Steps To Improve Your Memory


Everyone can take steps to improve their memory, and with time and practice most people can gain the ability to memorize seemingly impossible amounts of information. Scientists believe that exercising your brain can create a ‘cognitive reserve’ that will help you stay sharp as you age.

1. Convince yourself that you do have a good memory that will improve. Too many people get stuck here and convince themselves that their memory is bad, that they are just not good with names, that numbers just slip out of their minds for some reason. Erase those thoughts and vow to improve your memory. Commit yourself to the task and bask in your achievements. It’s hard to keep motivated if you beat yourself down every time you make a little bit of progress.

2. Keep your brain active. The brain is not a muscle, but regularly “exercising” the brain actually does keep it growing and spurs the development of new nerve connections that can help improve memory. By developing new mental skills, especially complex ones such as learning a new language or learning to play a new musical instrument, and challenging your brain with puzzles and games you can keep your brain active and improve its physiological functioning.

3. Exercise daily. Regular aerobic exercise improves circulation and efficiency throughout the body, including in the brain, and can help ward off the memory loss that comes with aging. Exercise also makes you more alert and relaxed, and can thereby improve your memory uptake, allowing you to take better mental “pictures.”

4. Reduce stress. Chronic stress, although it does not physically damage the brain, can make remembering much more difficult. Even temporary stresses can make it more difficult to effectively focus on concepts and observe things. Try to relax, regularly practice yoga or other stretching exercises, and see a doctor if you have severe chronic stress.

5. Eat well and eat right. There are a lot of herbal supplements on the market that claim to improve memory, but none have yet been shown to be effective in clinical tests (although small studies have shown some promising results for ginkgo biloba and phosphatidylserine). A healthy diet, however, contributes to a healthy brain, and foods containing antioxidants—broccoli, blueberries, spinach, and berries, for example—and Omega-3 fatty acids appear to promote healthy brain functioning. Feed your brain with such supplements as Thiamine, Vitamin E, Niacin and Vitamin B-6. Grazing, eating 5 or 6 small meals throughout the day instead of 3 large meals, also seems to improve mental functioning (including memory) by limiting dips in blood sugar, which may negatively affect the brain.

6. Take better pictures. Often we forget things not because our memory is bad, but rather because our observational skills need work. One common situation where this occurs (and which almost everyone can relate to) is meeting new people. Often we don’t really learn people’s names at first because we aren’t really concentrating on remembering them. You’ll find that if you make a conscious effort to remember such things, you’ll do much better. One way to train yourself to be more observant is to look at an unfamiliar photograph for a few seconds and then turn the photograph over and describe or write down as many details as you can about the photograph. Try closing your eyes and picturing the photo in your mind. Use a new photograph each time you try this exercise, and with regular practice you will find you’re able to remember more details with even shorter glimpses of the photos.

7. Give yourself time to form a memory. Memories are very fragile in the short-term, and distractions can make you quickly forget something as simple as a phone number. The key to avoid losing memories before you can even form them is to be able to focus on the thing to be remembered for a while without thinking about other things, so when you’re trying to remember something, avoid distractions and complicated tasks for a few minutes.

8. Create vivid, memorable images. You remember information more easily if you can visualize it. If you want to associate a child with a book, try not to visualize the child reading the book – that’s too simple and forgettable. Instead, come up with something more jarring, something that sticks, like the book chasing the child, or the child eating the book. It’s your mind – make the images as shocking and emotional as possible to keep the associations strong.

9. Repeat things you need to learn. The more times you hear, see, or think about something, the more surely you’ll remember it, right? It’s a no-brainer. When you want to remember something, be it your new coworker’s name or your best friend’s birthday, repeat it, either out loud or silently. Try writing it down; think about it.

10. Group things you need to remember. Random lists of things (a shopping list, for example) can be especially difficult to remember. To make it easier, try categorizing the individual things from the list. If you can remember that, among other things, you wanted to buy four different kinds of vegetables, you’ll find it easier to remember all four.

11. Organize your life. Keep items that you frequently need, such as keys and eyeglasses, in the same place every time. Use an electronic organizer or daily planner to keep track of appointments, due dates for bills, and other tasks. Keep phone numbers and addresses in an address book or enter them into your computer or cell phone. Improved organization can help free up your powers of concentration so that you can remember less routine things. Even if being organized doesn’t improve your memory, you’ll receive a lot of the same benefits (i.e. you won’t have to search for your keys anymore).

12. Try meditation. Research now suggests that people who regularly practice “mindfulness” meditation are able to focus better and may have better memories. Mindfulness (also known as awareness or insight meditation) is the type commonly practiced in Western countries and is easy to learn. Studies at Massachusetts General Hospital show that regular meditation thickens the cerebral cortex in the brain by increasing the blood flow to that region. Some researchers believe this can enhance attention span, focus, and memory.

13. Sleep well. The amount of sleep we get affects the brain’s ability to recall recently learned information. Getting a good night’s sleep – a minimum of seven hours a night – may improve your short-term memory and long-term relational memory, according to recent studies conducted at the Harvard Medical School.

