Life can be hard on all of us at one point or another, but sometimes, the biggest barrier keeping you from simplifying your life is yourself.
There are a lot of times that you might feel down about yourself, your job, your relationships, or the world around you. It can be hard to create a healthy and happy life for yourself when you’re facing so much criticism from yourself about the choices you are making, especially if you are making those choices for the wrong reasons. But there’s a way to improve your mental state that doesn’t involve anything other than you. Don’t count out the power of positive thinking–you can change your life with a few simple enough steps.
1. You compare yourself to others, instead of loving yourself for who you are.
Comparing yourself to others is never healthy–whether it’s regarding a co-worker getting a promotion over you, or a supermodel having a better body. Everyone is different. And although you’ve undoubtably heard that before, just remember that you have something great to offer that makes you great, too. You shouldn’t let how others are living affect your life, because we all come from a different background, and follow a different path. Focus on making your path the best one for you.
Photo by huffingtonpost.com
2. You let fear stop you from doing things, instead of stepping out of your comfort zone.
If you’re letting fear stop you from making a change in your life, like a move across the country, or asking your cute neighbor out on a date, STOP! Fear is something that’s completely in our minds, and letting it control you keeps you from experiencing the great things in life. You don’t want to miss out on all the fun and amazing things your life has to offer, so do something that scares you. Study abroad. Move to a big city. Do something you think you might fail at. It’ll only make you stronger.
3. You buy things you don’t need, instead of cutting down on unnecessary possessions.
Clutter in your home is clutter in your life; you just don’t need it. With money being one of the biggest stress-inducers in today’s society, it seems obvious that buying less stuff is a smart move. Yet we are always running out to buy the next big thing, whether it’s some piece of technology that we insist is better than our current one, or this season’s must-have trendy clothes that will undoubtably be out of style in a few months. Instead, spend your money on things you NEED and not on things you simply want. This way, you’ll have more space in your life, and when you treat yourself to a gift that you really want, it’ll actually make you happy.
4. You often procrastinate, instead of getting started on a life-changing path.
We’re not talking about the kind of procrastination you did on your English papers and math homework, but instead, the kind where you avoid major life changes that you really need to make. Starting a diet or workout program, or quitting a job you hate, but you always say that you’ll start tomorrow, or Monday, or at the start of next month. The longer you put it off, the harder it will be to actually start. Excuses aren’t helping anyone–they are actually hurting you because you’re one day further away from happiness.
Photo by gizmodo.com
5. You live for the future, instead of focusing on the present.
As you sit and daydream about what life will be like in five years, or when you’re in love, or when you have that great job, life is passing you buy. Life is going on right now, as you check social media for the third time. Do you have dreams? Do something to start your path to achieving them today! If you sit around waiting for your perfect future, it will never come. Be grateful for your present, and if you want it to be different, the only way to change it is to start today.
6. You talk down to yourself, instead of building yourself up.
You’ve definitely heard that you are your toughest critic, and not only is it true, it can be detrimental. Is that little voice inside your head saying negative things about you, your body, your performance, or your health? It’s likely that your actions will reflect that. But it’s key to remember that you have flaws, just like everyone else. And those flaws don’t make you awful–they make you human. Next time you catch yourself thinking something negative about yourself, put a spin on that thought and visualize what you like about yourself instead.
7. You put too much importance on what other people think, instead of making your own decisions.
We all have been guilty of making life choices based on other people at one time or another, but to do so is crazy. Why would you rather try to make someone else like you than to make sure that YOU like you? Putting extra effort into trying to figure out what move will make you seem “cool” is wasting time that you could otherwise spend doing things that you love. If your friends don’t appreciate you for who you are, then they aren’t friends you want to have anyway.
Photo by galleryhip.com
8. You are always too busy, instead of taking time for yourself.
Packing on too many tasks can lead to a very hectic life, but if you don’t have time to relax, you’ll end up stressed out. And it’s hard to finish your tasks as best you can when you’re so stressed about the other tasks you have to do. It’s a vicious cycle that can be fixed with one simple thing: some relaxing down time. If you take on one less activity, and use that time to just be with yourself and your thoughts, you’ll perform better at the rest of your tasks. You’ll also get to spend some time thinking about what you’ve learned and experienced as life was rushing by you.
9. You dwell on negative experiences, instead of letting the past go.
You may have faced some hardships in the past, but now that you’re through them, it’s really better to let it go. The bad experiences shape the person you become, however, focusing on them forever will take away from the life you’re living now. Don’t live in the past. Instead, learn to forgive, move on, and realize that you can’t change what has already happened. But you can change the way you think and feel for the future.
