Tag Archive for genuine living

Can Vision Boards Help You Believe in Yourself?

July 23, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments
It’s called a vision board. Its purpose is to reinforce some message about yourself or your goals.
 
But, does it really work?
 
Today GenuLines looks at the question from both sides.
 
banner for vision boards
 

Can Vision Boards Help You Believe in Yourself?

man looking for vision boardsWhile “vision board” is not an official definition, it should serve to give you the concept in a nutshell. Are vision boards an effective tool towards helping your self-development?
 
First, we look at how they work. In general, you place information and pictures on your vision board.
 
 
 

Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay

 

These represent various aspects of your life. They can be personal, professional, or both.
 
You could have separate vision boards for personal and professional purposes as well.
 
Vision board pros and cons
One of the most significant benefits of a vision board is you can refer to it whenever you need inspiration. Or if an aspect of your life changes in some way.
 
You can update the board to reflect those changes.
 
Another pro (but possibly also a con) is that you can put whatever you want on a vision board. That’s great, but if it doesn’t help you with your goals, it may not be as beneficial to have it on the board.
 
In fact, it could hinder your progress since it takes up prime real estate on your board.
 
Remember that nothing is set in stone on your board. If you find something on it that isn’t working, take it down.
Vision boards are not for everyone
Some people find them to be a waste of time. They spend lots of time finding items to place on the boards and then never refer to them again.
 
It’s time that could be better spent elsewhere.
 
One use of vision boards is to place accomplishments on them. It’s easy to forget about events that happened earlier in our lives.
 
Keeping spots on the vision board dedicated to them will serve as reminders.
 
Don’t believe that you’ve forgotten about your accomplishments? Think back to what you accomplished in high school and college.
 
Or when you started your first job.
 
Having a handy reminder of your accomplishments boosts your self-belief. Each accomplishment will help you remember what you went through to get it.
 
This can help move you toward future accomplishments.
 
There are no right or wrong answers when creating a vision board. It just needs to work for you.
 
If it doesn’t, you should figure out why and adjust as you see fit.
 
signature for vision board article
 
 
 
JohnK 7-23-2019
chiforyourself.com home
 
 
stick man sees vision boardsOverheard: “Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements”
                                         ~Napoleon Hill
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer to highlight vision boards
 
 
 
 

Appreciate the Small Things And Find Contentment

July 16, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments
You’re intent on finding happiness, but what about contentment? You hear about appreciating the small stuff and feeling happy.
 
Today GenuLines asks you to turn your aim from happiness to contentment.
 
call to action for contentment

Appreciate the Small Things And Find Contentment

baby feeling contentmentMost emotions are transitional, meaning you’re never in one state for long periods. People labeled upbeat actually do have moments of sadness or depression.
 
And even depressed people may not feel depressed all the time.
 
 
 
 
 
Think about a major event such as a war. When two countries are fighting, both sides lose lives.
 
It’s bloody, and it can last for several years. But, when the war is over, the countries are euphoric.
 
There will be no more bloodshed because of the war, and people can return to their lives.
 
But nothing that has changed in the world except that the war has ended. In other words, the sun still sets each day.
 
People still have to manage their lives.
 
The euphoria from the war ending doesn’t last long. Months later, the war is still over, but the euphoria has died down.
 
The same is true in a smaller way when you’re ill. For instance, suppose you have a stomach bug that leaves you uncomfortable and in pain.
 
When the bug passes you feel wonderful.
 
Yet, you don’t feel any better than you did when you weren’t experiencing the bug. It’s relative to the bad feelings.
 
That’s how emotional states work. They go from one to the other on a constant basis.
 
Appreciating the small things in life may lead to happiness. But, it’s likely you’re content more than you are happy.
 
Contentment can feel like a neutral state, leaning on the side of happy. There isn’t anything wrong when you’re content.
 
But, there’s also nothing ratcheting up your happiness.
 
