stock boy

the mugger

Late one night in the Washington, D.C. area a mugger wearing a ski mask jumped into the path of a well-dressed man and stuck a gun in his ribs. "Give me your money," he demanded. Indignant, the affluent man replied, "You can't do this - I'm a US Congressman!" "In that case," replied the robber, "give me MY money!"

sexy salad

listening

Back when the telegraph was the was the fastest method of long-distance communication, a young man applied for a job as a Morse Code operator.

Answering an ad in the newspaper, he went to the office address that was listed. When he arrived, he entered a large, busy office filled with noise and clatter, including the sound of the telegraph in the background.

A sign on the receptionist's counter instructed job applicants to fill out a form and wait until they were summoned to enter the inner office.

The young man filled out his form and sat down with the seven other applicants in the waiting area.

After a few minutes, the young man stood up, crossed the room to the door of the inner office, and walked right in.

Naturally the other applicants perked up, wondering what was going on. They muttered among themselves that they hadn't heard any summons yet. They assumed that the young man who went into the office made a mistake and would be disqualified.

Within a few minutes, however, the employer escorted the young man out of the office and said to the other applicants, "Gentlemen, thank you very much for coming, but the job has just been filled."

The other applicants began grumbling to each other, and one spoke up saying, "Wait a minute, I don't understand. He was the last to come in, and we never even got a chance to be interviewed. Yet he got the job. That's not fair!"

The employer said, "I'm sorry, but all the time you've been sitting here, the telegraph has been ticking out the following message in Morse Code: 'If you understand this message, then come right in. The job is yours.' None of you heard it or understood it. This young man did. The job is his."

We live in a world that is full of busyness and clatter, like that office. People are distracted and unable to hear the still, small voice of God as He speaks in creation, in the Scriptures, or in the life and work of Jesus Christ.

Are you tuned in to God's voice? Do you hear Him when He speaks to you? Are you listening? "This is my Son, whom I love . . . Listen to Him!"

job interview question

You are driving along in your car on a wild, stormy night. You pass
by a bus stop, and you see three people waiting for the bus:

1. An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.
2. An old friend who once saved your life.
3. The perfect man (or) woman you have been dreaming about.

Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing that there

could only be one passenger in your car.

Think before you continue reading. This is a moral/ethical dilemma

that was once actually used as part of a job application.

You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and
thus you should save her first; or you could take the old friend
because he once saved your life, and this would be the perfect
chance to pay him back. However, you may never be able to find

your perfect dream lover again.

The candidate who was hired (out of 200 applicants) had no trouble
coming up with his answer.

He simply answered: "I would give the car keys to my old friend, and

let him take the lady to the hospital. I would stay behind and wait for

the bus with the woman of my dreams."

Never forget to "Think Outside of the Box."

surgeon talk

Six surgeons were sitting at a conference discussing their favourite patients when the first stated that he especially enjoyed operating on poets and artists because...

"When I cut them open, they are filled with beautiful colours and the operating room is bathed in their light."

"No No!" said the second surgeon, "I prefer operating on accountants. Inside them, everything is neat and orderly and all the parts are numbered."

"Nah," said the third surgeon, "librarians are by far the best.

Everything inside them is ordered alphabetically."

The fourth responds: "Fellas, you should try electricians! Everything inside them is colour coded!"

The fifth intercedes: "Personally, I prefer engineers. They always understand when you have a few parts left over at the end."

"You're all wrong," said the sixth surgeon, "The best are lawyers. No guts, no spine, no heart...in fact, they only have two parts - their mouths and their rears, and both of those are interchangeable!"

Wonder Of A Child

Only @ 321greetings.com

"Daddy," she said, her eyes full of tears,
"Will you talk to me and quiet my fears?
Those bad boys at school are spreading a lie
'Bout the impossibility of reindeer that fly.
There's no Santa Claus, they say with a grin,
There's not one now and never has been."
"How can one man take all those toys?
To thousands of girls and boys?
But I told them daddy, that they were not right,
That I would come home and find out tonight.
Mama said wait until you get home
Please tell me now that I was not wrong."

Her daddy looked at her questioning face
And puffed his pipe while his frantic mind raced.
He had put this thing off as long as he could,
He had to think fast and it better be good.
Whispering a prayer, he began with a smile,
"Well climb on my lap, dear, let's talk a while."

"Remember at church how we learned to pray,
Asking God to take care of us each day?
And you know how we say grace before each meal?
To this same God whom we know to be real
Though we never see Him, we know He is there
Watching his children with such loving care."

"God started Christmas a long time ago
When He gave us His son to love and to know.
A spirit of giving came with that birth,
And God's generosity filled the whole earth.
Man had to name this spirit of giving
Just as He names all things that are living."

"The name Santa Claus came to someone's mind
Probably the best name of any to find
There is, you can see, and I think it quite clear,
Truly a Santa who visits each year.
Spirits like God, whom we never see
He enters the hearts of your mother and me."

"Each year at Christmas for one special night
We become him and make everything right.
But the REAL spirit of Christmas is in you and in me,
And I hope you are old enough now to see
That as we believe and continue to give,
Our friend Santa Claus will continue to live."

You Are Cordially Invited To A Birthday Celebration!

Only @ 321greetings.com

Guest of Honor:	Jesus Christ
Date:	Every day. Traditionally December 25, but He's always around, so the date is flexible.
Time:	Whenever you're ready. Please don't be too late though, or you'll miss out on all the fun!
Place:	In your heart. He'll meet you there. You'll hear Him knock.
Attire:	Come as you are. Grubbiest are okay as He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.
Tickets:	Admission is free. He's already paid for everyone. He says you wouldn't have been able to afford it anyway. It cost Him everything He had!
Refreshments:	A far-out drink He calls "Living Water". This will be followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!
Gift Suggestions:	Your heart. He's one of those people who already has everything else. He's very generous in return though. Just wait until you see what He has for you!
Entertainment:	Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness, Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise and much more! (All rated "G" so bring your family and friends).
R.S.V.P. Very Important!	He must know ahead, so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, He's keeping a list of His friends for future reference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life".

the poodle's challenge

Three handsome male dogs are walking down the street when they see a beautiful, enticing, female Poodle. The three male dogs fall all over themselves in an effort to be the one to reach her first, but end up arriving in front of her at the same time. The males are speechless before her beauty, slobbering on themselves and hoping for just a glance from her in return.

