The Benefits of Gratitude Journaling And History of Gratitude

Something that Hugh Jackman swears by every morning, before he even gets out of bed, is gratitude journaling. I can attest that this method of rewiring my brain to be grateful and blissful each day is not only a fun practice but can easily help you get out of a funk.

I’ve been recently trying to change my routine in which I am helping people in my nutrition counseling programs and volunteering my time at We Share Hope to overcome food insecurity. While these seem like positive changes upfront, the change of a routine actually causes cognitive dissonance within the brain. This is, unfortunately, the way for everybody. It’s the same concept when you are trying to change up your diet. Your body just freaks the freak out! (Not to mention give you excess flatulence — yikes!)

The tool(s) that have been helping me are not only keeping myself busy and knowing I’m making positive changes, but also gratitude journaling. Even by listing 3-10 things you are grateful for, you are already putting yourself in that euphoric state, which can set the tone for your entire day. How you spend your mornings affect how your day is going to be.

Now, where exactly did gratitude journaling come about? Well, first of all, gratitude journaling first came about thanks to author Sarah Ban Breathnach. According to a study reported by Mindful.org, gratitude journaling can lead to better sleep and lower blood pressure. With that said, just gratitude journal for health’s sake. And being the neuroscience nerd that I am, gratitude actually boosts serotonin and activates the hypothalamus to produce dopamine. Dopamine is what is known as the “pleasure chemical.” The hormone gratitude releases is oxytocin, also known as the “love drug.”

The word, itself, “gratitude” comes from the Latin word, “gratus” which means “pleasing,” “welcome,” and “agreeable.” The term “gratus” also relates to terms such as “grace” or “gratuity.” Gratitude has been practiced by Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, and Hindu traditions. (Does anyone else find it strange how Catholicism is not mentioned? There must be some reason. 🤔) Gratitude was first used in the 16th century. The Bible actually mentions gratitude a whopping 157 times. Fun fact: the term “fear not” is used in the Bible 365 times, which as we all know is the same amount of days within a year. Think about this the next time you pray: fear not all year ’round.

With that all said, I invite you to pray and reflect with me: “One friend sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). Let’s be grateful for all that we have, even if it’s how our hair feels after a much-needed shower.

MORE LIKE THIS: 10 Dorothy Day Quotes For Business Owners and Entrepreneurs, Never Let Anyone Tell You That You’re Not Good Enough, Self Love In Bleak Times, Go Little Rockstar: It’s Ready, It’s Yours, You Did It

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Star Sign Stereotypes

“Each sign in the Zodiac is an entire universe of traits and characteristics. Every sun sign has their likes and dislikes, their gifts and disadvantages, powerful traits and weaker personality spots. Nobody is wholly superior, nobody is inferior, and there is not one sign that’s better or worse than the others. We’re all equal – yet diverse. With astrology being more accessible than ever, now is a good moment to pull back from lazy character assassination, and focus on the positive rather than the negative.” – Inbaal Honigman 

Aries – you’re constantly angry 

As a fire sign, Aries are known for their explosive tempers and highly successful profiles. Yet there are a few common misconceptions about this passionate and excitable sign. Aries are often perceived as being constantly angry – but is there any truth to this? Astrology expert Inbaal thinks: 

“Aries are ruled by the red planet Mars, planet of sex and war. Therefore, all Aries emotions are big. Their enthusiasm is bombastic. Their joy is unparalleled. Similarly, their rage can move mountains. Thankfully, Aries can only sustain such grand emotions for a short while. So if an Aries is angry, they won’t stay angry for long. Soon, they simmer down and go back to being their playful selves.”

Myth: Aries are constantly angry. 

Truth: An Aries is joyous and playful, if they do become angry – it won’t be for too long. 

Taurus – you’re lazy 

Like all zodiac signs, not every quality associated with Taureans is positive. One of the more common Taurus misconceptions stems from the idea that they are apathetic and lazy. But how true is this? 

