Personal Growth Cafe

February 9, 2019February 28, 2018

Five Ways to Nurture a Positive Relationship

A positive relationship can be one of the most wonderful things in the world, while a negative one can turn your life into a disaster!

Do you yearn to cultivate a positive relationship with your partner and help it grow stronger?

Having a positive relationship takes effort from both of you, but you can get it started.

Your partner will surely enjoy the benefits and follow your lead.

Here are five important techniques you can use to nurture your relationship:

1. Give 100%. First and foremost, if you want to build a relationship that’s positive, passionate, and withstanding, you need to give 100% of yourself.

This is one of the most important things for success, not only in your relationships, but life in general.

There’s no “50/50” when it comes to giving in a relationship.

You’ve got to give freely of yourself if it’s going to work. It’s almost impossible to receive from your partner if you don’t give in return.

Remember the golden rule.

When you fully give of yourself, the other person will see the effort you’re making and soon begin to reciprocate with the same type of behavior.

2. Focus on loving your partner. In nurturing a positive relationship, your main focus should be on simply loving your partner.

Show your love in both your words and actions, in all you say and do.

The expression “actions speak louder than words,” is definitely true when it comes to a relationship.

However, your partner still wants to hear you say, “I love you.”

Be generous with compliments and mean what you say.

3. Use charitable acts. The things you do for your partner make a difference in your relationship.

When you love someone, acts of kindness toward him or her come naturally.

No action should be done just because you feel obligated to do it. The things you do for your partner should be done because you want to do them.

Remember, your actions are more important than your words, so use them to help build up a relationship that’s naturally positive.

4. Respect your partner. Always respect your partner in every way to build a lasting and positive relationship with them.

Respect is an important building block of any relationship.

Respect your partner not only in a physical sense, but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well.

5. Build a strong friendship. Your romantic relationship needs to have the stability and deep roots that come from a strong friendship.

With a meaningful friendship as its basis, your relationship becomes stronger and more lasting.

When you work hard to construct a strong friendship, you can be assured that your relationship is ready to weather whatever life may throw at you in the future.

If your goal is to create a stronger bond with your partner, take the time to think about what it is you’d like from your partner.

Give those things to your partner, and you’ll almost always find the answers you seek about how to create a nurturing relationship.

Following these five steps can have a positive impact on any relationship.

Once you begin taking care of your relationship and making a conscious effort to improve it, you’ll see a stronger, more positive bond flourishing before your eyes.

How important is your relationship with your husband/wife, girlfriend/boyfriend?

What makes you fall in love with this person over and over again?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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February 9, 2019February 28, 2018

The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground. – Unknown

February 8, 2019February 28, 2018

Five Ways to Be Assertive and Say “No”

Do you find it difficult to be assertive and say “no” to people’s requests?

Since there just aren’t enough hours in the day to appease everyone, the art of saying “no” without hurting the feelings of others is an important skill to acquire.

Saying “no” doesn’t mean you have to be rude about it.

There are plenty of polite, yet assertive, ways you can tell people “no” when you need to.

Here are some ways you can say “no” without being rude or impolite:

1. “No” to now, but “yes” to later. “I’m very busy at the moment.Perhaps someone else can help you. If not, I’ll have time later in the week to help you out.”

This is a great way to say “no.” It’s assertive, but also positive and kind.

You let the person know there’s no way you can do what they’re asking at the moment.

However, you give them the option to ask someone else or wait until you have the time to help out.

2. “No” unless something changes. “I’m very flattered that you’ve asked me. However, I’m not currently in a position where I can take on this responsibility. Could we talk about this at another time if there’s a change in my circumstances?”

This statement says “no” while still being very polite.

You let them know how thrilled you are that they’ve asked you, but then you’re honest about how little time you have to commit to their request.

3. A definitive “No.” “I hate to disappoint you, but I’m not able to do this. I’m afraid I’ll overextend myself.”

With this statement, you express regret for disappointing the person, yet you still let them know that this is a solid “no.”

No doubt they’ll understand you don’t want to overextend yourself, which makes them sympathetic to the plight you’re in as well.

This answer is very kind and polite. Plus, it allows them to understand where you’re coming from.

4. “No” to attend an event. “I had a great time before, but I won’t be able to make it this time since I’m already overscheduled.”

Sometimes you may get asked to an event you don’t want to attend or that you just don’t have the time for.

You don’t have to feel obligated to go.

This statement lets the person know you’ve had a great time in the past, yet you’re over scheduled or busy this time around.