14. Build your memorization arsenal. Learn pegs, memory palaces, and the Dominic System. These techniques form the foundation for mnemonic techniques, and will visibly improve your memory.

15. Venture out and learn from your mistakes. Go ahead and take a stab at memorizing the first one hundred digits of pi, or, if you’ve done that already, the first one thousand. Memorize the monarchs of England through your memory palaces, or your grocery list through visualization. Through diligent effort you will eventually master the art of memorization.

Interview Prepare - Tips


Hello Friends. Here are some tips for facing the Interview in Good Manner -

  • Dress appropriately in simple - comfortable clothes that reflect your personality.
  • Avoid wearing new shoes (squeaking noises) and do practice wearing your tie.
  • Be punctual - don't be late or even too early.
  • Read up about the company - what business they are into, growth trends, diversification etc
  • Read your own resume - be sure that you don't have to look into your resume to recall details during the interview.
  • Carry extra copies of your resume and testimonials - you never know when you may need them.
  • Make sure you know the full name and designation of the person interviewing you.
  • Keep your references ready.
  • Remember to make a note of your previous or current salary with all its components.
  • Make a good first impression.
  • Wish the interviewer(s) cheerfully and with a smile.
  • A firm handshake is an indicator of how you are feeling. If you are a lady, then some male employers might not make the first move, but go ahead and initiate the handshake.
  • Wait till you are asked to sit down.
  • Look the person in the eye.
  • Do not appear too nervous or overconfident - Your body language usually conveys more than what you are saying. Don't slouch or lean forward too much.
  • Try to curb nervous mannerisms [eg. fidgeting or biting your finger.]
  • Appear comfortable, confident and interested in securing the job.

During the interview -

  • Start the interview with a pleasant smile.
  • Always remember to give a firm handshake. If there are women in your interview panel, wait for the other person to extend the hand while shaking hands.
  • Listen carefully to what the interviewer is saying.
  • Stress on what you can contribute to the organisation.
  • Remember that the employer is in control of the interview.
  • Don't be too long-winded, say what you want to convey in crisp sentences and use terms that would convey your job & achievements.
  • Complete your sentences - don't answer just yes or no.
  • What you don't know can be learned, tell them if you don't know something. But give instances of how quick a learner you are.
  • Do not boast. People on the other side are shrewd and can generally see through you. At the same time talk about achievements giving due credit to others.
  • When talking about yourself and your aspirations, do not sound vague or do not say that you don't know something. You should be very clear and precise about what you want to do, where you want to go etc.
    If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification, don't answer vaguely.
  • Don't talk about your personal problems, why you need the job etc.
  • Don't get personal, even if you know the interviewer personally.
  • Don't be overconfident or too nervous.
  • Don't badmouth your previous employer - you could do the same in the case of the prospective customer.
  • Don't complain about politics, a bad boss or a poor salary - your reasons for change should be higher responsibilities, location etc.
  • If the interviewer is interrupted during the course of the interview, don't pick up papers on his/her desk and read them.
  • Don't ask about salary before the offer is made.
  • Strike a balance between what you actually are and what you want to be, don't paint a picture of yourself as somebody who is not concerned about money, social status etc.
  • Don't be in a hurry to complete the interview.
  • Ask questions at the end of the interview, it could be about the company, the job or the next stage of the interview process. It will be an indicator of your interest in the position.
  • Send a thank-you letter, outlining your interest in the job and why you are qualified for it.

    Be Positive and Confident - And the Job is yours. Best of Luck!

Perfect Resume

Is it the salad itself or the dressing used and the way it is presented that makes the dish more appealing? The analogy, and the answer, are apt when it comes to discussing a resume as well.

The perfect resume must excel in both content and format. Spruce your resume with these simple, effective tips and you will definitely get those interview calls.

What a resume is not -

  • It is not a biography.
  • It is not a statement of purpose listing your short-term and long-term goals.
  • It should not just be a long list of landmarks in your professional career.

Think from a recruiter's point of view -
Your potential employer may not have enough time on his or her hands to read a 10-page masterpiece, so ensure your resume does not extend beyond a couple of pages. Leading newspapers have realised not all their readers have the time to read each and every article, which is why you see the present trend of using summary boxes for long-winded articles.

When you draft your resume, think from a recruiter's point of view. Provide information that a prospective employer needs to know and not the kind of information you want him/ her to read.

An oft-quoted line amongst book critics is that Bill Clinton's autobiography, My Life, was a 1,000-page book that had everything in it except what people really wanted to know. Keep this in mind when you are drafting your resume.

The purpose of a resume -
A resume or curriculum vitae is a window to you, your personality and your skill sets. Its raison d'etre is to convince a recruiter that you deserve to be called for an interview. It should present you in the best possible light and convince a prospective employer that you can add value to the company.

