Tag Archive for conscious choices

Self-Doubt And What You Can Do About It

Have you ever wrestled with self-doubt? That might seem like a silly question.
 
Most people doubt themselves at some point in their lives. Scroll down for some good words from GenuLines on dealing with self-doubt.
 
Call to self-doubt action
 

Self-Doubt And What You Can Do About It

 
Why do people engage in self-doubt? The reason is that it’s easier to doubt yourself than it is to believe that something is possible.
 
ape with self-doubtYou may believe in your concept, but it’s something that hasn’t materialized yet. It’s unfamiliar territory for you.
 
Our protection mechanisms tell us to reach for something that’s familiar. We use this as a reason to quit.
 
The unknown also helps us to come up with excuses. It’s easy to say it won’t work because, and then insert whatever reason can set your mind at ease.
 
 
You can even find help from others in coming up with excuses. They have plenty of them for you to choose from.
 
If they didn’t, they would be succeeding at their goals.
 
A survival mechanism
Sometimes self-doubt can help us survive. For instance, someone tells you that you can jump off a cliff and survive.
 
Your self-doubt probably jumps in and tells you this is a bad idea. Self-doubt can sometimes keep you from making bad financial decisions.
 
This might be an opportunity that sounds too good to be true.
 
In most cases, self-doubt is not something that will advance your life. It will hold you back, and you need always to be aware of that.
 
Don’t take the easy way out. Do prepare yourself as much as possible for unfamiliar situations.
 
But, go forward with a strong belief that you can complete what you set out to do.
 
Try to structure your life so that you have more positive than negative energy. Flush out as much negative energy as possible.
 
Use affirmations, support groups, or whatever works for you.
 
Negative energy is what self-doubt is all about. Two forces are opposing each other.
 
If you have 100% negative energy that means you have 0% positive energy. Try to tip the scale toward as much positivity as possible and push away the negativity.
 
No shortage of negative energy
It’s unlikely that you can ever have 100% positive energy. But, you can work towards exposing yourself to positive energy.
 
You can stop listening to or reading the news, and you can reduce your exposure to negative people. Positive people do exist.
 
You just need to find them.
 
JohnK 3-5-2019
 
 
 
stickman with self-doubtOverheard: “Every time I start a picture I feel the same fear, the same self-doubts, and I have only one source on which I can draw. Because it comes from within me”
                                                  ~ Federico Fellini
 
 
 
Photo by Paolo Nicolello on Unsplash
 
 
disclaimer for SELF-DOUBT
 
 
 
 

Appreciate The Small Things and Find Contentment

Appreciate the small stuff and you’ll be happy. You hear it enough.

But what is happiness anyway?

Today GenuLines looks at appreciation and its “kissin’ cousin”, contentment.

 

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Appreciate The Small Things and Find Contentment

smile to appreciateMost emotions are transitional, meaning you’re never in one state for long periods. People who are considered upbeat will have moments of sadness or depression.

Even depressed people aren’t depressed all the time. They have moments of happiness, too.

 

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 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 homes. 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.

Same goes for sickness

The same is true in a smaller way when you have a bad sickness. For instance, suppose you have a stomach bug that leaves you uncomfortable and in pain.

When the bug passes you feel fine. But 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 almost be thought of as a neutral state, leaning toward the happy side. There’s nothing wrong when you’re content.

But, there also isn’t anything that is making you overly happy.

Striving for happiness can be stressful. You might want to shoot for contentment instead.

Contentment is likely to find you when you appreciate small aspects of your life.

And it comes without the hassle of working hard toward happiness.

If you spend most of your life being content you’re doing something right. Think about all the people you love and what you have, such as your health and a good job, etc.

If you try to imagine life without them, you will truly appreciate your contentment. That thought may even make you happy for a short period.

JohnK 2-26-2019
chiforyourself.com home

 

stick figure shows can appreciateOverheard: “My crown is called content, a crown that seldom kings enjoy”
                         ~William Shakespeare

 

 

 

disclaimer for appreciate

 

Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash

New Year Greetings and Gratitude From GenuLines and Chi For Yourself

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
 
 

Good Thanksgiving “Chi” from GenuLines to You!

 

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

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

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)

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

6 Life Hacks For Better Aging

As we age, we look for things we can do to prevent wrinkles, diseases, and cognitive function. The good news is that there are hundreds of things that you can do to help you age An aging couplein the best way possible.
 