Aware of her charms and her obvious effect on the three suitors, she decides to be kind and tells them “The first one who can use the words “liver” and “cheese” together in an imaginative, intelligent sentence can go out with me.”

The sturdy, muscular black Lab speaks up quickly and says “I love liver and cheese.”

“Oh, how childish,” said the Poodle. “That shows no imagination or intelligence whatsoever.”

She turned to the tall, shiny Golden Retriever and said “How well can you do?”

“Ummmm...I HATE liver and cheese,” blurts the Golden Retriever.

“My, my,” said the Poodle. “I guess it’s hopeless. That’s just as dumb as the Lab’s sentence.”

She then turns to the last of the three dogs and says, “How about you, little guy?”

The last of the three, tiny in stature but big in fame and finesse, is the Taco Bell chihuahua. He gives her a smile, a sly wink, turns to the Golden Retriever and the Lab and says...

“Liver alone. Cheese mine.”

cheap hearing aid

A man realized he needed to purchase a hearing aid, but he felt unwilling to spend much money. "How much do they run?" he asked the clerk.

"That depends," said the salesman. "They run from $2.00 to $2,000."

"Let's see the $2.00 model," he said.

The clerk put the device around the man's neck. "You just stick this button in your ear and run this little string down to your pocket," he instructed.

"How does it work?" the customer asked.

"For $2.00 it doesn't work," the salesman replied. "But when people see it on you, they'll talk louder!"

cat bath

Monkey Rider

Zebra In Love

To Be Happy

1. Throw out nonessential numbers.
This includes age, weight and height.

Let the doctors worry about them.
That is why you pay them.

2. Keep only cheerful friends.

The grouches pull you down.
(keep this In mind if you are one of those grouches;)


3. Keep learning:

Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening,
whatever. Never let the brain get idle.
"An idle mind is the devil's workshop."
And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud.
Laugh until you gasp for breath.

And if you have a friend who makes you laugh,
spend lots and Lots of time with HIM/HER.

6. The tears happen:

Endure, grieve, and move on.
The only person who is with us our entire life,
is ourself. LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love:

Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes,
music, plants, hobbies, whatever.
Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health:

If it is good, preserve it.
If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips.

Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county,
to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

Two Choices

READ THIS LET IT REALLY SINK IN...THEN CHOOSE HOW YOU START YOUR DAY TOMORROW...

Michael is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"

He was a natural motivator. If an employee was havinga bad day, Michael was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.

Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Michael and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"

Michael replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, 'Mike, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood.' I choose to be in a good mood.

"Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.

"Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life."

"Yeah, right, it isn't that easy," I protested.

"Yes, it is," Michael said. Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people will affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. "The bottom line is: It's your choice how you live life."

I reflected on what Michael said. Soon thereafter, I left the tower industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that Michael was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Michael was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.

I saw Michael about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Wanna see my scars?"

I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was the well being of my soon-to-be- born daughter," Michael replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or I could choose to die. I chose to live."

"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked.

Michael continued, "The paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'He's a dead man.' I knew I needed to take action."

"What did you do?" I asked. "Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said Michael. "She asked if I was allergic to anything. 'Yes,' I replied. The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity.' Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead'."

Michael lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything.

A Soldier's Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone
in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give
And to see whom in this home did live.

I looked all about. A strange sight I did see
No Tinsel. No presents. Not even a tree.
No stocking by the mantle just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
A sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different. It was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.
The face was gentle, the room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States Soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for his bed?
I realized the families that I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year
Because of the soldiers, like the one lying here,

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
On a Christmas Eve in a land so far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry. This life is my choice,
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my regiment."

The soldier rolled over and drifted off to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still
And we both shivered from the cold night's chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold dark night.
This Guardian of Honor so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,
Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
It's Christmas day, all is secure."
One look at my watch and I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas my friend... and to all a good night."

Christmas Love

Only @ 321greetings.com

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations -- extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.

Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production.

Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in 10 minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats.

As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor.

Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song. Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas", I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment -- songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.

So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love", I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row -- center stage -- held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.

As the class would sing "C is for Christmas", a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy", and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love".

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her -- a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".

The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.

A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood -- the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear: CHRIST WAS LOVE.

And, I believe, He still is.

Smart Deer

How to Cope with Depression

Depression is a terrible affliction in our society. Approximately 16% of the population have suffered from depression at least once in their lives and it is expected that by the year 2020, it will be the second leading cause of disability behind heart disease. Although medications are often prescribed to treat depression, you may want to explore other options before taking this route. However, if you are currently suffering acutely, you should not feel as though you need to wait to seek a psychiatrist for a consultation.

