Archive for Uncategorized

Junk Food Is NOT Food, It’s Junk

Are you a junk food junkie? Today GenuLines gives you an idea of what you’re taking into your body. 

You may want to re-consider.

(You can listen to this article by clicking on below or scroll down to read)

radio talking about junk food

 

 

 
 

banner against junk food

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Junk Food Is NOT Food, It’s Junk

Marketing can be a powerful tool. How so?
 
Well, think about it. Marketing can fool the masses into believing things are good for them when they’re not.
 
This opens the door for, say, the pharmaceutical companies to come in.
 
Many junk foods are so processed that their original products disappear. The fact is, junk food is NOT FOOD, it’s junk.
 
Need more information about processed food? Consider:
 
They’re Loaded With Sodium
A lot of our daily sodium consumption comes from processed rather than whole food. So many foods contain excessive sodium yet you’re unlikely to realize it.
 
For example, you may not have a natural liking for “salty foods”, but you love sweets. That sugary soda you’re drinking is also loaded with a sodium derivative, even though you can’t taste it.
 
Such are the hidden dangers of processed food.
 
Picture of junk food
 
Loading Up On Simple Sugars
If you rely on processed foods for “nourishment”, you’re falling short. You may often find yourself constipated if you use junk food for sustenance.
 
This is due to a lack of complex carbs and fiber. Simple carbohydrates enter the bloodstream and are quickly absorbed.
 
The result is blood sugar disruption.
 
Natural foods have more complex carbs that are low on the Glycemic Index. They have more fiber that promotes digestive health and regularity.
 
Processed Foods Contain Artificial Fats
It’s wrong to think all fats are bad. In fact, natural fats are ALL good for us and even essential. But it’s a different story for trans fats.
 
Trans fat is a modified variety of oil that allows it to remain solid at room temperature. Oils are usually liquid at room temperature.
 
This kind of fat is pro-inflammatory.
 
Inflammation speeds up aging and contributes to many of our chronic diseases. The list includes high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
 

Many Processed Foods Contain Anti-Nutrients

One such anti-nutrient is the white potato. It prevents the absorption of other nutrients.
 
This brings down the nutritional value of the entire meal. And guess what?
 
White potatoes are a favorite ingredient in processed food.
 
White potato is cheap, and some say, tastier than sweet potatoes. This helps increase the profits of big brand junk food companies.
 

Preservatives And Additives 

Food doesn’t keep for months without spoiling or turning rancid. So how does processed food last so long?
 
You can thank additives and preservatives. They’re chemicals for the most part.
 
And they extend the shelf life of food.
 
Are they helpful? Sometimes, definitely.
 
But more often than not, they’re a hazard to your health.
 
Many are “safe” in very, very low concentrations and approved for human consumption by the FDA. But they’re often used in amounts far exceeding their safe limit.
 
And their consumption is more than occasional.
 
Conclusion
Processed foods are far from natural- even with the word “natural” on the label. And many are genetically modified.
 
There’s been a lot of debate in this area, too. If you’re in doubt eat whole foods, closest to their original source.  
 
JohnK 4-1-2020
 
Stick figure hears about junk foodOverheard: “Nourish the mind like you would your body. The Mind cannot survive on junk food.”
                                          ~Jim Rohn
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer includes junk food

6 Tips For Building Optimism Into Your Life

Seen much optimism lately? Me too. 

But, you can begin to change things and GenuLines wants to put you on the path!

(You can listen to this article by clicking on below, or scroll down to read)

 

 

 

 

 

 

banner promoting optimism

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6 Tips For Building Optimism Into Your Life

Water glass and optimismOptimism…it’s a four-syllable word for something that can be harder to find than diamonds in South Africa.
 
But believe it or not, you can tap into the earth of your surroundings and dig up a rich store of feel-good.
 
 
 
Here are a few ways to do that.

 

#1: Find the laughter

You won’t have to go far to find it. Start with Youtube and social media.
 
No shortage of funny memes, videos, vines, and more here. You could also rent a funny movie, watch stand up comedy, or hang out with funny people.
 
