10 things you can do right now to live longer

If you want to have the longest, healthiest life possible, you should never have lit that first cigarette. Never tasted that first cheese fry. Never stepped foot inside a fast-food restaurant or driven somewhere you could have walked. Never turned up your nose at vegetables or let yourself get those nasty sunburns.

If you did, take heart. There's still plenty you can do to add years to your life.

"Most things I would say are commonsense things, things you were taught in first grade," says Dr. David Johnson, chair of the department of internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. "You don't have to go to medical school to figure out things are bad for you like smoking, being a sloth."

So listen up. These 10 ways are easy and have more significance than most of us realize. Truth to tell, Johnson says, "Collectively, even if they don't let you live longer, they allow you to live more healthily in a much more psychologically satisfying life."

1. Floss

It's not just to remove spinach remnants from dinner. Flossing removes plaque, the bacterial film that forms along your gum line. Get rid of bacteria, and you lessen your chances of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and some forms of cancer, says Dr. Larry Korenman of Loveable Smiles in Richardson, Texas.

"Oral bacteria can create proteins that are found in artery walls and in the bloodstream," he says, "causing blood to clot more easily. Infection in the mouth can cause its own small blood clots, which can enter the bloodstream."

Years added? More than six if you floss daily (which only 5% to 10% of Americans do), writes Dr. Michael Roizen in RealAge.

2. Get a colonoscopy

"It's a great test," says Radhika Vayani, an internal medicine doctor of osteopathy at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Ft. Worth. "The 24-hour prep is the worst. You basically drink nasty stuff, and you have diarrhea. But you won't feel the procedure. If they see a polyp, they get rid of it right then and there. That could save you from having colon cancer in five years."

Years added? Lots. Nine out of 10 people whose colon cancer is discovered early will still be alive in 10 years, according to the American Cancer Society. Many will live a normal lifespan.

3. Stop eating before you're full

Most Americans eat and eat "till we're so full we're about to be sick," says Vayani. "But it takes the body 15 to 20 minutes to say, 'You're full.' "

Years added? Being 100 pounds overweight can subtract a decade from your life, according to an Oxford University study. So it stands to reason that maintaining a healthy weight and thus reducing your risk for diabetes, heart disease and various other unpleasantries would add at least some precious time to your life.

4. Use sunscreen

In a Centers for Disease Control study, only 32% of adults reported usually applying sunscreen. Yet this year in the U.S., 3.5 million people will get skin cancer and 76,000 more will develop melanoma, says the American Cancer Society. Every hour, someone will die from that deadliest form.

Years added? Possibly 20. The CDC study reported that someone who died of melanoma between 2000 and 2006 died two decades prematurely. Although the sun doesn't cause all melanomas, it does cause most. So slather on more sunscreen than you think you need to, more often than you think necessary.

5. Stop smoking

Yes, despite years and years of evidence proving all the nasty stuff it causes, "tons of people smoke," Vayani says.

Years added? "If you quit at age 30, you can increase your life by 10 years," she says. Quit at 40? Add nine years. 50? Six years. 60? Three.

6. Sleep

Not getting enough has been linked to memory problems, hearing problems, anger, high blood pressure, stroke, depression, vehicle accidents and obesity. A decades-long international study of 1.3 million people found "unequivocal evidence of the direct link" between lack of sleep and premature death, according to sleepbetter.org.

Years added? Hard to say, but if someone died in a car accident caused by sleep deprivation, for instance, that's probably several decades.

7. Move

"Exercise has been demonstrated over and over to be useful," Johnson says. "Truth is, any level is of value." Walking, he says "gets you outside, and some outside is good as long as you don't overdo it. The best way to get Vitamin D is sunshine."

Years added? At least three years. That's the number from a study reported in the Lancet for people who exercised even 15 minutes a day. Put another way, a story on WBUR-FM, Boston's public radio station, reported that every minute you exercise adds seven minutes to your life.

