Personal Growth Cafe

December 26, 2018February 20, 2018

Top 10 Ways of Consoling a Friend in Need

It’s 2:00 a.m. and your phone rings.

You wake up wondering who could be calling at this time of the night.

You hear the voice of one of your friends, upset and crying.

What do you do?

Here are the top ten ways of consoling a friend in need:

1. Patiently comfort them.

Even though you’d prefer to go back to sleep, stay up and listen to your friend.

You probably won’t even need to say much.

Let your friend talk things out and cry if they need to.

2. If your friend doesn’t want to be alone, invite them to come over, or you could go to them.

Your friend is in need; it’s important to connect with them physically, if possible.

While a telephone call will help, having you there with them is better.

3. After they’ve had a good cry, offer to help them get through the first couple of days by doing the mundane things they might not think about.

There’s laundry to do, food to cook, and many other daily tasks they probably aren’t thinking about.

Even if they have other people in their lives to help them, you can still offer.

If they don’t take you up on your offer, they’ll appreciate that you thought enough of them to want to help.

4. Check in with them.

Call them as often as appropriate to see if they need anything.

This way they know they can depend on you, and checking in often can comfort them.

When things are uncertain, having someone they can count on can help make their life more normal.

5. Gather together some of your friend’s favorite things and make a gift basket.

Fruit, candy, a deck of playing cards, a book they’ve wanted to read, a journal and pen are all great things to include in the basket.

Tailor the basket to fit your friend’s personality.

6. Bring entertainment.

Your friend may not feel like going out, so bring over a movie or two, some snacks, and their favorite drink.

A funny movie will help them forget their problems, even if momentarily.

Be sure to bring plenty of tissues, too, just to be on the safe side.

7. Offer babysitting services to give them an opportunity to do things they need to do.

It will be much easier to leave their children with someone they know and trust rather than letting a stranger keep them.

8. Keep a positive, non-condescending attitude.

Avoid telling them “I know how you feel” or a similar statement.

The truth is you may not actually know how they feel, but they need to know they can turn to you when they need you and that you’ll really be there.

9. Are they being abused?

If you suspect your friend is in an abusive relationship, look them in the eyes and say, “I’m here for you if you need me.”

Looking them in the eye will help give a sense of confidence that you mean what you say.

Help them, and their children, be safe by letting them come to your house to call the domestic violence shelter, or offer to take them there.

10. Help your friend learn from the experience.

Instead of allowing them to wallow in self-pity or despair, offer them a fresh look at the situation.

For example, if they’ve just experienced a break up, let them know how you see things to give them your perspective to the problems that led to the break up.

With a fresh perspective they may see a solution they may not have seen before.

Obviously there are a myriad of things you can do to console a friend in need.

The important thing is to be there for your friend and let them know they can turn to you.

Learn what you need to do to understand their circumstances so you’ll know how best to help.

Then reach out and touch them, and you’ll touch their heart as well.

How do you show concern for your friends?

How can you become a shoulder to cry on in times on need?

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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December 25, 2018February 20, 2018

Passion enables me to be consistent.

December 25, 2018February 20, 2018

Ways to Reward People for a Job Well Done

Praise and rewards can do wonders to bolster an employee’s self-confidence and morale.

No one can deny the effect praise and recognition can have on people.

Even with your family at home, there are many ways you can reward people for a job well done.

When you praise someone, you let them know you’re aware of their hard work.

You acknowledge they’ve put forth a great effort to accomplish something and you’re celebrating with them for their accomplishment.

1. Be sincere in your praise.

Don’t praise a worker merely to make them feel better. This is even more important to remember with family members.

If your praise is insincere, you may be considered manipulative, and you don’t want to give that impression.

2. Give praise when it’s due.

You cannot follow the old adage, “Better late than never,” when it comes to praising someone.

Express your praise as quickly as you can when you see that someone has done something praiseworthy.

3. Be specific about your praise.

Sure, you can tell someone they did a great job, but what was so great about it? “Your research paper was direct, to the point, and full of facts,” sounds much better than telling them they had a nice paper.

4. Praise them in front of others.

Giving someone a pat on the back in private may make a person feel good for a few minutes.

Recognizing their contribution or success during a staff meeting will extend that good feeling into days, if not weeks.

There’s a double benefit to praising people in front of others: public praise may also encourage others to work harder as well.

As with genuinely praising an employee or family member when they’ve done well, there are other ways to reward them without having to spend money.

Here are some other ways you can reward people for a job well done:

1. Reduce their supervision.

Some people are happier and do much better work when they’re allowed to work on their own.

Giving an employee more freedom can be an excellent reward.

By giving your employees less supervision, you’re letting them know they’re trusted and you have confidence in their abilities.

