Personal Growth Cafe

June 18, 2019March 23, 2018

Loving Your Feminine Body

With the media today focusing on super skinny women, it’s hard to think that you could possibly be desirable if you don’t look like the women on TV and in magazines.

The reality is, the average woman in America weighs 164 lbs. and is a size 14.

A positive self-image is one of the top things most women struggle with.

So, how can you learn to love your body the way it is?

First of all, you need to focus on what you do like about your body.

Here are some questions to get you thinking about the things you DO like about yourself:

What areas do you get complimented on the most?

What do others notice about you first when you walk into a room?

Are you shapely with a larger busts and hips?

Do you have a womanly figure?

Do you have nice legs?

Are they thin and long?

Are they muscular and strong?

Do people comment on how pretty you are or often say that you have beautiful eyes?

Do you like to show off your feet with pretty sandals or open toed shoes?

Is your hair shiny and beautiful?

Do you like to touch it or play with it?

Instead of being overly critical and negative, be grateful for the body and health you do have.

So give yourself permission to see and accept the good!

Boosting Your Self-Image with the Perfect Clothing

Learning to love your body is important because having a good self-image empowers you in many ways.

When you love the way you look, you feel more confident and confidence gives you the ability to do anything you set your mind to.

Dressing for your body type also plays a big part in how you look and see yourself, so it’s important to know what color, style, shape and material of clothing looks best on you.

If your closet is full of worn out t-shirts and old faded blue jeans, it’s time for a wardrobe makeover.

Take a good, honest friend or family member shopping with you to help you choose clothes that fit well and colors that look best on you.

Updating your wardrobe doesn’t have to be expensive either.

Begin by shopping resale stores. Oftentimes you can find brand name, never worn clothes at prices greatly below retail.

However, don’t settle for less than the best for your body type.

If you can’t find the perfect items for your body, then don’t buy the clothes just because they’re cheap.

Build your wardrobe from the bottom up, starting with the basic necessities:

Black dress pants for work or an evening out

One dressy blouse for work or an evening out

One power suit for job interviews or business

A black skirt

Camisoles in a variety of colors for layering

A well fitting pair of blue jeans for casual days

2 to 3 casual tops (by casual I’m not talking t-shirts either)

2 pair of shoes: 1 for dress and 1 for casual

When you’ve got the basic necessities, then you can build your wardrobe up from there by adding dressy blouses or tops in different colors and styles, more skirts in various styles and colors and so on.

Once you start loving your body by recognizing what you do like about it and dressing to fit your body type, you’ll gain a whole new confidence like you’ve never felt before and other people will take notice too.

You may notice others reacting somewhat differently toward you as they respond to your new confidence.

Heck, you might even get a raise!

So start learning to love your body now. You’re beautiful!

How comfortable are you with yourself?

How can this help you become more confident about yourself?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

Before you leave…

Please share the link to this post on your Facebook, Twitter, etc., and like it, and comment right here – THANKS!

June 18, 2019March 23, 2018

Good things happen to me every day.

June 17, 2019March 23, 2018

Unrealistic expectations are banished from my life.

June 17, 2019March 23, 2018

Overcoming Financial Strain

Financial strain is probably the biggest cause of stress, especially in today’s economy.

With so many people losing their jobs, just trying to make ends meet can cause added stress to your already stressful lives.

The good news is that there’s a way out!

Map Out a Plan

If you are not on a budget, you must get on one.

I know the word budget seems like a bad word, and it does require effort and planning, but it is the best way to relieve financial stress.

Living on a budget means you’re in control of your money, instead of your money controlling you.

There are many classes or programs specifically designed to teach you how to budget if needed.

Simply do a search online using the terms “how to live on a budget” or “budgeting” and you’re sure to find one that meets your needs and is easy to use.

The key to sticking to a budget is making sure it’s easy to implement.

Ask your friends and relatives what budgeting plans or programs they use and do a little research before deciding on one.

But whatever you do, choose something!

Good Food at Great Prices

Another area where you can save money is at the grocery store.

By using online and paper coupons, as well as flipping through the weekly flyers, you can save hundreds of dollars every month!

Again, this takes some planning, but it will help relieve a lot of financial strain.