Taurus is an Earth sign, which is the most stable element. This is why they don’t run before they can walk, and don’t keep busy for the sake of being in motion. Not fans of taking risks, a Taurus will make sure there’s a new job lined up before they leave an old job. They love to take a rest and replenish their resources, and they’ll get up again if anything is needed. A Taurus will go out of their way for friends and loved ones, and will be the first to volunteer if anything needs doing.”

Myth: Taureans are lazy. 

Truth: Taureans are cautious, and will go out of their way to assist others. 

Gemini – you’re two faced

Ah, the age-old trope of the two-faced gemini. Being one of the most misunderstood signs of the Zodiac, expert Inbaal hopes to dispel these harsh stereotypes of Gemini’s: 

“Gemini is represented by the symbol of the twins, which illustrates their dual personality. A Gemini can see both sides of the argument, and can be both for and against multiple important issues. When they agree with one side, and then agree with the exact opposite side, it doesn’t look great – but they listen and accept all points of view. Gemini is also the one sign that can be in love with two people at once, have two different friend circles, and more than one favorite color, favorite dish or favorite season.”

Myth: Geminis are two-faced.

Truth: Gemini’s see both sides of the argument.

Cancer – you’re too emotional 

Cancers are often regarded as being an overly emotional sign. The strong emotions of Cancers make them tender, sentimental and nostalgic which means that they are often swept away by love – falling hard and fast. So, what does the expert have to say about cancers? Are they truly as emotional as they are made out to be? 

Cancer is a Water sign, and like other Waters, they live and die by their emotions. They feel things deeply, for themselves, but mostly for others. The sign of Cancer is all about the family. They love having everyone in their living room, blood relations, good friends who are ‘like family’ and a few strangers because why not. Cancer will stay on great terms with the ex-mother-in-law because they never divorced her, only her son. Cancerians have a great depth of emotion, both in joy and in sorrow, and can hold the space for you to safely express your own emotions, too.”

Myth: Cancers are too emotional. 

Truth: Cancers are great listeners and are not just invested in their own emotions.  

Leo – you’re egotistical 

As a fire sign symbolized by the lion, Leo’s are known for exuding confidence and having a tendency of being courageous and tough. Since Leo’s love being the centre of attention, this can often be perceived as arrogance, and criticized for being self-centered. Yet, is this stereotype really all that accurate? 

“Leo loves success. The sign of Leo is ruled by the sun, and is therefore bright, visible, and larger than life. They try their hand at anything, and truly believe there’s no such thing as impossible, for them but also for you. A little known fact about Leos, is that their love for success extends to everyone else, too. They make great teachers because they want their pupils to succeed. They’re wonderful agents, mentors and advocates, because when they see someone they trained, find the success they deserve, the Leo will feel a sense of satisfaction as if they’ve achieved it themselves.”

Myth: Leos are egotistical.

Truth: Leo’s have a love for success that also extends to everyone else.

Virgo – you’re a perfectionist 

One of Virgo’s most misunderstood traits is their highly critical, ‘perfectionist’ character.. But is paying such close attention to details really such a bad thing? Our expert dispels this common stereotype: 

“Virgo likes to think first and act second. Instead of jumping on every opportunity, they’ll take a minute to see if this opportunity truly serves their higher purpose, or if it’s just a distraction. They’ll wash their hands properly before handling food, so that there’s no risk of infection. Their true gift is the thinking, not the washing, and they apply it to anything. A Virgo won’t fuss for the sake of fussing, and they do love to relax as well, but if something needs doing, they’d rather do it now.” 

Myth: Virgos are perfectionists 

Truth: Virgos are not perfectionists, they are simply methodical in the way they approach things. 

Libras – you’re indecisive

Represented by the scales, Libras are associated with balance and are favored as being excellent conflict resolvers. But it’s not all rosy for Libras; as with all zodiac signs, there are a few unfavorable traits and stereotypes associated with this particular air sign; a libra’s indecisiveness is a trope that they cannot seem to shake. 

