Category: Self Improvement

25 Positive Affirmations to Begin Your Week ♡

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Hey, everyone! My name is Q’Zion, and welcome to The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen! Today is Sunday, and that means a new week has officially begun. Regardless of what this upcoming week has in store for you, Sundays are a time for us to relax, recharge, and start off our week strong!

Positive affirmations are the perfect way to make sure your week is productive. And if Thanksgiving is coming up where you live, I’m sure we could all use a little bit of self care before the holiday season comes around!

Here are 25 fun, relaxing, and positive affirmations to help you start your week! Let’s get this party started!

25 Positive Affirmations to Begin Your Week

1. This week will be better than the last/ the best one yet!

2. This week, I will take time to recharge.

3. I am grateful for today, and I look forward to the week ahead of me.

4. I chose happiness today.

5. I am confident in the abilities that God has blessed me with.

6. This week, I will achieve my goals.

7. I am positive and creative.

8. I am enough, this week and forever.

9. I can handle whatever this week throws at me.

10. I am blessed.

11. My self-confidence is at an all-time high!

12. God is with me: there’s nothing I can’t do!

13. I will not allow anything to disturb my peace.

14. Many good things will happen, this week.

15. I am capable of doing great things!

16. I choose success and the work that will get me there!

17. This week is my time to shine!

18. I am unique, and proud of it!

19. I am exactly who God made me to be, and I will let my light shine, this week!

20. I will grow stronger every day, this week!

21. Today, I’ll take time to take care of myself.

22. Today is the new day that God has made!

23. My life has a purpose and a meaning.

24. Today, I chose healing.

25. This week will be a blessing in my life and the lives of others.

Whether or not it’s actually Sunday, for you, these positive affirmations are a great way to boost your energy level and make your week even more productive! And saying kind things to ourselves is one of the key factors to doing great things! I encourage you to try out these affirmations for yourself, and see just how positive your week can be!

Please tell me down below in the comments, which one of these encouraging and inspirational statements did you like the most? I would love to hear from you!

Have a happy and healthy rest of your day and/or night! God bless you all, and I will catch you next time! Peace in! ♡

Daily Habits for Mental Wellness as a Christian – PT. 1

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Hey, hey, everybody! This is Q’Zion, and welcome to The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen.

There are so many aspects to being healthy . . . not just how much exercise you get or how healthy you eat. Are those things important? Absolutely! But a healthy body is not the only factor of a healthy spirit. That’s where mental wellness comes in. While this is a major topic on my blog, I realized that I’ve never directed a post about positive mental habits for fellow Christians. But that changes today.

As followers of Christ, there are so many ways to please God. And one thing that I know God wants is for us to be healthy–mentally, physically, and spiritually. And implementing healthy, productive habits into our daily lives to boost our mood and gain a sense of self worth is perfect for maintaining mental wellness and deepening our relationship with our Heavenly Father, in the process. Today, I will be listing a few ways that we can do so, with a scripture representing each point. So without further ado, let’s get started!

Practice Gratitude in all Circumstances

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

– 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

For me, showing gratitude as a Christian is not simply just being thankful. It’s showing appreciation–through our actions, thoughts, and words–that God has loved us enough to bless us with salvation (eternal life) and all the other people and blessings that put the icing on the cake. While anyone can practice gratitude, it’s even more critical that we practice this lifestyle as followers of Christ.

By acknowledging the things that we are blessed to have, even in the moments where everything isn’t going our way or we don’t feel our best, we can build on our relationship with God as we give Him glory for all that He’s blessed us with. And the best part is, when we show God that we are thankful, He can (and will) bless us with even more than what we have now. What an amazing Father we serve!

Communicate with God through Prayer

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

– 1 John 5:14-15

Praying should be a no-brainer for all followers of Christ. Some people say that they are happier when they spend time with their family and friends. And while our loved ones are all wonderful gifts from God, it’s important that we take time everyday to communicate with the Lord, as well, with the power of prayer.

One of the most common questions that I see about prayer is simply “How do you pray?” Well, the simplest answer to that is have a conversation with God. That could be in the form of thanking Him (another great way to express our gratitude), asking Him for what we need, asking for forgiveness, and even using memorized scriptures to strengthen our conversations. Praying doesn’t have to be difficult, in fact. Even “Thank you, Lord” is a prayer.

