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I love storytelling and always want my readers to have options. You can find my blogs on my YouTube channel and listen to them on the go.

Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein

The Best Time Of Day To Exercise...Mornings Or Evening?

When it comes to exercise, my philosophy is to do it early to get it out of the way. But is there a best time to exercise to maximize caloric burn? There are many thoughts on when one should exercise, so let's break down the pros and cons of the morning workout versus the evening workout.

Morning Workout

activity-adults-athletes-1855269.jpg

The primary benefit of working out in the morning, is not having the whole day to derail your exercise plans. Those who work out in the morning tend to be more consistent, and find they have more energy throughout the day.

Morning workouts are usually more intense, and energetic since you are fresh, and not sluggish from a long day.

The morning workout also tends to encourage healthier eating habits. After a morning workout, people tend to eat less and make healthier food choices throughout the day, as to not ruin their perceived progress. The morning workout will also leave you feeling less stressed, and more relaxed for the day.

Morning Workout Benefits

  • More Consistent

  • More Energetic

  • Encourages Healthy Eating

  • Likely To Eat Less

  • More Relaxed/Less Stressed

  • Better Sleep

Afternoon/Evening Workout

The primary benefit of afternoon or evening workouts is that if you are a night owl, or not a morning person, this is the time that works for you and your body. Morning workouts are not for everyone. You are not going to have a good workout if you are sluggish, or half asleep.

Another benefit is that your body and muscles are warmed up from moving all day. Also surprisingly your blood pressure and heart rate are lower in the afternoon, while strength and endurance are high.

The big benefit for later workouts is that it is easier to find a workout buddy for afternoon, and evening workouts. People who have workout partners tend to stay more motivated and committed, than those who do not have a partner.

Evening Benefits

  • Motivation

  • Workout Partner

  • Body Warmed Up

  • Low Blood Pressure/Low Heart Rate

  • High Strength and Endurance

If you are a morning person, and can get up every morning at 5 or 6am to hit the gym or go for a walk or run then you should do that. If you have no time in morning, but love your evening walks, then that is the plan.

There is no scientific evidence that proves that a morning or evening workout will give you a more caloric burn advantage. However, a morning workout is said to jump start your metabolism. The most important thing is to exercise , and be as healthy as you can. 

When do you exercise? Are you are an early bird or a night owl?

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Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein

My Scent Addiction...The 5 Bath&Body Works Scents I Am Obsessed With!

At the Beach

I don't know if there has been some type of physiological or hormonal shift in me, but lately I am all about wonderful scents all of the time. Fortunately Bath and Body Works is feeding my addiction. I get my fix in the form of lotions, candles, body washes, and plug ins.

I have no affiliation with B&B, but I love all of their products for the most part. I have some new favorites, and they have brought back some of their retired scents to love as well. There is Juniper Breeze, Cucumber Melon, and White Tea and Ginger, and my all time favorite Freesia, just to name a few of the oldies that are back.

As we head into Spring, some wonderful new scents will emerge. Now, I am a girl who is all about a clean, fresh smell. I love it on a man, and I love it in a candle. No food like smelling candles for me, like pumpkin or marshmallows. Yuck!

My 5 Favorite Scents

  • Focus - Blends of eucalyptus essential oils, and tea extract
  • Bergamot Waters - The scent blends of bergamot, pristine blue waters, and sugared citrus
  • At The Beach - Blends of frangipani, toasted coconut, and bergamot water
  • Rose Water and Ivy - The scent of soft rose petals, rain-kissed ivy, and spring musk
  • White Tea and Sage - Blends of tea, lemon, and herbs
Bergamot

Bergamot

Last year I fell in love with the scents Sweater Weather (which is seasonal), Bergamot, and Bergamot Waters. The Sweater Weather scent consists of fresh sage, juniper, eucalyptus, aromatics, and fresh woods. Sweater Weather is my favorite candle to burn. I stock up on these in fall. I am also a big fan of Bergamot. Bergamot is a french citrus that smells wonderful. Add to that sandalwood, and a blue water like clean scent, and it is heavenly.

