The Chicago Journal

Nakia Campbell: A Journey of Empowerment as The Mental Motivator

Leah Cooper Leah Cooper on June 1, 2023

In a world where professional success can often feel elusive, one woman stands ready to revolutionize the way we approach our ambitions. Nakia Campbell, known as The Mental Motivator, is on a mission to inspire a “Mindset Shift: From Make Over To Take Over.” 

Leading The Mental Motivator LLC, Campbell is poised to influence the world of personal and professional development. Her organization stands apart by placing clients’ aspirations at the forefront, helping them navigate their journey to success. Collaborating with impactful women and organizations committed to excellence, she offers a broad range of services including career development programs, personal branding workshops, and mindfulness retreats. 

With over a decade of leadership experience, Campbell has been a crucial voice in fostering a culture of growth and empowerment. Recognizing the urgent need for more diversity, equity, and inclusion in many organizations, she is driven to address these issues. Her speeches and teachings inspire audiences to challenge their beliefs, shift negative thinking patterns, and redefine their potential. 

Campbell’s influence has already reached far and wide. She has hosted online masterclasses and panel discussions that have reached audiences across the US, Canada, and Australia. Her tailored corporate training programs focusing on the five mindsets required for success, diversity, equity, and inclusion have become vital resources for many companies. Her powerful presentation on the importance of mindset for survival, given at Michigan State University in March 2023, was a testament to her expertise in the field. 

Despite her demanding schedule, Campbell finds time to assist her son with his candle business, Calm & Cure Candle Co., exemplifying her commitment to fostering entrepreneurial values. Her dedication to her work and to helping others was recognized in 2022 when she received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. 

The Mental Motivator represents Campbell’s enduring commitment to empowering women. Her approach combines personal experiences with professional insight, creating a uniquely effective guide for personal and professional development. As she continues to expand her global influence, she remains steadfast in her mission: to inspire a mindset shift that can truly lead to taking over in life and business. 

Stay connected with Nakia Campbell, The Mental Motivator, on her journey of empowerment and inspiration through Instagram (@the.mental.motivator) and her website (thementalmotivator.com). Her dedication to leading a mindset revolution remains unwavering, changing lives by changing minds. 

The Connection between A1C and Diabetes Complications: What You Need to Know?

Leah Cooper Leah Cooper on May 25, 2023

A1C tests your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. If the levels are too high, it can lead to severe diabetes complications. Your healthcare team will use this number to help you plan your treatment, set goals, and monitor your progress.

Keeping your blood sugar in a healthy range reduces your chances of developing diabetes-related complications, such as heart disease, blindness, and kidney disease.

The blood vessels in your body can be damaged by high glucose levels over a long time. This can make them not work well and cause problems with the nerves that send signals to and from parts of your body.

Your doctor will prescribe medicines that you regularly take to keep your A1C in a normal range. By following a proper diet, exercise, and treatment plan, you can keep your A1C under control and prevent diabetes complications. 

To learn more about the connection between A1C and diabetes complications, continue reading. 

What Are Diabetes Complications?

Diabetes is a lifelong condition, and people can develop many health problems from it as a result of uncontrolled blood glucose levels. These complications can be serious and even deadly. But with proper diabetes treatments, most people can live long and healthy life.

Keeping blood glucose (sugar) levels in check and taking medicine to treat complications are the best ways to prevent or delay them. Managing your diabetes well can help you feel more in control of your health.

A few of the main diabetes complications include eye problems, kidney disease, nerve damage, and depression. Everyone with diabetes should get a series of tests and checks each year to monitor their health and look out for complications early on.

High blood sugar can also damage your eyes, causing retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. Regular eye exams can catch these conditions at an early stage when they’re easiest to manage.

The Connection between A1C and Diabetes Complications

An A1C level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes, and if the level goes beyond 7%, it increases your risk for serious long-term complications, such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney damage. If you have diabetes, it is important to manage your blood sugar as well as possible to lower your A1C and improve your health.

An A1C test measures your average blood sugar over the last 3 months. It is used to check for diabetes and prediabetes, but it can also be used to monitor a patient’s overall glycemic control.

This test gives a complete picture of your blood sugar level. Doctors use this test to prepare a diabetes treatment plan. You need to get this test done twice or four times a year, depending on your blood sugar control. If the test results are constantly high, it means your glycemic control is poor. This increases your risk of developing diabetes complications. 

Keeping a blood sugar log and learning how certain foods can affect your blood sugar level can help you keep your A1C in the normal range. It is also a good idea to ask your doctor about ways you can reduce your risk for diabetes complications, including weight control, exercise, and taking prescribed medication.

Most Common Diabetes Complications

Diabetes complications are health problems that can happen if your diabetes isn’t controlled. They can affect your eyes, kidneys, and blood vessels, as well as your heart and brain. Your doctor can help you prevent or control these complications by putting together a plan that includes your diet, exercise, and medications. 

Cardiovascular Complications

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a number of problems that can affect your heart, blood vessels, and other parts of your body. They can include coronary artery disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and heart failure. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing CVD than those without the disease. The risk increases even more if you have both diabetes and high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels. 