10. You avoid being honest with yourself, instead of embracing the truth.
There are probably some problems that you’re dealing with–everyone is. Big or small, you have to work through the issues you face. Burying your feelings and acting like everything is ok will only work for so long, until you eventually can’t take any more and explode. Instead, be honest with yourself about what you’re feeling. That way you can face each demon head-on, and move towards being happier and healthier.
In preparation of Pitch Perfect 2premiering right around the corner (May 15th, 2015), why not take a closer look at the movie’s star, Anna Kendrick?
She showed up on the Hollywood scene in 2003’s Camp, a film about young performers at a summer camp. But became a household name for her portrayal of Beca in Pitch Perfect. Since then, she’s had more than twenty roles that showcase her talent as an extremely versatile actress.
Here are nine more facts you didn’t know about everyone’s favorite girl next door;
1. She Loves to Bake
Maybe that’s why her music video for Cups started with her working in a kitchen, covered in flour?
2. She’s a Broadway Baby
Anna’s parents encouraged her talent at a young age. She traveled on Greyhound busses with her brother to audition for Broadway plays. She landed her first gig at age 12! What were you doing at age 12?
3. Anna’s an Oscar AND Tony Nominee
Anna was nominated for an Oscar in 2009 for her portrayal of Natalie Keener in Up in the Air. She was also nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in 1998, making her the second youngest nominee in Tony history!
4. She loves Taco Bell
Did you just fall more in love with Ms. Kendrick? She can bond with people everywhere over Crunchwrap Supreme’s and Doritos’ Locos Tacos.
5. She has Famous Pals
Throughout the years, Anna has been friends with many famous co-stars. Aubrey Plaza and Anna are America’s Funniest BFF’s. But, did you know that Anna has been close friends with American Idol Alum, Adam Lambert since they were only eighteen years old?
6. She Geeks Out
Kendrick is a huge Lord of the Rings fan, and has been known to watch marathons, only the extended editions, of course!
7. She Fan-girls like the Rest of Us
When The Strokes came to her hometown, she camped out overnight for front row tickets.
8. She Rules the Twitter-verse.
Her twitter feed is filled with thoughts everyone wants to say, but can’t. So she posts them for us. Check out her page, and prepare to belly-laugh for hours. Her tweets prove that she’s relatable, and just like us (except way cooler and famous). Check out this post where some of her tweets were turned into motivational posters, via Buzzfeed.
9. She’s a Self-proclaimed Redditor.
In fact, that’s how she learned the hit-song “Cups (When I’m Gone)”. She spent an entire afternoon trolling the site and learning how to make the tune with a plastic cup. It instantly became a hit, landing her at number 6 on the Billboard Top 100.
Anyone who loves elephants will adore this video, as this baby elephant searches all over this girl’s face and body to find her nose.
The elephant seems very interested in touching her nose, and actually tries to grab onto the nose and hold it!
It could not be more cute to see this baby elephant so up close an personal with a human, and watching the elephant flap its ears expresses its excitement and joy. The nearby elephants even flap their ears as well, probably because they can sense that this human is their friend.
While we’ve all been guilty of one of these Instagram faux pas once or twice, if you identify with one of these people, just remember: All things in moderation. Stick with that rule, and you’ll be just fine.
Here is our official list for the seven worst people on Instagram.
7. The Foodie
While I enjoy seeing a pretty meal here and there, I don’t want to know every little thing you’ve eaten this week. Also, you make me hungry.
6. The Incessant Hashtag’er
Photo by www.Buzzfeed.com
We know you’re just trying to get more followers, but really it’s #annoying.
You know the person who is constantly posting scenic shots from their vacation. Do you have a job? Or any responsibilities for that matter? Mostly, this one’s annoying because it makes me jealous.
We’re all guilty of throwing up a filter or two on a picture, but when you no longer look like the person in your picture, you’ve gone too far. Also, it can be really obvious.
There’s a time and a place for a selfie. It’s for the days where you’re either looking exceptionally put together, or doing something really exciting. I don’t want to see a selfie of you sleeping because A) you’re not really sleeping, and B) I don’t care.
Summertime means warm weather, and hopefully, you’re planning some kind of summer getaway. Anyone can go to Disney World or NYC, but where do the most elite Americans vacation?
If you’re looking for a vacation spot that will incite the most jealousy from your friends while simultaneously giving you the best Instagram feed of your life (but aren’t afraid to spend a pretty penny), look no further than these nine most elite destinations, perfect for a summer excursion.
Photo by oceanhelicopters.com
1. West Palm Beach, FL
West Palm Beach has everything from pristine beaches to extravagant night life. Frequented by billionaires like Donald Trump and Mark Zuckerberg, it’s clear that this destination is A+. There’s a downtown area with shops and restaurants that will cost a fortune, but the perfect summer escape might just be worth it.