8. Eat produce

Benefits abound. Among them: Eating five or more servings per day — instead of a piddly three or fewer — reduces your risk of stroke by 26%, according to a study reported in Men's Health.

Years added? Webmd.com reports that Seventh-day Adventists, who typically follow a vegetarian diet, outlive those who don't by three to seven years.

9. Cultivate healthy relationships


Spending time with family and friends is "psychologically helpful," Johnson says, adding that it "isn't a cure-all; it won't counteract a McDonald's cheeseburger."

Vayani tells patients: "If you have people in your life who are negative, who are pulling you down, you have to get rid of that relationship. It affects you more than you realize”

Years added? Nothing specific, but "studies have shown that people with more friends and people in healthy relationships live longer," she says.

10. Be grateful

"We experience great things all day long that we fail to acknowledge," Johnson says. "I don't want to sound new wave-y, but our health is more than just physical health. I see dozens of people who have illnesses that would lay you or me low, but they seem totally happy. How in the Sam Hill can that be? They've chosen to look at the good instead of the challenges."

Years added? Maybe some, maybe none. "Even if I don't live a long time," Johnson says, "I'm happy with what I experience."


http://www.freep.com/story/life/wellness/2014/10/19/things-live-longer/17372951/

MY REPUTATION WITH ME

 

 

I was a nerd before being a nerd was a good thing.

In elementary school I was always the last chosen for the team, made fun of for no particular reason, and had trouble making friends. I never knew why, but for some reason I was rejectable and didn’t measure up.  Since I assumed that my peers must know the truth, I began to define myself through their eyes, and my negative self-esteem was born.

For most of my childhood, adolescence and early adult years I struggled with feeling awkward, less valuable than others, and not liking myself.  The attitude of my classmates became my self-fulfilling prophecy.

Then, in my mid 30’s I became aware of the fact that I had friends who actually liked me, and that I was successful in many areas of my life. My self-esteem began to improve as I realized that the opinions of the kids in grade school were more about them and their insecurities than about me.

The wounded little girl, who had been inside of me for so long, saw that those kids from years past were wrong.  I wasn’t rejectable after all!  I began to understand that even though I’m not perfect (of course, nobody is), I’m still OK.  I’m a good person with many great qualities.  And my self-esteem grew some more.

I learned that it was up to me to look inside of myself and define who I am.  My self-worth doesn’t come from using others as a mirror.  It comes from looking within.  With this new perspective, I began to appreciate the loveable, capable, competent person I am, and my self-esteem continued to grow.

Now, many years later, I’m very happy being me.  This doesn’t mean there’s no room for improvement.  It means that even with my flaws, I know I’m a loveable, valuable human being.

I’m so glad to be where I am instead of where I was.  Good self-esteem is the cornerstone of a healthy, happy life.  When I didn’t have it, life was difficult.  Now that I have it, I know I’m capable and strong enough to deal with whatever may come my way.

So, this month I’m reflecting on how painful life without positive self-esteem can be.  I’m hoping that all those who haven’t yet discovered their value as a unique and wonderful person, will be able to step away from their negative self-talk and the opinions of others, and see themselves as the beautiful people they are.

Sandra Abell

Sandy is a life and business coach, author, speaker, and Licensed Counselor. She specializes in working with professionals, entrepreneurs and people dealing with life transitions, and is the author of Feeling Good About You and Moving Up To Management for New Supervisors (available on Amazon.com).

 

 

 

http://www.proctorgallagherinstitute.com/4967/my-reputation-with-me?inf_contact_key=dfde2e4a0483be4b4ad6c4a06ff44f27bd512eb75bf2222e4be709181e1c07d5

Fear of failure

 

Master Achaan Chah was given a fine piece of land so that he might build a monastery. Chah had to go away for a time and left his disciples in charge of the building work.

When he returned – five months later – nothing had been done. The disciples had already ordered several plans from local architects.