Steps

1. Determine if you really are depressed, and what the problem is. Do you lack motivation? Do you have trouble enjoying things that you used to? Do you cry a lot? Does it seem that nothing is really worth doing? Do you feel that your life is meaningless? If so, it is possible that are sinking into the psychological quicksand of clinical depression.
2. Get plenty of sleep In the modern world, there is an increasing problem of people not getting enough sleep. Practice good sleep hygiene and try to get at least eight hours. Depression and anxiety of any sort can interfere with sleep, so this may or may not be possible.
3. Get out of bed in the morning. If this is something you are struggling with, ask a friend to call you in the morning to make sure you are awake.
4. Exercise. A recent study showed exercise to be as effective as Zoloft (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI) in treating depression. Exercise is very good for body and mind. Depression can make it hard to work up the motivation and energy to do it, but it is well worth a try. You may find long walks easier than other forms of exercise - put one foot in front of the other, and walk as far as you are able. You might work up to even 1 or 2 hours every day, but start off with shorter walks. Even if you can only manage a few minutes to start, that is still a good starting point.
5. Watch your favorite comedy, talk with people who make you laugh, visit your childhood hangouts or do anything that helps you remember happier times.
6. Think about happy thoughts. Focus on the details.
7. Go out and do something you enjoy. Buy yourself something nice, get a new haircut, or eat a good meal.
8. To get your mind off your own problems try to think of some way (big or small) you can help someone else.
9. Talk to friends or anyone who will give you support. If you’re feeling really down, have them make a list of your best qualities.
10. Find positive outlets and channels for your emotions: music, writing, whatever.
11. Don’t compare yourself to other people. Compare yourself to you at your lowest point in the past and think about what’s better now. Pat yourself on the back for it. If you think you’re at your lowest point ever, then imagine one small thing (the tiniest thing you can think of) that you know you can make better. And then move on from there.
12. Don’t obsess about it or be hard on yourself if you still feel depressed or aren’t happy. Nothing’s more depressing than being angry at yourself for being depressed.
13. Change your life. Often times depression results from a deep-rooted desire to be in a different situation than you are right now. If you don’t like your parents, move out of your house. If you don’t like your city, move to a different one. If you don’t like your job, find a new one.
14. Avoid poisonous people. Although you may show your unhappiness by acting depressed, others may reveal it through negativity, treating others badly, exercising power over others, insulting others, etc. Also avoid other depressed people. Depression is contagious. It may be hard to find happy people who are willing to help you out of your funk, but it’s worth it.
15. Read the Bible and pray if you’re Christian. The Bible offers anwsers to life questions. And if you pray, god will help you. Pray every day, and even if it doesn’t work for several months, continue to pray. Don’t think it’s the end of the world. Your depression won’t be forever unless you have faith in God. Eventually you’ll start feeling less pain on your shoulders!
16. Seek counseling. High school counselors and University counselors are paid the same amount no matter how many people they see, so they have no incentive to keep you coming back to them.
17. Seek medical advice from a trusted family doctor if you have persistent depression. A doctor may prescribe an anti-depressant if appropriate. However, keep in mind that it may be more appropriate to seek the help of a psychiatrist, as family doctors are not as equipped to correctly diagnose and treat clinical depression, or to distinguish between it and disorders which may display similar symptoms but require different treatment.
18. Diet & Nutrion: Ensure that you are including in your diet healthy foods and proper liquids. Too often than not we either neglect eating all together when we are depressed as well as drinking fluids or we eat too much of our favorite manufactured, chemically engineered foods with no nutrional value as well as inadvertantly robbing us of our much needed nutrients to survive all the same with drinking too much of our favorite sodas, coffees, ‘fake’ juice like drinks or turning to alcohol to ease our depressed mood. The depressed person (testimony of personal experience) doesn’t have to make drastic changes to their diet but just adding in a few will make a world of difference and the effects are amazingly positive and instantaneous. Add in some of your favorite fruits or salads. Try ice cold water with a bit of lemon if you have trouble drinking water. Even one glass of water is helpfull and instead of sodas try your favorite sports drink (i.e. Gatorade, Propel, etc.) these alone will replenish your lost electrolytes that your body must have and as mentioned earlier. The results will be instant and you’ll be amazed wondering why you didn’t do it sooner.

Tips

• Keep Breathing. Remind yourself—if you’re breathing, you’re winning. There is a path out of your depression, but step one is always: Keep Breathing.
• If you are part of a religious group, talk to your fellow members or leader for guidance.
• Spend one hour out in the sunlight every day.
• Avoid depressing movies, songs, art, and especially avoid depressing people.
• If you have thoughts of suicide or self-injury, get professional help immediately. If nothing’s working, avoiding help can only be detrimental.
• Keep your surrounding warm and well-lit during the day. Prefer a well-lit room or open window curtains/blinds during the day.
• Stay busy with work that keeps your brain occupied. A recent study has proven that when you are wholly focused on the task at hand, you are physically unable to worry or think about your troubles. And staying productive is the best way to prove to yourself that you’re not worthless and things can really change.
• In some women, depression may be caused (or worsened) by low hormone levels, most commonly progesterone. Progesterone helps keep serontonin levels from dropping too low, and low serotonin can cause depression. Doctors can test for low progesterone and prescribe it (though many doctors are unaware of the link with depression); it is even available without prescription, which gives you an idea how safe it is when used according to directions. Indications that a depression may be progesterone related are: symptoms get worse in the two weeks before menstruation, during perimenopause/menopause, or after giving birth. Anxiety-depression is most commonly seen, sometimes accompanied by severe mood swings and insomnia; some women may get more headaches/migraines. NOTE: synthetic progestins such as Provera, medroxyprogesterone, DepoProvera, and birth control pills can make these symptoms worse instead of better; when I refer to progesterone I mean that exact natural hormone specifically, not its “substitutes”. Progesterone is available as Progest cream (a good brand) without prescription, and as Prometrium capsules with prescription; compounding pharmacies also make various dose forms (such as Progesterone 50 mg/ml Lotion, compounded).
• With all of the advice given here: REMEMBER that it does not have to be done in drastic measures. One glass of water. One apple. 15min in the sun. A half hour or more earlier to bed than before or half hour or more earlier getting out of bed. A short walk to the….? end of the block, walking a little further into the store by parking farther away… just any of these common sense activities and lifestyle additions/changes that EVERYONE needs to do in order to be more healthy & active will help the average person but more dramatically, will help the depressed person.
• If you have problems to grant yourself things or if you even think, you might not be worth to live on, try to think of yourself when you were a child. Don´t you think, this child would have deserved all the benevolence in the world for its future?
• Try and go outside. Take a walk and think about why you’ve became different than the person you originally were.Go over the good things in your life that you have.(ex. You have the ability to walk,breathe, able to see the world and that you have the power to change it).
  1. Listen to positive music. Listen to music that you can relate to but has a more positive moral to the particular song. In its own way it gives you support and comfort you may lack else were.

16 Ways to Motivate Yourself

Even the most motivated of us — you, me, Tony Robbins — can feel unmotivated at times. In fact, sometimes we get into such a slump that even thinking about making positive changes seems too difficult.

But it’s not hopeless: with some small steps, baby ones in fact, you can get started down the road to positive change.

Yes, I know, it seems impossible at times. You don’t feel like doing anything. I’ve been there, and in fact I still feel that way from time to time. You’re not alone. But I’ve learned a few ways to break out of a slump, and we’ll take a look at those today.

This post was inspired by reader Roy C. Carlson, who asked:

“I was wondering if you could do a piece on why it can be hard for someone to change direction and start taking control of their life. I have to say I’m in this boat and advice on getting out of my slump would be great.”

Roy is just one of many with a slump like that. Again, I feel that way sometimes myself, and in fact sometimes I struggle to motivate myself to exercise — and I’ll use that as an example of how to break out of the slump.

