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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.
5 Ways To Get Motivated And Stay Focused
Motivation is the reason or reasons one has for behaving or acting in a certain way. Motivation is also the desire to do things. We all have at least one thing that motivates us to do something or change something. Sometimes the motivation can be as simple as basic human needs.
Many of us are motivated to get and keep a job to pay for food and shelter.
Once you get past the basic necessities, it may be hard to get motivated to do more. There are many reasons we struggle for motivation. One of the biggest struggles for motivation stems from our lack of belief that our goals are achievable. Another big struggle for motivation comes from not believing in ourselves.
I have struggled with motivation in the past, but I have found that when it comes to something I really want, I can find the motivation to achieve my goals. The secret is setting goals to achieve things that you are interested in, and can be excited about. It is also important to be realistic with how much of your goal can be achieved in a period of time. I recommend setting mini goals within your goal. Like training for a marathon, one doesn't start off running 26 miles; it is a slow build up. Treat your goals the same way.
I created a small checklist for myself to get motivated and stay focused. I use this very same list to stay on track with writing and blogging, and guess what, it works!
5 Tips For Getting Motivated
Set Goals
You have a goal, or goals in mind, but you need to start with a specific target. The goal may be losing weight. But how much weight do you want to lose. For others, the goal may be getting a promotion at work, or furthering your education.
Make A Plan
Once you set your goal, you need to make a list of everything you will need to complete your goal. Does your goal require time, money, or a gym membership? Your list should also consist of obstacles to obtaining your goal, and plan to overcome them.
Share Your Goals With Others
Sharing goals and plans with others will help to make you more accountable. Those close to you want to see you succeed and achieve your goals. You may find you have a great support system, and maybe even some cheerleaders or partners for your journey.
Track Progress
The tracking of your progress is an important part of moving towards your goals. Whether you are weighing yourself weekly, or timing your run as you train for a half marathon, tracking to measure your progression is a must. You should also use tracking to also adjust your goals, if needed, or to adjust your timeline.
Reward Yourself
You have set a goal and are making progress towards meeting your goal. It is essential that you reward yourself, and give your self credit for your hard work and discipline. The reward can be a sweet treat, a new pair of shoes, or even a vacation.
Be kind to yourself. Setting and achieving goals is not easy. In fact, setting and staying focused on your goals is challenging to say the least. It is very easy to become discouraged when you are not seeing progress fast enough, and just give up. Just remember, anything worth having takes hard work and time. Be patient.
Do you have different tips for staying motivated and focused? What do you do to achieve your goals? Please share your story or experience!
"Wanting something is not enough. You must hunger for it. Your motivation must be absolutely compelling in order to overcome the obstacles that will invariably come your way." - Les Brown
5 Signs He Trusts You
Trust is important to all of us. Whether it is family and friends, or a business partner or a lover, being able to trust the people in our lives matters. There are variations and different levels of trust. We trust different people in our lives, with different matters in our lives.
Men and women are different creatures. Women tend to allow themselves to be more emotionally vulnerable and open with their feelings.
While men tend to be more guarded, and sometimes closed off when it comes to conveying their feelings, emotions, fears, and failures.
If you want to know if a man in your life trusts you, there are some simple signs to look for. Chances are, if he is doing several of the five signs I have listed below, he really trusts you.
5 Signs He Trusts You
He Asks For Your Advice
If a man is asking you for your advice it means that he not only trusts you, but that he also respects you, and values your opinion. He respects your knowledge, your intellect, and perhaps realizes that you know him well enough to protect him from himself in some circumstances.
He Takes Your Advice
It is one thing to ask for advice, and a whole another thing to actually receive it, and put it to use. I can respect a man who knows what he wants, and what he wants to do generally, but no one has all the answers.
Sometimes we need to seek the advice of others, and if you are one of his go to people for advice, then that says a lot. Him taking your advice is a big deal. It means that he really trusts you.
He Is Vulnerable With You
When a man feels comfortable venting his frustrations, concerns, or fears to a woman in his life it means he considers you a safe place, and that he trusts you.
