Finding a Self-Help Group That’s Right for You

Finding a Self-Help Group That’s Right for You

Self-help groups have a great history of getting people the help that they need. They often help with mental health issues, mental illnesses, and addiction problems. Many people get comfort out of knowing that they aren’t the only one in the world suffering, so they look to support groups for that help and care.

Helping You Choose the Right Group

Here are some questions and tips to think about when choosing the best type of support group for you.

1. Why are you looking to join a support group? There are different types of support groups for different illnesses. If you are suffering from depression, find a support group for people also dealing with depression. Finding a support group that “specializes” in your illness has been shown to help many people in feeling as though people are there for them and understand exactly what they’re going through.
2. Ask your doctor for some support groups they may know about. They are often a very trustworthy source to go to, so don’t be afraid to ask them for help in finding the perfect support group for you.
3. Make sure you have enough information on a support group before making a decision. You don’t want to take part in a support group that you find to be uncomfortable or not helpful. Before going to your first session, try getting in touch with the coordinator and talk to them about any questions and concerns you may have.
4. Where are the meetings held? You need to ensure that the meetings will be easy for you to get to. If not, that may end up being an excuse you use for not going to meetings.
5. Can family members and loved ones attend with you? Having people around you that you know and love while there, means a lot to some people. Sometimes it’s good to have a familiar face present who is specifically there to cheer you on.
6. How many people usually go to these meetings? For some people, the number of people who attend can be a deal breaker. Some people enjoy small groups where they can get to know each other on a more personal level, while others enjoy having a large group of people supporting them.

Questions to Ask Yourself after the First Meeting

After you’ve decided on a self-help group that you’re going to attend and you have attended your first meeting, ask yourself some of these questions.

1. Did the people there and the group itself make you feel positive? If you aren’t feeling too positive after a couple meetings, that group isn’t for you. You’re there to get better, not to get worse.
2. Are your symptoms improving? If you answer yes to this question, that’s great! That means the self-help group is working for you. Keep going to meetings and continue to improve.

It’s important that you’re comfortable with the support group you choose, so ensure that you get any and all information you can on the support groups in your area. Once you’ve found the right self-help group for you, go to the meetings. You’re there to get help from others that know what you’re going through, so don’t back out of your commitment. You’re there to get better, so ensure that you go to as many meetings as you can.

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How Successful People Use the Law of Attraction in Their Everyday Lives

How Successful People Use the Law of Attraction in Their Everyday Lives

Have you ever noticed someone, for example in the world of business, who just seems to have everything? Moreover, have you noticed how he or she seems to get everything with such an ease and a grace that you have to admit you are little bit envious?

Those individuals are probably the ones who use the law of attraction everyday and use it to maximize success. If you think that these individuals sit back and let things come to them, rather than chase things, you are probably correct in that assumption. What you do not know or see, however, is that those very same individuals are most likely to use the law of attraction on a daily basis.

Sitting Back and Waiting Rather than Chasing

Successful individuals know a few things more than the average person about the law of attraction does. Sometimes when you want something so badly and you pursue overzealously, it runs away from you rather than toward you.

Successful people know that once they are clear about their intention, set it, visualize upon it, then the only next logical step is to wait for it to come.

Most every individual you ask has clear and specific dreams and goals; however, we all want it now. Successful people know to wait for their desired outcome and are that confident that it will arrive.

Abundance Blocks

Part of making the law of attraction work for successful people is the fact that they know and are aware of their abundance blocks. This knowledge helps successful people plow through those abundance blocks. For example, most successful people are aware that they may have an abundance block around money such as money is the root of all evil.

Once they are able to clear away that blockage, the abundance of money using the law of attraction flows freely to those individuals.

The Power of Believing

Successful individuals also know a secret. They know unequivocally that the power of belief is integral to manifesting their desires. Believing that they are good individuals who deserve nothing less than the best outcome is the power of using the law of attraction for successful individuals.