When I fall out of exercise, due to illness or injury or disruption from things going on in my life, it’s hard to get started again. I don’t even feel like thinking about it, sometimes. But I’ve always found a way to break out of that slump, and here are some things I’ve learned that have helped:

1. One Goal. Whenever I’ve been in a slump, I’ve discovered that it’s often because I have too much going on in my life. I’m trying to do too much. And it saps my energy and motivation. It’s probably the most common mistake that people make: they try to take on too much, try to accomplish too many goals at once. You cannot maintain energy and focus (the two most important things in accomplishing a goal) if you are trying to do two or more goals at once. It’s not possible — I’ve tried it many times. You have to choose one goal, for now, and focus on it completely. I know, that’s hard. Still, I speak from experience. You can always do your other goals when you’ve accomplished your One Goal.
2. Find inspiration. Inspiration, for me, comes from others who have achieved what I want to achieve, or who are currently doing it. I read other blogs, books, magazines. I Google my goal, and read success stories. Zen Habits is just one place for inspiration, not only from me but from many readers who have achieved amazing things.
3. Get excited. This sounds obvious, but most people don’t think about it much: if you want to break out of a slump, get yourself excited about a goal. But how can you do that when you don’t feel motivated? Well, it starts with inspiration from others (see above), but you have to take that excitement and build on it. For me, I’ve learned that by talking to my wife about it, and to others, and reading as much about it as possible, and visualizing what it would be like to be successful (seeing the benefits of the goal in my head), I get excited about a goal. Once I’ve done that, it’s just a matter of carrying that energy forward and keeping it going.
4. Build anticipation. This will sound hard, and many people will skip this tip. But it really works. It helped me quit smoking after many failed attempts. If you find inspiration and want to do a goal, don’t start right away. Many of us will get excited and want to start today. That’s a mistake. Set a date in the future — a week or two, or even a month — and make that your Start Date. Mark it on the calendar. Get excited about that date. Make it the most important date in your life. In the meantime, start writing out a plan. And do some of the steps below. Because by delaying your start, you are building anticipation, and increasing your focus and energy for your goal.
5. Post your goal. Print out your goal in big words. Make your goal just a few words long, like a mantra (”Exercise 15 mins. Daily”), and post it up on your wall or refrigerator. Post it at home and work. Put it on your computer desktop. You want to have big reminders about your goal, to keep your focus and keep your excitement going. A picture of your goal (like a model with sexy abs, for example) also helps.
6. Commit publicly. None of us likes to look bad in front of others. We will go the extra mile to do something we’ve said publicly. For example, when I wanted to run my first marathon, I started writing a column about it in my local daily newspaper. The entire island of Guam (pop. 160K) knew about my goal. I couldn’t back down, and even though my motivation came and went, I stuck with it and completed it. Now, you don’t have to commit to your goal in your daily newspaper, but you can do it with friends and family and co-workers, and you can do it on your blog if you have one. And hold yourself accountable — don’t just commit once, but commit to giving progress updates to everyone every week or so.
7. Think about it daily. If you think about your goal every day, it is much more likely to become true. To this end, posting the goal on your wall or computer desktop (as mentioned above) helps a lot. Sending yourself daily reminders also helps. And if you can commit to doing one small thing to further your goal (even just 5 minutes) every single day, your goal will almost certainly come true.
8. Get support. It’s hard to accomplish something alone. When I decided to run my marathon, I had the help of friends and family, and I had a great running community on Guam who encouraged me at 5K races and did long runs with me. When I decided to quit smoking, I joined an online forum and that helped tremendously. And of course, my wife Eva helped every step of the way. I couldn’t have done these goals without her, or without the others who supported me. Find your support network, either in the real world or online, or both.
9. Realize that there’s an ebb and flow. Motivation is not a constant thing that is always there for you. It comes and goes, and comes and goes again, like the tide. But realize that while it may go away, it doesn’t do so permanently. It will come back. Just stick it out and wait for that motivation to come back. In the meantime, read about your goal (see below), ask for help (see below), and do some of the other things listed here until your motivation comes back.
10. Stick with it. Whatever you do, don’t give up. Even if you aren’t feeling any motivation today, or this week, don’t give up. Again, that motivation will come back. Think of your goal as a long journey, and your slump is just a little bump in the road. You can’t give up with every little bump. Stay with it for the long term, ride out the ebbs and surf on the flows, and you’ll get there.
11. Start small. Really small. If you are having a hard time getting started, it may be because you’re thinking too big. If you want to exercise, for example, you may be thinking that you have to do these intense workouts 5 days a week. No — instead, do small, tiny, baby steps. Just do 2 minutes of exercise. I know, that sounds wimpy. But it works. Commit to 2 minutes of exercise for one week. You may want to do more, but just stick to 2 minutes. It’s so easy, you can’t fail. Do it at the same time, every day. Just some crunches, 2 pushups, and some jogging in place. Once you’ve done 2 minutes a day for a week, increase it to 5, and stick with that for a week. In a month, you’ll be doing 15-20. Want to wake up early? Don’t think about waking at 5 a.m. Instead, think about waking 10 minutes earlier for a week. That’s all. Once you’ve done that, wake 10 minutes earlier than that. Baby steps.
12. Build on small successes. Again, if you start small for a week, you’re going to be successful. You can’t fail if you start with something ridiculously easy. Who can’t exercise for 2 minutes? (If that’s you, I apologize.) And you’ll feel successful, and good about yourself. Take that successful feeling and build on it, with another baby step. Add 2-3 minutes to your exercise routine, for example. With each step (and each step should last about a week), you will feel even more successful. Make each step really, really small, and you won’t fail. After a couple of months, your tiny steps will add up to a lot of progress and a lot of success.
13. Read about it daily. When I lose motivation, I just read a book or blog about my goal. It inspires me and reinvigorates me. For some reason, reading helps motivate and focus you on whatever you’re reading about. So read about your goal every day, if you can, especially when you’re not feeling motivated.
14. Call for help when your motivation ebbs. Having trouble? Ask for help. Email me. Join an online forum. Get a partner to join you. Call your mom. It doesn’t matter who, just tell them your problems, and talking about it will help. Ask them for advice. Ask them to help you overcome your slump. It works.
15. Think about the benefits, not the difficulties. One common problem is that we think about how hard something is. Exercise sounds so hard! Just thinking about it makes you tired. But instead of thinking about how hard something is, think about what you will get out of it. For example, instead of thinking about how tiring exercise can be, focus on how good you’ll feel when you’re done, and how you’ll be healthier and slimmer over the long run. The benefits of something will help energize you.
16. Squash negative thoughts; replace them with positive ones. Along those lines, it’s important to start monitoring your thoughts. Recognize negative self-talk, which is really what’s causing your slump. Just spend a few days becoming aware of every negative thought. Then, after a few days, try squashing those negative thoughts like a bug, and then replacing them with a corresponding positive thought. Squash, “This is too hard!” and replace it with, “I can do this! If that wimp Leo can do it, so can I!” It sounds corny, but it works. Really.