Consider contentment before happiness
Striving for happiness can be stressful. The antidote? Gratitude. You’ll feel content without having to always push toward happiness.
 
Time spent in contentment means you’re doing something right.
 
Think about the people you love. And think about all you have, such as your health and a good job.
 
Imagine life without them and you’ll really appreciate contentment. That thought may even make you happy, if only for a short time.
 
JohnK 7-16-2019
 
stick figure feeling contentmentOverheard: “A harvest of peace is produced from a seed of contentment”
                            ~Proverb
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer to deal with contentment
 
 
 

Learn How to Make Mistakes

April 16, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments
So you’re afraid to make mistakes. And that’s cutting into your self-trust.
 
GenuLines realizes that this could be standing in the way of your success. When you learn how to make mistakes, you’ll be ready to start trusting yourself.
 

banner helps mistakes

Learn How to Make Mistakes

I think you’ll agree that nobody is perfect. I make mistakes and you do, too..
 
When you make mistakes, you learn from them. That’s what makes them so valuable.
 
warning for mistakes
 
Of course, if you don’t learn from them, you can expect to make the same mistakes again and again. That’s why you have to do a post mortem of your actions and take stock of where you made your mistakes.

Mistakes will happen

If you try too hard to avoid mistakes, you end up making more of them. You can’t avoid mistakes and you shouldn’t try. Sometimes, your mistakes will make people angry with you.
 
It’s a part of life.
 
If this happens, you first have to determine if your mistakes truly affected those people. If it didn’t, they have no right to call you out on them.
 
If it turns out that your actions did affect them, do what you can to rectify the situation. A simple apology may be all that’s needed.
 
Be forgiving of people who make mistakes. You would want them to do the same if you slipped up.
 
It’s okay to get angry at someone in certain situations. But, open your heart and let them make amends.
 
Once you give in to making mistakes, you’ll find it a freeing experience. You will no longer need to put too much pressure on yourself to avoid them.

Sticky situations

Meanwhile, mistakes can lead to positive, unintended circumstances. Take Sticky Notes by 3M.
 
Researchers at the company set out to create a strong adhesive. Management was not impressed, but the idea was used to create a different product.
 
There have been many instances of mistakes that lead to alternative solutions. These wouldn’t have happened by way of mistake avoidance.
 
Let yourself make mistakes. They’ll help you trust yourself.
 
JohnK 4-16-2019
 
 
 
stick figure hears mistakesOverheard: “You make mistakes. Mistakes don’t make you.”
                              ~Maxwell Maltz
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for mistakes
 
 
 
 

Complainers Can Learn to Appreciate Small Things

April 2, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments
Complainers complain. It’s what they do. Are you dealing with such a person? If you are, consider the points in this GenuLines post and apply them to your situation.
 
banner helps complainers
 

Complainers Can Learn to Appreciate Small Things

 
woman complainingDo you know a chronic complainer? Someone who never seems to be happy about anything.
 
They find everything wrong with what others do. If there’s a new idea, they’ll knock it down.
 
They’re also the type of person who will interrupt others to make their point. They’ll do that because they know best.
 
 
 
But at some point, people start to ignore them. And they’re high on the list if cutbacks should ever hit the company, too.
 
Complainers have forgotten how to appreciate the small things in life.
 
They don’t realize that it’s difficult to get a new job and it takes much more time than it used to.
 
They don’t appreciate that they have a job.
 
Sometimes, chronic complaining can be a result of complacency. Since no one is listening to what the person says, it’s just easier to complain.
 
No company or situation is perfect, and sometimes it’s best when problems are out in the open. But there is a time and place for complaints and a correct way to air them.
 
If you have to complain offer up several solutions to the problem. That’s a productive use of complaining energy.
 
Call it problem recognition with applicable solutions.
 
There’s a critical difference between you and a chronic complainer. You appreciate your job or your situation.
Help the complainer
If you want to help a chronic complainer, point out the problem using a subtle approach. Instead of telling the person they complain too much, show them how to be grateful for the little things in life.
 
