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Showing posts from June, 2012

The Dangers of Saying Too Much

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   The verbalization of internal thoughts facilitates social interaction.     From a purely goal-oriented perspective, one's dialogue must be effective enough to communicate an idea that advances one's motives.  From the basic commands, to the uses of gossip in search of self validation, to the spilling of affection vocally expressed, to the discussion of personal theory and perspective in order to gain a higher understanding- conversation aims to bring a means to an end, no matter the subtlety.       Yet in this day and age, my generation seems to be sorely lacking in the art of effective conversation. We can not clearly communicate because we are not sure what we are communicating, and why. We do not exercise enough awareness during our thoughtless dialogue.    The shibboleth holds true- we do not think before we speak.        Like music, art, and the buildings we occupy, clarity and function are a product of a harmonious balance between substance and space. Emptiness and ful

Why You Should Pay for Your Half of the Date

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Do you want a better dating experience?       Then pay for your own half of the date.    The idea that a woman should insist upon paying for her half of the date, at least in the early stages, goes against traditional romantic conventions. The notion seems almost anti-chivalrous- an action that prevents men from being the providers they want to be.     Unless you really, really want to score a few free dinners and movie tickets, I suggest that you refrain from allowing him to pay for the entire outing. But why?     Think about it. How many times has a guy payed for your date, and how many times have you actually thanked him with sincere gratititude? How many times have you brushed off a guy's generosity due to feelings of self-entitlement? How many time's has a guy felt more entitled to YOU because he made a "financial investment" in you?    Basically, paying for your own half of the date alleviates the common pressure and confusion for both parties.      The followin

How To Wean Yourself Off of Overly Sugary Coffee

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   A cup of black coffee is a mere 2 calories.     The average coffee drinker adds at least 3 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of creamer to their cup of joe, increasing the calorie content to 130 calories.     130 calories of mostly sugar plus the estimated 130 milligrams of caffeine per serving makes for a pretty unhealthy concoction that not only adds empty calories and carbohydrates into your dietary intake, but also increases insulin thus increasing fat storage.    130 calories is pretty mediocre in comparison to an icy favorite. The Starbuck's 12 ounce Vanilla Frappuccino contains 210 calories and 47 grams of carbs. We all have friends who order this drink on a very frequent basis, and they usually opt for a larger serving and pile on the whipped cream. This drink is also expensive. You are paying 4 dollars for a sugar rush and inevitable insulin spike and fat storage.         Fear not, for with a little determination and dedication, you can ween yourself off of these v

Banana Smothered In Almond Butter and Dark Chocolate

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Dark Chocolate and Almond Butter Smothered Bananas    The owner of a sweet tooth (in honesty, an owner of more than just one), I often find myself in the conflict between eating healthily and satisfying my cravings for something sweet. Gooey. Rich. Creamy. Chocolaty. Basically, my taste buds want dessert and they want it now.    Weening myself off of sugary junk foods cold turkey isn't an option. I believe habits are better formed when one takes a gentle and mindful approach to bettering their conditions. So, the next time I reach for something sweet and creamy, I take note of how I am feeling.    Is there a need I'm not fulfilling for myself? Am I neglecting an aspect of my life? Am I just bored and understimulated? Do I need to be comforted?    Being mindful is a habit. At first, it will be a conscious effort that takes a great amount of willpower to exercise. Eventually, like any habit, mindfulness becomes our default mechanism.    The path to mindfulness can't be an imm

The Start

I've failed at blogging many times before. This failure was not due to a lack of inspiration or will to write, rather, this failure was due to the lack of purpose and value . I've finally figured out how to integrate the aspects of my creative writing with my practical knowledge and intuitive sense of value. I'm going to share the many, many ways I make the most of my life. Sometimes these methods require a solo act, more often, they require a sense of community , or at the very least, partnership . Our world is already a bit isolated, I feel no need to contribute to the increasing levels of social ineptitude. Basically, I'm going to provide knowledge and instruction which will hopefully help anyone increase their enjoyment with others- happiness is meant to be shared . So here's to being excellent to each other and excellent to ourselves . Above all else, here's to being ridiculously good at life. Wynona