How to Lower Your Chances of Getting Cancer

There are many factors that go into causing cancer in an individual. Genetics is a big factor because it has been found that cancer runs in a family. Each type of cancer has a different risk factor. Living a healthy lifestyle, however, will reduce your chances of getting cancer.

Steps

1. Don’t use tobacco. Not smoking is one of the most important health decisions you can make. It can reduce your risk of several cancers, including lung, esophagus, voice box (larynx), mouth, bladder, kidney, pancreas, cervix, and stomach. Every time you smoke a cigarette, you inhale more that 60 substances that can cause your cells to become cancerous
2. Eat a variety of healthy foods. While this isn’t a guarantee, a healthy diet can reduce your risk of getting certain types of cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 30% of cancers are related to issues of nutrition, including obesity.
3. Eat an abundance of foods from plant-based sources. Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Also, eat whole grains and beans. Green and dark yellow vegetables, beans, soybean products vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts and cabbage may help reduce your risk of colon and stomach cancers.
4. Limit saturated fat. Chose low-fat or fat-free foods. High fat diets may increase your risk of cancers of the prostate, colon, and uterus. One way to limit your intake of saturated fat is to limit your meat consumption and include more meatless meals in your diet. Meatless Monday is a national public health campaign associated with the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health that encourages people to give up meat one day a week to lower their risk of heart disease, some cancers, obesity, and diabetes.
5. Stay active and maintain a healthy weight. Research suggests that exercising regularly may also play a role in preventing cancer and other diseases. Obesity is a risk factor for some cancers, so it is important to maintain a healthy weight for your height, age, gender, etc. Physical activity, along with a healthy diet, can help lower your risk of certain types of cancer. Try to be physically active for 30 minutes or most days of the week.
6. Protect yourself from the sun. Skin cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer and also one of the most preventable. Avoid being outside during the time that the sun is strongest. If you need to be outside, cover up with sunblock, hats, and sunglasses and stay in the shade.
7. Get your immunizations. Certain cancers are associated with infections that can be prevented with shots. Hepititus B can increase your risk of liver cancer and HPV (Human papillomavirus) can lead to cervical cancer. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what is right for you.
8. See your doctor regularly and get screened. This can lead to early detection and increase your chance of successful treatment.
9. Reduce stress. Scientists observe stressed rats are at higher risk for cancer.
10. Avoid sugars. Excess sugar and carbs have been linked to breast cancer and all cancer itself undergoes a fermentation like process that requires excess glucose to thrive.
11. Drink plenty of water.
12. Eat a diet high in anti-oxidants like beta-carotene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
13. Eliminate hydrogenated fats. Avoid altogether fat that has been chemically altered, giving so-called trans-fat. This type of fat is often found in margarine, cookies, snacks, fast food and other pre-made food.
14. Make green vegetables part of every meal. Snack on raw vegetables, especially the cruciferous ones (cabbage, broccoli, etc
15. Especially include red fruits like strawberries,cherries and tomatoes in your diet, as they contain chemicals brimming with the anti-oxidant Lycopene.
16. Make sure you get enough calcium.
17. Start eating flax. Flax seeds contain two cancer-preventative compounds: omega-3 fatty acids, and lingams which may reduce your risk of breast cancer and colon cancer. Add flax seeds to your breakfast cereal. You can also use flaxseed meal, which you can buy or the store or make on your own with a coffee grinder. Flaxseed meal mixes well in smoothies or you can sprinkle it over yogurt and cereal.
18. Eat other anti-cancer nutrients: Vitamin D, Selenium, Acidophilus, Garlic and Green Tea.
19. Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. Physical activity can reduce your chance of getting certain types of cancers by at least 50%. Choose a physical activity that you enjoy.
20. Cut down on alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol can lead to changes in your body which can lead to cancer. Discuss how alcohol might affect you with a nurse or doctor.
21. Don’t use any form of tobacco. If you do smoke, try to quit. Keep trying! It is possible. Over 1,000 Americans quit for good each day.
22. Protect yourself and your partner from STDs. Some sexually transmitted infections lead to changes in the body which can lead to cancer. Use latex condoms. Practice safe sex.
23. Avoid potentially carcinogenic compounds, such as formaldehyde (found in car exhaust and in sealant products), benzene, asbestos and many others. For the most part, try to avoid automobile fumes and similar air impurities. A list of carcinogenic compounds can be found at http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/index.cfm?objectid=32BA9724-F1F6-975E-7FCE50709CB4C932
24. Do not make foods or drinks known to contain carcinogenic compounds. Do not make teas or root-beer from the roots of the Sassafras plant, as these contain safole which may be carcinogenic. Limit your use of Nutmeg, as safole is a minor constituent of that spice as well.

Tips

• Start slowly. Pick two of these steps and then gradually move onto the others. You’ll see benefits as soon as you start.
• Consider taking daily supplements of Vitamin C (500 mg), Calcium (500 mg), Flaxseed meal (ground flaxseed) (30 grams), Acidophilus powder (1 teaspoon), Vitamin E (200 IU), Selenium (100 mcg).
• Anti-cancer vegetables include the following: broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, green beans, kale, red onions, peppers, radish, and tomatoes.
• A good read is, “The Little Book of Cancer by Ol Lady Leap”. It talks about things we are doing to ourselves that may cause cancer and discusses some prevention methods.
• Understand what asbestos is by studying asbestos pictures to identify asbestos contaminants (building material in your house/office & asbestos products) and clean it from your environment.^[1]
• The PH (acid levels) of cancerous cells are on the acid side compared to normal body PH of 7.4 to 7.6. Be sure to keep your body alcaline in stead of acidic.

