This Girl Prepares Food Every Day, But Eats Nothing. The Reason Will Surprise You.

What started as a simple homework assignment, became a serious mission to fight hunger. When Katie Stagliano was in third grade, her teacher asked the students to try and grow a cabbage from a single seedling. Katie’s cabbage grew to an impressive 40 pounds. She decided to take the cabbage to a local soup kitchen, where it was prepared with ham and rice. It help feed more than 270 people, whose happy faces inspired her to do more.

She established “Katie’s Krops” with the help of her friends and the head chef at her school. After six years, it supports 75 youth-run gardens in 27 states and it managed to raise over $200,000. Katie believes if other children also experience the joy of gardening like she did, they will not only enjoy it, but they will also appreciate how many people they can help.

Katie Stagliano loves gardening.

Photo credit: NationSwell

When she was in third grade, she grew a massive 40 pounds cabbage

Photo credit: NationSwell

She gave the cabbage to local soup kitchen and it feed 275 people.

Photo credit: NationSwell

With the help of her friends, she established “Katies Krops” to feed the homeless.

Photo credit: NationSwell

Her school allowed her to have a garden for her cause.

Photo credit: NationSwell

Since then her dedication inspired lots of people from her community.

Photo credit: NationSwell

Katie’s Krops now operates 75 youth-run gardens in 27 states and it managed to raise over $200,000.

Photo credit: NationSwell

Her new goal is to have 500 gardens in 50 states.

http://www.elitereaders.com/katies-krops/

Inspirasi

    Sebuah cerita boleh memberi 1001 impak kepada pembaca. Namun, cerita ini memberi satu impak yang mendalam kepada saya. Pencetus mata untuk terus membaca kisahnya.

 

 

Kata-kata terakhir beliau,

 

"Everything happens for a reason. Life is hard sometimes, but we must never ever lose our faith in Allah. Remember that when something doesn’t happen as we had planned, that’s because He has planned better ahead of us. Always try your best at what you are passionate about. Never exchange yourself or your faith to impress others. We can only do our best when we are comfortable with what we are."

 

http://www.aquila-style.com/focus-points/mightymuslimah/picture-of-principles/82936/?ref=fb

 

http://aqilahnizar.wix.com/photographics

 

 

Sahabat

Kuatkan hati

Tabahkan diri

Ada masa lagi

Perbaiki diri

comel kan turtle kat atas tu^^

Pelajar SPM 2014

  Dalam kesibukan mencari program-program lepasan SPM untuk further study nanti, rasa gembira bila baca blog akak ni http://heartbeatsaya.blogspot.com/2013/05/special-for-my-juniors-kolej.html Pencetus kepada pergerakan jari-jari di atas keyboard ni. Few words dari coretan dia;

" Nak study kat Matrik ni, tak boleh study sorang. Terutama sekali masa study week. Sebab memang takkan dapat catch up [Tapi, memang kalau yang senang kena distract tu better belajar sorang la Hehe] Tapi, mostly student yang perform masa kat matric, kiteorang lebih prefer pergi jumpa lecturer. Biasanya, lecturer akan ada sampai pukul 5. Tapi kalau takde student, diorang dah boleh balik pukul 4.30. Tapi, lecturer di sini sangat berdedikasi, kalau ada student, biasanya kalau saya jumpa, sampai 6.30 baru balik (Madam Putri, Thanks sangat!)
Kat sini sangat senang nak dapat markah Ko-ko. Setiap minggu akan ada macam-macam aktiviti dari macam-macam kelab. Dan kat situ ada pertandingan semua. So, senang je, kalau masuk pertandingan dapat je markah Ko-ko dan sijil :) "

 

  Lagi 26 hari tinggal sebelum SPM tiba. Persiapan nak hadapi SPM sepatutnya dah lengkap. Tapi, selagi tak duduk exam, selagi tu kita usaha kan. Dalam misi pencarian tadi, dapat pengetahuan tentang program-program untuk lepasan SPM nanti. Punca pencarian, Hasya cakap permohonan matriks tutup Jumaat ni. Alang-alang menyeluk pekasam, biar sampai ke pangkal lengan :) Terklik laman-laman web yang lain. Macam-macam ada. Untuk sambung pelajaran ke peringkat lebih tinggi lepas SPM, dikenali sebagai program persediaan, ada 4 cabang utama  ;

 

1. Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) -STPM adalah program pra-universiti di semua sekolah-sekolah bantuan Kerajaan. Kelayakan STPM boleh digunakan untuk permohonan ke Institusi Pengajian Tinggi (IPT) dalam dan luar negara bagi melanjutkan pengajian ke peringkat Ijazah Pertama.

2. Matrikulasi- Matrikulasi adalah program pra-universiti anjuran Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia yang menawarkan kursus persediaan jurusan Sains dan jurusan Perakaunan bagi melayakkan pelajar melanjutkan pengajian Ijazah Pertama pelbagai bidang di IPT dalam negara. Kelayakan ini turut diterima pakai untuk memohon kemasukan ke IPT luar negara TERHAD kepada universiti yang menerima kemasukan lepasan Matrikulasi

3. Asasi-Program persediaan Asasi di bawah Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi adalah lebih menjurus kepada pengajian di IPT tertentu di dalam negara.

4. International Baccalaurate (IB) atau A-Level-Kursus persediaan IB (2 tahun) dan A-Level (12 hingga 24 bulan) ini merupakan program persediaan universal yang diterima pakai sebagai kelayakan masuk ke IPT dalam dan luar negara untuk melanjutkan pengajian ke peringkat Ijazah Pertama. Walau bagaimanapun, bagi kemasukan ke IPT Awam dalam negara kelayakan IB dan A-Level hanyalah terhad kepada bidang SELAIN daripada bidang kompetitif (Perubatan, Pergigian dan Farmasi).

