Mind, Body, Spirit – Your Temple and The Power Within
Your body is your temple – We hear that time and time again because it’s the truth. A healthy and fit body promotes great mental health – and how we look and feel about ourselves correlates directly with how we treat others. When we look and feel good we can build others up – confidence and positivity rubs off on those around us.There are two types of people in this world, those that build people up and those that tear people down. Obviously the overall message here is focused on building people up as I would rather be constructive than counterproductive and hopefully be able to help anyone reading this that might need it.From building your own temple to sharing a few of your “bricks” – May this be a blueprint that will not only pave the way to a better you, but to build up others around you.Whether you’re a kid having a hard time with self-esteem and the social scene, a mature adult with a slowing metabolism and starting to gain weight, or a person who is troubled by a parent or someone at home; no matter the age, time, or place – the power is in YOU!If you are that kid that is self-conscious and not feeling great about yourself, the first thing that you need to understand is that IT’S OK! It’s completely normal for a kid. But also understand that you can’t be hard on yourself about it as that will only make things worse. So don’t dwell on it, buddy – you’re going to be ok, just keep reading.If you’re that adult with the slowing metabolism….stay tuned, the following applies to you as well as it applies to everyone.Firstly – I should say that I’ve never been one to preach but rather lead by example, so the best thing I can do here is base this on my own life experience. Sadly, the example I’m about to use is one from a kid that was demonized by that someone at home. Fortunately, the message I intend to send about growing up with that someone, a step father (that I will refer to as my T-Rex for the perspective of this article only) is ten-fold with much light at the end of the tunnel. In turn it will present an outlook on life from an individual who takes care of himself and his body vs. one that does not.Whether you grew up in a broken/dysfunctional home or had a structured environment with some great role models for parents but facing a different type of T-Rex, the following is solely intended to display the character building and power of positive vs. negative.We’re all faced with adversities, our own T-Rex’s in some form or other. Whatever it is that’s bringing you down…. don’t sit, get fit.DON’T SIT – GET FIT! – LESSONS FROM A YOUNG CAVEMANLet’s face it, I wasn’t the coolest kid growing up – at least I didn’t think so anyway. I was tall and scraggly and didn’t have any direction as there was no structure in my family. All my step dad did when he got home was lie on the couch, watch TV and drink beer. Every time he pulled into the driveway my brother and I would run downstairs to our rooms to avoid him. Not a cool thing for a kid growing up at all.Hiding in my room (or cave dwelling as I call it) and playing video games got my mind off things for a bit, but it was taking to exercise that got me through it all.Getting your mind off of your T-Rex with a video game, movie, or music isn’t a bad idea. Do whatever it takes to put your mind, focus, and energy in a better place but go ahead and throw a few push-ups and sit-ups in there every 15-20 minutes or so. And if you can get out for a run, by all means – go for it. You’d be surprised at how therapeutic it is to get your body into motion and doing what your body is meant to do. (Yes, by nature, exercise is genetically what each and every one of our bodies is meant for.) Like any machine needs oil to run efficiently, when we “oil our machines” by exercising, like the machines, we also operate more efficiently. It all around makes us feel better. When we feel better we’re able to take on and complete our everyday tasks more effectively and efficiently.Research has shown time and again that statistically, kids that exercise do much better academically than those who don’t, and I’m living proof. I was getting D’s and F’s until I started playing football in high school when my GPA jumped to a 3.6. And staying true to my regimen provided me with much success throughout life. I had a very successful 10 year stint in the US Navy and now own and operate my own business, all the while staying fit. I’m in the gym at least 6-7 times per week getting in good cardio and hitting weights and machines. I feel great and I take every opportunity I can to help someone else. For me, that’s especially what makes life worthwhile is when a big part of your life is devoted to helping others. It’s great fuel for the soul let alone the relief you provided that person by removing a burden.As you can see, what I consume myself with is what my life is all about. I stay fit and I keep my mind busy, allowing myself to share my positive energy and experience with others.IF IT’S NOT CONSTRUCTIVE, IT’S COUNTERPRODUCTIVESitting in front of a TV watching movies or playing games for hours on end isn’t good for the soul. It’s not constructive, therefore it’s counterproductive. If you’re not making an effort to make forward progress during a lengthy cave stay then you’re more