Eye Complications

If you have diabetes, you are at a greater risk of developing eye complications. These include diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. These conditions can lead to vision loss, even blindness. However, the best way to prevent or control these complications is to manage your diabetes. That means keeping your blood glucose level in a healthy range, taking medication to help control it, and getting regular eye exams.

Kidney Complications

Kidney damage is common in people with diabetes, and it can lead to a life-threatening condition that requires treatment. Getting diabetes under control can help to delay or prevent this disease. Having healthy blood glucose levels and controlling high blood pressure is critical to preventing kidney damage. Diabetic nephropathy is the most common kidney complication that also occurs in people with diabetes. 

Neurological Complications

The long-term high blood sugar levels that diabetes causes can damage the nerves throughout the body. This can cause many different health problems, including pain, numbness, and loss of sensation. The good news is that getting your blood glucose levels as close to your goal as possible can also help prevent these problems from occurring. That’s why the American Diabetes Association recommends having glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test at least twice a year.

Dental Problems

Diabetes can cause a number of problems with your teeth and gums. It is important to manage blood sugar levels well to avoid these complications. Uncontrolled diabetes can also weaken the white blood cells that help your body fight infections, including bacterial ones in your mouth. This is why people with diabetes are also more likely to develop oral health issues.

How to Prevent or Control Diabetes Complications?

Diabetes is a serious disease that can cause health complications if left untreated. These include heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness. Fortunately, most of these complications can also be prevented or controlled. Here are some tips you can follow to prevent diabetes complications. 

  • Daily Physical Activity
  • Weight Control
  • Self-Blood Glucose Monitoring
  • Daily Blood Glucose Control
  • A1C Control
  • Taking Prescribed Medication
  • Regular Heart, Kidney, Eyes, Nerves, And Dental Checkups

Conclusion

Your A1C level is a crucial marker of how well your diabetes treatment plan is working. It measures how much of the sugar that’s in your blood has attached to the hemoglobin protein that carries oxygen throughout your body. A1C levels can be high, but they can also drop if your diet and exercise program are working properly. Ideally, your A1C should also be below 7% to keep your risk of complications low. Be sure to check your A1C at least twice a year and take the necessary steps to improve your A1C level. Moreover, a lower A1C level will help you prevent or control diabetes-related complications like nerve damage, eye problems, and heart disease.

Avoid Dating Horror Stories with Midwest Matchmaking

Edward Anderson Edward Anderson on May 23, 2023

All anyone wants is to find love — they want to be loved and love another. As Nat King Cole famously said, “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.”  

In today’s fast-paced digital age, mobile apps and online platforms have become the norm in the dating scene, but they all too often lead to countless swipes and disappointing encounters. The endless ghosting, mismatched expectations, and awkward encounters can leave anyone feeling frustrated and disillusioned, wondering how it could be so difficult to find love when there are more options and different ways to date available. 

The answer is easy — when it comes to modern dating in the digital era, there is no personalization. Even though the world is smaller thanks to social media and dating apps, people are not actually getting to know one another. 

It’s for this reason and others that Courtney Quinlan, owner of Midwest Matchmaking says, “We screen everyone before we suggest a match. We make sure they’re real people looking for the same thing you are: love.”

Personalized service catered to your needs

When it comes down to today’s wide array of dating apps and websites, many have filters that users can select to help narrow down their list of potential matches. However, these don’t always work as intended, leaving people with either too many options that aren’t relevant to their interests or too few results, leaving them with slim pickings. Using a service like Midwest Matchmaking will help personalize results from all available candidates. 

“We get to know you on a deeper level,” Quinlan remarks, “and we offer suggestions based on you and your preferences. We screen all of our candidates before matching them with anyone to ensure they’re real people that are genuinely searching for love and commitment.” 

Midwest Matchmaking provides an extensive screening process that filters out incompatible individuals, saving you time and energy. Each potential match is carefully evaluated, ensuring they meet the criteria and standards of that particular matchmaking service. By focusing on quality matches, the firm increases the likelihood of creating lasting and meaningful connections.

Expert guidance

One of the key differences between matchmaking services and other love-finding tools such as dating apps and websites is two-fold. Not only do matchmaking services offer expert guidance, but they also often act as a kind of dating therapist. 

“Some people have so much trauma when it comes to dating and finding love,” Quinlan notes, “but we’re here to help them through that. We believe everyone has their person and we’re determined on helping them find each other.”

Online dating can be overwhelming, especially for those who enter the dating scene while still carrying all the extra baggage of any past failed dating experiences. This is why matchmakers — such as those on Quinlan’s team — genuinely want to help you and guide you in the right direction. 

At Midwest Matchmaking, they offer expert advice and insight into dating from the very beginning. From the initial consultation to post-date feedback, their expertise helps clients navigate the often complex world of dating and all the emotional ups and downs it can bring. Their hands-on approach and genuine commitment to their clients’ happiness set Midwest Matchmaking apart from other similar services. 

Confidentiality and privacy

Privacy and confidentiality are essential when it comes to matters of the heart, which is why Midwest Matchmaking prioritizes your privacy and understands the sensitive nature of matchmaking. Unlike online dating, only a select few are able to see your profile, and only with your permission. 

“All client information is treated with the utmost confidentiality, providing a safe and secure environment to explore romantic possibilities,” says Quinlan. “You can rest assured that your personal details and conversations will remain strictly private, allowing you to focus on building connections without any concerns.” 

