How to Stop Feeling Empty to Feel Better?

The feeling of emptiness occurs frequently after a breakup. This feeling makes you feel lonelier and makes you feel like you lost something forever. Yet, the feeling of emptiness can expand to sadness and make you question the reasons for the breakup. However, this pain, sadness, and other feelings that arise from the emptiness can last a long time. As well as feeling physical pain when you are not near the person who did the breakup. 

Emptiness can also occur when you have hopes and the desire to be with someone you admire. This feeling can occur in one-sided relationships, friends-plus relationships, and committed relationships. Furthermore, emptiness is a strong painful feeling that can be difficult to ignore. Often it causes anger, and you might get angry with yourself. Additionally, emptiness after a breakup can make you feel disconnected from others and make you feel unhappy for many months. 

Many feelings can arise from emptiness which need to be processed mentally and physically. These feelings need to be separated one at a time. Evaluate each feeling to assess and find ways to change how you feel. Emptiness caused after ending a relationship can be a temporary or a permanent feeling that must be addressed. Yet, you must ask yourself if the emptiness is because of the breakup or if it is part of another conflict in your life. 

After evaluating, writing it down, and processing it; One must trust, believe, and practice more self-love. For example, do more self-care and take care of yourself. Manage your emotions and control your feelings. Remind yourself that you can be welcomed, loved, and desirable. Do not give up on having a meaningful relationship with someone.

Also, do not jump into another relationship quickly without finding the solution to your emptiness. A new relationship in less than a month might not be the best way to manage your loneliness, emptiness, and other feelings. Understanding your emptiness can help you find ways to improve and change your feelings for the better. Accept your emptiness and take time to comprehend each feeling. If you feel afraid, lost, and cannot express your feelings; You might want to do journaling, artwork, or other creative hobbies to cope with your feelings.

You might feel confused and at a loss for words as you continue feeling emptiness. Moreover, you might feel more isolated and might feel the urge to abuse alcohol or other substances. As well as having a breakdown after recovering from an addiction even after a breakup. Therefore, it is recommended to seek professional help and find support to manage the feeling of emptiness. The feeling of emptiness can also make you make the wrong decisions or be with the wrong person. 

Emptiness can become obsolete once you have found ways to overcome it. Having group support, family, and friends supporting you assists in your healing process. Spending time alone to do your favorite activities such as crafts, sports, or other exercise activities. Most of all filling up the space with good habits. As well as not letting anyone make you feel worthless and believing in yourself. 

Lastly, emptiness can occur with physical attractions and passionate relationships. Nonetheless, emptiness occurs when one has deep emotions for someone who took you for granted or did not appreciate you as a unique person. Emptiness can be solved at your own pace, but it cannot be done all by yourself. Moreover, emptiness requires self-compassion towards oneself and to recover oneself with patience without rushing into another relationship. Here are resources about emptiness after a breakup. 

 

Feeling Empty after a Breakup:

https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/feeling-empty-after-breakup/

How to Stop Feeling Empty after a Breakup:

https://www.yourtango.com/experts/mitzi-bockmann/how-to-stop-feeling-empty-after-a-breakup

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What is Voicefishing?

Online dating can be tough especially when you are using computer dating applications. Some computer dating applications have a voice recorder where you can record your voice. However, voicefishing can occur frequently on these online dating applications. Voicefishing is when a person changes one's voice to look attractive for their future dates. Also, a person might use different accent styles and pretend to be a celebrity. 

Disguising one's voice to look more seductive is one reason for voicefishing. Another reason is to pretend to be someone else due to insecurities. Voicefishing can also be done to avoid painful feelings when dating. Furthermore, pretending to be someone else because of being afraid of not being likable. As well as having less confidence in oneself and not feeling comfortable with oneself.

Changing one's voice can also be done to sound older or to sound younger, which can be engineered through voice technology applications. Nevertheless, voicefishing continues to increase on online dating applications. Yet, voicefishing makes anyone have doubts especially when they are ready to meet them in person. Other times a person might use their friend's voice to pretend that they are them. Additionally, voicefishing can make anyone look dishonest.

However, voicefishing can be detected on online dating applications. During online dating applications, the voice recordings can have too much static or too much background noise. Also, a person might not want to use their natural voice when speaking to potential dates. A person might not feel they have an attractive voice to appeal to a potential mate. Therefore, this can also create mistrust and suspicion towards the person who does voicefishing.

