of fear or sadness, leading to withdrawal or unhealthy coping. But here’s the good news: you can master your mind and shift the course of your emotions and actions. With intentional practice, we can retrain our thoughts and open the door to healing and growth. There’s always hope in this journey of transformation. Strategies to Master Your Mind CBT provides practical tools to help us break free from these cycles. At M.O.T.M. Vaultage®, we incorporate both clinical wisdom and spiritual guidance to empower individuals to take charge of their mental health. Some key techniques include: Mind Fitness: A Spiritual and Clinical Journey We call this blend of clinical theory and spiritual practice, Mind Fitness. It’s not just about thinking positively—it’s about mastering your mind through intentional mental training for inner peace and outer transformation. By filling your mind with positive, helpful thoughts—whether through Bible verses, mindfulness, or cognitive restructuring—you guide your emotions and actions toward a more aligned, purposeful life. In the same way that ancient scriptures remind us of the importance of mindful thinking, CBT empowers us to rewrite our mental scripts and build a healthier, more resilient self. Every day is a new opportunity to plant seeds of positive change, to nurture them with the right thoughts, and to harvest a life that reflects our highest self. Together, with the right tools, guidance, and the support of a like-minded community, we are fully equipped to harness the power of our minds and transform our lives one thought at a time. We invite you to step into our sanctuary for a one-on-one discovery call. Together, we’ll explore how Mind Fitness can be uniquely tailored to your journey. Schedule your call today, and let’s start building the mental strength and clarity you’ve been seeking.
Meet the Pillars: The Constants in Our Odyssey
Welcome to M.O.T.M. Vaultage®, where the profound connection between body, mind, and spirit guides us. Our latest video, “Meet the Pillars,” isn’t just an introduction; it’s a tribute to the constants that have shaped and sustained our odyssey. As a word alchemist, I find beauty in the word “constant.” In mathematics, a constant signifies a value that remains unchanged over time. In relationships, a constant is someone who stands unwavering amidst life’s transformations. These constants, these beautiful and complex souls, were divinely assigned to me, and their presence has been a source of stability and growth for M.O.T.M. Vaultage®. Our timeline stretches from 2013 to the present. Over these years, I’ve had the honor of witnessing each member’s story unfold. The hard work of internal growth, those uncomfortable but necessary conversations, have been a shared experience. Like a house divided, without unity, it cannot stand. Our Pillars—Brett, Quentin, Cynthia, and Steven—understand this deeply. They live and breathe this spiritual, mental, and physical truth, allowing us to execute our mission with grace and purpose. Being connected as constants means experiencing life’s transitions together, realizing our collective assignment. Each transition has enriched the vision and mission of M.O.T.M. Vaultage®. While our vision remains steadfast, our mission has evolved over the past year. As my wise father, the Guru, says, “When change is inevitable, growth is optional.” Embracing this, I recognize that our collective strength lies in our shared odyssey. Each Pillar has added immense value to M.O.T.M. Vaultage®, contributing to every plan, idea, and strategy. For years, they worked behind the scenes, shaping our movement. Now, it’s time to bring them to the forefront. When God speaks to me, it’s clear and direct, pushing me to act. Recognizing the growth within them, I knew it was time to start with them. With the affirmation of my Executive Liaison, Cynthia, we birthed “Pillar” – Meet the Pillars. This video doesn’t showcase the arms, legs, eyes, and ears, but it honors the spirit, heart, soul, mind, and brain of our living business organism. To understand where we are headed, we must first honor where we came from. Past projects would see Steven and me juggling multiple roles, holding meetings both in person and virtually to bring the dream to life. It was purpose-FULL and passion-driven work. But as we level up and expand, it requires more. On our way to the studio, unexpected occurrences happened. Was I surprised? No. Was I prepared? Yes. I’ve learned to leave room for the unexpected when you’re in the midst of birthing something new. Once we arrived, all the pillars and directors were ready, prepared, and excited. The