Photo by theranchatrockcreek.com
2. Philipsburg, MT
For those looking for an upscale ranch-style escape, Philipsburg is a newcomer to the elite vacation scene. After Scarlett Johansson and Kate Bosworth chose the region for their VIP weddings, the area boomed to life. Now, with luxury resorts and amazing dining experiences, horse-lovers with some extra cash in their pocket have a great place to go.
Photo by hawaiianphotos.net
3. Kauai, HI
Kauai is the choice vacation spot for adrenaline junkies, outdoor-lovers, and Jennifer Aniston. One of the most expensive destinations in the Hawaiian Islands, many visitors rent private homes on the water, or check into all-inclusive resorts. Some activities include surfing, hiking, golfing, horseback riding, and zip lining, but don’t forget the incredible spa at the St. Regis Princeville afterwards.
Photo by julesjacobs49.edublogs.org
4. Nantucket, MA
New Englanders know that Nantucket is the smaller, richer, more private older brother of Cape Cod. If you own at least one pair of salmon colored pants or a Lily Pulitzer dress, Nantucket is your home land. You have to take the ferry in or fly your private jet, but once you get there, it’s only exclusive resorts and high-end golf clubs overlooking the ocean. Who wouldn’t want to spend some summer here?
Photo by danspapers.com
5. The Hamptons, NY
If you’ve ever seen the ABC show Revenge or read The Great Gatsby, you know The Hamptons are where the east coast elite call home in the summer. The “beach houses” are mansions, the clubs are frequented by celebs like Jay Z and Paul McCartney, and the restaurants are world-famous. If you can afford it, The Hamptons is the place to be.
Photo by twistedsifter.com
6. Big Sur, CA
Exclusivity finds new meaning here in Big Sur, where there are only two ways in: the Pacific Coast Highway, or private helicopter. This escape boasts of amazing views of ocean, beach, and untouched forest, and the proximity to LA makes it a usual getaway for many of your favorite celebs. And if you’re planning a destination wedding, it’s a great choice; ask Natalie Portman or Anne Hathaway.
Photo by bradsantdesign.com
7. Jackson Hole, WY
Jackson Hole is for the elite who want to escape city life but don’t quite want to rough it. Visitors get close to the real wild west, but can do so in luxury hotels that have popped up across the city. And if you’re lucky, you might spot Indiana Jones–Jackson Hole is a favorite of actor Harrison Ford.
Photo by 02809photo.com
8. Newport, RI
Newport is the definition of “old money,” and the many mansions lining the coast prove it. This little escape offers many private beaches, and the cute downtown area is filled with tasty restaurants and adorable antique shops. Those coming from a big city are attracted by the small-town vibes, and the hefty price tags.
Photo by napavalleylodge.com
9. Napa Valley, CA
If you’re a wine drinker, there’s nowhere better in the United States. And with the influx of affluence, it’s no surprise that some amazing restaurants have popped up across the area. Food and wine go hand-in-hand after all, so if you’re looking for an indulgent vacation, look no further.
We’ve all misplaced our keys, missed an item at the store or walked into a room only to completely forget why. Memory is something that most people inevitably lose as they age-but is there a way to stop that?
Maybe not completely, but there are a ton of tricks you can implement now to keep you from loosing valuable memory in your future.
1. Have a job or hobby that challenges you.
Photo by news.health.com
The American Academy of Neurology completed a study that proved people with more challenging careers starved off age-related memory loss much longer. Those who’s jobs required more speaking, developing strategies, conflict resolution and managerial tasks were better protected in the long run from losing memory. But before you go and apply for those seriously tough jobs, positions that are too hard and thus cause more stress have the opposite effect on memory, leading to a greater amount of memory loss at an old age.
2. Get more sleep.
Photo by adamrosante.com
Sleeping is pretty much good for every part of your body, but it has a special effect on your brain. A study on fruit flies (which isn’t as weird as it sounds) that proved the flies that got the most sleep were the best at attracting partners, because they had retained the most memory. Scientists believe that the same idea applies to humans, so if you need more memory–or to attract a date?–get some more sleep!
3. Eat fish.
Photo by thezimmail.co.zw
This one only works on those under the age of 30, so you better get started ASAP. A study done in 2012 showed that the acid in omega-3 (the acid found in fish and fish oil tablets) helps to increase communication between different parts of the brain, which helps you to retain more memory at a young age.
4. Work out.
Photo by hiit-blog.dailyhiit.com
There’s obviously a million reasons why working out is good, but here’s another. Aerobic exercise influences human memory, according to this study. Because more blood is flowing to the brain, those who worked out 2x as much as their lazier counterparts scored up to 25% better on a memory test. So put that down as one more reason to get up off your butt and get to the gym–as if you needed another.