Instead of thinking of praying as a daunting task (particularly for new Christians) think of it like this: God has given us the gift of being able to speak to Him whenever we’d like. We can get to know more about Him and better our spiritual and mental wellness while doing so. And when we decide to take that opportunity, we are taking a huge step towards becoming the best people that we can be; both as people and most importantly, God’s children.

Get Your Exercise

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

– 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Although they are most often separated as two different topics, our physical and mental health are more connected than some may realize. For example, if you eat an apple everyday, you will most likely have lower hormone fluctuations (meaning less mood swings) and a boosted mood. While on the other hand, too much stress can suppress one’s immune system and make them more susceptible to diseases.

Our bodies are yet another blessing from the Lord. And the functions of our bodies that seem as simple as walking and breathing are miracles. And because our bodies are such gifts, we’ve got to do what we can to keep them healthy. Exercise (preferably 30-60 minutes a day) is the perfect way to release happy hormones (therefore making you feel more relaxed and accomplished) while keeping our physical health in check. But, even if you get bored during your next jog, you can always play some of your favorite gospel tunes to add worship to your workout!

Understand Who You are In Christ

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

– John 14:27

Having a sense of confidence is something that anyone can struggle with, including God’s children. But the thing is, when we take a look into God’s Word, we notice that throughout the entire book, He is constantly telling us who we are to Him: the apple of His eye, forgiven, loved, saved, strong, made with a purpose, wonderfully made, and worthy to have a happy, eternal life.

While self confidence is something that can take time to build, we can’t help but be grateful when we receive all that God has called us to be. So whenever you need a little bit (or a lot) of encouragement, take time to study who God says you are. Because at the end of the day, that matters WAY more than what anyone else thinks/says about you.

Mental health is critical in our day to day lives, and we should all take time to make sure that we are taking time out of each day to maintain a happy, healthy, and godly state of mind. Hopefully, these simple yet life-changing habits will help you do just that. Please tell me some of your healthy habits (as a Christian) that you do to maintain mental wellness. Also, were any of these tips eye-openers for you?

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everyone! God bless you all and I’ll catch you later! Peace in! ♡

5 Tips for Notetaking as a Virtual Student ♡

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Virtual school is more popular than ever these days–so much so that now, many kids who began virtual education as a result of COVID-19 are now attending virtual or remote schooling part- or full-time. And while most people think that attending school on a screen is a piece of cake, not all parts of virtual school are easy for many kids–and one of those factors is note-taking.

Considering that I’ve been attending virtual school for nearly 6 years, you could say that I’m pretty experienced with creating a note-taking system. And I’d like to help new virtual students–or students who just want a more organized way to study–to do the same. Here are 5 quick tips that will help steer every remote student onto the road to note-taking mastery! Let’s get started!

1. Use your resources

One of the many benefits of being a virtual student is that we have so many different ways to learn and study at the click of a button. In case you are still learning how to navigate your online education platform, ask your teacher if there’s any guided notes (meaning notes that outline lectures, but allow students to fill in the blanks with material found in a lesson), tutorials, or other helpful resources to help you with your notetaking and studying. And don’t forget to take advantage of opportunities to ask your teachers questions through tutoring sessions, live lessons with your instructor and fellow students, or your teacher’s contact information.

Online education gives us so many methods to seeking the help we need: all we have to do is use them.

2.Write down the highlights of each lesson

I know, I know. How exactly are you supposed to tell which parts of each lesson are truly important? Well, the truth is, sometimes it can be hard as a virtual student. But the number one thing that helps me is asking myself, “What do I think is going to be on the test?” and “Is this something that I think is important?” When we think about the definitions or topics that we will likely be tested on in the future, or simply what that we think we will need to know, it becomes a little easier to see what is truly worth jotting down and what isn’t.

3. Find your own style

The truth is, the style of notes that are best suited for helping us remember our subject’s material depends on the person. Some students prefer to split their pages in two, where one side is for definitions and the other is for important notes. While others like to use lists, bullet points, and headings to keep their notes organized. And people like me may just make up a style of their own. Either way, make sure that you are taking your notes in a way that will be the most helpful to your learning. After all, you’re the one who’ll have to use your notes for the rest of the year.