More than just setting up dates

When dating, the pressure to have one-on-one conversations can be debilitating. This is why Midwest Matchmaking frequently hosts singles events with like-minded individuals to help ease that anxiety. 

“We offer singles events to help individuals on their single journey,” shares Quinlan, “from fun speed dating events to ‘mingle-and-greets.’ Each event is specifically tailored for those who are invited and we help them along the way so that they never feel alone.”

In addition, Midwest Matchmaking also offers dating coaching services to help guide candidates through anything that may come before, during, and after dating — be it good, bad, or just outright confusing. For example, Midwest Matchmaking offers one-on-one sessions, workshops, online courses, and an exciting option for immediate expert advice. 

If you’re tired of living through horror story after horror story in the dating world and want to take control of your love life, a service like Midwest Matchmaking is the best option for you. They can provide you with the confidence and enthusiasm to start dating again without going into every new conversation expecting to be disappointed. 

“Our team has countless years of relationship experience,” Quinlan affirms. “We have introduced thousands of people to their partners and helped them make it last.” 

In the ever-changing and often challenging world of dating, it’s crucial to find a path that leads to genuine connections and fulfilling relationships. Everyone deserves to find and be loved, and Midwest Matchmaking is the perfect fit to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. 

Meet Chicago’s CBDa Expert Inesa Ponomariovaite

Leah Cooper Leah Cooper on May 11, 2023

Photo by: Sandmood Photography

Inesa Ponomariovaite may be renowned today as the founder and CEO of Nesas Hemp, but she hasn’t always been one of the world’s leading experts on CBD and CBDa, the main phytocannabinoid in the hemp plant. Long before Ponomariovaite entered the CBD industry, she was interested in holistic healing practices, wellness, and healthy living. That’s because she herself suffered from substantial health problems.

Overcoming adversity

As the oldest of three siblings in Lithuania, Ponomariovaite was forced to grow up fast. At the age of 10, she started working outside the home. “I was working all day up to midnight in the farm picking berries, and then waking up at 5 am in the morning to sell in the farmer’s markets,” she reflects.

She had to take on even more responsibility, however, when her mother — the main provider of her family — needed to take a job far from home. At that time, the young Ponomariovaite effectively became her siblings’ guardian. “At the age of 10 I already had responsibilities to take care of my siblings and run the household,” she says. “Every summer, while other children were doing fun stuff, I had to work and help my mom to provide for my family as the oldest child.”

While Ponomariovaite greatly appreciated being able to help her mother, it was a lot of responsibility to have as a young child. She quickly learned how strong and determined she was. 

This was not the only time in Ponomariovaite’s life in which she faced challenges she had to overcome. After coming to the United States and settling in Chicago, she became a victim of domestic violence. “I have been in a relationship where my freedom was completely taken away, and I experienced physical abuse,” she remembers.

One incident even landed her in the emergency room. “During that relationship, my back was injured and I also lost my gallbladder and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and major lung infections when I couldn’t breathe, and many other life-threatening symptoms,” Ponomariovaite says.

But Ponomariovaite refused to be kept down for long. “I strongly believe that all the pain that I have experienced, it was meant to be,” she says. “It built me as a very strong, untouchable woman, and every time I experienced pain, I promised God that I would do everything it takes to make sure others don’t have to go through what I had to go through.” 

Turning to nature

While Ponomariovaite was able to secure employment and build a safe new home for herself, the illness still plagued her. “When I was extremely sick from all kinds of diseases I stayed on endless antibiotics and steroids that never led me to the final cure,” she reflects.

That’s when she began her journey into holistic healing practices. “After being miserable for so long I decided to try something different and change my diet and lifestyle and to seek out natural healing remedies,” she says. “I’ve noticed improvements, and these improvements made me so excited that I decided to go all in.”

Little by little, she was able to wean herself off of the pharmaceuticals and recover her health. This transformational time in her life is what planted the trust she has in alternative medicine and it laid the groundwork for her future in the hemp and CBD industry.

Inesa Ponomariovaite
Photo by: Sandmood Photography

A stunning discovery

“When I had finally gotten settled in my life and made my American Dream come true, I got a phone call from my mom saying that she was diagnosed with cancer,” Ponomariovaite remembers. “That was the day when I promised myself, my mom and God that I will do whatever it takes to make sure she is healthy and since I trusted nutrition and changing the lifestyle more than pharmaceutical drugs, I began researching CBD.” 

Patients with cancer and other chronic illnesses have long used CBD for pain management and anxiety relief, and scientific research has shown CBD’s promise in other ways. As one recent study states, “CBD may have the potential for the treatment of cancer, including the symptoms and signs associated with cancer and its treatment.”

“Since the CBD industry is new and not regulated but the plant itself is so promising, I decided to find the best product in the market that I could personally trust to represent or sell to other people,” Ponomariovaite explains. 

That’s when she made a stunning discovery. “After visiting different farms, working with the laboratories, testing different products across the country, and consulting with top scientists in the cannabis industry, I realized there was no product in the market that truly represented what I was looking for,” she says. “So, I was challenged to start something that I believed was missing in the market.”