Laughter will lead you to smile, and smiling will lead you to feel good. Which brings us to our next point.

#2: Turn the frown upside down

It’s hard to believe that something like smiling can improve your mood. But studies have linked outward acts of happiness to an internal shift.
 
Practice by looking in the mirror and smiling, even it if feels cheesy, stupid, and inauthentic. Hold your smile for a minute, two minutes, or more…see how long you can go.
 
Start the day off with a smile, and make a conscious effort to smile more.

#3: Use positive words

Studies have shown and confirmed what spiritual traditions have long held. Words can shape the reality around you.
 
If you want to build a more positive vibe, try using more positive words. Scrap the negative talk about yourself and others, too.

#4: Find positive people

The impact of those we hang out with is enormous. Avoid negative influences and people who bring you down with complaining and criticism.
 
Misery loves company, the old adage goes. And these people will send you into a downward spiral.
 
Be with friends who are upbeat, positive, and happy, and their resilience and optimism will rub off on you.

#5: Stay healthy

If you’re feeling tired and sick, it’s easy to get irritable and negative. By contrast, try maintaining an active lifestyle of healthy choices.
 
These will maximize your energy levels and build you up. It’s easier to be upbeat and happy when you feel good inside and out.

#6: Spirituality and/or self-actualization

Most spiritual traditions promote a positive outlook on life. Not keen on organized religion?
 
Find something that can provide a positive outlet. Like exercise, music, art, or reading.
 
Yes, positive words can turn your perspective around. And filling your heart and mind with good stuff will help optimism come easier.
 
JohnK 3-25-2020
 
Stick figure being optimistic
 
Overheard: “Keep looking up…. That’s the secret of life”
                                               ~Snoopy

 

 

 

Article photo by Joseph Greve on Unsplash

 

disclaimer to bring about optimism

Can You Learn To Be More Optimistic?

Optimistic outlooks are pretty rare these days. It’s easy to point to everything that’s going on in the world to back this up. 

GenuLines takes a look at some optimism building blocks and how you can use them to build a new outlook.

(You can listen to this article by clicking on below or scroll down to read it)

Radio for being more optimistic

 

 


 

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Can You Learn To Be More Optimistic?

Door to optimismWe all know that one person who sees the positive in every situation.  Some of us hate that person. 
 
Some of us love that person.  And some of us ARE that person.
 
If you’re not that person, you may be wondering if you can actually learn (or teach yourself) to be more optimistic. While some people are inherently positive, others lean toward the negative. 
 
 
 
Are we capable of changing from one to the other?
There are many benefits to a positive mindset. Optimists tend to be healthier and they lead lives that are better in most ways.
Changing the Way you Think
It turns out that optimism is more than thinking things will be better and pessimism means they will not. Instead, we use these words to describe the way a person thinks about what causes adversity.
 
A pessimist tends to think about these things in a way that makes them feel powerless. For example, a pessimist might say their adversity is due to internal forces.
 
They’ll say it’s all their fault, and there’s no way they can change it.
 
It’s possible to change the way that you think about things. When adversity makes your first thought a negative one, take a step back.
Re-examine it from a different angle
Let’s say you’re studying for a test and you’re struggling to understand the material. It’s easy to fall into thinking that you’re going to fail.
 
Rather, think about ways you might better understand the material. Then work on learning and studying what’s needed to help you toward a good grade.
 
Re-route your pessimism away from making failure inevitable.
 
Change your thought process and study the material to boost your chances of success. Our attitudes toward things are somewhat inherent.
 
But it’s possible to change your thinking and be more optimistic in the process.
Don’t rely on clicking off positive quotations to yourself and nothing else.
 
Do teach yourself to look at every situation from different angles.
 
Do that and don’t be surprised when your attitude improves, too.
 
JohnK 3-18-2020
 
stick figure man hears about optimismOverheard: “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree”
                                                                      ~Martin Luther
 
 
 
 
        
 
 
Article image by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
 
 
disclaimer about being optimistic
 

Patience Is A Virture And It Can Be Yours

So patience is a virtue. Well, let’s get a definition of virtue.
 