Libra, like other dual signs, is happy to listen to both sides of the argument. They pay attention to ‘he said / she said’ situations and they know that every opinion has some value and a grain of truth in it. But they refuse to be the judge. If you make them pick sides, they will push right back, reminding you that tomorrow you’ll kiss and make up, and the Libra still wants to be friends with both parties. Librans understand human nature and how fickle it can be, and they don’t want to commit to one specific line or another, because they believe that people change, and life changes.”

Myth: Libras are indecisive

Truth: Libras are not indecisive, instead they understand the duality of life. 

Scorpio – you’re jealous 

Poor Scorpios, they really do get a lot of bad press. As passionate individuals with intense personalities, Scorpios are often misconstrued as being jealous and controlling. So, what does Inbaal have to say about Scorpio’s? 

“Scorpio is one of the only signs that have a traditional ruling planet, and a modern ruling planet, which makes them complex. Their traditional ruler is Mars, planet of sex and war, and so Scorpio emotions are broad, fiery and passionate. Scorpio’s modern ruler is Pluto, planet of death and rebirth, which is why they’re capable of personal reinvention. A sign this perplexing will be easily misunderstood, but it’s important to remember that Scorpios don’t have a selfish bone in their bodies, and are actually quite self-sacrificing. Their complexity is harder on them than it is on those around them.”

Myth: Scorpios are jealous. 

Truth: Scorpios are passionate, but also selfless. 

Sagittarius – you’re unreliable

As a fire sign, Sagittarians often seek out adventure – but this comes with the negative connotations of being ‘flaky’ or ‘flighty’. So, how unreliable are Sagittarians according to Inbaal? 

“Sagittarians love adventure. They love not knowing where their next meal comes from. They love flying by the seat of their pants. A Sagittarius always has a valid passport in their drawer, and a folded up £20 note in a secret pocket, just in case. The dislike that they have for institutions, long meetings and pointless rituals is only natural, considering their fondness for constant stimulation. They like for life to be colorful, noisy and hilarious, and if you can’t match their energy, they won’t force you to.”

Myth: Sagittarians are unreliable. 

Truth: Sagittarians are adventurous. 

Capricorn – you’re work-obsessed

Capricorn is an earth sign ruled by Saturn, and is often associated with being hardworking, ambitious and responsible. Whilst these are technically positive traits, a Capricorn’s persistent drive for success can make them appear hard and cold-hearted. So, Are Capricorns truly as work-obsessed and stubborn as they are made out to be? Inbaal says: 

“Capricorn is a hardworking sign, and they put 100% effort into anything they do. They focus hard on a job at hand when it’s work. A dedicated, practical sign, a Capricorn puts just as much passion into relaxing, if it’s scheduled in the diary properly. Whether the mission is fun or challenging, the Capricorn will approach it with the same ‘can do’ attitude.”

Myth: Capricorns are work-obsessed.

Truth: Capricorns are hardworking, but put just as much passion into relaxing.

Aquarius – you’re anti-social 

As an air sign, Aquarians are big thinkers and seek out logical solutions to problems. Yet, one of the biggest myths surrounding Aquarians is that they are too antisocial and detached. Yet in reality it is much the opposite, since Inbaal says: 

“Aquarius is probably the most idealistic of the Zodiac. Aquarians are humanitarian, committed to justice and social causes, and that can sometimes take over their lives. They can form loving and fulfilling relationships with other people, and can even thrive in groups, but if they see an injustice, they rush to fix it. The truth of the matter is, Aquarians place humanity above anything else.”

Myth: Aquarians are anti-social. 

Truth: Aquarians place humanity above anything else. 

Pisces – you’re too naive 

Pisces is often disregarded as a naive and airy water sign, they can be criticized as not being able to stand on their own two feet. Yet, astrology expert Inbaal thinks that being a dreamer is not a negative trait: 

“Pisces are dreamers and proud of it. They create fantasy worlds as artists, creatives, writers and painters. They love working in the caring industries as nurses, psychotherapists and healers, and even in those careers, their special gift is creating alternate realities for their patients. A pisces will share their optimism and uplift those around them, giving them hope, and therefore strength.” 