4. Write like you talk

I’m not sure who is responsible for writing our lessons, but–even though they do an awesome job–sometimes we need to reword the important information the way we would explain it to a friend. The way we talk is a reflection of the way that we process information. This means that reading notes that are written in our own words is the best way to help us truly absorb the information that we learn.

5. Consider color-coding

Not only is this a method that I love, but many students (both in-person and virtual) do as well. Bright colors from markers such as highlighters are meant to catch our attention. So if there’s anything that you jot down and feel like you’ll need to revisit later, make it stand out with some color. Not only is it really functional, but also really cool if you want to add some extra ✨ pizazz ✨ to your notes.

What? There’s nothing wrong with getting a little fancy!

Note-taking is a must for students of all ages—it’s like the golden rule to truly remember all the things that we learn on a daily basis. To all my fellow students out there, hopefully with the use of both these tips and the ones that you discover in the future, you’ll all become note-taking experts!

What are your favorite methods for taking notes? Do you use color or do you prefer notes that are straight to the point? And finally, do you have any tips for students who are trying to find a method for taking notes? Feel free to share your responses down below in the comments.

I pray that each and every one of you will have a peaceful rest of your day or night. God bless you all, and I will catch you next time! Peace in! ♡

8 Wellness Tips for a Healthier (and Happier) Lifestyle

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What’s up, everybody! This is Q’Zion, and welcome to my blog! I hope all of you are enjoying the prime of summer!

As you all know, we recently entered the month of August. But did you know that the 8th month of the year also promotes wellness in our everyday lives? If not, then today’s the day! In honor of National Wellness Month, I have created a list of 8 simple tips to help us live our happiest and healthiest lives possible. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get this show on the road!

1. Start your mornings with something productive

The morning is one of the most important times of the day; it’s a time for us to get our gears moving and create a fresh start for a brand new 24 hours. After we finish our regular morning routine, we might as well do something to boost our energy. Stretching with some yoga poses, finishing another chapter of your new book, and learning a new language are a few options. You never know–after you begin to start your day doing something you love, you may even become a morning person.

2. Go outside and get some sunlight

Exercise is just as good for our minds as it is beneficial for our bodies. And that means that it’s one of the best ways to maintain a healthier lifestyle. A quick jog around your neighborhood or a local park is a great way to enjoy what nature has to offer while burning a few calories, before dinner. What’s not to love?

3. Eliminate negative self-talk

Wellness isn’t technically something that’s hard to achieve–but the progress starts with us. In order to transition to a state of better mental health, our mindsets have to be a reflection of that. This means that in order to make the progress that we want, we’ve got to be kind to ourselves by promoting positive words in our heads everyday. It’s much easier to reach a goal when we use our inner voice as an outlet of encouragement, rather than negativity.

4. Get a green thumb

Have you ever heard that people who garden tend to be happier? Well, then that is in fact correct. Multiple studies have shown that plants have a way of helping people feel more relaxed and content, similar to the effects of riding a bike everyday. Plants can even help increase concentration, your ability to breathe, and quality of life. So taking up the hobby of gardening might be a good idea to consider.

5. Creatively eat more fruits and veggies

Although we’ve all heard it thousands of times, we really do need to get our daily intakes of fruits and veggies. But just because we want to make an effort to make our diet more nutritious, doesn’t mean that we can’t have fun while doing it. Feel free to experiment with creative–and delicious–ways to eat healthier. Fruit smoothies, colorful salads, and veggie casseroles are a few tasty ways to spice things up in the kitchen.

6. Create something

I don’t know about you, but it always feels good when I take some time out of my day to be creative. There are so many options for what you can make–whether it’s a few quick doodles, a portrait, a paper craft, or even your own book. All it takes is a little imagination, and thousands of productive possibilities are within our reach!

7. Make sleep a priority

One of the things that we all need everyday is our beauty sleep. Without it, there’s no way that we could get through each day. So even if you find yourself busy as a bee, make sure that when your work for today is done, you get your 8 hours. This way, you can put just as much energy in the work that tomorrow has in store, and feel great while doing it.

