Article from tinybuddha.com

“Commitment in the face of conflict produces character.” ~Unknown

We all face obstacles in pursuing our goals, whether they’re professional or personal.

We think we’re on the right track but realize we’ve chosen the wrong approach. We’re enthusiastic and hard-working, but our support system disintegrates when we need them the most. We’re just about to make significant progress when we run out of time or funding.

Tenacious as we may be, we all have our breaking points—that moment when the potential rewards stop justifying the effort. Usually that’s the hump that separates your best shot and your best reality.

Before you throw in the towel and go back to something safe and far less taxing, ask yourself the following questions:

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(Source: believeinrecovery)

[Graphic Source]

Depression in Males

Depression is a loaded word in our culture. Many associate it, however wrongly, with a sign of weakness and excessive emotion. This is especially true with males. Depressed males are less likely than females to acknowledge feelings of self-loathing and hopelessness. Instead, they tend to complain about fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, and loss of interest in work and hobbies. Other signs and symptoms of depression in males include anger, aggression, violence, reckless behavior, and substance abuse. Even though depression rates for females are twice as high as those in males, males are a higher suicide risk, especially older males.

Depression in Females

Rates of depression in females are twice as high as they are in males. This is due in part to hormonal factors, particularly when it comes to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), postpartum depression, and perimenopausal depression. As for signs and symptoms, females are more likely than males to experience pronounced feelings of guilt, sleep excessively, overeat, and gain weight. Females are also more likely to suffer from seasonal affective disorder.
[Info Source]

(Source: workforprogress)

insanitytoserenity:

Praying is simple. It’s free. It works. Why are we so hesitant to try? We spend money on clothes, make-up, electronics, cars and so much more, looking for a way to feel good. Friends and family try to be there for us when we struggle, but they are human, and sometimes let us down. The magnificent power of the universe never lets us down. Some people say they have faith in a higher power, but don’t pray. Talk to a God of your understanding – on your knees or lying under the shade of a big oak tree. Ask for strength, courage, compassion, understanding and acceptance and it will be yours. Take a moment to thank your higher power for all that you have. Gratitude opens the door to abundance.
It’s that simple.

Article from tinybuddha.com
by Harriet Cabelly

“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.”  ~C.C. Scott

A blueberry muffin–that’s the last thing we spoke about before she went under.

I didn’t know it then, but it was to be the final conversation my (middle) daughter and I would have for a very long time. I was trying to distract Nava by talking about food; in this case the promise of the rest of her muffin when she came back from the bronchoscopy.

We were thrown a steep curve ball out of left field when Nava went for an exploratory procedure and ended up on  a respirator in a drug-induced paralyzed coma.  Almost 3 months later, to a miraculous survival, she was slowly awakened, but not to any muffin; rather to a  life that would require a strength of spirit, body and soul unlike anything we could’ve ever imagined.

Nava was in an uphill battle to rebuild her life, muscle by muscle, limb by limb as she relearned and reclaimed each bodily function.

Her spirit,  attitude and disposition carried her through this torturous climb and that carried me through, as well.  You could say I piggybacked on my daughter’s positive, brave, fighting spirit.

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(Source: believeinrecovery)

Article from treatmentandrecoverysystems.com

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(Source: believeinrecovery)

I really wish I could help you get sober, it’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. There were many people that tried to help me when I was an addict but it never worked. You know why? Because I didn’t want it. All the inpatient, meetings, programs nothing will help if you don’t want it to. There are a million excuses in the world to use, that’s the easy thing to do. You can’t fake recovery or just go with the motions and expect everything to work out. You need to change your entire life and honestly, it’s not easy. You need to live for recovery, think more of yourself than those substances. Because you are better than them, you are worth so much more but that’s not up to me to believe, it’s up to YOU. 

When I decided to get sober, I had to quit my job. One of my coworkers was an addict, as well, and it was impossible for me to stay sober if I continued to work there. Try applying for a new job? Or if that’s not an option for you, why not have a talk with this coworker? In a non-judging way, tell her that have been trying to get your life together and when she says things like that around you it harms your sobriety.