 

One of them asked Chah:

– Which of the projects should we go ahead with? How should we go about taking the right decision?

 

Chah answered:

 

– When one desires that which is good, the results are always good.

 

Free of the fear to make mistakes, the decision was taken and the result was magnificent.

 

Face your path with courage, do not be afraid of other people’s criticism. And – above all – don’t allow yourself to be paralyzed by self-criticism.

 

God is the God of the brave.

 

http://paulocoelhoblog.com/2014/10/29/fear-of-failure-2/

Make Your Dreams A Reality With These 4 Easy Steps

 

 

Do you have a dream that excites and inspires you... but deep down you think it's impossible to achieve?

Too often people give up on their dreams because they let fear stand in their way?

They fear they might fail, they fear they don't have what it takes to be successful or even worse, they believe at the core of their being that it's simply not possible of them to achieve.

But in reality, this couldn't be further from the truth. If you've been doubting yourself or your dreams, try implementing these 4 simple steps today :)

1- Believe in yourself. Henry Ford once said: "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't - you're right." This is very true. Remember that the only limitations we have in life are the ones we put on ourselves. Once you start believing in yourself and in your ability to pursue your dreams, you'll be setting yourself up for unlimited success.

2- Be ready to invest in it. Dreams don't happen by accident, they become real when you put time, effort, discipline and sometimes money, into making them come to life.

3- Pursue your dream EVERY day. Your dream probably won't manifest in one effort, you have to continually be working toward it. Make sure you're make choices that support your dream or goal in life, even if it means sacrificing comfort or small pleasures.

4- Make it a priority. If you're like me, then you probably have a lot on your plate right now... juggling work, family and friends, all at the same time. That's why it's extremely important that your dream lights fire inside of you when you think of it, so that you actually set aside time to fulfill it and make it a top priority.

An easy way to discover where you're focusing your attention is to look at the past week and write down everything that you did.

When reviewing it, see where your dream fits into your current priorities. Is it a top priority or is it nowhere to be seen?

Remember, making your dreams a priority, should be a priority :)

 

http://www.mindmovies.com/blogroll/post.php?id=159

10 Confessions I Have About My Choice To Finally Be Happy

I’ve encountered two types of people in this world: those who choose to be happy and those who choose to be unhappy.

The wisest, strongest and most loving people you will ever meet are those who feel the pain of failure, rejection, defeat and heartbreak, but somehow find the way out from the depths of despair.

These kinds of people have a sense of appreciation, sensitivity and empathy for others and an overall understanding of life. They are happy.

Unhappiness lies in the breach between what we think we need and what we currently have. The greater part of our happiness or unhappiness depends on our outlook toward challenges that come our way. We all have one life to live and it’s a personal choice how we choose to live it.

These are my 10 confessions regarding my happiness choice:

1. I have blamed people for my unhappiness.

When things went downhill, I always used to blame others for how I felt. I blamed them for hurting me or leaving me or simply not making enough of an effort.

The reality is, I am in control of my own feelings; I choose to feel the way I do. Once I realized this, I started to take responsibility for my emotions, beginning with my confessions and ending with my lifelong lessons.

 

2. I have failed countless times.

I can’t even remember how many times I have failed. I kept trying and trying, and eventually, it got to the point that I felt defeated.

The thing about life is that nothing comes easily. We must work hours, days, years to get to where we want to be.

I’ve learned that it’s better to try and fail than not try at all. One day, all your hard work and efforts will be worth it.

 

3. I have let someone I love go.

It hurts to know you loved someone so much, you had to let him or her go. Whether the person broke your heart or vice versa, you simply knew it wasn’t healthy to have this person in your life any longer.

But, isn’t that what love is all about? You can’t force someone you love to stay with you if he or she doesn’t want to do so.

Just because someone is not physically in your life doesn’t mean he or she isn’t on your mind or in your heart. Letting go of someone is NOT the end of life. Rather, it is the beginning of an understanding that love sometimes leaves but never without a lesson.

