Spirituality Makes Your Life Meaningful - Guest Post

We as species definitely hunger for meaning. Ever since the dawn of history, humans have been spiritually inclined. Even our Neanderthal cousins performed burial rituals. Spiritually in its various forms has been able to give tremendous significance to human life, and, in many cases, it has molded us into better people. To get a better picture, let us take a look at some examples below.

Spirituality nudges us to help our fellow men

Mother Teresa found inspiration in spirituality to dedicate her life to serving the poor. Spiritually forces us to look beyond ourselves to consider the needs and predicament of others. In many cases, it can leads to altruism and selflessness. Life on this planet wouldn't be interesting if we were just left alone without anyone else, and it would be living hell if we only considered ourselves at the expense of others. Spirituality has influenced people to perform great acts of kindness, oppose evil, and improve life on Earth. For example, hospitals were invented by deeply spiritual humans who thought they had a "calling" to do something about human sickness. Slavery in the Americas was also abolished by deeply spiritual humans.

The fear of death is diminished

The average human life lasts about 72 years. People in their relatively short lifespan make a great number of friends and get close with their family only to witness their inevitable death. Many spiritual people believe that this life is not the end of the story; instead, there's something beyond it. According to them, we are going to meet our deceased grandparents again: They aren't lost forever but actually continue to live on in a different way. This gives them the hope that they will be someday reunited with their loved ones and that natural death shouldn't be something to fear.

Better overall health is sometimes possible

For example, many people have defeated harmful addictions and psychological conditions by turning to spirituality. A large number of groups focused around spirituality have been formed to offer support to those who struggle with the previously mentioned conditions.

When the going gets tough, spirituality gives us comfort

Life is sometimes tough. We lose a job, get hurt by others, have our property destroyed by natural disasters, etc. Suffering is part of the human experience. Spirituality gives us comfort in these situations. With a spiritual mindset, many find meaning in their suffering. They see it as an opportunity for growth, perhaps a preparation for something that awaits us in the hereafter or later earthly stages.

It provides us with a mentor

Many spiritual people find inspiration in others who came before them. Christians seek to imitate Jesus. Muslims want to be more like Muhammad in their approach to life. Among Buddhists, Buddha is seen as a perfect model for humans to emulate. Spiritual people can sharply disagree on what constitutes an ideal spiritual lifestyle, but almost all agree that we shouldn't be harmful to each other for no reason, and they tend to keep that ethic.

Spirituality connects people

It gives us a community with which we can share our experience and learn. In communities we grow as humans, challenge ourselves, as well as learn forgiveness and humbleness.

Author Bio: I am Zara Brown, I am a Blogger and Freelancer. I love reading blogs, and writing for them on various themes like Travel, Auto, Lifestyle, Education and Health. As of now I am doing research of EHIC cards.

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Forgiving Others and Ourselves

As humans, we all make mistakes. Some of those mistakes are really big and others are minimal. Having friends and other people in our lives means that sometimes, someone will say or do something to hurt your feelings.

Maybe it was you that said or did something to hurt another's feelings.

Would you want to be forgiven?

Maybe someone else hurt your feelings.

Would you forgive the other person?

Maybe you're thinking it depends on the hurtful deed. Did the other person forget a lunch date or did the other person sleep with your husband or wife? There's a big difference in your mind.

Is there really a big difference? If you ask God, He would say no. He forgives all errors and hurts.

"I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." Luke 7:47

Why hang on to the resentment? Do you realize that it hurts you more? It settles into your heart and soul and darkens your thoughts.

When you realize how much God forgives you, you then love God greatly. But when you are forgiven little, you love little.

Look at the failings in your life. Most people can't count the error and hurts they've caused. but God forgives you all of them. When you realize how much God forgives, your love for Him will grow.

Peter was not a perfect man. He made mistakes. He denied the Lord three times. He too, was the brunt of many sins.

"Then Peter came to Him and said, 'Lord, How often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." Matthew 18:21-22

Whether it's cheating, stealing, hating, racism, spreading rumors or worse, these are all terrible acts that the Bible condemns.

If you hurt someone by word or deed, go to them and ask forgiveness. Let go of the anger. Focus on being mindful and concentrate on kindness and gratitude.

Have you ever asked for forgiveness? Wasn't the feeling of relief so wonderful? Did you feel loved? That's how it feels when you go to God and ask for His forgiveness as well.

"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32

Want to live a long, happy life? Forgive the unforgivable. It really is the kindest thing you can do for yourself. Your enemy may not deserve to be forgiven for all the pain and sadness and suffering purposefully inflicted on your life, but you deserve to be free of this evil. As Ann Landers often said, "hate is like an acid. It damages the vessel in which it is stored, and destroys the vessel on which it is poured." - From WikiHow

Not only does your heart and your relationship with God depend on forgiveness, your health depends on it as well.

Remember:

"Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." Colossians 3:13

Have a blessed day!

