Friday, December 30, 2016

Definitions and clarifications about the law of attraction and how it manifests:

Source: http://www.successconsciousness.com/law-of-attraction-definitions.htm

This law is a manifestation of the creative power of the Universe.

It is through this law that everything is created: galaxies, planets, metals, rocks and even plants, animals and people.

Like attracts like.

Thoughts attract corresponding situations and circumstances.

You get what you think about.

You attract into your life whatever you focus on.

Positive thoughts attract positive events. Negative thoughts attract negative events.

If you entertain feelings and thoughts about hardships and obstacles, then this is what you get.

If you keep thinking and expecting success, and don't allow doubts enter your mind, you will 
eventually achieve success.

It is not enough just to wish for something, you need strong desire and faith to manifest what you want.

In order for your thoughts to manifest, you have to repeat them often, and add feelings, desire and interest.

The mind acts like a magnet.

Similar energy attracts similar energy.

Your thoughts determine the way you live.

This law is used by everyone, though mostly unconsciously.

Filling the mind with worries and anxieties brings stress and unhappiness.

Filling the mind with happy thoughts will attract happiness into your life.

Thursday, December 29, 2016

5 Steps to Reinvent Yourself: Create the Future You Visualize

Source: tinybuddha.com

“You’re never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.” ~C. S. Lewis
Change means reinvention. Each time a major shift happens in our lives—leaving a job or a relationship, moving, losing a loved one—we have to choose who we want to become or risk never reaching our full potential.
I’ve reinvented myself several times in my life. Most adults have.
But what I always forget is that we have to choose reinvention. Each time I’ve done it, I’ve forged my new path deliberately and with foresight.
When I’ve waited for my future to find me, I’ve waited in vain, lost in confusion and sadness, or I’ve gotten tangled up in a situation I didn’t want.
One morning, after struggling for months with grief and loss, I woke up and realized that I was having so much trouble moving forward partly because I had no idea what it was that I wanted to move toward. I was thinking about my past, but not what I wanted for my future.
That morning, I woke with a vision: a crowd of people from the life I needed to leave behind with the sun rising opposite them and me standing between the two, the sun beating down on my face.
In the vision, I decided, finally, to turn from the group and walk toward the sun, my new life.
That vision told me what I needed to hear—that I had to take control of my future instead of letting my pain choose for me.
These are steps I’ve identified to reinvent yourself:

1. Create a vision for your future.

Sit quietly, close your eyes, and imagine the people, places, or situations that you need to leave behind. Now, imagine the future that you want, whether it’s simply a feeling, a group of people, or a situation such as a wonderful new job.
Imagine how it will feel to be in that new place. Picture the sun coming up behind your future, the warm glow of the light on your face.
Stand for a moment and silently voice your appreciation for everything that came before. Once you’ve thanked the past, turn toward the sun, and with compassion and gratitude, imagine yourself walking away from the past and into the future.

2. Write about your reinvention.

Imagine a scene from it or write about how you’d like it to play out. Where are you living? What do you do in the mornings, afternoon, and evenings? Who are your friends? What do you spend your days doing?
Continue writing for as long as this exercise feels invigorating and exciting. Write scenes, dialogues, lists, and plans. Make the future come alive. Write about how it will feel to be there. Keep your writing somewhere where you will look at it occasionally. Feel free to add to it.

3. Surround yourself with visual reminders of the life you’d like to create.

If it’s a new job in a particular field, put objects or images from that field someplace where you’ll see them every day. If it’s a home, find a picture of a house that you love and put it near your front door. It can be anything that reminds you of what you’re moving toward.

4. Now that you have a vision of your future, break it up into workable tasks.

What do you need to do, every day, to create that vision? Look for work? Meet new people? Search for a place to live in your chosen town? Make it specific. Make a list of everything you need to do and a schedule for when you’ll do it. Then do it and commit to keep doing it, one day at a time.