Men are not big on looking weak to women, but because he trusts you, he knows that you are not judging him. He knows that you want to be there for him and support him, which is why he is able to be vulnerable, and seek solace in your words or your arms.
He Doesn’t Get Jealous
Yes, he may get a little jealous if you are flirty with every guy in the room, and ignoring him, because that is seriously not cool. But he won’t get jealous just because a guy speaks to you, or you go out with your friends, because he knows your heart, and he knows that he can trust you.
He Confides In You
If a man opens up about his past, or his childhood, and shares his secrets with you, it means he trusts you. It is never easy to discuss personal details, especially sad and hurtful details from one’s past or childhood with anyone, so consider yourself lucky to be allowed into this place by the guy in your life.
We all need someone in our life who we respect and value their opinion. We all need our “person” so to speak. Whether a relationship is romantic or platonic, if a man trusts you enough to let you in and be vulnerable with you, you are important to him.
Do you agree with the signs that a man trusts you? What would you add or take off the list? Please share your thoughts and experience!
“Whether it’s friendship or relationship, all bonds are built on trust. Without it, you have nothing. “ - Unknown
The Importance Of Passion In Relationships
Passion is defined as intense, driving, or overmastering of feeling or conviction. Passion is ardent love. Passion is most certainly present in courtships. Passion is shown in that crazy desire to see each other, and to be together all of the time in the early stages of relationships.
Passion is shown in hot kisses, and intense sex, but passion is not love. Love is the most important element for a good relationship, but without passion can it truly be a happy union? I do not believe so, but we all set our own standards for what makes a good, healthy relationship.
The Importance of Passion
The argument could be made that passion fades over time in a relationship, and that the fading is not necessarily a bad thing. Over the course of a relationship, as you really get to know one another, you communicate more effectively, and understand each other better.
Better communication will reduce disagreements, however, not every discussion is the same or equal.
Hopefully you and your partner can have passionate discussions about books, movies, and even politics. Two people with their own thoughts, and opinions, disagreeing respectfully, but keeping the everyday fun and interesting, makes life more exciting.
Otherwise what do you have? I suppose just two people going through life together, waiting for death.
Signs Of Passion In Relationship
You Long For and Miss Each Other When Apart
Great Sex
You Inspire Each Other
You Want To Spend Time Together
Opinionated Conversations and Occasional Intense Discussions
Signs Of No Passion In Relationship
No Sex
Boring, Mechanical Sex
No Disagreements
Nothing To Talk About
Not Excited About Each Other
What To Do
What you do about the lack of passion in your relationship depends on how you got to this place, and how you feel about the need for passion in your relationship.
Did you marry someone who was always kind of boring, and with no fire, and thought they would somehow change? Or was the relationship once hot and intense, and has slowly fizzled out?
There are things you can do if you want to bring back the passion to your relationship. There is a lot of advice out there, and some will work and some will not.
It all depends on the people involved, how committed they are to fixing the lack of passion, and the starting levels of passion in the beginning of the relationship
My advice is to keep is simple. Put down the devices. Go on a date night. Discuss everything, including your sexual fantasies. If the thought of discussing sexual fantasies with your partner makes you uncomfortable, then that may also be why there is a passion problem.
There are great self- help books on market, and last but not least there is couples counseling.
What are your thoughts on the importance of passion in a relationship? Passion in a relationship is not just about sex, it is about an overall feeling and desire towards your partner, and each other. Do you think one can have a happy, fulfilling relationship without passion? Please share your story or experience!
“Does your relationship match your sensuality? If it doesn't, you've settled.” - Lebo Grand
4 Reasons To Trust First Impressions
The saying, “you only get one chance to make a first impression” is literally true. So, then it goes without saying that you had better make that first impression count. First impressions carry a lot of weight with people and they how they view you, and may create a huge relationship obstacle to overcome in the future.
Some people make great first impressions, and others not so much. First impressions are not always accurate, but I say when in doubt trust your instincts.