If you walk around with a mindset of woe is me, then that is what your life will deliver to you. However, if you walk around expecting and believing that you will receive blessings in abundance; your wish will be the universe’s command.

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What is Anxiety?

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is basically worry that never stops. Its symptoms can be severe or mild, and include emotional, physical, and/or psychological manifestations. Here are some of the symptoms and possible causes of anxiety.

Symptoms and Manifestations

-Abdominal Problems
Anxiety can cause pain in your abdomen. Anxiety can also cause nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Have you ever had “butterflies in your stomach”? This refers to the fluttery feeling you get in your middle when you’re nervous. This is caused by the “flight or fight” response, during which the body decreases circulation to non-vital body processes such as digestion. This allows your body to go into full alert, able to run or fight as the case may be. When this is prolonged, however, the digestive organs become worn out and, without the return of normal circulation, begin to malfunction.

-Muscle Tension
This can cause pain throughout the body, the most frightening being the chest tightness in a “panic attack.” (Panic attacks are also symptoms of anxiety.) The muscle spasms can feel like you’re choking or like a heart attack, increasing feelings of fear and anxiety.

-Phobias
Phobias are irrational fears of harmless or specific things. Fear of heights, spiders, or flying in airplanes are some of the more common phobias.

-Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
People with OCD feel the need to enact some sort of ritual to alleviate anxious feelings. Probably the most well-known example is obsessive hand-washing, but OCD can also involve other ritualistic behavior, such as checking all the doors and windows multiple times to see that they are locked, even when you just locked them.

-Headaches
Probably a result of muscle tension or chemical imbalance in the brain, headaches often are part of anxiety.

-Heart Palpitations
This is when the heart seems to flutter or beat rapidly and irregularly. Like the butterflies in the stomach, heart palpitations are part of the fight or flight response, only in the case of anxiety it’s chronic.

-Restlessness/Insomnia
People with anxiety often have trouble relaxing in general and sleeping in particular.

Causes of Anxiety

-Genetics
There is evidence to suggest that the tendency to develop anxiety can be inherited. This genetic tendency may need an environmental trigger of some sort to develop actual anxiety symptoms.

-Traumatic Event(s)
Veterans of wars, survivors of rape and/or sexual abuse, and other victims of traumatic experience can suffer from anxiety. It’s as though the brain can not “move on” from the event, creating patterns of anxious thoughts and physical symptoms.

-Brain Chemicals
Those who suffer from anxiety tend to have abnormal levels of neurotransmitters, which means their brains have trouble transmitting information on a cellular level.

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What You Can Do to Help a Lonely Neighbor

What You Can Do to Help a Lonely Neighbor

If your neighbor seems depressed or more isolated than usual, they may very well be suffering from loneliness. Chronic loneliness has the potential to affect anyone. The condition is the result of many things – some of them major, such as job loss or a family member moving away. Sometimes loneliness is the result of seemingly nothing at all, except to the person who is dealing with it.

Remember, even if you are good friends with your neighbor, he or she may be hesitant to reach out to you. Be that as it may, don’t let that stop you from offering assistance. Here are a few things you can do to help a neighbor alleviate their loneliness.

Get to Know Them

This is one of the most crucial things you can do to make your neighbor (or anyone) feel less isolated. Feeling less lonely isn’t just about having someone to talk to. Meaningful conversation about life or things that matter have a much greater impact on people than simply exchanging pleasantries. You can never have too many friends. So getting to know your neighbors is beneficial to everyone involved.

Have Your Neighbor Over for Dinner

A good meal is a great way to connect with people. Invite your lonely neighbor over for dinner or a summertime cookout. Go one step further and treat the individual to a meal at his or her favorite restaurant. Your neighbor is sure to appreciate the meal just as much as the companionship. If things go really well, consider getting together on a more frequent basis.

Offer to Give Them a Lift

If your neighbor doesn’t have access to a vehicle, chances are they may find themselves stuck at home with no way to get out and socialize. Offer to give them a ride every now and then, when they need it. Not only will this give you a chance to help them get to where they need to go, the one-on-one time will also afford you a chance to get to know each other better… if your aren’t good friends already.