 

4. I have judged people.

We all follow different moral codes, so when we do encounter someone who does not fit our individual standards and beliefs, we pass judgments without knowing the whole story.

Accepting a person is a choice, and I’ve come to realize that knowing the whole story makes me happy.

 

5. I have felt alone and miserable.

It’s easy to look around and notice people around you thriving. But, let’s dig a little deeper. Life is not perfect and the people who live it aren’t, either.

We all struggle in our own ways. Just like life, these feelings are temporary, and it’s up to you to change your outlook.

Someday, all the pieces will come together; good things will come your way, even if things don’t turn out how you want. You’ll look back someday, smile and ask yourself, “How the hell did I get through this?”

 

6. I have lived in the past.

Have you ever replayed the past over and over again? It’s like you’ve hit an iceberg and are just stuck.

You keep trying to compare your past to your present, but the thing is, while it’s great to look back, the key is the present. Living in the moment but knowing life is a mystery is what makes life… life.

The secret to happiness is allowing things to unfold on their own. Let go of your past and set yourself free. Stop comparing everything and everyone to your past. Keep an open mind and heart to new people, relationships and experiences.

 

7. I have been insecure and afraid of losing something/someone.

I’ve spent time worrying about losing people, and due to my own insecurities and fears, I had pushed people away. Free yourself of all fears. Don’t be afraid to lose something or someone because if you try to stick to any person, thought, or object, you are more likely to lose it.

I’ve learned that the very moment you let go of fear, you will attain freedom and confidence.

 

8. People I truly love have hurt me, and I have hurt people I truly love.

We are bound to make mistakes and hurt the people we love. After all, we are human. I’ve learned that the pain is a part of growing stronger and wiser. Perfection does not exist and when we realize that, we will start to forgive ourselves.

Most importantly, forgiveness is also the simple awareness that there is actually nothing that requires forgiving. We are perfectly imperfect humans who hurt, love, grow and learn.

 

9. I have had expectations of certain people.

As a result of this, I have also been disappointed. As human beings, we are competitive and selfish. We are all in it for ourselves, which is why the only person from whom you should expect things is yourself.

I’ve learned to create expectations regarding how I choose to live my life. You might not always get what you want, but you will get what you expect.

 

10. I have wanted to die.

I recall times when I have broken down, and it feels like everything bad happening all at once. I have felt so low, to the point that I wondered whether life was worth living. This is my last confession and the most important lesson I want to pass on.

You are blessed with this unpredictable life and it is up to you how you choose to live it. Life can be horrid or beautiful. It’s bold or scary. It’s sad or happy. It’s what YOU make of it.

The sign of a happy person is a choice he or she chooses to make despite the struggles he or she faces. I choose to be happy. What do you choose?

http://elitedaily.com/life/10-confessions-type-person-will-choose/842552/

3 Helpful Tips to Stop Procrastinating and Program Your Subconscious Mind

 

 

The fact is that everyone procrastinates.  Everyone has too much to do and too little time. What can you do to stop procrastinating?

There are a series of techniques that you can use to overcome or at least manage wasting time.  In fact, there are libraries full of books, one or two of them written by myself, on the subject of overcoming procrastination.

But, here are some good ideas to get started.

1) Stop Procrastinating by Programming Your Subconscious Mind

Perhaps the most powerful words you can use to increase your productivity are the words; “Do it now!  Do it now!  Do it now!”

Whenever you find yourself procrastinating on an important task, repeat to yourself, with energy and enthusiasm, the words, “Do it now!  Do it now!  Do it now!”

The amazing discovery is that after you have repeated these words 10, 20, or even 100 times, you will find yourself programming your subconscious mind into starting on your most important task and completing that job before you do anything else.

Throughout the day, when you are distracted by people, emails, telephone calls and other factors, and you find yourself drifting away from your most important tasks, take control of yourself by repeating the words, “Back to work!  Back to work!  Back to work!”