Knowing how much you spend on eating out may be a shocker to you.

Cut back on restaurant food and plan more meals at home.

You’ll be surprised at how much money you’ll save and you may even lose a few pounds!

Review Your Automatic Payments

Cutting out automatic payments from your spending will also help you be in control of your money.

Look at any programs or services that you’ve subscribed to that automatically takes money from your account.

You may find some you never use that you can cut out. Or perhaps there are better deals to be had elsewhere, so do your research!

Choose Used

One of the best ways to reduce your expenses is by driving a used car.

If you’re making a car payment, you’re throwing away money that could be better used elsewhere.

If it’s possible, sell your car, pay it off, and buy a used car with the cash that you’re saving on monthly payments.

You may have to give up a little pride, but reducing stress and financial strain is far more important than pride!

Tips to Reducing Financial Strain in Your Life

Other ways to overcome financial strain is to supplement your income.

You can do this in a variety of ways. Some of them you may even find fun!

De-clutter your home of “stuff” by sorting through and selling it on eBay, Craigslist, or Kijiji.

Clean out your shed or garage and have a yard sale.

Sell arts and crafts or jewelry on Etsy or eBay.

Start an online business using skills you already have.

If you’re a good at a particular subject, start tutoring or teaching music lessons.

If you’re a golfer or skier, get a second job at a resort or golf club.

This will not only bring in extra income, but they probably offer discounts to employees, saving you money while still being able to enjoy something you love.

Get a second job that offers flexible hours. Use the extra income to pay down debt or start saving for your emergency fund.

Having a plan, sticking to a budget, and increasing your income are the best ways to overcome financial strain during these tough economic times.

If you’re diligent and determined not to let today’s economy stress you out, you’re sure to succeed!

How do you deal with financially tough times?

How does this make you feel about how you are living your life right now?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Before you leave…

Please share the link to this post on your Facebook, Twitter, etc., and like it, and comment right here – THANKS!

June 16, 2019March 23, 2018

In order to change the world, you have to get your head together first. – Jimi Hendrix

June 16, 2019March 23, 2018

Seven Ways to Save Money Without Sacrificing Your Lifestyle

Are you looking for ways to save money, but don’t want to sacrifice your current lifestyle?

You’ll be surprised at how many different things you can do to achieve this.

Below are just a few ideas you can utilize to start saving money during these rough financial times:

1. Eating Out: For some people, eating out is one of their biggest variable expenses, but you can still save money without sacrificing your lifestyle.

You can often find restaurant coupons in the paper or online.

You can also cut your bill in half by sharing a meal.

We all know restaurant portions are huge and can probably feed at least two people.

Cut down on the amount of food you eat and save money by sharing a meal with a friend or spouse.

2. Gas: There’s several different ways you can save money on gas by simply thinking about how many unnecessary trips you take and planning fewer trips where you can.

This is where planning your day and clustering errands into one trip is key.

Also, if you have more than one driver in your family, the person who drives the furthest to work or school should use the most fuel-efficient vehicle.

It sounds obvious, but that’s because it is!

3. Consolidating Payments: Often your lender or bank will give you a loan to help reduce your monthly costs and interest payments.

If you can’t get a loan, see if you can transfer your high interest balances to a lower interest credit card.

If you have high interest credit cards, one of the smartest ways to reduce debt is to negotiate those interest rates.

4. Cut Out Unnecessary Fees: There are often hidden fees on credit cards, bank loans, and bank accounts that you may not be aware of.

Be sure to read the fine print before signing any contracts.

You’ll also want to check your monthly statements for any fees that you may not be aware of and call to complain if you spot anything funny.

In addition, avoid bouncing checks and cash advances.

Both insufficient fund fees and cash advances are probably one of the largest money suckers, but the easiest to avoid.

Being in control of your money and knowing where it’s going will help you save money on unnecessary fees.

5. Budgeting: You need to know how much money you have coming in and directing the money where you need it to go.

Budgeting means being in control of your money instead of your money controlling you.

When you’re on a budget, you can actually save money without losing the lifestyle you desire.

6. Gym Fees: Belonging to a gym is a helpful way to lose weight and stay in shape; however, the fees can be very costly.

Besides, you can still stay in shape and get great workouts at home, while saving tons of money.