than likely to subconsciously tap into the “reverse gear” mode that enables people to be the couch tater, beer drinking T-Rex’s that chases us into our caves. The kind that have no ambition and no regard to or respect for others, and no desire to do better or be better.DO BETTER, BE BETTERI believe that inherently, deep down we all want to be better and do better. Maybe the bullies at school or at home seem like they don’t have a heart, but they do. They just don’t look within. It’s the confidence and the will they’re lacking that enables them to be the T-Rex.If you ignore in yourself what you know is inherently good and make compromising choices that go against your intuition (like they did), you’ll sink down into the deep, dark abyss along with the very people that are trying to pull you down.Use your intuition and bring out that stuff deep within to do better. Stay within your temple and use it as your place of peace and worship while oiling your machine. Don’t think about what’s on the outside that you can’t control. Forget about the T-Rex as it’s not about getting back or getting even. Life itself will take care of them, so use the good energy inside to produce more good energy. Don’t stress the poor soul that’s trying to bring you down. They have issues of their own that they’re obviously unable to deal with… powerless. Furthermore, you are in control of your own destiny – not them.For those just worried about the extra weight gain, like I said before with “don’t sit – get fit,” so get up and get moving.In closing, whatever your T-Rex is – keep oiling that machine as life will always have its obstacles. Take the tools you’ve been given and use your intuition. Do whatever it takes. Challenge yourself. Whether it’s more running, push-ups, and sit-ups, or setting and achieving other life goals, stay within your temple. Let your mind, body, and spirit work together to not only construct the solid foundation that will provide you with the most impenetrable of temples, but also allow you to “share your bricks” with others. For each brick you share – your confidence, your experience, your positive energy – is all a direct reflection of your spirit that will help encourage other to build as well.A T-Rex is no match for a solid temple, let alone a fortress.Keep building my friends.
Four Rules to Save on Travel and Cruise
Ah, it is the time of the year when you start looking for your next vacation destination and book for flights and hotels or cruise. And there is no better way to begin your search than looking for ways to save on your trip. Now, you may already be aware that the cost of a vacation doesn’t entirely depend on your destination. Partly, it is in the way of searching and bargain hunting that will determine how much you will spend on your vacation. Here are four most expensive aspects in your vacation and how you can save on them.AirfareAssuming you have selected your destination, don’t book at the most popular airline yet. Check each airline that makes flight to that destination. Budget airlines may not always appeal to you, but they provide excellent discount of up to 40%-70% compared to regular and more established airlines. It’s good to search online and get familiarized with the going rate of each airline. Watch out for special offers and last minute deals that are sources of some very nice bargains. Book early – there are airlines that sell flights at great discounts of you book three to nine months in advance. So if you have plans to travel in the near future, start your bargain hunt as early as now.HotelsThe best way to save on a hotel is to schedule your trip during the off season when hotels rates are much lower. But should you decide to go when everyone else goes, it is important to learn the following tips:1. Go online and visit travel websites. They provide comprehensive list of hotels and offer great discounts, especially if you are traveling to a high demand tourist destination
2. Integrate your hotel with a flight or as part of the tour package. Here, you will be paying for a 5-start hotel at a 3-star price
3. Staying for at least two nights at the same hotel will save you money on booking fee
4. Coupons will also help you get discount
5. If you are a travel club card or time share, it is a great time to use itCruise LineCruises do not normally offer great discounts as often as airlines do, but it also pays to check online and watch out for deals. On board a cruise, it is tempting to splurge on a little luxury, but like all the other luxuries, there are things you often can live without. Example, soda and coffee have a hefty price tag on a cruise. Skip the spa as well – you can do that at home. Skip the casino too. Bring everything you need so that you avoid shopping on board. Stores near the pier are designed for tourists hence, they can be very expensive. But shore excursions are much cheaper at pier agents than the cruise-arranged. Or, if you know the itinerary of the excursions, research online beforehand and learn how to get there. It will save you a lot.DestinationPicking your destination is as crucial as picking your travel dates. The least crowded the destination is, the least it will cost. Alaskan Cruise from May to September is usually cheaper while Caribbean Cruise in January and February can be cheaper.