Another way Voicefishing can be detected is using voice text messages and not speaking on the telephone. A person prefers voice text messages instead of using their natural voice. Although it is easier to hide one’s voice using these online voice applications, it does create an element of mystery, but it can be confusing, uncomfortable, and challenging. As well as making one believe that there are more secrets that a person is hiding and might make one believe that they are disloyal. Furthermore, a person who does voicefishing hides one’s face and does not do video telephone calls. 

Voicefishing can be done for entertainment purposes or other deceiving purposes. Be attentive when browsing online dating applications. Do not do quick browsing. Take your time to browse a dating profile, and check for misspelled words, grammatical errors, and the contents that are displayed. Furthermore, do not select a dating profile just because of their voice.

When browsing online dating apps, be careful when listening to voice recordings. Keep in mind that a person's voice does not define a person's personality. Also, be aware there are shy people on online dating applications, and not everyone does voicefishing. Yet, be cautious because voicefishing can occur on online dating applications. Here are websites about voicefishing.

What is Voicefishing and How to Tell if it's Happened to You-HuffPost UK Life:

What Is Voicefishing And How To Tell If It's Happened To You | HuffPost UK Life (huffingtonpost.co.uk)

The Art of Voicefishing-What You Need to Know:

The Art of Voicefishing: What You Need to Know (perfect.is)

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Understanding Self-Concept for Self-Improvement

Understanding self-concept can assist you in improving yourself. It helps you to love your individual qualities and love the person you are. Self-concept is about knowing yourself and letting go of being artificial on a social level. Moreover, the self-concept can be damaged in a pessimistic manner. However, self-concept can be developed and improved over time. 

What is self-concept? It is what you believe and your perception of yourself. According to an American psychologist, Carl Ransom Rogers, there are three elements, which are part of self-concept. Self-image and self-esteem are parts of self-concept. Self-concept is different than self-image. 

However, self-concept is the belief that one has emotionally, socially, physically, and spiritually. Therefore, practicing self-concept can help you with your self-improvement. Yet, one must improve and develop a healthy self-image. As well as understanding and appreciating one's self-esteem. Additionally, one must understand the third element which is the ideal self. 

The ideal self is the person you want to be. Before becoming that unique person, one must improve self-esteem and self-confidence. Practice self-acceptance and with less critique. Incorporate self-love which is necessary for developing your self-concept. Be kind to yourself and here are positive affirmations for strengthening your self-concept.

1. I believe in myself and trust my decisions. 
2. I do my best and get better at my job. 
3. I believe I can love someone and love myself. 
4. I trust my decisions and myself. 
5. I can improve myself. 
6. I do like myself and know who I am. 
7. I believe I can respect myself. 
8. I love everything about myself. 
9. I believe I can accomplish my goals slowly and cautiously. 
10. I do follow my instincts and believe I can succeed. 
11. I can be effective and make someone smile. 
12. I believe in myself and follow my heart.

It may seem complicated, tough, and confusing to understand one's self-concept. Nonetheless, one must separate other's opinions and perceptions about oneself. Some people might think they know you better than they know themselves, but everyone struggles to get to know you authentically. Furthermore, some only see one side of you which might be just your public self. Also, to get to know oneself one must be self-reliant, and it is a process of self-discovery. 

Self-improvement and self-concept might not be easy to do. Controlling your feelings, thoughts, and actions can permit you to improve yourself. Besides practicing self-control, self-discipline, and self-respect; You might want to do self-reflections of your experiences. Those experiences help you develop your self-awareness and your self-concept. Nevertheless, finding your self-concept is a lengthy process that keeps developing and changing. 

However, one's self-concept is the perception that you have about yourself. As well as your social interactions which help define your self-concept. To understand oneself one must feel secure, comfortable, and feel joy. Additionally, one must not reject oneself because of failures, disappointments, and mistakes. Lastly, one must not reject one's self-identity. 

To do self-improvement one must be able to comprehend the reasons for improving oneself. Perhaps your desire for self-improvement is to get a better job, to improve your relationship, or to improve your attitude. Yet, it is necessary to know your self-concept to help you do self-discovery, self-improvement, and self-growth. Keep in mind your self-presentation when you are socializing. According to a social psychologist, Erving Goffman, there are four types of self-presentation which is part of self-concept. 