2) Stop Procrastinating Using Task Management and Breaking into Small Parts

Any big task that you have to complete can be completed if you break it down into enough small parts using task management.

One of the best techniques of all is to divide your task into what are called “bite-sized pieces.”  Take a piece of paper and write down every small part of the task that you have to do, in sequence, from the first little job to the final job that completes the task.

Then, discipline yourself to do “number one” on your list.  Sometimes, the decision to take action on the first step on a large task impels you into the task and makes it easier for you to do the next step, and the next step, and the next step as well.

Sometimes just forcing yourself to start on a major task will enable you to develop the momentum and energy necessary to work right through until the task is complete.

3) Stop Procrastinating Using The Salami Slice Method

Another method to help increase productivity stop procrastinating is called the “salami slice method.”

This is similar to the method above.  Just as you would not try to eat a loaf of salami in one bite, you do not try to do a large task in one time period.  Instead, you “salami-slice” the task by breaking it down into small parts.  You then resolve to complete one small part at this time, before you go on to something else.

Each time you sit down with your major task, especially if you are overwhelmed with other pressing responsibilities, you resolve to complete one part of the task at a time.  Often this strategy will get you started on the project and make it easier to complete parts two, three, four, and so on.

Conclusion

Everyone procrastinates a little bit, but when you program your subconscious mind to stop procrastinating and break up your tasks you will be able to get much more done during your day.

http://www.briantracy.com/blog/time-management/3-helpful-tips-to-stop-procrastinating-and-program-your-subconscious-mind/?cmpid=2183&proid=5733

3 Tips To Raise Your Vibration And Open Your Flow Of Wealth

Do you ever wonder why it is that some people find it really easy to attract wealth and abundance into their lives…
While others, despite their hard work and big efforts to succeed and thrive, end up failing?
The truth is, there’s a limitless supply of wealth and abundance available to every one of us, we just have to learn how to cultivate it.
One thing that highly abundant and wealthy people do well is keep their energetic vibration high. This amplifies their ability to attract all the money they desire!
Now to help you do just that, so you’re aligned to attract the wealth you deserve, try implementing these 3 powerful tips for raising your vibration today!

1- Know that money is an expression of your own energy. Every time you consciously receive, spend or give money, you’re reflecting how you view and feel about wealth.
That’s why it’s very important that every time you earn or spend money, you’re consciously aware of the energy you’re putting behind it. A simple way to do this is to make sure you put a smile on your face every time you pay your bills and be appreciative of what you’re paying for.
For example, if you’re paying your mortgage, be grateful for the house you live in. If you’re paying your electricity, be thankful that the lights are on.
Every time you receive your paycheck, even if it’s not the amount you’d like to receive, make sure you’re being grateful for the job that you have.

2- Be aware of your words and thoughts. Did you know that every time you speak negatively about your financial situation or act with scarcity, you lower your vibration?
Remember that your words and thoughts are so powerful that they create actions that will ultimately impact your life in a positive or negative way… so make sure you choose your words wisely!
Sometimes it can be very easy to engage in conversations about lack as we complain about our financial situation to others. If you catch yourself doing this, try using phrases like ‘I choose not to invest in…. ‘ Vs. ‘I can’t afford this…’
Using daily affirmations is also a great way to reassure your positive high vibration and to protect yourself from negative vibrations others may be executing.

3- Put your health before wealth. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said ‘Health is our greatest wealth’, and I’ve certainly found this to be true.
You must cultivate a vibrant health in order to raise your abundance vibration. The healthier you are, the more confident and empowered you’ll become, and this will bring more wealth your way.

So make sure you’re doing everything it takes to keep yourself healthy, fit and vibrant because only YOU can create your best life and live with an abundance of joy, prosperity and happiness.


http://www.mindmovies.com/blogroll/post.php?id=161

Gratitude: An Inspirational Movie Short by Louie Schwartzberg

You think this is just another day in your life?