8. Stay hydrated

The golden rule to a healthy lifestyle is to keep water in our systems. Not only does water reduce the risk of a large number of diseases, but it also does the basic job of maintaining high energy levels and keeping our brain functioning at its best. Considering all it’s benefits, drinking water is definitely a goal that we should all commit to.

Working towards a healthier lifestyle can be a challenge for some, but with a few simple changes here and there, achieving our wellness goals is a piece of cake. I challenge you all to take the time during National Wellness Month to make a few goals for yourself to pave the way for a healthier, and happier life. Hopefully, these tips were a good way to start your journey!

Let’s Chat~What are some of the methods that you take to achieve wellness? Feel free to share your response down below.

Have a blessed rest of your day, everyone! I’ll catch you later! ♡

Wishing You a Happy August + my monthly goals ♡

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Hey, hey, hey! Happy August everyone! We have now entered a month of more fun in the sun, a brand new school year for kids around the world, and a new beginning. I hope that all of you will have a productive, relaxing, and memorable month of August.

Since I will be starting high school this in about a week, I think it’s super important that I create some personal goals for August to start ninth grade off strong. Here are just a few of the goals that I look forward to reaching throughout the rest of the month and year.

My Monthly Goals for August

Through the last few weeks of my summer break, I’ve been reading more often than before, and I plan to keep that going. During the event that me and Goodmommy attended a couple days ago, I found three Diary of a Wimpy Kid novels in a box of free books, which I happily added to my formally small collection of the series. I’ve already finished one of them and began another. Hopefully I’ll be able to buy some of the books on my TBR list, within the next couple months, too.

As soon as I’m able to begin working on my new courses, I plan to get straight to work. It gives me a huge piece of mind when I’m able to submit assignments a couple weeks before they’re due. Being ahead prevents me from getting in a crunch, while giving me more free time for my clubs and other personal goals.

Lately, I’ve been writing about our 30-day salad challenge, and even though it’ll be over in a few more days, I plan on sticking to a salad a day from now on. Already, I’m seeing a huge improvement in my quality of sleep and my energy everyday. I can’t wait to see the progress that I make with my nutrition journey.

Finally, I want to take some more time this month to study God’s Word in the mornings to start the day. Some words of wisdom are always the best way to start my day, so doing a little meditation and Bible study when I wake up will be a great way to kick of a new month and school year.

LET’S CHAT~What are some of your productive goals for the month of August? Feel free to share your response down below.

Have a fantastic August everyone! God bless you all, and I’ll catch you later! Peace in! ♡

5 Tips for Overcoming Your Fears

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Hey, everybody! This is Q’Zion, and welcome back to my corner of the Internet! ♡

Let’s talk about fear. It’s a word that we have all heard once or twice, at the very least. And while for some, it’s just another word in the dictionary, other people may suffer from anxiety on a much more regular basis. While fear is not a bad thing, it’s important that we don’t let it take control. The only thing is, that can be a lot harder said than done.

This being said, conquering our fears is an amazing way to help us become more compassionate, confident, brave, and wise human beings. Plus, it’s a big help when it comes to checking things off of our bucket lists. And since July 26th is National All or Nothing Day, it made perfect sense to talk about just that.

To help you start your journey, here are a few tips for conquering your fears. Let’s get started! ♡

Start Small

When we learn how to swim, we don’t just dive right into the deep end; instead, we learn the basics and build on our progress. Facing fears is a very similar process. Instead of diving into the things that make you nervous head on, sometimes its better to take baby steps. This not only helps prepare you for the time when you face your fear, but it also helps to build your courage and confidence, in the process.

Realize That The Only Way You Can Fail is If You Quit

One of the biggest obstacles that can get in the way of facing a fear is the thought of failing your mission. But in the scenario that you try and things don’t immediately go as planned, that is only a bump in the road so long as you keep giving your all to succeed. But the journey only stops if we give up. Remember that the bumps in the road are just another part of your road to victory.

