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Harmful Myths and Stereotypes About Older Women Versus the Real Truth
“Myths are public dreams, dreams are private myths.”—Joseph Campbell. What is myth? “A widely held but false belief or idea.”—Oxford Languages According to Oxford Languages, other popular terms for myth are misconception, fallacy, mistaken belief, false notion, and misbelief. Myths are stories that create stereotypes. Stereotypes are only valid if we allow them to affect the way we live. Example: Older women are content to stay home, chat with friends, shop online, and watch soap operas on TV. Does it not anger you to hear that many consider older women irrelevant, unmotivated, and unimportant?!? How dare they!!! Yes, such beliefs get me riled up! Have you heard the stories about…
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Harmony Within: A Journey to Spiritual Wellness
Emily writes: “I’m beyond furious right now! Both Mom and Grammy are irresponsible with money. Without my knowledge, they let the power bill slip for a couple of months. Mom made a small payment in December, barely enough to leave a dent in the bill. “Mom had an appointment today that was three hours away, and Grammy was nice enough to take her so I could sleep in. I woke up and discovered the power had turned off! The house’s temperature was already down to fifty-seven and continued to drop. We had an electric stove, so I couldn’t cook. “All but three dollars of my check went to rent this…
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How to Build Confidence in 7 Easy Steps
“Don’t waste your energy trying to change opinions … do your thing, and don’t care if they don’t like it.”—Tina Fey Marsha’s story: “I worked on my idea to start a relationship coaching business for months. “I finally completed coaches training, awarded my credential, and had marketing ideas to attract clients. “However, I started to have self-doubts. After all, I was a divorced mother of three children. Who was I to offer my services as a relationship coach? “What if I fail? “I lost my nerve and my confidence.” What is confidence? The word “confidence” originates from the Latin word confidere, which means “to believe in yourself completely” or “to…
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Listening to the Family Caregiver: Stories from the Frontlines
“There are only four kinds of people in the world: Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.”—Rosalyn Carter There are numerous family caregiver stories—one for every family caregiver. And exactly how many family caregivers are there? Key Facts: In 2020, 41.8 million Americans provided unpaid care to an adult over the age of 50. That’s nearly 17% of the U.S. adult population. 89% of caregivers care for a relative or other loved one, such as a spouse. 7 hours per week is the average time caregivers spend providing unpaid care for loved ones they don’t…
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Charting the Course Through Loss: Strategies for Healing and Growth
By: Hazel Bridges, Guest Blogger Navigating the aftermath of loss requires resilience and a deliberate approach to healing. Establishing goals conducive to well-being is not just beneficial; it is necessary for regaining balance. This article delves into actionable strategies to construct a foundation for recovery in the face of grief. Creating a Structured Routine Amidst the turmoil that loss can bring, establishing a daily routine is akin to introducing a compass in a storm, offering direction and a semblance of order. Consistent routines serve as anchors, providing a rhythm to our days that brings solace and a predictable structure during times of upheaval. This consistency becomes a source of comfort,…
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How to Create a Positive Self-Image
“I got my own back.”—Maya Angelou A person’s true beauty, or handsomeness, does not depend upon physical form. Though it may sound corny, the inner person makes one either attractive or disliked. Do you accept yourself the way you are? “Self-image is the personal view, or mental picture, that we have of ourselves. Self-image is an ‘internal dictionary’ that describes the characteristics of the self, including such things as intelligent, beautiful, ugly, talented, selfish, and kind.”—Cleveland Clinic.org What is your self-image? Would you like to change or improve your self-image? Creating a positive self-image is essential for your mental and emotional well-being. In this article, I will share seven (7)…
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Seven Ways to Love Your Body
“I don’t have perfect teeth. I’m not stick thin. I want to be the person who feels great in her body and can say that she loves it and doesn’t want to change anything.”—Emma Watson Are you obsessed with how you look? Take this brief quiz to find out: Which statement best describes how you feel about yourself: I’m never satisfied with the way I look. I’m sometimes happy with the way I look. I’m always pleased with the way I look. What would you like to change most about your body? Weight Muscle tone Body shape Skin changes Hair texture Complexion Posture and balance Other Complete the following sentence:…
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Relaxation Techniques to Promote Overall Well-Being
“Slow down, and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you.”—John DePaola Hey! Pick out your most comfortable chair. Sit down, loosen your waistband, slip out of your shoes, and close your eyes. Now imagine your feet dangling in calm, clear, blue mountain water. Smell the sweet aroma of nearby flowers. Hear the happy songs of carefree birds. Feel the stimulation of fresh mountain air. For a few minutes, shut out all other thoughts as much as possible and meditate with this peaceful scene in mind. Feel better? More relaxed? Who of us does not need to relax? Learning to relax is essential for both your physical and…
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How to Improve Your Mental Health Quickly
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”—Albus Dumbledore When mental illness strikes, it is a cause of great sadness to those affected. Yet there is no need for a family to feel shame when this happens. Nevertheless, you want to know how your health can best restore your health. The good news is that there are several tips you can use to improve your mental health quickly, including: Practice deep breathing Engage in physical activity Connect with others Limit exposure to stress Get enough sleep Practice self-compassion This article will discuss each of these six ideas in detail.…
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Steps to Building Resilience
“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”—Maya Angelou Resilience refers to the ability of individuals to bounce back, recover, and adapt in the face of adversity, challenges, or significant stressors. Resilience is the capacity to withstand and navigate through difficult circumstances, setbacks, or traumatic events while maintaining a sense of well-being and functioning effectively. Resilience is not about being unaffected by difficulties but rather about recovering and thriving despite them; it involves developing psychological and emotional strength, flexibility, and adaptive coping strategies. Resilient individuals can often maintain a positive outlook, effectively manage stress, and find ways to learn and grow…