Myth: Pisces are too naive.

Truth: Pisces are optimistic dreamers and will uplift those around them.

Data commissioned by https://www.psychicworld.com/

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Data Reveals The Funniest Star Sign Of All Time

With the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe festival in full swing, hundreds of thousands of people are flocking to the city to experience the melting pot of comedy, art, and performance. And, with such a wide array of talent on show, one might find themselves wondering, what is it that makes a person funny? Could it be their tone, timing, or simply a twist of fate?

The experts at PsychicWorld.com were interested in delving deeper into this question, by determining which of the zodiac signs is the funniest. Based on a list of over 100 of the top comics worldwide, PsychicWorld.com created a ranking of the most (and least!) funny star signs.

The funniest star signs

RankingSignPercentage of comedians with this sign
1Cancer14%
2Sagittarius11.8%
3Virgo10.3%
=3Taurus10.3%
5Libra8.8%
=6Gemini7.4%
=6Capricorn7.4%
=6Scorpio7.4%
9Leo6.6%
10Pisces5.9%
=11Aries5.1%
=11Aquarius5.1%
Table courtesy of PsychicWorld.com

*= signifies a joint ranking

Cancer tops the ranking, with 14% of the comedians researched belonging to this star sign. From Will Ferrell to Peter KayCancerians are known for their observational humor, which allows them to connect with their audience, says celebrity psychic and astrologer Inbaal Honigman. 

In second place comes Sagittarius, with a score of 11.8%. Alongside GeminiSagittarians are ‘​​free spirits, unencumbered by social norms, and they’re caustic in their humour’, according to Honigman. Favorite Sagittarians include Sarah Silverman and Richard Pryor, who are known for weaving their own life experiences into their standup routines.

Virgo and Taurus make up joint third place, each making up 10.3% of the comics studied. Like Cancer, these signs love to observe, as shown by the quick-witted Virgo Sue Perkins, and king of the sitcom, Jerry Seinfeld, who is a Taurus.

When it comes to the signs at the bottom of the table, Aries and Aquarius take a joint score of just 5.1% each. But, Honigman is quick to remind us: ‘Aquarius isn’t un-funny, they’re just very, very subtle. Aquarians are funny in a quiet, deadpan, sarcastic way. They’re a very clever sign, and clever people are very funny, but in a way which is understood by other clever people.’

The Secret To Manifesting With An Abundance Mindset

BREAKING NEWS: If it’s possible for them, it’s certainly possible for you.

I was on a mini-coaching call with someone I befriended on Instagram (hi Samantha!). Samantha is a money mindset coach. I must tell you that I broke through my limiting beliefs surrounding money and finances, no matter how broke I am right now. I know that financial abundance is coming my way, and I manifest that it comes to me with ease, as we speak and as I write.

Here’s some tips I can give you right now to manifest anything that you want with an abundance mindset:

  1. Decide how you WANT to feel around [insert desire here]. Do you feel blissful? Do you feel relaxed and at ease?
  2. Replace your old belief. For example, mine surrounding money was “other people are more well off than I am,” which I switched to “I am better off than I used to be.”
  3. Always look for evidence of your new beliefs.

The new belief that Samantha and I came up with is: If it’s possible for others, it is possible for me. For example, I see every day in the Facebook groups that I’m a part of and on Instagram about coaches who make 6-figures. I had to ask myself, what’s stopping me from thinking I deserve that, too? This is why you continuously see people coming out with autobiographies about how they went from nothing to something bigger than they could’ve imagined at such-and-such an age when they were struggling.

All I know, for real, is to acknowledge the resistance in my brain surrounding the fact that I can and will make 6-figures one day. I forgive that for ever happening, especially the tension it was producing in my head. I’ve been told all my life, that I could do anything I set my mind to. And guess what? So can you, my dear. 😊

Also, if you have an hour, I recommend listening to this discussion with Dr. Joe Dispenza.