Be Kind to Yourself

While doing our best is of utmost importance in life, making sure that you’re taking care of yourself is, too. Therefore, if you ever do encounter one of those bumps in the road, give yourself some time to recoup with a short session of mindfulness. Whether that is taking some deep breaths, taking a nap, or reading a book, never punish yourself for making mistakes along the way. After all, love is one of the gems of life. We should never take it for granted.

Turn Your Fear into Fuel

Life is filled with a handful of trials, and fear is one of them that we all have to conquer at one point or another. But instead of ignoring our fears until they multiply, try to use it as a drive to make every effort to conquer the anxiety. A lot of times, it’s the trials in life that can make us stronger than ever. All we have to do is turn our fears into fuel.

Acknowledge Your Achievements

Even though there are some trials in life, we mustn’t ignore the endless list of joys. During every journey, there tends to be some type of achievement or growth that occurs along the way. Therefore, make sure to give yourself positive rewards for the things that you’ve done to achieve your goals. These celebrations serve as an extra push in the right direction of facing a fear.

I know that facing a fear is a process, but I hope that these tips will help make it easier for anyone on their journey. Keep in mind that as long as we keep the faith that we can and will succeed, there is nothing that we cannot achieve. Thank God for victory!

LET’S CHAT~What are some of the tips that you have for facing fears? Feel free to share your responses in the comments!

Have a wonderful day everybody! God bless you all, and until next time, peace in! ♡

Freedom Follows Forgiveness – Words of Wisdom #19

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Luke 6:37 New International Version (NIV)
37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Forgiveness is more than just an action. Sure, you have to do something to forgive, but that something comes from the inside. Some of you may be wondering, what is exactly is forgiveness? When we forgive in Christ, it means that we are handing over the situation to the Lord in faith, as we continue to walk forward with love towards the one who hurt us. Forgiving sets us free from the shackles of bitterness and anger, as we trust God and put the situation in His loving hands.

Trust me, I understand that sometimes, forgiving can be much harder said than done. When someone has hurt us deeply–especially someone who we trust and love–it can be tough to simply move on from something that can imprint such a deep stain. We may even think that they don’t deserve our forgiveness.

But the thing is, do we deserve to be forgiven by God when we fall short of His Glory?

Moving on in life while forgiving those in the past isn’t always an easy thing. But as followers of Jesus, we should make an effort to be as much like him as we possibly can. And considering how many times God has forgiven us for our sins, it’s only right that we take the initiative to forgive, as well.

I also want to touch on the subject that forgiveness doesn’t necessarily mean forgiving another person. Because the truth is, forgiving ourselves for our mistakes is just as important–remember, the Bible says to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39).

If God–the Lord of lords and the King of kings, can forgive us for our sins, then we’re worth cutting ourselves a little slack for things what we’ve done in the past. What matters most is that we pray and do all that we can to prevent repeating those mistakes.

All in all, the purpose for today’s Words of Wisdom is for us to keep in mind that we need to forgive in order to be forgiven. Also, if God can forgive us all for our sins, then He can give us the strength to forgive one another. Freedom follows forgiveness.

So, who will you forgive today?

Have an amazing rest of your day or night! God bless you all, and don’t forget to take some time to rest; we all need it. Laters! ♡

7 Things to Give Away to Those in Need

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What’s up, peeps! I hope your day or night has been fantabulous! ♡

Do you have some things in your house that are just sitting around? As time goes by, chances are we will all stop using things here and there. It’s just a part of growing up. But just because we don’t use certain things anymore, doesn’t mean that there isn’t someone else out there who really needs it. Instead of just throwing what we don’t want in the garbage, finding ways to give it to someone who could put them to good use is always a better option.

I just found out that it’s National Give Something Away Day, and since God loves a cheerful giver, I thought I’d take the theme of today and run with it.

If there’s any time to finally give away some of the things that are good quality but have done nothing but sit on a shelf, it’s today. Whether you are looking to bless a family member, a charity or nonprofit, a neighbor, a friend, or any one else that God has placed on your heart, here are 7 ideas for what you can give away to anyone in need. Let’s get started!