It should tantalise enough to make an employer pick up the phone and dial your number. Your resume should not simply inform; it should also excite a would-be employer.

The resume can also act as a sample of your skills. If done well, it can show how you can organise a large amount of data in a few words. It can also showcase your skills if you plan to opt for a career in designing, advertising or copywriting.

Summary -
Here are points you must definitely include:

  1. Experience in your profession -
    Give valuable insights; for example, if you are in the advertising industry, you could mention the big players and important names you have worked with.
  2. Skills gained in the field -
    Apart from skills you are expected to gain in your field of work, do highlight skills you may have picked up as extras. For example, if you are a teacher, your expected skills would include your command over the language concerned, the ability to handle students and your knowledge about the subject concerned.
    However, if you are also involved in organising workshops for teachers, you can also mention your ability to organise events and liaison effectively.
  3. General skills -
    This could include interpersonal skills, a knowledge of computers, etc. If you know computer packages apart from MS Office, such as Photoshop and Adobe page maker, and if you know how to make a Powerpoint presentation, do mention it. Many recruiters are on the look out for personnel who can multi-task.
  4. Accomplishments in concrete terms -
    Mention successful projects that you have handled/ been part of.
    Focus on career progression, especially if you have been promoted in a short space of time.
    If you have won any award or citation such as Best Employee Of The Month, mention it; this will present you in a positive light.
  5. Academic record -
    Give your record in reverse chronological order, mentioning your most recent qualification first.

Packaging and content -
Packaging is as important as content -- both should go hand in hand.

  • Your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address should lead your resume.
  • The format you use should be consistent. Do not use too many stylistic fonts and don't change the font size too often.
  • The first impression is the last impression, so the first few lines must be really impressive. List about three to four major skills and two achievements in the first summary section. The qualities you focus on should be compelling, not generalised.
  • Using a job objective as a starting point is a good focal point. Here is an example:

Job objective: Senior-level assignments in the area of logistics and supply chain management in the Office Automation, IT/ Telecom industry in a dynamic organisation.

  • What a prospective employer really wants to know is what you can do for them. Instead of just listing your achievements, try and tailor your resume to the needs of the company concerned. It may simply mean changing a few lines here and there on a resume you have already created.
  • Don't be too humble. You have to sell yourself. Nobody else is going to do it for you. Give concrete achievements. For example, if you increased sales by six percent or created a database of clients, mention it instead of making generalised statements like 'used problem-solving skills' or 'created aggressive marketing strategies' that do not speak of actual results.
  • If you have progressed up the ladder in a particular company, you need to point this out. For example, if you joined as a trainee and were then promoted to a managerial level within two years, mention it instead of simply saying you are a manager.

What to avoid -

  • Lousy spellings are a real put-off. Talk about your career prospects instead of your 'carrier' prospects.
  • Standardise your language. Use either American English or British English, not a sprinkling of both.
  • Don't exaggerate your skills. It may get you the job, but you will have difficulty retaining the post if you cannot deliver.
  • Don't talk about unrealistic goals: 'I want to progress from a cub reporter to a reporter independently handling a political beat' is realistic, while 'I aim to be editor of the newspaper soon,' is highly unrealistic. Happy job hunting!

10 Resume Writing Tips

1. Keep It Focused and Businesslike-
A resume should be specific and all business. Don't try to be too smart or too cute. After all, you are asking an employer to invest significant time and money by choosing you over many other similarly qualified people. Employers mainly want to know whether you are appropriately qualified and experienced, and if you have the ability to "deliver the goods."
2. More Than Two Pages Is Too Much-

For students, recent graduates, or people with just a few years of experience, try to keep your resume to one page, two as an absolute maximum. Even a resume for someone with20 years or more of extensive working experience, should not exceed three pages. In some cases, one or two "optional" pages can be referred to as "available upon request." These would be such optional annexes as a list of references or an inventory of recent projects and/or publications.

3. Get The Words and Punctuation Right-
Make sure the grammar, spelling, and punctuation in your resume are perfect. Any obvious mistakes will hurt your credibility. Also, be sure to keep the language clear and simple. If you draft it yourself, have someone with excellent writing skills do an editorial review and a careful proofread of it. If a professional prepares it for you, such reviews are the responsibility of the resume preparation firm. Use an accepted English language "style guide" if you want to be sure of the finer points of word usage, punctuation, capitalization, abbreviations, etc.

4. Read Between The Lines-
Customize the resume to match the stated requirements of the job that you are applying for, without being misleading. Review and analyze the job advertisement carefully. Look for and itemize the key qualifications, skills, and abilities the employer is seeking. Then identify certain key words that are usually repeated in such ads. Make sure that the wording and sequence of points in your resume reflect and address these "corporate terminologies" and" code words" as much as possible. When possible, study the company's annual report and Web site, and weave the themes and terms found there into your resume and cover letter.

