10 Questions You Should Ask To Yourself

"What Really Makes You Tick?" 10 questions you should ask to yourself: a preparation to self-improvement

Be all you can be, but it's not always in the Army. I often see myself as somewhat contented with my life the way things are, but of course it's hard to think of anything else when where are real issues to be discussed.

Still I aspire for something deeper and more meaningful.

So we're all pelted with problems. Honestly it shouldn't even bother or even hinder us to becoming all we ought to be. Aspirations as kids should continue to live within us, even though it would be short-lived or as long as we could hold on to the dream. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks… or can they?

1. What do I really want?
The question of the ages. So many things you want to do with your life and so little time to even go about during the day.

Find something that you are good at can help realize that small step towards improvement. Diligence is the key to know that it is worth it.

2. Should I really change?
Today's generation has taken another level of redefining 'self', or at least that's what the kids are saying. Having an army of teenage nieces and nephews has taught me that there are far worse things that they could have had than acne or maybe even promiscuity. So how does that fit into your lifestyle?

If history has taught us one thing, it's the life that we have gone through. Try to see if partying Seventies style wouldn't appeal to the younger generation, but dancing is part of partying. Watch them applaud after showing them how to really dance than break their bones in break-dancing.

3. What's the bright side in all of this?
With so much is happening around us there seem to be no room for even considering that light at the end of the tunnel. We can still see it as something positive without undergoing so much scrutiny. And if it's a train at the end of the tunnel, take it for a ride and see what makes the world go round!

4. Am I comfortable with what I'm doing?
There's always the easy way and the right way when it comes to deciding what goes with which shoes, or purse, shirt and whatnot. It doesn't take a genius to see yourself as someone unique, or else we'll all be equally the same in everything we do. Variety brings in very interesting and exciting questions to be experimented.

5. Have I done enough for myself?
Have you, or is there something more you want to do? Discontentment in every aspect can be dangerous in large doses, but in small amounts you'll be able to see and do stuff you could never imagine doing.

6. Am I happy at where I am today?
It's an unfair question so let it be an answer! You love being a good and loving mom or dad to your kids, then take it up a notch! Your kids will love you forever. The same goes with everyday life!

7. Am I appealing to the opposite sex?
So maybe I don't have an answer to that, but that doesn't mean I can't try it, though. Whether you shape-up, change the way you wear your clothes or hair, or even your attitude towards people, you should always remember it will always be for your own benefit.

8. How much could I have?
I suppose in this case there is no such things on having things too much or too little, but it's more on how badly you really need it. I'd like to have lots of money, no denying that, but the question is that how much are you willing to work for it?

9. What motivates me?
What motivates you? It's an answer you have to find out for yourself. There are so many things that can make everyone happy, but to choose one of the may be the hardest part. It's not like you can't have one serving of your favorite food in a buffet and that's it. Just try it piece by piece.

10. What Really Makes You Tick?
So? What really makes you tick? You can be just about anything you always wanted to be, but to realize that attaining something that may seem very difficult is already giving up before you even start that journey. Always remember, that self-improvement is not just about the physical or philosophical change you have to undergo, but it's something that you really want.

Spiritual Growth: the Spiritual Challenge of Modern Times

To grow spiritually in a world defined by power, money, and influence is a Herculean task. Modern conveniences such as electronic equipments, gadgets, and tools as well as entertainment through television, magazines, and the web have predisposed us to confine our attention mostly to physical needs and wants. As a result, our concepts of self-worth and self-meaning are muddled. How can we strike a balance between the material and spiritual aspects of our lives?

To grow spiritually is to look inward.

Introspection goes beyond recalling the things that happened in a day, week, or month. You need to look closely and reflect on your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and motivations. Periodically examining your experiences, the decisions you make, the relationships you have, and the things you engage in provide useful insights on your life goals, on the good traits you must sustain and the bad traits you have to discard. Moreover, it gives you clues on how to act, react, and conduct yourself in the midst of any situation. Like any skill, introspection can be learned; all it takes is the courage and willingness to seek the truths that lie within you. Here are some pointers when you introspect: be objective, be forgiving of yourself, and focus on your areas for improvement.

To grow spiritually is to develop your potentials.