For my body I am loving "at the Beach".  I like the body cream and bath soak. It has quite the coconut influence, with some bergamot water added. Is there any wonder I love it? So now you know all about my scent addiction. I am always fully stocked with enough products for myself, and extra for my gift closet for last minute presents. There is always someone's birthday, or teacher appreciation week, and having extra B&B on hand will save the day. And if you are a close female friend or relative in my life, you are likely to receive some  Bath & Body Works products as stocking stuffers for sure. 

So what scent are you addicted to? I bet you have one. Maybe it's the smell of fresh baked cookies, or the way your love or crush smells. We all experience it at one time or another. That smell that invokes memories and feelings. Think about the smell that makes you smile. 

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Psych and Health, Love and Relationships Charlene Eckstein Psych and Health, Love and Relationships Charlene Eckstein

He's Not A Good Guy...10 Signs Of A No Good Man

There are many good men in this world, just perhaps not enough to go around. I have been fortunate these past 20 years to see an example of a really good man. I have honed my skills, and can recognize the no good man much more quickly nowadays, but that wasn’t always the case for me.

In my early twenties I fell hard for a no good man. Today I look back on that relationship, and smile because I learned so much from it. I would describe him as a very handsome con artist.

I overlooked red flags far too long, and doubted my inner voice. He was a cheater and a liar, and I was young and naive.

One day I woke up, and it was like a spell had been broken. I saw him for who he really was, and finally was strong enough to be free of him. Fortunately, I was not foolish, or desperate enough to marry him, or have children with him. But we were engaged for a period of time.

That relationship in my early twenties changed me, and I said never again. I learned my lesson, became more guarded, and demanded a certain level of treatment from future partners. I share my PG stories with young women in my life, in hopes of saving them "some" heartache.

Heartbreak is inevitable, but there are some ways to avoid the no good man and not get conned.

Here Are The 10 Signs I Say To Look For In A No Good Man...

Featured Video

Your Friends and Family Do Not Like Him

Love makes us blind and we tend to overlook, make excuses for, and block out all of our loves’ faults. This one is a huge red flag. If your family and friends do not like your guy, it is because they are seeing the real him that you are choosing not to see. They love you, and want the best for you, and chances are, he is not it.

Liar.jpg

You catch him in lies, or his stories are inconsistent. He is not a trust worthy individual, and you find yourself questioning everything with him. You cannot trust a liar, and if you cannot trust your man, you cannot have a healthy, happy relationship.

Controlling

A man who tries to control you does not respect you, but wants to own you. He tells you who to be friends with, how to act, and even what to say. Controlling men are very insecure.

Rumors Follow Him

A man who constantly has negative “press” is a man who is likely up to no good. There is some truth to what has been said about him. Do not believe his bogus reasons as to why there is always something bad being said about him.

Question why his reputation is so poor that people so readily believe the worst of him. Trust me, it is not because people are jealous of him or your coupledom.

Something Seems Off

He seems wonderful, nearly perfect for you, but if something feels off about him then there probably is. Trust your gut instinct, which is picking up on some behaviors you are ignoring on a conscious level..

Doesn't Keep His Word

A man with empty promises, or no follow through is no good. He is all talk and frequently lets you down. He has big plans, and big dreams, but no effort to actually do anything.

Unreliable

He doesn’t show up when he says he will, or is not available or there when you need him. He is frequently late, shows signs of laziness, and is never willing to inconvenience himself.

No Friends

Be very wary of a man who cannot make, or keep friends. This guy will be very clingy, and try to keep you all to himself. If he doesn’t have friends, it is because he runs people off with his behavior and attitude. Other men find him unlikeable, although he will try to say it is because they are “jealous”.

He Values Things Over People

This is a man whose value system is really screwed up. He puts importance on labels, expensive things, and he is a braggart. A man who brags about things shows his immaturity, and a lack of social awareness. He might as well be wearing a sign that says ”douchebag” on it.