5. Make Sure It Looks Good-
Use a crisp, clean, simple presentation format for a professional looking resume. Just a bit of simple line work and/or shading, done with standard word processing software will do the trick. If you don't have the aptitude for this, there is most likely someone among your friends or in your office who can help you achieve a professional presentation. If not, seek professional advice. It won't cost much for a good simple layout, but it will make a world of difference to the product.

6. Show What You Can Do Today-
Focus, first and foremost, on your recent experience that is most relevant to the position at hand. Less relevant and/or dated experience should be either eliminated or summarized in brief point form near the end of your resume. When reviewing your resume information, a prospective employer wants to know what you are doing now, what you have done recently, and how that relates to the job requirements of the post they are trying to fill.

7. Be A Straight-Shooter-
Be completely honest. When people lie or "creatively exaggerate" on their resume, they are almost invariably exposed, sooner or later. Think about it - who really wants to get a job based on a lie(s) and then have to live in fear of eventually being found out? We often read in the newspaper about high-profile folks who get caught in are sume falsehood or exaggeration, and it isn't very pretty.

8. Follow The Instructions-
Submit your resume in exactly the form that the prospective employer requests. If they say e-mail or fax is okay, do it that way. However, if they ask for it by regular mail, send it the way they ask. They must have reasons for requesting it in such a form and they are geared up to process it that way. If your resume is to be sent by snail mail, use the complete address that they specify, or it could go to the wrong office, especially in a large organization.

9. Don't Get Lost In The Mail-
Be careful to respect certain conventions that the potential employer may require in your resume. For example, make sure that the cover letter mentions the exact name of the specific position you are applying for, and the competition number, if applicable. Sometimes an employer will request that the job title and/or number be printed on the outside of the envelope. You would not want to miss out on a job because you didn't follow minor administrative requirements.

10. Keep The Cover Short and Focused-
In the cover letter, don't repeat what is already detailed in the body of the attached resume. It is a "cover" letter. It should be short and to the point. Introduce yourself first, and then briefly summarize why you believe that you have the qualifications and experience to fulfill the duties of the position better than anyone else. Express enthusiasm about the job and the company. Close by stating how you are looking forward to hearing more from them soon, and that you will follow-up if necessary.

Water for Health


Drinking Water to Maintain Good Health
From : Shereen Jegtvig

Water - The Beverage Your Body Needs Most -

Drinking water is so important for good health. When you were a kid in school, you learned that each molecule of water is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. You may also have learned that it was great fun to fill up your squirt guns with water, at least until the principal caught you. What you may not have learned, however, was how much water you needed in order to be a healthy human being.

Why You Need to Drink Water -

Your body is estimated to be about 60 to 70 percent water. Blood is mostly water, and your muscles, lungs, and brain all contain a lot of water. Your body needs water to regulate body temperature and to provide the means for nutrients to travel to all your organs. Water also transports oxygen to your cells, removes waste, and protects your joints and organs.

Signs of Dehydration -

You lose water through urination, respiration, and by sweating. If you are very active, you lose more water than if you are sedentary. Diuretics such as caffeine pills and alcohol result in the need to drink more water because they trick your body into thinking you have more water than we need.

Symptoms of mild dehydration include chronic pains in joints and muscles,lower back pain, headaches and constipation. A strong odor to your urine, along with a yellow or amber color indicates that you may not be getting enough water. Note that riboflavin, a B Vitamin, will make your urine bright yellow. Thirst is an obvious sign of dehydration and in fact, you need water long before you feel thirsty.

How Much Water do You Need to Drink?

A good estimate is to take your body weight in pounds and divide that number in half. That gives you the number of ounces of water per day that you need to drink. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should drink at least 80 ounces of water per day. If you exercise you should drink another eight ounce glass of water for every 20 minutes you are active. If you drink alcohol, you should drink at least an equal amount of water. When you are traveling on an airplane, it is good to drink eight ounces of water for every hour you are on board the plane. If you live in an arid climate, you should add another two servings per day. As you can see, your daily need for water can add up to quite a lot.

Twenty percent of your water need will come from the foods you eat. The rest of your water need should come from the beverages you drink. Water is the best choice. Sodas have a lot of sugar in them, so if you drink sodas, you may take in more calories than you need. Herbal teas that aren't diuretic are fine. Sports drinks contain electrolytes and may be beneficial, just look out for added sugar and calories that you don't need. Juices are good because they have vitamins and nutrients.

Caffeinated beverages will also add to your daily water need. Even though caffeine is a diuretic, if you regularly consume caffeine, your body will regulate itself to that diuretic effect.

Drink Enough Water -

It may be difficult to drink enough water on a busy day. Be sure you have water handy at all times by keeping a bottle for water with you when you are working, traveling, or exercising. If you get bored with plain water, add a bit of lemon or lime for a touch of flavor. There are some brands of flavored water available, but watch for extra calories.