I have met some people, and had an instant connection and chemistry with them. The relationships with positive first impressions tended to remain positive throughout the years.
I have also ended up having amazing relationships with people with whom the first impressions were not great, and things started off rocky. Through life experience I have learned that initial personality conflicts can lead to negative first impressions.
Over time, personality conflicts, and misunderstandings, can be overcome, and from that, great friendships and relationships can bloom.
First impressions provide valuable information. Here are four reasons to take the information you gather from first impressions and trust it.
Reasons To Trust First Impressions
They Are Unaware They Are Being Observed
One of the best ways to learn about someone is to observe them. Even better if they are unaware that they are being observed. When people are unaware that they are being observed their masks slip off.
I am not talking about spying on people, or invading their privacy. The observations should take place in public settings, where the individual is comfortable and with friends, co-workers, or lovers, but unguarded. Observe at a distance, and you will learn a lot.
They Did Not Know Who You Were
Think Undercover Boss. When people want to impress you, because of who you are, or what they think you can do for them, they may behave differently, especially if you are in a position of power. But if they don’t know who you are, you will see the real them.
If they are a kind person, they will be kind no matter who you are. However, if they think you are a “nobody”, and they are not a good person, they will treat you accordingly.
They Did Not Know Who You Were Going To Be
Most people start off as equals, but do not necessarily remain that way in life. Perhaps you are classmates, or co-workers, but then one of you becomes hugely successful. Coming up together gave you opportunities to observe them in a very unique way.
You know if they are a bully, or a nice person. Very valuable point of view you had.
Your Gut Feelings
When you meet people for the first time there is a vibe about them. If your gut feeling tells you this person is bad, not trustworthy, or that they are dangerous, you should listen to that inner voice. Your gut is on to something.
Keep your guard up, watch the individual closely, and with more information and time, you will figure things out. When in doubt, always trust your gut.
It is important to not confuse personal biases, and stereotypes of certain people, with actual observations of behaviors, words, and gut instincts. Just because extremely good looking people are stereotyped as being dumb doesn’t mean that’s actually true.
More importantly, just because someone seems nice doesn’t mean they are truly a good, trustworthy person.
What are your thoughts on first impression? Do you trust first impressions? Any regrets on listening, or not listening to, your first impression? Please share your story or experience!
“If you have carefully examined hundred people you met in your life journey, it means that you have read hundred different books! Every person you know is a book; world is full of walking books; some are boring, some are marvelous, some are weak, some are powerful, but they are all useful because they all carry different experiences of different paths!” - Mehmet Murat ildan
Physical Attraction VS Mental Connection...Are They Equally Important?
It is not usual for someone to see a person, and instantly have a mental connection with them. Most people are visual, so physical attraction is often what piques our romantic, or sexual interest in another person.
Physical attraction often comes first, but there are times when a mental connection can happen almost instantly, or so I have been told.
Mental connections can occasionally be confused with strong physical attractions. You can desire a person so much that you create a mental and emotional connection in your mind that really doesn’t exist.
Once the sexual act occurs, or the attraction wears off, the mental connection “suddenly” leaves.
Physical attractions are honestly an everyday occurrence. There are attractive people everywhere, but good luck finding a deep mental connection with someone. They are rare, and they are special.
Physical Attraction
FEATURED VIDEO
Physical attraction is based on physical appearance, and how attractive you find another person. Physical attraction is about a pretty or handsome face, or a nice figure or sexy body. You desire them. You want them. You like the sound of their voice, the way they move their body, and even the way they smell.
Signs Of Physical Attraction
Big Smiles
Nervousness
Grooming
Touching
Lots Of Eye Contact
Mental Connection
Mental connection is not mutually exclusive from physical attraction, but it is so much more. A mental connection is about shared interests, similar intellect, and chemistry. You get one another, and just click.
Mentally you feel close to them, and you have a quiet, unspoken understanding about many things. You can communicate with your eyes, because with your mental connection, you often know what the other person is thinking or feeling.