Healthy Eating While Traveling

Planning Your Travel Itinerary: Don't Forget Healthy Eating!

By Cole Millen

There are times when I will open my blog up to guest bloggers. Today's guest is Cole Millen. He's offering some great advice on traveling and healthy eating. Just in time for our summer vacations!

Going on vacation shouldn't mean taking a holiday from the healthy habits you follow year round. You've managed to fit in those shorts and that new bathing suit. Don't blow it by pigging out during your trip. Make sensible choices, enjoy yourself, and maintain good eating practices along the way. You'll thank yourself when you get back home and your clothes still fit!

On the Road or In the Air

No matter how you travel, remember the boy scouts' motto and be prepared. Eat a decent meal before departure so you're not starving. If you end up hungry, you're more likely to start snacking. Pack healthy snacks that are low in calorie and good for you. You'll save money, rather than stopping on the road or buying from a vending machine. If you're headed to the airport or some sort of depot, park a good distance away and get some extra walking in. While waiting to depart, stay on the move. If you do have to eat during a layover, make good choices, such as salad, yogurt, poultry, and fish.

Location, Location, Location

It begins with choosing wisely when you scope out your lodging. Find a hotel or resort that promotes health and fitness. Many locations have beautiful grounds where you can enjoy a stroll throughout the day. If you're in a tourist area, plan on expanding your travels on foot through nearby streets or by the shore. When it comes to the hotel itself, choose a place that has a pool and exercise room. Take advantage of fitness classes or go online and bring a fitness trainer into your room via the Internet! When it comes to meal choices, inquire before you make a reservation. Find out about healthy options that are offered by the hotel. Often times all of these things can be difficult to determine prior to arrival. I have found that consumer reviews are the best way to determine the actual amenities and offerings each hotel provides for your healthy lifestyle. In my most recent trip I found a great site that had a list of hotels in Las Vegas along with a number of reviews regarding amenities, restaurants, things to do, and much more. They provided unbiased and honest information that ultimately led to me finding a great hotel with a fitness center as well as a gluten free restaurant within. A little research goes a long way so look for reviews such as these to help.

Upon Arrival

Once you get to your hotel, don't graze at the mini bar. Drop your bags and head out to explore. If you plan on eating out, see if there is a place within walking distance. You'll walk off some calories on the way home! Inquire about the local supermarket and stock your refrigerator with fruit, veggies, yogurt, and low fat or nonfat milk. Plan on drinking plenty of water and skip the alcoholic beverages that are high in calorie. If you decide to have a drink, stick with a rule of one. If you have a continental breakfast at the hotel, choose the whole grain bread and cereals. Oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit are excellent alternatives for breakfast. Stay away from fats and starchy foods.

Dining Out

Ask about restaurants at the front desk. Chances are, you'll be able to see the menus ahead of time. Choose restaurants that have healthy options. Your best bet is to go with salads, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. You can always look for a light menu. If you order only to find out you have too much food, ask for a take-out container and save it for later.

While these tips may seem very simple they are often overlooked. I guarantee if you can follow these steps you will find yourself coming home in just as good of shape as you left!

I'm Over 50, Now What?

If you've reached 50, Happy Birthday to you.

I've hit that magical number in my life. I'm over 50, 51 to be exact and I've applied for and received my membership to the AARP. I keep my card in my wallet because it gets me discounts on all kinds of things.

But, other things happen to a person when they hit the 50 years old mark. Suddenly certain foods are no longer good for you and some are. There are activities we're no longer supposed to try and then their are activities we should. It's a contradicting time.

It's like we have to bury ourselves in Post It notes to remember everything!






I'm going to see if I can sort it all out for you and me.

Top 15 Superfoods for People over 50

There is even a national convention for people over 50

Things we should probably never do again after 50
Let me tell you, I couldn't do a split before 50, I'm not ever going to do one now!

Things to do at least once now that you're over 50

Things we should never wear again after 50

16 Songs everyone after 50 should own

Here's one that will really help:
Tax Tips Everyone over 50 Should Know

Don't let me get started on all the singles over 50 dating sites. Sheesh!

Here's a website right up my alley. Flourish Over 50. I think I'll join. It's all about and for women over 50.

WebMD has a great site with all kinds of helpful tips for taking care of yourself after 50

Not having sex and over 50, This article from Huffington Post might have the reasons why.

You may or may not agree with Zimbio, but they announced the most sexiest women over 50

And, God forbid, this should happen, here's some information on pregnancy over 50

Finally, we all want to know the answer to the question: What makes a man sexy over 50?

Oh, I've got one more: The Best Smartphone Apps for those over 50



I hope I've covered enough topics for you, if not, you can do some research for yourself, just Google "over 50" and see what turns up for you!

Now, I say to you, stand tall, be proud, you've hit your half-century mark. Walk through the 50 door and start brand new with the second half of your life.


--
Vicki