Workout DVDs (or even free videos on YouTube) cost a lot less than a monthly gym membership and there’s a huge variety to choose from.

If you use the gym and it’s keeping you healthy, than it’s a good investment.

After all, your health is important.

But you should also be realistic with your workout expectations, meaning, if you haven’t gone for months, you’re probably not going to go all of a sudden, so you’re better off cancelling the membership.

7. Groceries: If you’re like most, your grocery bill is one of the biggest bills you have, next to house payments.

You can cut this bill by hundreds each month easily.

A little planning and effort is all it takes.

Using online and paper coupons, in addition to your grocer’s weekly sales flyer can cut your grocery bill by 25 to 30 percent.

The average family of four spends over $700 a month on groceries.

By using coupons and shopping the sales, you can save over $200 a month on groceries.

Couldn’t we all use an extra $200 a month right now?

Here are some other ways of saving money without sacrificing your lifestyle:

Turn off lights when not in use.

Open windows instead of turning on the air conditioner.

In the winter, wear sweaters to keep warm and turn down your thermostat.

Turn the water off while brushing your teeth.

Take showers instead of baths.

Unplug any electronic devices when not in use.

Finding a better way to enjoy the activities you love will not only save money, but will also reduce financial stress so you can maintain the lifestyle of your dreams!

How do you feel about your current lifestyle?

How have you adjusted your lifestyle based on the finances you have?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Before you leave…

Please share the link to this post on your Facebook, Twitter, etc., and like it, and comment right here – THANKS!

June 15, 2019March 23, 2018

The Joy of Laughter

“Laughter is the best medicine” is a phrase that dates back to biblical times as an old Proverb and it’s still widely used today all over the world.

That’s because it’s true!

Let’s take a look at what happens inside your body, mind and spirit when you laugh.

Laughter’s Effect on Your Body

Endorphins are released throughout your body, stimulating muscles, nerves, organs and tissues when you laugh.

Studies show these endorphins give relief to chronic pain, help to relieve stress and promote functioning of the immune system.

Laughter literally helps heal your body.

Laughter and Your Mind

Happy thoughts lead to a more positive outlook on life.

When you’re hanging out with friends and having good conversation that produces smiles and laughter, your mind’s producing happy thoughts.

On the other hand, if you’re always around people who never smile and always find something to complain about, you’ll lean toward a more negative outlook on life.

Strengthening Your Inner Being

Laughing causes your inner being to be emotionally and physically strengthened.

When you laugh or even smile, your inner being is stimulated in an affirmative way, producing a more positive outlook on life.

This helps your body produce more self-healing endorphins, which actually helps your body remain healthy and running optimally!

Boosting Your Spirits

Laughter causes a lift in your spirits, helping you feel uplifted.

Laughter not only helps you personally, it’s also very contagious and infectious, which helps those around you feel less stress and anxious.

Don’t you just love it when you hear a baby or toddler laugh?

What happens to you? You can’t help but laugh too!

Laughter begins to develop in humans as early as 3 months of age and a baby’s laughter is one of the most contagious of all human sounds.

Laughter and Your Relationships

When two people share a funny story or a silly situation arises between two people, there’s a unique bonding that is created.

Something special is formed between the two that only they can relate with. It’s an inside joke that is special to those who’ve shared in the moment.

When two people spend a lot of time together in laughter, a stronger, more ever-lasting relationship develops.

In a marriage, studies show couples that laugh together stay together much longer, if not for life.

Think about a truly happy couple you know.

Sure, every family has their issues and marriage takes work, but chances are they spend a lot of time laughing together.

This doesn’t happen by accident either. It can be created and fostered!

When you choose to embrace laughter, you’ll be able to get through many more rough spots in life and come out a happier and healthier person.

Life can be tough, so why not choose to make it more joyous? You can if you choose to.

Always try to find joy in every situation and laugh as often as possible each and every day.

Also, by spending more time around positive people, who love life and love to laugh, you’ll be amazed at how you begin to feel on the inside and out!

How do you keep laughter a part of your daily life?

What do you do to spread joy with those you encounter daily?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Before you leave…

Please share the link to this post on your Facebook, Twitter, etc., and like it, and comment right here – THANKS!