 

Sumber daripada http://buletinkpm.blogspot.com/2012/04/program-penajaan-pengajian-untuk.html

 

Info lanjut, boleh lawat laman ni

STPM -http://www.mpm.edu.my/en/stpm1;jsessionid=A8CA6F3E26B3D8E20098822D4DF12CED.jvm5

-http://www.bumigemilang.com/syarat-kelayakan-kemasukan-murid-ke-tingkatan-enam-6-bawah/

Program matrikulasi--> http://www.moe.gov.my/v/program-matrikulasi

Program asasi--> http://www.myuniversiti.com/2013/04/program-pengajian-asasi-di-ipta.html

Program IB--> http://www.kmb.edu.my/index.php/faq

Program IB/A-Level--> http://zmd94.wordpress.com/2012/06/18/apakah-perbezaan-antara-a-level-dan-international-baccalaurate-ib/

Dan pelbagai lagi program-program lain boleh cari di sini -> www.google.com.my
 

Sekian, terima kasih

 

 

Kata Pinjaman Bahasa Melayu

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_loanwords_in_Malay

30 Ways To Be Kind and Be Happier

If you are kind, can it really make you happier?  Research projects have shown this is indeed the case. In one interesting study conducted by the Harvard Business School and the University of British Columbia, participants were asked to recall spending a small sum of money either on themselves or to help someone in need. Those who donated that sum to charity or as a gift  remembered being much happier than when they had spent the money on themselves.
Researchers also found that once people got into the loop of being kind which was followed by a feeling of happiness, then they were more likely to do lots of other acts. It is a win-win situation. Psychologists call this the ‘helper’s high’. The exact biological process which links positive emotions to physical and mental well being is not fully understood yet. But the results are there for all to see!  So, if you want to feel happier, try some of these 30 ways of being kind. The more variety, the better.

1. Telephone a lonely person.

There is always one person in your group of acquaintances who is lonely and isolated. Try calling him or her, every now and again.

2. Hold the door open.

No matter who it is, hold the door open.

3. Change the toner or paper in the photocopier.

The next time you see a colleague swearing because the toner or paper runs out, step up to the plate. Do it with a pleasant smile and you have new fan.

4. Buy someone a coffee.

When you go to the coffee machine and see a colleague there, offer to buy her a coffee. If you are going to the water cooler, try offering to get someone else a cup of water while you’re on your way.

5. Help a disabled person.

Offer to push a wheelchair, help them across the street or fetch their medicines.

6. Any small change?

When you see all those coins which are a real nuisance, pop them into the next beggar’s baseball cap.

7. Offer to do the shopping.

Maybe there is an elderly person in your condo or someone who has had an accident. Offer to do the shopping.

8. Offer your place in the supermarket queue.

When you see someone getting anxious in the queue, let them go first.

9. Driving with kindness.

Lots of opportunities here. Waving a pedestrian across the street or stopping to let a car park.

10. Pay a few compliments.

Let your partner know how great they look today. Compliment a colleague or a friend on their new outfit.

11. Smile more often.

Try walking down a corridor at work and smile all the way there. You might be surprised at how many smiles you get back. It is infectious!

12. Express your gratitude.

Saying “thank you” and “please” are like the oil that lubricates the engine of human interaction. Works every time!

13. Reach out to a person in need.

Do you know someone who is ill or in hospital? Reach out by choosing one of these:

• Send them a text message
• Phone them
• Send flowers
• Send a card

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” ~Plato

14. Talk to a shy person.

Have you ever noticed how shy people struggle at social gatherings? Try a little act of kindness just by talking to them. You could be surprised at what you discover.

15. Donate to a disaster fund.

The next time you see a catastrophe on TV, note the charity donation number and send the SMS.

16. Teach your kids kindness.

If you are a parent or work with young people in a youth organization or at a school, raise awareness about the needy. Encourage them to give away their old toys and books which are still in good condition.

17. Be a modern Johnny Appleseed.

Be inspired and plant a few trees/plants/bushes/flowers in the neglected areas of your neighborhood. Watch the video below.

18. Stop complaining for a week.

This is probably the kindest act of all! Spreading negativity drags people down. Concentrate on the positives for a week. You will be pleasantly surprised.

19. Grow your hair.

Did you know that there are charities that make wigs from real hair for children who have suffered from hair loss during cancer treatment? If you have hair, let it grow and donate it to one of these charities.

20. Help a needy driver.

If a driver is in trouble, pull over and offer your assistance by phoning for help or helping to change a tire.

21. Show affection.

Show people you love that you really mean it. A hug, a kiss, a gentle pat on the back or any sign of affection will be appreciated. If you want to give free hugs in the street, watch the video below. This has been watched by 75 million people!

22. Leave some money on the street.

Just a random act of kindness. Try leaving a banknote or a few coins on the street where a poor person can find them.

23. Invite someone to dinner.

Choose a co-worker or neighbour who you feel is rather lonely and offer them your hospitality.

24. Listen to someone who has a problem.

Being a good listener is a great sign that you can display empathy and warmth. Just listen and try not to interrupt with advice. There will be other opportunities for that.
“Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness.”- George Sand

25. Help a co-worker

When you see a colleague in real difficulty because of a scary deadline, a tyrannical boss or because they are suffering bereavement, lend a helping hand.

26. Contact your local shelter or soup kitchen

Ask them what they need most for supporting the needy and homeless. It could be anything from running an errand, shopping or baking a cake for them.

27. Give up a parking space.

Soar above the desire to be the first to get that parking space.

28. Give away your favorite book.

You have read that book loads of times.Time to give it away. Leave it on the bus or train, with a note inside saying why you think it is a gem.

29. Send a depressed friend a funny video.

Laughter is a great tonic for depression. Choose your favorite funny video form YouTube and send the link by email.

30. Give flowers or food to an elderly neighbor.

Look at all the roses you have in the garden. Remember the leftover lasagne in the fridge?  Pack them up and give them to an elderly neighbour.

Try to do one or two of these acts of kindness every week. Change it up each time. Look at what you get for a few acts of kindness. Your mental and physical health will improve. You are less likely to suffer from heart disease, blood pressure, stress, and depression. It’s a bargain- go for it!
“Life’s most persistent and nagging question is ‘What are you doing for others?’”- Martin Luther King Jr.

