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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.
Intuition and Gut Feelings....Do You Trust Your Instincts? Here's Why You Should!
I think there is a common misconception about the term intuition. Intuition is a not about being psychic, or any other phenomenon that makes people skeptical. Your intuition is the same as your gut feeling, and many believe in trusting their gut.
That gut feeling is alarm bells going off in your brain telling you something, or someone is off, or things are just not right.
Intuition is defined as an ability to understand, or know something without needing to think about it, or use reason to discover. It is a feeling. It bridges the gap between the conscious and unconscious parts of the mind.
Decisions based on gut instinct may not always work out, but those decisions will partly be based on past experiences and your own knowledge.
When I was in the military I worked with sexual assault victims. During my training, the local police department's Sexual Assault Victim's unit visited. One of the things they stressed was the importance of trusting your intuition.
Often times, victims sensed they were in danger. Their gut told them it was a bad idea to be alone wth a particular person, or that they were being followed. They didn't listen to those alarms going off in their head, and the outcomes were often not good. The lesson was to listen to your gut. It may save your life.
Over the years, I have learned to trust my intuition over anything that I am being told or seeing. If someone wants to deceive, they will put on an act, and they will lie. A smiling face means nothing in particular to me.
There is a reason for the common saying, "believe half of what you see and none of what you hear". Now don't get me wrong, this is not about seeing and believing the worst in others. I don't have alarms bells going off all the time. But it is about trusting yourself over what someone else is doing or saying, especially when you are sensing a hidden agenda.
The takeaways are to trust your intuition, and know yourself. What is the worse that could happen? If you think someone is in love with you, then they probably are. If you feel someone dislikes you, you are likely right.
The advice to people in relationships is always, if you think he or she is cheating then they probably are or are thinking about it. Lastly, if you feel you are in danger then get out of there.
So I ask you this, do you trust your gut, or do you foolishly ignore it? Have you ever had someone try to convince you your gut was wrong by gaslighting you? I have....
You know the truth, by the way it feels. - Unknown
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
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...
Arachnophobia - Fear of Spiders
Acrophobia - Fear of Heights
Agoraphobia - Fear of Open Spaces, Public Areas, and Crowded Areas
Cynophobia - Fear of Dogs
Mysophobia - Fear of Germs
Ophidiophobia - Fear of Snakes
Aerophobia - Fear of Flying
Claustrophobia - Fear of Small Spaces
Trypanophobia - Fear of Needles or Injections
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.
Easy Gluten Free Pizza Dough
Gluten Free Dough
Pizza has always been one of my favorite foods. When I found out I had to give up pizza because of my gluten allergy I was extremely bummed to say the least.
I tried many frozen gluten free pizzas, and some were actually decent, but none came close to what I was used to eating.
Never being one to settle, I decided to try to make my own pizza dough. Making my own pizza dough would mean I could have pizza whenever I wanted, with whatever toppings I chose.
I began looking for recipes first, and then I started experimenting. I finally came up with the perfect recipe that creates a thin, crispy crust that will rival any delivery or restaurant pizza.
GF Pizza Dough Recipe
Ingredients:
3 1/2 c. All Purpose GF Flour, plus flour for rolling out dough
1 Packets, Active Dry Yeast, or 2 1/4 tsp
1 tsp Salt
1 tbsp Sugar
1/4 c. Olive Oil, plus additional oil for bowl
Directions:
Pour 1 1/2 cups warm water into a large bowl, sprinkle with yeast and let stand until it's bubbly, about 7 minutes.
Whisk in sugar, oil, and salt into yeast mixture. Add flour and stir until dough forms. Form dough into ball, and drizzle olive oil over dough to provide a light coat. Cover bowl with clean dish towel, and set aside in a warm place until dough has doubled in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Place dough on a lightly floured work surface and gently knead 1 or 2 times before using. Divide dough into 4 sections, for smaller, personal size pizzas.
To cook pizza, preheat oven to 500 F degrees. Lightly oil your baking sheet, place your dough on sheet, and flatten out dough by hand, to desired thinness. Add your toppings, and bake on bottom rack for 10-12 minutes.