Merriam Webster defines patience as “the ability to remain calm and not become annoyed when dealing with problems or with difficult people.” Simple but not always easy!
 
GenuLines drills down a bit deeper to help bring patience a little closer to you
 
(Listen to the article by clicking on below or scroll down to read)
 
Radio for the patient
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Patience is a Virtue And It Can Be Yours

Patience is one of those things that can make life go more smoothly. But, a lack of patience can cause serious problems, even health issues.
 
Some of life’s irritants move us to squeeze a little harder on the hair-trigger of impatience. But we can learn to overcome and enjoy life one day or even one minute at a time,
 
man needs to patiernce
 
 
Circumstances
What triggers your impatience? For some, it’s certain situations or circumstances, such as a job or a family problem.
 
Others may lose their patience when they’re driving or cooking. Impatience with job or family situation can be especially tough to address – and even harder to fix.
 
A good start though is to acknowledge it. Then focus on anything that may help relieve tension.
 
Seek help
Work toward focusing on pleasant things in your life. If a certain task at your job is causing your impatience ask your supervisor or co-worker for help.
 
They may be able to offer help or suggestions.
 
Also, they may have a better way of dealing with it or be able to adjust your workload. The problem with many of us is that we don’t want to ask for help.
 
We want to be able to take on everything even though we aren’t able to do it.
If it’s a family situation the best way to handle it may be to talk about it, which can be difficult.
 
Again, many tend to shy away or avoid difficult situations.
 
But, getting it out in the open and talking about it is often the best solution. Seek outside help if a difficult challenge amps up the impatience.
 
The problem itself may not cause the impatience. But it may trigger something in you that causes you to be impatient.
 
Focus on other things
Impatience can affect your driving, housework, or other routine tasks. Be ready by conditioning yourself to relax and focus on your breath.
 
You could try relaxing before you start or listening to music while doing any of these tasks. This is where gratitude comes in.
 
Be grateful that you can do routine tasks.
 
Some only imagine cooking or driving but aren’t able to for any number of reasons. Keep this in mind during the tense moments.
 
It’ll help you to focus on the task at hand, but it may also make you more patient.
 
JohnK 3-11-2020
 
stick figure man hears about patienceOverheard: “A man who is a master of patience is master of everything else.”
                                               ~George Savile
 
 
 
 
 
Article Image by ErikaWittlieb from Pixabay 
 
disclaimer about patience

Are You an Optimist, a Pessimist, or a Realist?

Optimist or pessimist. Does one of these sound like you?

Or does realist better describe your outlook?

Today GenuLines looks at these three categories and how you might fit into one of them.

(click on the player below to hear the article or scroll down to read)

Radio for an optimist

 

 

 

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Are You an Optimist, a Pessimist, or a Realist?

smile of an optimistYour outlook on life tends to fall under one of three headings.
These are optimist, pessimist, or realist.
 
We’ll start with short definitions of each.
 
 
Optimists like to “turn lemons into lemonade.” They see most of the events in their lives in a positive light.
 
Pessimists take the opposite view. They believe that most things turn out badly.
 
When they’re passed over for a work promotion they’ll sometimes blame themselves. They’ll look for all sorts of reasons that they will “never” get the promotion.
 
Realists usually see things as they are and accept that things are not always perfect. They deal with problems in a practical way.
 
For example, if they don’t get the promotion at work they might feel they’re not ready for the position right now.
 
When a realist misses the promotion they tend to see the big picture. They use a clearheaded approach toward preparing for a future opportunity.
 
Generally speaking, most of us fall somewhere between these categories. Not every optimist will always be positive.
 
And not every pessimist will always be negative.
 
There are pros and cons to each type of personality. But there’s research that points toward being optimistic as the healthier choice.
 
Negativity breeds negativity. This means that being negative or a pessimist can affect your quality of life.
 
Changing to a more positive thought process can help your entire outlook.
 