5. Every day, go back to that vision of you walking toward your future.

Every morning or evening, close your eyes and see yourself walking into the rising sun, toward your dreams, and reconnect with why you’re moving toward this new possibility.
Reinvention is neither easy nor always smooth. Often, we encounter resistance. We don’t want to let go, even of things that cause us pain or that are obviously already out of our grasp. We often struggle with limiting beliefs or stories about ourselves that hold us back from trying new things.
But there is one way to keep your compass pointed to this new life, even in the midst of any resistance or struggles you may encounter on your path.
Each time you find yourself slipping into old habits—isolating yourself, making excuses not to look for work, procrastinating on a task that might help you advance in your career—don’t bother wondering why you’re doing it or beating yourself up.
Just ask yourself this: “What can I do in this moment to keep moving forward?”
Then, no matter what you feel in the moment—lonely, self-critical, tired, lazy, or disappointed—do something to maintain momentum, even if it’s one small thing. There’s an old adage that says that true courage isn’t about not feeling fear; it’s about feeling fear and acting anyway.
Choose courage instead of letting your fear choose your future for you.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Psychological Tricks You Can Use To Get What You Want

Source: www.speakingtree.in

1. Getting what you want


he hardest task in life is to get what you want --- however, what if we told you that there are psychological ways to get everything you want done, without having to say it! Surprised? Don't be. Read on

2. Offer people


Offer people something they cannot refuse so that they do favors for you.

3. Nod


Nod while explaining something, it makes the other person more inclined to agree with you.

4. Stare


Stare at the hairline of someone’s head you don’t want to listen to, it makes people uncomfortable.

5. Staying mad


If someone’s mad at you, sit next to them in a meeting or a social gathering so that they cannot stay mad at you.

6. Notice


Notice the way people talk, and talk to them in a similar fashion to make them to like you more.

7. Crush around someone


If you have a crush on someone, be around them physically but pay absolutely no attention to them.

8. Stay silent


Stay silent after making a statement, people will tend to agree more.

9. Proposition


Make a less than drastic proposition like having a coffee instead of asking someone out to dinner to get them go out with you.

10. Write in bold


Write things in bold to attract attention.

11. Use nouns


Use nouns instead of verbs to get people to change their behavior.

12. Scare people


Scare people to listen to you when presenting them with solutions.

13. Worthless task


To get done with your work quicker, think of it as a worthless task to do.

14. Song


To get a song out of your head, think of how the song ends.

15. Elder person


If you want someone to believe something, tell them it comes from an elder in your family.

16. Move your hands


Move your hands while giving a presentation to grab attention

17. Speak fast


Speak faster in an argument for getting your opponent to give up and agree with you.


Friday, November 25, 2016

Padmanabhapuram Palace and Chettinad, Village Clusters of the Tamil Merchants

Outline of my journey

Places must visit:
1.Padmanabhapuram Palace, Kanyakumari district, Thuckalay, Tamil Nadu 629175

2.Chettinad, Village Clusters of the Tamil Merchants

Cluster I (4 settlements): 13.00Kms
Kanadukathan
Pallathur
Kothamangalam
Kottaiyur

https://goo.gl/maps/YHTyU3DDgtJ2


Cluster II (4 settlements):  27.5 Kms
Athangudi 
Chokalingampudur
Karaikkudi
Kandanur

https://goo.gl/maps/voUDrEV4Mkm

Cluster III (3 settlements): 14.00 Kms

Rayavaram
Arimalam
Kadiapatti- Ramachandrapuram


https://goo.gl/maps/rfw7qY16Qnq







Thursday, November 10, 2016

26 Foods High in Zinc for Overall Good Health

Source: http://bembu.com/foods-high-in-zinc


Zinc is an important mineral for the body, and a Zinc deficiency can result in hair loss and diarrhea. The National Institute of Health says that adult males should be getting 11 milligrams of Zinc each day, and adult females need 8 milligrams. It’s important to keep in mind that this is cumulative throughout the day, so you shouldn’t try to meet that requirement in one sitting, or with one food. The list of foods below will help give you an idea of how you can incorporate different foods into your diet that will help you meet your Zinc needs.

1. Spinach
Spinach may not be the food with the most Zinc in it, but it holds its own considering that it’s a plant source. It’s just one of the many vitamins and minerals that spinach is known for, and one more reason to eat it more often. Having a salad with spinach as the base is an easy way to start getting more Zinc into your diet, especially when you top that salad with other Zinc-containing foods. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (0.53 milligrams), 23 calories.
2. Beef
Beef is a great food for upping your Zinc levels because ounce for ounce it has more zinc than many other foods. This means that a reasonable serving of beef will yield you more Zinc for your efforts. Some other foods on this list may have more Zinc, but it’s unlikely that you would eat very much of that food in one sitting, like pumpkin seeds. But a nice serving of steak will go a long way in the Zinc department for that day. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (4.18 milligrams), 254 calories.
3. Shrimp
Shrimp serves as a good food for Zinc intake, and also provides other benefits like being a high quality protein, and being low in calories. They are also a surprising source of antioxidants. Usually it’s fruits and vegetables that get mentioned in a discussion of antioxidants, but shimp have pretty good sized dose of an antioxidant that helps fight inflammation in the body, which can provide relief to anyone suffering from an inflammatory condition. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (1.34 milligrams), 85 calories.
4. Kidney beans
Kidney beans are a great non-meat source of Zinc, which is good news for vegans and vegetarians looking to get the Zinc requirements met. These beans are also helpful in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels, providing energy and keeping you feeling full for long periods without a subsequent crash. They can be eaten as a side dish by themselves or added to any entree to boost fiber intake and add additional protein. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (2.79 milligrams), 127 calories.