Go to Your Neighbor for Advice

It feels good to help people out and to give them advice when they need it. Your neighbor will also appreciate an opportunity to lend a hand. Go to this person and ask for help with an issue you’re having. Obviously it doesn’t have to be anything major or personal – just something that they can weigh in on and offer advice.

Help Out If They Need It

If you see that your neighbor is having a hard time with something, such as carrying in their groceries or taking garbage out, offer to give them a hand. Even if it’s just a small task, getting assistance with something will almost certainly help them to feel less like they’re alone.

Keep Your Neighbor in Mind during the Holiday Season

Receiving a holiday card or small gift from someone unexpected is always a pleasant surprise. Make a habit of leaving your neighbor a card or small gift during the holiday season. They may even get enjoyment from sending you a gift in return.

Overall, the best thing that you can do to help out a lonely neighbor is to be a friend. Just remember not to overdo it. If your neighbor is shy or anxious about meeting new people, you might make things worse by insisting on building a friendship with them.

Take things slow, get to know them and build a relationship with them just like you would any other friend. Your friendship could mean the difference between them feeling alone and feeling like they have someone that they can turn to whenever they start feeling isolated.

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HAUNTED OR NOT: CAMP CHASE CONFEDERATE CEMETERYTHE HISTORY

HAUNTED OR NOT: CAMP CHASE CONFEDERATE CEMETERY
THE HISTORY
Camp Chase started as a military staging and training camp in 1861, shortly after, it became a large Union prison camp. There were approximately 2000 prisoners who died of malnutrition, disease and harsh treatment.

During the Civil War, Camp Chase served as a Confederate prison camp. Conditions were extremely poor, and there were over 2,000 deaths at the camp as a result of disease and malnutrition. The majority of these men were buried in the prison cemetery, Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery. Given the history of the area, it is not surprising to hear stories of it being haunted – however, the spirit said to haunt the cemetery is not that of a soldier. Instead, it is a mysterious woman in gray who often leaves flowers at two of the graves.

The “Woman in Gray” has been seen walking among the graves in the cemetery. She appears to be a young woman dressed in what is most often described as a gray Civil War-era traveling suit. Witnesses say that the woman always has her head bowed, as though weeping, and that they were overcome with sadness upon seeing her.

The young woman has been observed walking among the graves, as well as through the trees (literally) and out of the iron cemetery gates, which are closed and locked at night. She is also often seen standing over two graves in particular: that of the Unknown Soldier and the one belonging to Benjamin F. Allen, a member of the 50th Tennessee Infantry Regiment, Company D. There is very little known about Benjamin Allen’s time at Camp Chase or how he died. Occasionally, after the woman is spotted at these graves, flowers appear lying next to the tombstones.

During a Civil War reenactment that took place near the cemetery in 1988, many people reported hearing the mournful weeping of a woman. The sound continued for a minute or so, but no source for it was ever found. It is believed that the sobbing came from the mysterious “Woman in Gray”.
There are no clues that point to the identity of the “Woman in Gray”, and it is unknown why she mourns over these two particular graves.

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We all have angels and spirit guides!

Even when you feel as though you are completely alone, there are Divine Companions who are always with you. Before your incarnation they chose to accompany you through your lifetime- from the moment of your first breath- until your last. Spirit Guides are highly evolved beings that have completed the cycle of birth and death in the physical plane and are now serving as teachers and guides to further elevate their vibrations. They are as “real” as you are- they are just vibrating at another level and reside in another plane of existence.

They work to guide you by working through your dreams and intuition. That quiet voice you hear is often the voice of your teachers and guides. They may also make themselves known to you through signs and symbols. For me, when I am at a crossroads in my life or journeying though a personal or emotional challenge- I find feathers everywhere. I also see feather tattoos, hawks and hear certain songs. It is a reminder for me to be still and listen to the guidance of my own personal guides. The feathers are representative of the energy of my guides- one being a powerful Shaman and the others are from the Angelic Realm.