“A picture speaks a thousand words”, what about 24 pictures? Look at these photos taken at different time in different places, what are their impact on you?

1. Make A Wish Foundation made Miles, a 5-year-old leukemia patient’s wish as a “batkid” came true. His little brother was dressed as Robin.

2. Both of these brothers’ dreams came true when they grew up.

3. A cancer patient draws her wish on the mirror.

4. The graves of a Catholic woman and her Protestant husband in Holland.

5. Christians helped to protect Muslims during prayer in the midst of the 2011 uprisings in Cairo, Egypt.

6. The grey dog is leading another blind dog, they walk together.

7. This dog Leao, refused to leave the owner’s graveside after she was killed in landslides in Brazil.

8. An Afghan man was offering tea to soldiers.

9. During the Vietnam war, a woman held up a flower in front of the soldiers. It was the symbol of Flower Power Movement.

10. In a Navy’s funeral, the dog mourned for his master.

11. German Chancellor Willy Brandt, who was a part of the resistance against Hitler, fell to his knees in front of the memorial of the Jewish ghetto.

12. A very ill mother watched her daughter’s wedding over Skype.

13. The loving scene of Lucas Hembree and his service dog Juno.

14. Arden McMath had collapsed on the track in a race, and Meghan Vogel carried her across the finish line.

15. In New Delhi, India, poverty-stricken children receive free education from volunteer teachers under the bridge.

16. Pope Francis was kissing a disfigured man.

17. After serving in Iraq for 7 months, the mother could finally meet her child.

18. This man tried whatever he could do to save his wife.

19. This soldier met his baby for the first time.

20. During a memorial service, this 8-year-old boy Christian Golczynski accepted the flag for his father, Marine Staff Sgt. Marc Golczynski.

21. An Ugandan Boy put his hand on a missionary’s.

22. A 5-year-old kid Tanisha Blevin and a 105-year-old victim of Hurricane Katrina evacuated from the convention center with hands holding in New Orleans.

23. After getting married for 88 years, Wu Conghan and his wife Wu Songshi got their very first wedding photo.

24. “Wait for me daddy” This kid was running away from his mother to his father who’s going to a war.

These photos have recorded some of the biggest events in history and in human’s life. It’s interesting how our emotions can connect with these people and animals so deeply even though we don’t know any of them personally. I have to say, I was in tears when I was reading the story behind the photos. Which of these photos strikes you the most?

10 Ways to Get the Most Out of Life

 
Live your dream. I have traveled the world, forging my path through an unconventional career and alternative studies, and I have explored the inner realms of human experience and consciousness. I believe you must learn to trust, and not let anything hold you back from the ultimate experience here on planet Earth. Get the most with these 10 tips on squeezing the maximum juice out of life.

1. Be yourself.

I know, you’ve heard it a million times, but this is the foundation of making the most out of life. You are unique. There is no one like you. You cannot live comparing yourself to others or to a mainstream ideal. Be you and give the world the gift of your particular expression, views, and creativity.

2. Be a spiritual cosmonaut.

Most of experience and reality is defined by the lens we perceive with. Change your inner world and you have changed your universe. It makes a life-changing difference to explore the inner territory of your consciousness. It’s not for the squeamish–especially at the boundaries–but the payoff is tremendous. Bring a lifejacket, some granola, and ask a shaman for directions.

3. Find the Unity.

We are a speck connected to others and part of a great matrix. The experience of oneness is one of the ultimate toys in existence. Through unity you learn how selflessness relates to happiness, nd how living for others reveals to us who we are.

4. Fear little.

What is there to worry about? Pain? Yes. Suffering? Yes. Money? No! Where you’re going to live? No! Your job? No! We worry about too much for no good reason. With a strong mind and insight into the nature of reality, you will be okay. Depending on where you live, chances are you’ll be able to find a place to stay and a place to eat if you have neither. Not living your dream is costly. Living without fear is priceless.

5. Look for positive relationships.

Relationships can enhance our lives or detract from them. We don’t have time for bad ones; ones that make us tired, less confident, or put constraints on our true selves. Want to hear a secret? Don’t be too quick to ditch a current relationship that needs work. We often re-create the same issues in future relationships. Instead, try to make it a positive, uplifting relationship first. If that doesn’t work, then reconsider it.

6. Find people like you.

Having a sense of community is a great source of support for your crazy ideas and ways of living life. Whatever you’re into, there are others out there like you. Sometimes family members and friends just don’t get us. Create or join a new family of like-minded folks and feel the relief of finally being understood.

7. Learn what you want, not just what schools offer.

Mainstream schools offer a certain way of learning, a certain method for assessing knowledge, and offer programs along a range of subjects that may not include what you are most interested in. My biggest complaint with many formal learning environments is that they often diminish the natural curiosity and excitement to learn we have as children. Think about what you most want to learn about, and go find learning opportunities in that area. For me, it was traveling to native villages and tapping counterculture hubs of wisdom. Don’t be afraid to take a non-traditional route to your future self and work.

8. Find incredible mentors.

Mentors can make the difference between doing something amazing and doing nothing at all. Get in other people’s jet stream, and let them open new doors for you to explore. In the same way that the top 10% of professionals in many fields provide a vastly different service than the other 90%, a mentor of great talent may have more impact than an average mentor. Seek out the best and brightest that will let you hang around. Seek out unusual, incredible minds and connect yourself to them. You will learn, for sure, but other roads may also open up as a result.

9. Hit the underground.

One of the most interesting aspects of society in any locale is the collection of elements that are hidden from the mainstream. There is knowledge, wisdom, and unique experiences in these elements, and your awareness of them separates you from most others. These are parts that society has split itself off from and is uncomfortable with. By re-integrating such elements into your own experience, you have greater access to the full human experience and may find hidden doors to future success.
The counterculture often exploits areas of study before they become mainstream. You can get in on new trends, cutting edge information, and access communities of thinkers while they are still small and unknown. You can learn alternative lifestyles that can take your life to the next level, as well as alternative economies and places to live that fit a wide-range of lifestyle dreams. Always be cautious when traveling the underground, as it’s like the Wild West: no rules, no chaperones.