The ideal self, the actual self, the self-concept, and the public self are the four types of self-presentation. Often one might present themselves as a different person than their real self. There are many reasons for doing that but one must be authentic and honest with oneself. Practice writing in a diary or a journal, read quotes, meditate, do mindfulness, and do self-reflection. The more you understand your self-concept the more motivation you will have for self-improvement.

In conclusion, finding and discovering one's self-concept can assist in self-improvement. Furthermore, one's self-concept can be influenced by family, relatives, friends, and acquaintances. Similarly, one's self-image can be as pessimistic and optimistic as one's self-concept. However, one must find a balance between negative and positive perspectives of oneself. Nonetheless, here are resources about self-concept. 

 

What is Self-Concept?: 

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-self-concept-2795865#:~:text=It is how we perceive,are an extrovert or introvert

Self-Concept:

https://esoftskills.com/self-concept/

What is Self-Concept and How Can We Reshape That to Help Us Succeed in the Future: 

https://www.thewomens.network/blog/what-is-self-concept-and-how-can-we-reshape-that-to-help-us-succeed-in-the-future

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A Healthy Positive Self-Image & The Factors that Influence Your Self-Image

What is Self-image? Some would define self-image as one's appearance. However, six branches define self-image. First, self-image begins with the factor of physical appearance which usually starts during or before becoming a teenager. This stage is crucial because it defines your thinking process towards yourself. 

 

Yet, the perception of how you see yourself does change over time; But it is necessary to build your self-esteem and your self-confidence optimistically during your teenage years. Nonetheless, a lack of self-esteem and self-confidence as a teenager can change with family support. As well as working on one's talents and self-awareness through therapy along with other motivational activities. The second component of one's self-image is psychological where one develops a unique personality. This area is also necessary if you are a teenager or a young adult who is still discovering oneself. 

 

Personalities can change and one's aspect of how you think about yourself changes too. Nevertheless, your personality helps you develop an awareness of your self-image depending on how you think about yourself. It can be an optimistic perspective or a pessimistic perspective. The third aspect is an intellectual self-image. It does not affect your intelligence, but it does influence your perception of your self-image. 

 

Therefore, it is necessary to practice self-acceptance, self-love, self-compassion, self-awareness, and think optimistically. Believe you can do things and believe you are intelligent. The fourth factor of self-image is skills. Develop self-confidence and self-esteem with one's skills to have an optimistic self-image. The fifth aspect is morals and values one learns through parents, grandparents, and other relatives.

 

Additionally, the principles and ethics of family life are taught at an early age which is instrumental in one's development of self-image. Similarly, this can help boost your self-esteem and self-confidence. However, there might be times when your self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-image can be altered by pessimistic family members or pessimistic friends. Often this can complicate one's perspective of self-concept and self-image. This can change with self-development, self-improvement, and a stronger development of self-awareness. 

 

Therapy sessions with a therapist or a psychologist can assist you to have a better self-image. Yet, one needs to accept and be willing to change one’s self-image for themselves and not for others. Nevertheless, the last and sixth factor of self-image is a sexual perception of oneself. Learning how to be and feel attractive for oneself and to be attractive for one’s partner. To have a healthy self-image one must let go of past negative experiences from childhood and of negative experiences from adulthood.

 

Furthermore, one’s self-image is influenced by teachers, friends, and people who took care of you as a child. Plus, one must practice a positive self-image without worrying about what others think of you. A healthy self-image is about liking and loving yourself first. By using positive affirmations and inspirational quotes as a tool for having a positive self-image. Encourage your child they are unique and motivate them on their capabilities.

 

Do not emphasize your failures when you are journaling. Accept your mistakes and your child can accept their mistakes with your example. Set an example for your child so they can develop a positive self-image. It might be difficult due to bullying, cyberbullying, or other school issues; But teaching them a positive self-image will help them when they become an adult. Yet, find a balance to have optimistic self-esteem, self-confidence, body positivity, and a positive self-image.

 

Encourage yourself by practicing self-love, self-acceptance, self-appreciation, and being yourself. Journaling about your qualities, and your perception of yourself, and avoiding self-criticism permits you to see yourself positively. Take breaks to see yourself in the mirror and say positive affirmations. Buy yourself a meaningful gift and only you know the significance of the gift. Here are resources about self-image.

