Tag Archive for making dreams come true

Is Age Really All In Your Mind?

September 21, 2020 John Uncategorized No comments
 
You grow older and you die. That’s a common timeline for many of us.
 
But how you deal with aging is another story, and GenuLines says that’s up to you.
 
(You can listen to this article by clicking here)

Is Age Really All In Your Mind?

Now we don’t mean that your mind can keep you from aging. But it can make you feel that way!
 
old person with caneYou often hear people over the age of 50 talk about aging. They talk about deterioration, decline, and feeling unwanted and not useful.
 
One way to deal with this is to focus on the positive things age brings. Things like wisdom, understanding, and the ability to help others.
 
 
Doing your best to be healthy is another way to keep the bad thoughts at a distance.
Your outlook and quality of life are likely to increase, too.

Ignore the Culture Surrounding You

We live in a world obsessed with youth. Every day, older people get pushed to the side in favor of the young.
 
The late teens and early twenties are the years called prime.
 
To get past this and actually start living with an ageless mindset, you have to do your best to tune it out. You’ve aged to the best you’ve ever been.
 
You’re wizened and seasoned. Stop denying your aging and own it; that’s what will truly make you ageless.

Love Your Body and Own Your Age

The only way to ensure you keep having the ageless mindset is to continue to love your body. Remind yourself that you’re getting better with age.
 
Appreciate your body for what it does for you and how far it’s taken you. Every day that you’re alive, you can learn something new and adapt to changes around you.

Never Say ‘Never’

One thing that will knock you off your path towards an ageless mindset is negativity. We psych ourselves with an attitude that we’re too old to do certain things.
 
You feel too set in your ways to learn. That can lead to feeling too old to be of value.
 
These thoughts are toxic and they threaten the positivity you’re working to maintain. Block negative mind chatter about your abilities, your worth, or your age.
 
It may take you a little extra effort to get where you want to go, but if you make the effort, you can.
 
How you deal with aging is up to you. You can dye you hair and lie about your age.
 
Or you can move forward with a new positive mindset that will have you feeling ageless.
 
JohnK 9-21-2020
 
Stick figure hears about ageOverheard: “Age is not important unless you’re a cheese”                                                                  
                                       ~Helen Hayes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for age
 

Hard Times And Their Important Lessons

September 14, 2020 John Uncategorized No comments

Hard times are a breeding ground for hopelessness. You can slip into a feeling that you can’t win.

But today’s GenuLines message asks some important questions to help you prevail.

(You can listen to this article by clicking on HERE)

 

Hard Times And Their Important Lessons

symbol of hard timesThese days hopelessness is a common feeling. There’s bad news in the media every day.

On top of that, our lives can bring personal challenges and negativity.

 

 

 

 

Everyone faces these situations in a different way, though. Some find comfort in religion and spirituality; others turn to meditation or therapy.

Unfortunately, others adopt unhealthy coping mechanisms,. Things like drinking to manage their grief, anguish, and sadness.

But if you look at hard times in a different light you can come up with more positive coping mechanisms.

One good way to reinterpret hardships is to find meaning in them.

And how can you do this?

When you’re facing a negative event, pause, and ask yourself how you can make the event meaningful.

For example, let’s say you get fired from your job. It’s a distressing situation that can leave you feeling afraid, angry, and ashamed.

Especially if you have a family, debt, or you don’t like your chances of finding a new job.

For example, ask yourself questions such as:

• Did I really like that job? Often, we’re stuck in a job that no longer makes us fulfilled, but we’re too scared to quit.

• Is this situation freeing my time for better opportunities? A job you no longer enjoyed could have been a roadblock in your professional development.

• What did I learn from that experience? The skills you learned at that job can be a launching point toward better opportunities.

• What went wrong? In this case, be honest with yourself — why were you fired? Look at the causes and don’t be judgemental.

• Are there any areas for growth? Regardless of what caused the negative situation, think of how you can use the experience to grow.

When you ask yourself these questions you give meaning to a negative situation. And you also take back control of it.

You re-frame the negative as an opportunity to grow and thrive in unexplored areas.

Look at it this way. A lost job is a chance for new growth. A new business, a trip, time off for family and friends, continued education, and more.

It’s healthy to feel down when you have a bad day. But it’s also important to take complete responsibility and be proactive.

Only then, can we find meaning in our lives and reduce uncertainty.

Luckily, this isn’t the only way to find meaning in difficult times.
When hardships come, it’s easy to over-think the situation.

But, dedicating at least some time to others helps put life into perspective.

When you give away your time and energy to help others, you create a connection with them. Life is no longer something that happens to you.

Instead, it becomes a network that you can influence in a positive way.

Finally, difficulties are part of life. Trying to avoid them keeps you from focusing your energy in purposeful, selfless directions.

So face tough times with patience and compassion toward yourself and others.

Every situation leaves its mark. That means you’re growing,

You’re building your own path of self-acceptance and compassion. You have the power to take control of your life by reflecting without judgment.

Accept each situation as an opportunity, and work with and for others.