5. Practice visualization techniques.
Photo by pixshark.com
Fans of the show Sherlock (starring everyone’s favorite Brit, Benedict Cumberbatch) will know this technique as the title character’s insane ability to figure out any mystery. And while the “mind palace” of the typical twenty-something might not be as impressive as his, you can use this technique to retain memory. This complicated process goes back to the ancient Greeks, and all you do is “store” memories in a specific location by vizualizing it, and then later, by walking through that location, you can recover the memories. Sounds confusing right? But it is highly recommended.
6. Do Sudoku.
Photo by simple.wikipedia.org
Sudoku is a great way to kill time, but it’s also a great tool for memory. Even though brain training games have been faced by criticism, it has been shown that Sudoku helps with older people who are at risk of dementia. There’s no proof that these puzzles make a difference in younger minds, but it’s a lot better for your brain than sitting around watching TV. So maybe try it.
TripAdvisor recently released the results of its 2015 Travelers’ Choice awards for Destinations, which were based off of the site’s user reviews of hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
Millions of TripAdvisor users voted for the top travel destinations in the US, which resulted in New York City, Chicago, and Charleston getting the top three picks respectively.
Take a look at the top 25 travel destinations in the US for 2015.
25. Austin, Texas
Photo by en.wikipedia.org
24. San Antonio, Texas
Photo by en.wikipedia.org
23. Los Angeles, California
Photo by www.flickr.com via Gnaphron
22. Nashville, Tennessee
Photo by www.tripadvisor.com
21. Saint Augustine, Florida
Photo by www.tripadvisor.com
20. Lahaina, Hawaii
Photo by www.aloha-hawaii.com
19. Portland, Oregon
Photo by www.flickr.com via Keith Skelton
18. Orlando, Florida
Photo by www.pixabay.com via Flynn_Chris
17. Savannah, Georgia
Photo by commons.wikimedia.org
16. Boston, Massachusetts
Photo by en.wikipedia.org
15. Branson, Missouri
Photo by en.wikipedia.org
14. Miami Beach, Florida
Photo by en.wikipedia.org
13. Honolulu, Hawaii
Photo by www.flickr.com via Nosha
12. Sedona, Arizona
Photo by en.wikipedia.org
11. Saint Louis, Missouri
Photo by en.wikipedia.org
10. San Diego, California
Photo by commons.wikimedia.org
9. Palm Springs, California
Photo by www.palmspringsrealestatecondo.com
8. New Orleans, Louisiana
Photo by he.wikipedia.org
7. Washington DC, District of Columbia
Photo by en.wikipedia.org
6. San Fransisco, California
Photo by commons.wikimedia.org
5. Seattle, Washington
Photo by pt.wikipedia.org
4. Las Vegas, Nevada
Photo by en.wikipedia.org
3. Charleston, South Carolina
Photo by www.charlestoncvb.com
2. Chicago, Illinois
Photo by www.pixabay.com via werner22brigitte
1. New York City, New York
Photo by www.flickr.com via Anthony Quintano
Have you visited any of these places? Let us know in the comments.
This cat has an absolute freakout, as he realizes he’s heading for the bath.
As this cats owner picks up her cat, and they starts nearing the bathtub, he absolutely loses it!
The sounds that come out of his mouth are so funny- they really sound like human noises! He literally starts screaming “NO!” and it sounds like he is crying.
At first, you are not sure if these sounds are actually coming out of the cats mouth, but when you see his face you know it is for real.
Watch this absolutely hysterical video of a cat bath below:
These animals are absolutely hysterical, as they do their best to speak, but all that comes out is funny noises!
All animals- from dogs, to cats, to goats all try and communicate with their human friends, and all we hear is hysterical sounds.
From the dog making noises laying down on the floor, to the crazy bird screaming at his owner while sitting on his shoulder- all of these animals are a riot!
Even the goat causes a ruckus (which they’re known for)- sticking its tongue out at the man while he yells at him.
These animals certainly show humans whose boss.
You better not get in their way- you don’t want to get spit on like one man did!
Social Media is a great way for millennials of the world to share selfies and artfully staged photos of food. But it has a much better purpose: to promote body positivity throughout the world.
There are hundreds of body positive hashtags circulating the Internet, via Instagram or Twitter or Facebook, and there is probably one no matter what your personal problem is. From celebrating the bodies of plus sized women, to those living with serious diseases, here nine great body positive hashtags to help any woman feel beautiful.