5. Flax Seeds
Flax seeds get a lot of attention because of their omega-3 and fiber, but it’s also a good source of Zinc. Keep in mind that this is one food that you won’t be eating a mouthful at a time, but it can be used as part of a Zinc-conscious eating plan to get your total numbers up. They can be sprinkled on just about anything for added nutrition. Try pouring some into soups and smoothies and you won’t even know it’s there. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (5 milligrams), 534 calories.

6. Pumpkin Seeds
Chances are, you’re not eating enough pumpkin seeds. If you save this as an annual October treat, it’s time to start getting them into your system throughout the year. They’re not only remarkably high in Zinc, but they provide other benefits to the body like helping you sleep better at night, giving you a dose of omega-3s, and keeping your blood sugar levels looking good. Promising research also suggests that they may be considered an anti-inflammatory food. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (7.81 milligrams), 559 calories.
7. Oysters
The amount of Zinc in oysters varies, but will always be enough for the day if you get a 100 gram serving. The benefit of eating foods high in Zinc rather than taking a Zinc supplement is that your body can easily process excess levels of a mineral that comes from natural sources. This is why you don’t have to worry that a serving of oysters provides more Zinc than what is needed, your body will simply expel what it doesn’t need. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (16-182 milligrams), 199 calories.
8. Watermelon seeds
Here’s a seed that often gets spit out, and many times doesn’t even show up because the watermelon is seedless. But if you dry watermelon seeds, and even toast them, they can be a wonderful source of Zinc, as well as other good things for the body, like protein, magnesium, healthy fats, and a host of B Vitamins. This makes them a great snack to consider, since most of us are not in the habit of eating them. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (10 milligrams), 602 calories.

9. Garlic
Garlic has a long list of health benefits, not the least of which is that it provides a respectable amount of Zinc. Granted, it’s not going to be able to take a big chunk out of your Zinc requirements for the day when used in cooking, but it can contribute and add to the day’s total. Garlic also has cleansing properties, and has long been linked to anti-cancer effects and a healthier heart. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (1.16 milligrams), 149 calories.
10. Lima Beans
Mom says: Eat your lima beans! Turns out she was onto something, and lima beans put up pretty good numbers in the Zinc column. Remember not to go overboard with any one food, and shoot for a variety of different foods to meet your needs. Lima beans are relatively low in calories and help the body in a number of ways including adding more fiber, protein, folate, iron and magnesium. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (2.83 milligrams), 126 calories.
11. Peanuts
Peanuts can be used as a snack to hold you over between meals, and they also provide plenty of Zinc to help the cause. Consider eating peanut butter if you don’t like the crunchiness of whole peanuts. If you buy an organic variety the only ingredient should be organic peanuts, and therefore it’s just like eating it in whole form, but you don’t have the crunch unless you buy the crunchy version. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (3.27 milligrams), 318 calories.
12. Egg Yolks
The yolks of eggs specifically are a good source of Zinc. The whites, not so much, which is why you’re missing out on a lot if you only opt for egg whites. Egg yolks contain all of the vitamins that are in an egg as well, so by eating the yolk you may be getting more fat but you’re also getting Vitamins A, E, D and K, as well as additional amounts of minerals, which more than make up for any potential drawbacks. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (4.93 milligrams), 322 calories.

13. Turkey
Turkey doesn’t show up quite as much as chicken and is typically reserved for sandwiches throughout the year, and in whole form during the holiday. But no matter how you consume it, or how often, it’s going to provide you with a good Zinc dose, without piling on the fat and calories. Opt for roasted turkey breast and avoid the extra sodium and nitrates that cold cuts contain. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (3.09 milligrams), 104 calories.