Studies find those with a positive attitude get along better in the workplace. They’re healthier, and they feel better in general.
 
Trying to look at things on the positive side can help you improve your situation.
 
This isn’t always possible. But what is possible is changing your attitude about your life.
 
It might change everything.
 
JohnK 3-4-2020
 
stick figure man hears about optimistsOverheard: “I am so far from being a pessimist…on the contrary, in spite of my scars, I am tickled to death at life.”
                                                   ~Eugene O’Neill
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer about your career
 
 

Should You Take a Chance On Finding a New Career?

Your career takes up a big slice of your life. It informs many of the decisions you make along your path. 

Today GenuLines helps you consider whether it’s time for a change of direction.

(you can listen to the article by clicking on the player below or scroll down to read it)

 


 

banner to help find one's career

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Should You Take a Chance On Finding a New Career?

When I was a kid we looked for jobs right out of high school or college. And we usually stayed with that same job for as long as we could.
 
Finding work automatically meant we were doing the right work.
 
Those of us who questioned what we were doing got an earful. Criticism came from friends, neighbors, and especially family.
 
You might be in a similar situation and disillusioned with your career. It just doesn’t seem to be what you thought it would be.
 
Change gonna come
You’ve thought about changing careers, but that sounds a lot like starting over.
It’s scary, especially if you’ve been in a certain career for several years, or you’re older.
 
Hey, you’re earning a decent salary and you’re even climbing the “corporate ladder.” Leaving means you’ll have to work for less money and no seniority!
 
You think to yourself “what if this affects the people in my life?”
Breaking it down
Sometimes, getting out of a bad situation is enough to overcome a salary hit. You can make money online, either by selling or working for others.
 
Being at a physical location is no longer necessary if you’re looking to make extra money.
 
The second factor with a lack of experience is the newness of it all. This can be exciting as well as scary.
 
Think back to when you first started in your original career. Any new achievement put you on top of the world.
 
The third factor concerns the lack of seniority. Remind yourself that you’ve got job and life experience that you bring to the table.
 
Any management experience that you have can work in your favor, too. And your age brings wisdom you can draw on in adverse situations.
 
Staying in a career that you’ve grown tired of can make you bitter and take years off your life. If you’ve thought about taking a chance on starting a new career, remember that many others have done it.
 
And they’ve made it work.
 
JohnK 2-26-2020
 
stick figure man looks for a careerOverheard: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle”
                                                      ~Steve Jobs
 
 
 
 
Article photo by kate.sade on Unsplash

 

 

 

disclaimer about your career

5 Steps to Find Your Passion

Your passion in life seems so elusive. Yet, the ancients told us you carry it with you at all times. 

GenuLines breaks down the process of carving out a path toward your passion.

(listen to this article by clicking on the player below) 


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banner to help find one's passion

5 Steps to Find Your Passion

If you want to live your best life, then you need to find your passion and follow it. Sounds easy, no?
 
Actually, it isn’t that hard, so it’s surprising that more of us don’t do it. Rather, we seem to choose existing over living a life of happiness and success.
 
To make a positive change in your life consider the following five steps.

Step 1: Dream Big

Everyone has big dreams. What have you done with yours?
 
dog dreams of his passionDo you think about them, act on them or hide them away?
 
Help yourself find your passion and purpose, by dreaming big. List those big dreams you’ve had from childhood to today.
 
No matter how wild or funny, write them all down. Which of those dreams resonates most with you?
 
 
Which makes your heart sing and inspires you the most?
 
Now, if you’ve set your sights on being the first full-time resident of Mars, then double-check your list.
 
You may be coming from your ego rather than your Self.
 
Don’t expect your dream to be outrageous or huge. But expect that it will push you out of your comfort zone.
 
Be ready for the changes in your life that will help you achieve it. You’ve got to want it.
 
It needs to spark your inner passion and desire.

Step 2: Set Mile Markers (Goals)

I’ve always preferred the words “mile markers” to goals since goal has the sound of being finished.
 