Remember, you’re amazing and full of unlimited potential! ✨

xoxo,

April 💕

Get Out Of Defense Mode And Into Beast Mode

More often than not, we are clouded by limiting beliefs. However, we need not to be. For example, when I was in Punch Drunk Soul’s Path to Freedom coaching program, we had weekly meetings with Brooke Ritchie (who is a real life GODDESS!) who changed our limiting beliefs around money.

I’m not going into my money story, but I’ll tell you I’ve never had a strong relationship with the value of dollar. Some people have the belief that money is only accessible if you are rich — not totally true. Anyone can be rich, it’s just a matter of getting out of the defense mode and actually working toward your goals.

Let me give you another example. I’m often compared to Miss Carrie Bradshaw, who is coined as the “ultimate single gal,” until she marries Mr. Big (RIP — IYKYK). This is where I get personal (and a tad sappy). I met my boyfriend of one year on Bumble last summer. Oddly enough, it was shortly after I wrote Dear Future Husband… If I Ever Meet You. When I introduced him to the blog, (which is when I know it’s real), he read that particular post… a couple of times. Before that, I had my view that relationships were more physical than emotional, and even more so that I didn’t even deserve love. And Mark kept his word that he’d show me what an emotional relationship is like and I’ve never been happier to be so in love.

But why did I think that relationships were supposed to be more physical rather than emotional? That was purely based on a past experience with an ex who didn’t find me “sexually attractive,” despite dating for over a year. Since then, I was in “defense mode” and afraid of true love and especially afraid of getting severely emotionally battered and broken. And I need not to be that way anymore.

Walking on the moon seemed impossible, yet it was done anyway. Even the top chess player in the world had the slightest thought that they would lose a match, but they immediately got out of defense mode and into beast mode and ultimately won their game. Do you think there are billionaires out there who were born rich? Yes and no. But some had to climb their way to the top, despite what their limiting beliefs were about money. That’s why you find all of these books about people who started from the bottom and became who they are today.

Go make it happen. Do it scared you-know-what-less and go for it. Don’t listen to what people think you should do based on their limiting beliefs. Those aren’t yours to take on and make your own. NO.

xoxo,

April 💕

Words And Mantras To Live By Every Day: The April Diaries Edition

I started reading Gabby Bernstein’s (well, listening to on Audible), The Universe Has Your Back. Honestly, it’s changing my life for the better, all the way down to the atoms of my being. No, I am not on any sort of hard drug. (DON’T DO DRUGS! THAT INCLUDES ALCOHOL!)

But in all seriousness, the way that Gabby phrases things to make us understand spirituality and overall mental and emotional well-being is impeccable. I began writing some of her sayings and phrases and prayers all over my weekly calendar to the point where I said this morning, “I’m going to blog about it!” Some of these are quotes, others I’ve modified to fit my own words.

  1. “Choose to be peaceful amidst chaos.”
  2. “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, ‘I’m possible!'” — Audrey Hepburn
  3. “Everything is okay.”
  4. “I am allowed to be taken care of.”
  5. “I shine bright like a diamond.”
  6. “I’m proud of the work I do with my personal growth.”
  7. “Let them eat cake.” — Marie Antoinette
  8. “I am ready to learn through love.” — Gabby Bernstein
  9. “I am determined to see with love.” — Gabby Bernstein
  10. “I am badass!”
  11. “It only gets better from here.”
  12. “The thing is, I’m actually quite calm.”
  13. “You are rising from the ashes, you magnificent bitch.”
  14. “I step back and let the universe lead the way.” — Gabby Bernstein
  15. “I am grateful. ‘Nough said.

Try using one or more of these to repeat in meditation and/or prayer every day.

Go Little Rockstar: It’s Ready, It’s Yours, You Did It

I tell this story a million times, or at least I think I do, but when I first published on The Odyssey Online, with my first two articles in the queue. Mind you, my boss at the time put all his trust in me and thought I- I was qualified to be Editor-in-Chief of my campus chapter. I took it because there wasn’t a chance I’d have that again… until now.