He Makes You Feel Bad About Yourself

If he makes you feel bad about your clothes, your looks, your intelligence, or your cooking, he is no good. He should lift you up, not bring you down. He plays games, and loves to emotionally manipulate you into doing what he wants.

This list is not all inclusive, and the no good man does not need meet all of these signs. Ultimately, we all have to decide if he is "no good". I think it goes without saying that a man who is physically aggressive, or violent towards you is no good. Violence aside, it is up to the individual to decide what they are willing to accept.

 For me, trust is everything. I  know that when I really care about someone as a person, I only want to see the good in them. I still have blind spots for people close to me, so I always have to ask myself if I am ignoring red flags.

Do you agree with the signs of a no good man? Are you ignoring red flags with someone? Please share your story or experience!

A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle. - Benjamin Franklin

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Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein

10 Most Common Phobias...Some Fears We Never Outgrow

We are all afraid of something, but a phobia is an extreme or irrational fear. I guess the question could be asked, "irrational to whom"? As children many of us are afraid of the dark, but we usually outgrow this fear. I used to be afraid of spiders until my best friend introduced me to her pet tarantula. Now my philosophy on spiders is catch and release.

What happens when our childhood fear never go away? For some unspeakable reason you remain afraid of the dark, or spiders, or snakes? Some of our fears we can avoid, such as clowns. Fear of clowns is a somewhat common fear, but most of us do not interact with clowns on a regular basis.

Now what about public speaking? In school did you shrink every time you were called on in class, or had to speak in front of a group of people? Do you still get nervous speaking in front of groups?

Photo from Anxiety Foundation

Photo from Anxiety Foundation

Unfortunately, not only can we carry our childhood phobias into adulthood, we can also develop these irrational fears later on in life. As we age, and mature, we become more knowledgeable. Sadly, with that knowledge comes the realization that maybe there is a lot to fear in this world. As much as there is to fear, the awareness that we as humans lack the ability to control many things can exacerbate these fears. 

Here Are Some Of The Most Common Phobias...

  1. Arachnophobia - Fear of Spiders

  2. Acrophobia - Fear of Heights

  3. Agoraphobia - Fear of Open Spaces, Public Areas, and Crowded Areas

  4. Cynophobia - Fear of Dogs

  5. Mysophobia - Fear of Germs

  6. Ophidiophobia - Fear of Snakes

  7. Aerophobia - Fear of Flying

  8. Claustrophobia - Fear of Small Spaces

  9. Trypanophobia - Fear of Needles or Injections

  10. Thanotophobia - Fear of Dying

Fears are natural, but can become problematic when they impair your ability to function. Fears can paralyze us, stunt growth, and ruin lives. There are many ways to deal with fears, whether it is counseling, medication, or straight up facing your fears head on. 

Facing my fear directly was how I got over my fear of shots. I would feel the anxiety creep in with anticipation, but I overcame that fear by not turning away. I believed that seeing the process gave me some control, and took away the anxiety and fear of what was ultimately very little pain.

I am sure that everyone uses their on little tricks to overcome fears. I know some people sing, or talk as a distraction. What do you do to overcome your phobias or fears?

For help dealing with your phobias, visit the Help Guide.

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Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein

Myers Briggs Personality Types...Which One Are You?

Myers Briggs

I have always believed that everyone is different, and that everyone has their own distinct personality. But how unique are we all really, in regards to personalities? A personality is the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character.

Our personalities define us. They dictate how we act, how we love, and even how we respond in times of chaos and danger.

Based on Myers Briggs (MB) analysis and studies, there are 16 types of personalities. The foundation is 4 categories, or dichotomies, which is based on Carl Jung's theories. Each individual has a preference in each category. For example, I am an ENTJ. I am an extrovert, who uses intuition, thinking not feelings, and make decisions and move on, which is judging.

Below is the Myers Briggs breakdown of each of the 16 personality types. Use the 4 categories to find your four letter personality code, and read below for personality description.