 

Five Tips for Maintaining a Positive Self-Image-U Health Collective:

Five Tips for Maintaining a Positive Self-Image - UHealth Collective (umiamihealth.org)

9 Ways to Build a More Positive Self-Image of Yourself-Happier Human:

9 Ways to Build a More Positive Self-Image of Yourself - Happier Human

12 Ways to Promote a Healthy Self-Image in Your Child-Worksheet Cloud:

12 Ways to promote a healthy self-image in your child (worksheetcloud.com)

 

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Silhouette Drawing Clip art - Woman silhouette material png download - 4655*6001 - Free Transparent png Download. - Clip Art Library (clipart-library.com)

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Mirror image Reflection - Mirror PNG png download - 639*800 - Free Transparent Mirror png Download. - Clip Art Library (clipart-library.com)

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Cancer Prevention Action Week 2024

Courtesy Image from World Cancer Research Fund for CPAW2024

This week is Cancer Prevention Action Week. This week began on February 19^th, and it ends on February 25^th this year. The theme for this year’s Cancer Prevention Action Week is “Make Your Move.” This week is dedicated to doing more physical activity such as walking, running, dancing, jumping, or any other activity that keeps your moving. Exercise is important for preventing cancer and other diseases.

The World Cancer Research Fund founded Cancer Prevention Action Week where you can bring awareness of preventing cancer and to make changes in your lifestyle. You can add exercise while you are cooking your meals by grabbing water bottles and using them as weights. Also, you can use tin cans or fill up empty water bottles with sand. As well as doing planks and squatting while you wait for the food to finish cooking. You can also use your broom or mop to clean the floor and dance around your kitchen.

Yet, it can be difficult when you have a job where you sit for too long. However, you can do mini exercises even when you are sitting at your job. Raising your legs up when you are sitting and raising your arms up especially if you are sitting in front of a computer. Lift your foot and arch your foot with your toes pointing up on the floor. As well as taking a brisk walk when you are in the office. 

The entire month of February is National Cancer Prevention Month. Purple was designated for National Cancer Prevention Month. You can wear a purple ribbon, a purple bracelet, a purple T-shirt, or anything that is purple to bring awareness for cancer prevention. Additionally, you can make conversations about cancer prevention with your friends, family, and acquaintances. Motivate them to exercise more by climbing stairs, walking in the park, or limiting screen time for exercise.

Listen to music while you cook and make mini short dance steps while you are cooking. Make sure your kitchen floor is not slippery. You can also post ready-made images from the World Research Fund for Cancer Prevention Action Week with the hashtags, #CPAW24 and #Make Your Move this year. Share your exercises or exercise tips that you do at home on social media or other resources for preventing cancer. As well as using ready-made images with researched text to post on social media.

Besides posting on social media, make a luncheon for your family and friends. Discuss exercise, healthy eating, and other topics regarding cancer prevention. Donate to cancer research and to cancer prevention programs. Get screened for cancer prevention and get the HPV vaccine if your doctor authorized it. Here are resources for cancer prevention and Cancer Prevention Action Week for 2024. 

7 Kitchen Workout Exercises You Can Do While Cooking-USA Home Gym:

7 Kitchen Workout Exercises You Can Do While Cooking (usa-homegym.com)

6 Exercises You Can Do at Your Desk-Cleveland Clinic:

6 Exercises You Can Do at Your Desk (clevelandclinic.org)

Cancer Prevention Action Week 2024-World Cancer Research Fund-World Cancer Research Fund:

Cancer Prevention Action Week 2024 | World Cancer Research Fund (wcrf-uk.org)

* Courtesy Image from World Cancer Research Fund for CPAW 2024

Recovering After Traveling From Spring Break (Tips)

After traveling and before unpacking your clothes, sit down to relax at home. Close your eyes while you sit and listen to slow-paced music. Practice breathing slowly while you listen to the gentle sounds. Take off your shoes and wear socks if the ground feels cold. If you feel sleepy, take a nap if needed. 

However, if you are not sleepy, massage your feet or wash your feet. Put on socks and sit down for five minutes. Reflect on your happiness as you remember the fun times from your trip. Use a comfortable mudra and do breathing exercises. Say to yourself, "Thank you" or "I'm thankful for traveling to a new destination."