10. Question yourself often.

You don’t know what you don’t know, but you may think you know a lot. I’m often around people of great intellect, experience, and cultural awareness, yet we’re blinded by assumptions about our own knowledge. Be humble. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Try to learn from everyone you meet. And remember, there is so much you don’t know and are unaware of, and so many ways your reality and perception can change as blind spots are worn away. Listen carefully, get in therapy, be challenged. Our mind only realizes our ignorance when a new part wakes up.
This planet offers unending opportunities for living the life you’ve dreamed of. The biggest limitation is our own mind. Look around, and realize that if mainstream society does not offer an answer, then surely another realm of society does, including inside of yourself! Keep looking, asking, and seeking with intent, purpose and strength. You’ll find your home soon. Now go out and get life!

7 Good Reasons To Make You Turn Off Your Smartphone Now

From smartphone notifications to phone calls from the office, your smartphone may seem like it’s doing a great job at keeping you on top of your business and personal life. However, in reality, it is simply doing so while also adding on stress. With the clutter of social media, like Facebook, also being added to the mix, could stepping away from your smartphone actually do more good in making you more productive? There are others who may say that the time away from your smartphone can add stress to your life. Regardless of your view, we will take a look at seven reasons smartphone detoxing is a good thing.

Improving Your Sleep

Any form of stimuli right before bed can affect the way that you are sleeping through the night. Unplugging yourself from your smartphone will offer you less of a temptation to want to connect right before bed. As many smartphone users know, it is so easy to check email and Facebook right before bed, and to catch up on what you missed right when you wake up the next day. This resting of the brain is coupled with the recommendation to also cut out television and bright lights at least an hour and a half before you hit the sheets.

Enhanced Memory

A smartphone is considered a second brain for many individuals. It is the place where they keep information that they would otherwise be unable to remember on their own. When you cut out the smartphone in this equation, you are forced to have to remember things using your own brain or to fall back on more traditional note-taking methods. In the end, this will enhance your brain to remember more information and for faster recall in the long run.

Solidified Social Interactions

In a post-Facebook world, friendships are given a new definition. A friend is now any form of a connection you may have after *possibly* meeting at least once or twice. When you cut out the smartphone in this equation and by proxy lessen your involvement on social media websites, you are able to have meaningful connections with individuals. The individuals who will truly be a connection for you will be those who are in your vicinity and you will be able to tune out those who you may not find are truly in your life.

Increased Efficiency

Cutting down on your smartphone usage will allow you to tackle more important issues tactfully and efficiency. You become efficient because you don’t have issues that arise such as the need to charge your device, storage being full, applications crashing, and loading times. In addition, instead of waiting for a message reply, you will be more prompted to meet with individuals face-to-face. All in all, this will allow you to distinguish between a true emergency situation and one that can truly wait or be solved in person.

Become More Resourceful

Without resources from your smartphone being readily available at your disposal, you will find yourself becoming more resourceful in how you are able to tackle problems that you may encounter. Instead of simply looking online to find information about something, you may check out resources like other individuals or books to find the information that you need to know. This, as hinted above, will also spark you to want to only find information that needs to be figured out, not simply something you want to know as a fun fact.

Less Stress Overall

In the end, you will find it nice to not have to deal with the constant flow of both necessary and unnecessary information being sent to your device. The ability to also not have to care about maintaining an expensive device is a great incentive to detach yourself from your smartphone as well. This amount of stress that is lifted from your shoulders is enough to make any individual want to detach themselves from their phone for at least a day or so.

Able To Make Necessary Adjustments

Once you have made yourself detached from your phone, you are able to find out what necessary adjustments you can make in choosing which features you truly need in a phone and what you can do without. You may find that you don’t need a certain program or feature that is the main selling point of your smartphone after all. This can be what prompts you to make a device change, which can be simpler and even cheaper in monthly payments.
Let us know in the comments below which incentive you find best draws you to detach from your smartphone.

20 Unforgettable Lessons You Can Learn From Traveling The World

 
“There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.”
I can add another mistake along this road. and that is:
“Not looking at what is actually in front of you”
The first is a quote from Buddha and the last is a quote from me. Both are important.
In our radio show yesterday, my co-host, Sally Nutter and I talked about how, under moments of stress or confusion, a person can make a decision about someone or something, or even a whole group of someones. These decisions stick and they may work to handle the confusion the person feels at the time, but that person then puts up this decision and looks at IT instead of the actual situation and people in the present. Therefore he is treating the present day world as one painful incident in the past.
You can tell when someone is doing this because their actions and statements don’t make sense. Examples of this are statements like “People are stupid” or “woman/men are not to be trusted.”
These decisions are the roots of prejudice.
If you follow the quotes I gave you, you will actively promote harmony and begin to end prejudice.
Travel and communication with other people is the solution to the world’s problems provided you see each new person for who they really are.
How can you dislike a person who loves his family, values his community and reaches out to visitors?
The only way to do that is to fail to see the person in front of you as a new person and only see the shadow of a past enemy instead.
Travel and communication with live people, without prejudgement, and with understanding is the key to our survival as a human species.
That is a strong statement but it is true. The more people who travel and meet and talk to new people, the more peace we will have. It follows as naturally as the calm after the storm.
There are so many life lessons to be learned from travelling. Since I have done tons of travel and own a place in a tiny village in Southern Italy, I can tell you some of my favorites.

1. You learn a lot about life.

There is nothing like diving out of your comfort zone to make you realize that you are a newbie in life no matter what your age. There are so many things to learn such as how to get a meal in an Italian restaurant when the menus are in Italian and you don’t speak Italian. (Hint: Go to Duolingo.com and learn some of the basic menu items from where you are going. They also have lots of fun language learning games.)

2. You are never alone.

You can make friends anywhere. Be the first to smile. Make an effort to join in their celebrations or simply ask them questions about their lives. This is all it takes.