Sources:
Spigt MG, Kuijper EC, Schayck CP, Troost J, Knipschild PG, Linssen VM, Knottnerus JA. "Increasing the daily water intake for the prophylactic treatment of headache: a pilot trial." Eur J Neurol. 2005 Sep;12

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- Six [6] glasses of water (1.5 litres) everyday -

Drink six (6) glasses of water [1.5 litres] everyday and avoid medicine, tablets, injections, diagnosis, doctor fees etc. You can never believe before practicing.

How to do this Water Therapy?

  1. Early morning, after you get up from bed, (without even brushing your teeth) drink 1.50 litres of water i.e. 5 to 6 glasses. Let us all know that ancient Indians termed this therapy as â€Å“USHA PAANA CHIKITSA ". You may wash your face thereafter.

  2. Here it is very essential to note that nothing else, neither drinks nor solid food of any sort should be taken within 1 hr. before and after drinking these 1.5 litres of water.

  3. It is also to be strictly observed that no alcoholic drinks shall be taken the previous night.

  4. If required, boiled and filtered water may be used for this purpose. Is it possible to drink 1.50 litres of water at one time? This is a BIG QUESTION? To begin with, one may find it difficult to drink 1.50 litres of water at one time, but one will get used to it gradually. Initially, while practicing you may drink four glasses first and then the balance two glasses after a gap of 2 minutes. Initially you may find the necessity to urinate 2 - 3 times within an hour, but it will become normal after quite some time.

By research and experience, the following diseases are observed to be cured with this therapy within the indicated days as below:

  • Constipation -- 1 day
  • Acidity -- 2 days.
  • Diabetes -- 7 days.
  • Cancer -- 4 weeks
  • Pulmonary TB -- 3 months
  • BP & Hypertension -- 4 weeks

Here is the list of diseases that can be cured by this water therapy -

  1. Head Ache
  2. Urogenital diseases
  3. Blood Pressure / Hypertension
  4. Hyper acidity
  5. Anemia (Blood shortage)
  6. Gastro - entities
  7. Rheumatism (Pain in joints/muscles)
  8. Dysentery
  9. General Paralysis 10.Rectal Piodapse
  10. Obesity
  11. Constipation
  12. Arthritis
  13. Hostorthobics
  14. Sinusitis
  15. Diabetes
  16. Tachycardia
  17. Eye diseases
  18. Giddiness
  19. Ophthalmic Hemorrhage & Ophthalmic
  20. Cough
  21. (Reddish eye)
  22. Asthma
  23. Irregular Menstruation
  24. Bronchitis
  25. Leukemia
  26. Pulmonary Tuberculosis
  27. Asteros Cancer
  28. Meningitis
  29. Breast cancer
  30. Kidney stones
  31. Laryngitis

NOTE:
It is advised that persons suffering from Arthritis or Rheumatism should practice this therapy thrice a day i.e. morning, mid day and night, 1 hour before breakfast, lunch and dinner for one week and twice a day subsequently until the disease disappears.

How Does Pure Water Act?

Consuming ordinary drinking water by the right method purifies human body. It renders the colon more effective by forming new fresh blood, known in medical terms as Haematopaises. That the mucosal folds of the colon and intestines are activated by this method, is an undisputed fact, just as the theory that new fresh blood is produced by the mucosal fold. If the colon is cleansed then the nutrients of the food taken several times a day will be absorbed and by the action of the mucosal folds they are turned in to fresh blood. The blood is all-important in curing ailments and restoring health and for this water should be consumed in a regular pattern.

Life is Short & Invaluable, Just go for it . . .

THE SECRET OF GETTING RICH 1

Dear friends,

I'm sure by now you've heard of the phenomenon of "The Secret."

"The Secret" has taken the world by storm. It has sold millions of copies and among others it has been featured on Oprah, Larry King Live, and TIME Magazine.

Now, The Teachers featured in "The Secret" have done it again, for the first time they are sharing "The Secret" behind "The Secret."

What new secrets are The Teachers revealing this time?

Click here now to find out for yourself

http://thesgrprogram.com/special.php?a_aid=21bc1168

Enjoy!