Warnings

• Your health is affected by many factors. Following the advice listed above will not guarantee that you will never get cancer, but it is a good way to lower your chances of getting cancer or other diseases.
• Talk to a doctor or a nurse before following a tip if it will result in a major change from your usual activities.
• While sunlight is good, make sure you don’t get too much sunlight or you might actually increase the risk of getting cancer.
• No one knows what causes cancer. There are many thoughts about the causes, but there are also different theories about eating different foods. If anyone really knew for sure the causes of cancer, there would have been a pill to eliminate it entirely.
• Just because you are active or thin does not mean you will not get cancer.
• Being a vegetarian will reduce your chances of getting cancer. Meat eaters are more at risk than non-animal eaters of getting cancer, due to the hormones pumped into meat.
• Not all smokers get cancer, although not smoking will lower your chance of getting lung cancer.
• Just eat a healthy diet, of your choice.
• Don’t worry about getting cancer, or you will end up with anxiety.
• None of the vitamins mentioned have been proven to keep you safe from cancer.
• The only thing that is known is that sun rays do cause skin cancer when you are exposed to them for long periods of time.
• Normal tap water could increase your chances of getting cancer. Make sure you have or get a water filter or purifier to take out the bad chemicals in tap water.
  • Beta-carotene and vitamin A supplements may increase the chance for heavy smokers of getting lung cancer and other cancers caused by smoking, according to results from epidemiologic studies. However, these vitamins in the food do not increase this risk. It is not clear what effect beta-carotene have on lung cancer in combination with other supplements or by non-smokers. The results from these studies are also controversial.
• Vitamin E supplements seem to protect against Cancer, but heavy vitamin E amounts may in fact increase the chance of getting heart problems and stroke.
• Cancer undergoes a fermentation like process and requires sugar (yes, even “natural” sugars) to grow. This is fact and supported by Nobel winner Otto Warburg’s research. See the link ‘low-carber’ below for studies with proof of this.
• To prevent cervical cancer, while Gardasil, condoms, and birth control may be recommended, the best way to avoid it is to not have sex at all!!!

10 Ways to Live Longer

Health 24.06.2008

Eventually, we will all have to leave this earthly life behind us. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t maximize the time you have here. Backed by studies, here are some proven tips to extend your life:

1. Sleep Well. Don’t oversleep or be sleep deprived. According to a February 2002 study in the Archives of General Psychiatry people sleeping more than 8 hours per day had a significantly higher death rate than normal. That doesn’t mean that you deprive yourself either. People sleeping less than 4 hours also had a high death rate. People who slept between 6 and 7 hours lived the longest.

2. Be Positive. According to August 2002 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, people who had a positive outlook as appose to pessimists had a 50% decrease risk of early death. Those who are positive about life handle stress and life situations better. Optimists also have lower blood pressure which is the result how they react to stress and adversities.

3. Have More Spousal Sex. Couples who do are generally less stressed, happier, and better rested. All these factors contribute to a lower blood pressure reading. An April 2004 Journal of the American Medical Association found that “high ejaculation frequency was related to decreased risk of total prostate cancer.” Cheating has the opposite effect, as it will definitely add more stress to you life. Stress = shorter life so stay faithful.

4. Have a Pet. People with dogs were shown to require less visits to their physicians. This could be due to fact that owning pets tends to decrease loneliness and depression, encouraging laughing and exercise. According to a study lead be Erica Friedmann heart attack victims who have pets live 12% longer than the people that did not.

5. Get a VAP Test. Cholesterol tests to detect heart disease has shown to be not as reliable as you may think. Half of all heart attack victims shows normal levels of cholesterol. A better test to take is the VAP test developed by the Birmingham, Ala.-based lab Atherotech. They have shown to detect 90% of heart attack disease patients. It’s important to get this test early as heart disease is cumulative, and often could be managed or corrected more easily at early stages. This is a simple blood test that could be done at most doctors’ offices.

6. Be Rich. Easily said than done right? If you don’t fit this category, strive for it. Keep your finances in check and don’t overspend. Money problems will add stress, which will shorten your life. It will also limit your access to life extending tools. Never less, The National Center for Health Statistics shows that 24% of families with income below $20,000 are “limited” by chronic disease. Whereas, only 6% of families with an income above $75,000 are affected. Possible explanations could be the fact that the rich have better access to health care, food, housing, and safer neighborhoods.

7. Stop Smoking. This one is obvious. According to findings from a study that appeared in the July 2003 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, middle age men who are long term heavy smokers, are at a higher risk of developing aggressive forms of prostate cancer than men who have never smoked. The Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics study also states that cigarette smoking has been clearly linked to the most common causes of death in the elderly. The study states “Smoking is–for all but some exceptional subjects–incompatible with successful aging and compromises life expectancy even in extreme longevity,”.

8. Subdue Your Anger. Angry people live shorter lives. It’s due to the fact that they tend to have higher blood pressure which make them prone to heart disease. According to a 2002 study by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, men who were classified as having the highest level of anger in response to stress were over three times more likely to develop premature heart disease when compared to men who reported lower anger responses. Additionally, angry men were over six times more likely to have a heart attack by the age of 55. With all that said, try to stay calm and collected and don’t sweat the small stuff. It could literally kill you.

9. Eat Your Antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables are a good source of antioxidants which help repair aging and damaged cells harmed by free radicals. Studies show that high levels of free radicals lead to degenerative diseases, including atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s and cancer. Some common foods with good levels of antioxidants are: cinnamon, cloves, blueberries, artichokes, and certain type of beans.

10. Exercise. Studies show that staying physically active and exercising regularly can help prevent or delay many diseases and disabilities. Even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of people who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging. Exercise is good for your body, mind and heart. If you’re not active start today.

I hope these tips were helpful in your pursuit to a longer happier life. If you find them useful, print them out and post it on your wall to remind yourself everyday. Remember to share this information with friends. They will thank you for it.

Top 10 Anti-Aging Foods

Aging and food are related. Foods play an important role in helping to fight the signs of aging. Did you know that some foods are good for anti-aging? Different types of foods have different nutrients that can help us to sustain youth. Therefore it is very important to watch what you eat to ensure that you eat foods that can help you look young and feel young. You can feel the difference by looking at your skin, whether it is smooth or with wrinkles. So eating the right food can help you halt the signs of aging thus making you look younger for a longer time.