Ponomariovaite became determined to help patients gain access not only to high-quality CBD but also to CBD that preserves the hemp plant’s healing powers. In other words, she sought to bring “Living CBD” or “CBDa” to market, which is exactly what Nesa’s Hemp does.

“Sadly, today the industry is choosing profits over the people, and that will never be the case with Nesas Hemp,” Ponomariovaite says.

CBDa: Active hemp for healing

Nesa’s Hemp is the first CBD product to receive an official safety seal from FDA-registered laboratories. Her tincture is also certified organic, from the soil through seed to bottle. Each and every batch is not just tested for purity and quality, but also tested to the parts per billion. The back of every bottle includes a QR code for that particular batch’s lab results.

“I created the purest, cleanest, safest and most effective organic CBDa oil for the people,” Ponomariovaite says. “Today, Nesas Hemp is on the mission not just to be recognized as the highest quality product, but we also use a portion of our funds to create a better society and stop the suffering and pain in the world. I have a deep desire to make a huge difference and have already started here locally in Chicago.”

Luvmour & Luvmour – Authors, Educators, and Human Development Consultants

Jason Robinson Jason Robinson on April 5, 2023

Human development is a critical aspect of childhood, as it lays the foundation for a child’s physical, social, and emotional growth and well-being. It is essential for children’s overall development and success in life that they receive the necessary support and guidance to thrive. Teaching children about human development can be a powerful way to support their growth and help them to understand and navigate their own development and the world around them. It is important for parents, caregivers, and educators to prioritize human development education for children, as it can have a lasting impact on their lives. There are many different ways in which human development can be taught to children, and it is important for parents, caregivers, and educators to find approaches that are appropriate for the child’s age and individual needs. Most parents are unaware of how to nurture their children in the best way possible. In order to help such parents, professional human development consultants, educators, and authors, Josette & Ba Luvmour provide their consulting and help children grow in all aspects. They are a husband-wife duo, professionally known as Luvmour & Luvmour. 

Being authors, educators, and consultants in the areas of children’s development, Josette & Ba Luvmour have left a prominent impact on the grooming of children and parents. Generally, Children development work with children on a one-on-one basis or in group settings and may be involved in early childhood education, after-school programs, or other types of children’s programs. The primary responsibility of children development consultants is to provide guidance and support to children as they grow and develop and to help them reach their full potential. This may involve working with children to set and achieve goals, providing educational and developmental activities, and addressing any challenges or concerns that may arise. Children development consultants also work closely with parents, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure that children are receiving the support and guidance they need to thrive.

The American couple, Luvmour & Luvmour, work as teachers, authors, human development consultants, and public speakers. They are experts in human development and Natural Learning Relationships, as well as relationship-based education and adult transformational learning. They met each other in 1979, and since then, the couple has dedicated their time to researching and investigating consciousness. They developed a child development theory called Natural Learning Relationships and have been implementing it with children, families, and educators through programs and schools since the 1980s.

The wife, Josette Luvmour, attended the University of Hawaii from 1980 to 1982 and earned her undergraduate degree in Comparative Religion and Eastern Philosophies. She later received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Thomas Edison State College in 2003. Then she went on to earn her Master of Arts in Human Development from Fielding Graduate University in 2006. Josette completed her Ph.D. in Human Development at Fielding Graduate University in 2009.

However, the husband, Ba Luvmour, went to Temple University to complete his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and he earned his degree in 1968. In 1984, he completed his Master of Arts in Psychology from Sonoma State University in California.

The couple has authored multiple books to educate readers, parents, and educators about the practical implementation of the Natural Learning Program (NLR). The books they authored together are The books include Everyone Wins! Cooperative games and activities – 3rd ed. (2019), Relationship Based Education: Relationships and partnerships in educational environments – Vol. 6 (2019), Brain Development and The Natural Learning Relationships of children – Vol. 5 (2018), A Compendium of writings: The work and ideas of Luvmour & Luvmour 2010 – 2016 – Vol. 4 (2018), Freedom in Education: Talks at the Brockwood Park Krishnamurti School 30th Anniversary – Vol. 3 (2018), Effective Boundaries with children: Creating and maintaining healthy boundaries with all age children – Vol. 2 (2018), Natural Learning Relationships: An introduction to whole-child development – Vol. 1, Win-Win games for all ages: Cooperative activities for building social skills (2002), Tiger by the Tail: Essays on the inherent spirituality of Natural Learning Rhythms (1998), Natural Learning Rhythms: How and when children learn (1993), Everyone Wins! Cooperative games and activities. Philadelphia (1990), and Towards Peace: Cooperative Games & Activities (1989).

7 Simple Daily Habits for Boosting Your Personal Well-Being and Achieving Greater Happiness

Edward Anderson Edward Anderson on March 15, 2023

Everyone wants to feel happier in their daily life. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of life and forget what is truly important. Taking time daily to curate healthy habits to boost your well-being is critical to find the happiest version of yourself. 

First, you have to identify where in your life you feel unbalanced. There are seven core elements to personal well-being, including mental, physical, financial, social, spiritual, environmental, and vocational.

These seven core elements of well-being overlap: your job may affect your mental health, your environment could influence your physical health, and so on. 

Small activities like spending time with family and friends will enhance your social life. Regular exercise can help improve your physical well-being, dressing to impress can help you perform better at work, and investing in therapy can improve your mental health. 