Once you’ve fleshed out your ideal or dream you need to set your mile markers. They’ll lead you to your dream.
 
There will be other, smaller goals, that you will need to achieve along the way. You want to jot these down, too.

Step 3: Plan Your Way

Now that you know what you want and need to achieve, it’s time to plan what you need to do to get there. Think about several things.
 
The action you need to take. The resources you’ll need.
 
And anything or anyone that can provide help and support.

Step 4: Take Action

You know what you want, how you can achieve it and the steps to take. It’s time for action.
 
Remember you’re looking for a passionate life. One that fills you with excitement, joy, and success.
Step 5: Live Your Best Life
Once you’re taking action and seeing your direction you’ll find that your life starts to improve. Instead of dreading each day you’ll look forward to it with excitement and anticipation.
 
Your best life is the one that gives you achievement AND fulfillment. It’s the result of living your passion and your purpose.
 
You can get your desired result on your own. Or you can get the help of a coach or mentor.
 
Either way, your passion is waiting for you.
 
JohnK 2-18-2020
 
stick figure man looks for his passionOverheard: “When you are born, your work is placed in your heart.”
                                                        ~Khalil Gibran
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer about passion

Find The Value In Criticism

Where’s the value in criticism?
 
Value learned from criticism
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
After all, taking criticism can put you in a funk. 
 
Today GenuLines unpacks this thing called criticism and gives you some ways to put it on your side.
 
(click on the image below to listen to the article or scroll down to read)

 
Find The Value In Criticism
The concept of value is kind of unusual when you think about it. Most every person on earth has a different system when it comes to determining what’s important. 
 
In general, the three things that we tend to value the most include our lives, our families and our jobs.  And within each of those aspects, everyone will, again, have a very different value system.  
 
And what is that system based on?  What gives value to something? 
 
banner to help with criticism
 
(continue reading)
Often it’s determined by your upbringing, your experiences, and your education.  This sets you apart from others.
 
And it touches off more than a few debates.
 
But who says those debates and differences have to be bad things?
 
You may meet someone who has the same values as you do, but there are still plenty of possible areas of disagreement.  We all have different experiences and we all bring a different point of view to a relationship.  

Value and Respect

Now let’s say that you have great respect for someone. Each of you has the same values in life.
 
You know their past. You could even say that you respect their opinion. 
 
Now ask yourself if you would respect their criticism?  Would you keep an open mind when it came to their critique of your work? 
 
Is it only because you know them?
 
Why is it that we’ll value the criticism of a friend, but we’re quick to shy away from the criticism of a stranger?  Don’t they hold the same value? 
 
Could be it’s the mere fact that they don’t know us, they don’t know our experiences.  But in reality, you don’t know their experiences or level of expertise either.
 
All too often we seem to equate the word value with respect.  In some way, this seems to justify ignoring the opinions of someone we don’t know.
 
Or it could be that for personal reasons, we don’t care what their opinion is. 
 
Does not knowing someone well mean we have to find no value or worth in their opinion? I mean, in the final analysis, criticism is an opinion.
 
What if we could find value in every opinion, of every criticism we ever received?  Imagine how enriched our lives would be if we could put value to everyone’s opinion.
 
No matter who it’s coming from.   
 
JohnK 2-11-2020
 
stick figure man taking criticismOverheard: “The trouble with most of us is that we’d rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.”
                                              ~Norman Vincent Peale
 
 
 
 
 
 

Article image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

 
 
 

 

disclaimer about criticism

Don’t Let Anxiety Weigh You Down

Anxiety is kind of like money. It’s a good servant but a terrible master. 

GenuLines is here to help you take charge when anxious moments crop up.

(you can listen to the article by clicking on the “radio” or scroll down to read)

Radio tuned to anxiety

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Don’t Let Anxiety Weigh You Down

Your quality of life takes a bit of a hit when anxiety is the order of your day. It puts your body on high alert.
 
You feel like you’re in danger, and that spikes your heart rate and gives you more stress and sweaty palms. Now, anxiety isn’t all bad.
 