7 Gifts to a Friend

The month has many birthdays for my family and friends. What gifts would I get? As I was reading some quotes, I found myself wishing I could give these gifts that I cannot buy.
  1. The Gift of Love
    May you find love in your family and your friends. And may you share the love you have to give. When you share your love, it comes back to you in many forms.
    "Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within the reach of every hand." - Mother Teresa -
    "To live a little, you've got to love a whole lot. Love turns the ordinary into the extraordinary." Author Unknown
  2. The Gift of Laughter -
    May laughter fill your home, relieve your stress, and strengthen your friendships. Do not let a day go buy without laughing; it is good for your health.
    "Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects." - Arnold Glasow -
    "Let there be more joy and laughter in your living." - Eileen Caddy -
  3. The Gift of Living Each Day to The Fullest -
    Every day is a gift, and may you use this gift by living life to the fullest. You will never have this day again. What will you do with it?
    "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present." - Babatunde Olatunji -
    "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." - Albert Einstein -
  4. The Gift of Not Worrying -
    May your days be worry-free. If you find yourself worrying about something then fix it. If it is beyond your control, then there is no sense in worrying about it. 90% of what you worry about will never happen, so why worry!
    "I've seen many troubles in my time, only half of which ever came true." - Mark Twain -
    "When I look back on all the worries I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which never happened." - Sir Winston Churchill -
  5. The Gift of Positive Thinking -
    May you find the good in all situations, even if you have to look for it - look because it is there. No matter what happens in your life, find the good. Your life will be a happier one.
    Every problem has a gift for you in its hands. - Richard Bach -
    "There are always flowers for those who want to see them." - Henri Matisse -
  6. The Gift of Balance in Your Life -
    May you find the balance of life, time for work but also time for play. Too much of one thing ends up creating stress that no one needs in their life.
    "Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some." - Robert Fulghum -
    In fact, everyone should take time out once in a while to recharge and revitalize their energy. The key is to have a balanced life." - Michael Lee, CPA -
  7. The Gift of Goal Setting -
    May all your dreams turn into goals. Goals will help you accomplish things you may have thought impossible.
    "If you have a goal in life that takes a lot of energy, that requires a lot of work, that incurs a great deal of interest and that is a challenge to you, you will always look forward to waking up to see what the new day brings." - Susan Polis Schultz -
    "Goals determine what you're going to be." - Julius Erving -

Write Love Letter



How To Write a Love Letter

  1. Use terms of endearment or personal meaning. If the two of you use special nicknames for each other, include them in your letter. Or try out some new sweet names that suggest your loved one's characteristics or personality. Don't stop with using such terms in the greeting; mention them occasionally throughout the letter in expressions like these: "My dear Janice" (rather than "Dear Janice") "It's been a long week without my dear one..." "Your amber eyes are often in my thoughts."
  2. Reflect on the past. Mention special times the two of you shared, whether it was when you met, how you courted, conflicts you overcame, or celebrations you've shared. A common history is a hallmark of longevity and helps to bond a couple over time. You may want to remind the loved one of certain people you used to visit or events you attended together. Make your letter a bit nostalgic to rouse the reader's sentiment.
  3. Celebrate the present. Talking about current events makes them more real, even when you cannot be together to enjoy them. Describe recent times you spent together, even if they were simple things like raking leaves or sipping iced tea on the front porch. Everyday memories have a special magic of their own when shared with someone we care deeply about. Putting them into words that remain permanently etched in writing give them a memorable quality that helps to brand them in both writer and reader's memory for future reflection. Here's an example: "Do you remember last summer when we had that argument about country music while in the car? I noticed how pretty you looked, your cheeks on fire, your eyes aflame, when you spoke with such passion! I loved you then, and even more now, despite any disagreements we may have."
  4. Anticipate the future. Write about planned events or long-term goals that the two of you can share. Whether it's about saving money or going on a cruise, the very notion of working toward a mutual cause will bring the two of you closer even in writing: "I really appreciate your giving up coffee mochas to save for our Alaska cruise next year. I can tell this means a lot to you, and I can't wait for us to share this adventure together. My contribution is giving up commercial car washes; I'll wash the Chevy myself from now on. Every little bit helps!"
  5. Close with a romantic conclusion. The last words you write may well be the ones that are longest remembered. Include tender expressions of your affection, a physical caress indicated in words, and the hope of being reunited soon. The letter becomes a guarantee of your regard and a promise of continued commitment.
  6. Use attractive stationery. Get a pretty card or nice-looking paper with matching envelopes for your note. Hand-write it if possible. Keep it clean and folded neatly. Mail it promptly, so you don't forget or lose it. Writing a love letter does not have to be difficult. It just takes a few minutes of thoughtful concern to put into words the sincere feelings that lodge in your heart.

Love Quiz


  1. You are walking to your love's house. There are two roads to get there. One is a straight path which takes you there quickly, but is very plain & boring. The other is curvy & full of wonderful sights on the way, but takes quite a while to reach your love's house.
    WHICH PATH DO YOU CHOOSE? Short or Long?
  2. On the way, you see two rose bushes. One is full of white roses, the other is full of red roses. You decide to pick twenty roses for your love. (You could pick all of the same coluor or half & half or whatever combination that suits your taste.)
    WHAT COLOUR COMBO DO YOU CHOOSE?
  3. You finally get to your love's house. You ring the bell & a family member answers the door. You can ask the family member to please get your love, or you may get him/her yourself.
    WHAT DO YOU DO? Ask or Get yourself?
  4. Now, You go up to your love's room. No one is there. You could leave the roses by the windowsill or on the bed.
    WHERE DO YOU PUT THE ROSES? Window or Bed?
  5. Later it's time for bed. You & your love go to sleep in separate rooms (we're very politically correct, here). You wake up in the morning & go to your love's room to check up on him/her. You enter the room:
    IS HE/SHE AWAKE OR SLEEPING?
  6. It's time to go home now & you start to head back. You can take either road home now. The plain & boring one that gets you home faster or the curvy & sight-filled road that you can just take your time with.
    WHICH ROAD DO YOU CHOOSE? Short or Long?