Signs Of A Mental Connection
Conversation Is Effortless
You’re Comfortable Being Yourself With Each Other
You Can Read Each Other
There Is An Intensity To The Relationship
You Feel In Sync With One Another
You Share A Powerful Mutual Respect
Which Is Better?
Physical attraction is important, and the importance of being physically attracted to your partner should not be discounted. However, the challenge with physical attraction is the inevitable change of physical appearance over time.
We all age, and gravity will wreak some havoc on the body. If a relationship was primarily based on physical attraction, then the partners will surely become dissatisfied in the long run.
Mental connections usually take time to flesh out. A mental connection is not noticed from across the room, and usually happens only after interactions, and getting to know someone. It should be noted that a mental connection may also be realized after just one conversation.
In my opinion, mental connections win every time. Physical attraction is important, but looks fade. Also I have found that how I felt about someone as a person directly affected how I viewed their attractiveness.
I have met men in the past, and at the initial meeting I found them to be attractive. After getting to know them, I became turned off by their personalities, or lack of intelligence, and no longer found them attractive.
With mental connections, people can become more attractive. The deeper the connection, the greater the attraction. Mental connections often create love goggles, which prevents one from seeing physical flaws that they would normally zone in on, because they are so in love.
For me, it comes down to who would I want to spend the rest of my days with. Do I want someone who I find very attractive, but have little or no mental connection. Or do I want to be with someone I have an amazing mental connection with? I think the answer is obvious, but I believe it also depends on where you are at in your life.
What are your thoughts on mental connection versus physical attraction. Which do you value more? Please share your story or experience!
“Physical attractions are common, but a mental connection is rare. Once you’ve had the latter, the former will never be enough” - Unknown
All The Ways You Are Sabotaging Your Relationships
You say you want a relationship, but the minute you are in one you tend to do things to end it. It is a pattern repeated all too often by you. You are a self-saboteur, and relationship destroyer. If you find yourself entering relationships with high hopes, only for it to crash and burn unexpectedly, time and time again, it may be time for some self-analysis.
There are many reasons people will sabotage a relationship, but fear is usually the number one culprit. Fear of being of alone, and fear of rejection. Sounds weird, right? You fear being alone, so you do things in relationships that make you end up alone.
It’s about protecting your heart, and self-preservation. Unfortunately, you may lose out on a great relationship, maybe even the love of your life, due to your sabotaging.
Perhaps after reading this blog, you won’t stop sabotaging your relationships, but at least you will be aware of the signs when you are doing it.
The Ways You Are Sabotaging Your Relationship
Unrealistic Expectations
Did you really think that you would continue having sex twice a day, every day, for your entire relationship? Sex is a very important part of a relationship, but it is unrealistic to think that your sex life would not change over the course of your relationship, for many different reasons.
If you find yourself unhappy with the frequency of sex in your relationship you need to make your feelings known, in a thoughtful, non-accusatory manner.
Did you think your partner would not age, or that their body wouldn’t change over the years, especially after having kids? Completely unrealistic, shallow, and possibly indicative that you are not truly in love if you hyper-focus on your partner’s aging, or gaining a few pounds over the years.
Comparing Your Relationship To Others
If there is one thing that I have learned over the years, it is that things and people are not often what they seems to be. People tend to have a public and private persona, and that goes for couples as well. Some couples can seem so loving and perfect in public, and may be a hot mess behind closed doors.
It is often after couples split that truths come out, and only then do we realize we were trying to live up to an illusion.
Focus on your relationship. Live your best happy. No one’s relationship is perfect. Your relationship may be amazing, or it may completely suck. Either way, your thoughts and feelings about your relationship should be based on how your relationship makes you feel about yourself, and how it makes you feel about your partner.
Not Communicating Your Feelings
While we sometimes assume or wish our partners were mind readers, they are not. If something in your relationship is bothering you, or upsetting you, you need to speak up, and let your partner know. They cannot fix a problem they are unaware of.
Yes, there are times when it should be obvious, at least to you, that something they do or say is not okay with you. But remember, they are not you.
If your partner is constantly doing and saying things that annoy or anger you, tell them. If it continues, it may be time to move on.