Remind them that you feel appreciative of the fact you have a job, etc.
 
Relate a story- may be about how your last job search was difficult. It took you months, and it made you realize that jobs are not easy to find.
 
Also, talk about how you appreciate your home life and your family and what it means to you. That’s a subtle approach.
 
The person may start to understand there is much to appreciate in everyday life. You can show that complaining is ineffective and may lead to problems down the road.
 
Aim to get friends and colleagues to relate to the same gratitude for work and family.
 
The chronic complainer may start to see it pays to be appreciative.
 
JohnK 4-2-2019
 
 
stick figure hears complainersOverheard: “Instead of complaining that the rosebush is full of thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses.”
                               ~Proverb
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for complainers
 
 
 
 

New Year Greetings and Gratitude From GenuLines and Chi For Yourself

January 1, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments
The new year of 2019 is here!

A good time to thank you for choosing GenuLines and Chi For Yourself.
 
Also a good time to send you “good chi” toward living your Genuine Life.
 
All the best!
 
 
Happy New Year graphic
 
 
 
JohnK 1-1-2019
 
 

Thyme For Some Sage Advice About Parsley

December 4, 2018 John Uncategorized No comments

You sit down to dinner and you can’t wait to dig in to everything, EXCEPT the parsley. Today GenuLines looks at the humble parsley and why it’s a nutritional star!

 

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ARTICLE:

 
You may have seen that parsley on your plate and thought of it as a mere decoration. And while parsley is often used as a pretty garnish, it also has many health benefits.
 
 
parsley on cutting board
 
 
It turns out that parsley is very high in antioxidants. These chemicals help to prevent disease and improve your health in general.
 
What exactly is so special about parsley? It:
 
  • slows the aging process
  • contains powerful antioxidants luteolin, vitamin A, and vitamin C
  • can strengthen your immunity
  • helps your body repair connective tissue
  • strengthens bones and teeth
  • repairs cuts and scratches faster
  • protects you from hardened arteries and heart disease
  • discourages plaque buildup in your blood vessels
  • protects nerve cells to help prevent nervous system disorders
 
 
The natural oils in parsley are also known to fight cancer. Specifically, you can reduce your risk of colon cancer and prostate cancer.
 
You can even get some protection from the carcinogens in cigarette smoke. (though parsley consumption won’t make it a good idea to start or keep smoking)
 
Parsley can help inflammation-related diseases. These include arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and autoimmune disease.
 
How much do you need to eat to get the benefit? It turns out that you only need about two (fresh) tablespoons each day.
 
This gives you the vitamins and antioxidants it provides in high levels.
 
Parsley is delicious in its own right. It makes a great compliment to many dishes either raw or cooked.
 
Raw parsley gives you you the most benefits. And don’t forget to throw a few sprigs into the juicer for a tasty and healthy drink! (you can mix the juice with something sweet like apple)
 
Oh, there’s also a cosmetic benefit to consuming parsley. The oils and texture of parsley help to clean your teeth and freshen your breath after a meal.
 
This is great when you don’t have time to brush your teeth between meals.
 
Next time, instead of leaving the parsley on the plate, go ahead and eat a bit of the garnish to get the health benefits.
 
You’ll come away with fresher breath and an army of nutrients to help keep your body healthier and younger.
 
JohnK 12-4-2018
 
 
 
 
 
man hears about parsleyOverheard: “He who takes medicine and neglects to diet wastes the skill of his doctors.”                          ~Chinese Proverb
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for parsley
 
 
 
 

Good Thanksgiving “Chi” from GenuLines to You!

November 22, 2018 John Uncategorized No comments

 

On this Thanksgiving Day, I am incredibly thankful that you are a part of the Chi For Yourself and GenuLines communities!

Rather than sending you wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving, I’m sending you all the best energies– in other words: good “chi.’