What you can do in the meantime is try to get the amount of support you need. Make some goals for yourself. Even if it’s staying sober for 2 months, instead of a month and a half. If AA is stressful to you, why not try NA or CA? Or some people have found Al Anon very helpful. Listening to people that have been affected by other’s addictions can be very inspiring to your recovery. Look into relapse prevention, as well. Relapsing is a process, just like anything else. Here’s a few articles I posted you might find interesting:

• 15 Symptoms Leading to Relapse
• Thinking Habits That Can Ruin Your Recovery
• Defining Relapse and How to Prevent it
• Relapse Prevention: The Big Plan

Again, You are the one who needs to want to recover. Do you really want to get sober? Or is it everyone around that wants you to? Are you powerless over your addiction? Or do you feel like you can manage it? Take some serious inventory of yourself. When you are triggered, think about why you wanted to quit in the first place. Where can these substances lead you? Jail? In a casket? The answer is nothing positive. It works if you work it. But if you’re not willing to do any work than recovery isn’t going to work. I hope you have continued to get professional help, even after your inpatient. Good luck love, sobriety can be amazing and not a burden but that’s all up to you. <3 

Understanding our Core Values is a stepping stone toward leading a conscious life and a life filled with purpose and meaning. 

What are Values though? 
Values are our priorities that tell us how to spend our time, everyday, 24 by 7, 365 days of the year.  

Why are Values important? 
Values help us in better understanding who we are and enable us to become more conscious of how we want to lead our life. They set the stage for drafting our journey towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life, a life that is filled with actions to enrich ones relationship with their environment. 

How do we go about defining or refining Values?
Applying the following process will help create or modify values.

1. Elicit your values by asking - 
What is truly important to me in my life?
By answering this question repeatedly, identify a set of about 10 to 20 values that are most important to you. 

 2. Prioritize your values by asking -
Which of these are truly the most important to me?
If I could satisfy one value, which one would it be?
What would I rather do (Building scenarios to identify tough-to-prioritize values)
This initial list is your current list of values that are driving your life and you are now aware of it. This is the first level of conscious living and self-realization. 

3. Reexamine your values by asking -
Are these the values I want to continue to live beyond this moment?
Do these values enable me to enjoy the best possible life?
If the answer to the above is YES. Great! You are leading a fully satisfied and conscious and successful life, and you are fully aware of it.  However, if the answer to any of the questions is NO, it means there are some aspects of your life that you are not fully satisfied and you are consciously aware that living by your current values will not take you to the destination(s) you want to go to. 

5. Modify your values by asking -
Where do I want to go from here?
What are the destination(s) I want to reach?
This is the time when you begin to set short and long term GOALS for the future and extract your future value list from the goals. Check out here on how to go about setting goals that matter. 

(Source: sadiqshariff)

inderpalwig:

Feeling grateful to the universe for the opportunity of practicing love and forgiveness during times when it isn’t always easy. Finding, accepting and practicing lessons and growth opportunities may be challenging but much needed practice in dealing with this chaotic, hurtful and negative world through a place of love and peace. Just breathe, and dive in with faith, and be ready to accept all that you get.

Learning how to rebuild and maintain your self-esteem is essential to having a fulfilled life. There will always be things that come along and make you question if you are good enough. When that happens to you, using these tools will get you back in touch with your personal power.

S - Strength, the power within, is what you can call upon when the chips are down and you are considering cashing in. Using your inner resources to pull yourself up by your bootstraps will give you the sense that you can deal with anything life throws at you.
E - Enlightenment, the ability to know that you know, keeps you solid in your choices and decisions. Your thoughts can change with the wind, but your inner knowledge is unshakable.

L - Love of self may be one of the most underutilized sources of self-esteem. We can be harder on ourselves than on any other person. Consciously giving yourself a break and not falling into the trap of self-denigration will allow you to save your energy for the important parts of life.

F - Fulfillment is a misunderstood quality. It isn’t about not having any more room for additional emotions, but rather it’s about being open and looking for feeling that will add to our wellbeing.

E - Energy, in the form of positive feelings and deeds, feeds our minds and hearts. When you don’t have energy, you can’t feel good about yourself or anything else, and the best way to get energy is to do something physical like exercise.

S - Selflessness, that quality of putting others before yourself, is a great way to build your self-esteem and to contribute to those who need you, at the same time. If you do nothing else today, help someone who needs it and then see how you feel.

T - Trust must first be given to yourself. Your self-doubt works directly against your self-esteem. Believe that you are here for the right reasons and that your participation in life is valuable to those around you.

E - Emotions, being in touch with your feelings, will make you a better person, as well as a better parent and partner. Being true to your emotions can’t help but make you feel better about yourself.

E - Effectiveness, the ability to influence the world in a positive way, can be incredibly empowering. Leaving the planet a tiny bit better than you found it can bring meaning to anyone’s life.

M – Motivation, that inner cheerleader, is what propels you to the next level in life. Wanting to have a positive impact on those around you is a great way to motivate yourself. It is also very life enhancing.

Getting started may be the hardest part, so I suggest that now is the time to use these tips to turn things around. Make the effort and you will feel the change sooner than you think.