Now Analyze your Answers: -

QUESTION 1
The road represents your attitude towards falling in love. If you chose the short one, you fall in love quickly & easily. If you chose the long one, you take your time & do not fall in love that easily.

QUESTION 2
The number of red roses represent how much you expect to give in a relationship. The number of white roses represents how much you expect in a relationship. So, if a person chose all red with one white rose, he/she gives 90% in the relationship, but expects to receive only 10% back.

QUESTION 3
This question shows your attitude in handling relationship problems. If you asked the family member to get your love, then you are the type who wants to avoid problems. If you went to get your love yourself, then you are pretty direct & solve the problem right away.

QUESTION 4
The placement of the roses indicate how often you would like to see your love. Putting the roses on the bed means, you want to see them a lot. If you placed the roses by the window this means you don't mind seeing each other once in a while.

QUESTION 5
Finding your love asleep: You accept your love the way they are. Finding them awake means you expect them to change for you.

QUESTION 6
The short & long roads now represent how long you could stay in love. If you chose the short one, you fall out of love easily. If you chose the long one, you tend to stay in love for a long, long time.

Love vs. Like


Difference between SomeOne u Love & SomeOne u Like

  • In front of the person u love, your heart beats faster.
    But in front of the person u like, u get happy.
  • In front of a person u love, winter seems like a spring.
    But in front of a person u like, winter is just a beautiful winter.
  • If u look into the eyes of the one u love, u blush.
    But if u look into the eyes of the one u like, u smile.
  • In front of a person u love, u can't say anything on your mind.
    But in front of a person u like, u can.
  • In front of the one u love, u tend to get shy.
    But in front of the one u like, u can show your own self.
  • You can't look straight into the eyes of the one u love.
    But u can always smile into the eyes of the one u like.
  • When the one u love is crying, u cry with him.
    But when the one u like is crying, u end up comforting him.
  • The feeling of love starts from the eye.
    But the feeling of liking starts from the ear.
  • So if u stop liking a person u used to like, all u need to do is close your ears.
    But if u try to close your eyes, love turns into a drop of tear & remains in your heart forever.

If its True Love


- 5 Ways to know if its True Love -

Wondering if you've just met the perfect match? Here are some guidelines to help you decide if it's true love. After several dates, you feel you've found the perfect person. This is your dream mate, the one who will stand by you through thick and thin. You're ready to tie the knot at last.

But is it love? Or is it a cheap imitation, like infatuation, lust, or even simple companionship? Here are a few things to consider as you make the ultimate life-changing decision:
  1. Do you enjoy looking at the person or talking to the person more? Both are important to a mature relationship, but if you find yourself fixated on physical appearance, attracted to your mate because of face, figure, or form, you may be taking a superficial look at your loved one. On the other hand, you don't want to be taken in by flattery or false statements. If your significant other is all talk and no action, that can be a warning sign to drop the relationship before you end up with one broken promise after another. A balance of physical and mental attraction is a healthy signal.
  2. Are you willing to wait to make the relationship work? For example, if your mate pushes you to do things you don't feel comfortable with, can you firmly say no? Will your response be handled respectfully and with patience? It goes both ways, too. Are you willing to wait on your partner to get more serious when he or she is ready, or are you demanding more interaction now? Can you wait to marry until the other person finishes school or are you pushing to live together first? Patience is an important virtue associated with successful, long-term relationships.
  3. Do you support each other by anticipating and meeting needs? For example, if you need to work extra right now to pay off debt before getting married, does your mate understand that the situation is temporary and willingly wait for you to put in the extra hours at your job, rather than complain about your absence? If the person has a list of errands to run before the two of you can get together, do you offer to help?
  4. Are you friends? Companionship lasts much longer than ardor, generally speaking. People in their 70's, 80's, and 90's may lose some of their physical spontaneity, but they maintain a quest for fun and a shared life until the end. Do you laugh together? Enjoy similar activities? Share each other with friends and family? Or do you expect your perfect mate to spend all free time with you exclusively?
  5. Do you want what's best for this person, or do you want what this person can do to help you? For example, if your mate has the chance to get a wonderful job in another city, are you willing to pull up stakes and move, or will you expect the job opportunity to get tossed aside for you? Love means putting the other person's needs ahead of your own, even when that involves sacrifice. While blind agreement to any difference of opinion is unrealistic and unreasonable, a thoughtful discussion of what is better for each of you individually as well as both of you as a couple needs to take place. Loving another person involves self-sacrifice and compromise. If you are attracted to someone for whom you are unwilling to be patient and to share all parts of your life, you may have a lot of work to do or disappointment to deal with after the wedding. Take time now to assess your relationship with these and other factors to see if you can make a life that could last fifty years or more with the person of your dreams. Because when you wake up, your mate will still be there.