unexpected occurrences did not hold weight, and we were creative with the time, some of which is shown in the hallway of the studio. In the studio, it was like magic. When everyone knows their roles for showtime, the visionary should just oversee and stand back. The magic found me on a plush blue velvet couch at the back of the studio. Everyone who said “yes” to this project was in their element, prepared and ready. Listening to the pillars speak that day was like hearing a story they were ready to tell. Watching the directors facilitate the energy of the day was comforting and left me speechless. I saw the evidence of their investment as they had their extended team with them, working effortlessly. Whatever else happened that day that was out of control, my village carried the weight. Now, do you see how peace can be prepared for you? These “aha” moments are revitalizing and pivotal. We all left feeling overwhelmingly grateful and blessed to have manifested the past 11 years. When I left, God said to me, “Now you see the blessings of not giving up on what I called you to do. The waters may clash as strong as a thousand tides, but trust in Me—you are uniquely and wonderfully made in my Creative image.” As new You Matter Professionals® (Y.M.P.) join us, they will become part of an organism marinated in collective impact, spiritual consciousness, and genuine care for community, health, and prosperity. The Y.M.P.® culture values each person, recognizing the untapped dreams and beliefs within. We are here to activate these dreams, creating measurable, evident, and progressively therapeutic experiences. While watching the Meet the Pillars video, I hope you get a sense of our individual “why.” After watching, I hope you understand what business and “family” look like. I invite you to join a collective mission that takes intentional and like-minded humans, bringing their “You Matter” gift that can be curated therapeutically. Therapy is a Lifestyle™. PS By the end of the day, our Creative Director, Illiah, was magically “married”. Her partner, with his stage experience, was there to support us behind the scenes. Their ease and natural collaboration embodied the essence of our Pillars, and we all “married them.” This moment has become an inside joke we now cherish.
The Colors of Life: Navigating Parenthood Workshop
Parenthood is a vibrant, ever-changing tapestry, each stage a unique hue that blends into the beautiful masterpiece of your child’s life. From the pastel shades of infancy to the bold, dynamic colors of adolescence, every age brings new challenges and experiences. As parents, navigating this colorful journey can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. This is why we at M.O.T.M. Vaultage® are thrilled to present a special parenting workshop hosted by our esteemed partner, Above It All S.O.A.R. Mental Health Program, designed to support you through the parenting puzzle. Discovering the Palette of Parenthood Parenting is a dynamic process that evolves as your child grows. The early years are often painted with the soft hues of nurturing and attachment, where building a secure and loving environment forms the foundation for your child’s development. As children grow, their world expands, and so do the challenges parents face. The boldness of adolescence is a mix of independence and identity exploration; therefore, it requires a different set of skills and understanding. Every color in this journey holds its own set of joys and challenges: Workshop Details: Our parenting workshop is structured to offer comprehensive support tailored to each stage of your child’s development. Here are the details you need to join this transformative experience: Workshop Topics Include: The Art of Parenting: Enhancing Your Skills Our workshops are designed to provide practical, evidence-based strategies that you can implement immediately. Here’s a sneak peek into what you’ll learn: Join the Journey and Enroll Today! The colors of life in parenting are vibrant and varied. With the right tools and support, you can navigate this beautiful journey with confidence and joy. Our partnership with Above It All S.O.A.R. Mental Health Program (A.I.A.) brings you an unparalleled opportunity to enhance your parenting skills and connect with a community of like-minded parents. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow and thrive as a parent. Enroll today and take the first step towards a brighter, more colorful future for you and your child. We look forward to welcoming you to the workshop and supporting you on the explorative path. Stay connected with us by following our Instagram account.