Practice positive affirmations while you sit or listen to a visual guided meditation. Sit or lay down and visualize yourself in a place you feel comfortable. Smile and relax your entire body. Touch your toes and close your eyes. Count or say a mantra. 

Open your eyes and fold your hands. Sit or lie down in silence. Place your hands in a hugging position. Say to yourself, “My travel experience makes me feel a connection with nature." " I'm grateful for these new travel experiences."

Continue by writing positive affirmations in your journal. Say positive affirmations after your trip. Drink hot tea or other hot drinks as you continue relaxing. Doodle or add bullet points before writing your positive affirmations. Here is a brief list of positive affirmations. 

1. My travel experience makes me see and observe nature. 
2. I feel content when I am traveling. 
3. I am thankful for these travel experiences. 
4. My travels take me to magical and beautiful places. 
5. I am grateful for experiencing new travel destinations.
6. I unpack my luggage as I give thanks. 
7. My traveling experience makes me feel joyful and peaceful. 
8. I unpack my items and remember my voyage. 
9. I am grateful for traveling as I smile. 
10. I always feel serene when I travel. 

Do this for five minutes. Then stand up and slowly unpack your clothes and other items. Coming back from a trip can be exhausting. Listen to your body. Eat foods that are good for your digestion and rehydration. 

Postpone work tasks until the next day. Avoid using electronic devices. Reply to emails the next day or when you feel rested. Prioritize sleep and do things slowly. Here are websites with more travel recuperation tips. 

 

 

First Time Travelers Online Guide-Chapter 6:

https://rusticpathways.com/inside-rustic/first-time-travelers-online-guide/chapter-6

How I Reset After Traveling: 

https://witwhimsy.com/how-i-reset-after-traveling-2/

Back to Routine-How to Refresh Your Routine:

https://www.spiritedpursuit.com/blog/back-to-routine-how-to-refresh-your-routine

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Manage Stress for Your Heart Health (National Heart Month)

Courtesy Image from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Reducing stress can reduce high blood pressure. High blood pressure makes your heart work harder to pump blood and it accelerates the nervous system due to too much stress. It causes heart palpitations, shortness of breathability, and headaches can occur. Yet, controlling your stress can reduce fast heart palpitations. Fast heart palpitations feel like your heart is going to come out of your body because of the elevated level of stress.

Fast heart palpitations can occur in tense situations such as having a loved one in the hospital, a car accident, a train accident, or a natural disaster event. These fast heart palpitations are like looking at someone that you like a lot and cannot be controlled due to the active nervous system. However, when you like someone a lot and you do get heart palpitations, it is just a temporary feeling and not an everyday occurrence. Nonetheless, fast palpitations due to stressful situations can affect your daily routine and make it difficult to manage your nervous system. Therefore, reducing your high blood pressure with relaxation techniques and with a prescribed high blood pressure medication can manage fast heart palpitations.

Your doctor can prescribe a high blood pressure medication based on your specific health needs. Understanding systolic and diastolic for your blood pressure can help you read your blood pressure readings. When you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor recommends checking your blood pressure with a blood pressure monitor. In addition to the comprehension of systolic and diastolic, you need to learn about your pulse rate. Systolic blood pressure is the measurement of the energy that is produced to make the heart beats while the Diastolic blood pressure measures the energy between the heart beats.

The energy between the heart beats is when your heart rests before making the next heart beats. Whereas the pulse rate is the difference between the Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure measurements. The pulse rate is the number of times that your heart beats in a minute. You can find the Systolic by reading the top number of your blood pressure and the Diastolic is the bottom number of your blood pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to check your blood pressure twice a day. 

Consult with your doctor regarding your blood pressure medication and your blood pressure measurements. Practice relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, breathing exercises, walking, swimming, jogging, cycling, Zumba, gardening, and other relaxing activities. Doing self-care activities can also help lower your blood pressure. An effortless way to help you relax is by doing walking meditations in your garden, indoors, or in a place where you feel comfortable. Avoid too much worrying, negative thoughts, and overthinking to lower your blood pressure.

Yoga poses are also recommended to help you relax such as the Chair pose, Tree pose, Mountain pose, Stick pose, Cat pose, Butterfly pose, Dolphin pose, and other poses. However, if you want to exercise at a faster pace, you can practice Zumba which incorporates aerobics and dance postures. Yet, before trying Yoga, Zumba, or other exercises, always consult with your primary doctor. If you struggle with worrying too much about your loved ones, finances, or other personal issues; It is best to speak to a therapist to help you manage your thoughts and stress levels. Also, journaling and keeping yourself busy with activities might help you from overthinking to reduce your stress.