Extrovert (E) - Outward world focus or Introvert (I) - Focus more inward

Sensing (S) - You take information as received or Intuition (N) - You add meaning and interpret information

Thinking (T) - You make decision based on logic and consistency or Feeling (F) - You make decisions based on people and circumstances

 Judging (J) - You prefer to get things done and make decisions or Perceiving (P) - You prefer to stay open to new information and options

  • ISTJ - Systematic, Organized, Logical, Detailed oriented, Conservative, Decisive

  • ISFJ - Warm, Detailed Oriented, Dependable, Realistic, Practical, Helpful

  • INFJ - Intense, Insightful, Serious, Sensitive, Meaning Oriented, Creative

  • INTJ - Innovative, Insightful, Independent, Determined, Logical, Critical

  • ISTP - Analytical, Logical, Adaptable, Realistic, Adventurous, Independent

  • ISFP - Caring, Compassionate, Idealistic, Loyal, Spontaneous, Patient

  • INFP - Caring, Compassionate, Creative, Adaptable, Idealistic, Inquisitive

  • INTP - Intellectual, Logical, Analytical, Questioning, Complex, Critical

  • ESTP - Pragmatic, Active, Direct, Realistic, Troubleshooter, Adaptable

  • ESFP - Sociable, Friendly, Caring, Observant, Generous, Open

  • ENFP - Imaginative, Energetic, Warm, Caring, Insightful, Optimistic

  • ENTP - Abstract, Energetic, Logical, Analytical, Enthusiastic, Independent

  • ESTJ - Assertive, Active, Logical, Results Oriented, Analytical, Responsible

  • ESFJ - Caring, Enthusiastic, Loyal, Appreciated, Empathetic, Cooperative

  • ENFJ - Enthusiastic, Expressive, Imaginative, Expressive, Idealistic, Insightful

  • ENTJ - Planner, Decisive, Assertive, Critical, Strategic, Logical

The small description I gave of each personality is just that, a small description. There is so much more to each us. MB shows there are some great aspects to each of our personalities, and some not so great aspects. It is important to remember that this breakdown does not determine traits, ability, or character.

As I read through the different personality types, I realize that they all are wonderful in their own way. I am who I am, and I do not plan on changing. I suppose I could be just as happy as an ISFP, which is my complete opposite, but I can also see how a lot of these personalities would clash with one another.

All of the types have good qualities, and technically no one personality is better than another.

If there are only 16 personality types, then why aren't people more similar? Besides learning about different personalities, I think MB shows us how character, ability, and traits are what really makes people good, great, or bad.

What are your thoughts? Do you agree with the MB personality test results and descriptions? What’s your personality type? Please share your thoughts!

All of the personality type data from this blog originated, and can be found on the website for The Myers & Briggs Foundation.

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Love and Relationships, Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein Love and Relationships, Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein

Faking Happiness...Are You Making Yourself More Miserable By Pretending To Be Happy?

They say fake it until you make it, but does that really apply to unhappiness? Does it apply to going through tough situations in your life such as marital problems, financial struggles, or issues at work? Most problems when not addressed immediately tend to grow, and snowball into bigger issues.

The truth is, faking happiness will not make problems miraculously go away, or fix themselves. The reality is that maybe some issues are beyond repair, but how would you know if you do not face the problems head on?

The Avoidance Of Admitting You Are Unhappy

So why do we sometimes choose to not address problems in our lives? Avoidance seems like a great idea, but that is all that it is, avoiding. The tough decisions, and difficult discussions will eventually need to happen. Your happiness will still be in jeopardy, decision or no decision.

The perfect life you imagined for yourself will start to look more distant, as you continue to bury your head in the sand.

In fact, avoiding may actually create more stress and anxiety. When you avoid problems and conflict, the issues build and become bigger. The stress of repressing your feelings increases, and a blow up, in some form is likely to happen. A weight will be lifted, and you will be able to breathe again.

Pretending to be happy is like holding one's breath. You can only do it for so long before your body gives out.