June 15, 2019March 23, 2018

Either you run the day or the day runs you. – Jim Rohn

June 14, 2019March 23, 2018

Five Simple Relaxation Tips

Everyone experiences times throughout the day where you just wish you could relax for even a few minutes.

You already know that relaxation helps your body re-energize, but sometimes you’re so busy and caught up in the moment that you just don’t have the time to unwind.

Well, fortunately there are simple ways to relax, even during your busiest days, that don’t require a lot of time or equipment.

Here are 5 Simple Relaxation Tips:

1. When you’re in line at the grocery store:

Instead of stressing out because there aren’t enough cashiers and every line has 5 people with heaping carts of groceries, use that time to relax your body by taking some deep breaths.

Deep breathing helps increase the oxygen in your blood.

Your blood then circulates that extra oxygen throughout your body helping your inner systems recharge.

Taking five slow deep breaths will do the trick.

The proper technique is to inhale and exhale deeply through your nose and out your mouth.

Not only will deep breathing help you relax, it’ll help to clear your mind, reduce brain fog, and you’ll feel much more alert and ready to tackle the next project on your plate.

Deep breathing can be done anywhere when you’re feeling stressed or just want to clear your mind.

2. When you’re at work: It’s often hard to find time to relax at work.

You might even get in trouble if you’re caught “relaxing.” Oh the horror!

However, there are some techniques you can do while you’re at work to help create a sense of calm that aren’t so obvious to others.

If your job requires you to sit at a computer all day, make sure you get up and move around for a few minutes every hour.

This helps circulate the blood throughout your body.

Just moving the blood flow will make you feel more alert and focused.

While sitting at your desk, roll your head around, from side to side and from front to back with your eyes closed.

This technique helps to relieve neck tension, increasing blood flow to your brain, which is a natural and easy way to relax.

If you’re on your feet all day, stretch out your back and sides by standing with your feet firm on the floor, shoulder width apart, and twist your upper body, including your head, slowly from side to side.

This will loosen up your back muscles and spine, releasing tension throughout your body.

During a break or lunchtime, go for a walk. Walking is a great way to clear your mind and your body will benefit from the extra exercise as well.

3. When you’re rushing through a busy day: Take just a few moments to daydream and escape the busyness of reality.

Daydreaming lets your imagination flow, causing instant relief from the stress of the real world.

Think of a place or experience that makes you feel happy or calm. Imagine how it smells, how the air feels, and who’s around.

After five minutes of a calming daydream you’ll feel relaxed, reenergized and ready to face the real world again.

4. Wherever you’re at, smile: Smiling is proven to help relax and rejuvenate your body.

When you’re out and about, smile at others around you.

When you’re at work, smile at your co-workers. Not only will it help you relax, it’ll help relax them as well.

Smile at your children when you’re toting them around to all their different activities. This will create a peaceful environment you’ll all enjoy.

5. When the going gets tough, laugh: Laughter’s proven to be an instant stress reliever.

Now I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t want to be seen as a nut case, so laughing out loud when you’re in line at the store or sitting at your desk may not be the best time.

When you can, get someone involved in your laughter with you.

Tell a funny joke or story to a co-worker (at an appropriate time, of course).

Play a fun game or sing a silly song with your kids as you’re driving.

Watch funny videos on YouTube.

Engaging in these simple, everyday relaxation techniques will help to sustain and strengthen you throughout your day.

It’ll also make it easier to unwind when you get home.

Your friends, co-workers, and family will all appreciate the new, relaxed you!

How do you keep yourself relaxed after a stressful or challenging day?

What activities do you do to relax your mind and body?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Before you leave…

Please share the link to this post on your Facebook, Twitter, etc., and like it, and comment right here – THANKS!

June 14, 2019March 23, 2018

Posts

Loving Your Feminine Body

Good things happen to me every day.

Unrealistic expectations are banished from my life.

Overcoming Financial Strain

In order to change the world, you have to get your head together first. – Jimi Hendrix

Seven Ways to Save Money Without Sacrificing Your Lifestyle

The Joy of Laughter

Either you run the day or the day runs you. – Jim Rohn

Five Simple Relaxation Tips

You cannot find peace by avoiding life. – Virginia Woolf