It can motivate you, say, for a test or an interview. But in the workaday world, it’s pretty much useless.
 
picture of anxietyIf you think about them you could get anxious about things that are out of your control. The result is a terrible feeling that can cause you to lose sleep.
 
That loss of sleep often turns into a bad day. Too many of those and you start to see the effects on your body.
 
 

Upping the stakes

During times of unusual stress, our body releases a hormone called Cortisol. This, in turn, has been linked to weight gain.
 
When you’re stressed out you might reach for comfort foods. Things like chocolate or salty snacks. 
 
Those will cause you to pack on the pounds.
 
Now, combine that with the added stress and lack of sleep and you risk heart disease. It takes some time for the physical debilitation to manifest itself.
 
But the mental effects of anxiety are immediate. A severe case can make each day a grind.
 
You constantly seem stressed out and fearful.
 
As anxiety starts to spiral out of control, you may come up with coping mechanisms. For instance, you might start avoiding people and stressful situations.
 
You find yourself only able to grocery shop during off-hours. Or you won’t feel like leaving the house at all.
 
Your high anxiety can morph into depression.
 
It gets hard to find the energy to get out of bed in the morning and face life. Operating on high alert and pumped full of adrenalin is exhausting.
 
Staying in bed seems like a much better alternative.
 
If you find your anxiety is weighing your life down get professional help. Anxiety can be debilitating.
 
But there’s help to be had and plenty of tools that can help you get back to where you want to be.
 
JohnK 2-5-2020
 
stick figure talking about anxietyOverheard: “My anxiety doesn’t come from thinking about the future but from wanting to control it.”
                                                ~Hugh Prather, Notes to Myself
 
 
 
 
 
 
Article Photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor on Unsplash
 
 
disclaimer about anxiety

Five Effective Ways to Find Inspiration

Inspiration can come to you in a flash. But it can also avoid you when you need it most. 

GenuLines invites you to read on for some ways to get access to this thing called inspiration.

(you can listen to the article by clicking on below or scroll down to read)

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banner to help inspiration

Five Effective Ways to Find Inspiration

light bulb of inspirationAt a loss for inspiration? Here are five techniques you can use to try and coax something new and exciting out of your brain.
 
They won’t always work, but give them a shot. They may just surprise you!
 
 
 
Go for a Walk
Walks are inspiring for many reasons. For starters, they allow us to take a break from what we’re doing and to change our environment.
 
In turn, this leads to new input. This can help us to gain a new perspective on whatever problem or task we’re wrestling with.
 
At the same time, walking is a monotonous task that allows our default mode network to kick in.
 
You could end up daydreaming, which is often, a source of great inspiration.

Ask the Right Questions

Sometimes, inspiration is merely asking the right questions. This can help to re-frame the problem and see it in a new way.
 
Let’s say you’re wondering how to solve a problem and you can’t come up with an answer. Make up a name.
 
Then try asking yourself how ‘Johnny’ would approach it. Likewise, instead of thinking about what you want something to be, decide what you don’t want it to be.

Take a Break

Sometimes, the best thing you can do to spark some creativity or solve a problem is to take a break. With a time-out, you stop trying to force the idea.
 
You ease your stress, and that lets ideas come to you much easier. This is why we’re often encouraged to sleep on big decisions.
 
Listen to Music
Music can be a great inspiration. It alters our mood and energy level and takes us to different places.
 
Often, you’ll find that music can leave you lost in thought. So try listening to some tracks while you mull over a subject, and see if that helps.

Talk it Over

You’ve seen ideas depicted as light bulbs. Or, as lightning strikes that show up in a flash, fully formed.
 
When you ask them most people admit that their best ideas formed slowly. They’ll tell you that they gestated for days, months, or even years before showing up.
 
Often, the best ideas come to us when we discuss them with other people. Even if we’re just thinking aloud, this can help us to see new perspectives.
 
And it can lead to new breakthroughs.
 
JohnK 1-28-2020
 

stick figure talking about inspirationOverheard: “Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out”

                                        ~John Wooden
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer about inspiration