Some individuals have one guide and others have multitudes- much of this depends on the path and purpose of your life. For instance, a teacher/professor may have several guides- one to guide them through the academic nature of their profession and others to assist them with the great emotional requirements of performing such an important task. A policeman, fireman, or soldier will often have a “team” of warriors guiding and protecting them. Much of who your guides are indicative of your own personal journey though life.

Spirit guides are almost never a loved one who has passed away. Although our loved ones stay with us in spirit and we can contact them, they do not serve the same role as a “spirit guide”. Some individuals have Archangels and Angels as spirit guides who are always with them. Yet, the presence of Angels does not always mean they are your spirit guides. Angels can be called in times of distress to assist you for a short time. If you have an Archangel or Angel as a guide, chances are your mission in life is a complex one. Through my experience with being a psychic reader and spiritual teacher- I have found that individuals with a challenging life path often have Angels as spirit guides.

Your spirit guide is always with you, whether you acknowledge their presence or not. You cannot call them to you or send them away- they are part of you and your journey. However, you can choose to gain the knowledge of who they are and what their role in your life is. You can interact with your spirit guides in a more proactive way. If you want to know who your guides are, just ask. Get in a quiet and meditative space and ask that they reveal themselves to you. Do not get discouraged if you do not figure it out right away. Beings from the spiritual realm often communicate through signs and symbols. Once you ask- you must trust your own wisdom. Pay attention to the pictures that appear in your mind. If you see a man in a suit- stay with that- it could be he is a philosopher or scientist. You may see a Native American Indian, a Buddhist Monk or you may see nothing at all. Keep your mind and intuition open. Pay attention to things that keep coming up after you have asked that they reveal who they are. If you are having a challenge discovering who they are you can also contact a professional psychic/intuitive to assist you.

Working with your spirit guides can be an incredible tool for your own personal and spiritual growth. Unlike beings who are in the physical- their wisdom and advice is not influenced by the “world”. They dwell in a higher vibrational plane and the mundane particulars of your situation are not relevant. For example- if you seek guidance from your spirit guide regarding a relationship- they will lead you to focus on what you are learning, what you need to learn, what you are teaching your partner, and what is the true meaning of your relationship. The fact that they leave the toilet seat up or are terrible at budgeting the household finances will be irrelevant. The information that you will be provided with- will be actions that YOU can take to gain more understanding. You can also ask your Spirit Guides to assist you in physical healing. Before you go to sleep, ask that as you are sleeping- you receive healing.

You are never alone. Never. Take faith in knowing and understanding that there is so much magic and mystery in this life. Just for a moment let the “world” disappear. Raise your vibration and allow the beautiful gifts of spirit wash over you. Life is so much more than what we see. Open your spiritual eyes and hearts and you will discover a world of wisdom, beauty and peace that you never knew existed. Of course, you can always choose to not believe.

It is always your choice. But, why not?

Why not step into another level of existence?

Why not believe in magic?

You do not have to announce it to the office, but you can embrace the wonders of spirit in your own heart. It will envelope you in a light of love and understanding- and will mysteriously transform you to a more connected and loving being. Oh, what would they say at the water cooler then?

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Are you Genetically Hardwired to be Negative?

Are you Genetically Hardwired to be Negative?

Negativity is a draining character trait that overwhelms both the person expressing it and the people they are around. A simple Google search defines negativity as a tendency to be downbeat, disagreeable, and skeptical. For the most part, being negative wears everyone out, including the person being negative. But is negativity ever a good thing?

If you ask a geneticist, they will tell you humans may be hardwired to be negative. That’s because early man used negativity to stay alive!