Hook Up on Tinder
Since dating can be stressful, there is the possibility of humor to try to reduce tensions. In a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Rosenfeld found that heterosexual couples are more likely to meet a romantic partner online than through personal contacts and connections. Since 1940, traditional ways of meeting partners – through family, in church and in the neighborhood – have all been in decline, Rosenfeld said. The company has said that this app is single, progressive and specially designed for the Gen Z market. So it’s taken that pressure off, this has to be a friendship interaction, and this has to be a romantic interaction. The platforms highlighted below are legal, so you don’t have to worry about getting scammed. OurTime.com is a dating site that caters to singles 50 years and older. Registration is free, and you can view profiles of singles in your area. The app is easy to use, and you can connect with local singles that interest you. Starting a conversation here is very easy because your potential matches are meant to comment on a specific piece of information on your profile. They are oriented on varied countries and on the varied nationalities. There hookupguru the sites with the diverse prices and the diverse functionalities. You will need a premium membership to use the site’s full potential. For example, messaging people as a free member lets you only use the message feature to send site-generated icebreakers, while Standard members can only send winks and add folks to their favorites. Meetup.com is another popular platform, however it’s not built around dating. Research from Berkeley University in California suggests there is a dropoff in interest after online daters meet face-to-face. This may have something to do with most of its features being free. Three-in-ten U.S. adults say they have ever used a dating site or app, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted July 5-17, 2022. A line of research initiated in recent years links dark personality traits to the reasons for using Tinder. So until then, I’m delighted and would like to say thank you towards the present software for providing usa together. I got most positive and negative experiences previously, and many consumers actually shattered the emotions. How to use dating apps like a pro The date can be online or physical, with the latter costing the paying party any expenses incurred during the meet-up. If the date is to take place in a venue that requires an entry fee, your partner should pay for that too. As to how much you get to take home, the going rate averages $80 to $100 per date. Also, as an attractive member, you have an option to negotiate the bid if you feel the amount is too. After submitting your request, you’ll receive a confirmation email giving you access to the site. This is an adult dating website where bids are placed to win a date. The Dangers of Dating App Meet-Ups Reverting to characteristics of traditional sexual scripts, women may find themselves further entrenched in unwanted gender roles. Feminist Gail Dines has opined that pornography is “a cultural force that is shaping the sexual attitudes of an entire generation” and a “major form of sex ed today for boys.” Most importantly, you get to set the budget for the entire date. What this means is that you get to keep the full-price amount. Finally, you don’t have to disclose your personal identity if you are not comfortable with a bidder. For the chance to get paid to date a millionaire or just the average Joe, you pay a subscription fee of $59.99 for 30 days. Basically, you’re given a random profile with the option to either “like” them or “X” cross them out – sort of like Tinder’s swipe feature. Most of the members on SearchingforSingles are from the US, but you can still find users worldwide! Plus, there are also more women than men on this hookup site, if that’s what you’re after. Tinder has been called the harbinger of the hookup-fueled “dating apocalypse.” But the truth of the matter is, hooking up isn’t anything new . And as for Tinder, sure, it can be used for swiftly finding a one-night stand, but there are plenty of other apps that are better suited for that task. You don’t have to travel thousands of miles away to meet your date when you find the perfect match – as Tinder lets you only access singles near your location.
