"You have to decide who you are and force the world to deal with you, not with its idea of you." 

James Baldwin (1924-1987)
Writer, Playwright, Poet, and Activist
 
Far too often, we hide ourselves (and sometimes lose ourselves) as we strive to be whatever we believe the world wants us to be.  There comes a point, however, when we must be willing to offer our true self to the world.  This is essential both for the fullest actualization of our self, and for that of the world around us.


Image Credit:   Francis Liagre from Pixabay

The dictionary defines aura as "a distinctive atmosphere surrounding a given source."  When we describe the aura surrounding someone, we are typically referring to the atmosphere surrounding the person and the energy he or she gives off. 

For example, we may describe someone as having a peaceful aura, to convey that we perceive an atmosphere of tranquility and calmness around the person.  And just as every person possesses a unique aura, we can think of every relationship as having its own unique aura as well. 

There's plenty of evidence that certain dietary habits can increase your susceptibility to depression and exacerbate your symptoms.  On the other hand, certain eating habits appear to have a protective affect on one's mental health and well-being. 

To promote optimal mental health and keep depression at bay, what should you be eating more of?  And what are the foods you should be limiting in your diet?

If the cold, dark winter months are starting to drag you down, you're not alone.  Many people find this time of year challenging.  Rest assured, warmer weather and sunnier days are just around the corner!  In the meantime, there are plenty of things you can do to lift your spirits. 
 
Here are 10 ways to boost your energy and your mood during the winter months. 

You receive an encouraging call or message from out of the blue.  A door suddenly opens, or an opportunity unfolds.  A windfall lands in your lap at just the right time to get you out of a jam.  Multiple pieces come together and fall into place perfectly. 

To someone else looking on, the event that occurs may appear small, perhaps even meaningless.  But to you, it's quite meaningful.  It puts a smile not just on your face, but on your heart, too.  You sense that the stars have aligned in your favour, and it fills you with wonder, joy, peace and confidence.

As we enter the new year and make plans for the months ahead, what are you committed to?  This is a great question to ask yourself at the start of the year, because whatever you are committed to will serve as the foundation for the choices you make and the goals you choose to pursue.

Therefore, whatever you are committed to, along with your level of commitment, is going to have a major impact on the outcomes you achieve in the year ahead.

It comes as no surprise that many people are eager to leave 2020 behind. It was a trying year, on many levels.  But although many of us are pleased to kiss the year good-bye, we have to admit that the year wasn't all bad; there are some positive things to be found, if we look for them.
 
As you prepare to usher in 2021, consider:  what are some of the meaningful, valuable things you'll be taking with you into the New Year?  A special relationship?  A project you have underway?  Perhaps a lesson or two you learned?  Or, maybe you'll be bringing hope, optimism, and a conviction that good will triumph over evil.
 
Reflecting on the meaningful, valuable things you'll be taking with you into 2021 will help you start the year off on the right foot mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
 
Happy New Year and Best Wishes for 2021! 

For many people, the ever-present backdrop of Covid-19 has made 2020 an extremely challenging year.  This is now carrying over to Christmas, where Covid-related restrictions might make connecting with family and sharing long-held traditions difficult, perhaps even impossible.
 
During this Christmas season, consider taking a break from the constant barrage of news headlines designed to instill fear.  Take some time to get grounded, focused and reoriented.  Find ways to connect with others in whatever manner you can, supporting and encouraging one another.  Express gratitude for and celebrate the relationships you have; and reach out to those who are alone or isolated, as they may be struggling even moreso to deal with everything that is taking place.
 
Let's unite in praying that love, wisdom and truth will prevail in our world over deception, corruption and manipulation.
 
Best wishes for a Merry Christmas!

Can a  one day water fast provide any real benefit to you?  Absolutely!  A day of fasting gives your body a break from the work of dealing with incoming food.  This brief period of rest supports the body's natural capacity for repair, self-healing, and rejuvenation.  

Not eating for a day will also make you aware of just how great of a role food plays in your life.  As they refrain from eating for the day, many people discover that much of their eating has less to do with genuine hunger, and more to do with habit or emotional motivation, e.g.:  turning to food as a source of comfort.