14. Salmon
Salmon often ranks on lists of the healthiest foods you can eat, and for good reason. It’s high in omega-3s and is an excellent source of protein, which is why it can help out dieters across a wide range of different diet strategies. It may not be a Zinc powerhouse like some of the other foods listed here, but it can serve to help add to your total daily intake, which is the overall goal. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (0.64 milligrams), 208 calories.
15. Lobster
Lobster may only get eaten on special occasions because of its priciness, but when you do eat it you’re getting a big boost of Zinc without a lot of calories being added to the bottom line. Of course lobster often gets dunked in melted butter, but that butter should be clarified making it ghee, a healthier form of butter that is free of the impurities that ordinary butter contains. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (7.27 milligrams), 89 calories.
16. Pork
Pork is not the healthiest meat you can choose, and is not as high a quality protein as lean beef, chicken breast, or turkey breast, but it still contains Zinc in large amounts, and lean pork still has some health benefits and can’t be written off entirely. Always choose pork that is organic, to avoid the antibiotics and other chemicals that are injected into and fed to conventionally raised pigs. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (6.72 milligrams), 179 calories.

17. Dark Chocolate
As if you needed any additional reasons to eat chocolate, here’s one more. You’re getting quite a bit of Zinc in chocolate, but of course it’s also pretty high in calories so you don’t want to overdo it. There are antioxidants in dark chocolate that you don’t get with milk chocolate, and you end up avoiding a lot of the sugar and added fat if you stick to dark chocolate. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (9.6 milligrams), 546 calories.
18. Chickpeas
These might also be labeled Garbanzo Beans in the store, but it’s still chickpeas. These are what is used in hummus, and is pretty much a staple in vegetarian cuisine because of its many healthy properties. Zinc would have to be one of them. You’re getting a good amount of it here, while keeping your calories down, getting extra fiber, as well as protein. It’s a very well-rounded food that can help you feel full and give you additional vitamins and minerals. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (3.43 milligrams), 119 calories.
19. Beef Liver
Beef liver gets it’s own spot on our list because it is so different than ordinary beef. It ranks higher in several categories than beef does, including having slightly higher levels of Zinc. But it doesn’t stop there. It outdoes beef as well as a many foods typically thought of as being healthy in many things like potassium, magnesium, Vitamin A and Vitamin B-12. It may be harder to find than ordinary beef, but it’s worth seeking out. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (4.25 milligrams), 175 calories.d
20. Brown Rice
Brown rice is always a good substitute for white rice, because it has a lower Glycemic Index score, has more potassium, more magnesium, more selenium, and fewer carbohydrates. We’ve seen higher Zinc counts in other foods, but the likelihood of eating a 100 gram serving of brown rice is pretty doable. That’s why it makes a great side to any meat dish, and can also be incorporated into thousands of recipes in place of white rice. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (2.02 milligrams), 111 calories.
21. Peas
Peas are one of those quintessential side dishes, and for it’s pretty clear why. They taste good and provide a wide range of benefits like staving off cancer, providing energy, helping with anti-aging, and helping to regulate blood glucose levels. Turns out they’re also not too shabby in Zinc content, and while they don’t provide a big chunk they can serve as a top contributor along with other foods found on this page. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (1.24 milligrams), 81 calories.
22. Sesame Seeds
If the only time you think about sesame seeds is when they’re on a sesame seed bun, it’s time to re-introduce yourself to them. They’re packed with Zinc, and while you likely won’t be eating large quantities of them, they can basically be sprinkled on just about any dish to add instant nutrition. Not only are they high in Zinc, but they’re loaded with healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Those are the good fats that your body needs in order to burn off fat. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (7.75 milligrams), 573 calories.
23. Lamb
Lamb often gets overlooked on the meat scene because of its higher fat content, but in some countries around the world it is just as popular as beef. The Zinc it contains is reason enough to start adding it to your menu rotation, and you can opt for cuts of lamb that are a bit leaner than others. Ask your butcher for lean cuts, or simply pick out ones that have less visible fat at the store. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (8.66 milligrams), 264 calories.
24. Cashews
These healthy nuts are sometimes avoided because of the Nutrition Information label which shows how high in fat they are. But much of their fat content is monounsaturated, a healthy fat. The Zinc content in cashews is another reason to use this as a healthy snack that can tide you over between meals, or be used in a recipe to enhance flavor, replace dairy products in a vegan recipe, or add a bit of buttery crunchiness. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (5.35 milligrams), 553 calories.