Keeping Secrets
Whether you sneak the occasional cigarette or hide purchases from your partner, eventually you will be caught, and the issue of trust will come up. Do you need share every single thought or desire that comes to mind, I would say not necessarily, but keeping secrets in a relationship can be dangerous.
The gauge I recommend using regarding whether or not you are keeping a secret is to think about how your partner would feel about the information you are not sharing. If you are withholding information from your partner because you think they would be hurt, angry, or feel betrayed, then you are keeping secrets.
Being Selfish
It’s all about you, all the time. It has to be your way, and if it is not, temper tantrums, and bouts of sulking will commence. Does that sound familiar? We all want to have things our own way. We all have our own wants, desires, and preferences, but in a relationship sometimes you don’t get your preference.
Relationships require compromise, and sometimes that compromise may mean doing what your partner wants. If you choose your partner wisely, their wants and desires will closely align with yours. If you chose an opposite, or someone pretty different, be prepared for a lot of compromise, or to be completely selfish.
Relationships are challenging, and require work to maintain a healthy one. Not every relationship will work out, or is meant to be, but is important give yourself an opportunity to truly be happy. If the right person comes into your life, don’t sabotage things because you are afraid. Life is short and there are no guarantees, but taking a risk for a chance of happiness will be worth it every time.
What are your thoughts on sabotaging relationships? Do you agree with my list? Are you a self-saboteur? Please share your story or experience!
“It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
The Science Of Soulmates...Explained By Spooky Quantum Entanglement
Did I pique your interest just a little bit with the title? I mean after all, aren’t the terms soulmate and spooky quantum entanglement interesting topics to say the least? I am a romantic, and a bit of a nerd, so this combination of topics are most certainly up my alley.
I have a particular fascination with time, and whether or not it truly moves linearly, or if it even exists at all. This blog is all about time, and soulmates, and spooky quantum entanglement.
This is where romance and love, meets science and the possibilities of the impossible.
Featured Video
The Defined
Many of the terms and their definitions used in this blog are complex, arguable, and not easily defined, but in my simplest terms, and Wikipedia’s, here you go.
Time
Time is the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole. The truth of the matter is that time is a human concept, which is purely subjective.
We use clocks and devices as a means of tracking time, but how slow or fast, and in which direction time moves is individual. We all experience time differently.
The true meaning of soulmate is to have known and loved one another in many lives. Death does not separate true love, and soulmates will always find their way back to one another. The modern definition of soulmate is more simplistic.
Soulmates are two people who are drawn to each other, and connect on every level. There is an intensity and passion between soulmates that is difficult, if not impossible, to replicate. Very science-y right?
Spooky Quantum Entanglement
Spooky quantum entanglement is a physical phenomenon which occurs when pairs or groups of particles are generated, interact, or share spatial proximity in ways such that the quantum state of each particle cannot be described independently of the state of the other(s), even when the particles are separated by a large distance—instead, a quantum state must be described for the system as a whole. - Wikipedia
Mind blown, right? Spooky quantum entanglement is not for the faint of heart, or the easily confused.
The Intertwined
Everything is made of particles, and that includes human beings. With the knowledge that humans beings are made of particles, and applying the theory of spooky quantum entanglement, can we not see the possibility of the connection of two people, via their particles.
Whether they are sitting right next to one another, or in different cities, they are connected and their bodies can react to one another’s. They are soulmates in every way possible.
Soulmates may not physically be together, whether the separation is due to geographical distance, other relationships, or different timelines keeping them apart, the pull still exists.
Think back on all of those times you would feel happy, or sad, or your heart would just start racing for some unexplained reason. Those were the times you were feeling most connected to your soulmate.
You were feeling each other’s emotions. You were reacting to and mimicking the joys, and the emotional and physical pains of your soulmate.
The Belief
What do you call that feeling when you meet someone for the first time, but you feel like you have known them before? Something about them is familiar. Or what about when you keep running into the same person over and over again, as if something, the universe perhaps, is pulling you two together?