The Payday Loan, Also Called a Cash Advance
At a time of financial distress, the payday or cash advance can be utilised to protect your good credit rating. Not everyone is aware of this opportunity, although companies granting these short-term loans proliferate on the internet. Most are reputable organisations; however, you should be aware that there are a few bad apples in this barrel of pounds. You can protect your best interests by verifying the reputation of the company you plan to apply to. The Better Business Bureau is a good resource to use as they will have a record of any complaints lodged against a business.Once you have selected a lending organisation with a clear record of doing business, ask questions about any fees over and above the interest you will owe when the loan is repaid. Ask about any additional fees that will be assessed if you need to rollover, or extend the payment or partial payment on the loan. Some payday loan companies will rollover the money owed; however, this can be expensive. Some will offer a weekly payment plan, which will also add an additional fee to the amount you owe.The short-term payday loan is convenient. You may apply from the comfort of home and use the internet to do so. You will not have to provide any supporting documents by fax or post. Check advance processing is quick. In some cases you may file your application in the morning, get an answer by noon and have the money in your checking account by the end of the day. This is an added convenience when the funds are needed in a hurry.Some people misinterpret the practicality of these loans. They are what they are intended to be, short term loans that must be repaid on the payday following your fund being deposited into your checking account for immediate use. They are not intended to be heaped on the backs of the destitute poor. They are intended to be used by working people who have steady employment and a checking account in their name. They are not intended to take advantage of anyone. The loan is more risky for the lender; therefore, it stands to reason that the interest rate will be higher. The only collateral the lender has is the income of the borrower.Often someone has maxed out all credit cards, run out of family members to borrow money from and an emergency arises out of nowhere. The individual is either left unable to cope or use the more attractive option, the payday loan. The interest rate may be high, but when it is repaid on time, it is only a one-time charge. Any additional fees are disclosed to the borrower before a contract is signed. If the borrower is certain he or she can repay the loan on time, there will be no unforeseen fees added to the amount to be repaid.What is the Procedure for Obtaining a Payday Loan?The payday loan service is offered online. There is an upper limit to how much you can borrow. That amount is calculated based on your earnings. You apply online and the lender makes a decision in your favour or against it. You must have a steady job and a valid checking account for making the loan and repayment transactions. The lender will deposit the loan funds into your checking account after you are approved. Then, on your next payday, the lender will use a post-dated check provided by you to be repaid the loan amount plus interest and any applicable fees. If you keep your part of the agreement, the payday loan company will keep theirs.The advantages are rapid funding, regardless of your bad credit and you will not owe the money for a long time, which will limit the amount of interest you will pay for the privilege of getting the loan. A payday lender uses another financial institution to lend them the money to finance their loan to you. Since the loan company is asking for a secured loan, which means they have collateral to offer, they pay a considerably lower rate of interest. They must charge a higher rate of interest when they grant a high risk loan to you. It may seem high; however, consider the fact that they are in business to make a profit.A Payday Loan Has BenefitsThe payday loan is beneficial only when you use it as a short-term solution to a problem. When repaid on the payday following the loan, it will get you out of a bad situation by providing the emergency funds you need. If you do not have a credit card, or you have used it up to the limit, you may be in danger of eviction, or having the heat turned off in your flat. To avoid this, the payday loan is the ideal solution. The high interest rate is likely not as high as late fees charged by your landlord or your utility company. Unlike the credit card, with your payments will going on month after month, your payday loan will be finished in two weeks to one month. You may know how compound interest works. On a credit card, the interest you pay is charged not only on the balance owed, but also the accrued interest is added to the balance each month and you end up paying interest on the interest. With a short-term payday loan, you make one interest payment along with the repayment of the original loan, and that is the end of your debt.You Can Avoid Ruining Your Credit by Taking out a Payday LoanIt is fast and easy to accrue credit card fees and penalties, which will then have compound interest piled on top of those fees and penalties. If you have reached the upper limit of your capacity, you will be without money to pay the bill and without money to compensate for not being able to charge merchandise you may need.Avoid accruing those late fees for non-payment on your credit card. Apply for a payday loan, make the payment on your next payday and you will not have to pay interest on the money month after month. The direct debit loan is fast and easy, but without the disadvantages of using a credit card for an emergency. Paying the credit card or another bill that may be close to overdue will preserve your credit rating.A late payment to your credit card company will be a blot on your credit rating for five years. Saving your good credit score is worth any amount of interest paid to the payday loan company. The payday loan will be repaid in two weeks to one month. If you make a late payment on your credit card, it will linger on your credit record for five years. The advantages of the payday loan far outweigh the disadvantages, which are minimal compared to destroying a clean credit history you may be building to qualify to purchase a home or new automobile in the future.