5. “No” to loaning money. “I really wish I could but I make it my practice not to loan money to friends and family.”

Money is one thing that many people ask for from their friends and family.

It’s a difficult situation since you don’t want to insult them or hurt their feelings.

This statement is a nice way to be assertive and say “no” while still being kind.

You let them know that you wish you could loan them the money, yet you go on to explain why you won’t.

You make it clear that this is the practice you have for everyone, and you’re not just saying “no” to him or her personally.

For some reason, parents often feel the need to always say “yes.”

Whether it’s working at a PTA function, helping in your child’s classroom, or going to yet another classmate’s birthday party, you may feel like these are things you must fit into your already busy schedule.

However, you can take control of your family’s calendar – and your sanity – by saying “no” to some offers that come your way.

Saying “no” in a pleasant tone of voice won’t lose any friends; but it will allow you to set boundaries so you can enjoy life rather than racing through it.

How easy is it for you to decline something or someone?

What considerations do you look at before saying “no”?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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February 8, 2019February 28, 2018

Motivating gets you going and habit gets you there. Make motivating a habit and you will get there more quickly and have more fun on the trip. – Zig Ziglar

February 7, 2019February 28, 2018

Five Things You Need to Know About Debt

These days everyone is looking for ways to reduce debt and save money.

It is possible to wipe out your existing debt and learn how to live your life within your means.

Here are five tips that will help you on your way to debt free living:

1. Stop using credit cards. One of the leading factors in the current economic crisis is people buying things on credit they cannot afford.

The next thing they know, they find themselves unable to do anything more than make minimum monthly payments.

Minimum payments will keep you in debt because every month interest continues to accrue on your original balance.

A $1,000 balance on a typical credit card can take 22 years to pay off if you make only the minimum monthly payments!

Don’t fall into the trap of credit card debt. Instead, avoid the hassle and expense by paying cash for the things you buy.

If you want a big-ticket item, save the cash before you make the purchase. Only buy when you can afford to pay for the item in full before you bring it home.

2. Buy luxury items with cash. We all have extras and luxuries we want, but using credit to get them is a dangerous path to take.

You’ll get much greater enjoyment from the extras in your life when you pay cash, rather than ongoing monthly payments.

Nothing takes the excitement out of a new toy or nice vacation more than the large payments that strain your budget month after month.

3. Create a realistic budget that includes debt repayment. The first step in gaining control over your debt is creating a workable budget.

Rather than stifling you, a budget can bring you freedom!

You’ll know where your money goes and you’ll set a spending plan so you can continue buying the most important things in your life.

Your budget should take into consideration all facets of your lifestyle, including housing, food and household items, utilities, savings, recreation and debt repayment.

If your budget doesn’t include room for debt repayment, there will never be enough money to pay off your debt.

Take control of your financial reality by working with a realistic budget every month.

Before long, you’ll see your debt diminishing while your savings grow.

4. Seek the help of a professional credit counselor, accountant or financial planner.

The best way to be sure you’re making sound financial decisions is to seek out the help of a financial professional.

Credit counselors, financial planners and accountants are experts in the areas of savings, debt repayment, investments and tax deductions.

Implement each of these areas into your finances to eliminate financial strain and secure a stable financial future.

5. Negotiate better rates with the banks or credit card companies.

Many people assume they have no choice but to accept the interest and finance rates offered by their banks and credit card companies, but that isn’t always the case!

Talk to the people at your financial institutions. You may be surprised at how willing they are to budge.

If your credit is in good shape or you’ve made steady, progressive strides to improve it, you may be able to get lower interest rates on your debts.

You might also receive higher interest rates on your savings, giving you a double shot at eliminating your debt entirely and moving forward with your finances in a positive direction.

You can repair your debt problems and learn to avoid creating them in the future.

These five steps will point you in the right direction and get you started on a new path to financial freedom and prosperity!

How can being debt-free bring more joy in your life?

How do you keep yourself debt-free?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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February 7, 2019February 28, 2018

Always do what you are afraid to do. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

February 5, 2019February 28, 2018

Making Healthy Food Choices In Our Busy Lives

You already know how important it is to make healthy food choices for you and your family.

But how can you fit the best choices into your busy life?

You’ll be pleased to discover that a hectic life doesn’t mean that every meal has to be fast food on the run!

Sometimes it’s difficult to make healthy changes, but with a little planning and know-how, it can be done.

Here are some strategies to help you and your family make healthy choices:

1. Avoid temptation.

It’s so easy to walk into the store with good intent, but walk out with bags full of unhealthy foods.