It's not just another day. It's the one day that is given to you today. It's given to you. It's a gift. It's the only gift that you have right now, and the only appropriate response is gratefulness.

 

If you do nothing else but to cultivate that response to the great gift that this unique day is, if you learn to respond as if it were the first day in your life and the very last day, then you will have spent this day very well......  

https://rf127.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/3124996/4771184da9165447?inf_contact_key=bb11d883ace6f9cb1600e0c740bf2f16e1ded74ecf96131aa9f192f39e82b58a

10 Quotes I Truly Believe In

Great motivational quotes can be the fuel to your inner fire and I believe that everybody needs a motivational reminder from time to time.I love inspirational quotes. They are powerful nuggets of wisdom condensed into just 1 or 2 lines.  So here are the top 10 quotes I truly believe in and try to live by every day.

10 Quotes I Truly Believe In

Thanks for reading.. I hope you enjoyed the quotes.

If you have any quote to add to that list that you truly believe in what would that quote be?

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below and don’t forget to share!

http://motivationgrid.com/10-motivational-quotes-i-truly-believe-in/#ixzz3HuqrFRae

50 Inspirational Quotes to Live By

I think everybody loves inspirational quotes. They are powerful words of wisdom condensed into just 1-2 lines. Whenever you read them, you are inspired to take action immediately. Therefore I thought it would be a great idea to come with the ultimate list of 50 inspirational quotes to live by.

1. Talent is given, greatness is earned..

2. Don’t let someone else’s opinion of you become your reality.

3. Listen, smile, agree and then do whatever you were going to do anyway.

4. Never let a bad day make you feel like you have a bad life.

5. The person who says something is impossible should not interrupt the person who is doing it

6. It is never too late to be what you might have been.

7. Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.

8. If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.

9. The higher you climb the better the view.

10. With patience you can even cook a stone. (One of the best quotes to live by)

11. Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there’s footprints on the moon.

12. Life is not measured by the amount of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away

13. It’s important to make someone happy, and it’s important to start with yourself.

14. If you settle for just anything, you’ll never know what you’re truly worthy of.

15. In life, you get what you put in. Everything comes back around.

16. Death is not the greatest loss in life; the greatest loss is what dies inside while you’re still alive

17. If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.

18. Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain. – Vivian Greene

19. I know where I’m going and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.

20. Dream as you will live forever, live as you will die today.

21. If you want something you’ve never had then you you’ve got to do something you’ve never done.

22. Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe it can achieve. – Napoleon Hill

23. Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen. – Michael Jordan

24. Life is a stage and you get only one performance. Make it a good one.

25. As long as you’re going to be thinking anyway, THINK BIG.

26. Nothing is impossible, the word it self says I’m possible.

27. They laugh at me because I’m different, I laugh at them because they’re all the same.

28. Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.

29. Life is short, live it. Love is rare, grab it. Anger is bad, dump it. Fear is awful, face it. Memories are sweet, cherish it.

30. To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that’s all.

31. Live life to the fullest because you only get to live it once.

32. Do things that count, but don’t count the things you do.

33. Begin each day with a grateful heart.

34. Opportunity is missed by people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.

35. Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive about what could go right.

36. Everyday is a new beginning, take a deep breath and start again.

37. If you wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down.

38. Don’t live your fears, live your dreams.

39. We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.

40. It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously, that you might as well not have lived at all- In which case you fail by default.

41. If you do not go after go after what you want, you will never have it. If you do not ask, the answer will always be NO. If you do not step forward, you will always be in the same place.

42. Clear your mind of can’t!

43. All the days that you wake up, you got one job, and that’s to get better every single day.

44. When writing the story of your life, don’t let anyone else hold the pen.

45. Life is too short to wait.

46. I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me.

47. I haven’t failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.

48. It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.

49. Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.

50. The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.

http://motivationgrid.com/50-inspirational-quotes-to-live-by/