We have created all of these terms to explain away the mysterious. We call events coincidence and refer to some experiences as deja vu, but are they really? It’s more comfortable to dismiss and explain away, then it is to question and challenge the accepted.
Some might say that I am oversimplifying one of the universe’s most complex mysteries. Maybe I am, but that does not make it any less of a possibility.
If you believe like I do that nothing is ever truly gone, just changed in form, then you must believe that distance, time, and not even death can separate two people who are connected by the very fiber of their beings.
This blog is a combination of research, fiction writing, and my own personal theories. I am neither a scientist nor a mathematician, but the facts remain that there is more of the unexplained in our universe than there is of the explainable. Do you think I am wrong? Prove it…
“Our universe grants every soul a twin—a reflection of themselves—the kindred spirit – And no matter where they are or how far away they are from each other—even if they are in different dimensions, they will always find one another. This is destiny; this is love.” – Julie Dillon
5 Ways You’re Sabotaging Your Life
For unknown reasons, people self-sabotage themselves sometimes in life. It is done both consciously, and unconsciously, but never the less it ruins their life and prevents them from finding their happy.
I think that many of us have sabotaged ourselves at one point or another in our lifetime. It happens, but doing so will ruin your life if it is reoccurring behavior.
So, I think we all can admit that we have made bad or questionable decisions before, especially in our youth, but it is never too late to turn things around. The first step in preventing self sabotage is recognizing that you are doing it.
The Ways You Are Sabotaging Your Life
Repeating Old Mistakes
You have made mistakes in your past, but you are not learning from them. You keep making bad decisions, deep down knowing that the outcome will not be good, but foolishly hoping things will be different.
Instead of wishful thinking, and hoping the same choices will produce different results, make the hard decision. You are likely picking what is the easiest option for now. Instead, you need to be willing to make the sacrifice now, do what’s difficult, and you will reap the benefits in the long run.
Focusing On The Negative
You frequently give yourself pity parties. The world is not against you. Everyone has their own crap they are trying to deal with. Yes, things will not always go your way, or work out, but that is life. But you cannot spend your time focusing on all the things that went wrong. Try to learn from bad situations, and bad outcomes, create a plan, and move on.
Not Believing In Yourself
You are your own worst enemy, and always your biggest critic. An opportunity comes your way, but you don’t go for it because you do not believe in yourself. You have to get out of you own head, and stop psyching yourself out.
It’s true, you are not perfect, but no one is. You may not ace the test, or get the job, or get the guy, but remind yourself that those are singular events. Getting a B on a test isn’t failure. Not getting the guy you liked just means that he wasn’t meant for you.
Keeping The Wrong People In Your Life
A great way to sabotage yourself is to surround yourself with people who are bad influences. Maybe they are negative, unfocused, or honestly just losers. Either way, you want people in your life with similar goals and morals. You need people in your life who you can look up to, not people who are mentally or emotionally draining.
Being Irresponsible
You know right from wrong. You also know what being on time means. Not paying your bills on time, showing up late to work, and just being plain old unreliable are great ways to sabotage your life. Being irresponsible and unreliable ruins your reputation and stunts your personal growth.
What To Do About It
Old habits are hard to break, but break them you must if you want to see a change in your life. Create a plan, stay focused, and surround yourself with positive, motivated people.
Your changes can be small at first, but once you have it in your mind that you want a change, you will find that good things start to happen for you, and your life will be better.
Everything happens for a reason, just don’t let that reason be because you sabotaged yourself.
What are your thoughts on the ways that we sabotage our lives? Do you agree with the list? What is your experience? Please share your story or experience!
“Loving yourself starts with liking yourself, which starts with respecting yourself, which starts with thinking of yourself in positive ways.” - Jerry Corsten
5 Signs You're In An Emotionally Abusive Relationship
Unfortunately, sometimes people find themselves in emotionally abusive relationships, without even realizing it. Unlike physical abuse, the scars from emotional abuse are invisible, but just as damaging.
Emotional abuse can destroy the person that you once were, and leave behind an empty shell.