3. You meet unforgettable people.

Several years ago, I purchased a small apt in Southern Italy. It has been magical.
One of my most treasured friendships is the one I found with the lady who owns the little grocery store in Santa Domenica Talao. Her name is Nunzia and we loved each other from the moment we met.
We still struggle with the language a bit but that doesn’t seem to matter. Every time I arrive, kisses rain down on me, spontaneous hugs erupt out of nowhere and I have been pulled into the bosom of the village through her acceptance and love.
In the morning I go to her shop for coffee. I love to watch as the villagers come in for their produce (buying or selling) and an update on whatever is happening in the village or surrounding area. And every day Nunzia saves the freshest eggs for me behind her counter.
She is an amazing lady whom I adore. Who knew I would find her tending a little store, in a medieval village in Southern Italy?

4. You learn to enjoy transient relationships

On a recent trip, I ended up taking the slow train from Cremona in the North to my place down South. I spent 13 hours in a train that stopped at every station. Happily I shared a compartment with a group of people from Naples.
If you have not met folks from Naples, I can tell you that they are so much fun! The train barely started when questions were asked about me, where I was from, where I was going, and what I was interested in. Food was opened and passed around. discussions were had. The young girl next to me asked me to translate every word she could think of into English so she could wow her friends. We had a great time!
At the end, no numbers were exchanged, just simply the promise to look for them when I visit Naples and the idea that Naples will be a perfect destination for my next trip.

5. You have to try new things.

Whether you are staring at a menu realizing you have no idea what the items are, or jumping on a bus that you hope will get you somewhere familiar, travel is exciting. You have to do new things. It is all about getting yourself into situations and turning them into amazing experiences.

6. There are no “mistakes”

Ok maybe one or two. Don’t eat anything you would not step on in your bare feet (one of my important life rules) and if the water is not good, don’t drink it or eat anything that has not been cooked.
Other than that, go and have some fun. Read up in the culture before you go and when something goes off plan, turn it into an exciting experience.
Oh and make sure you have an emergency packet of tissues as you never know about train station bathrooms!

7. You find the value in getting lost.

Really! Get lost in a city then wander around. The great thing is there are taxis all over the place and you can always dive into one when you get tired.
There is nothing like being lost in Rome where every street corner has another spectacular sculpture; or being lost in Brussels where every neighborhood has a cluster of bistros or bakeries.
There is so much to see and experience that is not in the guide books. Go off plan and get lost!

8. You get out of your environment

Every time I travel, I find that that I can view my life from the outside and find solutions or changes that I never would have seen if I had not gotten away from it all.
As we live our lives, we keep our heads down and we keep going. Any problems we have, we are in them. When you travel, you get outside of them and can solve them.
We always seem to have solutions for other people’s problems but struggle with our own. That is because we are IN our problems and it is difficult to find solutions to something you are inside of.

9. You learn to forget the plan.

When I travel, I make an outline but not a rigid plan. There are always things I want to see and do, but the last thing I want is to be a slave to a schedule. Make your trip elastic. See what you want to see but leave lots of time to drift.
Visit the church you stumbled on, on your way to the Vatican or just go out and bob in the sea until dinner time.
I am usually a type A personality but one of my favorite pastimes in Southern Italy is getting my little air mattress and bobbing in the sea. I look at the sky, watch the kids play in the water, think about dinner… I relax. The monuments will be there next time. Don’t deny yourself this luxury!

10. You learn to talk to people

There is nothing like struggling with another language to get you looking at people as they are. Hilarious grammer errors are made and laughs are shared. It is a golden opportunity to fall in love with people. That is one of my favorite pastimes too!

11. You absorb history.

We, in the US have history, but in Europe, they laugh. “200 years?” they say, “Why, that was just yesterday!”
What do houses look like that have stood for over 300 years? What do churches look like? How were the villages laid out? There is so much history in the most humble village anywhere that you end up absorbing it. When you put present day in context with history, art, music and all the other cultural aspects, it is a rich tapestry indeed.

12. You learn new cuisines

I cannot go to a restaurant in a foreign country without mentally reverse engineering the food that I am eating. As soon as I get home I try it out. Many times your waiter will tell you the recipe!
When you go to a store in Italy, not only do you get the ingredients you need to make a dish but you get a full description of exactly how to go home and make it.
Last time I was there I learned how to make a perfect pasta fagiole made with pink beans that you can only find in the local markets. I also learned  to steam a perfect Filetto ( I think it was sea bass) freshly pulled from the Mediterranean that morning and purchased off the fish van that visits the village at dawn.

13. You understand a different way of life.

I was having dinner with my friend Nunzia and I asked her what it was like growing up in a tiny village on the top of a hill in Southern Italy. She told me that all of the people in the village were her family. Births and deaths affect everyone in the village exactly as it affects the family.
I could see that everyone in the village was loved and admired. Faults were overlooked and everyone pulled together. It was a totally new look at a life I never knew existed and want to create in my area at home.

14. You fall in love

I don’t know why it is, but everyone I meet in my travels is a wonderful person. On occasion I have met someone gruff or even unfriendly but 99% of the people I meet are amazing.
One day, I was walking in Diamente. As I turned a corner, a tiny little lady came out and stared at me. Immediately she called out “Aie che bella duona!” (What a beautiful lady!) and came toward me her arms outstretched. I fell into her embrace and was patted and kissed as though I was a long lost relative. How great is that? I decided at that point that I loved Diamante and always go there when I am in Italy.

15. You learn to change quickly

As you travel, anything can happen and you may end up in a pretty strange situation. The wily traveler learns to change quickly. Travelling is fraught with unknowns. you learn to think on your feet and solve problems efficiently.

16. You learn other languages.

Even if you go to many different places and even if you don’t make a huge effort to learn the languages of the people whose country you visit, simply seeing street signs and restaurant menus teaches you a part of the local language. Hearing a language spoken around you gives you a feel for the rhythm of it and you feel more at home around it.