You don’t want to bite off more than you can chew. Building new habits take time; take it slow. There is no need to rush. Take the pressure off yourself and work towards adding one new habit to your daily routine until it becomes second nature. Then, once you feel that habit ingrained in you, begin to build in another. 

If you aren’t sure where to start, here are seven simple daily habits that can help boost your personal well-being and help you achieve greater happiness. 

1. Get Fit and Learn To Defend Yourself by Practicing Mixed Martial Arts or Getting TickPick Tickets

There’s a reason daily exercise can help boost your mood and help you feel you can conquer the world. When we get our bodies moving, our brains release endorphins—hormones that help relieve stress and pain in the body and improve your overall sense of well-being.

Actions to boost your endorphins could be as simple as going for a walk or getting up from your desk, putting on your favorite song, and dancing around your house for a few minutes. Still, you’ll want to find a more challenging exercise routine if you want to build confidence and strength. 

Why not give mixed martial arts a try? Not only will you get your body moving, but you’ll learn to defend yourself, increase your balance, tone your body, and feel more confident. 

If you’re curious about MMA, treat yourself to a pair of UFC tickets from TickPick and see a fight live with a friend—it’ll get you amped to try your local MMA gym. 

2. Prioritize Your Mental Health by Working With a Licensed Therapist 

Prioritizing movement can help release those happy hormones that help regulate your mood and reduce anxiety. Still, sometimes exercise alone is not enough to make the negative thoughts go away. 

If you’ve been feeling down, know that you are not alone. Many people experience anxiety and depression—and talk therapy may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression and help you lead a more balanced and happier life. 

Sitting down and talking with a licensed therapist, in person or online, gives you a safe place to discuss what may be causing you to feel anxious or depressed. Whether you’re healing from the loss of a loved one, overwhelmed with work or school, or just having trouble engaging in activities you used to enjoy, your therapist can help you identify the problem and develop coping mechanisms.

3. Balance Your Gut Health With Probiotics and Help From Ritual

Daily Habits

(Ritual)

If you’ve ever eaten a delicious meal, you know that your gut can have a direct relation to your sense of overall well-being. Still, more is happening in your gut than you could ever imagine! Your gut is home to over a trillion microbial cells, including good and bad bacteria. 

Everyone’s gut microbiomes will vary based on diet, lifestyle, stress, travel, medications, and so much more. Even if you do your best to eat healthy and exercise, your gut may be imbalanced, which could cause digestion troubles, mood swings, skin issues, and an inefficient immune system. 

Taking a daily probiotic will help balance your gut by supplementing your body with the good bacteria it needs to thrive. Know that it will take your body some time to acclimate to the new bacteria you’re introducing into your gut. You may have some slight discomfort like bloating, gas, or loud tummy rumbles, although some people notice no changes at all. 

You may also notice that you have clearer skin, more regular bowel movements, and are sick less frequently. If you don’t notice any discomfort, you may be worried your probiotic isn’t working. 

As Ritual notes, signs probiotics are working start inside your body—which is why it’s essential to choose a quality probiotic that has been tested in clinical studies to prove the fragile bacteria will still be viable once they reach your gut. 

3. Find the Care You Need for More Serious Ailments at Home With Transfer Master

Daily Habits

(Transfer Master)

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have good health. If you experience a lack of mobility, simple actions like getting in and out of bed can be challenging. Meanwhile, if you are caring for a terminally ill family member, you’ll want to ensure that the person you care for is as comfortable as possible in their final days. 

Investing in a home hospital bed like the ones at Transfer Master can provide much-needed assistance in getting in and out of bed once mobility is limited. Even if your condition isn’t terminal, a home hospital bed can give those with disabilities the free quickly and easily get in and out of bed without assistance. 

If you are a caretaker of an ill or elderly loved one, a hospital bed can reduce the burden of lifting the person to take them to and from the bathroom, get them dressed, and allow them to retain some of their independence. 

With a comfortable and adjustable bed, they’ll be able to prop themselves up to watch tv without calling for help. This will allow them to feel more like themselves, even when they aren’t feeling their best. 

4. Treat Yourself To Stylish Johnny Was Clothing To Feel Free and Authentic

Sometimes, you have to look good to feel good. Instead of just throwing on clothes in the morning before heading out the door to work, be mindful of the outfit you choose and what it says to the world. When you put effort into your appearance, people notice, which can boost your self-confidence.

Fashion is one of the ultimate means of self-expression. There is a reason people refer to a shopping spree as retail therapy: When you treat yourself to new clothing, you are telling yourself you are worth investing in. 

When you get dressed in the morning, do you look in the mirror and see the best version of yourself reflected? Do the clothes you currently have in your closet reflect this new happy and healthy version of you? If your answer is no, it’s time for a closet refresh. 

Indulge your free spirit with comfortable flowy boho clothing from Johnny Was. Bright colors and rich fabrics flatter all body types, and the unique prints and patterns allow you to find what best fits your personal style. 

5. Enhance Your Appearance and Feel Good From the Outside In With Lashify

Daily Habits

(Lashify)

Go beyond your wardrobe and enhance your appearance so that you love the person you see in the mirror. Indulge in a five-step skincare routine every night, invest in quality makeup that gives you a luminous glow, and put on some red lipstick to boost your confidence for that big meeting. 