Heartbreak - 20 Solutions


Have you, at any point in your life, suffered a broken heart? Those waves of intense grief, emptiness, sadness, anger, confusion, heaviness and low self-esteem?
Depending on the kind of person you are and the situation, break-ups can be traumatic enough to affect your emotional and physical health.
They may say that no one ever died of a broken heart, but when you're suffering from one, it sure doesn't feel that way, at least initially.
Most people will tell you that you'll get over it or you'll meet someone else, but it seems easier said than done.

There are strategies that can lessen the pain. Here are 20 steps that can help -
  1. Be aware of your real intentions -
    Do you want to move past the break-up. Or do you harbour hopes of getting back with your ex? Define your emotional goal. You can't move on until you've truly accepted that the relationship is over.
  2. Make a clean break -
    Don't do the 'on-again-off-again' routine. It will only prolong the inevitable. Also, resist the urge to call your ex.
    How do you know if you are over your ex? That's the million-dollar question. A good indication is when you no longer want to get back together with the person. Additionally, when the thought of your ex having a relationship with someone else doesn't affect you. Although you might not necessarily be 'happy' for him/her, but if you have gotten over your ex, you won't care either way.
  3. Don't get self-destructive -
    Getting angry (or desperate), trying to hurt yourself or someone else, drinking or taking drugs to become numb and feel better, or locking yourself up in a dark room are not going to do anything to help your situation. These things don't actually deal with the pain, they only mask it, which only prolongs the sadness.
  4. Share your feelings -
    It could be with a friend or family member. Talking is a great way to cleanse your soul and ease your tension.
  5. Cry it out -
    Getting some of those raw emotions out can be a big help, so it's okay to cry as much as needed, irrespective of whether you are a a guy or a girl.
  6. Give your heart time to heal -
    It takes time for sadness to go away. This depends on what caused your heartbreak, how you deal with loss, and how quickly you tend to bounce back from things. Getting over a break-up can take a couple of days to many weeks -- and sometimes even months.
  7. Keep yourself busy -
    This can be difficult when you're coping with sadness and grief, but it really helps. Just make sure you busy yourself with positive activities like doing projects around the house, going on a trip, exercising, friend-time and focusing on studies or work. Don't get self destructive and at all costs avoid excesses of any kind.
  8. Watch a movie -
    To distract yourself, choose a comedy that has cheered you up before. Or watch one that's guaranteed to make you sob -- you might be surprised how good that makes you feel.
  9. Take a holiday/vacation or weekend off -
    Visit an old friend or go back home to your roots. A change of environment does wonders for the spirit. It recharges your batteries. It also gives you some time to think and find closure in a different setting.
  10. Surround yourself with friends -
    Interacting with others will help you in resuming a normal life balance. It may open up opportunities for new friendships too. Consider dating other people, but be wary of rebound relationships.
  11. Remind yourself of your good qualities -
    Often people with broken hearts blame themselves for what happened. Getting your self-esteem back on track is the key to your recovery.
  12. Focus on yourself -
    You're going through a tough time, so do the things that make you feel good again. Get a new hairstyle, have a spa day, dance, or go shopping. Get lots of sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly to minimise stress and depression.
  13. Improve yourself -
    This is an opportunity to make a journey into self-discovery. Discover what you want from life and go after it.
  14. Get rid of the memories -
    Do your mourning and then put everything that reminds you of your ex in a box and seal it. Return it to them, throw it away, donate it to charity or ask a friend to hold on to it indefinitely. Get rid of anything that keeps you in the past, if it hurts.
  15. Learn from the break-up -
    Take the positives from it, and even more importantly, learn from the negatives. There's nothing worse than dragging your negative habits along with you to future relationships, because you'll just end up with the same result until you learn from your mistakes.
  16. Get out -
    Force yourself to go out even if you are feeling depressed. Go for a cup of coffee or a long walk.
  17. Move on -
    People who are dealing with a break up tend to play over past events in their head ad nauseum. This behaviour is normal in the early days of a break up but it can quickly become a dangerous and defeatist coping strategy. Remember that the end is just the beginning. Visualise your future, block out the past. Pick up the pieces and go after the kind of life and relationship you deserve.
  18. Don't punish your next partner -
    Judge future relationships on their own merits. Don't let paranoia from the past enter the present. If you live in the past too much, you aren't ready to be in another relationship yet. Learn to trust again. Don't let a bad experience keep you from living your life to the fullest.
  19. Consider getting professional help -
    Sometimes the sadness is so deep -- or lasts so long -- that one may need extra support. For a person who isn't starting to feel better after a few weeks or who continues to feel depressed, talking to a psychologist or counsellor or psychiatrist can be very helpful.
  20. Take charge -
    Find the courage to pull yourself out of this rut. Take charge of yourself and you will find that there actually is life after 'What's-His-Name' or 'What's-Her-Name'! You just need to make the decision so you can move on.

Take tiny steps each day and you will be amazed that you are starting to feel better. Lean on your friends and family, and remember, time will heal all wounds.