There are many categories of foods. Surprisingly, there is a category of foods known as superfoods. How do we define superfoods? Superfoods are foods that contain high amount of Essential Fatty Acids, antioxidants and fiber. However, superfoods may contain one or more of the nutrients. Studies shown that there are particular superfoods can reduce levels of cholesterol, lower the risk of heart diseases and ensure organs are functioning properly. The EFAs, antioxidants and fiber are able to provide sufficient nutrients for the body so that cells are able to repair itself and keep the digestive system healthy apart from erasing wrinkles.

Scientists have narrowed down the superfoods to the top ten superfoods that are proven to be fully beneficial. They are green foods, barley, acai, allium family, beans or lentils, sprouts, hot peppers, buckwheat, yogurt or kefir and nuts or seeds. These are the top superfoods that have high level of EFAs, antioxidants and fiber that are scinetifically proven against all other types of foods in the laboratories.

Green foods have the power to lower the risk of getting cancers, lower the cholesterol levels and reduce the high blood pressure. Barley is the best source for fiber and it is useful in helping to regulate the level of blood sugar. Acai is full of antioxidants and EFAs. The allium family include garlic, onions, chives, shallots and leeks that have very powerful antioxidants for better liver functions. Beans and lentils are rich in antioxidants and have low GI. Sprouts are rich in protein and vitamin C.

Hot peppers on the other hand are full of antioxidants and also capsaicinoids that is anti-cancer compund. Buckwheat is not truely grain but it is healthier than rice, corn and wheat. Yogurt or kefir have live cultures that promote good health. Last but not least the nuts and seeds have EFAs to ensure healthy skin and is one the great superfoods. These are extremely powerful superfoods, otherwise they would not be in this group of superfoods.

The good thing about these superfoods is that they are not expensive and not difficult to find in local stores and supermarkets, thus you have easy access to all these foods. The price is affordable and it is all natural. To look good and feel young, you don’t have to waste tons of money buying beauty products that are chemically produced. So, you don’t have to consume poison to sustain youth but with natural foods you can achieve the same results and perhaps even better than dietary supplements.

So there you have it, the list of the top ten superfoods you should be eating more in your daily meals while cutting down on the others so that you will look and feel younger, live a healthy life, have firmer skin, no wrinkles and definitely, no signs of aging at all. Best of all it is a natural way.

Written By: Susan T.G William

Top 8 Foods to Look & Feel Younger

Health 07.08.2008

To keep healthy, strong and younger, in parallelism to age growing, people needs different nutrition. Metabolisms, concentration ability, bone mass, and the endurance against diseases will be dropped in the middle age of 30’s. Some dropping causes are hormonal changes and free radicals attack. And the good news, most of these dropping could be corrected by eating good foods.

In facts, there are so many conditions related to the aging. Obesity, coronary, cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes also related to the foods. The nutritionist said the most effective arm containing hundred of nutrients is food; include antioxidant to avoiding free radical attack influences. These are the great foods and should be consumed to keep strong and healthy.

1. Sardines
Omega-3 fatty acid could help for depression preventing and brain membranes damage attacked by free radical and causing dementia. Fish is the best Omega-3 resource which has low calorie, and high protein content, good calcium and vitamin D resource.

2. Green Tea
In the past, research about the anti cancer strengths of green tea focused to the antioxidant. But the newest research said that the green tea has useful for body system detoxification. Chemical contents inside green tea working to paralyze the carcinogen that increases DNA damage inside cells in the liver.

3. Spinach
This vegetable has folic acid fully, a kind of vitamin B which can help to prevent heart attack. Spinach consists of very high antioxidant and can prevent and/or neurons damage recovery increased by aging. Spinach can also prevent macular degeneration, an eye disease related to aging. It is possible to eat them raw or cooked but eat both are the best way.

4. Broccoli
Eat 7 ~ 10 kinds of fruit and vegetable everyday to keep healthy and delay some aging effects are the best way to do. Some of them and broccoli are superstars. Beside antioxidant, vitamin A and D, broccoli is a good vegetarian calcium resource. And it has isothiocyanate, an anti cancer compounds.

5. Blueberry
The antioxidant strength of this super berry can be indicated by the dark color itself. Blueberry can be connected to the people concentration improvement as well as spinach, and indicates promising to prevent brain degeneration caused by aging.

6. Walnut
It was another omega-3 fatty acid alternative resource. Walnut excelling all kind of bean and can prevent heart disease. The unique antioxidant inside walnut is playing important role for people’s health.

7. Chickpea
Chickpea also called garbanzo bean. It has good fiber resource, maintaining blood glucose levels stabilities and can help to prevent diabetes type 2. Bean chemical contents called saponin which can increase immune system and decrease cholesterol levels.

8. Yogurt
Yogurt is a high calcium and low fat milk product. It could prevent osteoporosis, obesities, hypertension and colon cancer. 2 ~ 3 times non-fat yogurt consumption everyday are the best way.

10 Best Foods for Younger Looking Skin

Health 27.08.2008

Your skin is an important indicator of your health. If you feed your body with healthy food, your skin will show a healthier glow. If you eat unhealthy junk, you will not only feel bad but you will look 10 to 15 years older than you should. Here is a list of 10 most healthiest food for your skin.

1. Low Fat Yogurt: Low fat dairy products such yogurt contains vitamin A, which is an essential vitamin for healthy skin. If you have thyroid problems or diabetes, it more of a reason to eat yogurt.

2. Berries: Berries contain antioxidants that help maintain and nourish beautiful healthy skin. The best berries to eat are plums, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries.

3. Salmon: Salmon contains essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and Omega 6. It has been well documented that these essential fatty acids are good for your health and skin. If fish isn’t your thing, try walnuts, flax seed or canola oil. They have the same properties as Salmon. You may also consider taking a daily pharmaceutical grade Omega 3 supplement.

4. Green Tea: Green tea has polyphenols which have anti-inflammatory characteristics. Drink this tea instead of coffee everyday to a younger looking you. It’s health benefit has been known in Asia for centuries.

5. Water: Our bodies are made mostly of water and it needs a constant supply of it to maintain good health and skin. Make sure to 8 glasses of water per day to keep good hydration.

6. Avocados: This amazing fruit is loaded with B-complex vitamins and essential oils. It also serves as an anti-inflamatory agent. If your skin is red, irritated or blotchy, it help soothes it. Mix it with your berries and yogurt for an excellent breakfast drink.

7. Mangoes: This yellow fruit contains a good amount of vitamin A to fight the signs of aging of your skin. It helps to repair damaged cells to prevent it looking flaky. Best of all, it’s only 70 calories per mango; a perfect food for your diet plan.