Freeze leftover dough for up to 3 months by wrapping dough, by individual sections, in plastic wrap, and sealing in freezer bags. Be sure to include date on bag.
I hope you enjoy my gluten free pizza dough recipe. Please share your thought and pics of your gluten free pizza creation.
Hot Button Issues...What Topics, If Any, Do You Keep Off The Table With Family And Friends?
I have been told many times to never discuss politics and religion because someone is sure to be offended. Pro choice or pro life? I have my opinions, but not particularly interested in going round and round on the topic. How much money people make and social inequalities? Ugh I can get pretty hot discussing this topic real fast. Immigration and War? Nope, not going there.
The crazy thing is I love a good debate, but there are some topics that fall into the realm of “agree to disagree “ Not because I am afraid of confrontation, or getting my feelings hurt. In fact it is nearly the opposite. But do you find that once you know someone’s views on gun rights or control, that you will see them somewhat differently? Yes, you can believe they are good person deep down, but are they really a good person if they feel a certain way about x, y, or z? Or worse yet, you start to view them as a complete idiot, and someone you cannot respect.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions and points of view. The purpose of these discussions is to share different points of view, and perhaps offer a different or new perspective. Unfortunately I feel like I have been having these same discussions since my teens, and most people seemed to have drawn their lines in the sand. For those times when you want to not think about the heavy, and avoid the hot button issues, go for the light convo topics.
Here Are Some Less Controversial Topics For Discussion....
Sports
Education
Local News/Events
Travel
Hobbies
Parenting
The Opposite Sex/Dating
Entertainment/Movies/TV
Books/Plays
Don't get me wrong, discuss any and everything that you want with whomever you want. Just be warned that it very well may ruin your lovely dinner party or barbecue. Carefully choose your when, where, and with whom.
I verbally spar all the time with my brother in law about this stuff but I know he can take it, and is not going to get offended. With others I am more cautious, and guarded with my opinions. I may even bite my tongue on the occasion if I sense things could get heated.
So how free are you with your opinions on hot button issues? They call them hot buttons for a reason. Do you push them?
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.
Easy Breakfast Skillet Recipe...Perfect For A Sunday Brunch
My breakfast skillet is one of my family's favorites on the weekends. The flavors are great in this simple, yet hearty dish. The breakfast skillet comes together perfectly, and is great for Christmas morning breakfast, a Mother’s Day brunch, or just any day you want a tasty, filling breakfast.
One of the best things about the breakfast skillet is how simple it is to change up the flavors. I keep this recipe simple with eggs, potatoes, and bacon. But you can change the bacon to any breakfast meat of choice. I sometimes I use leftover roasted chicken, and it is so yummy. You can also use hash browns, peppers, and add fried eggs instead scrambled.
Breakfast Skillet Recipe
Ingredients:
4 Large Yukon Gold Potatoes
6 eggs
2 tbsp. Milk
6 Strips of Bacon
½ Yellow Onion
3 - 4 tbsp. Olive Oil
2 tsp Garlic Powder
1 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt
1 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper
1 tsp. Thyme
½ cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Directions:
Wash and dry potatoes well, and large dice them. Add about 3 tbsp. of olive oil to large skillet, and heat on medium. Chop onions in small chunks. Add potatoes and onions to skillet and sprinkle with a little garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stirring frequently, add lid to skillet and cook for about 15 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Leave lid on potatoes once done but remove from heat.
Place bacon on microwave safe plate and cook for about 3 minutes until nice and crispy. In a medium size bowl beat eggs with thyme, milk, and salt and pepper. Soft scramble eggs in separate skillet.
Crumble bacon and top potatoes with it. Next, evenly spread scrambled eggs over potatoes and top with cheese. Replace lid for about 3 minutes until cheese is melted.
Let me know if you enjoyed the recipe. Did you make any changes? Please share!
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
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
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.
10 Signs You Are In A Co-Dependent Relationship
Type the term "co-dependent relationship" in any search engine, and hundreds of articles will come up. Is it that co-dependent relationships are a growing phenomenon, or is it that more and more people are recognizing it for the unhealthy cycle it creates?