Sadly, many people stay in emotionally abusive relationships because they make excuses for the behavior of their partners, often blaming themselves. All signs of emotional abuse are not cut and dry. Relationships have ups and down, and people have fights and disagreements, but it is how you fight and disagree that can be abusive.
Signs Of Emotional Abuse
Talked To Disrespectfully
In an emotionally abusive relationship there is a lack of respect. You may be told to shut up, yelled at, or completely dismissed as you try to communicate your feelings or concerns. Sometimes the verbal abuse happens in front of others, but many times while you are alone. Emotional abusers are good at hiding their abusive side.
Blamed For Everything
Your partner is mean and disrespectful to you, but guess what, it’s your own fault. If you were not so overly sensitive, or whiny, or demanding, then they wouldn’t lose their temper and have to be mean to you.
They make you feel like everything is your fault, including their poor choices and mistakes. You often fear their anger here.
Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a form of abuse, as it diminishes your self-esteem, your self-confidence, and your self-worth. The gaslighter convinces you that it's all in your head and you are just being paranoid or remembering incorrectly.
Your partner makes you feel completely faulty. As if you have the worst memory ever, and are going completely crazy. It’s not them, it’s you.
Made To Feel Stupid
An emotionally abusive partner loves to belittle and make you feel less than. Your partner will humiliate and embarrass you in front of others with blatant disrespect, or making you the butt of a joke. They are even worse in private.
If you dare to challenge or question their judgement, they are quick to remind you how mentally superior they are to you. They do not value you or your opinion.
Controlling
An emotionally abusive partner tends to also be controlling. They want to know where you are at, where you are going, and who are you with. They want to tell you how to dress, how to act, and what to do. You are punished with silence or withdrawals of affection if you do not do things their way.
An emotionally abusive relationship can leave you feeling depressed, alone, and questioning your self worth. It is important to remember that you are not worthless, you do not need to stay in an abusive situation, and that you will be loved again, the right way.
What are your thoughts on emotional abuse? There are many signs to look for, which would you add? Please share your experience!
“Sometimes we refuse to see how bad something is until it completely destroys us.” - Unknown
Photo by Pixabay
Easy Chicken Pot Pie
As the weather starts to cool, we tend to retreat more indoors and fire up the ovens more frequently. One of my favorite things about fall is the cool, crisp weather. I love curling up with one of my favorite throws, when my home is nice and warm, with slight touch of coolness reminding me of the outdoor weather.
After a full summer of avoiding turing on my oven as much possible, I am finally back to making soups, stews, and some of my favorite baked recipes. Flaky, buttery pie crust filled with delicious chicken and veggies in a creamy sauce. Chicken pot pie is comfort food at its best. My recipe is simple, quick, and very flavorful.
Easy Chicken Pot Pie
Ingredients:
2 cups Cooked Diced Chicken
1 Bag Mixed Veggies
½ Medium Onion, Diced
1 tsp. Minced Garlic
1 ½ cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1/2 cup Flour
1 1/3 cup Milk
1 tsp. Thyme
1 tsp. Rosemary, Finely Choppped
1 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt
½ tsp. Black Pepper
2 Pie Crusts, allow to come room temperature to soften while preparing filling
¼ cup Butter
1 tbsp. Olive Oil
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large pot add butter, olive oil, garlic, diced onions, and sauté until onions are clear. Add flour, black pepper, salt, thyme, 1/2 tsp. of rosemary, milk, and broth, and stir until mixture slightly thickens.
Add chicken and frozen veggies and continue to stir until blended. Once blended allow to simmer until filling is very thick, which should be about another 7-10 minutes.
Place one pie crust in the pie pan and spoon in filling to the top. Cover with a second pie crust and cut and roll the pie dough edges as needed. Place pie in the center rack of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
For Rustic Chicken Pot Pies
Place pie crusts on a baking sheet or pie dish. Spoon filling to the center of the pie crust and then fold in crust edges around filling, creating a pie shape, and sprinkle remaining rosemary over pie.
Place pie in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Allows cooling for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!