Early man lived in a volatile world where failure to predict bad things often resulted in death. Over time the humans who survived the harsh environment had superior physical and mental strength that kept them from being killed or conquered. Science indicates the traits that helped early man outwit and outlast weaker humans was passed on through DNA. That means a tendency to lean into negativity and hyper focus on what could go wrong is and ancestral character trait.

As the world evolved and became more docile, there was less need for negative-driven security, but the trait remains despite a less volatile world.

Ultimately, evidence indicates that modern man is a balance between nature…our genetics, and nurture…how we manage our innate traits.

Nature Vs Nurture- How Do They Influence our Behavior?

Our nature is what we are born with. Our unique brand of personality, predispositions, and character traits. We can’t control much of how we were born. Some people are shy, while others are assertive, some people are physically gifted and others intellectually superior.

Nurture speaks to how we are influenced. The environment we are exposed to as a baby, child, and so forth influences our minds and shapes our reactions. This can enhance or take away from our natural tendencies and actually amplify or diminish them.

That means a person born with a positive nature could be influenced into being negative depending on the situations and circumstances they experience. Additionally, someone who tends to be extreme or volatile by nature, can be softened and humbled by the appropriate environment.

Some Negativity Has Value

While chronic negativity is disruptive and….well, negative. There are times when it’s valuable. Being negative can protect you and those you love. It can keep you from being taken advantage of or injured. That evolutionary gut instinct keeps us out of dark alleys or accepting rides from strangers. In many cases, negativity is actually important.

The problem occurs when negativity is a default reaction. When being critical, pessimistic, judgmental, and adversarial is normal. That’s not a healthy perspective and can keep you from living a positive life.

Thankfully, you don’t have to accept negativity as a genetic trait that can’t be undone. You can embrace the healthy symmetry of negativity and positivity and learn to be more positive in your everyday life.

HAUNTED OR NOT : Viking Ghost of Tynemouth Castle

HAUNTED OR NOT : Viking Ghost of Tynemouth Castle
Tynemouth Castle and Priory are strategically located on the headland along the North Sea and River Tyne in the UK.

The castle, which was built during the 14th century, has been referenced throughout history from the time of William the Conqueror to World War II when the castle grounds were home to English gun batteries protecting the coastline.

Residing within the castle is Tynemouth Priory. It served a role regarding many key events throughout history. Tynemouth Priority also serves as the burial place for notable individuals including St. Oswin, King of Deira and King Malcolm III of Scotland. However, King Malcolm’s body was subsequently moved to Dunfermline Abbey located in Scotland.

Our story for dates back to the days of the Vikings …
Long ago, the Vikings launched a raid of the area. A wounded Viking named Olaf was accepted as a resident of Tynemouth Priory by the monks. Olaf, who was nursed back to health, joined their monastery. As fate would have it, the Vikings returned to the same area for the purpose of launching another raid. This time, Olaf’s brother was among those killed. It is said Olaf was so grief stricken by the death of his brother that he died while praying in the chapel.

Olaf’s ghost has often been seen wandering the castle grounds looking out onto the sea on nice breezy days when the wind comes in off the water.

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Super Blood Moon and Lunar Eclipse

Look up this week! A Super Blood Moon and Lunar Eclipse will grace our skies as our natural satellite appears bigger and redder than usual

The full moon that occurs in May is known as the Flower Moon as flowers bloom

A total lunar eclipse is referred to as a Blood Moon due its more reddish colour

When the Moon is full and at its closest point to Earth it is called a Super Moon

When a Super Moon occurs alongside an eclipse it is a Super Blood Moon

THIS SUPER BLOOD MOON WILL APPEAR ACROSS THE US ON WEDNESDAY MAY 26

Next week a super moon will combine with a lunar eclipse, causing our natural satellite to appear bigger and redder than usual, according to astronomers.

The Super Blood Moon, called that as the total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, will reach its peak brightness at 23:32 BST on May 26.

The eclipse will be start at 12:18 BST on May 26, but won’t be visible from the UK as the moon will be below the horizon.

However, skygazers across much of the US, Australia and parts of South America can witness the moon turn red for 14 minutes.