8. Almonds: Almonds are rich in vitamin E which help keep your skin moisturized and protected. It is important to keep your skin moisturized from the inside out to prevent the early signs of aging.

9. Cottage Cheese: Not only does it contain calcium for your bones, it is great for the production of selenium. This essential mineral is one of the key ingredient for healthier, younger looking skin.

10. Whole-Wheat Products: Whole-wheat products such as whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat muffin, and whole-wheat cereals are also great for getting selenium in your system. Experts say selenium plays a key role in the health of skin cells. Some studies show that even skin damaged by the sun may suffer fewer consequences if selenium levels are high.

How to Look 10 Years Younger

Looking younger is not always about great skin or a terrific body. Sometimes there are little things we can do to help us appear years younger than what we really are. Read below for some tips.

Steps

1. The number one thing that ages people is their hairstyle. If you want to look younger, keep up with the trends. Do not get stuck in a style you have been wearing for years. Buy a hairstyle book and take it to your stylist.
2. If your stylist is old fashioned get a new one. Look at the current actors or actresses. They are most often up to date, and you can follow their style, but modify it to make it your own.
3. Color your hair. Get a beautiful color that works with your skin tone, and add some highlights or lowlights if blonde to give it depth. For very dark hair, lighten up. Hair that is too dark can be harsh.
4. For hair that is too light add some lowlights. Ashy and too light colors can wash you out. Gold tones are great for adding color. Do not be afraid of red. Red and gold are the colors of youth and vitality.
5. Keep the hair and makeup effects natural. That means to color the hair and use makeup, but go for a natural effect.
6. Makeup should be light and airy. Go for a light moisturizing, hydrating skin brightener for a base. Follow with a light powder and then brush on a small amount of pinkish blush on the cheeks.
7. Eye tones should be neutral and soft.
8. Buy a lipstick that makes teeth appear whiter. Whiter teeth make you look younger.
9. Keep your lips moist and glossed. Wrinkled lips are a dead giveaway.
10. Speaking of whiter teeth, get a tooth whitener, or go to the dentist and have it done. This takes years off instantly.
11. If you can get a moisturizing facial once a week, do so. If not, try to go once a month. The manipulations are great for the skin tone. If you cannot afford this, then do an at home facial using a honey mask. (Read my honey mask article).
12. Keep your nails done, but keep them light. It is youthful to have a natural effect.
13. Keep your hands moisturized at all times. Dry hands are a dead age giveaway.
14. Fashion is the number two biggest mistake people make. If you want to appear younger, you have to dress young.
15. Look at the mannequins in the store. Do not go to the old lady or man department. Stay in the juniors. Do not get carried away though. Keep it young, but not too young. If it looks good on a ten year old, it is not for you.
16. Look in current magazines and see what people are wearing. Tear out fashions you think are youthful and that you can wear. Even if you do not think you can wear it, try it on. Youth is all about trying new things, taking chances and being spontaneous.
17. Listen to new music. Do not get stuck in the old stuff. Try to listen to at least a couple of new songs every week. This will help you stay current. A young attitude is very important to looking young.
18. Try new things. Get involved in a sport, or take a class. This will help particularly if you are involved with younger people.
19. Learn some young terms. Listen to how younger people speak. Pick up some new language. If you can speak and understand younger people, you will appear younger.
20. Smile a lot. Young people have bright eyes and bright smiles. When you smile it can take years off instantly.

Tips

• Take multivitamins for vitality and health.
• If eyes are bloodshot use a product like Visine. Just do not use everyday. Red eyes are aging.

15 Ways to Save Money on Gas

With gas prices at an all time high, you need to arm yourself with these helpful money saving tips. Ignoring them means less money at the end of the day for you to use on other life necessities. Here’s 15 tips to get you the most bang for your hard earned buck:

Car Maintenance

1. Keep your tires properly inflated. This will save you a good amount because under and overinflated tires will not only waste fuel, it will also wear out your tread faster. Also, check your tires regularly for balance and alignment.

2. Do regular tuneups and follow through with routine maintenance. A well-tuned engine burns less gas and will save you good money.

3. Remove unused junk from your trunk. The junk only adds weight to your vehicle which in turn will burn more fuel. Ever extra 250 pounds will cause you to lose one mile per gallon in fuel economy. Carry only the stuff you really need.

4. Make sure your gas cap is secure and tight. If it won’t secure and tighten up properly, buy a new one. Gas could evaporate otherwise.

Buying Gas

5. Buy the lowest octane (grade) that your vehicle can handle. As long as your engine doesn’t knock or ping you are fine. Check with your owner’s manual. You can save hundreds per year. Buying higher grades simply does not make sense - it won’t extend the life of your car.

6. Pay cash at gas stations that charge you extra for using credit cards. Some stations charge as high as 3% on top of your purchase!

7. Do not top off your gas tank. It will spill and seep out. Save your pennies.

Driving

8. Drive smart. Avoid sudden stops and starts. Doing so will over exert your engine and will burn more fuel - not to mention your cash. Avoid revving your engine, it wastes fuel too.

9. Don’t speed! Driving faster will burn more gas. Driving at 55 mph rather than 65 mph can improve your fuel economy by two miles per gallon. This will surely add up.

10. Avoid long warm-ups. Your car doesn’t need more than a minute to get ready. The longer you let it warm up, the more gasoline you will be burning.

11. Plan your errands and trips to use the most efficient route. You’ll not only save gas, you’ll save time.

12. Try to keep your foot off the brakes as the slightest pressure will put on more drag for your car causing you to use more fuel. It will also wear out your breaks sooner.

13. Turn off the air-conditioning when in stop and start traffic. When on the highway at high speeds, close your windows and only turn it on if you really need it. Having the windows closed at high speeds will produce less drag on your car and save you money. Air-conditioning will lower your fuel economy by 10 to 20%.

Other Good Tips

14. Remove snow tires in the summer driving season. Winter tires are heavier and has deeper tread which will cause you to use more fuel.

15. When buying a new car, look for fuel efficient models. At these fuel prices, you’ll only look stupid for buying a gas-guzzler. Also keep in mind that sun-roofs will increase your fuel consumption.

I hope these tips will help you save some money during these trying times. If you have other tips, please by all means add them to the comments area. Any tried and true tips will be most helpful. Remember to share it with everyone. They will appreciate it.