It’s Time to Normalize Mental Health for Black Babies
Mental health in the Black community presents its own unique set of problems due to socio-economic and systemic racial issues. While this affects adults, the plague that’s mental illness has not escaped Black children. Black children in America are bred to be indomitable. Every day, they stare poverty, discrimination, police brutality, and widespread systematic racism in the face. To safeguard children, parents in Black communities are raised by parents who teach them to survive, with little focus on anything else. With Blacks/African Americans being the ethnic groups that dominate the poverty demographic, it should not come as a shock that more Black children experience mental illnesses than their White counterparts. The disparity is so great that the American Psychological Association studies show now that suicide is the second leading cause of death among Black children ages 10 to 19. That rate continues to skyrocket faster than any other ethnic or racial group. Additionally, the studies shine a light on data gathered from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing the rate of suicide attempts for Black adolescents jumped by a whopping 73 percent from 1991 to 2017. To say racial injustices have played a part in the degrading mental health of Black children would be a gross understatement. Coupled with a pandemic and preexisting mental health problems, Black children are constantly traumatized. While parents can’t do much to quell the exposure to racism, they can normalize better mental health practices in the home. Good Mental Health Begins in The Home Without a doubt, the home is the first point of socializing, learning, and exposure to the culture for youths. In the Black home, “the talk” is not a matter of just sex, but a matter of surviving a system built to eradicate certain groups. Black children are constantly being taught how to get ahead, show their hand when they get stopped by the police and work hard for less. But very rarely are they ever being prepared to deal with the feelings that those same doctrines inadvertently trigger. Because of the harsh conditions, Black children must endure, emotions are often viewed as a sign of weakness and unhealthy vulnerability. This is simply unacceptable. If the community is to be propelled, if there is to be representation across industries, then the feelings of Black children need to be welcomed with open arms. It is high time that the mental health of Black children is taken seriously. Parents need to learn that their children cannot rewrite the narrative or shatter glass ceilings if their mental health is not prioritized. Black children everywhere, from the babe on the breast to the moody adolescent, need to know their emotions are valid and there is a healthy way to dissect them. It is time to say goodbye to the days of “pray about it,” and “you don’t need therapy; you have the church.” It is more than normal if your Black child requests to speak to a professional. while it can be challenging to locate Black psychiatric assistance, it is in no way impossible. Do the right thing as parents and help your child in every possible way. You can’t have physically sound, happy, empowered children without good mental health.
Here’s Why We Need to Talk More About Black Mental Health
February is celebrated globally as Black History month and is a time of introspection, historical lessons, appreciation, and looking towards the future. Unfortunately, most Black history festivities usually exclude the community’s mental health issues. Mental health in the Black/African American community is often downplayed. When it can no longer be ignored, it is expected to stay in the family, or sufferers are told to “pray the pain away.” The Black community is disproportionately affected by heightened mental health illness due to their socio-economic environment. Even though the Black/African American community constitutes a mere 12% of the nation’s population, they are the demographic that significantly compromises the high-risk population. Of the most marginalized groups in society, the Blacks/African Americans make up approximately 40% of the homeless population, 50% of the prison population, and 45% of children in the foster care system, according to the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University. The research shows that exposure to violence, incarceration, and involvement in the foster care system increases the possibility of developing mental illness. These factors are directly linked to an increased rate of mental health concerns, including extreme cases of anxiety and depression. Barriers To Mental Health Wellness How the Black/African American community combats health is lacking due to several factors. For one, there is a significant disparity in access to adequate healthcare within the Black community and also a lack of education on the effects of mental health. Moreover, the lack of representation in the psychology field is s major determining factor in whether a Black/African American individual seeks help for mental illness. According to American Psychological Association, only a paltry 4% of the physiology workforce comprises Black clinicians. With such a low number, hesitation to seek psychiatric and physiological treatment is rampant. While race has no bearing on professional acumen, psycom.net highlights studies showing that patients who align or relate well with their practitioner do better than those that aren’t. The view is not that non-black psychologists and psychiatrists are inept. However, African Americans believe that non-black clinicians do not truly grasp the extent of their issues, which can also lead to misdiagnosis. A new study conducted by Rutgers University posted on Science Daily proved that African-Americans with severe depression are more likely to be misdiagnosed as having schizophrenia. Not only does the Black community fear and suffer from misdiagnosis, but a history of medical malpractice compounds the fear of seeking professional healthcare for mental ailments. When it’s not the historical fear passed down from generation to generation, the cost of healthcare and the inequity in access to adequate health insurance further exacerbate the already deadly situation. Some Solutions For there to be any change in the approach to mental health, it must start at the very foundation. Families need to encourage children to express their emotions healthily, thus kickstarting the eradication of the stigma. Most importantly, Black children need to be encouraged and exposed to the healthcare industry as a viable career choice. This can be accomplished through programs such as Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program. Even if the other stumbling blocks are negated, representation is still the most crucial factor keeping African Americans away from therapy sessions. The balk experience is unique, and bedside manners just won’t suffice.