It may seem superficial at first, but there is nothing wrong with doing things that help you to feel beautiful. A 2011 study in the UK and Germany found that personal beauty helped both men and women feel happier in their daily lives. When you feel beautiful, you have more confidence, allowing you to go for your goals with gumption. 

People also perceive you differently when you make an effort to your physical appearance. Many female servers and bartenders find that they make more in tips on nights they wear makeup than when they don’t. By presenting the best version of yourself, you put your best foot forward every day. 

Sometimes, taking the time to do a full face of makeup every morning can feel exhausting. Using an at-home Lashify eyelash extension kit can enhance your eyes for up to ten days at a time with minimal effort on your part. 

Lengthened eyelashes draw focus to your eyes and help you look more alert and awake. Now, you can get the look without spending time curling your eyelashes and applying multiple coats of mascara. Just get up—and go. 

6. Be the GOAT of Your Own Life and Learn From Rock The Bells

Daily Habits

(Rock the Bells)

One of the most important steps you can take to achieve overall happiness is to shift your perspective of how you see yourself. Everyone has bad days, days we feel less than enough. Even on the hard days, find a way to remind yourself that you are the GOAT in your life!

To be GOAT doesn’t mean you live like a farm animal eating grass—that’s a different kind of goat. According to Rock The Bells, the GOAT meaning originates from hip-hop culture and stands for “Greatest of All Time.” More specifically, it comes from L.L. Cool Jay’s 2000 album, G.O.A.T., but the phrase wasn’t officially added to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary until 2018. 

Think of how hip-hop artists present themselves to the world: They are in charge. They are confident in their abilities. Their personal style reflects that they see themselves as the coolest and the best in the room. 

They may not always feel this way, but they allow this persona to be what they present to those around them. 

When you act more confident, you appear more confident. No one knows what they are doing 100% of the time. Sometimes, you have to fake it until you make it. 

Look in the mirror and tell yourself you are the GOAT every morning before you head into the office. Chances are that affirmation will slowly become true, and eventually, you’ll see yourself as the best version of yourself every time you look in the mirror. 

Conclusion 

While these steps toward personal well-being may seem pretty different, each one helps you put your best foot forward. Something as simple as treating yourself to a fun and free boho chic outfit could do so much to help you feel like the GOAT you are striving to be! Popping on a set of at-home eyelash extensions could give you the confidence to attack your day as your best self. 

When we look and feel our best by exercising, taking care of our mental health, healing our gut biome with probiotics, and dressing to impress, we can improve all seven core elements of our well-being. It’s more than just a new outfit; it’s the outfit you wore to the job interview that helped you look and feel your best. Just like that, you improved your financial, vocational, environmental, and emotional well-being. 

How? You changed the environment you work in every day. You’re making more money. Now, you have less stress and go to work confidently, feeling your best in a job you enjoy. You’re living like the GOAT you were meant to be. 

Take the chance. Make one little change this week and start building a new habit. It may affect even more elements of your life than you realize. 

The Benefits Of Using CBD Oil For Managing Symptoms Of Addiction And Withdrawal

Claire Peterson Claire Peterson on February 27, 2023

Cannabidiol, sometimes known as CBD, is one of over 100 cannabinoids. CBD, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other well-known compounds contained in the plant, is not psychoactive and does not lead to the “high” often associated with marijuana usage. CBD oil Calgary produces has risen in popularity due to promising research into its use in treating a range of medical issues, including dependency and withdrawal.

Addiction is a disorder that has a long-term impact on a person’s brain’s reward system, causing them to repeatedly use drugs or alcohol despite the negative effects it has on their lives. Stopping the use of an addictive substance causes physical symptoms known as withdrawal as the body adjusts to life without the drug. Anxiety, nausea, perspiration, sleeplessness, and irritability are typical withdrawal symptoms.

Due to its effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), CBD oil has been proposed as a means of easing the symptoms of addiction and withdrawal. The ECS controls several physiological processes, such as emotions, hunger, and sleep. It’s also involved in the brain’s reward system, which drugs like heroin and cocaine mess with.

Reduced anxiety is one of the ways CBD may aid with addiction and withdrawal management. Withdrawal anxiety is frequent, and it may serve as a gateway to relapse if not treated. Animal studies have revealed that CBD has anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, and there is some evidence to indicate that it may have the same benefits in humans. In 2019, researchers conducted a study in the Journal of Clinical Psychology that indicated CBD dramatically decreased anxiety and cravings in people with a history of heroin use.

A recent study suggests that cannabidiol oil (CBD) may help reduce drug-seeking behavior and cravings in those who struggle with addiction. CBD suppressed cocaine self-administration in rats, according to research published in the Journal of Neuroscience in 2018. The results of this research revealed that cannabidiol (CBD) might mitigate the pleasurable effects of drugs and aid in recovery from addiction.

Improving sleep quality may be another useful effect of CBD oil in treating addiction and withdrawal. Lack of sleep is a typical side effect of withdrawal that has been linked to feelings of anxiety and irritability. Animal studies have linked CBD to sedative effects, and preliminary human research suggests it may help those who have trouble sleeping. CBD helped people with post-traumatic stress disorder have better sleep and feel less anxious, according to research published in The Permanente Journal in 2019. (PTSD).