It’s been years since that breakthrough phone call. But as of recently, I broke through, out of my own personal “gate” to be my own boss. I remember vaguely, when I was eight years old, I told my mom I wanted to be a pop star and to perform in my very own concert. She said, “it takes a really long time.” It does. It does take a really long time. Some people wait a lifetime, like Van Gogh when he sold his first painting. I don’t know if anyone realizes, but I am a huge of Van Gogh and his background. I don’t know what led him to asylum, but I know that he and I both coped with art. Poetry for me, painting for him.

It took a really long time, but I found what I was meant to do. I rewatched Katy Bellotte’s “An Honest Video,” (again) only to be triggered by the same emotions that led me to my hospitalization in 2017. I’ll be honest when I say I nearly gave up on my purpose, due to anxiety. But it was only growth that was making my soul itch. Growth is notoriously uncomfortable.

So, little rockstar, what were you meant to do? I strongly believed I was put on this Earth for a purpose: to inspire. I’ve had publishers tell me that relentlessly. I believed them. As Katy says in the beginning of her video, “ignoring your passions is slow suicide.” She came to the conclusion in her Italian language class that she wanted to go into graphic design. She went from working at L’Oreal in social media to being her own boss at Katy Bellotte Designs.

It’s no secret that I’ve held countless jobs and internships this past year alone. I also believed that I had it all; I have a man who loves me (hi Mark!), family, friends, food to eat, and a roof over my head. I just wasn’t satisfied with my career. I knew a few years back that I was meant for more than journalism. I tried my hand at marketing– what a bust. I tried to run my own business, then COVID hit. Now, things are looking up. I’m so excited to reveal I became a trauma healing, spiritual health and wellness coach! That’s right, I chose courage over fear; faith over doubt; being present instead of brooding on the past.

I talked a bit in my last post about fearing the future. But now, I live by the mantra, “I needn’t worry about the future anymore. It’s bright, it’s here, it’s mine, I did it.”

My head has never been more clear. Go, little rockstar. Keep moving forward. 🚀

xoxo,

April 💖

We Were Born To Change

I published a post last night about how moving is essentially an empty bookshelf. In a nutshell, life will be restocked with normalcy; it just takes some time.

I couldn’t help but wonder, after writing that post and my COVID-19 reflection, was everything born to change? I say yes. Our bodies go through puberty, whether we like it or not. Presidents run their course in Office. Laws change. People get married. People unfortunately pass on. Computers crash, forcing us to use new(er) technology than we’re used to. Plans change as people make up their minds. Life was born to happen. I may not know what created the Earth, or what even created the MilkyWay. But things were born to change.

I also can’t help but realize that, in a world that’s driven by social media, photos, and memes, we humans have grown up with technology as our needs… wait for it… CHANGE. Disclaimer: I’m no anthropologist, but I do like to call myself a millennial anthropologist, at best.

Moreover, there are some people who really don’t react well to change, and that can be due to a variety of psychological reasons. But the fact of the matter is, change is something we all have to deal with. I recall someone commenting on my post from last night about how moving is a rite of passage, and I cannot think of a better word to describe such a… CHANGE. People call this other phrases like “end of an era.” The truth is, and I realized this after prepping for an interview I have tomorrow, it’s actually rebirth.

I had to delete a post about snakes and rebirth in fear I’d get reconsidered from my current part-time job. But a snake shedding its skin is like shedding the past and slithering into a new generation, thinking pattern, or even way of life!

When I think about a conversation from when I was working at Dollar Tree, the other woman said the pandemic was actually more so of a second coming of Christ and period of judgement for those who have unfortunately succumbed to COVID-19 complications. I’m not religious [anymore] or anything, but I’m starting to consider my own personal notion that the universe presents rites of passages as literal doorways to new beginnings as some part of us is “born again.”

You and I… we were born to CHANGE.

(Did you like my subtle Lana Del Rey reference, there? I did, too.)

xoxo, April