Smother Yourself with Love on Valentine’s Day: 5 V-Day Self Care Ideas
Gone are the days when Valentine’s Day was just limited to couples. In the past few years, the festivities of the day have expanded to cover anyone willing to show love, whether it’s to family, friends, children, or even self. As long as you’re leveraging the power of love, it doesn’t matter who gets it. No longer is being single on Valentine’s Day viewed as detrimental and riddled with despair and anxiety. Nevertheless, even the most self-assured single can feel overwhelmed by the outpouring of couple-centric content on February 14. There is no need to harbor sadness because, on a day dedicated to love, the best thing you can do is shower yourself with it. Many people undervalue the importance of self-love and self-care. The same gusto present when you shower others with thoughtful gifts should apply when you are indulging in self-care. And what better time than the day of love to start or reignite your self-care habits? If you find yourself single on V Day, here are the top 5 self-care tips that will have you relishing the company of me, myself, and I. 1. Take Yourself on a Date Yes, a date. Get dressed up, coif that mane, spritz your favorite scent and make that reservation. Or maybe go to the movies or do something else you have always wanted to do. The day is yours to seize. There is no such thing as too much self-care and self-love. When you are not sharing yourself with anyone else, take the opportunity to indulge in yourself fully. 2. A Spa Day The spa day is the quintessential self-care gift, which goes for men as well. Nothing compares to being smothered in luxurious oils, coupled with a calming ambiance while getting healthy. Everyone needs a spa day. And there is no better time to bask in the benefits of the spa than on Valentine’s Day. 3. Write Yourself a Love Letter Penning letters have long since been an excellent therapeutic method. Letters are written to express undying love to a mate of choice, so why not pen a letter declaring love to self? There is something powerful about writing all the great things about yourself and not being afraid to look inward and say, “You are loved, and I appreciate you.” 4. Treat Yourself You work hard, and you love yourself, so splurge a little and buy yourself a gift. Getting presents is incredible, but there is something extra special about being able to treat yourself. 5. Spend It with Friends Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you have to spend Valentine’s alone. You’re not the only single person on Valentine’s Day. So, while your coupled friends do their thing, gather the guys or girls and have fun together. V Day doesn’t have to be about being in a relationship. Any act of love, especially to oneself, is worth celebrating. Written by: Steven O’Connor, Writer and Marketer
5 Things You Shouldn’t Buy Your Lover on Valentine’s Day
As we grapple with a pandemic-riddled world, it is pretty easy to lose track of the little things that incite joy. Now more than ever, as every day presents new challenges, it is crucial never to forget to savor light-hearted and feel-good moments such as the Big V Day! Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and for 2022, we are normalizing better, more thoughtful gift-giving. Before Covid-19 rained on our parade, Valentine’s Day lost its luster and became relatively mundane. How many mugs does one man need? And how many heart-shaped trinkets and candies can one woman consume? Let us declare Valentine’s Day 2022, the year bad gifts fade into oblivion. So, stop! Put down that discount gift card, don’t you dare wrap that tray of truffles, and for the life of me, your spouse does not need another tie. And those are just the tip of the iceberg. Keep reading to learn the 5 gifts you should not give on Valentine’s Day. 1. Stuffed Animals, Especially the Oversized Variety For the people in the back, front, in between, and even next door, no self-respecting adult wants a stuffed animal as a gift, especially on a day dedicated to love. It’s cliché, lacks a personal touch, and is slightly off-putting. 2. Gift Certificates The humble gift card is highly overrated and highly impersonal, more so if it’s for something your partner has no interest in. Folks, no man or woman in a relationship wants a gift card for valentine’s day. It screams lazy. 3. Gym Membership/Exercise Equipment Giving this gift is a sure-fire way to start an argument that you may never recover from. Even if you have the best intentions and no underlying message, giving exercise-related gifts never sits well with the receiver. It will always be assumed that you are implying your partner has a weight problem. Not only does this awaken anger, but it also leads to lowered self-esteem. 4. Sex…Seriously? The Big S, the horizontal tango, coitus, a tumble in the hay, good ole’ intercourse; sorry to burst your bubble, but it doesn’t count as a gift no matter what you call it. Ladies are the primary culprits of this faux pas. The act that bonds and naturally occur in a union is not a present. Though sex can be a part of your gift, it definitely shouldn’t be the main attraction. 5. Belts/ Pens/Socks/Shirts/Roses These items and accessories are already part of his wardrobe and will remain a mainstay. Getting them is less of a gift and more so just pointing out the obvious. And no, personalizing the tie, adding a quirky tie clip, or engraving the pen does not improve the situation. Men, resist the urge to patronize your local florist with yet another order of roses. It’s overdone and, as such, no longer sends the message it should. If you must opt for flowers, there is a world of other unique flower choices. No one is saying you should throw the budget to the wind and lose all sense of control for one day. But it never hurts to let that special someone in your life know you appreciate them and have taken the time to cater to their likes. Written by: Steven O’Connor, Writer and Marketer
Identify the signals of your body.