If you truly trust your employee to do their work without supervision, allow them the flexibility to work from home on occasion.

Of course, whether or not you can allow your employees to work at home will depend on the work they do.

2. Give your team members who go above and beyond the call of duty a new title.

Job titles don’t always have to mean more money.

Sometimes receiving a title means more than getting a few more dollars in their paycheck.

It shows that you’re pleased with their work.

3. Publicly recognize people that do their job well.

At your next staff meeting, present that person with a certificate.

Create a bulletin board in the staff lounge that has photographs of honored employees to continue to recognize them for their good work.

4. Encourage your team by giving them discount coupons to local businesses in your area.

This could be a free movie and popcorn at the movie theater, reduced entrance at a family park, or a coupon for a free turkey around the holidays.

When employees feel like they matter, they’re much more willing to give their all for a company.

Use some of these ways to reward people for a job well done.

Not only will your team enjoy their job and the workplace much more, but you’ll find they’re more productive as well.

Recognize and reward a job well done and your company will ultimately reap the benefits.

How do you want to be rewarded?

How does this motivate you to do better?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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December 24, 2018February 20, 2018

There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly. – Buckminster Fuller

December 24, 2018February 20, 2018

Weight Loss Tips for the Constant Dieter

Does it seem like you’re constantly on a diet?

You’re not alone!

You may be surprised how many people feel the same way.

These weight loss tips for the constant dieter may be what you’ve needed to finally make the dieting roller coaster stop so you can get off.

Maybe you’ve tried every diet that’s come down the pike.

You’ve eaten grapefruit to the point where you can’t stand the sight of them.

You’ve given up carbohydrates but still crave sugar, potatoes, and bread.

Seeing that it was a losing battle, you gave up on every one.

You may have had some success at losing weight, only to gain it back.

Let’s face it, it gets discouraging when you hear that most dieters will regain the weight they’ve lost within three to five years.

With those kinds of odds against you, you may wonder why you bother.

The reasons you keep trying to lose weight may vary.

You know you need to lose weight to improve your overall health or reduce symptoms of disease.

You can’t fit into your clothes or you have a reunion to attend. There could be any number of other reasons.

Regardless of why you want to slim down or how many times you’ve dieted in the past, if you want to succeed at losing weight once and for all, you may be better served by following the example of those who’ve achieved their goal and kept the weight off.

Effective weight loss tactics for those who’ve succeeded include these techniques:

1. Look at weight loss as a life change rather than the means to a particular end.

You’re not merely losing weight; you’re making a commitment to change your eating and exercise habits so your health and life can improve.

2. Learn all you can about food, the nutrients needed by the human body, and how to provide your body with the fuel it needs, rather than overfilling it with foods that will make it sluggish and unhealthy.

3. Learn to work through frustrations, loss, and stress without turning to food.

In many cases, those successful former constant dieters have turned to exercise as a means to release the stresses that often cause people to resort to their old eating habits.

4. Recognize when your body is truly hungry.

Discover how to recognize your body’s signals to stop eating when you’ve had enough, rather than continuing to eat until you’re stuffed.

5. Focus on your health and fitness, instead of dieting to look good.

Instead of dieting for a short term goal – getting into a bikini or looking great for a class reunion – be more concerned about how the foods you eat affect your health.

6. Learn to recognize proper portion sizes.

Eating correct portion sizes will allow you to eat only the amount of food your body needs.

7. Acknowledge only temporary failure when you blow it.

Rather than giving up when you’ve eaten too much, decide to start again the next day.

8. Seek and allow support from others.

Getting a mentor who’s a weight loss success, joining a support group, or including a friend to hold you to your goals will help spur you on to success.

These weight loss tips for constant dieters are given with the hopes that you can finally find the ideas that will allow you to break the dieting cycle.

You don’t have to be one of the many dieters who’ve failed.

You can learn how to make changes in your eating habits to make the weight leave for good.

Take your time, learn what your body needs, and then provide the nutrients and exercise to become healthy and happy.

What foods are part of your daily diet?

How are you able to enjoy the food you eat and maintain the weight you desire?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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December 23, 2018February 20, 2018

Top Five Strategies to Overcome Depression

If you’ve ever mourned a deep loss or suffered from depression, you understand how overwhelming it can be.

People of all ages, even children, can be depressed.

Fortunately, there are ways to overcome your condition!

Here are the top five strategies to overcome your depression and regain your life:

1. Talk about it.

If you find yourself unable to concentrate on anything, have lost your appetite, or are over-eating, try talking to a family member or trusted friend.

Because you’re depressed, you may not be able to get the help you need alone, so enlisting someone you trust is important.

Don’t feel embarrassed to talk about it.

Chances are the people you confide in will know more about depression than you think.