Religion and science have differing views on matters of the human spirit. Religion views people as spiritual beings temporarily living on Earth, while science views the spirit as just one dimension of an individual. Mastery of the self is a recurring theme in both Christian (Western) and Islamic (Eastern) teachings. The needs of the body are recognized but placed under the needs of the spirit. Beliefs, values, morality, rules, experiences, and good works provide the blueprint to ensure the growth of the spiritual being. In Psychology, realizing one’s full potential is to self-actualize. Maslow identified several human needs: physiological, security, belongingness, esteem, cognitive, aesthetic, self-actualization, and self-transcendence. James earlier categorized these needs into three: material, emotional, and spiritual. When you have satisfied the basic physiological and emotional needs, spiritual or existential needs come next. Achieving each need leads to the total development of the individual. Perhaps the difference between these two religions and psychology is the end of self-development: Christianity and Islam see that self-development is a means toward serving God, while psychology view that self-development is an end by itself.

To grow spiritually is to search for meaning.

Religions that believe in the existence of God such as Christianism, Judaism, and Islam suppose that the purpose of the human life is to serve the Creator of all things. Several theories in psychology propose that we ultimately give meaning to our lives. Whether we believe that life’s meaning is pre-determined or self-directed, to grow in spirit is to realize that we do not merely exist. We do not know the meaning of our lives at birth; but we gain knowledge and wisdom from our interactions with people and from our actions and reactions to the situations we are in. As we discover this meaning, there are certain beliefs and values that we reject and affirm. Our lives have purpose. This purpose puts all our physical, emotional, and intellectual potentials into use; sustains us during trying times; and gives us something to look forward to---a goal to achieve, a destination to reach. A person without purpose or meaning is like a drifting ship at sea.

To grow spiritually is to recognize interconnections.

Religions stress the concept of our relatedness to all creation, live and inanimate. Thus we call other people “brothers and sisters” even if there are no direct blood relations. Moreover, deity-centered religions such as Christianity and Islam speak of the relationship between humans and a higher being. On the other hand, science expounds on our link to other living things through the evolution theory. This relatedness is clearly seen in the concept of ecology, the interaction between living and non-living things. In psychology, connectedness is a characteristic of self-transcendence, the highest human need according to Maslow. Recognizing your connection to all things makes you more humble and respectful of people, animals, plants, and things in nature. It makes you appreciate everything around you. It moves you to go beyond your comfort zone and reach out to other people, and become stewards of all other things around you.

Growth is a process thus to grow in spirit is a day-to-day encounter. We win some, we lose some, but the important thing is that we learn, and from this knowledge, further spiritual growth is made possible.

Vitamin E and Your Body

We all know that oxygen is a primary component that is needed for life. This very same oxygen, once inside of the body, becomes very reactive through certain molecules and will start to cause damage through the free radicals, which is known as oxidative stress. As an antioxidant, vitamin E will help to prevent this type of stress, which will prevent the cells from aging or sustaining any type of permanent damage as well.

Cholesterol, which is a fatty substance found in many foods, is absorbed by the body then transferred from the liver to be stored by tissue as fat. This is carried through the bloodstream by molecules known as LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins). When the LDL is oxidized, it reacts to the cholesterol and a fat substance known as plaque begins to get deposited on the artery walls, which causes the blood flow to stop.

Vitamin E will stop cholesterol from forming into plaque, which will allow the blood to flow properly. If you don’t use vitamin E, in this situation, the blood will stop flowing and the arteries will begin to get backed up. As most of us know, this is the main cause of heart attacks, high blood pressure, and other serious diseases.

Even though many researchers and doctors have linked vitamin E to preventing cancer, this hasn’t been conclusively proven. There are many doctors that have said in the past that vitamin E can indeed prevent cancer, although no documentation or proof has been given to back up such statements. We all know that it is a very important vitamin, regardless.

There are studies however, that have proven vitamin E to be very effective in protecting the skin against UV rays. Vitamin E has been shown on numerous occasions to shield the skin from the harmful rays of the sun, which as we all know, can lead to skin cancer. If you include sources of vitamin E, or supplements in your diet you can help to prevent the damage of UV rays to your skin.

Along with these types of benefits, vitamin E can also protect against alzheimer’s disease and inflammation of the pancreas. This vitamin can also be very beneficial with reducing scars, and healing many types of burns and wounds. Included in your diet, vitamin E can help your skin to heal from many discrepancies over time.

When included with vitamin C, vitamin E can be one of the most important vitamins for your body. It offers many different benefits, besides the ones listed above. You can find it in many different forms, including fruits and nuts. Fruits are excellent sources of vitamin E, especially oranges. Oranges have always been known to be rich in this vitamin, whether you are consuming whole oranges or just drinking orange juice. If you are drinking orange juice that contains pulp, you’ll be getting plenty of vitamin E in your diet.