1. #LoveYourLines
Just like the caption says, this is a hashtag with it’s own account. It’s a safe space–a hatred-free zone–where women can submit photos of themselves loving the lines of their body. Usually, the lines refer to stretch marks, either from going through pregnancy or simply growing up into a woman. But it isn’t limited to stretch marks; the page also includes photos of women with mastectomy or cesarian section scars. This hashtag proves that even if your body isn’t perfectly photoshopped and air brushed, it’s still perfect because it’s yours.
2. #effyourbeautystandards
This is another hashtag that has expanded into it’s own page, and it currently has 128K followers and counting. A combination of professional photography, submissions, and positive quotes, this page is a fan favorite for body positivity and fair treatment for all women. Founder Tess Holiday (pictured above) has always been very vocal about accepting all body types, and is a perfect example that those who aren’t sample sizes are still beautiful.
3. #droptheplus
This hashtag gained national attention when model Stefania Ferrario took the photo above, and it took the world by storm. Along with author Ajay Rochester (mentioned in the comments) the duo is attacking the idea that any model over a size 4 is officially dubbed a “plus size” model. The model does not find this term empowering, and wants to let women all across the world know that they don’t need to be labeled as “plus sized” women, but just as women.
4. #feministsareugly
People who are concerned that #FeministsAreUgly are probably also concerned that MLK didn't have a six-pack. Enjoy Darwinism.
This hashtag mainly blew up on the Twitterverse, and had a lot of traction. Started by two women of color, @LilyBolourian and @Cheuya, the attempt was not to be mysongistic at all, but instead to call attention to the fact that the first thing a lot of people attack is a woman’s appearance. The women wanted to“fight back against the word ‘ugly,’ a word that not only tells you you’re ‘not beautiful’ but that you’ve failed to conform to the mainstream beauty ideal that is almost exclusively white.”
5. #imnomodeleither
This project was started as a response to the Lane Bryant #ImNoAngel hashtag. Created by the beautiful Amanda Kater, the purpose was to say that even though the campaign aimed to include a wider range of sizes and bodies, not every size was included. The size 18 blogger couldn’t identify with the models in the photos, so she took to Instagram, where she was met with a huge income of support.
6. #CelebrateMySize
So straightforward, this hashtag calls for all women to celebrate what they see in the mirror. Plus Model Magazine created the campaign to help all women feel comfortable in their own skin. The magazine goes one step further though, not only posting 10 photos with the hashtag per day to their Instagram account, but even including 12 photos a month in the print version of the mag. And with over 130k photos posted so far, it doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon.
7. #4thtrimesterbodiesproject
This may be the most mother-positive project on Instagram. It was created to show women that giving birth is a difficult process, and not getting their “pre-baby body” back isn’t something that they should be ashamed of. Although women’s magazines boast that you can do it with exercise and working out, a lot of women are living with their 4th trimester bodies, knowing that the miracle of giving birth is what makes their bodies beautiful, not the idea that they fit the media mold.
8. #GetYourBellyOut
Model Bethany Townsend has suffered from Crohn’s Disease for most of her life, and while taking an innocent bikini shot on vacation, she started a movement. The hashtag #getyourbellyout spread like fire, as a statement to women with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis that they can still be beautiful, and that they shouldn’t let their colostomy bags shame them from showing off their bodies.
9. #LoseHateNotWeight
Virgie Tover, editor of Hot & Heavy, has confidence to boot, and is trying to spread that to other women through the creation of this hashtag. She hoped to help women feel more confident in their size and simultaneously point out that trying to force women to lose weight to fit a media standard is B.S. There are 8,000 uses of the hashtag so far, so hopefully the message is spreading.
Goodbye biceps, hello beer bellies. In case you haven’t heard, the “dad bod” is where it’s at right now.
What exactly is a dad bod you may ask? Exemplified by stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and frat brothers nation-wide, a dad bod is a happy medium between hitting the gym and binge drinking beer and eating pizza. It’s not over weight, but it’s definitely not sculpted washboard abs either, and apparently, girls these days are into it. (Men everywhere are rejoicing)
So why are girls suddenly going crazy over the dad bod? Well for starters, girls feel less intimidated by a guy with a less than perfect body. It takes the pressure off of us to look like supermodels too. Secondly, its good cuddling material. No one wants to cuddle with a rock. Plus, a dad bod can imply that a man is successful, has a career, and doesn’t have time to hit the gym every night. Who does anyway? Lastly, girls tend to hyper-plan everything including our future with a guy circa date #3….With that being said, a guy with a dad bod probably won’t change too much in the next 20 years. You don’t have to worry about him losing his hot bod if he doesn’t have one to begin with.
So how exactly do you get the perfect dad bod? Look no further. Here are 5 no-fail tricks to achieving the perfect dad bod.