According to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the next partial lunar eclipse to be barely visible from the UK is in November, followed by a total lunar eclipse in 2022.

4 Fast Journaling Techniques that Heal Core Beliefs

4 Fast Journaling Techniques that Heal Core Beliefs
Writing in a journal is practical and helps you work through healing. In a journal, we can be honest with ourselves. We can write down what we are thinking and feeling. It’s like our secret connection with the universe. Using a journal to write about your core wounds brings awareness to what they are and helps heal them.

Writing is a cathartic exercise that takes what is out of our minds and puts it onto paper. Magic happens when we take the time to write.

One of the ways writing helps is to separate us from the problems we are experiencing. After you write your thoughts and feelings, reread them. You will have a little distance from them and be able to see things with fresh eyes.

Here are writing techniques you can use while journaling:

Freewriting
This technique involves writing from ten to fifteen minutes. Feel free to set the timer. You can choose to write longhand (on paper) or type on a computer.

You can write anything you can think of that comes to mind. Try to write the first thing that comes to your mind.

Don’t judge it. Let the words come to you, even if they do not form a sentence.

Stephen King uses this method as a warm-up for writing before starting his day.

You can use it as a warm-up for journaling. It gets the random thoughts out of your mind and onto the paper. As you write, you will start to think of more things to write. Let the words flow to you.

Writing with prompts
Writing with prompts is a beautiful way to have a dialogue and to discover your inner truth.
Use a list of questions or prompts that tell you to write about specific things.

Use this exercise to get curious about what is going on or what you want to change. Ask questions as you write to dig deep.

Writing to your future self
Use this type of writing to discover your blockages and negative beliefs. Your negative beliefs are what hold you back from achieving your goals.

Decide to write a letter to the future self. In your letter, explain how you live right now. Tell yourself what you do. Describe your partner, house, financial situation, and anything else.

As you write, explain what’s going on now and imagine what you are like in the future. Ask yourself questions about the future and write as if you already know yourself at that time.
Describe how you see future self and your life in a year, two or ten years.

Writing to your past self
When writing to your past self, you inform yourself about what happened from the past to the future.
Write about your life and what it is like in the future.

Write about things that interest you or you want to manifest. If you want to manifest a soul mate, for instance, write about how you met that person. Write about your relationship with that person.

You can write all the tips you would give to your past self. It is also an excellent way to forgive yourself for everything you have felt guilty of for a long time. Your past self didn’t have the experience and pieces of information you have now………

Finding Your Voice through Journaling to Reframe Core Wounds
If you have not journaled before or have been a while since journaling, you may feel awkward at first doing it. It is not uncommon for many to encounter blockages in writing at first. But be consistent and disciplined to practice journaling to increase your skill level.

When you start reading what you wrote and think, “Well, this doesn’t sound like me,” no worries. In time you will find your voice.

Use questions to uncover your core beliefs and reframe them.

For example, if your core belief is: “I don’t like being alone.” Ask yourself the next questions:

Why do I not like being alone?

Since when do I not like being alone?

What caused the feeling that I do not like being alone?

How did I feel before that happened?

Did I have any childhood trauma?

Question after question will lead you to the answer. When you gain awareness of the answer, replace this belief. It does not help you anymore. You can replace it with a new belief that will help you.
The easiest way to replace a belief is to turn it around. If you don’t like being alone, you can turn it around to say, “I enjoy being with people.” Using this belief has a more positive spin to it.

The new belief points towards you enjoying being with people instead of being alone. It could point to your personality as extroverted. flipping your negative beliefs, you no longer beat yourself up about them. You can discover unique aspects of your personality and look at things in a new way.

Journaling Prompts

Write every day what you are grateful for that day.

Write about your flaws and virtues.

Write about how you feel.

Write down your plans on a daily and annual basis.

Write about relationships with the people you love.

Write about your fears, dreams, ambitions.

Describe your behavior in certain situations.

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