GenuLines looks at six life hacks you can apply to your life today to help you age better.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 – Stay Active:
It’s no secret that as you age your metabolism slows down. Getting at least thirty minutes of activity a day increases your metabolism. But can also help to increase bone density, putting you at a lower risk of bone injuries as you age.
 
2 – Invest In Large Sunglasses:
The skin around your eyes is the most delicate and thin skin you own. It’s also the place where wrinkles tend to appear first.
 
By wearing over-sized sunglasses you’re preventing sun damage from occurring around your eyes. And you’re also squinting less.
 
You’ll have fewer eye wrinkles as well as fewer forehead wrinkles.
 
3 – Make Time For Your Friends:
Often your schedule can be so hectic that you neglect to make time for a social life. But having a social life can help you age better in many ways.
 
Most important is lowering your stress level. Studies have shown that stress damages your skin cells, causing premature lines.
 
Stress can also lower your immune system, making it more likely you’ll become ill. As a bonus, making time for your friends also means that you’re more active both physically and mentally.
 
4 – Take Fish Oil:
 
Fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids. An Ohio State University study found Omega 3’s are good for joints, eyesight, and hair growth.
 
They make skin supple. And they improve your heart and immune functions.
 
If fish oil isn’t for you, you can also increase your intake of seeds, nuts, sardines, or salmon.
 
5 – Keep Your Diet Colorful:
There are foods that speed up the aging process. What you may not know is that there are also some foods that can do the opposite.
 
The list includes kale, broccoli, blueberries, strawberries, oranges, and plums. All are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can promote healthy aging.
 
(***Some of these nutrients include alpha lipoic acid, carotenoids- including vitamin A, ß-carotene, lycopene, astaxanthin, and retinol- CoQ10, glutathione, polyphenols, and vitamins C, D, and E) 
 
6 – Change Your Opinion Of Old:
This one’s my personal favorite. There is no formal definition of what old means.
 
The word can have many different meanings depending on the context.
 
Don’t degrade yourself by talking about your “senior moments” or the things you can no longer do. Having a positive attitude and a good mental outlook is half the battle.
 
When you tell yourself that you’re old and can’t do things, it becomes the truth. Instead, focus on all the things you can do.
 
And though it’s a cliche’, age IS only a number.
 
In today’s busy society we tend to forget to take care of ourselves. We ignore our own needs because we’re so busy taking care of everyone else.
 
Make yourself a priority. For now, begin implementing at least one of the above suggestions.
 
Practice and stick to these six. Make them part of your normal routine.
 
Take care of yourself now so you can ensure that you’ll age in a positive way.
 
 
 
JohnK 10-9-2018
 
 
 
 
man talks agingOverheard: “I suppose real old age begins when one looks backward rather than forward.”
 
                    ~ Mary Sarton
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for food
 
 
 
 
 
* Photo by Matthew Bennett on Unsplash
 

You’re Eating Too Much- What Do You Do?

 
 
Eating is a fundamental pillar of life. Most of us enjoy it, especially when we’re having some great tasting food! 
 
But, smart eating is part of a conscious lifestyle. This GenuLines post will help you stay on track with your dietary habits. 
 
 
 
 
ARTICLE
 
We don’t always have the best sense of when to stop eating. We have access to not only good-tasting food but food in immense quantities.
 
It’s easy to poke fun at humorous situations such as Homer Simpson eating until he can’t move a muscle. But in reality, we’re blind to the consequences of eating too much.
 
These can range from a simple mild stomach ache in the short term to more serious health risks. Think chronic obesity and its connection to cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
 
Overeating doesn’t have to be as dramatic as eating until our pants are about to burst. It can be eating more than we need in one sitting.
 
Or eating until we’re full rather than until we get enough nutrients.
 
 
girl eating sandwich
 
 
We don’t have the natural constraints our ancestors did to prevent us from over-eating. In evolutionary terms, most humans couldn’t over-eat.
 
Large-scale agriculture and food processing generally weren’t available until more recent times. Today most humans (Americans for sure) have access to more convenience food than ever.
 
So, what drives us to eat more than we need?
 
We have lots of information. We can learn to eat only as much as we need.
 
Why don’t we?
 
One key insight is the emotional connection to food many people have. Research has shown that overeating follows bouts of sadness, depression.
 
It can also come during struggles with our issues.
 
The Journal of Adolescent Health studied the eating habits of young people. The participants developed disorders like binge eating.
 