Also, there have been very few reports of adverse effects while using CBD oil. CBD is non-psychoactive, therefore it may be used to treat addiction and withdrawal without risk. Nevertheless, before taking CBD oil for addiction or withdrawal treatment, it is vital to speak with a healthcare expert since CBD may interact with other drugs.

While cannabidiol (CBD) oil has shown positive results in the management of addiction and withdrawal symptoms, it should not be used in lieu of proven therapies like medication-assisted therapy or behavioral therapy. Using these methods has been demonstrated to be beneficial in controlling addiction and enhancing long-term effects. On the other hand, CBD oil might be utilized in conjunction with other treatments to alleviate distress and boost health.

In conclusion, CBD oil’s actions on the ECS in the body may make it useful for the management of addiction and withdrawal symptoms. CBD is safe and well-tolerated, with potential benefits including the reduction of anxiety, management of cravings and drug-seeking behavior, and enhancement of sleep quality. CBD oil has shown promise in the management of addiction and withdrawal symptoms, but it should not be used in lieu of evidence-based therapies and people should talk to their doctors before using it. CBD oil may be useful for reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms, but further study is required to see just how effective it will be.

 

Laura Formentini’s Book and a Testimony to The Power of Journaling

Leah Cooper Leah Cooper on February 3, 2023

Why do we suffer? 

This is a controversial question that has many explanations going about it. You often find yourself on the brink of giving up going through grief. Questions loom over your head. Caught in the existence paradox, you seek meaning in your wounds. Your tears salt the gashes that are left from the aftermath. You are left with more questions than answers. Why did they leave you? Why didn’t you say what you truly felt before it was too late? If God is good, why are you suffering? 

Laura Formentini is someone who has gone through heartache with the passing of her son, Blaise. It is unimaginable, the suffering of losing a child. 

But how did she deal with grief? And was she able to derive meaning from it? 

The answer isn’t in the destination. It’s rather in the journey that leads to it—the moments of sadness, nostalgia, and emptiness. 

What you do with those feelings is the decisive factor that leads you to a place of peace, of catharsis.

Laura emphasizes the power of journaling to her readers. 

The Power Of Journaling

When you feel alone, you can often find a companion in yourself in times of need. Journalling can help you have the right conversations with yourself as your grief develops. Often you find yourself resenting words of comfort from people. It is because sometimes, the heart wants to listen to itself and come to terms with the void left inside it. 

Make a habit of journaling the next time you have negative thoughts and when you find the time or are ready, revisit them to see how far you have come. 

Contrary to popular belief, journalling isn’t just an amalgamation of your experiences. Your journal doesn’t necessarily need to be filled with how your day went or a conversation at all. The spirit finds its ways to vent; according to the situation, the medium of expression can vary. 

Laura Formentini chose poetry as her raw expression to let her emotional state flow through strokes of pen, etching beautiful fables and nuances that were cathartic to her and her readers. The rawness in her words is a testimony to what she was going through at the time. 

She kept a journal every day to let go of any tension inside her. Her poems are a depiction of how her overwhelming pain progressed down to her eventual acceptance and healing. 

The journey finally leads to a realization, a resolution. 

The Resolution

That’s the thing about storms; they pass like everything else fleeting in life. What’s left are memories like little balls of energy powering your nostalgia. The resolution slowly sinks into the quiet. After you’ve found your peace, you have a story. A tale of triumph from grief, something that most people can’t seem to get out of. 

You can either do two things with this story untold. Either you can let it be a book on your shelf, one you can dust off once in a while and keep to yourself. Or you can pass it on. Pass on the torch to light up the world of many others going through what you did.

It’s the legacy we leave on this earth that you are known for at the end of the day. Something you contribute to others. It may be your ability to touch lives with merely your smile, telling your peers to “rock on,” something Blaise does effortlessly. 

Formentini took her documented journey through fables and prose and chose to encourage other people who are seeking shelter and solace under a tree. She gives her readers a ray of hope, like a warm beam of sunlight nourishing and nurturing the plant that will one day turn into an olive tree, a symbol of hope for whoever seeks it. 

And the chain continues, one act of kindness rubs off another, and before you know it, the world starts to heal. It starts to transform with the metamorphosis of life. 

This is why we’re here. This is why we strive. We’re here for good. Laura Formentini has set the benchmark for all those authors seeking resonance with their work. It will help them persevere and believe in their journey rather than the destination itself. Healing can only stem out of your pain. 

Take the first step by picking up Twentyone Olive Trees. A work of art that gives you an escape, a safe space to vent your frustrations and sadness. 

Carry the torch forward and continue a movement where people realize that death isn’t the end but a door to transformation.

The Advantages of Using Nicotine Pouches Over Cigarettes

Claire Peterson Claire Peterson on December 15, 2022

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), tobacco use remains the leading cause of disease and death in the United States, with more than 480,000 recorded deaths yearly. One of every three cancer deaths in the country is due to smoking. Meanwhile, one in every four deaths from cardiovascular diseases is also a result of cigarette smoking. The agency further explained that smoking increases the risk for stroke and can cause type 2 diabetes, which more than 34 million American adults suffer from.