1. Clothing and Socks

For those of us that God has blessed to have closets full of clothes, including myself, clothing and socks are everyday objects that we use to keep us both warm and stylish. But the sad truth is, there are many people out there who don’t have access to these necessities. And since the cool seasons of fall and winter are right around the corner, the demand among the needy for warm clothing will soon be on the rise. So, if you have some clothes that you have outgrown, don’t want anymore, or have never worn, there is always someone else out there who could really use them to get back on their feet.

2. Food

As human beings, we can only go so long without food. That’s why volunteering in food drives or nursing homes to serve food, or simply giving away some eatables to a local charity is such an amazing way to help those in your community. For many of us, eating a nutritious meal is another everyday blessing that we are fortunate to have on a regular basis. The least that we can do to show our gratitude for that blessing is by giving towards others who don’t have that privilege.

3. Books

If you’re a bookworm like myself, you might have a few books from your childhood that you never seemed to give away. Reading is a way that many people learn, grow, and relax after a long day. Without books, the world simply wouldn’t be the same. Therefore, many of the old books that we no longer use could be a wonderful gift to a child or person to whom you want to spread the spirit of reading.

4. Money and Gift Cards

One of the most classic ways to give to people in need is through financial donations. And while they might seem cliche to some, they can be really helpful for many families around the world. A gift card or cash to go toward a popular gas station, a local restaurant, or anywhere that the person who you bless chooses could be the key to getting someone in need to a more comfortable space in their life.

5. Toys

One of the most memorable aspects of our early childhood is the toys and stuffed animals that we loved the most. And while some of them may hold a sentimental value, we tend to grow out of others over time. Every child deserves to have fun toys to play with, so giving away some of our older toys to a nonprofit, a church, or a charity meant specifically for kids is a great way to keep our memories with our beloved toys alive.

6. An Automobile

Yes, you read it correctly: an automobile. While some people cannot afford to give away a vehicle that they use as their main method of transportation, a person with multiple vehicles–and one that they don’t use anymore–might be able to use that opportunity to bless someone else. Many single mothers and fathers balance parenting, working and even going to school on a regular basis. Therefore, an automobile of their own would definitely be a large help compared to having to make it to the bus stop, every morning. Sure, an automobile is a big donation, but if you can afford to give one away, why not show a little kindness by giving it to someone in need?

7. Blankets (they’re awesome)

Come on, now. Who doesn’t love a warm blanket on a cold winter night? Winter clothing and blankets are some of the most requested items in homeless shelters. And for good reason–everybody wants to be cozy and warm while its chilly outside. Therefore, any well-kept winter clothing and blankets that we don’t need anymore is another example of a fantastic donation to a local shelter in your city.

Helping people by giving is truly a blessing from God. Not only does it help someone who is in need, but it’s a good feeling when you know that you did something to make a difference in someone else’s life. I hope that this list gave you a few options for what you can do to brighten someone’s day.

LET’S CHAT~Do you have any other ideas for things you can give to people in need? Feel free to share your thoughts down below.

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everybody! See you next time! ♡

We started our 2022 salad challenge . . . ♡

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Hey, everybody! Welcome or welcome back to my blog! ♡

For those of you who were here when I wrote my 2022 goals, one of them was to eat salad 2-4 times every week. Let’s just say that I was a little slow with putting this goal into action. Still, the year is not over, and it’s never to late to make a nutritional change in your diet. Yesterday, Goodmommy and I began a 2022 salad challenge consisting of one salad per day for a sum of 31 days.

At first, I was a little skeptical to do this challenge, considering that we hadn’t yet mastered creating variety in our homemade salads. However, after Goodmommy showed me an article with some of the health benefits of eating a salad a day–including stronger bones and heart, fiber, weight control, and the regular perks that happen when you eat fruits and veggies every day–it helped me to understand that completing this challenge would be really good for us, in the long run.

Today, July 7th was the second day of our salad challenge, meaning that we started on July 6th and will have completed our salad challenge on August 6th. I took a picture of me and Goodmommy’s salad so you all can see what we incorporated.

This is my salad for today, which consists of green leaf lettuce and Romaine lettuce–one of the most nutritional leafy greens in the world– some air-friend chicken, and some French dressing. Even though I had the exact same thing yesterday, Goodmommy tossed all the ingredients together today, so I could automatically taste the improvement!