Each year in February is National Heart Month. Dedicate some time to managing your stress for your heart health so you can sleep better, lower your blood pressure, and take care of yourself. Additionally, you can post resources on social media for bringing awareness of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other heart health topics. Use the hashtag # Our Hearts to post information about National Heart Month. Find ways to control your stress for your heart health, wear red for heart health awareness, and donate for more heart research.

Meditating, eating healthy, and reducing caffeine also helps to lower your blood pressure. Limit your caffeine to one caffeine drink per day or select caffeine-free beverages. As well as drinking decaf can help lower your blood pressure. Your doctor might recommend changing your food diet to a low sodium or a sodium free diet. Here are resources for National Heart Month. 

Ways to Give, Make a Donation-American Heart Association:

Ways to Give | Make a Donation | American Heart Association

5 Things to Do Every Day to Keep Your Heart Healthy-Cleaveland Clinic:

5 Things to Do Every Day to Keep Your Heart Healthy (clevelandclinic.org)

Blood Pressure Matters-National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute News in Health:

Blood Pressure Matters | NIH News in Health

* Courtesy Image from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute:

Cardi-O Heart Character Series | NHLBI, NIH

Wedding Tips for Preparing the Wedding (National Weddings Month 2024)

Preparing for a wedding takes a lot of planning and time to make it a memorable occasion. It is recommended that you select a wedding planner that takes the time to get to know the bride’s family and the groom’s family. As well as knowing the budget ahead of time for the type of wedding reception you would like to have for yourself and your partner. Also, deciding if you want a casual or formal wedding can influence selecting your decorations, souvenirs, and the number of guests. In addition to planning the wedding reception, your friends might want to have a bridal shower.

Yet, the bridal shower can be optional for some brides because not all brides want a bridal shower. Some brides prefer to have a cozy dinner with their friends before the wedding or a few weeks leading up to the wedding day. There is nothing wrong with having dinner with your friends before your wedding day. Nevertheless, if you do have a bridal shower party or bridal friends' dinner, always have thank you cards or thank you gifts to give out. Another tip is to have a backup pair of shoes during the party, especially if your friends want to dance, go hiking during the day, or if the party is right after you come back from your job.

Besides the bridal party preparations, always have time for yourself by doing self-care activities. Get a massage one or two days before your wedding day. Be prepared for last-minute changes and have an emergency kit. Make an emergency kit for the bride and for the rest of the people who are part of the wedding. In the emergency kit, you can include extra pairs of slippers, flat shoes, nail polish, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, band-aids, a sewing kit, and other items.

Additionally, bobby pins, hair clips, and other hair accessories as a backup in case you need to fix your hair or the bridesmaid's hair. An emergency wedding kit can be useful in case someone needs an item quickly before the ceremony. Depending on the location of the wedding, find time to rest before the wedding. Wedding preparations can get exhausting and challenging in making decisions on food, music, and entertainment. You can get opinions from friends and family for the wedding preparations but plan the wedding with a wedding planner. 

If you do not have a wedding planner, you can still plan the wedding. Although wedding planners can be too expensive, you can plan the wedding with someone you trust. If you are the bride and have a strict budget, plan the wedding carefully. Ask the opinions of the groom and make a list of items to make your dream wedding. Often keeping items simple such as the dress, food, and wedding toast can make your wedding day special. 

Ask your friends for references for a party DJ, a musical orchestra, or music entertainment. As well as references for party location rentals and price quotes if possible. Decide on music and the party location. After you have decided together, you can make a beautiful and unique wedding celebration. Make sure you follow hosting etiquette and do not have expectations for a perfect wedding party.

Weddings are magical, elegant, and cozy no matter where they take place. Remind yourself that what is important is sharing your life with the partner that you love. Moreover, it is the love of the bride and groom that unites two families together. Do not ignore family music requests for the wedding party. Last, split your wedding budget in half if needed because the other half of the budget can be used for the wedding honeymoon. 