17. You start to understand different cultures

There is nothing like living amongst people of other cultures to make you understand why people do what they do. Other religions came from somewhere. So did ideas, moral codes and art. Each culture has its treasures. Dig them up and enjoy them.

18. You learn how to travel.

Travelling itself is a skill. After carting around a giant suitcase and trying to stuff it through tiny train doors on an extended visit to Europe, you learn that there are some things you can do without. You learn to decipher railway schedules. You learn what to do when you take the wrong bus and end up God knows where. All of these skills make regular life at home so much easier.

19. You develop confidence.

After travelling and learning all of these new things, you start to realize how smart you are. After all, you made it to your destination, found your connecting flights, ordered food and somehow made it through a new experience. You are pretty resourceful!

20. You find out that we are all one people.

There is nothing like travelling to make you realize that when we talk about going to war with another country, the people that will be harmed are the people you met in the café, the children you saw on their way to school, and the families you see strolling the streets arm in arm in the evening. Suddenly it becomes personal. Suddenly, it is not ok to see them injured or killed.
Of all of the benefits of travelling, I think that this is the most far reaching and the most important. People are our most treasured gifts here in this life. Go meet them. Develop a love for other cultures, religions and lifestyles. Let them see that we are all one too. I believe that if we do this we can change the world, One travelling peace maker at a time.

20 Experiments for Enjoying a Happy Life

 
The only way that one can grow as a person is to understand one’s self. The more one does to become a better person, the more they are going to understand what they are all about. Also, they are going to be happier. There are many things one can do to test themselves and break free of their comfort zones. These trials help people learn how to be more confident, stick up for themselves, have fun, and be more social with others. Here are some experiments to try that can help to improve your life:

1. Ask Someone Out on a Date.

Stop flirting and dropping hints. Come right out and let the other person know you are interested.

2. Get Rid of Clutter.

Throw away stuff you aren’t using. Clutter weighs people down.

3. Do a Good Deed.

Doing something nice for someone else makes people happy. It doesn’t have to be much. Even just buying someone a cup of coffee will make you feel good about yourself.

4. Try Juicing.

Try eating nothing but vegetarian foods and drinks to improve your energy.

5. Be Spontaneous.

Buy a ticket to someplace you have never been. Then, travel alone and see how independent you can be.

6. Step Back from Bad Relationships.

If your relationship is going sour, take some time for yourself to think about what you really want from it. Either you will have a better relationship, or you will end it.

7. Talk to Strangers.

Even though Mom said never to do this, it can make you feel really good to just smile and say “hi” to people passing by.

8. Go for a Walk.

Instead of driving or taking public transport, start walking whenever you can. You’ll be surprised at how much you notice about your surroundings when you’re walking around.

9. Tell Your Story.

Share something personal with the world by writing it as your Facebook status or in a personal blog. The more people like and share the post, the more you will be able to grow as a person.

10. Visit a Fortune Teller.

Have a reading done to help you choose future paths. Try unusual ways to see future like iChing, runes or precognitive dreaming.

11. Get Drunk and Get Creative.

Have a few drinks and try doing something creative, such as drawing or songwriting.

12. Let Others Know how Much they Mean to You.

Don’t wait for someone to do something nice to let them know how much you appreciate them.

13. Live by Yourself.

Test yourself to see if you have the resources to take care of yourself and your home with no help.

14. Cut Coffee and Alcohol from Your Diet.

Giving these up can lead to better health.

15. Avoid the News.

The news can be depressing, so don’t watch it for a while. You don’t always have to be up on everything.

16. Avoid Social Media.

Set a certain amount of time, such as a day or a week, to turn off all social media websites. You may be surprised to see how much fun you can have in life when you are not sitting in front of the computer all the time.

17. Turn Off the Internet.

If you are going to try giving up social media, why not give up the computer altogether for a few days? Find other things to fill your time, such as reading or other hobbies.

18. Stop Playing Video Games.

See how long you can go without playing your favorite games and try doing something else instead.

19. Spice Up Your Resume.

Create a resume that is unique and stands out from the crowd.

20. Be Offensive.

Don’t hold back just because you don’t want to offend anyone. Your opinions matter too.

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/15-simple-ways-supercharge-your-brain.html?utm_source=post&utm_medium=keepingyourbrainhappyandhealthydoesnothavetobehardwhichofthesetipsforahealthybrainareyougoingtostartworkingontodayifyouwantmoretipsonhowtosuperchargeyourbrainyoucanfindithere&utm_campaign=innerlink

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9 Unconventional (But Scientifically Proven) Tips For A Healthy And Happy Brain

We are increasingly expected to deliver exceptional results at work and in school. We are constantly straining our brains to make sure we give our best, and we try to outperform to become better versions of ourselves. But what we forget is to take care of our brain.
As the control center of our body, our brain is one wonderfully crafted machine. Weighing at about three pounds in the average adult, our brain is one of the largest and most important organs in the human body. Think about it: the brain does it all. It controls our emotions, coordinates our movements, and even receives and sends nerve signals to other body parts so we function well physiologically. This is why it is so important to take care of it.
Here are nine scientifically proven tips to make sure your brain stays healthy and happy for many more years to come.

1. Eat more whole and nutritious food.

Research has shown that the food we eat can greatly influence our cognitive processes and emotions. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can support brain function and mental fitness. A diet high in saturated fat, on the other hand, can increase the risk of neurological dysfunction. Understanding what we eat and consume on a daily basis can lead to a healthy and happy brain.
For a start, try to consume more whole and natural foods, such as eggs, grass-fed dairy, organic meats, fruits and vegetables. Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in oily fish and walnuts, and stay away from processed foods as much as possible.