This is how Goodmommy’s lunch looked before her salad was tossed. It is pretty much exactly the same as mine with the exception of the sweet beets–the little red bits. Although I’m hesitant to add them into my salad, Goodmommy really enjoys them. I have to admit that they give the salad a really nice pop of color, which I like.

To keep you guys in-the-know about our progress with our salad challenge, I will try to post our salad once a week, so you all can see how we add more variety into our salads as we further master making them at home. I thank God that we have the resources to be able to buy the ingredients that we need to better our health.

While salad may not be many people’s first choice when it comes to lunch, it really is benefitial to keep your insides just as healthy as your outside. And in my opinion, when you are healthy on the inside, it eventually begins to show through in how you think on a daily basis. And the more that we can do to keep ourselves healthy and happy, the better.

LET’S CHAT~Have you ever done a nutritional challenge? Did you enjoy it?

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everybody! See you next time! ♡

5 Clever Ways to Get Rid of a Fear of Public Speaking

Q'Zion9 Comments

Almost everyone has had a case of stage fright at least once in their life. And while the thought of speaking in front of an audience–large or small–can have a variety effects on different people, some dread it so much that they might feel their heartrate quicken or break into a sweat. This could be an example of glossophobia, also know as the fear of public speaking.

It is easy to guess that this fear is one of the most common phobias of all time; some mental health experts have even gone as far to say that it could affect about 75% of the world’s population. As a result, a number of sources say that glossophobia is the most common phobia in the world, even above the fear of spiders or heights.

While most of us are afraid of something, conquering our fears is always a good strategy to self improvement. It is International Freedom from Fear of Public Speaking Day. And considering that this fear is so popular, I have a list of tips for anyone who wants to become more confident about speaking in front of a crowd.

1. Speak about a topic that you are passionate about.

There are a whole bunch of topics that many people value. Racial stereotypes, mental health, and protecting wildlife are just a few great examples of many. I am a firm believer that when you have the option as to what you want to speak about, you should definitely use that to your advantage. It is much easier to get over your nerves–while connecting with your audience–when the purpose of your speech hits closer to home.

2. Focus on the purpose of your speech, not the audience.

What throws a lot of people off when it comes to speaking in public is the amount of people sitting in the audience. But the thing is, the people who are watching should never be the first thing in your mind when you are giving a speech. Instead, try to focus on what you will be speaking about–this is why choosing a topic that gets you excited is so important. The more you focus on the topic, the less important the amount of people in the crowd will become.

3. Do regular breathing exercises.

A good tip for anyone with anxiety–or anyone who is working on a public speech–is to practice taking deep breaths; specifically when you feel as if your heartbeat is getting faster. Not only does this fill your lungs with a breath of fresh air, but it also helps you remain calm and keep your heartbeat at a steady pace. Even if you need to pause a few times during your speech to take a breath, it truly is a tremendous help when it comes to keeping your nerves in check.

4. Bring a real presentation.

While there are some situations in which the environment is more casual–take school, for example–other speeches may take place in an area where you want to look more professional. While it is always good to make sure that you are presenting yourself in a way that is, well, presentable, you also want to make sure that you don’t loose who you are and what you stand for in the process. Trying to be perfect or speak like everyone else is simply putting on a fake face. No matter how much experience a person has, they are never an “expert.” Even the people who speak often mess up here and there. It’s okay to be nervous, and most importantly, to be you. Trust me, your audience will likely appreciate it just as much as you do.

5. Practice, practice, practice!

Like any other skill, public speaking is not something that becomes natural without putting in some effort. That’s why before the big day comes where you have to present your speech, it’s important to try building up your confidence little by little. This could be by speaking in front of your stuffed animals, your family, your friends, or even a mirror. The more you repeat your speech, the more confident you’ll likely become in what you have to offer in your presentation.

I remember having a much harder time speaking in front of small crowds when I was little. To be honest, sometimes I would be quiet infront of people who spoke to me first lol. But with much practice and experience, I am much more sociable and confident with speaking now. And I hope that these tips will help you, as well.

LET’S CHAT~Have you ever had a past fear of public speaking? If so, what measures did you take to conquer your fear? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Have a beautiful and blessed day everybody! Peace in, and I’ll see you all next time! ♡