All things aside, you should always make sure that you include vitamin E in your diet. Along with fruits and nuts, you can also find this vitamin plentiful in vegetables as well. You can include it into your diet, or take supplements that provide it. You should be getting around 1,000 mg of the vitamin a day, which isn’t hard to do if you eat the right foods. If you consume the right amount of vitamin E in your diet, you’ll notice that your body will perform much better - and you’ll be well protected against numerous diseases as well.

Contact Lenses Without A Prescription

Even though you can get non prescription contacts, they aren’t meant to correct your vision. Known as plano, the most common type of non prescription contact lenses are the opaque color contact lenses. Even though they don’t require a prescription, those who want them need to consult with an optometrist first to ensure they get the right fit.

Locally or on the Internet, you can find many different varieties of non prescription contact lenses available. You can find lenses that enhance the natural color of your eyes, lenses that enhance your look, and many others. There are also Halloween contact lenses as well, which are great for Halloween or other times when you want to look different.

With non prescription contact lenses, you’ll have the choice of daily wear and disposable lenses. If you are looking to change colors on a frequent basis, disposable lenses may be your best choice. The best thing about disposable lenses is the fact that you don’t need to clean them at all, simply wear them during the day then take them out and discard them at night.

If you are going to use the same color or the same pair of contacts for a while, you may want to go with daily wear lenses. Daily wear contact lenses will last you a lot longer than the disposable lenses, although they will need to be disinfected and cleaned on a regular basis. As long as you clean and disinfect them on a regular basis, they will last you for quite a while.

Without the supervision of a doctor, may doctors don’t advise the use of non prescription contact lenses. Doctors will tell you that when they don’t monitor the fitting, usage of the contacts, and the overall effects, they may cause you serious problems and possibly even blindness. While a lot of people use non prescription contacts, few of them experience serious problems.

When an individual buys non prescription contacts without going to see an optician, they tend to forget the fact that contacts aren’t for everyone. The amount of tears, shape of the eye, and need for correction varies from person to person. To get the right fit, you must consult an optician, as he will need to carefully examine you.

Even though they may work great for some, non prescription lenses aren’t for everyone. Anytime you use them, you should be very carefully and take the necessary care for your lenses. If you are a diabetic, you’ll need to be very carefully, for the simple fact that eye infections will take a long time to heal. Even though you may not get an infection, there is always a small chance that it could happen. Therefore, you should always be carefully anytime you use these types of contacts.

Acuvue Contact Lenses

Its really no secret that Acuvue is one of the most popular and most dominant brands of contact lenses out there on the market. There are several different types of Acuvue contact lenses to choose from, including Advanced, Acuvue 2 Colors, and lenses that contain the very popular and innovative Hydraclear. Oasys is another type of Acuvue contact lens, although it is somewhat new and isn’t as easy to find.

Just like other brands and types of contacts, Acuvue lenses were designed to correct many vision problems such as far sight, astigmatism, near sight, and the inability or lack of changing focus from far to near. Acuvue offers you options as well, such as hard lenses, soft lenses, and even toric contact lenses.

To make things better for you, Acuvue contacts have a few different periods of wear. Some of them, such as the Acuvue Advanced, are designed to be worn for a two week period, after which they need to be discarded and replaced with a fresh pair. Some types of Acuvue lenses are made for daily use, which means that you must use a fresh pair each day. Normally, Acuvue contacts are intended for daily use and need to be soaked in solution while you sleep, although there are types that can be left in while you sleep, although you’ll need to clean them on a regular basis.

Although Acuvue contact lenses are considered to be the best contacts you can buy, you should always check with your optician first, as he can tell you which contacts will work best for your eyes. He can also tell you everything you need to know about contacts, and how to take care of them as well. You’ll need to clean your contacts daily, unless you chose to go with the 1day Acuvue contacts, which you’ll change out every day - eliminating the need for cleaning.

Among the many types of Acuvue lenses, those that contain Hydraclear are easily the most popular. Acuvue Advance with Hydraclear are preferred by many, as they are easily among the most comfortable. Hydraclear is a breakthrough in contact lens innovation, helping to prevent your eyes from drying out.