The study’s main result: “it’s important to consider depressive symptoms in overeating.”
 
We can keep track of our reasons for eating. Are we eating because we’re hungry, or because we’re wrestling with emotional issues?
 
Another consideration is symptoms of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
 
A Medical University of Warsaw article looked at hypoglycemic symptoms. It found that people might eat more as a way of satisfying urges to increase insulin.
 
 
man eating cookie
 
 
So it’s important to eat sweets in moderation as a way of limiting consumption in general.
 
Finally, there is no better warning system than our own bodies. Excessive constipation, blockage, bloating, vomiting or stomach aches tell us we’ve had enough.
 
Add to that list our constant need for laxatives or antacids. Our level of energy and mental alertness are signs, too.
 
We all enjoy a nicely cooked meal or tasty snacks. But in biological terms, food is simply fuel. It’s the fuel our bodies consume and turn into energy.
 
Just know that we can bog down our systems with excess fuel or fuel of poor quality- aka junk food.
 
Our energy level drops. We feel sluggish and less alert. These are signs of an overloaded digestion system.
 
Final Thoughts
 
It’s a no-brainer to say that we love food, but how much is enough? Our bodies brains and emotions hold up the stop signs.
 
Being mindful of our current state can help us avoid the pitfalls. The signs are there and our brains and bodies are telling us.
 
We just have to listen!
 
JohnK 10-4-2018
 
 
 
 
 
man talks eatingOverheard: “I lurched away from the table after a few hours feeling like Elvis in Vegas – fat, drugged, and completely out of it.”
         
                         ~Anthony Bourdain
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for food
 
 

Junk Food: Is It Food or Just Junk?

We hear the words junk food all the time. What is it, exactly?
 
Today GenuLines goes beyond the convenience food names and the fast food menu items. We’ll look at content, and what goes into your body when you get that “quick bite to eat.”
 
 
 
 
 
 

ARTICLE

 
Here are some things to consider if junk food products are a staple of your diet:
 
 
junk food burger
 
 
They’re Loaded With Sodium
 
Much of the sodium we consume each day doesn’t come from real whole food. Instead, it comes from the processed foods that we consume every day.
 
There are so many foods that contain excessive sodium that you’re unlikely to realize it. For example, you may not have a natural liking for such “salty foods”, but you love sweets.
 
That soda you’re consuming is also loaded with a sodium derivative, even though you can’t taste it. Such are the hidden dangers of processed food.
 
They’re Heavy On Simple Sugars
 
If you rely on processed foods for “nourishment”, you aren’t really getting it. You may notice that while using junk for sustenance, you tend to get constipated.
 
That’s due to lack of complex carbs and fiber. Simple carbohydrates enter the bloodstream and are quickly absorbed.
 
This disrupts blood sugar levels. Natural foods consist of more complex carbs.
 
And the fiber they contain help promote digestive health and regularity.
 
Processed Foods Contain Trans Fats
 
If you think all fats are bad, think again. In fact, natural fats are good for us and even essential.
 
It’s trans fats that get most of the bad rap. Trans fats are a modified variety of an oil that allows it to remain solid at room temperature.
 
Trans fats are 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
 
Foods that bring down the nutritional value of a meal are called anti-nutrients. These foods prevent the absorption of nutrients.
 
Did you know that white potato is considered an anti-nutrient?
 
And guess what? White potatoes are a favorite ingredient in processed food.
 
White potatoes are cheap. And you can argue that they’re tastier than sweet potatoes.
 
This combination leads to more profits for big brand junk food companies.
 
Junk/ Fast Food Can Be Deadly
 
Food doesn’t sit on your shelf for months without spoilage or rancidity occurring. So, how does processed food last so long?
 
You can credit additives and preservatives. These are chemicals for the most part.
 
And they give food an artificial life extension.
 
Are they helpful? Sometimes. 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 we consume them much more than once in a while.
 
Conclusion
 
Processed foods are the far from natural- regardless of claims by their makers. Many are GMO* produced, which raises another set of ethical questions.
 
To be sure- eat whole foods, closest to their original source.
 
(*Genetically Modified Organisms)
 
JohnK 9-27-2018
 
 
 
 
 
man and junk foodOverheard: ” I don’t eat junk foods and I don’t think junk thoughts”
 
                              ~Peace Pilgrim
 
 
 
 
 
 
 disclaimer for junk food