Furthermore, if you are the bride making the wedding preparations, practice staying calm and do relaxation techniques. Wait for the right time to take breaks in between the rehearsal dinner and throughout the wedding preparations. Also, make sure the groom is relaxed as well by getting a couple's massage at a spa, practicing yoga, and practicing mindfulness. Make sure you do not skip breakfast and enjoy the joyful events before your wedding day. Here are resources with more wedding tips. 

 

What is a Bridal Shower-Planning and Etiquette Advice-Brides:

What Is a Bridal Shower: Planning and Etiquette Advice (brides.com)

10 Best Wedding Tips:

https://msn.thebudgetsavvybride.com/10-best-wedding-tips/

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National No One Eats Alone Day

 

Pexels Courtesy Photo by: Katerina Holmes

Since 2012, National No One Eats Alone Day has been celebrated to bring awareness of social isolation in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Every third Friday of February is dedicated to having all the children in school eat together and make new friendships. It is a day to prevent social isolation during lunch hours and in group activities. This day began with a non-profit organization called Beyond Differences. This year, National No One Eats Alone Day is on February 16^th.

Eating alone in school has long-term effects and hurts them emotionally. Additionally, some students have a tough time socializing once they are adults due to depression or too much anxiety. Some students can get low grades and feel less confident than other students. Moreover, the more isolated they are, their self-esteem is affected. Therefore, social isolation in schools must end. 

Eating alone as a student is not recommended in any school. Loneliness and being bullied are what some students are confronted with each time they go to school. Being isolated in a social aspect makes them feel unwelcomed and not appreciated in school. However, implementing National No One Eats Alone Day in school can influence those students who feel isolated. Also, as a parent encourage your children to eat with other students who are lonely and who are eating by themselves during lunch hour.

Tell them that bringing a new student to their lunch table can be beneficial to them and the entire lunch group. Also, speak to them about eliminating social differences in their school. Encourage them not to judge their peers because of their appearances, what they are wearing, their physical features, their accents, or what makes them look different from them. Let them know that everyone is in school just to learn and to make friendships. Have a conversation about preventing discrimination.

Persuade them to speak to one or four new students during lunch hour so they can make new friendships. Another tip is for them to avoid screen time on their cell phones while they are having lunch. They can play card games or bingo cards that do not require the internet. As well as discussing what they have learned at school that day or their favorite hobbies. Nonetheless, they can color or do their homework together during lunch hour. 

National No One Eats Alone Day is a special day for them to make friendships and to make all the students feel appreciated. It can reduce social isolation among the students in school. Although, this day is celebrated once a year; Students can continue eating together every day during lunch hour and make friendships. Preventing social isolation can prevent painful memories of eating alone at school. Here are resources for National No One Eats Alone Day. 

 

No One Eats Alone-Beyond Differences:

No One Eats Alone - Beyond Differences

No One Eats Alone-Recognizing Isolation-Better Help:

No One Eats Alone: Recognizing Isolation | BetterHelp

*Pexels Courtesy Photo by Katerina Holmes

Creative Romance Month 2024

Creativity can reduce boredom in any relationship. It is one necessary element that can make a relationship last longer besides having trust, effective communication, and honesty. However, having a lack of creativity does not mean that your relationship can fail. Each relationship is unique and might have different requirements to make the relationship work for a couple. Also, everyone has a distinctive love style and an attachment style that needs to be understood by both sides of the relationship.

Some may find creativity a challenge within the relationship especially if one partner does not like spontaneous situations. As well as not wanting to show affection in public or their home. One must understand their partner and ask them what they like. Once you know how your partner shows you affection, you can work on finding creative ways to improve your relationship. Often not knowing what your partner dislikes can make it tough to surprise your partner. 

Find ways to surprise your partner depending on their interests and their personality. Furthermore, creativity in a relationship must not be forced. It can occur in unexpected situations where both of you are having dinner, watching television, or discussing each other's thoughts. Your partner might give you hints about what they need and how they want to spend time with you. You do not need to spend too much money to be creative with your partner.

 

Moreover, creativity in a romantic relationship is more than a sexual intimate experience. Being creative in a relationship means changing your daily routine and adding enthusiasm to your relationship. You can practice mindfulness together, do yoga, or paint on canvas together. Another example is sitting together and playing Scrabble or having a conversation while drinking sweet tea. Plan a short trip together and appreciate your partner. 