Acuvue contacts are also known for their appearance as well, as they are easily among the best in both comfort and style. Acuvue strives to be the best in contact lenses, which is why their contacts have very little problems. As long as you take care of them, the contacts shouldn’t give you any problems. On the other hand, if you don’t clean them or take care of them as you should, you’ll more than likely encounter some problems.

You can find Acuvue contacts at your local optician’s office, at your local department store (if they sell contacts), or online. Online is the best way to purchase, as you’ll normally get amazing discounts and you’ll find many types of Acuvue contacts that you won’t be able to find locally.

All in all, Acuvue is considered to be the best brand in contact lenses. They have been around for many years, providing those who wear contacts the best in comfort and innovation. If you wear contacts, you are probably already familiar with Acuvue. If you wear contacts but haven’t tried them yet, you really should. Acuvue has many different designs to offer you, and they can easily become your preferred brand if you give them the chance. They are very affordable as well - which makes them an ideal investment for any budget.

That Oh-So Comfy (Comfortable) Sundress

Sticky feeling makes us sssooooooh uneasy! We can’t do anything about it. Unless, you could stay in an air conditioned area all day long. Or can you stop that sun from emitting too much hotness? Better yet, find a way how the country could have a centralized AC unit. Remember, this is a tropical country! Do you understand the word hot? Ha-ha-ha…hot!

Fine, since we can’t do anything about humidity, all we can do is to always, make sure, do all the effort, to look fresh and comfortable. This way, you’ll look carefree and easy. One of the most important factors is outfit. You can wear shorts, sandos, or stringed tops. But the cutest of all is SUNDRESS!

But wait, don’t fret. For sure some wouldn’t want the idea. How about considering this simple guide that might help you pick a sundress to bring out the best in your features and build from head to toe? Remember, every woman has something to show off, and something to hide, and the most flattering sundress will do both so that you appear at your most beautiful all summer long. Learn to recognize the signs to well-fitting sundresses.

1. Show off well-toned legs with a side slit or two in a column tank dress. Conceal heavier legs under a long dress with a flowing skirt.

2. Hide heavier hips under an A-line dress, or opt for a knee-length number that has a little flare around the edges.

3. You can also downplay a small chest by wearing a ruffled or gathered bodice

4. Play up your well-toned shoulders and upper back with a halter sundress. An open collar or V-neckline will help minimize a well-endowed chest

5. Choose a slip dress with darts positioned near the waist to give the illusion of curves. This works well for those with a thicker waist or gals with a boyish, not-so-curvy figure.

6. Go strapless or choose delicate spaghetti straps to reveal a long neck and sexy décolletage. Camouflage heavy upper arms by draping them in a delicate chiffon scarf.

7. Consider a minidress if you're petite. The shorter skirt length will create the illusion of longer legs.

8. Always make sure that nothing is as important as feeling the comfort of wearing such. Even how beautiful that sundress looks, if it doesn’t fit, it will defy in you!
So, to make it easier for you, here’s another tip:

It fits when…

Always make sure that nothing is as important as feeling the comfort of wearing such.
Even how beautiful that sundress looks, if it doesn’t fit, it will defy in you!
So, to make it easier for you, here’s another tip:

It fits when…

* The neckline lies flat. Sit down to make sure it remains so. If you feel pressure on your throat or pulling down the back, the dress is too small. If there's a gap at the neckline, the dress is too big.

For long, elegant neck try boat neck style or a square neckline. For shorter or thicker neck, a v-neck or a halter-style top will look good on you.

* Seams lie flat down the middle of your shoulders. If there's any tugging on the shoulders when you sit, the dress is too small. If seams run wider than and droop off your shoulders, the dress is too big. If the shoulder straps are adjustable, adjust them according to your upper-body frame.

If you want to make your shoulders appear broader, a halter top or very thin spaghetti straps are a great choice, as they will help your shoulders blend into the rest of your torso, creating a more balanced visual effect. A plunging neckline minimizes your shoulders by drawing attention to the middle of your torso, so if you have very broad shoulders, a deep v-neck can make a big difference. If your shoulders are very toned, show them with a flattering sundress that has thicker, brightly colored or embellished straps that will draw the eye towards your shoulders.

* There isn't any digging or excess pressure on your underarms. Stretch out your arms and sit down to make sure. Lift your arms to make sure that your bra isn't showing. The armholes should close around your arms without undue pressure or sagging.