25. Crab
If love to eat crab legs, there’s good news, it’s relatively high in Zinc and can help you meet your daily needs in this area. Crab is also a good source of protein, and doesn’t weigh you down with a lot of calories. It’s very low in fat, but you’ll want to watch out for the sodium levels, which can run rather high, leading to water retention and an increase in blood pressure. Serving Size (100 grams), Zinc (2.8 milligrams), 84 calories.
26. Mushrooms
Regardless of which mushrooms you go with, there will likely be a good amount of Zinc in them. Mushrooms are a great add-on to any meal, and they can flavor up a pizza or simply be cooked up and eaten as a side dish. They have a healthy assortment of vitamins and minerals, and several types of mushrooms have been shown to have anti-cancer benefits. Serving Size of Shiitake mushrooms (100 grams), Zinc (7.66 milligrams), 34 calories.
As you can see, it’s relatively easy to get enough Zinc, and perhaps you already eat some of these foods on a regular basis. Being deficient in Zinc for long periods of time can yield serious health concerns, so it’s best to visit your doctor and get tested to see where you fall on your Zinc levels, as well as all of the other important vitamins and minerals. They’ll be able to identify what you need more of, and can consult with you further on the best way to get more of what you need.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Charles Bukowski: Roll the Dice


if you’re going to try, go all the way.
otherwise, don’t even start.
if you’re going to try, go all the way.
this could mean losing girlfriends,
wives, relatives, jobs and
maybe your mind.
go all the way.
it could mean not eating for 3 or 4 days.
it could mean freezing on a
park bench.
it could mean jail,
it could mean derision,
mockery,
isolation.
isolation is the gift,
all the others are a test of your
endurance, of
how much you really want to
do it.
and you’ll do it
despite rejection and the worst odds
and it will be better than
anything else
you can imagine.
if you’re going to try,
go all the way.
there is no other feeling like that.
you will be alone with the gods
and the nights will flame with fire.
do it, do it, do it.
do it.
all the way
all the way.
you will ride life straight to
perfect laughter, it’s
the only good fight
there is.

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

4 Winning Beliefs to Help Drive You to Success

Source: entrepreneur.com/
We all hit low points in our lives that challenge our purpose, test our resolve for how long we’re willing to endure and question the strength of our relationships with every painstaking move. Hard times often call for deeper self-analysis to help excavate new personal insights that determine our willingness to keep on keepin’ on.
After all, “circumstances do not make the man, they reveal him,” said James Allen.
Nothing matters more than your beliefs. What you believe ultimately determines what you do -- or don’t do. Here’s a quick checklist of “winning” beliefs to test if you’re on the right track:

1. Nothing good ever comes easily.

Well, most things don’t, at least. Success takes time. Just look atAbraham Lincoln, who had less than one formal year of education, ran for election eight times and failed twice at business ventures. Failure is only determined by where you stop. Fortunately, Honest Abe kept going and going -- just like that annoying little bunny.
The takeaway is that every so-called “failure” is an opportunity to learn, iterate and improve upon for next time.

2. Perspective matters.

How you see a problem often is the problem. Our orientation for how we see the world is determined by our culture, upbringing, values and experiences. Consider, for instance, the difference in perspective you may experience when parking your car.
There are those lucky people who always seem to find the most convenient “VIP” spaces closest to the store while others seem to only find the leftovers -- spaces on the outer banks of the parking galaxy.
There are two ways to look at this situation. The first is through a perspective of convenience. Namely, the closer you are to your destination the sooner you get there. The second is through a perspective of health in that the further away from the store you park, the more opportunity you have to walk and therefore the more exercise you receive.
Let’s be honest. Taking the extra 40 to 50 steps isn’t exactly going to kill you compared to the 20 seconds you’ll save with VIP parking.

3. The only easy day was yesterday.

This is the motto of BUD/S (Navy SEAL training), which means that yesterday was easy because it’s over, but you still have today and tomorrow to endure. The past never dictates the future, but the moment of now does.
Additionally, attributing past performance to future functioning is relied upon due to the mind’s availability bias: the mental shortcut that remembers immediate instances and assigns them to the brain as “true.”

4. There's no place for “me.”

personal disposition towards service is never wrong. Placing the organization, the team and others before you isn’t an indication of submission, but rather personal strength. When you contribute to the betterment of another purpose, you also convey that you understand the big picture and are someone to rely upon to get things done.
Leading from afar allows you to develop not only others but yourself as you learn and grow while contributing towards their enhancement. In other words, it’s a “win” all around.
Everybody’s personal beliefs for success differ. Ultimately, the beliefs that further your purpose are timeless and, hence, drive interminable value. What do you believe?