1. Skip the Gym
Credit: www.tnj.com
Okay maybe not every day. The dad bod is achieved by striking the perfect balance between working out and, well, not. Two to three days a week should be sufficient.
2. Drink Beer
Credit: davisbeerweek.com
and a lot of it! Skipping the gym a few nights a week will free up a lot of time to drink. Call up your buddies, watch the game, and drink a few!
3. Say Yes to Fast Food
Credit: www.bloomberg.com
Good news! You can forget you ever even attempted the paleo diet and trade your kale for Taco Bell.
4. Slow Down Your Metabolism
Credit: kbat.com
Try skipping a few meals, nap often, and eat carbs more often.
5. Become an Actual Dad
Credit: 1funny.com
The most authentic dad bod’s are achieved by, you guessed it, being a real dad!
You know that friend or friends that you consider family? They are always welcome in your home as you are in theirs, and you may not be related by blood, but you still consider each other family.
LifeDaily shares 10 Signs That You’ve Made A Brother/Sista From Another Motha/Mista:
1. They have met almost everyone in your family
Whether your family is big or small, your brotha/sista has met everyone. They know the names of everyone in your family, and your family always asks about them, and how they are doing.
2. This person is/was likely the maid of honor or best man in your wedding, and is or will be the godparents of your child
This friend means the world to you, and you want to honor them in the most special way, by having them be the most special person in your wedding party, and a very important person in your child’s life.
3. They remember things about your life/your past that you don’t even remember
This friend literally remembers everything about you growing up- sometimes things that you’ve forgotten. They will bring up something so funny, that you will laugh hysterically.
4. You laugh with them like no other
This brotha/sista just “gets you,” which is why you can laugh with them for hours and hours. You guys usually laugh so hard that you get stomach pains and feel like you can’t breathe.
5. You have overcome everything together
You have both been there for times in eachother’s lives that weren’t so pretty. You have been there with your brotha/sista for all of those moments, and you always been their shoulder to cry on.
6. You always plan trips together
There is noone you’d rather go away with, and noone who you have more fun with. You’re always coordinating trips together with them and your families, or your significant others.
7. They are invited to your families parties
Your brotha/sista from another motha/mista always is always invited to your family parties. It’s basically a given that they will be there, and all you need to do is tell them the date and time.
8. When sh*t hits the fan, they are who you call
If your car broke down, and you need someone to pick you up, or you’re in any sort of sticky situation, there’s no other person you’d call.
9. They’re also the ones you call if you’re having problems with your own brothers or sisters
If you’re having problems with your own blood family, your brotha/sista from another motha/mista is who you call. You know that they will be there to listen, and you know that they will understand as well because they know your real brother or sister very well too.
10. You may not tell them all the time how much you appreciate them, but you really do
You guys have been friends for so long, and are so comfortable with one another that maybe you don’t often share or even realize how much they mean to you. You would do anything for them, and you want them to know this.
Share this article with your brotha/sista from another motha/mista.
Summer is here and hopefully that means vacation. But before you jet off to another corner of the world, do you know what not to do to avoid offending people from other cultures?
The worst thing a tourist can be is offensive, and there are a ton of things that American’s perceive as normal behavior that make people from other countries mad. Here’s a list of the things you might not want to do after you land in another country.
Photo by wikipedia.org
Norway
Don’t unwrap flowers before giving them as a gift.
Japan
Don’t tip anyone. If you leave even small change, people will come running after you to return it. Tipping is not a part of the culture.
Russia
Don’t give an even number of flowers as a gift (even numbers are for the deceased).
Singapore
Don’t bring your pet in public, or you will be fined. Also, avoid feeding the birds, spitting, urinating in public, smoking in public, eating or drinking on public transportation, and littering.
Photo by completelycroatia.co.uk
Croatia
Don’t raise your thumb, middle and index finger all at once–it’s the Serbian salute.
Kenya
Don’t call someone by their first name. Address them as Miss, Mrs., Mr., or Dr. And if you aren’t sure, choose madam or sir.
New Zealand
Don’t make a big deal about people who are shoeless in public. It’s perfectly commonplace.
Turkey
Don’t make an okay sign (with your thumb and forefinger), which is considered offensive.
Photo by telegraph.co.uk
India
Don’t kiss in public. You could be arrested for “public obscenity.”
Chile
Don’t eat with your hands–even finger foods like fries.
Germany
Don’t wish someone a “happy birthday” before the actual day. There is a superstition attached to doing so, and even Germans who are not superstitious will feel uncomfortable.
Ireland
If someone offers to buy the first round at the pub, don’t partake if you won’t be buying one later. Being cheap isn’t cool.
Photo by pixshark.com
Malaysia
Don’t point. If you must, use your thumbs instead of your pointer finger.