A flattering sundress for summer weather is one that will help you stay cool, and a halter or a sleeveless dress can bring out the best in your shoulders while helping you feel comfortable. If you do opt for sleeves to cover your upper arm, make sure that you choose a very light fabric, like breathable linen. Sleeves with an eyelet detail can give you maximum air circulation while still offering visual coverage. Another great choice is to pair a flattering sundress with a light linen or lace wrap or stole which you can throw around your shoulders to drape across your upper arms. This allows you to choose any dress you like without worrying about whether it exposes your upper arms or not.

* There isn't pressure pushing down on your breasts or stretching the fabric from the back. Sit up straight down and consider these two pressure areas again.

If you are very curvy up top, a flattering sundress will provide a tightly nipped waist and some fullness in the skirt to balance you out for a classic hourglass shape. If you want to disguise a flat chest, a blousy top with gathers or ruffles will add the illusion of a bit more weight. Color and pattern can also be a big help in this area: a band of light color or a busy patter n across the bust will draw the eye to the chest, giving the illusion of greater size, whereas a band of simple, dark color will minimize the appearance of the bust.

* The placement of the waistline is the most important feature of any flattering sundress, and it is more often than not the primary reason that a dress will fail or succeed in bringing out the best in your body. To choose the right waistline for your shape, think torso length.

o If you have a short torso, an empire waistline that falls just below the bust will make you look longer and leaner. A drop-waist dress is also a great choice because it will camouflage how high your natural waist is, giving you the illusion of more length. If you have a long torso, try a Basque waistline, a v-shaped waistline that will help you use your length to the most flattering effect by balancing it with your hips.

o If your legs are an asset, your most flattering sundress will have a skirt that falls above the knee so that you can draw attention to this great feature. If you want to create the look of longer, leaner legs than nature has give you, an a-line skirt that flares out at the bottom will create a strong vertical shape that will seem to add instant inches. If you have great calves, draw attention to them with an asymmetrical hemline that will add interest to the bottom of your flattering sundress.

o If you can’t find a sundress you love in a length you like, consider getting the hem let down or taken up to suit you better. This is a very simple and inexpensive alteration, so even if you’re not practiced with a needle and thread, you may want to visit a local tailor. After all, a flattering sundress should be perfect right down to your toes.

o The sundress is a fun and versatile summer piece. You can play it up with heels and accessories, or keep it simple with flat sandals. Choosing a silhouette that flatters your figure will let you step out with confidence.

The Role Of Vitamin B3 Niacin

Vitamin B3 niacin is an essential vitamin for your body, and it is just one of the eight water soluble types of B vitamins. Nearly all of the B vitamin classes will help the body convert carbohydrates into sugar or glucose, which can then be burned to produce energy. Also known as complex B vitamins, B3 niacin are essential in helping the body break down protein and fat.

Complex B vitamins also play an important role with maintaining muscle tone within the digestive tract, along with the health of the skin, nervous system, live, eyes, hair, and mouth. Even though a lot of people associate creative with the aspect of muscles and muscle tone, vitamin B3 niacin is as equally important - if not more important.

B3 niacin is also important with getting harmful or toxic chemicals out of the body. It can also help the body produce different sex and stress related hormones within the adrenal glands, among other parts of the body. The vitamin is also useful for helping with sexual dysfunction as well. This can be great news for those who have problems with pleasing their mate.

Also very effective with improving circulation, B3 niacin can also help to reduce cholesterol levels found in the blood. Even though vitamin B3 niacin is great as a stand alone supplement, it should also consumed with foods that contain protein, due to the fact that the body is able to convert the amino acid known as tryptophan into niacin.

The higher doses of B3 niacin, which are available only through prescription, have been proven to prevent and also improve a variety of different symptoms and ailments. Due to the high risk of toxicity, individuals should always consult with a doctor first, before they decide to start higher doses of B3 niacin.

There are also niacin skin care products that are being developed as well, which contain anti-aging products, helping to treat acne and also aid in the prevention of skin cancer. A lot of dermatologists expect that these products will become really popular over the next several years. Even though they are still in development stages, research has proven them to be very effective when compared to the other types of products.

The best sources for vitamin B3 niacin include beef, pork, turkey, beets, veal, fish, chicken, salmon, tuna, and peanuts. You can also get supplements that contain B3 niacin as well, which can give your body the amounts it needs. This is a very important vitamin, as it does a lot more for the body than most think. By consuming foods that contain it or taking the proper supplements - you’ll get the amount of B vitamins that your body needs on a daily basis.