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

10 Herbs That Can Balance Your Adrenal, Thyroid and Ovary Hormones

Please read full here(Source): healthy-holistic-living.com


1. Astragalus

Commonly known as milk vetch, this herb is used in Chinese Medicine to treat a wide variety of health issues, including heart disease, liver problems, upper respiratory infections, and asthma. It is now commonly used for its immune stimulating action as well as its anti-aging effect. The latter is attributed to the compound cycloastragenol in the herb which activates the enzyme telomerase that protects the DNA of cells during cell division.  
The hormone balancing property of Astragalus helps in regulating blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Astragalus has a protective effect on the beta cells of the pancreas that secretes insulin. It counteracts insulin resistance where the receptors of insulin become progressively desensitized to it because of high levels of circulating hormone. Insulin resistance is a leading cause of type 2 diabetes.

2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha is a popular herb in the Indian system of medicine Ayurveda. Its wide-ranging action on the endocrine system makes it an excellent adaptogen. Ashwagandha has a balancing effect on the adrenal glands and thethyroid. People with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are both benefited by taking Ashwagandha extract.
Ashwagandha can reduce stress, improve blood circulation, and prevent premature aging. It is considered an aphrodisiac, and is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men, but its ability to relieve stress is thought to be behind this effect. A similar effect on women is attributed to increased blood flow to the reproductive organs.
As the species name ‘somnifera’ suggests, Ashwagandha improves sleep. It has a rejuvenating effect on older people, helping them to regain physical vigor and vitality. It also improves memory.

3. Maca root (Lepidium meyenii)

The root of this turnip-like plant belonging to the cabbage family is called Peruvian ginseng after its native place. It is no relative of true ginseng though. The highly nutritious root is used as a vegetable, and is consumed in the Andean cuisine.But what made it popular is its energy boosting effect that is thought to have provided strength and stamina to the Inca warriors of old.
Athletes now use powdered Maca root to increase stamina. The hormone balancing effect of this root provides additional benefits like stress relief.
Maca root has plant hormones that confer special benefits to women such as relieving premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.

4. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

American ginseng is a true ginseng, although it has a milder and more controlled action compared to the Chinese ginseng. It supports the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, helping maintain correct hormonal balance. However, it does not overstimulate the endocrine system.
American ginseng works by strengthening the immune system and relieving stress. It improves digestion, absorption, and assimilation of nutrients from the diet, which goes a long way in building up strength and stamina and improving general health. It has special benefits for male reproductive health too, since it improves sexual drive and performance.

5. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)

The berry of Saw Palmetto  is used in herbal medicine to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. Taking this herb may help increase sperm count and reduce chronic fatigue. It relieves stress and improves immune function too.

Friday, September 23, 2016

The 10 Secrets Of Resilient Characters

Source: http://writerswrite.co.za/the-10-secrets-of-resilient-characters


'Damaged people are dangerous. They know they can survive.' ~Josephine Hart
The key to surviving in this world – and any fictional world you create – is resilience. It is not the strong who survive, but those who can weather change, because life is nothing but change. You do not need to be braver or bigger or louder. You do need to be able to bend with the wind, get up when you fall, and move forward when it seems impossible. This resilience strengthens you emotionally in either a positive or a negative way, and allows you to continue.

This is why your two most important characters – your protagonist and your antagonist – need to be resilient. Resilience is neither good nor bad, which is why it works for all characters who have goals and the desire to achieve them.

Are your main characters resilient enough for your story?
Resilient characters:
  1. Accept help when they need it
  2. Adapt to change
  3. Learn how to cope with setbacks and disappointments
  4. Focus on finding ways to get around problems, rather than on the problems themselves
  5. Make mistakes and then learn from them 
  6. Learn to accept constructive criticism
  7. Make the most of their strengths
  8. Recognize their weaknesses
  9. Recover from failure and rejection
  10. See the bigger picture in challenging situations
We do not enjoy reading about static characters who are trapped by their thoughts and circumstances. We want them to find that self-belief that forces them out of the prison of their heartaches, tragedies, and even the limitations of their victories.
So dare to create dangerous characters who have more moments of strength than moments of weakness. We love characters who are strong enough to withstand anything we throw at them - these are the characters worth rooting for.