Use this time to rest and recharge with your family and friends. And keep in mind that what you think about is what you bring about!

Be well

 

JohnK 11-22-2018

chiforyourself.com home

 

graphic for thanksgiving

 

 

 

man on thanksgivingOverheard:  “If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” 
                             ~Meister Eckhart

 

 

 

 

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Depression and “Feeling Better” With Cindy Stulberg

November 20, 2018 John Uncategorized No comments

Our latest Chi For Yourself topic was depression. But it centered on a different kind of treatment. 

Woman talks depressionCindy Stulberg is the author of Feeling Better: Beat Depression and Improve Your Relationships with Interpersonal Psychotherapy.

Her message is that depression can be treated by getting a better handle on your relationships. 

 

Here are some of the talking points from the show:

 

  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy or IPT
  • Four depression problem areas 
  • Social media’s effect on isolation
  • 13 signs you might be depressed
  • Step 1 you can take right away

 

If you missed the show, you can hear it by clicking on this logo:

 

radio logo for depression show

 

Be well!

 

 

JohnK 11-20-2018

chiforyourself.com home

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depression And a Different Way of Dealing With It

November 14, 2018 John Uncategorized No comments

For years, the first line of defense for depression has been pharmaceuticals.

 

Woman talks depressionBut on our next edition of Chi For Yourself, we’ll look at relationships as a path to healing.

Our guest will be Cindy Goodman Stulberg, co-author with Ronald Frey of Feeling Better: Beat Depression and Improve Your Relationships with Interpersonal Psychotherapy.

 

 

Be here for the interview on Thursday, November 15th at 1 pm Pacific, 4 pm Eastern time at chiforyourself.com

 

JohnK 11-14-2018

chiforyourself.com home page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do You Have A Financial Safety Net? (And How To Build One)

October 16, 2018 John Uncategorized No comments
Movement in the financial markets lately can make you seasick! If you manage your own finances as I do the market ups and downs will make you wonder if you should make changes or stand pat. 
 
The GenuLines post below offers some ideas on getting your financial house in order. Read it and “reap”
 
 
financial remedy
 
 
 

Do You Have A Financial Safety Net? (And How To Build One)

 
Do you have a financial safety net? It’s something worth thinking about and setting up.
If not, now is the time to get started.
 
You can begin by putting away three to six months of living expenses.
 
Keep this money in an interest-bearing account. Know what your family needs to live on in the event your income stops.
 
Then start saving as much money as you can until you have built up this safety net.
You can shave your spending, too.
Do More With Less
Do a little less eating out. Think twice about buying the newest TV and tech gadgets.
 
To make the process go faster add any bonuses, tax refunds, etc.
 
But don’t stop there. Make it your goal to add to your cushion as often as possible.
 
Then come back and revise your numbers from time to time.
 
Your living expenses may go up or down over time. You can quickly adjust the amount you need in readily accessible cash.
Protection
Life and disability insurance are two more important parts of your financial strategy. Do you have a plan in place to continue to cover your living expenses (or those of your family) if you can no longer work?
 
Call your insurance agent and go over your current coverage. Make sure the insurance you’re paying for will pay out what you need and if not, make adjustments.
 
Now you have two legs of your plan firmly in place. Next, think about investing any additional savings in higher interest-bearing accounts.
 
Do your best to forget about accessing any of this money in the near term. Think about how handy it will be to have it when you’re dealing with an emergency.
 
Or, when you’re ready to retire.
 
And, don’t let your money sit in a bank or, worse yet, in a drawer in your house. There are lots of investment vehicles that will get you a much better return than a savings account.
 
Talk to your financial adviser. You’ll come up with a plan that’s right for you, your family, and whatever the future may hold. 
 
JohnK 10-16-2018
 
 
 
 
 
man talks financialOverheard: No wealth can ever make a bad man at peace with himself” 
                                  ~Plato
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for financial
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