5 Signs You Are Faking Happiness

You Live In The Past

You were happy once, and so you focus on, and talk about the past as if it were the present. You constantly worry that others will realize that you are unhappy, so you discuss times when you were happy, and when you were in a better place.

You Work Hard To Show Others How Happy You Are

You are always posting pictures of your vacations, bragging about your fabulous relationship, and showing off all of your material things. Anything to prove to others how happy you are, and perhaps illicit a little envy as well.

You Have Lots of Highs and Lows In Your Mood

When around others, and showing off or bragging, your mood tends to be up. But when away from groups or by yourself you often feel sad, or not good about yourself, or your life. You are up and down, but never really just content.

You Drink, Gamble, Or Shop Too Much

Sad people tend to have a vice. Drinking and shopping are great distractions from the unhappiness in your life, and can provide temporary highs, and feelings of satisfaction.

You Are Always Tired

Sadness is exhausting, and so is faking happiness. It takes a lot of mental and emotional work to put on a show all day everyday for others, just to hide the fact that you are unhappy. But you do it, day after day, hoping one day it will be real happiness.

The Stigma Of The Imperfect Life

Do you worry what others will think of you if your marriage fails, your home gets foreclosed on, or you do not get that promotion? Living your life for others will prevent you from finding true happiness, and fulfillment. Besides, what’s the point?

What is gained by having to always put on a happy face and façade for others? Do you really think you are fooling anyone?

People see through the act, and are more aware than you know. You will find that when you remove the mask and live your true life, instead of worrying about what others will think of you, you will likely feel a huge weight has been lifted.

I do recommend that when and if you feel comfortable, that you try talking to a trusted friend, family member, or a counselor. Yes, it is personal stuff, but you should not go it alone. Allow others to be there for you, and to support you.

Did you know that pretending to be happy is actually a warning sign of depression? I am not a therapist, or a counselor, so I am attaching a link to a great article. My advice is for you to be honest with yourself. Are you pretending to be happy? If you are, confide in someone. 

Always remember it is okay if everything is not perfect. It is okay to be disappointed in how some things have turned out. It is okay to be sad. What are your thoughts on faking happiness? Please share your story or experience!

I hide hurt behind a fake smile. I wear it all the time. Everyone says how I always look so cheerful. Shows what they know I guess. - Ellen Hopkins

Forcing Yourself To Be Happy Is A Warning Sign Of Depression

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Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein

Essential Oils...The Benefits And Uses Of Essential Oils

I really love essential oils, and cannot get enough of them. You might ask what is it about essential oils that makes them so special? There are over 100 types of essential oils, some of them producing the most intoxicating scents. Essential oils are wonderful because they have the ability to heal, to calm, and to relax.

Essential oils seem like magic in a bottle, but the process for extracting oils is quite simple. Essential oils are created by extracting the oils from plants through steam distillation. The plants are suspended over boiling water, and the steam pulls the oils from the plants.

The oil is captured in a tube, and preserved our use. Besides smelling great, what else can they do? There are many uses for essential oils. Here are the benefits and uses of my favorite essential oils.

Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus essential oil works to treat respiratory problem, heal wounds, improves mental alertness, relieve muscle pain, and eliminate lice. Eucalyptus can also be used to manage diabetes, treat skin infections, treat tuberculosis and pneumonia, and aromatherapy. This oil can be used topical, inhaled, or with a diffuser.

Orange - Orange essential oil works as an anti-depressant, improves mood, controls acne, and relieves mental and physical fatigue. Orange is also known to be an aphrodisiac, diuretic, antiseptic, and sedative. This oil can be used topical, inhaled, or with a diffuser.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil

Bergamot - Bergamot essential oil works to prevent infection, improve circulation, reduce pain, and aid in digestion. Bergamot can also be used for skin care, relaxation, fever reducer, spasm reliever, and odor eliminator. This oil can be used topical, inhaled, or with a diffuser.