Source: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/emotional-fitness/201104/10-ways-raise-your-self-esteem

(Source: onlinecounsellingcollege)

Change is inevitable.  We have all heard that at some point in our lives.  I’m sure we are aware of the fact that change will happen during our lives.  However, it is change during already difficult periods, which is very challenging.

You may feel “why me?” or the saying, “when it rains, it pours” might fit your situation, but it is how you handle the changes that makes all of the difference.

To face adversity head on takes strong character, unshakable faith and confidence in the universe that it will all turn out right in the end.

If you are facing some difficult changes, this information might be helpful for you:

1. Remember the “bigger picture” - Seek out the benefits of the changes you are experiencing. Remember all of your blessings and focus on what is working in your life. Resist fighting the change, and find ways to make it work for you.

2. Adopt a new attitude - Focus on learning or adopting the new change. The more you resist it, the more it will come.  You are putting all of your energy focusing on what you don’t want.  Focus and visualize on what you do want and watch it manifest.

3. Stay positive - It is easy to find fault with suggested changes when it is not what we want to do or, what we want to hear. However, stay focused and the more positive you are, the more quickly you will be able to embrace the change and see the positive impact it will have on your life.

4. It’s okay to go through different emotions - Recognize that you are not your thoughts.  Accept them for what they are and remember that sadness, etc. too shall pass.  We all know that changes can be stressful. Give yourself permission to feel uncomfortable. Surround your self with a support network who can help you work through it.

5. Own your attitude - You are your own person. The stress you feel is there because you let it in. We are in control of our emotions and thoughts, but it can be challenging I know. If you can control your attitude and emotional responses, you will give yourself a better chance of maximizing the power of the changes around you.

(Source: feedthysoul)

Article from marcandangel.com

Just a few simple truths we learn on the road of life…

1. The route to our destination is never a straight one. – We take questionable turns and we get lost.  But it doesn’t always matter which road we embark on; what matters is that we embark.  Either way life will likely get a little complicated, and bring unexpected hurdles and changes.  But that’s okay.  Sometimes you have to stumble and feel weak for a little while to realize how strong you really are.
2. Real friends won’t ask you to change who you are. – The RIGHT people for you will love all the things about you that the WRONG people are intimidated by.  Don’t change so people will like you.  Be patient, keep being your awesome self, and pretty soon the RIGHT people will love the REAL you.
3. Cheating is a choice, not a mistake, and not an excuse. – If you decide to cheat, and you succeed in cheating someone out of something,don’t think that this person is a fool.  Realize that this person trusted you much more than you ever deserved, and they learned a lesson about who you really are.
4. The past can’t hurt you anymore – not unless you let it. – Forgive and move on!  Forgiveness allows you to focus on the future without combating the past.  Without forgiveness, wounds can never be healed, and moving on can never be accomplished.  What happened in the past is just one chapter.  Don’t close the book, just turn the page.  Cry when you must and push forward.  Let your tears water the seeds of your future growth and happiness.

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(Source: believeinrecovery)

Article from marcandangel.com

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
- Mae West

You know you’re on the right track when you can repeat each of the following headlines to yourself, honestly. (And if you can’t, this list gives you something positive to work on.)

1.  I am following my heart and intuition.

Don’t be pushed by your problems.  Be led by your dreams.  Live the life you want to live.  Be the person you want to remember years from now.  Make decisions and act on them.  Make mistakes, fall and try again.  Even if you fall a thousand times, at least you won’t have to wonder what could have been.  At least you will know in your heart that you gave your dreams your best shot.

Each of us has a fire in our hearts burning for something.  It’s our responsibility in life to find it and keep it lit.  This is your life, and it’s a short one.  Don’t let others extinguish your flame.  Try what you want to try.  Go where you want to go.  Follow your own intuition.  Dream with your eyes open until you know exactly what it looks like.  Then do at least one thing every day to make it a reality.

And as you strive to achieve your goals, you can count on there being some fairly substantial disappointments along the way.  Don’t get discouraged, the road to your dreams may not be an easy one.  Think of these disappointments as challenges – tests of persistence and courage.  At the end of the road, more often than not, we regret what we didn’t do far more than what we did.

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(Source: believeinrecovery)

When we accept ourselves we can accept others. Then, all judgement falls away.

rusticles:

1. Be curious. “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”

2. Persevere. “It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”

3. Focus on the present. “Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.”

4. Imagine. “Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions. Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

5. Fail. “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”

6. Don’t waste the present thinking of the future. “I never think of the future – it comes soon enough.”

7. Aim to help. “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”

8. Learn from your mistakes. “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

9. Knowledge comes as you live. “Information is not knowledge. The only source of knowledge is experience.”

10. Learn the rules, play better. “You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.”