Brazil
Don’t confuse the languages. Brazilians speak Portuguese, not Spanish.
Thailand
Don’t dress inappropriately when attending a religious service or visiting a temple. Cover your arms, legs, and midriff.
Canada
Don’t assume everywhere in Canada is cold and covered in snow. Toronto in summer is the same as New York in summer.
Photo by planetware.com
Italy
Don’t turn down food. Italians love to share food, and if the hostess offers you something, not taking it is considered rude.
Indonesia
Don’t do anything with your left hand. It is considered impolite.
The Netherlands
Don’t walk in the bicycle lane. Apparently, this is one of the most annoying things tourists do in their country.
China
Don’t give umbrellas or clocks as gifts. Chinese culture appreciates homophones, and the Chinese word for umbrella sounds a lot like “separation,” while the word for “clock” sounds like “paying last respects.”
Watching these children play with animals through the window at the zoo will warm your heart!
We promise you, you will not believe your eyes when you see what these animals do behind the glass to the children.
Each one gets better and better- the animals play with the children behind the glass, kiss them, and one even licks the glass like crazy trying to lick the little girl!
It is unbelievable to watch these wild animals literally play with the children, as if they are one themselves.
It appears from this video, that even wild animals have a really have a soft spot for children.
Graduation is right around the corner for many high school seniors across the US, but what comes next? For many, the next step is a great one: college!
There are a ton of great things about college: freedom and independence, making life long friends, hopefully a beautiful campus, and of course a great education. But how do you make the most of your four years? By stepping out of your comfort zone, and here’s why college is the best place to do so.
1. No one knows you here.
In high school you probably had a clique, and people probabaly judged you based off of it. But whether you liked your place in high school or not, college is completely different. You walk in on the first day with no predispositions. You can present your best foot forward, without having anyone judge you based on your past high school experiences. It’s a great time to make yourself someone new.
Photo by college-kickstart.com
2. You’re growing up.
You’re no longer a high schooler. At 18 you’re *technically* and adult (although you still have a lot to learn). But the things you’ve always liked might not be your cup of tea anymore. You should use this time to expand your horizons and try new things. College is a time to discover your passions as opposed to your hobbies. Which leads to…
3. There are a million clubs/sports/organizations on campus.
Your college will probably have a club fair during the first few weeks of school, so you don’t even have to do any research. It’s as easy as showing up. If you don’t know what you want to do, sign up for a few things. Try something new. And this way, even if you’re shy, you can find a group of like-minded individuals and hopefully make friends by bonding over something you love.
Photo by chemistry.nd.edu
4. College gives you access to life-changing experiences.
There’s more to college than just going to classes. And while learning is obviously a key ingredient to your college life, there are a ton of other experiences that go hand-in-hand, and you could never do anywhere else. Like joining greek life, which is a great way to create a family for life. Or studying abroad, which opens huge doors to the world and shows you something you’ve never seen before. Without stepping out of your comfort zone, you might miss out on these things.
5. College is a stepping stone for real life.
You’ll learn a lot more than calculus and geology. You’ll learn life skills. How do you interact with people you don’t know? How do you network? These are things you’ll need when you graduate, and even though that seems like a lifetime away for incoming freshman, facing your fears and accepting the uncomfortable situations will help you when you finally face the real world (and college is a much more forgiving environment, so if you mess up, it’s okay).
Photo by huffingtonpost.com
6. You can try a little of everything if you start early.
For those who have no idea what direction they want their lives to go, college is a perfect time to try on as many different hats as possible. Take a dance or improv class. Try your hand at law or business. You shouldn’t limit yourself to one path this early in life, because as you grow, your life is bound to change. By trying classes you might never have considered before, you’ll learn a lot about yourself (and will be able to cross potential majors off the list, which makes life a lot easier when it comes time to declare).
7. College is the “best four years of your life.”
According to some. And while that’s probably not completely true, it is an amazing time. You don’t want to look back and realize you missed out on experiences. Letting fear of doing something different–or worse, fear of failing at something–stop you from reaching your full potential is a waste of your youth. This is the time that it’s ok not to be sure what you want. But you shouldn’t let indecisiveness limit you; instead, let your inability to choose help you and choose everything.
Approximately 375 million people speak English as their first language, and while it’s one of the most widely used and known languages in the world, the english vocabulary doesn’t always do justice to the shaded nuances and experiences of everyday life.
Take a look at our list of ten foreign words that don’t exist in English.
10. Skjerp deg
(Norwegian) Skjerp deg could be translated as “sharpen yourself up.” It is used in all sorts of situations but it generally means you’re making a fool out of yourself.
9. Kabel Salat
(German) Kabel salat literally means “cable salad,” and it refers to a messy tangle of cables.