Lavender - Lavender essential oil aids in sleep, relieves stress and anxiety, relieves pain, and treats acne. Lavender also treat respiratory issues, improves blood circulation, boosts immunity, and treats eczema. This oil can be used topical, inhaled, or with a diffuser.

Tea Tree - Tea tree essential oil is for topical use. Tea tree oil work to treat bacterial infections, acne, psoriasis, insect bites, and cold sores. Tea tree oil can also treat chicken pox, earaches, congestion and respiration infections, dry cuticles, and fungal infections.

Frankincense - Frankincense essential oil aids in pain relief, heals skin, aids in digestions, reduces inflammation, and prevents signs of aging. Frankincense also reduces stress, boosts immune system, works as astringent, and balances hormone levels. This oil can be used topical, inhaled, or with a diffuser.

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Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein

Devious Diets...How Do You Get Your Best Body?

It's that time of year again, or so they say. It is beach body time. Ugh! I will not likely be donning a bikini this summer, but I am working on getting my best body in years. I am not getting any younger, and it is important to make my health and fitness a priority.

When it comes to losing weight, looking good, and getting rid of those dimples, and I am not talking those on your face, it really comes down to diet. I notice an immediate change in my skin, and quite honestly, my thighs when I eat clean.

When I say eat clean I mean no sugar, no alcohol, no fried foods, and no processed foods. It sounds difficult, and it is at first, but it is definitely worth the results.   

Eating clean for 30 days quarterly has worked for me. I have slowly lost weight, and continue to do so without ever completely giving up foods that I like, but also not reverting back to old bad habits either.

This will not work for everyone, but there are so many option out there, you are bound to find the right fit for you. A warning though, discipline and some self-restraint will be required.

Here are some popular diets....I do not personally endorse any but I eat closest to Paleo:

paleo.jpg
  • Atkins

  • Paleo

  • Whole 30

  • South Beach

  • Zone

  • Mediterranean

  • Jenny Craig

  • Weight Watchers

  • Raw Food

Also in order to aid in weight loss and tone up that body, exercise is a must. I have knee and back injuries, so running is no longer enjoyable. However, I do not let that stop me from moving. I walk and hike everyday as far as I can with the allotted time in between family responsibilities, weather permitting.

Otherwise it's to the gym hitting the elliptical or cycling, which are are back and knee friendly, but also burn tons of calories. I also do the kettle bell, free weights, and plank exercises.

I seemed to have found what works for me. I am not focusing on a number on the scale, at least not completely, but I am focused on how I look and feel. I hope you can find that "something" that works for you as well.

I am fortunate in that I live in a very active community. There are plenty of trails and bike lanes. There is not a time I go out when there is not a group of cyclists, joggers, or others walkers out and about as well. It is a motivator. Are you motivated? I hope so!

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Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein

Dreams and Their Meaning...Interpreting Our Common Dreams

One might think from that title that I actually have some incite into our dreams, and their meaning right? Truth be told I've got nada. Just pure conjecture, best guesses, and of course my "all knowing" opinions. But in reality is that not all anyone has?

I have done some research, and most of the literature I found on dreams goes a little something like psychologist believe that "blank" dream "MAY" mean blah blah blah.

So let's talk dreams. I experience some of the common dreams. Dreams about falling, having sex, spouse cheating, the loss of one of my children, and oddly snakes. I have never had the eerily common public nudity dream. That actually sounds quite terrifying.

Now let's breakdown each type of dream and discuss.

5 Common Dreams and Their Meaning

The Falling Dream

The falling dream is supposed to represent a fear of failure. I have been having this dream all of my life. I am very competitive, and set high standards for myself and others. But like many people, I have a fear of failure.

I don't let my fear stop me from pushing forward, but it does press on me and cause that internal upheaval and anxiety. The falling dream appears during these times.

The Sex Dream

This type of dream seems obvious and in some cases it is. Sometimes someone can have such a pull on you mentally, physically, and emotionally that you cannot get them out of your mind, day or night. The desire is intense but making it a reality is an obstacle, if not impossible. Maybe a celebrity crush, or your best friend's guy or girl.