Unfortunately, our wills are weak, especially if we’ve trained ourselves over the years to buy junk foods.

2. Never shop when you’re hungry.

This way you won’t pick out unhealthy choices because they look good at the moment.

3. Get rid of the unhealthy foods in your home.

If they aren’t around, you won’t be tempted to eat them.

4. Think of healthier alternatives to your family’s favorite unhealthy foods.

Rather than high calorie chips, try trail mixes or rice cakes.

Low calorie puddings or frozen yogurts are better alternatives to higher fat ice creams.

5. Eat fast and healthy meals at home.

When you’re tired at the end of the day and you realize you still have to feed the family, it’s easy to go to a fast food chain and throw fast food on the table.

It may save some time, but it won’t save your health – or your pocket book!

The great thing is that there are many easy, fast, and healthy foods you can make at home.

This takes some planning, but you’ll be more satisfied, save money, and be healthier as well.

6. Look online for quick and easy recipes made with all natural ingredients.

Many recipes can be made in 30 minutes or less and only have 5 ingredients.

Taking the time to do some recipe research will save your sanity in the long run.

Then once you find a “hit” with the family, store the recipe in a book or on your computer.

7. When you cook, make large batches and freeze the leftovers.

This way, you’ll already have meals in the freezer that you can just thaw, heat, and serve.

No muss, no fuss! This is the opportune way to enjoy “fast” food at home.

8. Eat Slower.

Since the brain takes about 20 minutes to get the signal that the stomach is full, if you eat too fast you’ll pack in a lot more food than you need.

When you’re still thinking you’re hungry, it’s easy to make the wrong choices about food.

If you slow down while you’re eating, you’ll eat less and you’ll still feel full.

9. Set a calming mood before sitting down for a meal.

Avoid having the television on or eating as you’re rushing the kids out the door to another activity.

Sitting calmly at the table will allow everyone to relax and enjoy their meal.

10. Make dinner time a social experience.

Dinner should be about enjoying your company and taking pleasure in the foods you’re eating.

When you begin to look at mealtime as a social experience, it becomes easier to make the right choices about healthy foods.

Suddenly you aren’t so worried about rushing through and making it quick.

Dinner becomes a great experience when you’re able to enjoy healthy foods together.

Take time to eat as a family and enjoy a real conversation with each other.

Talking will naturally slow down your eating pace, while also reconnecting you with your family members.

Using these techniques will bring all kinds of healthy benefits to your family and teach your children a healthy lifestyle.

Healthy food choices are a possibility in your busy life if you take the time to plan ahead and make dinner time a priority in your home.

What are your favorite recipes that can be prepared quickly?

How healthy is your meal menu this week?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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February 4, 2019February 28, 2018

Be the change you want to see in the world. – Mahatma Gandhi

February 4, 2019February 28, 2018

Losing Weight Can Be Fun – Five Simple Activities to Get Healthy and Have Fun

Do you groan when you think of trying to lose weight and exercise?

Most of us do! Unfortunately, for so many, the very idea of losing weight breeds negative thoughts and feelings.

You may even feel as if it’s an impossible challenge.

After all, who wants to think of climbing on those machines in the gym for 30 minutes to take off the pounds?

Or even worse, doing sit-ups at home. Yuck!

If losing weight has become a drag, you need to rethink your strategy.

You’ll be glad to discover that you don’t need to go to the gym to lose weight and get the body you want!

Here are five simple activities that will help you get healthy while having a blast:

1. Play group sports.

One great idea for losing weight the fun way is to play group sports.

Next time, instead of dragging yourself to the gym and those dreaded machines, check out the recreation center in your area.

Start playing soccer, softball, volleyball, or basketball.

With these activities, you’ll be burning off the calories while enjoying yourself at the same time!

2. Go for a walk with your friends.

Another great way to get active and improve your health is to start walking with friends.

Meet during the week to take a brisk walk together, either in the morning before your day begins, during lunch, or in the evening after work.

Schedule your walk into your day as social time.

While you’re walking, take time to catch up and chat with each other.

This way it feels more like a social experience instead of exercise.

3. Dance.

Dancing is another great way to burn off mega calories while you have a great time.

You’ll get your heart pumping, and you’ll enjoy an awesome total workout!

Take a dance class.
Go out to a nightclub where you can dance the night away.
Get some dance videos so you can dance at home.

4. Beautify your yard or cultivate a garden.

Gardening and yard work are both activities that burn calories so you can lose some weight.

Planting flowers or vegetables, pulling weeds, raking, hauling dirt, and doing other gardening chores can really help you get in shape.