2. Spend more time with your loved ones.

A study done in 2008 by the Harvard School of Public Health has shown that social interactions and good relationships build a foundation to delay memory loss as we age. Participants aged 50 or older were told to take a memory test, and at the same time researchers measured their social integration based on marital status, volunteering experience and contact with parents, children and neighbors. It was found that those engaged in social activities had slower rates of memory decline.
Getting enough social interaction with the people who matter to us is crucial for the brain to stay healthy and happy. Spend more time with your family and loved ones.
Read more on Lifehack: 10 Ways To Spend More Quality Time With Your Partner

3. Pick up a second language.

Picking up a second language can keep your brain healthy and happy. If you can only speak one language, try challenging yourself this year and pick up another one. Research has shown that studying a new language can improve our brain’s cognitive skills, preventing memory loss in the future. Apart from picking up a second language, learning to play a guitar or try your hand in something new that you’ve never done before can also promote healthy brain function and happiness.
Do something new and challenge yourself. Your brain will thank you for that!

4. Try HIIT.

High-intensity interval training, or HIIT for short, improves both bodily and brain health in half the time traditional exercise programs can. HIIT involves brief bouts of intense workouts followed by a short rest period and can be done on any cardio equipment, such as the treadmill or cross trainer, or by doing several body-weight exercises. A study that involved adults who did HIIT twice a week and strength training twice a week for four months has shown increased brain oxygenation, VO₂ max and cognitive function. That’s enough to keep your brain smiling.
More Lifehacks: 5 Reasons Why You Should Be Spending Less Time Working Out

5. Get enough sleep.

We all know sleeping is important for our bodily physiological function. Science has shown that skimping on sleep can seriously mess up our cognitive functions, leading to undesirable accident risks. Try to get at least seven to eight hours of snooze time and wake at the same time every morning. This keeps your body clock, or circadian rhythm, steady thus making us more productive in the day and our brain happier in the long run.
Also on Lifehack: 10 Unconventional (But Great) Sleeping Tips You’ve Probably Never Heard

6. Learn to meditate or practice yoga.

In other words, relax! Taking things slow and eliminating things that are not needed in your life can keep your brain healthy. We live a fast-paced lifestyle and over time it can be detrimental to our health by increasing stress and unnecessary negative effects on our body. A study done by the University of California (Los Angeles) has also shown that yoga and meditation can not only reduce stress levels in normal individuals but also in those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Reduce the demands you place on yourself and your brain will thank you later.
One of the ways to do this is to learn how to meditate or to practice yoga regularly. Meditation even for several minutes a day can force your body into relaxation mode. If you’ve never done yoga or meditation before, start slow by building small habits.
Want to learn more? Try this: Meditation For Beginners: 11 Easy Tips

7. Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake.

While caffeine is typically our go-to solution when we need a mid-day pick me up, it can be detrimental to our health over the long run. A research study has shown that while caffeine is a short-term stimulant, over the long term it can narrow the blood vessels in our very important temporal lobes and prefrontal cortex—the area of our brain that if damaged can lead to poor memory and severe depression.
A cup of coffee a day or a couple glasses of wine every week is not that bad, but if you’re drinking more than that, it’s time to reduce your intake to promote health and happiness for your brain.

8. Save at least $2 a day.

While saving money may not have a direct impact on brain function, saving money is a good starting point in setting financial goals. Science has shown that having a well-developed plan for financial security can stimulate your brain’s executive functions, which are responsible for complex functions like scheduling and organization.
Be aware of where your money is going, keep track of your finances, and don’t be afraid to spend on yourself (within reason) after a month of hard work. Your happiness will bring joy to your brain and improve its health in the long run!

9. Add coconut oil to your diet

This might be fairly new, but a very recent study has shown that adding coconut oil to our diet can reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, keeping Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s at bay. Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) fats, which have been shown to increase brain function from the first dose.
I personally find coconut oil tastier than other options when used in cooking and baking, and with scientifically proven studies like this—and more coming up in the near future—there are more reasons for us to include it in our diet regularly.

The 10 Most Powerful Mind Hacks to Maintain a Great Emotional State at Any Time

I always used to think of happiness as result – a lifetime pursuit that drives most of our actions and behaviors. It is what we try to accomplish and probably the only reason we stay alive.

Did you notice what I just did? Within two sentences I managed to decipher the secret and true meaning behind the word happiness: its dual nature. Happiness is both a result and a driver.
Here’s an example. Usually I am trying to find ways to be more productive that will result in me being happier. What I don’t see though, is that the best way to improve my productivity is by being happier.
Astonishing?
Easier said than done, though.
So, in order to clarify things for you and make the whole idea behind happiness a bit more tangible, I decided to present to you the 10 most effective mind hacks I use to maintain a great emotional state at any time:

1. Be present in the moment

Being present in the moment is a term introduced by the brilliant Eckhart Tolle in his best seller, “The Power of Now.” I am pretty sure most of you have read it or heard about it. Only a few people I know of, though, have actually managed to make its meaning part of their lives.
What Eckhart Tolle is talking about is one of the most groundbreaking realizations a human can have in their life.
You know how we define and live our lives according to what happened in the past and what is about to happen in the future? What Tolle says is: What if I told you that if you could get rid of these thoughts and focus all your attention on what is happening NOW, right NOW, at this very single moment, you could be happier than ever?
“The Power of Now” is a manifestation of how to be present and how to be able to shift your focus on things that actually matter.

2. Disengage yourself from ‘earthly problems’

“My flatmate didn’t do the dishes last night and I need to do them again.”
“My boss gave me a boring task again, I hate him.”
“I have no friends, all the people I hang out with are stupid.”
You get the general idea. These are everyday thoughts that drain your positivity. They are emotional-state leeches and huge distractions to your happiness. I like to call them ‘earthly problems’ because only people who haven’t embraced a higher level of thinking pay so much attention to them.
Earthly problems are an integral part of our everyday lives. They are activated by our environment and they are amplified every time we pay deep attention to them.
Here’s a useful piece of advice: Stop giving them so much value!

3. Meditate

Meditation is closely related to the two points above. It is the perfect way to clear your mind and get rid of any annoying thoughts you might have during the day.
Most of the greatest minds that I know of have made meditation an everyday practice. It helps them stay present and increase their attention span in anything they do. They also argue that meditation helped them find happiness and meaning in life, and at the same time reduce anger, anxiety, depression and fatigue.
So put in your schedule. Its importance is vital.