Reality may not be better than fiction. The sex dream may also be about a desire for love and affection. Or perhaps you were watching or reading something of a sexual nature before falling asleep, and your mind took over.

The Spouse Cheating Dream

I have been married for over 16 years, and during that time I have never gotten the feeling that my husband was being unfaithful, or that his heart was somewhere else. I have always felt immense love for me coming from him. However, throughout the years there have been times where I have felt like we were not connecting, or there was a distance growing.

The spouse cheating dream can be about a concern of cheating, or a much needed wake of call that things are not right, and to fix them before they get worse. It can also be about your own feelings of insecurity, whether it's aging or gaining a few pounds. 

The Loss of Children Dream

I have been very fortunate.  I have a loving husband and two beautiful girls. I am happy. But there is a part of me waiting for the bad, the unexpected to happen. I work to keep this worry in check but it manifests itself in my dreams.

Dreaming of one of my kids missing or dying. It's a heartbreaking dream that sends me to one of my girl's room to make sure they are still there, and are still alive. Sometimes I  even crawl into bed with them.

This dream is supposed to be about being able to protect our children in a crazy world. But also about our own insecurities as parents, and our children growing up and leaving us.

The Snake Dream

There's an old wives tale that says dreaming of a snake means you are pregnant. Umm, not true. In my dreams I am running from a snake. To be clear I have no fear of snakes. My uncle and cousins had pet snakes when I was growing up. The snakes in my dreams are huge and always chasing me down a hallway.

A snake in a dream is supposed to represent feeling threatened. Maybe you have a person in your life who is ruthless or can't be trusted. It can even be a situation that is difficult or threatening and needs to be addressed.

Dreams are like tiny picture shows in our heads that end abruptly when we wake, and leave our memories almost instantaneously. For the rare dream that affects you and stays with you, it may be worth your while to explore its meaning a little bit.

There is a lot of information out there for interpreting your dreams, but I believe many times we know the why behind our dreams. What do you dream about? Careful what you watch or read before going to bed. Sweet dreams...

Please share your most interesting dream and your interpretation of it.

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Entertainment, Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein Entertainment, Psych and Health Charlene Eckstein

Twilight Zone...Do You Ever Ask Yourself, "Is This Really Happening"?

Life is so odd at times. Or just maybe my odd is someone else's norm. But I must confess, I feel more often than not as if I have stepped into an alternate reality. Some individual's behaviors seem so strange as of late that I question "is this really happening?".  Did they just do, or say what I think they did?

Do you know what the real twilight zone is? The true twilight zone exists in the ocean. It is the middle layer of the world's ocean that receives faint, filtered light. It is not black like the midnight zone, but there is darkness. My twilight zone moments are not black, but definitely a little gray and hazy.

twilight zone.jpg

I imagine that when you read the title to this blog your thoughts immediately went to the Rod Serling's television show, "The Twilight Zone". You were correct to make that assumption. This blog is definitely inspired by the series that always consisted of the oddity, creepiness, and most of all, irony. Nothing was ever as it appeared to be.

Last year, my girls and I made it a nightly routine to watch at least one episode of The Twilight Zone. It was, and still is, on Netflix. They loved the old timey feel, because well they were made over 50 years ago, and my girls are kids, and everything seems old and ancient. They loved the twists at the end, and trying to guess what was really happening. Real life, and people's behavior are a little more unpredictable, and sometimes not so much.

I recommend watching The Twilight Zone whenever you can.

Top 10 Twilight Zone Episodes: 

  1. Third From the Sun

  2. Time Enough At Last

  3. The Hitch-Hiker

  4. The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street

  5. Elegy

  6. Mirror Image

  7. The Dummy

  8. Living Doll

  9. Queen of the Nile

  10. The Bewitchin Pool

The Twilight Zone is supposed to be an escape from reality, but what happens when reality is stranger than fiction? We seem to be living in strange times, or is it just me? You decide.

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