JohnK 9-14-2020
chiforyourself.com home

stick figure man hears about hard timesOverheard: “Fall seven times, stand up eight”
                             ~Japanese proverb

 

 

 

 

disclaimer for hard times

4 Self-Care Tips For Extra Busy People

June 24, 2020 John Uncategorized No comments
Even in a time of downtime you can find yourself short on time.Here are some GenuLines tips for making sure that self care is one of your priorities.  
 
microphone for speaking self-care

 

 

 

 

4 Self-Care Tips For Extra Busy People

Living in challenging times can leave little time to take care of yourself. The constant wail of news and social media take a toll on your physical, mental and emotional health.
 
If you’re struggling to find time for self-care, try these four tips. They’ll help you work good self-care habits into your schedule.
 
banner to boost self care

1. Establish a morning routine                                                       

Starting the day right is a good way to maintain your mental and physical health. This might include a healthy breakfast, daily exercise or meditation.self care means breathe
 
Figure out what works for you and do it every day.
 
Over time this will become a habit, helping you to take some time for self-care every day.
 
 
 
 
 
2. Schedule time off
It’s easy to find yourself in a cycle of continuous activity. You move from one activity to the next until it seems you’re just going through the motions.
 
Schedule some time off so you don’t get lost in the chaos.
 
It might be an afternoon away from your normal routine. Then again it could be something more extravagant like a weekend away or a vacation.
 
Whatever you choose, taking a break will allow you to relax and rejuvenate.

3. Get enough sleep

Don’t underestimate the importance of sleep.Good quality sleep allows your body to heal and re-energize.
 
Proper sleep helps you maintain good lifestyle habits, too. You’ll be less likely to make bad diet choices and avoid exercise when you’re rested.
 
Sleep is critical for physical and mental health. Make sure it’s one of your priorities.
 
4. Set realistic goals
Manage your mental health by setting realistic goals. Why let your commitment to something unachievable cause you to feel like a failure?
 
Spend some time considering your aspirations.
 
Make goals that are challenging, but possible for you to reach. You also need to set realistic goals when it comes to your self-care commitments.
 
Add things to your routine that will work long term with your lifestyle.
 
We all get 24 hours in a day. Make sure yours include time for self-care.
 
JohnK 6-24-2020
 
stick man hears about self-careOverheard: “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop”
                                                         ~Ovid
 
 
 
 
 
 
Article image by Tim Goedhart on Unsplash
 
 
disclaimer for self care
 

 

Powerful Goals Are Yours If They’re S.M.A.R.T.

May 20, 2020 John Uncategorized No comments
The lockdown gives you time to make plans and set goals. When it’s over you’ll want to resume your life with a full head of steam.
 
GenuLines offers a list of steps to make sure your goals are powerful- and genuine!
 
 
microphone for speaking about goals

 

 

 

 

Powerful Goals Are Yours If They’re S.M.A.R.T.

There are smart goals and then there are S.M.A.R.T. goals. The acronym S.M.A.R.T. can help you set better goals.
 
The letters stand for Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Reasonable, and Timely. Let.s take a look at each one.
 
Rubik's Cube toward goals

 

S

Stands for specific. Be precise.

Use language that spells out what the goal is. 

Why you want to reach it. And how you will get there.
 
Detail is important here. Take the time to do this part right.

M

Stands for measurable. For example, you want to add 100 dollars a week to your income. So you decide to write 5 articles a week for buyers that will pay you for them,

A 

“A” can stand for several things, like actionable, assignable, or achievable. Actionable goals give you daily activity to get you closer to them.
 
Goals should also be achievable or you will only get frustrated. Be accurate about the time it takes to reach a goal, and what actions it takes to get there.
 
Also, know who will be responsible for doing it.

R 

This can stand for realistic or relevant, and either or both are important and are true. If you want your goal to succeed, it should be something that is realistic or you’ll fail.
 
It should also be relevant to your life’s vision and match with your values.

T

Various authors refer to the “T” in the S.M.A.R.T. acronym as time-bound, timely or trackable. These are all important parts of the goal creating and setting process.
 
If you don’t set a time limit and you can’t track what’s happening, your goal will be hard to count as achieved.
 
There are plenty of words you can use to help you craft your goals. The important thing is that you need to have a process to help you set smart goals.
 
The ones you know you’ll follow through on and know when you’ve met them.
 
JohnK 5-18-2020
 
Stick figure hears about goalsOverheard: “A goal properly set is halfway reached”
                                       ~Zig Ziglar
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for goals

6 Tips For Building Optimism Into Your Life

March 25, 2020 John Uncategorized No comments

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

Patience Is A Virture And It Can Be Yours

March 11, 2020 John Uncategorized No comments
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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banner to boost patience

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

Find The Value In Criticism

February 11, 2020 John Uncategorized No comments
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

February 5, 2020 John Uncategorized No comments

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

____________________

 

banner to help anxiety

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

A Good Morning Routine Can Change Your Life (re-sending)

January 21, 2020 John Uncategorized No comments

Your morning routine is on automatic pilot for the most part. You don’t give it much thought.

But what if you tweaked your routine a bit? It could help send you on your way to more success in life.

GenuLines explains how that works.