Today, tobacco cessation treatments are administered to individuals who want to reduce their dependence on smoking and tobacco use by providing nicotine alternatives. They are commercially available in the form of gums, transdermal patches, lozenges, and pouches, which are all effective in increasing the chance of smokers quitting successfully. Healthcare providers claim that products like nicotine pouches are effective since they increase cessation rates by 50% to 70%. Because they are acknowledged by health professionals, nicotine pouches are starting to become popular among smokers who want to stop smoking.

Here are some of the reasons why nicotine pouches are better for you than smoking regular cigarettes:

They Are Non-Combustible


The USFDA revealed that smoking cigarettes are responsible for the majority of all tobacco-related diseases and deaths in the US because it exposes individuals to over 7,000 chemicals, which include tobacco-specific nitrosamines, arsenic, and benzene, among others. Moreover, they found that combustible products that burn tobacco, like cigarettes, are the most harmful to a user’s health. Huge cigarette companies like Philip Morris USA are planning to focus their operations on making non-combustible products in order to make significant progress in reducing the harm associated with smoking by 2030. While they haven’t identified the specific products they’re developing, nicotine pouches may be on their cards. Unlike cigarettes, nicotine pouches are taken orally without burning any of their content.

They Are Tobacco-Free


A study on tobacco harm reduction tools by Patwardhan and Fagerström discussed that even unburned tobacco or cigarettes contain about 16 carcinogens. Therefore, consuming tobacco, even in smokeless forms such as gutkha, zarda, and naswar is not considered safe. This makes nicotine pouches preferable over most traditional tobacco products since they don’t contain any tobacco chemicals. The best nicotine pouches by renowned manufacturers like On!, ZYN, and Velo, are all 100% tobacco-free. Aside from nicotine, they only contain plant fibers, food-grade fillers, and flavoring agents. Nicotine pouches are also useful in reducing nicotine dependence since they are available in varying nicotine strengths or flavors.

They Are Smoke-Free


Patwardhan and Fagerström claimed that there are about 60 carcinogenic chemicals present in tobacco products once they are smoked, and even e-cigarette smoke brings possible health risks. Our previous article on secondhand e-cigarette smoking discussed that e-cigarette use is associated with respiratory conditions and cardiovascular disease since studies showed that e-liquids of vape products contain heavy metals. Since nicotine pouches are non-combustible, they are also completely smoke-free. It ensures that you keep yourself and those around you safe from the secondhand smoke caused by tobacco products or e-cigarettes. This is important since USFDA reported that secondhand smoking causes more than 40,00 deaths a year.

As the awareness about pouches grows, the hope is that more people opt out of cigarettes. A push for nicotine pouches could be a monumental step in helping improve the health and quality of life for cigarette smokers.

LaDeidra Stokes-Roberts Raises Strong Kids and Families With Mental Health and Education-Focused Coaching Techniques

Edward Anderson Edward Anderson on December 6, 2022

Entrepreneur, mental health counselor, and kid’s life coach LaDeidra Stokes-Roberts, a visionary in her own right, is taking significant strides in providing innovative and holistic mental health, educational, and life coaching services with her programs, enriching the lives of children and families across the country with RBS Counseling & Educational Services. 

Championing the need to build engaging and fun activities for children and their families and highlighting the importance of mental health in raising a new generation of individuals, LaDeidra created her programs to fill an apparent lack in her community and give back using her skills and expertise. Among her programs are back-to-school care events, mental health and wellness forums, self-workshops, educational workshops, addressing a broad audience through radio and podcast interviews to amplify mental health advocacy, and many other activities. A part of her efforts is also providing RBS fidget boxes and bags meant to increase productivity and improve the ability to fight distractions among children who struggle with focusing, anxiety, stress, frustration, excitement, restlessness, and impatience. 

RBS Counseling & Educational Services has been instrumental in improving the rate of success among children through educational and life coaching, training, and workshops. LaDeidra has made it her mission to equip the next generation of leaders to become innovative thinkers and independent minds unafraid of challenging the status quo. 

LaDeidra’s impact on her clients is incredibly evident, and some of them now consider her not only as a coach and mentor but as a part of their family, as she had such a massive impact on children.

“Since the pandemic, we have been accepting adults and couples for services. One of the unique attributes of the program is being able to utilize the child’s interests and strengths to enhance the session,” said LaDeidra. “There are a lot of hands-on activities and fun activities completed during each session that connects education and life coaching. The program provides education, life coaching, and trauma-informed care training to educators and human service providers,” she added. 

The RBS Counseling & Educational Services programs are also available in face-to-face, mobile, virtual, and group sessions to provide people with the medium they are most comfortable with. In addition, her innovation is recognized for utilizing the children’s interests and strengths to dictate the flow of the session instead of creating a one-size-fits-all approach for all of them. 

“I wanted to turn my passion, talents, and interests into a business venture to serve others,” LaDeidra said, sharing what drove her to tailor programs that now change countless lives for the better. “I decided to build my own brand when my mother passed away in February 2016. She enjoyed helping others in her community, so I wanted to continue her legacy of helping others,” she explained further.

Seeing her late mother inspire others, even strangers she barely knew, fueled her passion for empowering people too. She wants her story to inspire others and understand that they, too, can turn their passion, talents, and interests into something bigger capable of changing not only their own lives but the lives of many people.