Take breaks and use your imagination, senses, and have a cheerful outlook. If your partner is too stressed out and too tough to understand; Take small steps to help them relax and focus on their wellness. You might want to do relaxing activities that can help you be creative at your comfort level. Another tip is to listen to them and to give them time alone if they need it. Hesitation in a relationship can make your partner pull away and might need more time to adapt to impromptu romantic events.

Therefore, before you add creativity to your romantic relationship, ask yourself if it is something your partner needs in the relationship. Often boredom can occur regardless of having creativity in the relationship. Yet, boredom in a romantic relationship can be a lack of interest between a couple. It can also be a lack of finances, a lack of communication, and a lack of time. No matter what the reasons are, boredom can occur when there is too much compatibility. 

Nevertheless, ask your partner if they need more creativity in the relationship. If they are comfortable, content, and just want to change the monotonous routine of daily life; They might accept your suggestion of adding creativity to the relationship. Keep in mind your partner's wellness and time for what they feel. Additionally, they might want creativity in romantic relationships at a slower pace without rushing it. Always discuss with your partner what they feel and how they want to strengthen the relationship. 

Strengthening your friendship with creativity makes you feel a stronger bond in the relationship. However, arguing too much, being too pessimistic, and not wanting to spend time with your partner can affect any relationship. Spending more time as a couple makes you see your incompatibilities and try to improve them without hurting them. Dedicate this month by asking your partner and having creativity in the relationship. This can permit you to get to know your partner more in an emotional and intellectual aspect. 

Have an open mind when it comes to your partner's feelings, necessities, and past experiences. Also, keep in mind that your partner's interests and things in common can change over time. Therefore, use your love to inspire you to improve and make your romantic relationship better. Ask your partner if they are ready to add creativity to the relationship. Here are resources for incorporating creativity in your romantic relationship. 

 

Bringing More Creativity to Your Relationship-Freshly Married:

Bringing More Creativity to Your Relationship | Freshly Married

Is Being Creative the Key to Romantic Passion-Psychology Today:

Is Being Creative the Key to Romantic Passion? | Psychology Today

7 Surprising Ways to Improve Your Relationship-Very Well Mind:

7 Surprising Ways to Improve Your Relationship (verywellmind.com)

* Font, background, and artwork created in Photo Collage Editor Maker

Tuna Cucumber Boats

Tuna cucumber boats make great appetizers and a quick snack. These cucumber boats can be made using leftover cucumbers and leftover cabbage salad. Yet, you can use leftover green and purple cabbage and shredded carrots instead of the salad mix. Nevertheless, tuna cucumber boats are crunchy and delicious to eat. Here is the recipe. 

Ingredients:

One Big Tuna Can

One English Cucumber

Cabbage salad mix

Tomatoes 

Mayonnaise 

Lemon juice

Onions

Preparation and Cucumber Salad Time:

Open one can of tuna. Drain it. In one bowl, add the tuna and mayonnaise. Then peel and slice half of an onion. Chop the onion into small slices. Next, add the onions to the tuna. 

Wash and slice one cucumber. Then, slice the center of the cucumber lengthwise. Continue slicing it into a smaller rectangle size. Use a melon baller to remove the cucumber seeds. Add the cabbage salad mix on each cucumber.

Then put lemon juice on the tuna and stir it. After that add a small portion of tuna on top of the cabbage. Wash and slice the tomato. Add small slices of tomatoes on top of the tuna. Serve it immediately and add a small portion of walnuts. 

You can serve these appetizers with iced tea, lemonade, hot tea, or other beverages. The walnuts are optional. These tuna cucumber boats make a quick and delicious appetizer for Valentine's Day or any other occasion. Also, these tuna cucumber boats can be made as a snack before lunch or before dinner. This recipe serves two or four people. 

 

  

* Font and collage from Photo Collage Editor Maker 

Valentine's Day Binder Coloring Covers

If you are looking for a Valentine's Day binder cover or binder covers with hearts, then you might like these. Today, I created two binder coloring pages to put in your binder. Each binder cover has one big heart on the cover. These binder cover pages can also be used for making your wedding planner or for any other occasion. On the center of the big heart, you can label it or put an inspirational quote. 

Additionally, these binder covers can be used for your recipe binder. As well as rotating your binder covers for your yearly calendar and other information. Nonetheless, you can use these binder covers throughout the year. These Valentine's Day Coloring cover pages are free and for your personal use. Happy Valentine's Day in advance.

* Font and collage from Photo Collage Editor Maker