Have you ever felt bad for no apparent reason? Or better yet, have you been happy without knowing why? Suddenly you wake up and you feel horrible, or during the day your spirits are lifted as if by magic. That is more common than you think, it happens to all of us. But in many of these cases we cannot identify why we feel each emotion.And it is common to hear: “I don’t know what’s wrong with me today!” In other cases, yes, we know that something that happened to us changed our energy, but do you know if what happened to you is really the cause of your emotional or physical variations?This is a very extensive topic but we will try to summarize and give you advice on how to identify the signals of your body when you eat, when you hear, when you think, when you see something to use them for your benefit.This Blog was published today on National Stop Bullying Day and that is why we want to start talking about this. How does your body react to external comments? Perhaps due to lack of information, recklessness or for no personal reason, people may say things to you, or make comments about how you look or what you do. To a greater or lesser degree. Even the people you love and love you. While it is true that this can be painful, here the only one who has the power to decide how you digest those words is yourself.So when you receive a signal that you feel is destructive, take it easy, analyze it, and delete it in your brain. You have to learn to take the good and discard the bad.It is not about justifying people who try to bother you, but you must understand that they do it for their own reasons, it may be that they are mocking from a young age, very outgoing or that they have gone through difficult times and believe that by offending others they can heal, it’s like a kind of revenge towards their own unresolved issues, and in other cases they only have a buffoon personality type but neither cares if their actions harm others, so you must manage your response. For it: • Ignore. • And if the discomfort is very intense, try to spend the least amount of time with that person. You know who you are, stick with it, your self-confidence is the best to combat bullying.Precisely what you see, what you hear and what you eat determines your moods and your physical sensations and therefore this affects your psyche. But how do you cultivate your self-confidence?Many people believe that everything begins with a thought. We are also supporters of this, but it is also clear that some people feel that it is more difficult to reprogram what they think and that is why they fail in their goals.But there is an alternative, if you are more practical and the actions move you, start by executing, applying the “just for today”.Just for today I’m going to eat healthy.Just for today, I will see only inspiring things.Just for today I’m going to ignore the comments and news that make me feel bad.And this done frequently will send signals to your brain, and in a long time you can turn whatever you want into new habits.The invitation is that you become aware of the signals of your body.When you watch TV, or series, specific programs are present and evaluate how your body reacts.When you eat, write down how you feel in a notebook and that will help you discard the foods that harm you and keep those that benefit you.When you do physical activity, or go for a walk. Be attentive and take a few seconds to think, how do I feel in this place? How do I feel doing what I’m doing?The key is to be present, and your own body will give you the answers.Starting today, you will no longer say “I don’t know what’s wrong”, you will take control of your actions and see how your mind and body act to make better daily decisions.Finally, do not rush, focus on this practice one day at a time, do not think about tomorrow, always think about today, your body will thank you.In short, you consent, you are present, one day at a time.If you liked this blog, share it with your social networks and if you have any comments to add please leave them here, we would love to hear from you.If you need professional help to manage your emotions and sensations, write to us and we will gladly guide you.