2. Seek professional help.

Many people avoid this for what they feel are good reasons: “My insurance won’t cover it,” or, “I can’t afford it.” In today’s society, this is simply untrue.

Many insurance companies do offer compensation for depression treatment because it’s widely known as a serious medical condition.

Plus, they aren’t allowed to release treatment information to your employer.

Even if you don’t have medical insurance, many mental health centers or hospitals offer treatment free or on a sliding scale based on your income so that it can be affordable.

Seek out help for your depression – it’s the best thing you can do!

3. Become involved.

Some people who suffer from depression find that the more they help others, the more they help themselves.

For instance, a woman who was consumed with depression went to school and became a licensed therapist.

Through her sessions with people, she was able to use her own depression experience to heal others.

Volunteer at a local center for seniors or abused families.

Many people in these centers tend to be depressed and working with them can give you insight on how to make yourself feel better.

4. Exercise.

Surprisingly, exercise can help you feel better.

The energy your body gets from yoga, walking, jogging, swimming, and fitness center exercise will help you immensely.

The endorphins released during exercise can bring relief from your depression and give you the motivation to fight it.

Enlist a friend if you don’t want to exercise alone.

5. Get a pet.

Animals of all sorts have been shown to help people with depression.

Caring for a pet strengthens your ability to take on responsibilities.

Plus, pets are joyful and can put a smile on your face!

Even if you have allergies, there are many breeds of cats and dogs that don’t produce allergens.

Using these tips can help you fight your depression, but the most important one is to seek professional help.

A good therapist can suggest more techniques to help overcome your depression.

Take these tips as suggestions and add your own creative spin to best suit your needs.

No advice can replace a full examination by your doctor.

Depression comes in many forms and determining a plan of treatment for your individual needs is required.

If you’re concerned about medication and side effects, there are also many homeopathic remedies available today that you can discuss with your health professional.

Make a list of your concerns and share them during the exam.

This way you’ll be actively involved in choosing a treatment plan.

With a good treatment plan overseen by your doctor, some support to bolster your spirits, and true determination, you can overcome your depression!

How do you keep yourself happy and positive?

How has this helped you in times of depression?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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December 23, 2018February 20, 2018

I accept the love of those around me.

December 22, 2018February 20, 2018

Top Five Brain Exercises to Improve Your Concentration and Focus

When you want to strengthen your muscles, you lift weights.

If you want to improve the concentration and focus of your mind, then you need to work out and exercise your brain.

The correct brain exercises will improve the way your brain works and develop better focus and concentration.

As we age, we may lose the ability to concentrate, but brain exercises can improve concentration even in older people.

Brain exercises are excellent tools for people of any age who would like to strengthen their mind!

Here are some great brain exercises that can help you build your brain:

1. Do some crossword puzzles.

Not only are crossword puzzles a lot of fun, but they can help improve your concentration.

Relying on your long-term memory and trying to solve tough questions help stimulate the brain.

Taking only 15 minutes daily to work on crossword puzzles can benefit you.

To keep a fresh supply of puzzles handy, you can buy a crossword puzzle book, check your daily newspaper, or look online to find them for free.

2. Changing your daily routine challenges your brain to do something that’s outside your comfort zone.

This can strengthen your problem solving abilities.

Consider changing things by taking a different route to work one morning and then finding another on your way home.

3. Try Sudoku puzzles.

These are number placement puzzles based on logic.

You complete a 9×9 grid so that each row and each column only has numbers that range from 1-9.

Within the grid, in each 3×3 block, a number can only be used once. Most definitely challenging!

These puzzles are often found in daily newspapers, printed books, and online.

4. Eat foods that help your brain.

Your brain will stay healthy and function at its best if nourished with nutritious foods.

Proteins are great for the brain, and may be found in cheeses, meats, fish, and milk.

Complex carbohydrates are important as well, and these carbs come from fruits, vegetables, and grains.

The brain needs some fat, so don’t shy away from healthy oils like olive oil or fish oils.

Eat foods that include omega-3s, such as trout, salmon, and tuna, which are oily fish.

Some nuts contain these fats as well and are healthy food for the brain.

5. Start a new hobby.

Trying a new hobby is another way to expand your interests and use your brain to learn something new.

Being busy and learning new things expand the way the brain thinks and gets you out of a rut.

Join a local club or take a class at a hobby store or community college.

Challenging yourself and improving brain function is something that any person can do.

Young and old alike can enjoy and benefit from these great techniques.

Get your whole family in on the fun!

Make just one change today to stimulate your brain.

You won’t notice any drastic changes overnight, but with time and practice, eventually you’ll find that you can finish puzzles quicker, solve problems more easily, and enjoy improved concentration and focus.

How do you keep yourself mentally healthy?

How can this help you grow and become a better person?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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