When you’re squatting, bending, and yanking out those weeds, you’ll be working muscles you didn’t even know you had!

5. Play with your family.

Even something as simple as playtime outdoors with the family can help you lose some pounds and stay healthy.

Whether it’s running, Frisbee, or playing tag together, just having fun with the family can give you some much needed activity.

Visit a park and go hiking on the trails.
Climb a tree in your backyard.
Go swimming or skiing.

The possibilities are endless!

You’ll have fun spending quality time with your family, and teaching your children a healthy lifestyle as well.

Although these activities are fun, regular activity and eating a healthy diet go hand in hand when you want to lose weight.

You can’t count one weekend of gardening as your exercise for the week.

Vary your activities for more fun, and do something to get moving every day.

Consistency is the key to reaching your weight loss goal.

As you can see, exercising and getting in shape don’t have to be boring or unpleasant.

There are plenty of easy activities you can do to lose weight, improve your health, and have fun!

How do you feel about your current weight?

What activities are you doing to keep yourself fit?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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February 3, 2019February 28, 2018

How To Reprogram Your Subconscious Mind

Many people go through their lives without understanding why they make the same mistakes, follow the same patterns, and live in the same ruts.

They aren’t happy with their present situation, but they seem to be unable to make any lasting changes.

Are you one of these people?

Perhaps you’ve attend seminars, read books, and taken courses, but, in the end, fallen back into the same dysfunctional patterns you’ve always followed!

Why does it always turn out this way?

We struggle to make permanent changes in our lives because we input information only into our conscious mind.

Here’s the problem: your conscious mind is not what directs your behaviors and belief system.

To change your behaviors, you must first reprogram the hard-wired center of your mind: the subconscious mind.

How Does Your Subconscious Mind Work?

The subconscious is the largest part of our mind. It contains all the messages we’ve received throughout our lives.

It holds millions and millions of thoughts grouped into clusters that form beliefs, mindsets and character traits.

The relationship between the conscious and subconscious minds is like an iceberg.

The conscious mind is represented by the visible tip of the iceberg, while the subconscious is represented by the gigantic lower portion of the iceberg hidden from view.

You can’t see the subconscious in action, but it certainly has a major impact on the voyage you take in your life.

The subconscious is the place where all of your learned behaviors reside.

Once you learn to walk, you don’t need to consider how to lift and place each foot to take the next step, do you?

Of course not! Your subconscious mind automatically controls your steps.

Your subconscious learns behavior through repetition and practice.

Just as it learned to control your footsteps when you learned to walk, it also controls your footsteps in your life’s journey based on what you’ve reinforced throughout your life.

The good news is you can reprogram your subconscious mind by inputting and reinforcing new thoughts and actions!

There are several different techniques you can use to tap into the subconscious mind and reprogram how it works.

Here are some strategies you can use to change your mind and change your life:

1. Affirmations.

Affirmations work to change your subconscious mind by using positive, personal, present tense statements to override the embedded negative thinking.

By repeating these positive thoughts, you can create new pathways in your subconscious, giving it new attitudes.

Then your subconscious causes you to act in new ways that agree with these new attitudes.

For example, repeating: “I choose healthy foods at each meal” can change your mindset about what you eat and why!

2. Visualization.

Visualization is the act of creating detailed mental pictures that depict a desired outcome so you can see success for yourself.

These images stimulate the subconscious into accepting them as reality, which then directs behavior accordingly.

Top athletes around the world use this technique during game-time.

3. Hypnosis.

Some types of therapy work with the subconscious mind, including hypnosis.

Hypnosis works by easing you into a state of extreme relaxation.

Once you’re in this state, the conscious mind releases its grip, and the subconscious mind is easier to access.

While under hypnosis, it’s much easier to reprogram the subconscious into accepting new thoughts as reality.

4. Subliminal Audios. You can use subliminal audios while you sleep.

The conscious mind listens to music or someone speaking on one level, but the subconscious mind hears another layer of information recorded underneath the audible portion.

When awake, the conscious mind is distracted with the audible portion of the audio, making it harder to tap into the subconscious mind.

Using techniques like these can help you reprogram your subconscious mind and remove the burden of the negative thoughts buried there.

Imagine the freedom of living your life without the automatic dysfunctional behaviors you’ve had driving you for years!

When you transform your negative outlook into a positive one, you can accomplish so much more.

In doing so, your mind will be released from negative programming, allowing you to excel and succeed throughout your life.

How are you staying motivated?

How often do you resist change because of fear of making mistakes?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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