4. Be self-reliant

Why is self-reliance so important when we want to keep our emotional state on top?
Well, ask yourself the following questions:
How many times has your emotional state been affected by your external environment? How many times have you let people around you drag you down because of their moody behavior? Countless times, right?
The reason behind that? Lack of self-reliance! You are used to depending on others in every aspect of your life. This applies to emotional change as well. Stop being an emotional leech and start ignoring moody behaviors. Be the one who creates positivity and stop relying on others in order for this to happen.

5. Be more open-minded, embrace diversity

Most people cannot understand that our world or universe is an extremely complex place. Its complexity is so great that it is impossible for us to interpret the different kinds of mindsets and behaviors experienced by other people.
This results in us being negative most of the time and also condemning types of behaviors that don’t match our own perspective and likes.
Stop doing that and embrace diversity in our world. Obviously, it is impossible to hang out with every person on earth, but start being more engaging and open minded. You won’t believe how many amazing people you can attract in your life.

6. Stop being outcome dependent

Embrace the process in everything you do. I know that you have goals and aspirations, but in order to achieve them you need to go through a long and rewarding process.
Disengage yourself from the stress that outcome dependency creates. Start feeling good with every single step you take towards achieving your ambitions.

7. Listen to music that pumps you up

There is this term in Neuro-linguistic Programming called anchoring. Anchors are stimuli that call forth states of mind, thoughts and emotions. One of the strongest emotional anchors is music.
I, for example, love electronic music. Why? Because when I started going to electronic music parties I had a lot of fun. I met so many awesome and exciting people and that helped me associate this type of music with happy times and emotions.
I suggest you do the same. Try to think of music that pumps you up and reminds you of happy times. Make this music part of your everyday life. When I say part of your everyday life, I mean it. Listen to it for at least two hours per day during the other things you do. Especially if these things are stressful or boring.

8. Smile

Ron Gutman in his TED talk, “The Hidden Power of Smiling,” made me realize how powerful smiling can be and how it affects our every day lives. So I put what I learned into practice and guess what, it worked.
I felt healthier, I felt rejuvenated, I felt more attractive, I felt happy.
I suggest you do the same. Try and smile all the time. Smile like Robert Downey Jr. does. Look at yourself in the mirror. Look at how awesome you are and smile. Embrace the power of smiling, draw a good emotional state from within and let the world enjoy your positivity.

9. Stop taking things so seriously

I know that the “Stop taking things so seriously” phrase sounds quite cheesy and mainstream. I know that you hear it all the time. But you know what I also know? I know that common knowledge is not common practice. The ones that have managed to apply this phrase to their lives are the ones that make things happen.
So stop wasting your thoughts on what other people think about you and start pondering about what you think about you. And by that I mean start realizing that you are an awesome badass who is capable of achieving anything you can think of.
I am pretty sure you can do it. We only live once, so try and make it count!

10. Exercise and sleep more

I think it is pointless to start mentioning the countless benefits of exercise and sleeping here. Look around Lifehack and you’ll see others have them covered. But from overcoming depression to helping you increase your brainpower and image, exercise and sleeping have such a profound effect on our happiness and well-being.
Everything I mentioned here is common knowledge. They are ideas we learn from a very young stage in our lives. But as I already mentioned, for most people common knowledge is not common practice.
When you manage to master your mind and make these easy hacks part of your reality, only then you will be confidently optimistic about your happiness and future success.

Why Giving Time to Your Passion is Important

We are all different, our perceptions, our paradigms, our passions, all are different. As Albert Einstein said:

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”  

To know our own genius we need to know ourselves better. You may love painting or dancing or writing or anything else, but in reality you may not be able to spend a lot of time doing these activities, because you have to earn money, you have to do the regular 9 to 5 job to sustain your responsibilities. Eventually, even the thought of following your passion may lead you to believe that you are not lucky enough to do what you love doing!!
Many people are able to follow their passion and still make a living. Travel bloggers are often those who love to travel and write; personal trainers or yoga teachers love to be fit and show others how to do the same; editors get to read books and articles all of the time and they immensely love doing it; crafters of all sorts create items and sell them online and at flea markets and festivals. You need to break down the barrier that tells you the only way to make a living is to do something you don’t like. It simply isn’t true.
Now comes the second step, you need to ponder the question, “What is your niche?” In essence, you are asking yourself: “What would you love to do, all your life and will smile while working hard at it.” Take your time and take a vacation for your vocation.
You need to think about it. Most of us don’t even know what we love doing, because we have never thought about having a job which we would love to have.
So get to it. Start exploring. Learn your passions. You need to follow your passions because:

1. It returns back your lovely smile.
2. It boosts up your confidence.
3. It makes you feel special.
4. Life becomes more satisfying for you.
5. It teaches you the lessons of  self discipline and time management.
6. It allows to spend some time on yourself.
7. It allows you to love yourself even more.
8. It allows you to learn something with heart and soul.
9. It allows you to feel powerful. You feel the power to do what to want. You are a free bird.
10. You become an inspiration for many…you are include in the category of so called “lucky people.”

 
If you find yourself overwhelmed by family responsibilities and don’t know how to get started, try these tips.
1. Give it time. Wake up early and spend some time alone before your day starts thinking about the things you like to do.
2. Search. In your leisure time search about the people, who are doing a similar thing.
3. Devotion. Make a point to devote some time, may be half an hour each day, then gradually, at your own convenience increase the time limit.
4. Dedication.  Keep improving the skills, attend expos and seminars related to your niche. This will broaden your vision and will give you better ideas.
5. Networking. Find a community on social media networks about the same things, share your works, and get  motivated.
6. Be confident. You never know when the right opportunity might come to you.
7. Have faith. Believe that it is possible for you too.

 

There is nothing wrong in doing a Job or studying while following your passion. You can balance both work and leisure time. At the end it is more important to live your life fully. With some self discipline, you will start managing your time and you too will find time for your passions and eventually, maybe, you can start making a living from them.

Let your life sing your tune….you just dance!

Love your smile, value your smile, follow your heart, follow your passions