8. Schadenfreude
(German) Schadenfreude refers to the pleasure derived from someone else’s pain.
7. L’esprit de l’escalier
(French) L’esprit de l’escalier translates to “staircase wit.” It refers to the act of thinking of a clever comeback after it’s too late to deliver it.
6. Forelsket
(Norwegian) Forelsket refers to the elation you feel when you first start falling in love with someone.
5. Faen
(Norwegian) Faen translates to “the devil,” however, it’s used as an all purpose swear word. Faen can be used as a noun, an adjective, an adverb, and even a preposition.
4. Age-otori
(Japanese) Age-otori refers to when someone looks worse after getting a haircut.
3. Razliubit
(Russian) Razliubit is a word that refers to the bittersweet experience of falling out of love.
2. Tima
(Icelandic) Tima is a word that refers to not being ready to spend time or money on something, even though you can afford it.
1. Yoko meshi
(Japanese) Yoko meshi literally means “a meal eaten sideways,” however, it refers to the stress of speaking a foreign language.
Do you know any other foreign words that don’t translate to english? Share with us in the comments.
Here are reasons why you should ignore what everyone in your life tells you- your family, friends, peers, or ANYONE and do what you love.
1. You are more motivated
When you do what you love, and the going gets tough (which it will), you will be more motivated to push through. You also will tackle any task that comes at you, because you will know you are not doing it not only for your company, but also for yourself.
2. Your self esteem improves
Of course your self esteem is going to improve when you are doing what you love. People will also probably praise you for your work, because they notice that you literally put your heart and soul into it. Your employer will be more prone to rewarding you, which makes for a happy employee with increased self esteem.
3. Your health is better
The tension and pain that come along with doing a job every day that you do not love takes its toll on you. When you do what you love, you feel energized, your blood pressure is not as high and you are less likely to suffer from headaches.
4. You earn more money
Doing what you love can have a significant impact on your wallet. The angst of doing a job that you do not like lowers your chance of getting promotions, sales, raises, etc., however doing what you do love, you reap all of these benefits, as long as you work hard.
Image Credit: Shutterstock
5. You are more respected
People who love their jobs often spend extra time making sure they are doing their best work, which will definitely be noticed by bosses and peers. You go above and beyond what is expected, gaining the respect of everyone that you work with.
6. You are more productive
Employees that do something they enjoy for a living end up as more productive employees. Studies have shown that employees who are engaged in their work have a higher productivity rate, as well as likely to meet the challenges of their job, because it does not feel like a job to them-they feel honored and proud to do what they love.
7. You have a better home life
A personal and business coach named Melissa Heisler believes that employees who have a job they love will also have a more enjoyable home life. Instead of coming home with stress and headaches, a happy employee comes home with more energy for their families and for themselves.
Image Credit: Shutterstock
8. You become a valued employee
A business’s best asset is an employee who loves his or her job. It is less likely that you will complain or fail to complete tasks on time, and you will definitely put forth your maximum effort. You’ll be engaged in your work, you’ll be proactive, and you’ll encourage coworkers around you to do their best work, as well as being very concerned with the company’s missions and goals.
9. You can serve others better
A finance consultant named Derek Olsen believes consumers naturally gravitate more toward employees who love their job than toward those who don’t. Olsen said: “The person who loves their job is much more likely to be better at doing the job. That means more quality goods and better service for the customer.”
10. You have improved mental health
Author Viktor Frankl, author of the book Man’s Search for Meaning, says that: “It is important to do something we love for a living because our work lives will then provide meaning and purpose, which are associated with psychological well-being and health.” His book discusses that people need a guiding purpose in order to live a happy and health life.
To find your purpose and meaning in life, please keep these 10 Reasons Why You Should Do What You Love. The next time you feel unhappy with your job, or are searching for something more, take some time to think about what it is that you truly want.
There is nothing more important in this world than your happiness.
As part of the 2015 Travelers’ Choice award, TripAdvisor compiled a list of the top hotels from around the world according to user ratings based on qualities like location, rooms, value, and sleep quality. We might not all get the chance to visit these hotels in person, but it’s still fun to imagine staying at some of these incredible hotels.
Take a look at the top 15 hotels from around the world.
15. Constance Moofushi
Photo by www.tour2europecoupon.com
14. Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai
Photo by www.tripadvisor.com
13. Dar Al Masyaf at Madinat Jumeirah
Photo by www.flickr.com
12. Four Seasons Country Club
Photo by www.tripadvisor.com
11. Hotel Belvedere
Photo by www.holidaywatchdog.com
10. Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Photo by www.tripadvisor.com
9. Hotel Estalagem St Hubertus
Photo by www.tripadvisor.com
8. Al Maha, A luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