Relationships are about give and take, and a partnership of two individuals. But in a co-dependent relationship, all things tend to revolve around one half of the couple. Often times it is the female in the relationship that is the co-dependent partner.
She is eager to please, always with a smile on her face, even when she is sad or upset. Usually a learned behavior from the household she grew up in.
Co-dependent relationship can loosely be defined as the feeling that one cannot exist, be happy, or even feel complete without the other person. This type of relationship tends to stunt personal growth, create or exacerbate low self-esteem, and prevent those involved from truly being happy.
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Couples in codependent relationships tend to struggle for power and control. One or both are often anxious, resentful, and are guilt stricken. They do not respect each other’s individuality, or the need for autonomy.
Surprisingly, the relationships are usually drama free, because one or both are not honest with their feelings. The relationship also tends to lack in passion, and true intimacy.
10 Signs That You Are In A Co-Dependent Marriage:
Spouses opinion matters more than your own, especially in decision making
You prioritize their happiness, even if it makes you unhappy
You do not do anything without them, and do not have your own identity
You do not set appropriate boundaries with your spouse, and fear telling them “no”
You ignore their dishonesty, possessiveness, and jealous tendencies
You avoid confronting your partner about important issues because you fear rejection
You can’t "live" without the other person
You feel trapped in the relationship, but feel that if you did leave, you’d be a horrible person for abandoning your partner
You feel as if your life revolves around your partner
You cancel plans to accommodate your partner’s whims
According to marriage counselors, autonomy is the key to a healthy, balanced marriage. In a marriage, yes you love each other and want to be spend time together, but you should also be able to function independently. There needs to be allowances for separateness, differences, and one’s own thoughts and feelings. A partner should feel like a support beam, not an anchor.
What are your thoughts on co-dependent relationships? Are you in a co-dependent relationship or know someone who is? Are some couples blissfully ignorant existing in this state? Or are they in denial? Either way, the bliss or denial cannot last forever.
What other telltale signs of co-dependency would you add to this list? Please share your story or experience!
A healthy relationship will never require you to sacrifice your goals, your dreams, or your dignity. - Unknown
Home Spa...Simple Tricks To Creating A Spa-Like Environment At Home
When was the last time you enjoyed a spa day? It can be hard to find the time, or the money to treat yourself as often as you deserve. Life can be stressful at times, which is why it is so important to find ways to manage that stress.
There are many ways to relieve stress. Exercise is a great stress reliever. Sex is also a great stress reliever. But some days a girl, or guy, just wants to be pampered.
When I want to be pampered I head to the spa. I get a nice massage, deep tissue for me, which is exquisite pain. I do a nice soak, or mud bath, and then I end with a facial. Unfortunately, this can take all day, and beauty and pampering don't come cheap. So I try to create a spa-like environment whenever I get the chance at home.
This blog is all about turning your home bathroom into a spa like environment and relaxing.
There are some key ingredients needed, and then there are some optional items as well.
Lavender Oil
Epson or Sea Salt
Candles
iPhone for Spa Music
Foaming Bath Soak
Eye Mask, Cooled
Soft Sheet Towel
Terry Cloth Robe (optional)
Glass of Wine (highly recommended)
Run a warm bath, as warm as you can stand it. Add a cap full of bath soak, 3-4 drops of lavender, and 1 cup of epson salt. Light your favorite candles, turn on Pandora, and turn off the lights. Don’t forget your mask once you enter your soak.
I also recommend making the small investment of purchasing a paraffin bath for soothing, and smoothing aching hands and feet. As well as getting hot rocks to massage your legs, shoulders, and arms. You can find YouTube videos on giving yourself hot rock massages.
There is nothing better than making your home an amazing retreat, or having a staycation. Sometimes it's not about the destination, or getting away. Sometimes it's just about finding the time to relax, unwind, and spend time alone, or spend time with that special someone. If you are with your partner pamper each other.
What do you do when you can't find the time, or the money to go to the spa for a nice facial, or massage? Do you do it yourself, or go without? Please share your advice or experience!