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


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banner to help morning routine

A Good Morning Routine Can Change Your Life

How would it feel to start your day motivated and organized? It would be great, wouldn’t it?
 
You’d know what you were doing, and that everything was sorted out. You’d feel brilliant.
 

two people's morning routineIt wouldn’t take much to get a great start to your day every day. The key is to create a morning routine that motivates and organizes you for success; every day.

One of the secrets of success for the very successful is a morning routine. It doesn’t need to be complex nor does it have to be time-consuming to create or follow.
 
 
First, you’ll need to commit to planning it. Then practice it daily until it becomes a habit.
 
Now let’s look at the morning routine of motivated and organized people:
 

Early Start

Forget about long lie-ins and putting the alarm on snooze every 5 minutes. Set your alarm for an hour (or even two) earlier than normal and see your productivity soar.
 
The early start may be tough at first. But if you go to bed earlier and get enough sleep you’ll soon notice a positive difference.
 

Positive Visualization and Affirmations

Set the tone of your day with a positive charge. Visualize your success from the get-go.
 
Use positive affirmations. To boost their efficacy display those affirmations where you can see them often.
 
Do this step within the first 20 minutes of waking. The affirmations will reach your subconscious before your conscious mind takes over.
 
Exercise
Do some form of exercise. It will get your blood flowing, send oxygen through your body, and generally wake up your entire system.
 
You don’t need to go for a 5-mile run every day. Your regimen could consist of morning stretching, yoga or Tai Chi.
 
These will help calm and ground you as well as provide time for inner contemplation.
Hydration
Make sure you keep your body hydrated. Many people start their day with a glass of water and lemon.
 
Herbal tea or green juice are also good choices for an early morning drink to get your day started the right way.
 
Planning
When you know what needs to be done you increase your chances of having a successful day. Have a to-do list ready and identify the order of priority.
 
Make sure the list isn’t too long, 10 items or fewer is an ideal length.
 
Nutrition
A healthy breakfast fuels your body for the day ahead. You’ll feel more alert.
 
And you’ll be better able to concentrate on what needs to get done.
 
Reading
Take some time to read. A few minutes of inspiring material will help you be positive and motivated.
 
Even 10 minutes can be enough to get your mind working and your motivation kick-started.
 
The list of possible reading material is endless. From biographies to self-help the writers can inspire you and even act as role models.
 
Money Tasks
Somewhere during your day, you want to do something that will either make you money or keep you from spending it. Pay your bills so that you don’t get overdue notices and charges.
 
Kitchen Patrol
Prep the day’s meals so that you don’t feel tempted to get take out when you’re feeling tired at the end of the day. Load the dishwasher.
 
Clear (and clean) the kitchen counters.
 
If you want to have a successful day, start it in a positive way. Having a morning routine will ensure that you’re organized for success.
 
And you’ll feel motivated from the start.
 
JohnK 1-22-2020
 
stick figure talking about plant morning routineOverheard: “The sun is new each day”
                            ~Heraclitus
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer about morning routine

How to Set Powerful Goals You Can Achieve (pt 2)

January 8, 2020 John Uncategorized No comments

Your goals are important to you. That’s why GenuLines used two days to cover the topic. 

Today we offer some takeaway thoughts toward reaching your goals and building your genuine life! 

banner to help you set goals

How to Set Powerful Goals You Can Achieve (pt 2)

 
Be Measurable
At which point have you achieved the goal? If you can’t come up with a number or something that’s measurable, then you won’t have a real goal.
 
Let’s say you want your business to earn x number of dollars each week by a certain date. You would work out the how and why you’re going to do it.
 
Computers show goals
 
Be Actionable
To achieve any goal there have to be steps you can take to get there. It’s like using a map to reach a vacation destination.
 
You need to draw a map to your vision of success with the steps and paths you’ll take along the way. Put not only what but when, and how you’ll reach your endpoint.
Be Realistic
You don’t want to work toward a goal that’s too hard to achieve or worse, impossible. Make sure to do thorough research and be realistic about your expectations.
 
For example, you’re not likely going to start a business today and earn six figures by tomorrow. Or even your first year in business.
 
Look at the research and determine what is doable and how you’ll do it.
Be Timely
Every goal has to have a time limit otherwise you may never achieve it. Start at the end and work your way back to today.
 
Create a list of things to do each day to finally reach the end result. But, do set a time limit. You can adjust as you get into the project if it works to be more realistic.
 
But resist the urge to change the time because you’re not sticking to your task lists.
Now Create!
Keep these points in mind to create powerful goals that you can achieve.
 
You’ll reduce your failure chances because:
 
  • you can always adjust your timeline and your goals
  • you’ll learn as you move along in the process

The important thing is to give each goal a lot of thought, consideration, and study before setting it.

JohnK 1-8-2020

chiforyourself.com home

 

stick figure talking about goalsOverheard: “All successful people have a goal. No one can get anywhere unless he knows where he wants to go and what he wants to be or do”

                                                    ~Norman Vincent Peale

 

Banner helps with goals

 

 

Article Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

 

 

disclaimer about goals

 

 

 

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